When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Shabbona Park Pool (Indoor)

Why Shabbona Park Pool (Indoor) is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Shabbona Park Pool (Indoor) is a vibrant community facility located at 6935 W Addison St in the Dunning neighborhood of Chicago. This indoor pool is part of Shabbona Park, which spans nearly 19 acres and offers a wide variety of recreational and fitness opportunities. The pool itself is a 25-yard, 6-lane swimming facility with depths ranging from 3 to 10 feet, making it suitable for swimmers of multiple skill levels. Visitors can enjoy a safe and supervised swimming environment with lifeguards on duty. Beyond swimming, the park's fieldhouse features a well-equipped fitness center, gymnasium, and gymnastics center, providing a comprehensive space for fitness, sports, and community events. Outdoor amenities include baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a walking trail that extends nearly a mile. The park hosts diverse programs catering to all ages, such as youth day camps during summer, preschool socialization classes, and specialized offerings for people with disabilities, including Special Olympics training. With its wide range of activities, special events like holiday parties, and family-friendly atmosphere, Shabbona Park Pool is an excellent place to meet friends, stay active, and enjoy quality recreational time year-round.
Here's what people think of Shabbona Park Pool (Indoor)
As of recent, Shabbona Park Pool (Indoor) holds a 4.4-star rating based on 111 reviews.
User reviews of Shabbona Park Pool (Indoor) highlight its positive features and areas for improvement. Many reviewers appreciate the cleanliness and accessibility of the pool, valuing the well-maintained facility and the presence of attentive lifeguards that ensure a safe swimming experience. The family-friendly environment and variety of programs are often praised, making it a preferred spot for community gatherings and fitness activities. Positive feedback frequently mentions the convenient location, affordable admission, and the diverse recreational options available within the park’s fieldhouse and outdoor spaces. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to occasional overcrowding during peak hours, which can impact the overall experience. A few users have expressed a desire for updated locker room facilities and more flexible scheduling, especially on weekends. Despite these concerns, the consensus among users is that the benefits of the pool and surrounding amenities outweigh these drawbacks. Overall, the reviews present Shabbona Park Pool as a well-loved local resource that effectively balances recreation, fitness, and community engagement, making it a valuable asset to Chicago residents and visitors alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kuba Smial
I’ve came here for several years but recently the management has really declined here. It’s still a nice clean pool don’t get me wrong. But the staff here have become real dumb and misinforming. I recently came in to an Open swim day on Tuesday at 10:15-11:15 where the pool is open to everyone. On the website it says some sort of event for girls swimming 9am-3pm so my guess is that it wouldn’t be during open swim. I walk in and signs say the pool is closed. I walk in and ask the lifeguards and supervisor and they tell me that I can’t even have a lane to calmly practice in. Nothing like this event was stated on the schedule and I couldn’t even use a lane that wasn’t being used. This place has gone to trash.
Mark Villarreal
One of the Best pools in Chicago!!! Great staff and facility Safe Clean Fun
Ashley Thomas
Great swim program for toddlers and children. The instructors work well with kids and help teach and practice swim skills. The toddler swim class has multiple instructors, which is helpful for safety. During class, there are 3 or 4 instructors in the pool and also a life guard observing and helping from the pool deck. Pool and locker area are clean and well maintained. Parents can watch class from the bleachers. Shower water is often cold, but besides that everything is functional.
agg miranda
I went to get information about swimming clases for children. At the same time I asked permission to see the swimming pool area. It was an awful experience. Locker rooms bathroom extremely dirty, the floors walls , . The smell was very was awful. I would not trust this place, children can get very sick . Too dirty.
DOWPete
4.1 stars. Pool and locker room review only. A bit of a clunky path to walk to pool... up entry stairs to lobby, down to basement, and then over to locker rooms finally up to pool level...Slippery areas in and near Mens shower room at hump, be careful. There is a nice Schindler elevator if needed however there are still a few steps and ramps required to access pool area. Pool was clean, well maintained and nicely heated. The spacious walk-in stairway was convenient. I must note that despite winter temps, I never felt chilly in the facility. Nice managing crew and class instructors. Senior water aerobics were great! NOTE: Recent thefts from lockers have forced swimmers to bring their possessions into pool area, bleachers or in plain view during activities. Don't bring valuables to Shabbona...travel light.
How to reach Shabbona Park Pool (Indoor)
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Why Shabbona Park Pool (Indoor) may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Shabbona Park Pool with your friends? Because it offers a fantastic combination of indoor aquatic fun and versatile recreational amenities in a welcoming environment tailored for groups of all sizes. Located in Chicago’s Dunning community, Shabbona Park Pool stands out as an ideal destination for friends and family looking to spend quality time together, away from the unpredictability of outdoor weather. The indoor pool is spacious and well-maintained, featuring six lanes and depths varying from 3 to 10 feet, suitable for swimmers of different skill levels. Whether your group enjoys swimming laps, water games, or just relaxing in the water, the pool caters to diverse aquatic interests. Beyond the water, the accompanying fieldhouse and park spaces support a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, enabling groups to mix and match their preferences in one convenient location. Its inclusive facilities, such as ADA lifts and accessibility features, ensure that everyone can participate comfortably. Additionally, the park’s reasonably high rating of 4.4 out of 5 from over a hundred reviews signals consistent satisfaction among visitors, making it a reliable place to host your next group meetup.
What activities can you enjoy at Shabbona Park Pool? The centerpiece is, of course, the indoor swimming pool that accommodates recreational swims, lap swimming, and aquatic fitness programs. The pool’s dimensions (25 yards, six lanes) make it perfect for group swim races, water aerobics, or just splashing around with friends. Beyond swimming, the park fieldhouse features a gymnasium and a fitness center where groups can engage in basketball and volleyball, or organize friendly competitions like dodgeball and floor hockey. For younger visitors or those who prefer gymnastics, the gymnastics center provides instruction and open gym time. Children and adults alike will find programmed classes such as Twinkle Star Gymnastics or aquatics lessons enriching and enjoyable. Additionally, there are woodcraft and club rooms that can be rented for private events or to hold group activities, meetings, or celebrations, expanding the possibilities for social gatherings.
Why is Shabbona Park Pool perfect for a group meetup? Its broad range of amenities and activities make it uniquely suited for both active and relaxed gatherings. The comfortable change rooms, lockers, drinking water stations, and wifi access keep attendees refreshed and connected. Security cameras and dedicated parking enhance safety and convenience for visitors arriving together. The availability of a clubroom and rentable spaces allows groups to reserve private areas for meals, parties, or holiday-themed events such as Build Your Own Chocolate Holiday House or the outdoor Movie in the Park gatherings Shabbona Park hosts seasonally. The diverse pool schedule can accommodate swim meets or block booking for swim parties, making it easy to tailor an event to your group’s needs. For families with children or mixed-age groups, the adjacent playground and splash pad offer additional entertainment options. The entire park’s layout promotes socialization and interaction, while its staff-supported special recreation programs ensure inclusivity, hosting people with disabilities and enabling everyone to join the fun with ease.
What can you expect from the facilities and environment at Shabbona Park Pool? The pool environment is maintained to high standards, with ADA-compliant lifts and stairs ensuring accessibility for all guests, including those with limited mobility. The pool depth ranging from 3 to 10 feet caters to beginners, intermediate swimmers, and those confident in deeper water, allowing for safe engagement at every level. The fieldhouse structure hosts multiple fitness and game options, including basketball and volleyball courts, gym equipment, and areas dedicated to gymnastics and other group sports like badminton and floor hockey. The presence of a fitness center allows health-conscious groups to work out before or after their swim sessions, fostering wellness in a communal setting. Outside, though the outdoor pool closes in summer, the park surrounding the facility offers walking trails, playgrounds, and sports fields, perfectly complementing the indoor amenities for a day-long outing. All these features collectively create a vibrant atmosphere conducive to group interaction, fun, and healthy exercise.
How inclusive and family-friendly is Shabbona Park Pool? Inclusivity is central to Shabbona Park’s mission, reflected in its comprehensive special recreation programs designed for people with disabilities. It is well-known in the community for supporting children’s Special Olympics training and offers tailored classes and events that accommodate a wide range of abilities and ages. For families, the park runs various socialization and skill-building programs for toddlers and preschoolers, such as Fun & Games and Moms Pops & Tots Interaction, drawing in younger children in safe, developmental play. The splash pad nearby is designed with accessible paving and multiple jets and spray misters suitable for children at different developmental stages. This commitment to accessibility makes Shabbona Park Pool a destination where no one feels excluded, and families can comfortably bring all members knowing there’s something for everyone.
What are some special events and seasonal offerings that enhance the meetup experience at Shabbona Park Pool? The park’s calendar includes exciting seasonal events every year, which provide thematic fun perfect for group meetups. Highlights include festive Halloween parties, winter holiday activities like building personalized chocolate houses, and summer outdoor movie nights that invite families and friends alike to gather under the stars. These events leverage the park’s indoor and outdoor spaces to create memorable group experiences. In summer, youth-focused six-week day camps engage children in healthy activities and social opportunities. These programmed events add an extra layer of attraction for groups, offering ready-made entertainment options that cater to all ages. By hosting meetups during these events, groups can partake in a broader community atmosphere, enjoying shared festivities alongside their private social interactions.
How does Shabbona Park Pool fit into the greater Dunning community and beyond? Serving a broad geographic area within Chicago, Shabbona Park is a vital recreational hub in Dunning, embedded within 18.83 acres of versatile green and activity space. It helps foster community cohesion by providing multi-use facilities that support fitness, play, sports, and social connection. The park’s strategic location on Addison Street and near Oak Park Avenue makes it accessible by car or public transportation, easing group logistics. Its well-rounded offerings attract a wide demographic, from fitness enthusiasts and families to seniors and individuals with special needs. The park also promotes environmental engagement with nearly one-mile walking trails suitable for cross-country skiing in winter, complementing physical activity with nature connection. This integration into community life enhances the value of meetups here, making Shabbona Park Pool not just a recreational site but a neighborhood cornerstone.
In summary, Shabbona Park Pool presents an outstanding venue for group meetups due to its comprehensive aquatic facilities, diverse sports and fitness options, accessible and family-friendly environment, and vibrant community programming. Its 4.4-star rating reflects strong visitor satisfaction, and the park’s versatile spaces allow for customized gatherings ranging from casual swim outings to special events and celebrations. For anyone seeking a well-rounded, all-weather, and inclusive facility to rally friends or family, Shabbona Park Pool delivers a memorable and enjoyable experience every time.