Looking for a way to cool down this summer? Chicago has over 50 free outdoor pool and splash venues. Lots of these pools have separate splash pads and water playgrounds, and a few even have water slides, a la Wisconsin Dells.
If you prefer to spend money, check around for health clubs and fitness centers that offer day passes—usually pretty pricey. Many of the rooftop pools scattered throughout the downtown area are either hotels or buildings where folks own or rent.
Many of the Chicago Park District pools will not open until July 5, due to lifeguard shortage issues. Chicago’s beaches are always free, but parking, not so much.
Loop: Crown Fountain Millennium Park Splash Pad
Nestled between two glass brick towers with video showing pictures of Chicagoans, is a reflecting pond and splash pad area. chicago.gov
Navy Pier: Splash Pad
At the main entrance to Navy Pier, a splash pad greets you with dancing water. If you can get the kids past the splash pad, Navy Pier offers rides, dining, shopping and a children’s museum. The splash pad is free, but the other offerings at Navy Pier can be quite pricey. navypier.org
Lincoln Park: Wrightwood Pool
This family-friendly, smaller pool might make it easier to watch the kids. Because of its size, it can be less busy than other pools. chicagoparkdistrict.com
Portage Park Pool: Portage Park
Portage Park has three pools, including a diving pool, a lap pool, and a kiddie pool with a water playground. The facility is family-friendly, but popular, so arriving sooner than later may be a good idea. chicagoparkdistrict.com
McCormick YMCA: Logan Square
A great indoor option for rainy days located at 1845 N. Lawndale Ave. The facility has a couple of indoor pools to choose from. ymcachicago.org
Bucktown: Holstein Pool
The Bucktown location makes it easy to get to from many family-friendly neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Logan Square. chicagoparkdistrict.com.
Washington Park Pool: Hyde Park
Washington Pool offers a big pool and boasts both a zero-entry wading area and a water slide. Bonuses for visiting this pool include three playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, a racquetball court, a harvest garden and an arboretum. chicagoparkdistrict.com
Roscoe Village: Hamlin Pool
People native to this area feel this is Chicago’s best pool. Aside from the crowding factor, facilities are well-maintained and tons of amenities for families are available. chicagoparkdistrict.com
McKinley Park: McKinley Park Pool
McKinley Park Pool has a separate water playground for kids and a large pool for adults. There are also community programs for families, including swimming lessons and day camps. This pool has lots of daily visitors, making parking more of a challenge. chicagoparkdistrict.com
West Roseland: Palmer Pool
Palmer Pool has three water slides, and families can also take advantage of day camps, exercise classes, and swimming lessons for all age groups. The park itself has plenty of additional recreational spaces, including a renovated playground.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.