Here's a list of the best pools in Chicago and the suburbs, according to families! From commitment-free public pools to community pool memberships that are worth the cost, we're gathering parent recommendations for all of the top swimming spots in the area.
What swimming pools near Chicago have you checked out with your kids? Leave a review below to help fellow parents!
Find more cool spots to make a splash on our lists of spray parks and swimming beaches around Chicago.
Kroc Center Chicago Aquatic Center
The Aquatic Center at the Kroc Center includes (8) 25-yard lap lanes, 2 diving boards, lazy river, giant waterslide, and zero-depth play area.
Central Pool
Lisa R: Central Pool features a 42' open flume water slide, a 32' drop slide, a diving board, wading pool, splash pad, and sand volleyball court.
Pulaski Park Pool
Lisa R: Pulaski Park Pool is a 5-lane, 30-meter Chicago Park District pool that ranges in depth from 3-5 ft.
Douglass Pool
Lisa R: Set on 218 acres, Douglass Park is an often overlooked gem due to reputation of the surrounding area. Douglass Pool, a 50-yard, 6-lane outdoor pool, is situated near the parking lot and basketball courts.
Holstein Pool
Lisa R: Maxing out at 11 feet, this 50-yard, 6-lane pool is one of the deepest pools managed by the Chicago Park District, perfect for practicing cannon balls. Be sure to check the schedule for specific session times.
Hamlin Pool
Lisa R: This 50-yard, 4-lane pool operated by the Chicago Park District has a reputation for being quiet, safe, and clean. The pool ranges from 3-7 ft. It is located within Hamlin Park, which is a large park with a sports and fitness focus.
Pavek Pool
Rehm Park Pool
Lisa R: At Rehm Pool guests will enjoy a 50-meter, zero-edge pool with spray play apparatus, a separate 6 years and under wading pool, and a play area with a water feature. This facility also features a diving well equipped with 2 drop slides, a one meter diving board, and a climbing wall.
Cermak Family Aquatic Center
Kristy Pepping: Cermak Family Aquatic Center offers zero-depth entry, a lazy river, small children’s slides, play features, a water playground, lounge areas, and a concession stand.
Portage Park Pool
Lisa R: Portage Park Pool offers an Olympic-size pool with a large deck for sunning, misting sprays, an interactive water play area with slide and diving boards. The park also contains a smaller heated pool.
Whealan Pool Aquatic Center
Lisa R: Whealan Pool offers zero-depth entry, large body slides, small children’s slides, play features, a multi-lane lap area, a water playground, lounge areas, and a concession stand.
Norwood Park Pool
Lisa R: This 50-yard, 6-lane Chicago Park District pool boasts a large, twisty water slide!
Norridge Park Pool
Lisa R: There's plenty of room to relax in the sun on the large concrete patio surrounding this multi-pool complex that includes a large heated lap pool, a separate pool with two giant water slides, a zero depth baby pool, and separate splash pad with water spray features. An on-site concession stand has you covered if your stay lasts longer than your snack supply.
Flick Outdoor Aquatic Center (Glenview Park District)
Alexandra F.: This five-pool water park complex features a high-energy, interactive spray area and splash down pool for their two giant flume slides.
Family Aquatic Center (Oak Brook Park District)
Kristy Pepping: This pool is great! The splash pad outdoors generally opens up earlier than most for the season. I want to say a week before Memorial Day weekend. It's a great option if you have little ones that are not in school full time. Just note they do not allow you to bring your own pool toys for the outside splash pad.
Primary photo: Upparent
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.
