Enjoy a family-friendly experience at one of three aquatic centers, all nestled in beautiful forest preserve settings. Each location provides a safe and enjoyable experience, offering ample space and a variety of amenities.
Amenities include changing rooms with showers, free deck chairs and a full-service concession stand featuring hot food, cold drinks and frozen treats. For added convenience and comfort, cabanas, umbrella chairs and sun shells are also available for daily rental.
On this page:
- Hours
- Locations
- Single Day Admission
- Season Passes
- Swim Lessons
- Pool Parties
- Pool Rules
- Can I Swim in Lakes & Ponds?
2024 Season
This summer season promises to be even more exciting than ever! Dive into thrilling rides, refreshing water attractions and fun activities. Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable aquatic experience. Opening dates are Saturday, May 25, for Cermak Family Aquatic Center and Saturday, June 1, for Green Lake Family Aquatic Center and Whealan Pool Aquatic Center.
Hours
Operating hours for all three aquatic centers are provided below. By planning your visit around these schedules, you can optimize your aquatic adventure and ensure a fun-filled day for the whole family.
| Date Range | Hours |
|---|---|
| Memorial Day Weekend (May 25 to May 27) | Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (Closed May 28 to May 31) |
| Pre-Season (June 1 to June 8) | Saturdays and Sundays: 10 am to 6 pm; Monday to Friday: 4 pm to 7 pm |
| Summer Fun Season (June 9 to August 10) | Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: 10 am to 6 pm; Monday to Thursday: 10:30 am to 5:30 pm |
| Post-Season Weekends Only (August 11 to August 30) | Saturdays and Sundays: 10 am to 6 pm (Closed Monday to Friday) |
| Labor Day Weekend (August 31 to September 2) | Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm |
Locations
Cermak Family Aquatic Center
Cermak Family Aquatic Center in Lyons offers a fun and relaxing aquatic escape. Featuring kid-friendly zero-depth entry, a lazy river, a water playground and refreshing spray features, visitors can swim, play and unwind surrounded by nature in a family-friendly environment.
Green Lake Family Aquatic Center
Green Lake Family Aquatic Center invites families to enjoy its kid-friendly features. Nestled within the Sand Ridge Campus of the Calumet Region, it boasts a zero-depth entry pool, a multi-person tube slide, a lazy river and a water playground complete with a dump bucket and spraying water features. Lounge areas surround the aquatic center, while a vast 585-acre nature-based education and recreation area awaits just beyond. Here, visitors can explore the region’s natural and cultural history through activities like swimming, hiking, biking, fishing and camping.
Whealan Pool Aquatic Center
Whealan Pool Aquatic Center, part of Caldwell Woods in Chicago’s historic Edgebrook neighborhood, is a go-to destination for aquatic activities. It caters to swimmers of all ages and abilities with a lap pool, zero-depth leisure pool, water playground, kiddie pool, water climbing wall and water slides. Whether you crave laps, a water aerobics class or just poolside relaxation, Whealan Pool Aquatic Center has you covered.
Single Day Admission
Tickets are available for purchase at the gate on the day of your visit. Please note that all sales are final, including for inclement weather.
| Age | Price |
|---|---|
| 3 years old and under | FREE |
| 4 to 12 years old | $7 |
| 13 to 64 years old | $9 |
| 65 years and older (senior) | $7 |
| Groups of 10 or More | Price |
|---|---|
| At the gate | $9 |
| Advance purchase online | $7 |
Season Passes
Season passes can be purchased online or in person at aquatic centers (starting June 1) after 2 pm. Season pass holders enjoy the following benefits all season long for one low price:
- 2 one-day guest passes
- 1 free weekday cabana rental in June (while supplies last, must book in advance, $80 value)
- Free refillable souvenir cup for the season ($12.99 value) for each pass holder (valid at all locations listed on ChicagoWaterParks.org)
- Passholder appreciation night events
- Food and beverage discounts and special member-only treats throughout the season
- 10% discount on admission to any other regional location listed on ChicagoWaterParks.org
| Pass | Price |
|---|---|
| Individual Pass | $61 |
| Family Pass (up to 4 members) | $167 |
| Family Pass (up to 5 members) | $211 |
| Family Pass (6 or more members) | $257 |
Swim Lessons
Registration opens April 15. Contact info@celtsswimschool.com or call 708-794-6411 (extension 2) for swim lesson information.
Swim lessons not currently offered at Cermak or Green Lake Family Aquatic Centers.
Pool Parties
Host your pool party at one of three aquatic centers!
- Pool Party packages are available daily for 2 hours from 12 pm to 2 pm, 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm.
- Pool Party packages cost $250 and include admission for 12 guests, reserved space for guests with a 12’ x 12’ tent and 2 picnic tables. Additional guests are $7, up to a maximum of 30 guests.
- To reserve your date, you can book online or visit one of the three aquatic centers during normal operating hours to complete your reservation.
- You are welcome to bring your own cake or cupcakes. All other food and refreshments must be arranged through the Pool Fuel Café concession stand. Visit catering.poolfuelcafe.com for more information and to place catering orders.
For reservation inquiries, email fpdcpoolparties@celtspoolmanagement.com
Pool Rules
- Obey the lifeguards and follow pool rules. They are there for your safety.
- Parents or guardians must supervise children under 14 at all times; children under age 8 should be kept within arm’s reach.
- No smoking is allowed in the pool area.
- Please walk on the pool deck; no running.
- Feet-first entry is required from the pool deck at all times.
- Only clean footwear and wheelchairs are allowed in the pool area; strollers are not allowed.
- All persons are required to shower before entering the pool area.
- Clean and proper swimwear is required.
- Only service animals are permitted at the facility; all other pets are not allowed.
- Food and drinks are permitted in the concession seating area only; no outside food or drink (except water) is allowed anywhere in the facility. Glass containers are prohibited.
- Only Coast Guard-approved flotation devices/toys are allowed. This will be indicated on the device.
- All children who are not toilet trained must wear swim diapers and tight-fitting rubber or plastic pants. Swim diapers are available at the concession stand.
- Please do not change diapers on the pool deck. Changing tables are available in locker rooms.
- Persons with open wounds, excessive sunburn, abrasions that have not healed or bandages of any kind cannot be allowed in the water.
- Management may close the pool if the air temperature drops below 70 degrees or if a situation arises that would jeopardize the public health or safety of guests; the Forest Preserves cannot issue refunds in such circumstances.
- State law requires that when lightning and/or thunder occur, the pool deck and all outside areas must be cleared for 30 minutes; the Forest Preserves cannot issue refunds in the event of inclement weather.
- Swim lessons, personal training and coaching are allowed by authorized management providers only.
- Leaders of organized groups assume responsibility for the actions and behavior of their group while at the facility.
- The Forest Preserves and aquatic center are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- This is a zero-tolerance facility; guests who fail to comply with rules will be asked to leave with no refund or rain check.
Can I Swim in Lakes & Ponds?
No. Because of public health and safety concerns, entering or swimming in any waterbody in the Forest Preserves is prohibited. You are welcome to explore designated waterbodies in an approved boat.
Anyone caught entering or swimming in a waterbody in the Forest Preserves is subject to a fine of $75 to $500 per offense.