Mystic Waters - Water Park Fun in the Chicago Suburbs

At ages 11 and (almost) 9, my daughters are too old to enjoy the Chicago area spray parks to cool off in the summer.   Their sense of adventure is growing, too, and they sometimes get bored at the regular public swimming pools.  I know what you're thinking:  "How can they get bored at a swimming pool?  What kind of spoiled kids are these?"  Well, I think the problem there is we have a generous neighbor with an in-ground pool who often lets us use it when he's out during the day.  The girls can bring floaties and water toys (generally not allowed at public pools) to liven up the experience, so miss that option at the public pools.

This year we've headed a few times already to Mystic Waters, which is part of the Des Plaines Park District and quite close to our home.  The girls have a great time enjoying most of the features of the park, and the lines for the slides have been surprisingly short during our visits.

The drop slides and diving area, with two options each to choose from have become a favorite of my girls and their buddies.  The water here is 12 feet deep, so it's not the place for non-swimmers.

The lazy river, which winds its way around a small island and through a waterfall or two is a nice way to relax and cool off while the gentle current floats your tube along.  Parents can double up with the younger ones.

The main swimming area has a nice zero-depth entry with water features and slides for the little ones.  The deeper swimming area can get pretty crowded, which is the one thing I wish I could change about the park.  It's no different than the swimming areas at most other public pools or water parks, though.

For younger kids, there is a great spray pad, with a rubber floor to prevent skinned knees if the toddlers take a tumble.  The area is restricted to younger kids, too, so you don't have to worry about older kids trampling the little darlings.  There's also a great sand play area, complete with shade and a shower.

As a mom, I love the fact that there is plenty of shade for everyone.  Along the west side of the park, there is a grassy area with plenty of trees and shade.  There are several shade canopies set up on the pool deck, too, but you have to be an early bird to nab one of the coveted lounges under those canopies.

Another family-friendly aspect of Mystic Waters is that you are allowed to bring in your own food and drink, coolers and all, as long as there is no glass and you park your cooler in the designated picnic area.  The picnic area has a large grassy part with a couple of shade canopies, and another shaded area with tables near the concession stand.  I was also very pleasantly surprised to see that the concession prices are extremely reasonable, and not your typical "Let's gouge the consumer because we have them over a barrel here" approach.

I recommend arriving early, because if the temperature is over 80 degrees, the park gets to capacity quickly. You then have to stand outside and wait in line to get in.  On certain days, camps attend, which adds to the congestion until they leave.  During one of our visits, 200 campers left at around noon, but it took a good 30 - 45 minutes for them to get organized and out the gates, while many people waited in line to get enter the at-capacity park.

If you're looking for other family friendly activities in Chicago, check out kidwinks.com.  You can find a list of Chicago area water parks, or use their Chicago Summer Fun Guide for Kids for tons of summer fun ideas.