Want to get away for a splashing good time with the family? Whether you need some “tropical” themed fun, or just want a break from the sun: These INDOOR Waterparks offer up hours of family fun, while being just hours away from Champaign-Urbana.
Curious what to expect when you take your littles on a family road trip to an indoor waterpark in the Midwest? Check out our post “One Tank Road Trip: Wisconsin Dells” here.
(This article includes affiliate links via GROUPON, which means we make a sliver of each sale if you buy through that link. Not responsible for expired links, sorry. We only post deals, but always shop around to be sure. – The editors)
Indoor Waterparks within 2 hours of Champaign-Urbana
Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Falls Waterpark, Utica, IL – 1 hour 45 min
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 and overnight options available. Call 866.399.3866 for reservations.
Indoor Waterparks within 2-4 hours of Champaign-Urbana
Pirate’s Cay, Sheridan, IL – 2 hours 15 min
Features: 31,000 square foot indoor waterpark with retractable roof including lazy river, 4 water slides, and children’s playscape. Day passes and overnight options available. Call 815.496.3292 for reservations.
Great Wolf Lodge, Gurnee, IL – 3 hours
Features: 80,000 square foot indoor waterpark including lazy river, wave pool, slides and more. Call 844.482.9653 for reservations. Know before you go: See our review of this fun family day trip here. SEE THE DEAL ON GROUPON!
Huck’s Harbor, Burlington, IA – 3 hours
Features: Channel river, swimming pool, wading pool & Kiddie City, 12-person hot tub. Part of the larger PZAZZ! Casino Resort. Call 319.753.2946 for information.
Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark, Lake Geneva, WI – 3 hours 30 minutes
Features: 50,000 square foot indoor waterpark with lazy river, 35 foot high slides and more. Call 866.636.4502 for reservations.
Splash Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH – 3 hours, 30 minutes
Features: Kids’ play area, slides, lazy river and more. Day passes and overnight options available. Call 513.841.1515 for reservations.
Great Wolf Lodge, Mason, OH – 3 hours, 45 minutes
Features: Lazy river, wave pool, slides and more. Call 800.913.9653 for reservations. GROUPON DEAL HERE.
Splash Universe, Dundee, MI – 3 hours, 45 minutes
Features: Water slides, lazy river with family spa, and little ones’ kiddie pool. Day passes and overnight options available. Call 734.606.0149 for reservations.
Big Splash Adventure, French Lick, IN – 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. GROUPON DEAL HERE.
Indoor Waterparks more than 4 hours from Champaign Urbana
Blue Harbor Resort, Sheboygan WI – 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. Our readers recommend “a kids museum in town that made for a super fun afternoon when they needed a break from the water park.”
Visit Wisconsin Dells, the “Waterpark Capital of the World” – 4 hours, 30 minutes
Chambanamoms.com readers recommend Wilderness (Groupon Deal here), Great Wolf Lodge (Groupon deal here) and Kalahari (Groupon deal here) resorts, all featuring indoor waterparks.
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.
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