Best Amusement Parks for Toddlers Near Chicago

 
Pirate's Cove is a great amusement park for toddlers near Chicago. Photo courtesy of elkgroveparks.org

Pirate’s Cove - Elk Grove

Pirate’s Cove is an awesome children’s theme park located in Elk Grove. The theme park, open June through September, is perfect for children between the ages of two and nine. With a life-sized pirate ship, a castle, carousel, a train, bumper boats, and more this park is loaded with fun for toddlers and little ones. Concessions are available for purchase and you’re also allowed to bring your own food. Pirate’s Cove is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

Safari Land - Villa Park 

Safari Land is a 62,000 square foot indoor amusement park located in Villa Park. This huge indoor park features rides, a jump zone, bowling, and arcade that are all little-kid friendly. Older siblings can enjoy all that plus go-karts. Little ones will love the tiger coaster and awesome jungle gym and play area. Safari Land is open year-round and is indoors. 

Kidzopolis -Six Flags Great America - Gurnee

The Kidzopolis in Six Flags Great America is perfect for your little thrill seekers. Since most of the roller coasters at Six Flags Great America are too big for toddlers and little ones, there’s a great space that’s just for them. You’ll find kid rides, roller coasters, a carousel, slides, and attractions that are made for toddlers at the Kidzopolis at Six Flags Great America. Kidzopolis is open all summer and weekends during the off season. Six Flags closes during the winter. 

Best Water Parks for Toddlers in Chicago

Niles Park District Oasis Water Park - Niles

The Niles Park District Water Park is great for little ones. This public pool features a zero-depth entry, playground, waterslides, splash pad, and more. This is perfect for little swimmers who aren’t ready for the super tall water slides just yet. The Niles Park District Oasis Water Park is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

 
Paradise Bay Water Park photo courtesy of the Lombard Park District

Paradise Bay Water Park - Lombard

Paradise Bay Water Park in Lombard is perfect for little swimmers. There’s a special designated area just for littles to splash around and swim. You’ll also find a spray ground and splash pad for tots. For the older ones there are tube slides, drop slides, and a water playground to burn off some energy. Paradise Bay Water park is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

Bensenville Water Park and Splash Pad - Bensenville

The Bensenville Water Park and Splash Pad has an awesome area for little ones. The splash pad features a spray ground, pool park, water guns, and more. There are also tube and drop slides in the waterpark area for those that are tall enough. The Bensenville Water Park and Splash Pad is open Memorial Day through the end of August. 

 
Photo courtesy of Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park, Facebook

Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park - Woodridge

Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park is a massive outdoor water park in Woodridge. Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park features a special spray ground and water slide only for kids under 42 inches. At Mug Bug Beach, little ones are transported to a beach with a huge sand area to play and build sandcastles. There are also multiple family pools, a lazy river, giant tube slides, drop slides, and a private island. Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park is open from the end of May through the end of September. 

Best Water Park and Amusement Park Combinations in Chicago for Toddlers

 
Photo courtesy of Santa's Village in Dundee, Illinois

Santa’s Village - Dundee

Christmas comes all summer long at Santa’s Village in Dundee. This park is made for little ones in mind. There are kiddie-sized rides, thrill rides, a petting zoo, and more at Santa’s Village. On the other side of the park, you’ll find Santa Springs Water Park featuring water slides, pools, a spray ground, and cabanas to relax during the day. Santa’s Village is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

Sugar Grove Family Fun Center - Sugar Grove

Sugar Grove Family Fun Center has something for everyone. With bumper boats, go karts, mini golf, a driving range, and water fun, both big and little ones have plenty to keep them entertained and cool. Kids five and over can ride the bumper boats alone and younger kids can ride as a passenger. On the go karts, kids must be six to ride alone and little ones can ride with parents. Sugar Grove Family Fun Center is open Memorial Day through Labor Day with certain attractions open during the off-season as well.