Planning a trip to Illinois soon? Along with the excellent museums of Chicago and the fascinating glimpses of history in Springfield, don’t miss out on the state’s incredible number of amusement parks, ranging from full-size theme parks to smaller water parks and everything in between.
Illinois is home to more than a dozen amusement parks, and even more than that if you include family fun centers and arcades. But below, we’ve gathered the top 10 in the state that you won’t want to miss out on. Illinois’s top amusement parks are:
- Grand Bear Falls Indoor Waterpark in Utica, Illinois
- Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark in Gurnee, Illinois
- Hurricane Harbor Chicago in Gurnee, Illinois
- Hurricane Harbor Rockford in Cherry Valley, Illinois
- Knight’s Action Park and Splash Kingdom in Springfield, Illinois
- Pirate’s Cove Children’s Theme Park in Grove Village, Illinois
- Raging Waves in Yorkville, Illinois
- Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park in East Dundee, Illinois
- Six Flags Great America in Chicago, Illinois
Renting an RVshare vehicle is an incredible way to string together various Illinois amusement parks and other destinations. You’ll be able to choose from a wide range of vehicle types and enjoy peace of mind with insurance coverage on every rental. Your adventure is waiting — so browse available RVs today!
Illinois Amusement Parks: At a Glance
| Park | Location | Ticket Cost | Attractions | Onsite Overnight RV Parking? |
| Grand Bear Falls Indoor Waterpark | Utica | Cost of lodging at the resort; varies based on season and room size | Lazy river, wave pool, hot tub, water slides, mini golf, arcade | No |
| Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark | Gurnee | Full day and half-day passes available; save by buying online ahead of time | Slap Tail Pond, Crooked Creek lazy river, Fort McKenzie interactive play structure, River Canyon Run raft ride, water slides | No (but you can park your RV there while you’re exploring the park) |
| Hurricane Harbor Chicago | Gurnee | Water park-only tickets starting at $30; combination packages with Six Flags available | Bahama Mama and Bubba Tubba six-story tube slides, Buccaneer Bay interactive play structure,Castaway Creek lazy river,Hurricane Bay wave pool | No |
| Hurricane Harbor Rockford | Cherry Valley | Memberships, season passes and daily tickets available; discounts available for veterans and first responders | Bermuda Triangle and Riptide Rush thrill slides, Caribbean Cove interactive play structure, Castaway Creek lazy river, Tsunami Bay wave pool | No |
| Knight’s Action Park and Splash Kingdom | Springfield | Tickets vary based on which attractions/park you’ll visit; inclusive prices start around $50 per person | Surfing wave, wave pool, tube slides, paddleboat rentals, go-karts, mini golf, Ferris wheel, The Paratrooper gravity ride, indoor video game room | No |
| Pirate’s Cove Children’s Theme Park | Grove Village | Adults free; admission for children 2 to 13 starting at $10 per day for residents and $15 per day for non-residents; season passes available for $60 and $80, respectively | Barnacle Bay (gentle) bumper boats,Captain’s Carousel,Camelot’s Castle,Safari Express train ride,Pirate Plunge water slide | No |
| Raging Waves | Yorkville | Day tickets start around $60 per person (varies based on season and promotion); season passes start around $110 per person; senior and first responder discounts available | Great Barrier Reef wave pool, Koala Cove splash zone,Kookaburra Kreek lazy river,PJ’s Plummet thrill slide, tube slides | No |
| Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park | East Dundee | Varies; day admissions starting around $50 per person; save by buying online ahead of time | Amusement park rides like Balloon Race, Country Carousel and the North Pole Excursion; water park attractions including cabanas and slides;the opportunity to interact with Santa in real life;animal attractions like Old MacDonald’s Barn | No |
| Six Flags Great America | Chicago | Vary, with daily, seasonal and membership options available; save significantly by purchasing online ahead of time | Major roller coasters like Demon, Goliath and American Eagle;family rides like Giant drop and Sky Striker;kid-friendly rides including Chubasco teacups and the Columbia Carousel | No |
Why RV to an Illinois Amusement Park?
You know us here at RVshare — we think renting an RV is the perfect way to explore any destination.
But in the American midwest, RVing really shines. All those wide-open spaces with plenty to see and do in the big cities and between means RVing gives you the opportunity to explore at length while staying comfortable and having all the conveniences of home.
In an RVshare vehicle, you’ll get:
- Private accommodations in a well-loved rig. No fresh-off-the-factory-floor rental vehicles, but RVs that have truly been lived in and loved by their people.
- The opportunity to get to know other travelers just like you. Many RVshare owners are happy to swap tips and tales from their own time on the road.
- Affordable convenience. A way to travel that’s both less expensive and less annoying than packing up your hotel room every time you do a set change? Yes, please. Plus, you can save money and maintain your healthy routine by cooking some of your meals at home.
- Peace of mind. Each RVshare rental is backed by insurance coverage and roadside assistance, so beginners need not fear.
But enough about that. Let’s get into the really fun stuff — the parks!
Grand Bear Falls Indoor Waterpark (Utica)
Located in North Utica, Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park is one of the best amusement parks in Illinois for some water fun when the weather is less than warm. This amazing park offers 24,000 square feet of water fun and is great for the whole family.
Stand-Out Features
As part of the larger resort, Grand Bear Falls offers lots of to-dos for kids and adults alike. Specific attractions include:
- Lazy river
- Wave pool
- Hot tub
- Water slides
- Mini golf
- Arcade
The park also offers birthday party rentals and plenty of different on-site dining opportunities, from a full bar to quick takeaway at Treetops Cafe.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
There is one catch to this destination, which is that the water park is for resort guests only, and there’s no onsite RV camping. That said, you could easily spring for one night’s stay while parking your RV nearby, which would make it so worth it to access the resort’s many attractions. Nearby campgrounds include:
- Starved Rock State Park Campground (which also offers beautiful natural environs to explore and affordability)
- Starved Rock Family Campground for those looking for a privately owned, more luxurious opportunity
Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark (Gurnee)
You may have heard of Great Wolf Lodge, which is a nation-wide chain with locations across the U.S. The brand boasts nearly two dozen parks across the country, but by our lights, the one in Gurnee (near Chicago) is the best. This indoor water park is beloved by families and offers plenty to do for kids and adults alike.
Stand-Out Features
Great Wolf Lodge in the Chicago area offers:
- Slap Tail Pond
- Crooked Creek lazy river
- Fort McKenzie interactive play structure for youngsters
- River Canyon Run raft ride
- Water slides
There’s also an on-site arcade, plenty of dining options and fun organized events to keep the whole family engaged as long as you’re staying.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Unlike many other water parks associated with resorts, you actually can access the Great Wolf Lodge water park even if you’re not staying there, thanks to its day passes.
While you can park on-site while you’re inside, you can’t sleep in your vehicle. Some close campgrounds to Great Wolf Lodge include:
- MWR Navy Great Lakes RV Campground, with sweeping lakeside views
- Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park, a great publicly operated option that combines affordability with well-appointed sites (and more beachside beauty)
Hurricane Harbor (Chicago)
Found right next to Six Flags Great America (more on that one soon!), Hurricane Harbor Chicago is a great addition to your visit to the northern Chicago area. This exciting 20-acre water park opened in 2005. It is open for the summer season and offers guests the perfect way to escape the heat while still having a great time.
Stand-Out Features
Hurricane Harbor offers a wide range of classic water park features, including:
- Six-story tube slides Bahama Mama and Bubba Tubba
- Buccaneer Bay interactive play structure
- Castaway Creek lazy river
- Hurricane Bay wave pool
The park is, of course, attached to Six Flags, so there’s plenty more to explore while you’re here. It’s well worth bundling the two into a package.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Another park tucked just north of Chicago proper in Gurnee, there are plenty of RV parks in the area to consider. A few that are closest to Hurricane Harbor include:
- Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, which is a bit further east but a beautiful way to get away from all the Chicago hubbub (long-term sites available)
- Once again, Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park combines affordability with stunning beachside views
Hurricane Harbor (Rockford)
Not every state is lucky enough to have not just one, but two Hurricane Harbor locations. But Illinois isn’t every state. This water park is found in the town of Cherry Valley just outside of Rockford. It has been around since 1984, and has lasted this long for good reason.
Stand-Out Features
Hurricane Harbor Rockford offers an excellent mix of high-thrill rides and gentler experiences so everyone in the family can find something to enjoy. Must-sees include:
- Bermuda Triangle and Riptide Rush thrill slides
- Caribbean Cove interactive play structure
- Castaway Creek lazy river
- Tsunami Bay wave pool
You’ll also find on-site drinking and dining opportunities, as well as rentable cabanas to relax in and call your own.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
While, again, there’s no on-site RV camping at Hurricane Harbor, you’re within a stone’s throw of Rock Cut State Park, which offers nearly 300 premium campsites with hookups and other amenities.
Knight’s Action Park and Splash Kingdom (Springfield)
The place to go for fun if you happen to be in Springfield, the enormous 65-acre Knight’s Action Park has a little bit of everything. A huge variety of fun attractions ensure everyone in your party will have a great time during their visit to this park. There are water park features at the attached Splash Kingdom as well as go-karts, mini golf, a driving range and so much more.
Stand-Out Features
Knight’s Action Park truly brings a little bit of everything to the table. Favorite to-dos include:
- Waterpark features including a surfing wave, wave pool and tube slides
- Paddleboat rentals
- Go-karts
- Mini golf
- Ferris wheel
- The Paratrooper gravity ride
- Indoor video game room
As you can see, there truly is something to amuse you here no matter the weather or season!
Nearby RV Campgrounds
While there’s no on-site RV camping at Knight’s Action Park, there are nearby campgrounds with RV-friendly amenities, including:
- The Illinois State Fair Campground (even more fun if you’re in town at the same time as the fair!)
- Springfield KOA Journey, situated just far enough out of town to get some peace and quiet and night
- Double J Campground, which also offers a pool of its own and is located just 15 minutes from the park
Pirate’s Cove Children’s Theme Park (Grove Village)
Looking for an experience specifically for the little ones? Pirate’s Cove Children’s Theme Park is specially designed for kiddos between two and nine. Its many themed attractions and interactive play areas will stoke the imagination and joy of your littlest family members and create memories for years to come.
Stand-Out Features
Some favorite attractions at Pirate’s Cove include:
- Barnacle Bay (gentle) bumper boats
- Captain’s Carousel
- Camelot’s Castle
- Safari Express train ride
- Pirate Plunge water slide
The park is also home to camps, events, and the Pirates’ Cove Glow Party. There’s truly something for everybody!
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Located very close to Chicago O’Hare airport, this park is close to the beating heart of the biggest city in Illinois. Still, there are plenty of RV camping opportunities nearby, including:
- Lehman’s Lakeside RV Resort, which will get you a bit further from the height of the hubbub
- Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday for cozy accommodations you can count on
Raging Waves (Yorkville)
Folks who find themselves in Yorkville should pay a visit to the awesome Raging Waves waterpark. Earning its nickname as Illinois’ Water Wonderland, This park is the biggest waterpark in the state and is one of the best places in the area to have some summer fun, offering guests a way to stay cool while they soak up some sunshine.
Stand-Out Features
If you can think of a classic water park feature, chances are, Raging Waves has it. Family favorites include:
- Great Barrier Reef wave pool
- Koala Cove splash zone for kids
- Kookaburra Kreek lazy river
- PJ’s Plummet thrill slide
- Tube slides
The park also hosts summer events including foam parties and festivals, and there are a wide variety of dining options on-site.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Another park located in the greater Chicago area, there is no camping directly on-site at Raging Waves. Nearby options include:
- The Sandwich Fairgrounds RV Campground (again, even more fun with the fair in town)
- Fox Creek RV Resort, which offers beautiful and tranquil natural environs as well as camping cabins
Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park (East Dundee)
It’s a theme park! It’s a water park! It’s a zoo! It’s all of the above and so much more. It’s Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park in the Chicago area, and even if Christmas is very far from front-of-mind, it’s well worth a visit (especially if you’re traveling with young ones).
Stand-Out Features
Santa’s Village truly has it all. (Isn’t that what you would expect from the big guy?) Must-see attractions include:
- Amusement park rides like Balloon Race, Country Carousel and the North Pole Excursion
- Water park attractions including cabanas and slides
- The opportunity to interact with Santa in real life
- Animal attractions like Old MacDonald’s Barn
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Camping near Santa’s Village can be a lot of fun in its own right. Nearby options include:
- Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday for full hookups and cozy surroundings
- Northwoods RV Resort by Zeman, which is a bit further out of town but highly regarded and plush with well-manicured lawns
Six Flags Great America (Chicago)
Some would say we saved the best for last! Six Flags Great America is the biggest and most popular of the amusement parks in Illinois. For many people, it’s one of their main stops on a trip to Chicago. This awesome park opened in May 1976 and has been going strong ever since. In fact, the park sees more than 3 million visitors each year!
Stand-Out Features
Keep in mind that Six Flags is attached to Hurricane Harbor, so all those water park features are also among the things you’ll want to see while you’re here. But sticking to just the amusement park side, don’t miss:
- Major roller coasters like Demon, Goliath and American Eagle
- Family rides like Giant drop and Sky Striker
- Kid-friendly rides including Chubasco teacups and the Columbia Carousel
As always, you’ll also find drinks, dining, and shopping opportunities on-site so the adults can have some fun of their own.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Given that this park shares the same property with Hurricane Harbor, our suggested RV parks are exactly the same:
Tips for an Illustrious Illinois Amusement Park Trip
With so many parks to choose from, there’s no wrong way to enjoy an Illinois amusement park trip. Here are out tips for making it even better in your RVshare rental vehicle
- Double-check your packing list. Each RV comes with its own inclusions, which may or may not include bedsheets, serveware, and other must-haves. Make sure you’re in the know ahead of time so you don’t get caught by surprise!
- Book your campsites (and tickets) early. While many of the parks have tickets available at the gate, it’s almost always more affordable to book ahead of time — and with campsites, you don’t always get as lucky when you just drive up.
- Consider adding extra parks and attractions. There’s so much to see in Illinois, and you’re traveling in the most comfortable way possible — why not stay a while? Check out Illinois state parks and national forests, which offer excellent camping opportunities, as well as several of the amusement parks we’ve listed. After all, so many of them are clustered in Chicago — it’ll be easy!
Illinois Amusement Parks: Frequently Asked Questions
While any of Illinois’s amusement parks can be great for little kids (they all have features designed specifically for them), Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park in East Dundee is specifically designed with two- to nine-year-olds in mind. In fact, their admission fee structure is per child, rather than per adult!
Ticket prices vary, and both day passes and seasonal options are available, as well as a membership option. However, you’ll save a significant amount of money by buying ahead of time online instead of waiting to purchase your passes at the park gate.
It really depends on your personal style, but many consider Goliath at Six Flags Great America to be among the best. It’s a wooden roller coaster featuring a near-vertical 85-degree drop of 180 feet and reaching speeds of up to 72 mph.
While there are many to choose from and “best” can be subjective, Raging Waves in Yorkville is the largest water park in the state.
Check out the hundreds of other amazing things to do in Illinois. We can help you research your options by offering the links below:
