As we brace for yet another hot Chicago summer, it’s time to start thinking of how you are going to keep your children entertained. Once those temps start to rise, it always seems like kids’ energy levels go along with them. If you are looking for the best way to break out of your home and actually enjoy this season, grab a swimsuit and some water shoes and head on down to a splash pad! As a Chicago family photographer, I love working with parents to make sure they never have to forget a single second together. Here are the best splash pads in Chicago to visit this summer!
4100 N. Long Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60641
Portage Park has been around since the early 1900s, providing a scenic spot where children could go to play! This 38-acre park has a bit of everything, including tennis courts, an ADA-accessible playground, and a nature walk. During the Chicago summer, this is the best spot to keep cool, giving you an Olympic-sized pool as well as an interactive splash pad. This spot is outfitted with fountains and a playground built into shallow water.

5100 N. Francisco Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60625
River Water is a large park dedicated to letting people reconnect with nature! Located on 28.8 acres, this area features a wildlife habitat and a canoe launch. Kids can come here and explore whether they want to play on the playground, race across the fields, or try their hand at fishing. The park has a swimming pool and a splash pad that opens up each summer in Chicago. With the spray feature, your child can stomp around in the puddles and duck beneath the sprinklers.
1312 S. Racine Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60608
Foscoe Water Playground is a fantastic splash pad for fun in Chicago all year long! This location has two Olympic-sized swimming pools as well as a fitness center. They regularly run programs dedicated to helping kids get more active. Their water feature is located just outside of the community building and offers everything your child could want. With spray fountains and sprinklers, kids can splash around and keep cool even during the hottest days!

4630 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60630
Nestled near Portage Park, Wilson (Frank J. Park) is a gorgeous spot where you can go anytime you need to beat the heat! They open up their water feature each summer, giving kids a concrete pad where they can run through fountains and cool off beneath a dump bucket. The area itself is surrounded by a gate, so you don’t have to stress about your child running away.
If you are looking for the best escape this summer, I just know you are going to love these splash pads in Chicago! With all of these options, you are about to have a season you’ll never want to forget.
Are you looking for a way to make all of these memories last forever? Then I would love to chat! I am a Chicago family photographer, and I love working with parents so they can remember each and every milestone. If you have been considering booking your session, let’s have a conversation so you can decide if I’m a match for you. Send me a message today if you would like to learn more!