There are several indoor water parks in Illinois that bring tropical themes and splashtastic fun to the "Land of Lincoln." With so many options available, it is easy to enjoy a little watery fun in this northern state all year round.
Climate-Controlled Water Parks Throughout Illinois
You'll find both large and small indoor water parks located throughout the state of Illinois. These parks are typically associated with a resort, and some require staying at the hotel in order to access the water park features.
CoCo Key Water Resort
CoCo Key Water Resort is located in Rockford. With 65,000 square feet of fun kept at a balmy 84 degrees, there is no better place to escape chilly or rainy weather. The tropical theme offers a casual ambiance of palm trees, log structures, and exotic decorations, but it is the fantastic attractions that make this park so popular. The many park features include:
- Adventure river
- Grotto whirlpools
- Wave pool
- Raft and body slides
- Lazy river
- Water basketball
- Dip-in theater
- Secluded coral reef activity pool with an animated backdrop
The youngest guests will enjoy the zero-depth entry Parrot's Perch play area with water cannons, mini slides, and a tip bucket. The private cabanas are perfect for families or groups. Restaurants, snacks, and arcades are also available. Day passes can be purchased for as low as $10 during the week and $15 on weekends. TripAdvisor reviews indicate that the park great fun for children, but is not as appealing to adults.
- Drive time: Chicago (90 minutes), Springfield (3 hours)
- Address: 7801 E. State Street Rockford, Illinois 61108
- Phone: 1-800-358-7666
Water Works
The Water Works is located in Schaumburg and features a fun and colorful underwater theme. It offers three challenging slides, a rapid water channel, a water playground, and both dive and lap pools for serious swimmers. Swim lessons and aqua aerobics classes are available.
Hours of operation vary, so be sure to check the calendar on The Water Works' main page before making plans. Daily use fees are $7 for children and $9 for adults who don't live in Schaumburg, and fees are lower for residents.
- Drive time: Chicago (45 minutes), Rockford (58 minutes), Bloomington (2.5 hours)
- Address: 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg
- Phone: 1-847-985-2115
Key Lime Cove
Key Lime Cove is a 65,000-square foot water park resort in Gurnee that features a lost paradise theme with many innovative attractions. The park's vibrant tropical theme includes colorful umbrellas and other details that make it a stunningly visual paradise getaway. Popular features include:
- Massive bowl slide
- Body and tube slides
- Interactive play area with tipping bucket
- Wave pool
- Lazy river
- Kiddie play pond
- Volleyball
- Water basketball
As a luxury resort, the facilities also include spa treatments, shopping areas, an arcade, and more. The water park is open to guests of the resort only. The Chicago Parent rated the water park number one for families to visit.
- Drive time: Chicago (40 minutes), Rockford (90 minutes)
- Address: 1700 Nations Drive, Gurnee, IL 60031
- Phone: 877-360-0403
Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort
Located in Starved Rock, Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort is a rugged park with a north woods theme where the fun is always warm and enjoyable. Visitors offered a mix of reviews on TripAdvisor for their stays in the resort area, while more visitors found the water park portion fun. The water park and resort includes:
- Wave pool
- Lazy river
- Tot pool
- Unique animated slide where riders can customize their experience
- 3,500-square foot prize redemption arcade
During a stay, visitors can enjoy 18 holes of golf or visit the indoor amusement park with nine thrilling attractions. Day passes are not available for the water park, but the resort offers many specials.
- Drive time: Chicago (90 minutes), Springfield (2 hours)
- Address: 2643 IL Route 178, Utica, IL 61373
- Phone: 1-866.399.FUNN
Vaughan Aquatic Center
Vaughan Aquatic Center is an indoor water park and municipal facility in Aurora. Reviews at TripAdvisor indicate that the facility is clean, safe, and a good place for children to swim and play. Visitors can enjoy:
- Two-story enclosed water slide
- Children's interactive play area
- Eight-lane lap pool
- Warm water therapy pool
The entire facility can be rented for group events or special occasions. Day passes are available; they are $8 for non-residents and $6 for residents.
- Drive time: Chicago (50 minutes)
- Address: 2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora, IL 60506
- Phone: 1-630-907-9613
Indoor Water Fun in Illinois
From a tropical paradise to the wild north woods, there are many fun themes and attractions at Illinois' indoor water parks. Whether you are interested in fast paced slides or a relaxing ride along a lazy river, you can enjoy a great getaway without ever going outside.
