The Midwest is full of indoor waterpark getaways for any time of year
These waterparks are all a relatively short drive from Champaign-Urbana
Want to get away for a splashing good time with the family? Whether you need some “tropical” themed fun, or you just want a break from the sun, these indoor waterparks offer hours of family fun while being just hours away from Champaign-Urbana.
Why plan a family trip to an indoor waterpark?
If you’re craving a taste of warm weather, but don’t have plans to head south during the winter for a tropical escape, an indoor waterpark vacation is a good substitute. And if you have kids, this trip is bound to be the best time EVER when you ask your kids about it afterwards. Water, slides, sprayers and more are only the tip of the iceberg at many of these destinations. You can often find arcades, kid-friendly food everywhere, and other fun attractions right on the property or nearby.
The Midwest is the spot when it comes to indoor waterparks
You’ll find indoor waterparks all over the country, but certainly the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio rise to the top of the list when it comes to the ultimate waterpark getaway. And lucky for those of us in Champaign-Urbana, these states are all a relatively short drive away.
The longest drive we include in our list is about five hours to Missouri; we believe you can do all of these drives easily in one day. Much easier than driving to the ocean somewhere!
Tips for planning an indoor waterpark vacation with your kids
We’ve been to a few indoor waterparks over the years and have some tips when it comes to planning your trip.
- Shop around for the best deals.This goes for all trips, right? But especially trips like this. In areas like Wisconsin Dells, where there are many waterparks in proximity, you’re going to find some mega-deals as they compete with one another. Peek around to see which one offers the best deal for you.
- Consider playing hooky.Shhhh. We didn’t tell you to do this. But these places are practically EMPTY when it’s not 1) a weekend, 2) a widely observed three-day weekend and 3) winter vacation. Even if you can take two days off school and work, it is worth it to go early before a weekend or stay late to truly max out your time there, while enjoying smaller crowds.
- Get creative with where you stay.Of course, staying on-site at your waterpark feels appealing. Admission to the waterpark is included with your stay and it’s oh-so-convenient for those mad dashes back to the hotel room. But if you want to travel with another family, you may want to consider getting a nearby Airbnb and buy day passes to the waterpark, as this is often an option. Just call and ask if it is not listed on its site.
Time to hit the road: Now where will you go?
Indoor Waterparks within 2 hours of Champaign-Urbana
Grand Bear Resort, Utica – 1 hour, 45 minutes.
Features: 24,000 square-foot indoor waterpark with play zones, slides, wave pool, lazy river, and spa. Bonus: Located near popular Starved Rock State Park. Day passes not available at this time; overnight guests only.Call (866) 399-3866 for reservations.
Indoor Waterparks within 2-4 hours of Champaign-Urbana
Pirate’s Cay, Sheridan – 2 hours, 15 minutes.
Features: 31,000 square-foot indoor waterpark with retractable roof including lazy river, four water slides, and children’s playscape. Day passes and overnight options available. Call (815) 496-3292 for reservations.
Great Wolf Lodge, Gurnee – 3 hours
Features: 80,000 square-foot indoor waterpark including lazy river, wave pool, slides and more. Call (844) 482-9653 for reservations. Gurnee is located 45 minutes north of downtown Chicago, near Six Flags Great America. Know before you go: see our review of this fun family day trip.
Huck’s Harbor, Burlington, Iowa – 3 hours. Temporarily closed for construction, expected to reopen summer of 2024. Call (319) 753-2946 for information.
Springs Water Park at The Ingleside Hotel, Waukesha, Wis. – 3 hours, 30 minutes
Features: Tube and body slides, lazy river, and zero-depth water activity area. Call (800) 247-6640 for reservations. Day passes available.
Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark, Lake Geneva, Wis. – 3 hours, 30 minutes
Newly renovated! Features: 50,000 square-foot indoor waterpark with lazy river, 35-foot-high slides and more. Call (866) 636-4502 for reservations. Day passes not available.
Great Wolf Lodge, Mason, Ohio – 3 hours, 45 minutes
Features: Lazy river, wave pool, slides and more. Mason is located 30 minutes north of downtown Cincinnati, and the home of popular amusem*nt park Kings Island. Call (800) 913-9653 for reservations.
Splash Universe, Dundee, Mich. – 3 hours, 45 minutes. Closed indefinitely
Call (734) 606-0149 for reservations.
Big Splash Adventure, French Lick, Ind. – 3 hours, 45 minutes
Features: 40,000 square-foot indoor waterpark with retractable roof including lazy river, slides and a tropical oasis for adults. Day passes and overnight options available. Call (812) 936-3866 for reservations.
Indoor Waterparks more than 4 hours from Champaign Urbana
Blue Harbor Resort, Sheboygan, Wis. – 4 hours, 15 minutes
Features: 54,000 square-foot entertainment area and waterpark with double surf simulator, slides and activity pool. Day passes are limited and cannot be purchased in advance; call (866) 701-2583 for reservations.
Visit Wisconsin Dells, the “Waterpark Capital of the World” – 4 hours, 30 minutes
chambanamoms.com readers recommend Wilderness, Great Wolf Lodgeand Kalahari resorts, all featuring indoor waterparks. There are others, too, and Wisconsin Dells is FULL of attractions.Check out our post on visiting Wisconsin Dells.
Timber Falls Indoor Water Park, Osage Beach, Mo. – 5 hours
Features: 20,000 square-foot indoor waterpark with slides, activity pool and lazy river. Day passes and overnight options available. Call (573) 348-3131 for reservations.
Some ideas on trips you can take with your family:
- Midwest Indoor Waterparks Within a Few Hours of Champaign-Urbana
- Road Trip: Visiting Winter Realms at Lake Geneva, Wis.
- Road Trip: Visiting Indianapolis as a Family
- Best Midwest Summer Road Trips for Champaign-Urbana Families
- 31+ Unique Summer Day Trips from Champaign-Urbana
- Visiting the Arthur Amish Area with Kids
- Spend a Saturday in Tuscola
- Peaches Aplenty at Okaw Valley Orchard
- Visiting the Indoor Waterpark at Grand Bear Resort Near Starved Rock
- How to Rent a Boat on Lake Shelbyville with your Family
- Road Trip: Visit St. Louis as a Family
- Visiting Imagination Grove Near Bloomington-Normal
- Road Trip: Visiting Wisconsin Dells
- Day Trip from Champaign-Urbana: Living Large in Casey
- Head North for Family Fun: What To Do On Your Chicago Trip
- An Insider’s Guide to a Springfield Getaway
- Effingham, a Trip to the Crossroads
- Winter Break Day Trip: Family Fun in Peoria
- Travel Back in Time at Lincoln Log Cabin
