These splash pads and water playgrounds are the hottest spots to cool down in and around Chicago this summer
Lazy summer days at the lake, pool, or beach are the highlights of Chicago summer memory-making for kids. But, mix things up by scheduling raging days at splash pads, water parks, and “spraygrounds” sprinkled throughout the city of Chicago and its outer suburbs. These splashy spots are perfect for when you need to get out of the house on a hot summer day. Some parks with water play that we’ve uncovered are neighborhood hidden gems while others are all-out amusement-park-style destinations. Either way, you and your tot will be happy to cool off without taking a dunk or forking over much money—in fact, most are completely free activities. Keep reading for the hottest picks for a cool-down.
Buffalo Grove Spray 'N Play
Enjoy a Wisconsin Dells-like day without crossing the border. Kids get drenched running through rainbow-colored archways, shooting water cannons, and traipsing through geysers. Those scared of getting splashed will love the sprawling, multi-level water table with boats. The ground is concrete, so pack your bag with sturdy-soled water shoes and a few Band-Aids—just in case.
951 McHenry Rd.
Buffalo Grove
Online: bgparkdistrict.org
Portage Park Water Playground
The 36.5-acre Portage Park, located at the corner of Irving Park Rd. and Central Ave. is an expanse of lush landscaping that offers a fun option for every kid that loves to play, including six tennis courts, a new soft-surface ADA accessible playground, a slab for in-line skating, a new dog friends area, a bike path, a nature walk, five baseball fields, two combination football/soccer fields and two fieldhouses, one housing a gymnasium and the other a cultural arts building. But things get super cool on hot summer days at Portage Park, thanks to an Olympic-size pool, a large deck for sunning, misting sprays and interactive water play area with slides. The small kiddie pool is heated, too, for those days that are on the chillier side.
4100 N. Long Ave.
Portage Park
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com
Adams Playground Park
While many places offer sprinklers, this one is a veritable water park with a mini slide and pipes springing “leaks.” The waterfalls are gentle enough for babies, but you’ll find older kids in the mix, too. Just beyond the fenced-in splash area is a playground and generously sized sandbox filled with toys. Bonus: The fieldhouse here is one of the nicer ones around town, so take advantage of it for potty breaks and changing in and out of swimsuits.
1919 N. Seminary St.
Lincoln Park
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com
Related: 75 Big Awesome Things to Do with the Kids This Summer
Dunbar Park
Standing guard as the gateway to this massive park, the water sprayers here look like flowers from an Alice in Wonderland scene. Gentle showers and intermittent geysers shooting upward leave plenty of room for active imaginations—and little legs. Hop over to the adjacent playground to dry off, or better yet, hold an epic game of tag on the gigantic baseball field.
300 E. 31st St.
Bronzeville
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com
Ty Warner Park
When a park is named after the king of the Beanie Babies empire, expect fun to be a top priority. Watch the kiddies make a beeline for the soft-surface play area featuring water cannons, mushroom cap waterfalls, spraying anchors and dumping buckets. When they finally peel themselves away for a break, spread out snacks on the shaded picnic tables or, better yet, indulge in ice cream, pizza or corn dogs at the concession stand.
801 Blackhawk Dr.
Westmont
Online: westmontparks.org
31st Street Harbor
This sprawling sanctuary off the lake is known for its crayon-colored trees, climbing wall, and a playground even your big kids would fawn over. A few steps away lies a spray area with jets of water gushing from rocks as a respite from the heat. The setup is such that you can stay with your tot and still keep an eye on your older kids on the slides. Pack the beach towels, too, and hit the 31st St. Beach for an entire day of summer revelry.
3100 S. Lakeshore Dr.
Bronzeville
Online: chicagoharbors.info
Related: Take a Dip! Awesome Watering Holes Near Chicago
The Living Coast at Brookfield Zoo
After baking in the sun for so long, the animals need to cool off. Your animals, that is. Water mists dot the walkways around the zoo, but kids can enjoy getting fully drenched in the mini splash pad outside The Living Coast entrance. Make it an all-out day trip to take in everything the zoo offers—don’t forget to check your local library for a free entrance pass (parking rates apply).
8400 W. 31st St.
Brookfield
Online: czs.org
Festival Park
If you find yourself in the Elgin area, Festival Park is a must-visit. Right off the river and down the road from cute bistros and shops, the water area here is a collection of geysers shooting up to delight toddlers and tweens alike. They’re set in a circle formation surrounded with benches mercifully sitting in the shade for you to relax and monitor your babe. There’s also a playground, but odds are your kids won’t even notice.
150 Dexter Ct.
Elgin
Online: cityofelgin.org
River Park
The cushioned water playground is a favorite, with enough space and sprayers to keep a big crowd happy. It sits next to a pool, so if you have both toddlers and big kids to entertain, bring a friend to divide and conquer. There’s something for everyone at this park, from walking paths to canoe rides, a playground and soccer and baseball fields.
5100 N. Francisco St.
Lincoln Square
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com
Millennium Park
Though it's not officially a splash pad, city kids have claimed Millennium Park's Crown Fountain as a water play area of their very own. Two digital displays feature smiling faces that transform into waterfalls. Three inches of water divide the displays, where kids love to skip, splash and make water angels. Bring water shoes as the grounds can be slippery.
201 E. Randolph St.
Loop
Online: cityofchicago.org
Andersen Park
Located in the northeast corner of Oak Park, Andersen Park's splashy playground features a bell-shaped spray feature, directional jets and ground geysers. The multi-purpose room at Andersen Center provides a great rental opportunity for birthday parties. A small soccer field is perfect for little kickers.
824 N. Hayes Ave.
Oak Park
Online: pdop.org
Lucy Ella Gonzalez Parsons Park
This humble corner playlot in the Belmont-Cragin neighborhood isn’t the trendy destination that others are, and that’s why we love it so. Sure, the playground’s newer, as are the whimsical rainbow-shaped fixtures flowing infant-friendly sprays. But it’s situated in a mainly industrial corridor, tucked away without fanfare: a true hidden gem. It’s also one of the few parks named after a woman—and a labor rights activist at that. Soak up the history while your tot splashes at this pit stop.
4712 W. Belmont Ave.
Belmont-Cragin
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com
Margaret J. Lange Park
Spending a few extra fidgety minutes in the car will be well worth it once your kids lay eyes on this gorgeous park. Rainbow sprinklers, geysers, water shooters, buckets: You name it, this water park has it. Lounge on the deck chairs while your littles romp, or take them just outside the gates to the shaded playground.
6140 N. Scott
Rosemont
Online: rosemontparkdistrict.com
Little Bear Garden Park
Kids get to stretch their pseudo-seafaring legs at this free suburban oasis within Glenview's Gallery Park. Just a stone’s throw away from Kohl Children’s Museum, it’s the stuff of summer vacation: a castle-themed playground, shrubbery maze, nostalgic porch-style swings and, of course, the cool interactive splash pad. Kids stomp on buttons to shoot streams of water from the ground while a cooling mist envelops the whole area.
Patriot Blvd. & Chestnut Ave.
Glenview
Online: glenviewparks.org
Mary Bartelme Park
In the heart of West Loop, this park is the epitome of urban cool with its unique playground and sloping hills. The sprawling steel sculptures in the middle aren’t just an artistic statement; they shoot out mist to refresh your pink-cheeked park-lover without having to break out a swimsuit. Bring Fido with you, since an enclosed dog park is also onsite.
115 S. Sangamon St.
West Loop
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com
Fosco Park
Pool, schmool. An entire aquatic playground awaits here, and it's composed of three areas. The main one features a slick water slide, water guns and geyser-spitting pipes. A few steps away is a pole crowned with buckets, ready to dump water on squealing kids. The third features a crowd-pleasing simple sprayer. If only a dunk in the deep end will do, venture indoors to the zero-depth Olympic-sized pool for laps. Bonus: Mario’s Italian Lemonade is within walking distance.
1312 S. Racine Ave.
University Village
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com
Fellger Playlot Park
To be a hip urban parent is to frequent this place. As one of the first parks to have updated sprinklers and a soft surface, it personifies city living by packing forward-thinking fun in such a small footprint. You’ll find a county fair-worthy wooden train and whimsical kid-sized clubhouse to stoke imaginative play. The layout of this space, right down to the concrete bench perimeter, makes it feel cozy and communal — a true neighborhood cornerstone.
2000 W. Belmont Ave.
Roscoe Village
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com
The Hub at Berens Park
Look beyond the five lighted ball diamonds, three irrigated natural grass soccer fields, four batting cages and the 18-hole miniature golf course and you'll spot the giant, 6,000 sq. ft. spray ground and its nine exciting water features at Elmhurst's Berens Park. Pick up a Big Squirt at the Big Squirt filling stations to soak your friends. Easy parking, a party room and a picnic pavilion make this a popular spot for summer birthday parties.
493 Oaklawn Ave.
Elmhurst
Online: epd.org
Skokie Water Playground
With its five slides, a fully-accessible sprayground and interactive multi-level play area, Skokie Water Playground makes for a cool summer afternoon. Locker rooms with showers and the onsite Weber Park Cafe mean you can play, picnic and wash away the sunscreen and sweat afterward.
4701 Oakton St.
Skokie
Online: skokieparks.org
Related: Low-Key Thrill Seek as a Family at The Forge: Lemont Quarries
Maryknoll Splash Park
Located within Maryknoll Park (at the corner of Pershing Ave. & Route 53), this fab park is the place to play in the summertime: 12 spray pieces, a water tower, an amazing power launch pod, a water tunnel, an aqua dome, spray cannons and a zero-depth pad offer hours of splash-worthy fun. Bring a picnic to enjoy under the pavilion and plan to spend some time at the adjacent Maryknoll Park Adventure Playground, where you'll find a 75' zip-line, climbing boulders, and shade structure.
845 Pershing Ave.
Glen Ellyn
Online: gepark.org
Oak Brook Splash Island
This incredible island oasis, a zero-depth entry interactive splash playground is perfect for little ones that aren't quite ready to jump into a pool but still want to splash and play on a summer's day. Three waterslides, bubbler jets, dumping buckets, a water tornado, and shooting water animals guarantee oodles of fun. Shade structures keep sun-sensitive kids safe. Bring a picnic to enjoy at the separate eating area.
1450 Forest Gate Rd.
Oakbrook
Online: obparks.org
Additional reporting by Selena Kohng
