The Best Chicago Area Water Parks

This is a listing of the 5 best water parks in the Chicagoland area. Before I begin with the list, these are the things you should expect from the water park experience. For the outdoor water parks, the prices are higher for non residents and there are very few specials. The outdoor facilities listed are very clean, a little pricey but certainly fun for the family, especially the kids! The indoor water park facilities are the only thing that is 5 star about the experience. Rooms are functional, but not much more: Food, drink and entertainment will be rather expensive, but the water park experience usually overshadows any of these things. The water park must be the experience you are looking for. Here is the list:

Moran Water Park (outdoor), 433 East St. Charles Road, Lombard, IL, 630-627-6127. There is no website for the park, the facilities are very clean and represents a good place to take the children for a day outing or if you are visiting the western suburban area and need a good family activity, this is it! Note: Non- resident pricing is higher than if you lived in Lombard.

Rice Pool and Water Park (outdoor), 1777 South Blanchard Road, Wheaton, IL, 630-653-8884, no website and part of the Wheaton Park District. Very similar to the Moran, but the facilities are very clean and the price is $12.50 per person. A very impressive place to take the family for a good water experience.

Rainbow Falls Water Park: (outdoor) 200 Rev. Morrison Blvd, Elk Grove Village, IL, 847-437-9494, www.elkgroveparks.org. Truly the class of outdoor water parks in the Chicagoland area. Non-residents will pay $14 each, but is the place for family fun and you can enjoy yourself if you went more than one day. Rainbow Falls boasts 4 water slides and a 3 level aquatic playground for the kids. It is well worth the money.

Mayan Adventure, (indoor) Waverton Hotel, 624 North York Rd., Elmhurst, IL, 630-279-1100. Regular prices are $20 for half day pass and $30 for full day pass. The operating hours are from 9 am – 10 pm during the summer months. Towels are not provided at the water park. Mayan has some specials if you book a birthday party. They have a $5 off coupon that you can get at their website. Mayan has special rates for all night parties, and have an online coupon for buy two day passes and get one free. The water park is clean and functional (pictures on their website) and a pretty good deal for the money.

Key Lime Cove Water Park Resorts (indoor), 1700 Nations Drive, Gurnee, IL 60031, 877-380-0403, www.keylimecove.com. The largest and best water park in the chicagoland area. Prices begin at $129 per night and the food is pretty expensive, but there is something for the whole family. They have a very large and impressive water park and arcades, lots of restaurants, shops, and activities. You do not have to leave Key Lime Cove until it is checkout time. Though the food is pretty expensive inside and there are many restaurants within 5 minutes of Key Lime Cove. For those family members who do not like water parks, they can go and spend the day at Gurnee Mills Outlet Mall (847-263-7500) less than 5 minutes away. They do not have many specials like they used to when they began, but it represents a quality family vacation.