Splash Pads for Toddlers in the North and Northwest Suburbs

Updated November 2026.

The best splash pads for toddlers in Chicago's north and northwest suburbs include the Prospect Park Splash Pad in Park Ridge, the Spray 'N Play in Buffalo Grove, the Deerspring Sprayground in Deerfield and the sprayground at Turtle Creek Waterpark in Vernon Hills. In winter, families can still splash indoors at the Prairie Lakes indoor splash pad in Des Plaines.

Outdoor splash pads usually open around Memorial Day and close around Labor Day. Hours and fees for 2027 are posted in spring, so check each park district before you go.

Indoor splash pads for winter

Prairie Lakes Aquatics Center, Des Plaines, 515 E. Thacker Street. It has an indoor splash pad with slides, sprays and touch-activated water features for ages 2 to 12. There are no lifeguards in the splash pad area, so an adult must supervise at all times. Read more in our Des Plaines guide.
The Water Works, Schaumburg, inside the Community Recreation Center. It has a zero-depth pool, a sprayground and water slides. Open swim times change by season.
Splash Landings, Glenview, at Park Center. The Glenview Park District closed this indoor aquatic center in January 2026 for a renovation that includes a new interactive play structure in the zero-depth activity pool. It was planned to reopen in fall 2026, so check the park district's site for the current status.

Park Ridge and Glenview

Prospect Park Splash Pad, Park Ridge, 733 N. Prospect Avenue. A large pirate-themed water play area with interactive water features and a tot slide, made for children 12 and under. It sits next to the Prospect Park playground and has a concession stand with light snacks. There is a daily fee, with a lower rate for residents.
Centennial Aquatic Center, Park Ridge, 100 S. Western Avenue. It has a zero-depth entry pool with spray features and a wading pool.
South Park Wading Pool, Park Ridge, 833 Talcott Avenue, next to the South Park Recreation Center. The park district describes it as a good place for toddlers and infants.
Flick Outdoor Aquatic Center, Glenview, 3600 Glenview Road, is the Glenview Park District's five-pool outdoor water park. In 2026, children under 2 did not need a pool membership. Read more in our Glenview guide.

Niles, Morton Grove and Arlington Heights

Oasis Waterpark, Niles, 7877 Milwaukee Avenue, has a zero-depth pool and a children's splash pad. Children 2 and under get in free.
Harrer Pool, Morton Grove, 6250 Dempster Street, has a tot pool with zero-depth entry, a kiddie slide and a spray pad.
Arlington Heights: the park district's outdoor pools at Camelot, Frontier and Heritage parks each have a spray ground, a wading pool, a kiddie slide and zero-depth entry. See our Arlington Heights guide.

Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Mundelein and Deerfield

Spray 'N Play, Buffalo Grove, in Mike Rylko Community Park, is described by the park district as one of the largest facilities of its kind. It has more than 20 water toys, sprays and fountains, plus a picnic area. See our Buffalo Grove guide.
Turtle Creek Waterpark, Vernon Hills, on Aspen Drive, has a 10,000-square-foot sprayground with a designated tot area, plus a zero-depth leisure pool with a tot slide for children 5 and under. Children 3 and under get in free.
The Spray Park, Mundelein, next to the Mundelein Community Center at 1401 N. Midlothian Road, is made for younger children, with large spraying flowers, water cannons and a sand play area.
Deerspring Sprayground, Deerfield, at Deerspring Pool, 200 Deerfield Road, has slides, geysers and water cannons, next to a zero-depth wading pool. In past years it opened in late May. See our Deerfield and Highland Park guide.

Coming in 2027: Wheeling and Mount Prospect

Wheeling: the Wheeling Park District tore down its old Family Aquatic Center in 2026 and is building a new aquatic center on the same site on Community Boulevard. News reports say the plans include a splash pad, with completion expected in spring or summer 2027.
Mount Prospect: the Mount Prospect Park District is rebuilding Lions Memorial Park, including a new recreation center and a new pool with zero-depth entry and spray features. Check the park district's site for the opening date.

Splash pad safety for babies and toddlers

Stay within arm's reach. Even shallow water and wet surfaces can be risky for toddlers. Many splash pads do not have lifeguards.
Use swim diapers for children who are not potty trained. Many pools and splash pads require them.
Protect from the sun. Use shade, a hat and sunscreen. The AAP advises keeping babies under 6 months out of direct sun.
Bring water shoes. Splash pad surfaces get slippery and hot.
Do not let children drink the water. The CDC advises against swallowing splash pad water.
Take breaks for water, snacks and shade every half hour or so on hot days.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an indoor splash pad near the north suburbs?

Yes. The Prairie Lakes Aquatics Center in Des Plaines has an indoor splash pad for ages 2 to 12, and the Water Works in Schaumburg has an indoor sprayground.

When do splash pads open in the Chicago suburbs?

Most outdoor splash pads open around Memorial Day and close around Labor Day. Some open a little earlier on warm weekends.

Are splash pads free?

Some are, but many in the suburbs charge a daily fee or are part of a pool. For example, the Prospect Park Splash Pad in Park Ridge has a daily fee with a resident rate.

Is there a splash pad in Park Ridge?

Yes. The Prospect Park Splash Pad, at 733 N. Prospect Avenue, has a pirate-themed water play area and a tot slide.

Children's Land and summer fun

At Children's Land, children go outdoors daily when the weather permits. We have 12 locations in Glenview, Park Ridge, Wheeling, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Lincolnshire, Grayslake, Vernon Hills and Chicago, open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Learn about our program for 2- to 3-year-olds, find a location, or contact us to schedule a tour.

Splash Pads for Toddlers in the North and Northwest Suburbs