Best Water Parks with Wave Pool in Gurnee, Illinois
1
Six Flags Great America
Address: 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031
Located at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, this expansive water park offers a refreshing escape with both thrilling water slides and relaxing pool areas. Visitors can enjoy a mix of heart-pumping attractions, including multi-story water slides and rushing rapids, alongside more laid-back options like the lazy river and wave pool. The park features clean facilities, plenty of lounge chairs for sunbathing, and multiple dining spots scattered throughout the grounds, making it easy to spend an entire day splashing around in aquatic fun.
What People Are Saying
Outdoor: The reviews consistently describe this water park as being outdoors.

Lazy River: Many reviews mention a lazy river, but several indicate it was closed during their visits. Some visitors enjoyed it when it was open.

Wave Pool: The wave pool is frequently mentioned, with many positive comments about its enjoyment. However, some mention issues with seating around it.

Splash Pad: Reviews mention a splash pad or kiddie area, with positive feedback on the areas being suitable for young children.
Adults: There is mention of alcohol sales and seating reservations near the wave pool for an extra cost. There's no mention of adult-only areas.

Season Pass: Season passes are offered, but opinions on their value are mixed. Some find them worthwhile if used frequently, while others express disappointment with the changes and limited perks.
Food & Drinks: Food and drink options are available but consistently criticized as overpriced and of poor quality, with long lines and limited choices frequently noted.

Lifeguards: Many reviewers praise the lifeguards for their attentiveness and responsiveness, citing safety as a positive aspect. However, some negative experiences with specific lifeguards are also noted.
Parking: Parking is available but is described as expensive by many, with some additional issues noted, such as difficulty exiting the lot.
Not Noted
Party: There is no specific mention of birthday parties or other party hosting services in the reviews.

Diving Boards: There is no mention of diving boards in the provided reviews.

Clean: Cleanliness is a mixed bag in the reviews. While some praise the park's cleanliness, others describe it as dirty, with trash and poorly maintained restrooms.
Prices: The reviews overwhelmingly describe prices as "exorbitant," "insane," "overpriced," and "ridiculous." Many comment on the high cost of food, drinks, parking, and even seating.
2
Hurricane Harbor Chicago
Address: 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031
Located in Gurnee, Illinois, Hurricane Harbor Chicago is a sprawling water park offering both thrilling attractions and relaxing spots for guests seeking aquatic fun. The park features a diverse mix of water slides ranging from mild to wild, along with a refreshing wave pool and a meandering lazy river for those wanting to take it easy. Families particularly enjoy the interactive splash areas and kid-friendly zones, while thrill-seekers can get their adrenaline fix on the park's collection of high-speed water slides and drop rides.
What People Are Saying
Outdoor: The reviews consistently describe the park as being outdoors.

Lazy River: Many reviews mention a lazy river, some positively and some negatively, indicating its presence. Several reviewers cite issues like long wait times, insufficient tubes, and even closure due to staffing shortages.

Wave Pool: The wave pool is mentioned by multiple reviewers. While some enjoyed it, others noted issues such as overcrowding and random closures.

Splash Pad: Several reviews mention a splash pad or kiddie area, with some families rating it positively while others experienced issues such as overcrowding and a lifeguard reprimanding a young child.

Season Pass: Season passes are offered, but many reviews from pass holders express disappointment with the value due to frequent closures and limited ride availability. Some even felt misled due to inaccurate ride availability information.
Parking: Parking is available, but many reviews express significant dissatisfaction with the high cost.
Not Noted
Adults: There is no mention of adult amenities such as alcohol, hot tubs, or adult-only areas in the reviews provided.
Party: The reviews do not mention whether the water park hosts parties.

Diving Boards: Reviews do not mention the presence of diving boards.
Food & Drinks: Food and beverage options are available, but the reviews are overwhelmingly negative, citing high prices and poor quality. Many reviewers describe the food as overpriced, stale, or lacking flavor, while some mention limited choices.

Lifeguards: Reviews regarding lifeguard service are mixed. While some praise the lifeguards' attentiveness, others criticize their rudeness, lack of assistance, and inconsistent enforcement of rules leading to safety concerns.

Clean: Reviews on cleanliness are highly inconsistent. While some praise the park's cleanliness, many others describe it as dirty, noting issues such as hair in the pools, unpleasant smells (sewage, urine), and generally poor maintenance.
Prices: Reviewers overwhelmingly express dissatisfaction with the pricing, citing exorbitant costs for tickets, food, parking, and rentals. Many feel the value is poor given the frequency of ride closures and long wait times.