6 suburban water parks to visit before kids go back to school
August is here, and we’re officially in the waning days of summer. Most school districts will welcome back students this month, so it’s time to make those last family memories of the season.
If the community pool routine is getting stale, take the kids to one of these six suburban water parks for some fun in the sun.
Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park
8301 Janes Ave., Woodridge, cypresscove.org/
This park offers a tropical-themed environment with a variety of attractions such as slides, a lazy river and a splash pad. Make sand castles on the beach or swim in the six-lane lap pool. Admission is $12.50 for residents and $21 for nonresidents.
Mystic Waters
2025 Miner St., Des Plaines, dpparks.org/mystic-waters/
Mystic Waters has two 37-foot slides, drop slides, a lazy river and a large zero-depth entry pool, in addition to fountains, sprays and a splash pad for younger kids. Cabanas are available to rent. Adult admission is $16 for residents and $20.75 for nonresidents; admission for kids 17 and younger is $13.50 for residents and $17.75 for nonresidents.
Otter Cove
3615 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles, ottercove.org/
Otter Cove, located on the west side of St. Charles, has a splash park, diving boards, a lazy river and a variety of slides, including drop slides, a tube slide, body slides and a racing slide. Lap swimming and a sand play area are also available, as are shaded cabanas. Admission is $18 for nonresidents and $13 for residents.
Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park
601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee, santasvillagedundee.com/
The well-loved amusement park invites guests to splash around at Santa Springs Water Park, featuring water slides, a zero-depth wading pool and a two-story water play structure. Cabanas are available for daily rentals. Tickets can be purchased online.
Splash Country Water Park
195 S. Barnes Road, Aurora, splashcountry.info/
This park features one of the longest lazy rivers in the state, two water slides, sand volleyball courts and a kids’ play area. Those who want to swim laps can do so in the six-lane pool. Weekday admission for residents is $8 and $12 for nonresidents. Weekend admission for residents is $9 and $13 for nonresidents.
Three Oaks Recreation Area
5517 Northwest Hwy., Crystal Lake, crystallake.org/three-oaks-recreation
While not technically a water park, Three Oaks Recreation Area in Crystal Lake is a great place to swim, float and even scuba dive. Once a quarry, visitors can fish, swim and enjoy water craft including canoes, rowboats, kayaks, sailboats and paddle boards. And the spray park delights the younger set. See the website for weather conditions and rental information. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle, and additional fees for rentals.