By Elizabeth Crozier|Updated on May 30, 2023(Originally published May 29, 2023)
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
A day by the pool is relaxing, but a day at one of the best waterparks in Illinois will set you up for pure bliss. Children will love the splash zones and you’ll love all the lazy rivers and sunbathing. No matter which part of our great state you call home, there’s a wonderful world of water waiting for you. Check these Illinois waterparks out:
1. Collinsville Aqua Park - Collinsville
Collinsville Aqua Park, 10 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234, USA
Locals have been enjoying this hot spot since 1997. You can swim, slide, surf, or even play on the AquaClimb wall. It is located at 10 Gateway Dr. Collinsville, Illinois.
2. White Water Canyon Water Park - Tinley Park
Tinley Park-Park District, 8125 W 171st St, Tinley Park, IL 60477, USA
This five-acre park is known for its water slides and inner tubes. Young children can even take lessons. The park is located at 8221 171st St. Tinley Park, Illinois.
Though this park is well-loved for its adrenaline-pumping Calypso Twist, which is four water slides wound together, you'll find your bliss on the lazy river or in the Hide-Away Cafe. The park is located at 200 Rev Morrison Blvd. Elk Grove Village, Illinois.
5. Pirate's Cay Indoor Water Park - Sheridan
Pirate's Cay Indoor Waterpark, 2558 N 3650rd Rd, Sheridan, IL 60551, USA
This pirate-themed aquatic center offers various pools and beautiful sights in a controlled environment. Catch a meal at the pizza shop before you go. This park is located at 2558 N 3653rd Rd. Sheridan, Illinois.
This gorgeous waterpark transports you to a mystic aquatic world. In addition to the park, you can enjoy mini golf, an arcade, hiking, and a luxury stay in rustic cabins. Located near Starved Rock, you can access the park at 2643 IL Route 178 Utica, Illinois.
The largest waterpark in Illinois has over 45 acres of water slides, pools, and a lazy river. The park is located at 4000 N Bridge St. (Rt 47) Yorkville, Illinois.
Since 1990, kids of all ages have been enjoying the wave pool, inner tubes, and various play areas of this one-of-a-kind water world. Beyond the excitement of the park, you'll enjoy blissful views of the Mississippi River. It is located at 100 Palisades Pkwy Grafton, Illinois.
In addition to a kids' play area and sand play, you can spend the day lounging down the lazy river. This hot spot is located at 195 S Barnes Rd. Aurora, Illinois.
Wade in the wave pool or float in peace on your inner tube at this awesome park. It often features characters and special events and is located at 7820 N Cherryvale Blvd. Cherry Valley, Illinois.
Here is a waterpark combined with an amusement park. It features a lazy river, slides, mini golf, and a drive-in theatre. Catch some sun and waves at 1700 Knights Recreation Dr. Springfield, Illinois.
This is a park you can enjoy any time of year. It has been around since 2008, and in addition to the waterpark, you'll find an arcade, spas, and hotel rooms. It is located at 1700 Nations Dr. Gurnee, Illinois.
13. Itasca Caribbean Waterpark - Itasca
Itasca Caribbean Water Park, 100 N Catalpa St, Itasca, IL 60143, USA
At this waterpark, you'll get to enjoy the multiple pools, one of which is a vortex. There are also play areas for families and a 185 feet water slide to keep the kids entertained. Catch your bliss at 100 N. Catalpa Ave. Itasca, Illinois.
Since 2013, locals have been enjoying this beautiful park. Amazing water slides, a climbing wall, sand play, and a vortex pool will whisk you away in this water playland. It is located at 1401 N Broadway Ave. Urbana, Illinois.
15. Coral Cove Water Park - Carol Stream
Coral Cove Water Park, 849 W Lies Rd, Carol Stream, IL 60188, USA
Locals love this waterpark for its lap swim, slides, play area, and more. There's even a rock wall, food, and sunbathing for all your dry fun needs. The park is located at 849 W. Lies Rd. Carol Stream, Illinois.
Illinois has no shortage of water parks. In fact, there are over 50 water playgrounds in the Prairie State. There are indoor and outdoor aquatic parks, and all of them are tons of fun. But by far, the best waterpark in Illinois is Hurricane Harbor in Cherry Valley. Not only does this waterpark have an insanely relaxing lazy river, but it also has 12 incredible water slides. There are family-friendly slides as well as slides for the adrenaline enthusiast, so you’ll find an adventure for the entire family.
While Hurricane Harbor is an outdoor water playground, the best indoor waterpark is Great Wolf Lodge Water Park in Gurnee. Located inside the Great Wolf Lodge Hotel, this indoor water playground will keep the family entertained for hours. And with fun rides like the River Canyon Run, Double Whirlwind, and the Coyote Cannon, you’ll want to stay at the waterpark all day. The little ones will love Fort Mackenzie, the most incredible water fort treehouse in Illinois. Additionally, they’ll enjoy splashing around in the Cub Paw Pool. But best of all, there is also a massive arcade, mini golf, a rock-climbing wall, and more at the resort — basically, all the activities needed for a fun day with the family.
During the warmer months, we love to visit water and splash parks to cool off. And while we can’t always make it to a waterpark, there is always a splash park in close vicinity. But one of the best splash playgrounds is found at Leon Corlew Park in Edwardsville. This adorable splash park has lots of sprayers and sprinklers that will be fun for the little ones. There is also a playground equipped with swings, slides, and crawl spaces that the kids will love. And the best part is, the splash park is free. So, pack a bag of snacks and spend the day splish-splashing with the kids.