Get a pool pass to one of the most beautiful indoor swimming pools in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Intercontinental Hotel in Chicago

Indoor Swimming Pools in Chicago: Hotels and Fitness Centers

1. JW Marriott Chicago

For $149, the morning pool pass gives you access to the pool at the JW Marriott for up to four. There’s a heated indoor pool, whirlpool, complimentary water, Wi-Fi, and free valet parking up to three hours. The morning family pool passes are available Friday-Sunday. 

2. InterContinental Hotel Chicago

The pool at the Intercontinental Hotel in Chicago is one of the oldest pools in the city. Built in the 1920s, this pool is also one of the most architecturally beautiful pools. For $25 per person, you can have full access to the pool, fitness, and spa amenities. Kids can splash around while Mom and Dad take turns getting a little rest and relaxation in at the gym or spa showers. 

3. Park Hyatt Chicago

The Park Hyatt Chicago is located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. The indoor pool offers awesome views of the Chicago skyline. Admission includes access to the main pool, pool chairs, towels, free Wi-Fi, access to the fitness center, the whirlpool, and discounted valet parking. Access is limited; check website for availability. 

 
Indoor swimming pools at hotels often offer pool passes. Photo courtesy of Hyatt

4. Hyatt Lodge and Spa at Oak Brook Reserve

The Hyatt Lodge and Spa in Oak Brook is one of the largest indoor pools in the area. For $35, you can get a day pass for a family of 4. Additional family members are $20 per adult or $5 per child. The day pass includes access to the indoor heated pool, hot tub, fitness center, locker rooms, free Wi-Fi, parking, and access to 88-acres of trails for a post-swim hike. 

5. Holiday Inn Schaumburg

The Holiday Inn in Schaumburg offers a great escape and pool access for rainy days. For $84, you can enjoy the indoor, heated swimming pool for the day. You’ll also have access to a private guest room for changing, towel service, free parking, Wi-Fi, bottles of water, and access to the fitness center. You’ll also get a 10% discount off snacks and beverages purchased.

6. Hyatt Place Hoffman Estates

The Hyatt Place in Hoffman Estates features a heated indoor swimming pool and access to family-friendly suites to use for the day. The cinema suite, for example, offers 1 free movie rental, popcorn, and drinks for a fun and relaxing post-swim activity. Your suite also includes a wet bar and mini fridge. This is a full hotel room which makes nap time easier for younger kiddos.

7. LifeTime Fitness

LifeTime Fitness offers one-day membership passes that include the use of the entire LifeTime facility including the indoor pool. Outdoor pools may come with an additional fee, which varies by location. With your day pass you’ll have access to the pools, fitness equipment, kids club, and more. Check with your local LifeTime location for the indoor/outdoor day pass options.

8. Four Seasons Hotel – Michigan Avenue

The Four Seasons Hotel is the ultimate kid-friendly luxury hotel. The pool here is incredible and well-worth an overnight or weekend trip. With kids’ classes, toys at check-in and kid-sized robes, this hotel knows how to make a kid's day. In addition to the awesome room add-ons there is also a luxury spa. The most magical treat is the ice cream service that will come directly to your room for a custom sundae bar. This location is great for visiting Water Tower Place, American Girl, the LEGO store, and Oak Street Beach in the summer months. Check out our picks for the best things to do in the Gold Coast and River North neighborhoods with kids. 

9. Embassy Suites – River North

The Embassy Suites in River North is made for families. The indoor pool makes this a great choice year-round for families visiting Chicago with kids. With family-friendly suites, adjoining rooms, pet-friendly suites, and free made-to-order breakfast, the entire family will feel at home. There’s also a free evening reception for the adults to enjoy a little night cap after a long day sightseeing. 

10. Loews Chicago Hotel – The Loop

Loews Chicago Hotel features a ton of special kid-friendly amenities. For one, the pool is awesome and very kid friendly. Take a splash in the indoor pool after a long day out on the town. They even offer free pool toys to use during your stay. You’ll find free baby bath amenities, coloring books, crayons, PS3 systems, and kid-friendly iPads on loan. 

Best Indoor Swimming Pools with Water Parks near Chicago

11. Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park - Bolingbrook

Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park in Bolingbrook is a great option for those looking to stay close to home. Located in Bolingbrook, this water park features two slides, tumble buckets, and a 10-person hot tub for tired parents looking to relax. Because this water park is operated by the Bolingbrook Park District, it is on the smaller side compared to a Wisconsin Dells-type resort park. It’s still great for big kids and when you’re looking for an easy day trip.

 
The Water Works is an indoor water park near Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Schaumburg Park District

12. The Water Works - Schaumburg

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, inexpensive day at a water park without a 3-hour road trip, The Water Works is your spot. You don’t have to drive far, stay overnight, or drop hundreds of dollars for a day in the pool. There are plenty of shallow areas for tots and thrills for older kids. With water slides and a diving well, even the big kids will have plenty to keep them entertained. There is also a spray ground and open pool to keep the entire family busy.

 
Pirate's Cay is an indoor water park less than an hour from Chicago. Photo courtesy of Pirate's Cay

13. Pirate's Cay – Sheridan

Less than an hour from Chicago, Pirate’s Cay in Sheridan is a great day trip. This water park features tube slides, a lazy river, a pirate ship water playground, dump buckets, and water guns. There’s also an on-site arcade and movie theater when you’re ready for some dry fun. Pirate's Cay is located on the Holiday Inn property if you're looking for an overnight hotel experience as well. A hotel stay is not required to use the park. 

Best Resort Indoor Water Parks near Chicago

 
Photo courtesy of the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park near Chicago.

14. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park - Gurnee

When you want a mini-staycation with a water park, the Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee is the perfect place. Gurnee is about 45 minutes from Chicago, making it an easy overnight or weekend getaway without crossing state lines. They have a variety of packages which include access to their massive indoor water park. The lodge also has several restaurants on-site so you won't have far to go when hunger strikes.

The water park features a shallow, padded play space for younger swimmers and a sprayground with a tipping bucket. For older kids, there’s a wave pool, water basketball court, water slides, and a lazy river.

15. Grand Bear Resort Water Park - Utica

Grand Bear Resort is a great choice for anyone looking for an indoor water park near Chicago. The resort is located in Utica, IL, which is about 30 minutes from downtown Chicago and has plenty of other things to do nearby if you want to make a weekend out of it. If you don’t wish to stay overnight, this is one of the few resorts that offer day passes for the water park without requiring a hotel stay.

The water park at Grand Bear Resort features heated pools as well as a wave pool and lazy river. There are also two additional outdoor pools that are open seasonally (May through September). If you're traveling with kids who aren't quite ready for the big slides yet, there are smaller slides designed specifically for them.

Best Indoor Water Parks in Wisconsin

 
Indoor water parks have swimming pools, plus more ways to have fun in the water. Photo courtesy of the Timber Ridge Water Park in Wisconsin.

16. Timber Ridge Water Park – Lake Geneva

Located in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, the Timber Ridge Resort and Water Park is a part of the Grand Geneva resort property. The water park features a lazy river, a padded play area for toddlers, a water basketball court, water slides, and a mushroom fountain. This water park is great for younger children as it is never deeper than 4 feet in any spot. The water slides still provide enough thrills for tweens and teens though.

Timber Ridge Water Park does require a hotel stay most of the year, but if the capacity is low or it's an off-season time (non-ski season or spring break), they do sell day passes and day suites to use for eating, changing, and napping little ones. Call ahead to see if day passes are available without a hotel reservation. Lake Geneva is a great town to make a weekend out of and the Grand Geneva has plenty of events and restaurants to keep you busy when taking a break from the water park. There’s an arcade, golf in the warmer months, fire pits with s’mores, bedtime stories in the lobby, a full-service spa, ice skating, skiing, sledding, and more.

17. Wilderness Resort Water Park - Wisconsin Dells

The Wilderness Resort Water Park is located in Wisconsin Dells. While this is a drive of about 3-hours from Chicago, it’s well worth the trip for adventure seekers. The Wilderness Resort is one of the largest water parks in the Midwest.

With four separate water parks in one, there is something for everyone in the family. You’ll find water slides, shallow toddler play areas, a lazy river, and more. The resort itself is also a ton of fun with arcades, golfing in warmer months, restaurants, and a spa for the adults.

 
Try Kalahari Resort for a quick weekend trip from Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin.

18. Kalahari Resort and Water Park - Wisconsin Dells

The Kalahari Resort is like the Disneyland of Wisconsin Dells. There are some great slides for those who love drops, twists, and turns. These epic slides will have big kids, tweens, and teens, going again and again. There’s also a great padded baby play area, an open swimming pool, and plenty of interactive spray features.

Not only does this resort feature a massive water park but there’s also a bowling alley, climbing wall, and 10,000 square-foot indoor theme park. This is a great place for a short getaway within a 3-hour drive from Chicago.