Chicago's Best Splash Pads [Updated 2024]

Whether I'm trying to cool off on a scorching hot day or just looking for some family-friendly fun, splash pads are the perfect destination. With so many options available in this bustling city, I've made it my mission to try them all and share my top picks with you.

From towering water features to interactive play areas, these 12 splash pads have earned their place in my favorites list. So grab your swimsuit and join me as we explore the best splash pads in Chicago!

Adams (George & Adele) Park

Highlights
Large sandbox
Huge water spray
Enclosed play area
Clean environment
Good for exercise

First of all, let me tell you that this park is a hidden gem! The moment I stepped in, I was amazed by the large sandbox area. It was perfect for kids to build their own castle and engage in imaginative play.

But wait, there’s more! As I walked further into the park, I saw the huge water spray, which made me feel like a kid again. The water pressure was just right and it was so much fun to frolic around and cool off from the summer heat.

One thing that sets this splash pad apart from others is its enclosed play area. Parents can relax on benches while watching their little ones run around and play safely within the fenced-off area. Plus, the environment is very clean - no litter or debris anywhere!

Last but not least, Adams (George & Adele) Park is also good for some exercise as it has a walking path surrounding the playground area.

Overall, I had a great time at this splash pad and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting day out with their family. Don't miss out on this hidden gem!

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River Park

Highlights
Huge public pool
Multiple volleyball nets
5 court tennis court
Long running trail along river
Great biking trails

Firstly, let me just say that this place is not just a splash pad but so much more! As I walked in, I was greeted by the sight of a huge public pool which was perfect for swimming laps or just taking a refreshing dip. But if you're not a fan of swimming, don't worry because there are also multiple volleyball nets and even a 5 court tennis court to keep you busy.

I was also pleasantly surprised to find out that River Park has an amazing outdoor space with long running trails along the river and great biking trails as well. It's truly the perfect spot for families or individuals looking for some outdoor fun.

But let's get back to the splash pad aspect. The water playground at River Park is definitely worth checking out! The area has plenty of water features like fountains, sprays and water guns that will keep your children entertained for hours. And trust me, they won't even realize they're getting exercise because they'll be having too much fun!

Overall, I highly recommend River Park as one of the best splash pads in Chicago. With its diverse range of activities and amenities, it's sure to please everyone in your family.

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Portage Park

Highlights
Best Trunk or Treat Event
Clean and well tended park
Variety of recreational activities

First of all, I was impressed by the cleanliness and maintenance of this park. It's clear that the staff take pride in keeping it looking its best. And cleanliness is important when you're splashing around in water with your kids!

But let's talk about the splash pad itself. The water features are well-designed and provide just enough excitement for young children without being overwhelming. My favorite feature was the spray loop which provided a continuous flow of cool water on a hot summer day.

Aside from the splash pad, Portage Park has plenty of other recreational activities including basketball courts, soccer fields, and even a fitness center. But what really caught my attention was their annual Trunk or Treat event which is one of the best in Chicago! Kids go wild trick-or-treating from car to car while parents get to show off their sweet rides.

Overall, I highly recommend Portage Park for families looking for a fun day out that offers more than just a splash pad. With its variety of activities and clean facilities, it's definitely one of Chicago's top parks for outdoor fun!

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Bartelme (Mary) Park

Highlights
Inventive design
Rubber play area
Interesting arches
Beautiful views
Children's playground

First of all, I was really impressed by the inventive design of the splash pad. The water features are not your typical fountains, but rather interactive structures that allow kids to play and have fun in a unique way.

The rubber play area is another highlight of this park. It's soft and safe for kids to run and jump around on, without the fear of getting hurt. The rubber surface also provides traction when it gets wet, making it easy for kids to move around.

The interesting arches in the splash pad provide a nice touch of elegance and give the park a sense of artistry. They create an almost magical atmosphere that captivates both children and adults alike.

The views from Bartelme (Mary) Park are breathtaking! The park sits atop a hill which makes it an ideal spot to take in the beautiful skyline of Chicago while watching your little ones splash around.

Finally, if your child needs a break from splashing or you want to keep them entertained after they're done playing in the water, there's also a children's playground available.

Overall, I'd highly recommend Bartelme (Mary) Park as one of the best splash pads in Chicago thanks to its unique features and beautiful surroundings.

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Welles (Gideon) Park

Highlights
Multiple sports options
Gym and pool facilities
Nature area for climbing
Live music and theater

First of all, let me say that this park is not only about splash pads but also offers so much more. With its multiple sports options, gym and pool facilities, and even a nature area for climbing, Welles Park is a true hub of activity.

But let's talk about the splash pad. The water features are perfectly designed with various sprays and fountains that cater to children of different ages, making it perfect for families. The best part? It's completely free! So you can cool off without breaking the bank.

Aside from the fun water activities, Welles Park also boasts live music and theater performances during summer months. This means that while your kids are splashing around in the water, you can sit back and enjoy some quality entertainment.

All in all, I highly recommend visiting Welles (Gideon) Park if you're looking for an all-around great time with your family. With its top-notch amenities and exciting events, it truly deserves a spot on my list of the best splash pads in Chicago.

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Memorial Park

Highlights
Space theme
Rocket playground
Beach volleyball court
Clean bathroom

First of all, I was blown away by the space-themed park! The highlight for me was the rocket playground where my inner child couldn't resist climbing and pretending to blast off into space. The area surrounding the splash pad was just as impressive with a beach volleyball court that made me feel like I was on vacation.

One thing that really stood out to me at Memorial Park were the clean bathrooms. As someone who has visited many parks in Chicago, it's rare to find a public restroom that is so well-maintained. It made me feel more comfortable bringing my kids to play in the water knowing there were clean facilities nearby.

The splash pad itself was not only visually appealing but had a range of features that kept everyone entertained. From gentle sprays for toddlers to more powerful water jets that kept older kids running and screaming with glee, this splash pad had it all.

Overall, if you're looking for an out-of-this-world experience during summer in Chicago, Memorial Park should definitely be on your list!

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Rutherford Sayre Park

Highlights
Great water feature for hot days
Rubber flooring at play area
Equipment for younger and older children

First of all, let me tell you that this place is a hidden gem! The water feature at Rutherford Sayre Park is an absolute delight on those scorching hot days. As soon as I stepped in, I was greeted by a refreshing spray of water that made me feel like I was walking through a misty rainforest.

The park has rubber flooring which makes it a great option for parents with young kids who are just starting to walk or crawl. It's also perfect for kids who love to play and splash around because they can do so without the fear of slipping or getting hurt.

One thing that stood out to me about Rutherford Sayre Park was the equipment available for both younger and older children. The playground had slides, swings, and even climbing walls that would keep any child entertained for hours.

Overall, if you're looking for a fun family-friendly destination with an excellent water feature in Chicago, then look no further than Rutherford Sayre Park! Trust me; your kids will thank you!

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Unity Park

Highlights
Fun events for families
Clean and well-maintained park
Great for little children
Large water sprinkler on-site

First of all, if you're looking for a family-friendly place to spend your weekend, Unity Park is definitely worth checking out. The park hosts various events throughout the year, making it a fun and lively place to be.

But let's get to the main attraction - the splash pad! As soon as I saw it, I knew that this was a great spot for little ones. The water sprinkler may not be huge, but it's perfect for children who are just learning to play in water.

What impressed me the most about Unity Park was how clean and well-maintained it is. You don't have to worry about dirty water or debris here - the park staff make sure everything is in tip-top shape. And speaking of staff, they were all incredibly friendly and helpful during my visit.

Overall, I highly recommend Unity Park as one of the best splash pads in Chicago. If you're looking for a safe and enjoyable place for your kids to cool off during hot summer days, this is definitely a great option.

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Austin Park

Highlights
Free water fun for kids
Bring your own chair and shade
Restaurants and train station nearby

The first thing that caught my attention is that the park offers free water fun for kids! As a parent, I appreciate not having to spend a fortune just for my kids to have a good time. The splash pad itself is quite spacious and has an assortment of water features that will keep your little ones engaged and entertained.

One thing to note is that there are no chairs or shade available at the park, but don't let that discourage you! As stated in the highlights, you can bring your own. So pack up those beach chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a day out in the sun while your kids cool off.

Another nice perk of Austin Park is that there are quite a few restaurants nearby. So whenever hunger strikes, you won't have to venture too far from the water fun. And if you're worried about transportation, fear not! The park is conveniently located near a train station, making it easily accessible.

Overall, Austin Park is definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a budget-friendly option for some summer fun with your kiddos. With its ample space, variety of water features, and convenient location near restaurants and public transportation, it's sure to be a hit with both parents and children alike!

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Splash Pad

Highlights
Not applicable

Upon arriving, I was impressed by the vibrant colors and exciting water features. The Splash Pad is a perfect spot for families with children of all ages. The water feature was immaculately clean and well-maintained.

The Splash Pad offers an array of activities, including interactive water sprays, fountains, and geysers. The design of the pad ensures that there's no stagnant water, so it's always fresh and doesn't smell funky.

One of my favorite things about this Splash Pad is its proximity to other amenities like restrooms and shaded areas. There are plenty of benches around where parents can relax while their kids play in the water.

I must say that the staff at the Splash Pad is amazing. They were friendly and attentive to everyone's needs. They even had sunscreen available for those who forgot to bring theirs!

Overall, I highly recommend visiting Splash Pad in Chicago if you're looking for a fun-filled day out with your family or friends. It's an affordable option that will keep everyone cool on hot summer days.

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Margaret Donahue Park

Highlights
Water Features
Playground Variety
Shade Umbrellas
No Dogs Allowed
Picnic Areas

First and foremost, the water features at this park are top-notch. The kids were having a blast running through the sprays and streams of water. My only regret is that I didn't bring my swimsuit to join in on the fun!

Aside from the splash pad, there is also a great variety of playground equipment for kids of all ages. From swings to slides, they had it all. And don't worry about getting too hot because there are plenty of shade umbrellas to keep you cool.

One thing to note though, if you plan on bringing your furry friend along, this park is not for them as no dogs are allowed. But with all the excitement going on, I doubt they'd even notice.

Finally, after working up an appetite from all the splashing and playing around, there are plenty of picnic areas available to sit down and enjoy some snacks or lunch.

Overall, Margaret Donahue Park has everything you need for a fun-filled day with your family. With great water features, a variety of playground equipment and picnic areas galore - it's definitely one of Chicago's best splash pads!

Fellger (Charles) Park

Highlights
Large playground
Gentle spray feature
Range of bridges/slides
Train play area

Firstly, let me tell you that this park is a great option for families with kids. The playground is large and has a variety of equipment to keep the little ones entertained for hours. But what's most important is the splash pad itself, and I'm happy to say that Fellger Park doesn't disappoint.

The spray feature here is more on the gentle side, which makes it perfect for toddlers who are still getting used to playing in water. However, older kids will also enjoy running through the sprays as they try to dodge them.

What I found most unique about this park was the range of bridges and slides that surround the splash pad area. It's almost like an obstacle course where kids can climb over bridges and go down slides before jumping back into the water.

But wait, there's more! There's even a train play area next to the splash pad where kids can imagine being conductors of their own train.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Fellger (Charles) Park to families with young children looking for a fun afternoon outdoors. The combination of playground equipment and splash pad make it a great destination for any summer day in Chicago.