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.
Indoor Waterparks within 2 hours of Champaign-Urbana
Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Falls Waterpark, Utica, IL – 1 hour 45 min *Waterpark temporarily closed due to fire damage* 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. Editor’s note: Deals for the Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee are currently available at Groupon. This is an affiliate link.
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.
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.
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.
Visit Wisconsin Dells, the “Waterpark Capital of the World” – 4 hours, 30 minutes
Chambanamoms.com readers recommend Mt. Olympus, Wilderness, Great Wolf and Kalahari 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.