Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy swimming and a beach-like atmosphere. Am I right? You can always head to one of our incredibly fun indoor waterparks in Illinois. Located in Gurnee, Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark is filled with exciting attractions, a waterpark, lodging, dining options, events, and more! So, if you’ve recently searched for an “indoor beach near me,” then head to the Great Wolf Lodge, one of the best winter attractions in Illinois.

If you're looking for some non-stop family-friendly fun in the great indoors this winter, then a visit to Great Wolf Lodge is a must! It's located just outside of Chicago in the village of Gurnee.
Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Water Park
Rafael Cuadrado/Google
You can certainly pretend it's summer here as you don a bathing suit and enjoy swimming and splashing in the pools, sliding down the waterslides, and relaxing by the water.
Rosen Zdravkov/Google
With its tube slides, wave pool, rafting, lazy river, kiddie pool, and more, there's something here for everyone to enjoy.
Willie Mitch/Google

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Pictured here is the water tree fort known as Fort Mackenzie. With numerous interactive splash elements and depths of only six inches to one foot, it's ideal for small children.
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Illinois/Google
Sit poolside and relax in one of the lounge chairs while the kids play in the water. You can even reserve a private cabana for your family.
Josh Lundmark/Google
With all that time you'll spend in the water, you'll certainly get hungry at some point. Luckily there are plenty of dining choices here at Great Wolf Lodge. Grab some grab-and-go sandwiches from Freshwoods Market, order pizza, salad, or pasta at Hungry As A Wolf, and some ice cream from Ben & Jerry's, among other options.
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Illinois/Google
Whether you get a day pass or book an overnight stay, kids and adults alike will have a blast here at Great Wolf Lodge!
Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Water Park
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Illinois/Google

Take this ride with YouTuber TUBERIDES down some of the incredible slides at Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark. It’s by far the best indoor winter attraction in Illinois. 

Ready to have an epic indoor winter adventure at one of the best waterparks in Illinois? To learn more and to book a day pass or overnight stay, visit the Great Wolf Lodge Illinois webpage.

Also, for more winter adventures, here are some of our top-rated attractions in Illinois that are perfect when the weather is cold outside.

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Winter Attractions In Illinois

Melanie J. | January 10, 2024

What are some indoor attractions in Illinois that are great during the winter?

We understand that some folks prefer to spend time indoors during the winter, so here are a few indoor attractions in Illinois that we recommend:

  • Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock, North Utica
  • Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
  • Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, Rockford
  • Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill, East Peoria
  • Funtopia, Naperville
  • Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park, Bolingbrook 
  • Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Chicago
  • Enchanted Castle Family Entertainment Center, Lombard
  • Primal Oceans Salt Cave (La Grange)

Be sure to read our previous article telling you more about these indoor attractions in Illinois that are great during the winter months. 

What are some of the best outdoor winter activities in Illinois?

If you do enjoy spending time in the great outdoors during the winter months, here are some of the best winter activities in Illinois that you’ll need to bundle up for:

  • Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon, Chicago,
  • Frozen Waterfalls: Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby
  • Cross-Country Skiing at Beverly Lake, Cook County
  • Snow Tubing Villa Olivia, Bartlett
  • White Pines Ranch, Oregon
  • Depot Pond: Batavia Riverwalk, Batavia
  • Snowstar Winter Park, Andalusia
  • Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, Beecher
  • Forest View Farms, Tinley Park
  • Morton Arboretum in Lisle.

Discover more by reading our article featuring some additional winter activities in Illinois.

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