Six indoor pools, water parks you should visit this year
Cold winter weather isn't always ideal for suburban families searching for fun activities that don't involve multiple layers of clothing.
But it's the perfect time to try some of the indoor water parks and pools throughout the area.
“Some people come because they're looking for that indoor option for kids to have fun,” said Kristy McCann, community recreation center manager for the Schaumburg Park District. “Others add swimming to their workouts because they can't work out outside.”
Here are a few suburban indoor water parks and pools worth visiting in the new year.
The Water Works, Schaumburg
Schaumburg Park District's indoor water park offers amenities for all ages, McCann said.
Located at 505 N. Springinsguth Road, it features water slides, a water channel and playground, a diving pool, a lap pool and a whirlpool. It also has a gradual beach-like entry pool that's safe for young kids.
Daily fees range from $5 to $9, and hours vary from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and noon to 5 p.m. on weekends.
For more information, visit parkfun.com/facilities/pools/the-water-works or call (847) 490-2505.
KeyLime Cove, Gurnee
The Lost Paradise Waterpark is available to customers staying at the KeyLime Cove hotel and resort inspired by the Florida Keys. The resort at 1700 Nations Drive allows suburban families to get away for a night or weekend without traveling out of state, said Jennifer Evans, marketing director.
The water park is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. It features water slides, a lazy river, a sport pool, a kids play area and a playground. In the controlled climate environment, the temperature is always 84 degrees.
For more information, visit keylimecove.com or call (877) 360-0403.
Adventure Island, Elgin
With a lap pool, a therapy pool and a leisure pool with several features for kids, Adventure Island has amenities for all kinds of interests.
Families and individuals can enjoy the water park, located in the Elgin Centre at 100 Symphony Way, from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and noon to 5 p.m. on weekends. Other features include floor geysers, a shipwrecked boat slide, spray arches and a spinning vortex.
For more information, visit centreofelgin.org/aquatics/aquatics-intro or call (847) 531-7030.
Pelican Harbor, Bolingbrook
A zero-depth entry pool, two water slides and a toddler slide make the indoor pool perfect for kids. Pelican Harbor, 200 S. Lindsey Lane, also includes a lap pool and a 10-person hot tub.
From 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and noon to 6 p.m. on weekends, residents can enjoy the amenities for $6. It's $8 for nonresidents. For more information, visit bolingbrookparks.org/en/facilities/pelican-harbor or call (630) 739-1777.
Arctic Splash, Wheeling
At 333 W. Dundee Road, the Wheeling Park District indoor water park offers a mini lazy river, leisure and lap pools, as well as a toddler slide. It also includes a deck observation area and interactive water play structures.
General admission is $6.50, and children ages 2 and under are free. Kids from 3-9 and seniors over 62 are $5.50.
For hours and scheduling information, visit wheelingparkdistrict.com/arctic-splash or call (847) 465-7674.
Splash Landings Aquatic Center, Glenview
For only $6 per day, families can enjoy the four pools at Glenview's indoor water park, 2400 Chestnut Ave. It has options for kids and adults, with a lap pool, a water slide, interactive water structures, a whirlpool and a therapy pool.
Children under the age of 2 are free, and a child-care service is provided to parents wanting to drop their kids off for some alone time in the pool.
Family passes and punch cards are also available. For more information, visit glenviewparks.org/pools/splash-landings-aquatic-center or call (847) 486-5372.