35 Chicago Area Water Parks (What Parents Think)

Kalahari Resorts features an exciting mix of indoor and outdoor rides, slides, and entertainment. The resort has an indoor (84 degrees) waterpark and outdoor waterpark, theme park, salon, kidz spa, and much more. Plus, there are several on-site restaurants to please both sophisticated and picky-eater tastes. Kalahari also features body board surfing, kid-friendly hot tub, character breakfasts, and arcade. An indoor Ferris Wheel stands 6 stories tall within its carnival-like adventure park! Purchase day passes as a guest, or stay at the resort and they will be included.

Alexandra F. said:  We love Kalahari, and it is one of two resorts we always stay at with our kids on what have become annual visits to the Dells (the other is the Wilderness Resort). Kalahari is truly all-inclusive, so if you stay there, you really can just *stay* and not venture out your entire vacation. In addition to the indoor and outdoor waterparks, we love the expansive arcade and fun center which includes ropes courses, a small mini golf, go carting and bowling. They also have a movie theater next door, so when we go with grandma & grandpa, we like to leave the kids with them at least one night for a movie date. I also really like their on-site fine dining restaurant, Double Cut Steak House, though of course they also have lots of casual dining options as well. And if you did want to venture out, they are right by the outlets, Knuckleheads, and Buffalo Phil's, which are the other big things we like to do in the Dells!

The Wilderness Resort is located on 600 acres consisting of cabin-themed properties and villas, and including multiple indoor and outdoor water parks, and so many family attractions. The resort features arcades, a laser arena, go-carts, ropes course, mini-golf and more, including Take Flight, an aerial adventure theatre ride. 

Noah's Ark features water thrill rides, food, and over 80 family activities to enjoy including schooners, arcades, and a dive-in theatre. Also featuring two endless rivers, four children's water play areas, bumper boats, and two giant wave pools. It's recognized as being "America's Largest Waterpark." Parents with young tots can appreciate the exclusive kiddie area and gentle rides. There is lodging adjacent to the water park.

This waterpark resort is perfect for thrill seekers! With indoor and outdoor parks, it provides year-round fun. There’s even a zipline, mini golf, an arcade, and a scenic river walk. One thing’s for certain — your kids will be tuckered out by the end of each day! With various accommodations, including villas, rental homes, condos, and a hotel, Chula Vista has the right rooms and spaces for any group.

Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Resort offers both indoor and outdoor water parks, as well as thrilling rollercoasters and amusement park rides, like twirling teacups and bumper cars. Take a plunge down several water slides or sit in a hot tub to relax. Lodging options include typical hotel suites, but also tents for camping and unique treehouse beds! Kids love it!