Swimming

a child playing at Whealan Pool Aquatic Center in Chicago

Swim, play or relax at one of three aquatic centers located in beautiful forest preserve settings.

On this page:


Aquatic Centers Open in 2022

We are excited to welcome you back for the 2022 season! Cermak Family Aquatic Center and Green Lake Family Aquatic Center will open for the season at 12 pm on Saturday, May 28, 2022. Whealan Pool Aquatic Center opens at 4 pm on Wednesday, June 8, 2022.

Hours vary throughout the season and aquatic centers may close temporarily due to weather—always call ahead or check your aquatic center’s Facebook page for the latest information.

All aquatic centers will follow the current CDC, Illinois Department of Public Health, and Cook County Public Health COVID-19 guidelines throughout the season.


Locations & Hours

pool area at Cermak Family Aquatic Center

Cermak Family Aquatic Center

Located in Lyons, Cermak Family Aquatic Center offers zero-depth entry, a lazy river, small children’s slides, play features, a water playground, lounge areas, and a concession stand.


2022 Hours

Hours vary throughout the season and aquatic centers may close temporarily due to weather—always call (708-447-0715) ahead or check the Facebook page for the latest information.

May 28 – June 11:

  • Saturday – Sunday: 12 pm to 7 pm
  • Monday – Friday: 4 pm to 8 pm
  • Memorial Day (May 30): 12 pm to 7 pm

June 12 – August 13:

  • Every day: 12 pm to 7 pm

August 14 – September 5:

  • Saturday – Sunday: 12 pm to 7 pm
  • Monday – Friday: 4 pm to 7 pm
  • Labor Day (September 5): 12 pm to 7pm

pool area at Green Lake Family Aquatic Center

Green Lake Family Aquatic Center

Located in Calumet City, Green Lake Family Aquatic Center offers zero-depth entry, a tube slide, a lazy river, a small children’s slide, play features, a water playground, lounge areas, and a concession stand.

Green Lake Family Aquatic Center
1100 River Oaks Drive
708-862-1927

2022 Hours

Hours vary throughout the season and aquatic centers may close temporarily due to weather—always call (708-862-1927) ahead or check the Facebook page for the latest information.

May 28 – June 11:

  • Saturday – Sunday: 12 pm to 7 pm
  • Monday – Friday: 4 pm to 8 pm
  • Memorial Day (May 30): 12 pm to 7 pm

June 12 – August 13:

  • Every day: 12 pm to 7 pm

August 14 – September 5:

  • Saturday – Sunday: 12 pm to 7 pm
  • Monday – Friday: 4 pm to 7 pm
  • Labor Day (September 5): 12 pm to 7pm

pool area at Whealan Pool Aquatic Center

Whealan Pool Aquatic Center

Located in Chicago, Whealan Pool offers zero-depth entry, large body slides, small children’s slides, play features, a multi-lane lap area, a water playground, lounge areas, and a concession stand.

Whealan Pool Aquatic Center
6200 W Devon Ave
773-775-1666

2022 Hours

Hours vary throughout the season and aquatic centers may close temporarily due to weather—always call (773-775-1666) ahead or check the Facebook page for the latest information.

June 8 – June 11:

  • Wednesday – Friday: 4 pm to 8 pm

June 12 – August 13:

  • Every day: 12 pm to 7 pm

August 14 – September 5:

  • Saturday – Sunday: 12 pm to 7 pm
  • Monday – Friday: 4 pm to 7 pm
  • Labor Day (September 5): 12 pm to 7pm

Single Day Admission

Single day admission must be purchased in person. Refunds are not available for any reason, including inclement weather.

Single Day Rates
AgePrice
3 years old & underFREE
4 to 12 years old$5
13 years & older$7

Season Passes

Season passes may be purchased online or in person. Refunds are not available for any reason, including inclement weather.

Season Pass Rates
PassPrice
Individual Pass$43
Family Pass (up to 4 members)$160
Family Pass (up to 5 members)$191
Family Pass (6 or more members)$223

Swim Lessons

Lessons at Whealan Pool Aquatic Center are 30 minutes long. There are weekday morning and evening sessions that meet two times per week, as well as Saturday morning lessons. There are a limited number of slots for each session and registration closes two days before the session start date. 

Registration opens May 1, 2022. For more information regarding swim lessons please contact info@celtsswimschool.com or call 708-794-6411, extension 2.

We are not offering swim lessons at Cermak Family Aquatic Center or Green Lake Family Aquatic Center at this time.


Pool Parties

Host your pool party at one of our aquatic centers!  

  • Pool Party packages are available daily from 12 pm to 3 pm or from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
  • Pool Party packages cost $250 and include admission for 20 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, a $50 non-refundable deposit is due at time of booking. The deposit is applied towards the balance. Reservation deposits will be taken in person at the pools starting May 23.
  • 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. 

For reservation inquiries, email fpdcpoolparties@celtspoolmanagement.com 


Pool Rules

  • Obey the lifeguards and follow pool rules. They are there for your safety.
  • All persons are required to shower before entering the pool area.
  • Food and drink is only permitted in the concession seating area; no outside food or drink (except water) is allowed anywhere in the facility.
  • Clean and proper swimwear is required.
  • Parents or guardians should supervise their children at all times; children under age 8 should be kept within arm’s reach.
  • Please walk on the pool deck; no running.
  • Only clean footwear and wheelchairs are allowed in the pool area; strollers are not allowed.
  • Persons with open wounds, excessive sunburn, abrasions that have not healed, or bandages of any kind cannot be allowed in the water.
  • Only Coast Guard approved flotation devices/toys are allowed. This will be indicated on the device.
  • No smoking allowed in the pool area.
  • The Forest Preserves of Cook County cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • 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.
  • All children who are not toilet-trained must wear swim diapers and tight fitting rubber or plastic pants
  • Please do not change diapers on the pool deck. Changing tables are available in the locker rooms.

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.