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Whether it’s paddling down the Fox River, splashing in a swimming pool or seeking the thrills of water slides, there’s plenty of ways to spend time in the water this summer.
Take a short ride and visit a new-to-you water park or plan a day trip to spend at local theme parks. Rent a canoe and enjoy the calm waters of the Fox River or float down the lazy river. There’s even a paddlewheel riverboat cruise that can be a great outing for the family or a romantic date to enjoy the sunset.
Be sure to check websites in advance for the latest updates, and remember weather can be a factor.
Three Oaks Recreation Area
5517 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake
Parking fee of $5 per vehicle, additional fees for rentals
crystallake.org/three-oaks-recreation
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Swim, float and even scuba dive at Three Oaks Recreation Area in Crystal Lake. Once a quarry, the attraction boasts some of the favorite water recreation in the area. Visitors can fish, swim and enjoy water craft including canoes, rowboats, kayaks, sailboats and paddleboards. Small children will enjoy the spray park. See the website for weather conditions and rental information.
Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park
601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee
Tickets can be purchased online
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. There are cabanas available for daily rentals.
Mill Race Cyclery
11 E. State St., Geneva
Rental fees vary by time, equipment
Looking to float down the river but don’t have a paddle, or a boat? There’s more than cycles at Mill Race Cyclery, located along the Fox River Bike Trail. The shop offers water sports rentals including kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards. Secure your rental online to spend more time on the water. It also offers bike rentals, bike repairs and, of course, sales of new equipment, too.
Pottawatomie Park
8 North Ave., St. Charles
Fees vary by age, date and time. Tickets can be purchased online
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Enjoy a sunset cruise aboard a real paddlewheel riverboat. The St. Charles Park District operates two paddlewheel riverboats each summer, providing guests with a smooth sailing experience on the Fox River. The two-story riverboats offer guests the option to sit under a canopy or on the uncovered upper deck. Daytime cruises are offered daily through August.
The Water Works
505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg
$12 for nonresident, free for children 2 and younger
www.parkfun.com/pools/the-water-works
No need to worry about the weather at this indoor water park featuring three water slides, a zero-depth pool and lap pool, as well as a sprayground.
Raging Waves Water Park
4000 N. Bridge St., Yorkville
Tickets start at $49.99 plus parking $20, purchase online for savings
Illinois’ largest water park is located in Yorkville. Raging Waves boasts 32 water slides, a lazy river that stretches for a quarter mile, a wave pool, leisure pool, as well as a sand area, and private cabanas across 58 acres. When you get hungry, there are 11 dining options inside the water park, making it the perfect place to spend the day soaking and splashing.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee
Ticket prices start at $50 plus parking, purchase online for savings
sixflags.com/hurricaneharborchicago
With rides like Bahama Mama and Bubba Tubba, where you raft down a six-story twisty course, Buccaneer Bay and the chill Castaway Creek, there’s something for everyone at the theme park’s Hurricane Harbor. The Tsunami Surge touts itself as the world’s tallest water coaster. There is also Hurricane Harbor in Rockford, located at 7820 Cherryvale N. Boulevard, Cherry Valley.