Despite what Punxsutawney Phil predicted this past Groundhog’s Day, warm weather still feels far out of reach. If you’ve been dreaming of partaking in summer activities again, indoor waterparks can help do the trick over the long winter. Check out these indoor waterparks close to Evanston.
Illinois Waterparks
The vast Chicagoland has no shortage of waterparks. Whether you visit Chicago or venture out into the suburbs, you’ll run into an indoor waterpark perfect for a quick staycation.
Great Wolf Lodge Illinois
Voted as the Best Family Travel National spot by Parents Family Travel Awards, Great Wolf Lodge lives up to its hype. This indoor waterpark has a fun indoor water fort, a wave pool, a lazy river, and much more. Travelers love eating at their on-site restaurant and staying in their cozy suites! Travel about an hour from Evanston to Gurnee, IL to enjoy this top-rated indoor waterpark.
Address: 1700 Nations Dr, Gurnee, IL 60031
Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park
Rain or shine, you can visit Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park and have an amazing time. The facility has both an outdoor and indoor pool. Enjoy their indoor lap pool, two waterslides, a tot slide, and a hot tub! Children can even have their birthday parties here. Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park is in Bolingbrook, IL, about an hour away from Evanston.
Address: 200 Lindsey Ln, Bolingbrook, IL 60440
The Water Works
Head over to Schaumburg’s Community Recreation Center to enjoy their indoor waterpark, The Water Works. This family-friendly facility has three water slides, a diving pool, a lap pool, and a whirlpool! You can even take aquatic classes or have birthday parties here. Water Works is located in Schaumburg and about 45 minutes away from Evanston.
Address: 505 N Springinsguth Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194
Pirate’s Cay Indoor Water Park
For tiny tikes, pay a visit to Pirate’s Cay Indoor Water Park. Parents love this pirate-themed park because tubes and jackets are required for small kids. Slide down two body slides and cruise down the lazy river with the entire family.
Reviewers say both little kids and bigger kids will have fun on their slides. Pirate’s Cay is in LaSalle County about an hour and half away from Evanston.
Address: 2558 N 3650rd Rd, Sheridan, IL 60551
Splash Center Indoor Waterpark
Thanks to Barlett’s park district, patrons can visit a year-round indoor pool at the Splash Center. This facility offers an indoor pool and a water playground for kids. The facility even offers swimming lessons for children and adults alike! Splash Center is in Barlett, Illinois, a little less than an hour away from Evanston.
Address: 700 S Bartlett Rd, Bartlett, IL 60103
Grand Bear Resort
Pile the family in the car and make a vacation out of your indoor waterpark trip. Grand Bear Resort boasts 24,000 square feet of aquatic fun. Play zones, lazy rivers, and hot tubs await in Utica, IL, about 2 hours away from Evanston. Families say that little kids have a blast here. Stay at Grand Bear Resort and explore Starved Rock while you visit!
Address: 2643 IL-178, North Utica, IL 61373
Arctic Splash Indoor Pool
Those near Wheeling, IL get to enjoy their year-round indoor water facilities. Besides the indoor poolthis facility has a zero-depth leisure pool, toddler slide, mini lazy river, and much more! Tack on swimming lessons while you’re here, or just have a fun day with the family.
Visitors say the facility is clean and perfect for toddlers. Arctic Splash is located in nearby Wheeling, only about a half hour away from Evanston.
Address: 100 Community Blvd, Wheeling, IL 60090
Wisconsin Waterparks
Evanston’s proximity to Wisconsin makes a trip up north easy and convenient. If you feel like crossing over state lines, be sure to visit these top Wisconsin waterparks near Evanston.
Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
Featured as a top waterpark by USA Today and TripstoDiscover.com, Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark make for a memorable vacation. Your family can enjoy over 1,300 acres of aquatic fun at Timber Ridge. From the toddler pool Tiny Timbers to a massive hot tub for adults, every member of the family will want to return to Timber Ridge.
Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark is in Lake Geneva, WI, only about an hour and fifteen minutes from Evanston.
Address: 7020 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Springs Waterpark at Ingleside Hotel
If you’re looking to make a day trip in Milwaukee, you’ll have to visit their top-rated indoor waterpark and stay at the Ingleside Hotel. Little kids love the zero-depth Waukesha Water Works aquatic park. Meanwhile, adults report loving their hot tubs. Even older kids will get a kick out of their arcade on the premises.
Visitors say the park is well-maintained and children beg to come back. Springs Waterpark is located about an hour and half away from Evanston in Milwaukee.
Address: 2810 Golf Rd, Pewaukee, WI 53072
Breaker Bay Waterpark at Blue Harbor Resort
Check into Blue Harbor Resort for a fabulous family visit to Breaker Bay Waterpark. Kids can adventure through the Breaker Bay Pier Park and hop on obstacles with the Lilly Hopper. Sporty kids might be brave enough to try The Riptide, a surfing simulator! Visit the Breaker Bay Waterpark in Shebogan, WI, about 2 hours away from Evanston.
Address: 725 Blue Harbor Dr, Sheboygan, WI 53081
Wilderness Waterpark
Wilderness is America’s largest indoor waterpark resort. The minute you arrive, you’ll sense the difference. Visit Cubby’s Cove Indoor Waterpark for water basketball pool and rope challenges. Next, head over to the 65,000 square foot Klondike Kavern indoor waterpark for The Hurricane thrill slide, Mine Shaft Drop slide, and so much more!
Wilderness Waterpark is located in Wisconsin Dells, about 3 hours away from Evanston. The ride may be a short getaway, but the size of the park is worth the trip!
Address: Condo Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Kalahari Waterparks
If you’ve already made the drive out to Wisconsin Dells, you may as well stop by Kalahari Waterparks before you head home. Families report making Kalahari a winter tradition due to its friendly staff and numerous family activities. Play basketball in the water at Crocodile Cove, simulate surfing using the FlowRider, or travel down the Elephant’s trunk, a 270-foot slide!
Address: 1305 Kalahari Dr, Baraboo, WI 53913
No matter which indoor waterpark you choose, Evanston has no shortage of options nearby. Make your kids’ winter a little brighter by visiting any of these indoor waterparks close to Evanston.