Raging Waves Waterpark (Yorkville, IL) Review

ABOUT:

Raging Waves is Chicagoland’s newest and largest waterpark sitting on more than 40 acres of land.  It is located in suburban Yorkville, Illinois, on Highway 47, just 45 minutes west of the Chicago Loop.  It is actually Illinois Largest Waterpark!  (The last day of the 2010 season is September 6.)  The waterpark is also “green” as it uses trans-fat free cooking oil that is recycled into alternative fuel (through a biofuel company), the pools are solar heated, water is recycled to irritate landscaping, and recycling bins are all over.  The total water used during a season is the same amoutn as that used by 35 single-family homes in a year!

Here are some pics from Raging Waves (I didn’t take these):

MY THOUGHTS:

My boys are 2 and 3 years old and I have a 12-year-old sister who usually tags around places with us to help out.  So my challenge is always finding somewhere that all of us like and can have fun at, which is not so easy!  No I will say that the Raging Waves website does not do the waterpark justice, as the waterpark is Awesome!

It took us only about 40 minutes to arrive at Raging Waves in Yorkville, it is the Sugar Grove exit off Tollway 88.  It was strange too as we were driving through country roads and farms and all of the sudden there was a giant waterpark!  So we parked, for free, and walked in.  I would recommend getting there either as soon as they open or around 3 when crowds die down, although the waterpark is really big enough that it didn’t see crowded.  I was worried because there was a huge line of campers that arrived (one worked said about 400 kids) but the waterpark was still not crowded.

We mainly hung out at Koala Kove and Kangaroo Falls, which are kid areas.   There are smaller waterslides, shooting water, a giant bucket that tips, and so much more!  My boys absolutely loved these two areas and I couldn’t even tell you how many times they went down the waterslides!  Next we floated around Kookaburra Kreek, which is a giant lazy river that you just walk right into, no waiting!  I also loved that it really was a lazy river with no waterfalls or sprays of water to dodge if you just wanted to float around.  There are 10 waterslides that are for kids 48 inches and up so we didn’t use those, but my sister had a blast on them!  Her and her friend went on all of them!  I did get a chance to go on The Boomerang twice with them and it was amazing!  Up to four people sit on a tube and you go down this slide and around this giant bowl, I can’t even describe the feeling but I could definitely go on it over and over!  All of the tubes for the slides are provided and the wait times were about 15 minutes at most for the slides, but my sister said a few of them they walked right on!  (90% of the rides are multi-person – some up to 4 people – so families can go together!)

The area of the park that we probably spend a good chunk of time was The Great Barrier Reef.  I wasn’t sure at first because it is a giant wave pool and I was worried about the water being over my boys heads, but they loved it!  We stayed in the shallow area and they would jump when the waves would come. When the waves stopped for a few minute, my boys would just splash around.  Then I got courageous and took my 3 year old to the deeper end and when the waves came I would jump holding him, and his face was priceless.  He absolutely loved it!  Now the best part of the park for parents of non-swimmers is the free lifejackets all over, which I think is great that they offer.  (We brought our own lifejackets though as I didn’t know.)  You can also rent tubes and sandtoys for a small fee, as well as private cabanas for your family to relax in.  We had no problem though finding a spot to sit down and place all our items.  You can also rent lockers if you’d like.

As far as food goes, there are tons of choices at Raging Waves.  There are two bigger food cafes to choose from with hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches, pizza, salads and more.  I found the food prices to be very reasonable and for all of us to eat it was about $37.  There are also spots all over selling frozen treat, ice cream and other drinks.  You are allowed to bring in bottled water, but that is it.  I suppose you could go out and eat in the parking lot but the prices really weren’t too bad inside.

Overall, we had a blast at Raging Waves!  I would say it is perfect for families with kids of all ages as there is something for everyone.  We were there for six hours, got the chance to do what we wanted and are now hooked!  I actually am already asking my husband when are we going to go back!  For comparison purposes, we have Six Flags Great America Season Passes and have been going to their Hurricane Harbor waterpark, and I much prefer Raging Waves.  The Raging Waves waterpark is clean, spacious and affordable.  I will say that there tickets prices are a little more than I’d like ($27.99 if you are more than 48 inches tall, $18.99 for less than 48 inches tall, and children 2 and under are free.  Oh and seniors pay $18.99.)  You can also purchase a Season Pass if you want.  Now there are discounts if you come after 3 pm and if you sign up for their email newsletter you will receive event details, discounts, and other special programs offers.   I will say though that even at full price, you will definitely get your money’s worth in fun and memories!  There are also licensed lifeguards all over to make sure everyone stays safe!

VISIT: Check out the Raging Waves website to Plan Your Visit!

Mama’s Money Savers Disclosure:  My family and I received complimentary tickets for this review.  Please see my Disclosure Policy.