When the cold winds blow and the surface land turns into a tundra, all I want to do is go somewhere warm. A dip in a pool makes us feel like we’re in a tropical locale for my family. Even though we have to brave the Illinois weather when we head back to the car, a few hours of respite is good for my soul (and my kids’ restless energy). Here’s a list of indoor pools and waterparks where you can go to get your slice of summer at one of Lake County’s nearby indoor pools and water parks.
Hours can change at any time so please be sure to call ahead or check the website before heading out. Some facilities require you either be a member or live in the district.
Buffalo Grove High School Natatorium
1100 West Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove
Operated by the Buffalo Grove Park District | (847) 459-2310
Everyone entering the pool must register online; no drop-ins are allowed. See the website for current hours and fees.
Sachs Recreation Center Pool
455 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield | (847) 572-2600
Daily Fee for lap swim is: $6 Resident / $7 Non-resident
Currently, only open for lap swim with pre-registration.
Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Lifeguards are on duty. Additional hours may be added during holidays, call for more information.
FitNation Pool
1655 Nations Drive, Gurnee | (847) 623-4525
Check the schedule for days and times of open swim. Currently only offering lap swim.
Open swim sessions are scheduled almost every day of the week, at times all throughout the day, including on Columbus Day. You may either pay a single-use fee, purchase a 10-pack guest pass or a season pass.
Recreation Center of Highland Park
1207 Park Avenue West, Highland Park | (847) 579-4564
The indoor pool offers various drop-in times for open swim, family swim, learn to swim, and more. Plus, there is always at least one lane open for lap swimming. At this time, day passes are no longer available for fitness floor access, group fitness classes, or lap swim. Non-members may purchase a 30-Day Pass for $70/residents and $90/non-residents. The schedule is posted weekly and members must pre-register for a time.
Lake Forest Community High School
300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest | (847) 234-7261
Family swim sessions are currently not available. You can sign-up on their website to be notified when they open again.
Foglia YMCA
1025 N. Old McHenry Rd., Lake Zurich | (847) 438-5300
Membership is required to use the pool, however, you may get a free day guest pass (limit three per person, per year). Foglia YMCA has open swim hours daily. See the schedule for exact days and times. Children age 11 and younger MUST be accompanied by an adult 16 years of age or older IN the pool, within an arm’s length away at all times, unless they have passed the swim test. At this time they are only offering lap swim, with a reservation.
Libertyville High School
708 W. Park Ave., Libertyville | (847) 327-7000
Currently there is no open swim available. Normally the pool is open on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. There is no public swim during the holidays. Children younger than ten must be accompanied by an adult.
Mundelein Community Center Pool
1401 N. Midlothian Rd., Mundelein |(847) 388-5437
Swim year-round at the indoor pool, (located at the Mundelein Community Center.) Enjoy the 4-lane, 25-yard, competition-style swimming pool, a whirlpool, and sauna. Relax and enjoy the pool for lap swimming, aquatic-based fitness classes, competitive training, rehab, family swim, and more. There are reservation time slots available every hour. Reservation times will provide 50 minutes to swim and 10 minutes to rinse and change.
Lakeview Fitness Center
700 Lakeview Pkwy, Vernon Hills | (847) 996-6330
Lakeview Fitness Pool currently open by reservation only.
Open swim fees for adults are $10 (resident) and $12 (non-resident); admission for children is $5 (resident) and $7 (non-resident). Open swim is FREE to members of the Lakeview Fitness Center. The pool features four 25-yard lap lanes, a thrilling water slide, and an enjoyable children’s play structure.
Vernon Hills High School
145 Lakeview Pkwy, Vernon Hills | (847) 932-2000
Currently not open to the public. Community Swim is normally Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person. Enjoy four lanes for lap swimming, a family play area, and diving boards.
Waukegan Field House & Athletic Center
800 Baldwin Avenue. Waukegan,
Currently, only offering lap swim with a reservation. Open Swim Hours Daily. Enjoy a kids pool, open swim, and family open swim times. Please check the website for exact hours.
Arctic Splash Indoor Pool
Community Recreation Center (CRC), 333 W. Dundee Rd., Wheeling |
(847) 465-3333
The Indoor Pool is open for Lap Swim by reservation only,
The Arctic Splash offers various days and times for you and your family to enjoy this indoor water playland. Children under the age of 10 years must be accompanied by a swimming adult age 17 or older. Children under the age of 5 years must remain within arms reach of a swimming adult at all times.
Illinois Beach Resort & Conference Center
1 Lake Front Drive, Zion | (847) 625-7300, ext. 638
The facility is currently closed for renovation.
Day Pass includes access to a large swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, locker room, and other fitness amenities.
Indoor Pools Near Lake County
While not in Lake County these parks are just a short trip and if you’re looking for some wet fun they are worth the trip.
Splash Landings
2400 Chestnut Ave., Glenview | (847) 486-5372
Splash Landings is open for lap swimming, warm water therapy, and public swim at limited capacities. They are offering families the opportunity to make a private, one-hour reservation to swim in the activity pool to get out of the house, play together and have some family fun! Time blocks will be limited to a max of 1 person and you can bring your family members who reside in your home. Hours and rates change monthly and are available on their website.
Where do you love to swim in the winter? If you visit be sure to tell them Little Lake County sent you!
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