Things to Do with Kids -- Monthly and Weekend Events, Spring Festivals, Free Outdoor Movies
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FREE Splash Pads in Chicago: North Side and Downtown
1. Portage Park Water Playground — Portage Park
4100 N. Long Ave., Chicago
Operating Dates: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Portage Park is home to a huge public pool and a smaller indoor pool for those slightly chillier summer days Chicagoans know so well. But the most fun under the sun is at the interactive water play area with slides, sprinklers, and spray. Bonus: Portage Park Water Playground has lifeguards because of the 18-inch pool surrounding the water features.
2. Adams Park Water Playground — Lincoln Park
1919 N. Seminary Ave., Chicago
Operating Dates: Memorial Day through Labor Day
The splash pad at Adams Park features sprinklers and sprayers for kids of all ages and heights, including a real gusher of a funnel that gets kids good and soaked. When kids tire of the spray, dry off on the nearby playground (or in the field house), and stick around for concerts and movie nights for families.
3. River Park Water Playground — Lincoln Square
5100 N. Francisco Ave., Chicago
Operating Dates: Memorial Day through Labor Day
A squishy, soft-surfaced splash pad with spray towers, sprinklers, and water jets, this water playground is also located right next to a public pool in shady, pretty River Park.
4. Crown Fountain — Millennium Park
201 E. Randolph St., between Michigan Ave. and Columbus Ave., Chicago
Operating Dates: Usually on once the weather is consistently above 70 for the season
This is more of a landmark than a splash pad, and it's my son's personal favorite. Crown Fountain includes two 50-foot glass block towers with water flowing over their tops constantly. On one surface, a face is projected, and every 10 minutes or so, the face purses its lips and sprays one concentrated stream of water. Kids squeal and slide along the surface between the fountains to reach the jets of water before they turn off. This is great fun that every Chicago kid should experience!
Note: The bathrooms are nearly a block walk away, and the ladies' room gets crowded in the hotter months.
5. Unity Park Water Playground — Logan Square
2636 N. Kimball, Chicago
This one isn't great yet, but this spring, the Chicago Park District took votes on a new design for the splash pad to replace the aging one that is in place. There's a possibility a new element could be installed before the end of summer 2026!
FREE Splash Pads for Kids in Chicago: West and South Side
6. Mary Bartelme Park — West Loop
115 S. Sangamon St., Chicago
Operating Dates: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Probably one of the most Instagrammed features in Chicago, the Fountain Plaza at this compact urban oasis is the place to be on a hot day. Angular archway sculptures spray a fine mist for dashing through at top speed (or lingering under for maximum cooldown). Dry off at the innovative multi-level playground next door.
7. Austin Park Water Playground — Austin
5951 W. Lake St., Chicago
Operating Dates: Memorial Day through Labor Day
The giant, multilevel water playground here has slides, tunnels, sprinklers, sprayers, gushers... the works. There's not much shade, but there are restrooms, and the area is fenced in with a soft, squishy surface for hours of safe play. Bonus: The Austin Park Water Playground is conveniently location near the Austin Green Line and Metra stops.
8. 31st Street Harbor Playground Splash Pad — Oakland
3155 S. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive,
Chicago
Operating Dates: Memorial Day through Labor Day
This colorful lakeshore park houses a sweet, natural-pool-inspired splash pad within sight of its awesome, retro-space-age playground. Grown-ups can watch from sun-warmed rocks while little kids play in the gentle geysers and fountains.
9. Dunbar Park Splash Pad — Douglas
300 E. 31st St., Chicago
Operating Dates: Memorial Day through Labor Day
A circular spray park located near the shady, recently renovated playground at Dunbar Park has gentle in-ground sprinklers, overhead fountains, and sprayers for getting wet. Kids love dashing back and forth between the sprayers and the climbing structures, so bring sturdy water shoes.
10. Fosco Park Water Playground — University Village
1312 S. Racine Ave., Chicago
Operating Dates: Memorial Day through Labor Day
The popular community center here is probably best known for its indoor pool, but the outdoor splash park is a true multi-level water playground, with splashers, soakers, and a slide. Take the #60 bus to the southeast side of this free park.
Splash Pads and Spraygrounds in Chicago: Western Suburbs
11. The Hub Spray Ground at Berens Park — Elmhurst
The Hub at Berens Park, 493 N Oaklawn Ave., Elmhurst
Operating Dates: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Operating Hours: Monday - Friday 10am-6pm; Weekends and holidays 10am-4pm
Part of a bustling community park that also features mini golf and batting cages, the generously sized, fenced playground has two soft-surfaced splash pads and good shade. When you want to dry off, head to the park next door. Concessions are available, and there is ample parking nearby. There is a daily admission fee, but you can save money by purchasing a 20-visit punch card.
12. Splash Island at Swim Central — Oak Brook
Oak Brook Park District Splash Island, 1450 Forest Gate Road,
Oak Brook
Operating Dates: Daily, Memorial Day through late August; Weekends only through September 20, 2026 if weather permits
Sunburn-conscious parents will appreciate the shaded water play and seating areas at Splash Island, which has slides, buckets, jets, and sprinklers aplenty, plus a cute aquatic-animal-themed splash pad just for younger kids. Splash Island is open daily from Memorial Day through late August, but may stay open on weekends through September 20 if the weather is warm enough. All guests ages 3 and older must pay a fee to enter.
13. Maryknoll Park Splash Park — Glen Ellyn - FREE
845 Pershing Avenue in Glen Ellyn, at the corner of Pershing Avenue and Route 53.
Operating Dates: May 23 - September 20, 2026
There's a bit of a Wild West theme to the wet-and-wild water play here with a water tower, a cactus sprinkler, a saloon sign that doubles as a sprinkler, and a railroad gate. Just outside Maryknoll Park Splash Park is an adventure playground with a zip line and climbing boulders.
14. Bensenville Water Park Splash Pad — Bensenville
1100 W Wood St., Bensenville
Operating Dates: Memorial Day through late August
Operating Hours: Tuesday - Sundays, 12-7pm
This 2,527-square-foot splash pad, part of a larger water park and pool, was completed in 2013 and is known for being super clean. It's a little on the pricier side, but free for kids ages 2 and under.
15. Adventure Island Sprayground at the Oasis — Bloomingdale
170 S. Circle Ave., Bloomingdale
Operating Dates: Memorial Day through late August
Operating Hours: Weekdays 11:30am-7pm; weekends 11:30am-6pm
Kids can enjoy water guns, slides, pipe falls, a spinning tray, and theme elements at Adventure Island. The pool, water slides, and lazy river are also included in the admission price! Adventure Island Sprayground at the Oasis is open from Memorial Day through late August. It is open weekdays from 11:30 am - 7 pm and weekends from 11:30am - 6pm.
16. 95th Street Community Plaza Splash Pad — Naperville – FREE
3109 Cedar Glade Drive, Naperville
Operating Dates: Memorial Day through late August
Operating Hours: Daily, 9am-8pm
This recently completed splash pad and adjacent playground are next to the 95th Street Library. The storybook-themed equipment ranges in height and is appropriate for children of various ages. Note: no more than 50 people are allowed on the sprayground at a time.
17. Harvard Early Learning Playscape at Naper Settlement — Naperville
523 S Webster Street, Naperville
Operating Dates: May 15 - September 30, 2026
This historically themed water playground has a water cannon, ground misters, and a water trough for a break from the old-timey learning at Naper Settlement. Kids can also play on the Conestoga wagon or learn in the sensory garden nearby.
18. Land of Candy Splash Pad at Forest Park Aquatic Center — Forest Park
7501 Harrison St., Forest Park
Operating Dates: Memorial Day through late August
A huge, zero-depth pool at this water park holds an interactive water playground, with four water slides and a Candy Land-themed sprayground. There's also a nearby lap pool with a diving board, plus a sand play area for kids. Lockers and a concession stand are available, too.
19. Paradise Bay Water Park — Lombard
437 E. St. Charles Road, Lombard
Operating Dates: Memorial Day through Labor Day
For a full day of water play, this water park offers a zero-entry pool with jets, sprayers, and even a whirlpool, plus multiple water slides for every level of bravery, and a separate water playground for little ones. Lockers, changing rooms, and a snack bar are all on site. Season passes are available to help you save money on daily admission.
20. Sea Lion Aquatic Park — Lisle
1825 Short Street, Lisle
Operating Dates: May 30 - August 9, 2026
This destination water park has separate water play zones for little ones and bigger kids, plus four giant water slides, a vortex pool, a large ADA-accessible pool, and a lily pad feature. Changing rooms, lockers, and a full-service snack bar make it easy to stay the day. Season passes are available.
21. Ty Warner Park Spray Park — Westmont
800 N. Blackhawk Dr., Westmont
Operating Dates: May 23, 2026 - late September
After a year's closure for renovation, Ty Warner Park's Spray Park in Westmont reopens on May 23, 2026! The park includes water shooting cannons, a giant misting whale tail, three sneaky bucket soakers, mushroom cap water walls, a water dumping bucket, and multiple ground spray jets. West suburban families look forward to welcoming it back.
Family-Friendly Splash Pads in Chicago: North Suburbs
22. Skokie Water Playground — Skokie
4715 Oakton St., Skokie
Operating Dates: June 6 - September 4, 2026
Operating Hours: Weekdays 12:30-7pm; weekends 11am-6pm
With a huge zero-entry pool, three big water slides, and a multi-level water playground with sprayers, water guns, slides, and a giant splash bucket, plus an accessible "sprayground" with a rock-like waterfall and sprinklers galore, there's no excuse not to get soaked here. You'll also find a concession stand and changing rooms with showers and lockers, but not a lot of shade.
23. Fountain Square Park — Elk Grove Village - FREE
1751 Gibson Dr., Elk Grove Village
Operating Dates: June 1 through Labor Day
Operating Hours: Weekdays 12:30-7pm; weekends 10:30am-7pm
This simple sprayground features ground jets that shoot at varying intervals to surprise kids in the park. The park also includes a playground and a nature trail so kids can beat the heat and enjoy a few forms of entertainment.
24. Mystic Waters – Des Plaines
2025 Miner Street, Des Plaines
Operating Dates: May 30 - August 23, 2026
This water park in the northern suburbs has slides, a lazy river, and two splash pads: Dolphin Bay: a zero-depth leisure pool where you can enjoy fountains, jet sprays, and a child-size dolphin slide; and Beluga Beach, a zone with no standing water and a non-slip surface featuring spray jets that makes a good introduction for non-swimming toddlers. This is a more expensive option, but can be a full day of fun for families with kids of multiple ages. You can bring in a picnic lunch for a $6 fee.
25. Prospect Park Splash Pad – Park Ridge
733 N. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge
Operating Dates: May 23 - September 7, 2026
Operating Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays - Sundays 10am-5pm; Tuesdays 10am-7pm
This pirate-themed sprayground has a ship and arches that spray water throughout the area. There's a small slide for toddlers and a concession area that the whole family can enjoy, as well as family-friendly restrooms on site. Private rentals are available.
Best Splash Pads and Water Playgrounds Near Chicago: South Suburbs
26. Oak Lawn Memorial Park — Oak Lawn – FREE
West 102nd Street & Major Ave, Oak Lawn
Operating Dates: May 15 - October 15, 2026, weather-dependent
This rocket-themed water-play area features a variety of spray toys along with a playground. The park also offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing.
27. Walker Country Estates Park — New Lenox
299 Lenox Street, New Lenox
Operating Dates: May 30 - August 16, 2026 and August 22 & 23, 2026
Operating Hours: 11am-2pm
This far southwest suburban park has a splash pad with an adjacent playground and fishing station. The concession stand offers food and beverages, and bathrooms are available in the nearby administration building. Little splash-pad lovers can also rent out the pad for parties!
28. Yunker Farm Splash Park — Mokena
10824 W. La Porte Road, Mokena
Operating Dates: May 27 - August 30, 2026
Operating Hours: Thursdays - Tuesdays 12-5:30pm; Wednesdays 12:30-7pm
This farm-themed splash pad has various animal sculptures that spit water at kids as they run by. Also with traditional splash pad features, like arches and water shooting up from the ground, it allows families to bring their own food in non-glass containers or buy from the concession stand. Admission is cheap at $2 for residents and $4 for non-residents. The splash pad is open late on Wednesdays.
29. White Water Canyon Water Park — Tinley Park
8221 W 171st St, Tinley Park
Operating Dates: May 30 - September 7, 2026
The sprayground at this water park has a couple of small slides and a giant bucket that dumps water on kids' heads in the zero-depth area of the pool. Families can also enjoy water slides, a lazy river, and two diving boards for $20 a day or less, depending on age and residency. Go after 5pm for $5 admission. The park is also home to a cafe where you can get snacks or even a full pizza.
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