6 suburban water parks ready to plunge into the summer season

Many suburban water parks have been planning to get back to the business of creating fun summer memories after being largely shut down during 2020.

The following are among those whose reopening plans were detailed during the spring, but most cautioned to check for any scheduling updates - even those not specifically requiring advance registration to get in on a particular day.

1. Raging Waves Waterpark

Billed as the largest in Illinois, the Australian-themed Raging Waves Waterpark in Yorkville will add the Aussie Mat Dash to its attractions when it opens June 5.

Others include Wonambi, The Crocodile Mile, Kangaroo Falls, The Three Sisters, Kookaburra Kreek, Great Barrier Reef, The Boomerang, PJ's Plummet, Platypus Plunge, Cyclone, Koala Kove, Quokka-Nut Island, Wild Wallabies, Tasmanian Twister and Brock's Giant Sandbox.

Raging Waves is at 4000 N. Bridge St., Yorkville. It will be open daily with slightly shifting daily hours from June 5 to Aug. 20, and then on weekends only through Labor Day.

Infants through 23 months are free; over 42 inches tall starts at $34.99 online and $39.99 at the park; under 42 inches and seniors 62 and older are $19.99; individual lockers cost $12 and family lockers $15; standard/handicap parking is $10 and preferred parking $20; bus/RV parking costs $20. Individual summer passes cost $129.99 and are subject to an online convenience fee and a 5.75% municipal tax.

ragingwaves.com or (630) 882-6575

2. Hurricane Harbor

Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee is open for the season, but all visitors including pass holders and members need to make advance reservations prior to their visit on the water park's reservations page.

The park's more than 25 attractions include Bahama Mama and Bubba Tubba, Buccaneer Bay, Castaway Creek, Dive Bomber, Hammerhead and Barracuda, Hurricane Bay, Hurricane Mountain and Monsoon Lagoon.

One-day Hurricane Harbor tickets start at $24.99 online. The current price for a Six Flags Great America season pass is $59.99. A Six Flags membership starts at $6.99 a month, with a 12-month minimum.

Visit sixflags.com/hurricaneharborchicago for more information or to ask a question through a live chat or by requesting a phone call.

Six Flags also operates Hurricane Harbor Rockford, owned by the Rockford Park District, at 7820 Cherryvale North Blvd., Cherry Valley.

sixflags.com/hurricaneharborrockford or (847) 249-4636.

3. Rainbow Falls Waterpark

Attractions include the Barracuda Bowl vortex pool, Calypso Twist waterslides, two picnic areas, kiddie area, three-story fun house, current-driven Reptile River, zero-depth leisure pool, Pelican Plunge waterslide, Iguana Island play area and Hide-Away Cafe.

Rainbow Falls is at 200 Rev. Morrison Blvd., Elk Grove Village. General admission is $10 for residents, $16 for others. Resident seniors 65 and older pay $6, while others pay $10. Free for kids younger than 2. Season passes cost $150 for residents, $215 for others, with discounts for seniors as well as family packages. elkgroveparks.org/Rainbow_Falls or (847) 228-2860.

4. Itasca Waterpark

The Itasca Waterpark at 100 N. Catalpa in Itasca will open June 12 through advance registration only. To purchase a time slot, patrons must have an active household in the Itasca Park District Registration System.

Park district officials strongly recommend immediately confirming or creating a household account. Registration specialists are available only by phone from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at (630) 773-2257.

The main, deep water and family interactive pools are the only bodies of water scheduled to be operational this season. The slides, grass areas and concession stand will not be opened, nor deck furniture provided, though patrons may bring their own.

Public swim will be provided in daily time sessions and will require advance registration.

itascaparkdistrict.com/176/waterpark or (630) 773-1213.

5. Bensenville Water Park & Splash Pad

The Bensenville Water Park & Splash Pad at 1100 W. Wood St. in Bensenville is open for the season with reservations required for all time slots.

The park will be open from noon to 7 p.m., with a first slot available from noon to 3 p.m. and a second from 4 to 7 p.m. Daily admission costs $10 per person per time slot, while children under 2 are free. There are no season passes for the 2021 season, though residents may purchase $50 pass books with 10 daily passes each.

(630) 766-SWIM or bvilleparks.org/parks-facilities/bensenville-water-park.

6. Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center

Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center, located at 2025 Miner St. in Des Plaines, is a popular destination for visitors from throughout the Chicago area.

Scheduled to open for the season June 5, Mystic Waters features two 37-foot slides, as well as such other attractions as the Crocodile Cove lazy river, Dolphin Bay, Beluga Beach and the Island Cafe.

Each day this season will be divided into two shifts, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m.

Des Plaines residents pay $12 for adults, and $10 for seniors and youths. Nonresidents pay $15 for adults and $13 for seniors and youths. All children 2 and younger are free.

dpparks.org/parks-facilities/mystic-waters or (847) 391-5740.