When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Whealan Family Aquatic Center
Why Whealan Family Aquatic Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Whealan Family Aquatic Center, located in Chicago's historic Edgebrook neighborhood, is a vibrant and welcoming destination perfect for meeting up with friends and family during the summer. This aquatic center boasts an extensive range of water activities and amenities designed to cater to all ages and skill levels. From the zero-depth entry main pool, ideal for toddlers and those seeking gentle water entry, to multiple thrilling slides including body and tube slides and two drop slides, the center offers something for everyone. There is also a water playground with a large tipping bucket, a splash pool featuring water basketball and a monkey bar activity pad, and a toddler slide ensuring younger children have safe and engaging water play options. For those looking to relax, the facility offers lounge areas, free deck chairs, cabanas, umbrella chairs, and sun shells for rental, enhancing comfort throughout the visit. Beach volleyball courts and a sand play area provide additional fun beyond the pools. Visitors can also enjoy a diving board, lap lanes for serious swimmers or swim lessons, and a snack bar to recharge with refreshments. The Family Aquatic Center operates daily from late May through early August, with varying hours and special dates throughout the season. Its comprehensive facilities and well-maintained environment make it an excellent social hub for groups of friends, family outings, or community events.
Here's what people think of Whealan Family Aquatic Center
As of recent, Whealan Family Aquatic Center holds a 4.2-star rating based on 406 reviews.
Reviews of the Whealan Family Aquatic Center generally reflect positive experiences, highlighting the center as a fun and family-friendly water park with diverse activities suitable for all ages. Many reviewers appreciate the variety of water attractions such as the slides, water playground, and both shallow and lap pools, praising it as an ideal place for children and adults alike. The ample seating, shaded cabanas, and picnic areas also receive positive mention for providing comfort during visits. Guests often commend the friendly and attentive staff, the cleanliness of the facility, and the convenient amenities like locker rooms and snack bars, all of which contribute to an enjoyable day out. On the downside, some visitors note that the center can become crowded on busy days, which occasionally affects the overall experience. A few reviews mention waiting times for water slides or limited parking availability. Other critiques target the pricing structure, which some find a bit high for families, and occasional closures or limited swim lesson availability depending on the time of year. Despite these issues, many still recommend the Whealan Family Aquatic Center for its safety measures, well-maintained pools, and overall atmosphere. In conclusion, the reviews portray Whealan as a beloved community aquatic center that delivers a balanced mix of fun, relaxation, and convenience, making it a popular summer destination for both locals and visitors.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Brookes May
I'm obsessed with this place. It's SO fun when everything is working and they're well-staffed. It's perfect for toddlers and large groups. Makes me feel like I'm on vacation! Can't give 5 stars because the slides, splash area and toddler pool are not always open/working.
Thania Martinez
On Monday 7/08/24 we visited the Whealan Aquatic Center because I found that this pool is the only one to open early at 10:30 AM that was close enough for me. Okay, the prices are $7 for kids 4yrs- 12yrs & adults is $9. The parking is free theres a lot in the back just be prepare to walk the sorta long distance. The women’s bathrooms are clean in the morning can’t say if they are maintained in the afternoon hours. It would great to have some type of curtains so your able to change. Once you get there you will see signs NO COOLERS, NO OUTSIDE FOOD PERMITTED through out the facility premises, but there’s plenty of people that bring food inside and the staff notice, but won’t say nothing. Overall, it’s an alright pool.
Renat Geller
No longer allow outside food. Buys at our concessions. 3 out of four lifeguards didn't show today so the slides were closed and a portion of the kids play area is closed as well. Taped off with no water running. This place was alright before but has gone downhill. Better options around.
David Williams
What happened to this place?? It used to be so good. Today, on a hot Sunday in the middle of summer, we get there to find that the play structure in the pool is roped off, the waterslides are roped off, there's one lifeguard for this entire huge pool. And they charge full price for this??? What's the point of paying for Whealan without the extra features? We can get just a pool at any Chicago Park District pool. Whealan is not worth it anymore. Such a shame too.
SANCHEZ E
Small clean swimming pool that was inexpensive, and not crowded. I took my daughter and her friends to go swim here. It was only $5 per kid and $7 per adult. We were the first 10 families in line so we were able to get sun chairs. If you are not the first 10 families, be prepared with a blanket or even your own folding chairs. People came prepared with chairs, shade covers, wagons and mini coolers. Although they have concessions, the menu is limited. It is best to chance bringing in your own snacks- as it's not allowed in general. We stood there for 4 hours, and the girls were still not ready to leave.
How to reach Whealan Family Aquatic Center
None
Website: None
Why Whealan Family Aquatic Center may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Whealan Family Aquatic Center with your friends? This aquatic center, nestled in Chicago’s historic Edgebrook neighborhood, is an ideal spot for gathering your friends or family for a memorable day out. With a solid rating of 4.2 from over 400 reviews, it reflects consistent positive experiences from visitors. The center offers more than just a pool; it provides a vibrant atmosphere filled with diverse aquatic activities that cater to all ages and group sizes. Whether you’re looking to relax poolside or dive into playful water adventures, Whealan Family Aquatic Center has the amenities and ambiance that encourage socializing, bonding, and creating fun memories. Its well-maintained facilities, inclusive amenities, and scenic location complement the inviting pool areas, making it the perfect rally point. Moreover, the option for private pool parties and cabana rentals adds an exclusive touch to your meetup, providing privacy and convenience that enhance the social experience. All these features combined make Whealan an excellent choice to host a group, ensuring everyone from kids to adults has something enjoyable to engage with, wrapped in a fun, safe, and friendly environment.
What activities and facilities does Whealan Family Aquatic Center offer for groups? Whealan caters to a diverse crowd with its multiple pools and water features designed for different levels of swimming and water play. There is a multi-lane lap pool for those who want to swim laps or get some serious exercise. For families with young kids, a zero-depth leisure pool and kiddie pool provide safe, shallow water where children can splash and play comfortably. The aquatic center also boasts exciting water slides and a climbing wall, offering a little adventure and challenge for all ages. Additionally, the water playground is a favorite spot where kids can explore and have fun with interactive water features. Beyond the pools, there are lounge areas and ample deck space with free chairs where groups can relax, socialize, or enjoy snacks. The concession stand serves a variety of food and drinks, making it easy to keep everyone refreshed. For larger gatherings or special celebrations, Whealan offers semi-private and private pool party packages, perfect for hosting birthdays or group events with dedicated space and services.
Why is Whealan Family Aquatic Center perfect for a group meetup? The center’s design inherently supports social gatherings through its spacious and versatile aquatic facilities. Groups can engage in different activities simultaneously—some might prefer a competitive swim in the lap lanes while others enjoy the water slides or play in the kiddie zone. This variety means no one in your group feels left out, regardless of age or swimming ability. The availability of cabana and umbrella chair rentals provides shaded, comfortable areas for rest and conversation, which is ideal for groups spending extended hours together. Moreover, the aquatic center is handicap accessible, ensuring everyone can participate and feel welcome. Its location in a peaceful, historic neighborhood adds to the relaxed vibe, giving groups a pleasant backdrop for their meetup. The business also facilitates easy ticketing, including discounts for groups of ten or more, making it economical for larger parties. All these factors combine to create an environment that promotes togetherness, enjoyment, and convenience, making Whealan Family Aquatic Center an outstanding venue choice for your next friends or family meetup.
What are the operating hours and admission details to know for planning your visit? Whealan Family Aquatic Center operates seasonally with hours that adapt throughout the summer to maximize enjoyment during peak times. Typically, during the main summer season, it is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with adjusted weekday hours. On pre-season and post-season days, hours are reduced and mostly limited to weekends. It is advisable to check the center’s official channels or call ahead for any weather-related closures or updates on hours. Regarding admission, children 3 years and under enter for free, making it family-friendly. Admission prices for individuals range modestly from around $8 to $10 depending on age, with special group rates offering even better value if you come with a group of ten or more. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the gate, though online advanced registration discounts make planning ahead beneficial. This transparent and flexible pricing structure, combined with clear hours, streamlines your visit and helps your group coordinate easily without surprises.
How does Whealan Family Aquatic Center enhance the experience with amenities and special services? This aquatic center does more than just provide a pool; it ensures your comfort and fun with a wide range of amenities. Changing rooms with showers make it convenient to freshen up before and after your swim. Free deck chairs spread throughout the pool deck allow everyone a place to relax in between swims, and the availability of cabanas and sun shells for daily rental offers privacy and shade when needed. The concession stand is well-stocked with hot food, cold drinks, and frozen treats, perfect for keeping energy levels up during your aquatic adventures. Safety is prioritized with attentive lifeguards throughout the facility, and swim instructors are available for lessons, which is great if your group includes swimmers looking to improve their skills. The facility welcomes service dogs in accordance with accessibility policies, ensuring inclusivity. For group event planners, the center offers tailored pool party packages providing a chance to book private or semi-private spaces, complete with special arrangements, making any meetup feel festive and organized.
What makes the location and surrounding environment of Whealan Family Aquatic Center appealing for visitors? Located within the lush Caldwell Woods in Chicago’s Edgebrook neighborhood, the Whealan Family Aquatic Center benefits from a scenic, natural setting that adds to the overall experience. The surrounding forest preserve gives visitors a retreat-like feel—a green, peaceful backdrop contrasting with the urban hustle nearby. This setting is not only beautiful but also adds to the spaciousness once inside the aquatic center, creating an open atmosphere that feels less crowded even during busy days. Parking is available for easy access, and the location is reachable by car within 18 minutes from downtown Chicago, making it a convenient getaway for city dwellers. The proximity to nature encourages a wholesome outing where families and groups can combine swimming with nature walks or picnics nearby, extending the day’s enjoyment beyond the pool itself. This blend of convenience, natural beauty, and well-appointed aquatic facilities makes the Whealan Family Aquatic Center an outstanding destination for group meetups.
How can groups maximize their experience when visiting Whealan Family Aquatic Center? To get the most out of a group visit, planners should consider booking in advance, especially if interested in the private or semi-private pool party options. This ensures designated space for the group and access to amenities without waiting. Arriving early in the day or during weekday openings, when available, can help groups enjoy a less crowded atmosphere. Bringing swim gear suitable for all ages and preferences will ensure everyone is ready to dive into the various pools and slides. Also, taking advantage of the concession stand’s menu and renting cabanas or shaded spots guarantees a comfortable and relaxed gathering place between water activities. Coordinating transportation and parking ahead of time prevents delays and maximizes pool time. Most importantly, encouraging everyone to explore all the diverse aquatic features—from the lap lanes to the water playground—makes sure the day is active, fun-filled, and inclusive for all members of your group.
With these features and considerations, the Whealan Family Aquatic Center stands out as a vibrant, welcoming, and well-equipped venue for friends and family to gather, enjoy water-based fun, and create lasting memories together.