Chicagoans put up with a lot of weather-related drama. This winter dragged on, spring has been basically nonexistent, and summer will obviously be hot and sticky. So start making plans to cool off before your calendar heats up.
Make a pump-up playlist, grab your friends or the kids, and hit up one of these area water parks before fall rears its chilly head.
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Atcher Island in Schaumburg: Recently remodeled from the ground up, this tropical-themed park is the perfect place for a day in the sun.
Price: $6 to $8 for youth and $8 to $10 for adults.
Open dates: June 1 through Aug. 18, Monday through Friday 11 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park in Woodridge: Whether you enjoy the lazy river, spray playground or water slide, this west suburban destination invites you to come and get drenched.
Price: $6 to $15.50, free for children under 1, $3 to $7.25 for ages 62 and older.
Open dates: June 1 through Aug. 15, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Hurricane Harbor in Gurnee: Any water park worthy of calling Six Flags Great America home is worthy of your summer bucket list.
Price: Theme park entrance costs $67.99. Hurricane Harbor access is an additional $10 or free with a season pass.
Open dates: June 1 to Sept. 2, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Magic Waters in Cherry Valley: Recently acquired by Six Flags, Magic Waters boasts attractions such as Tsunami Bay, Paradise Pipelines and Tiki Island.
Price: Prices vary by season pass or membership level. Check website for details.
Open dates: June 1, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closing date has not been announced.
Paradise Bay Water Park in St. Charles: This award winning, state-of-the art water park offers a 12-foot dive well, leisure pool and Aligator Crossing water walk.
Price: Free for children under 2, $6 to $13 for ages 3 to 17, $8 to $15 for ages 18 to 59, $6 to $13 for ages 60 and older.
Open dates: Open daily June 1 to Aug. 13, hours vary by day of the week.
Rainbow Falls Waterpark in Elk Grove Village: Cool off in the Barracuda Bowl or Calypso Twist, or enjoy any of the park’s theme days.
Price: $10 to $16 , free for children under 2, $6 to $10 for ages 65 and up.
Open dates: June 8 to Aug. 12, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Raging Waves in Yorkville:
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Raging Waves dubs itself the largest water park in Illinois and one of the largest family owned water parks in the nation. It boasts 26 slides, a quarter-mile lazy river, huge wave pool, multiple kiddie areas and more.
Price: $32.99, free for children under 2, $19.99 for those under 48 inches. Group discounts and cabanas are also available.
Open dates: May 25 to Sept. 2, hours vary monthly.
Splash Country Water Park in Aurora: Splash Country Water Park is home to the second-largest lazy river in Illinois, with 1,100 feet winding through dumping buckets, bubbling rapids and more.
Price: Free for children under 2, $7 to $12 for ages 2 to 12, $8 to $13 for ages 13 and up, $7 to $12 for those over 62.
Price: June 1 to Aug. 11, Monday through Friday from 10:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
White Water Canyon Water Park in Tinley Park: Enjoy a 600-foot lazy river with the option of an adventure channel with splash buckets or a more winding, relaxing path.
Price: $8 for residents, $16 for non-residents.
Open dates: June 1 to Aug. 14, noon to 8:00 p.m.