Grizzly Jacks vs Pelican Harbor Waterpark
A side-by-side look at two water parks — rides, prices, amenities, and which one fits your trip.
Which Park Is Right for You?
Quick verdicts based on what each park offers.
Amenities Compared
What each park offers, side by side.
| Feature | Grizzly Jacks | Pelican Harbor Waterpark |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | ||
| Arcade |
Only at Grizzly Jacks
- wave pool
- gift shop
- hot tubs
- Arcade
- go karts
Only at Pelican Harbor Waterpark
- swimming pool
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Grizzly Jacks
Illinois
Grizzly Jacks Grand Bear Resort sits about an hour west of Chicago in Starved Rock Country, and it's one of those combination destinations that actually pulls off both the water park and amusement park experience well. The indoor water park is the real star here, especially if you're visiting during Illinois' unpredictable weather months. The space feels surprisingly spacious for an indoor facility, with a decent-sized wave pool that generates some solid waves for body surfing and a lazy river that winds around a good portion of the park. The multi-level play structure in the kids' area keeps younger visitors busy for hours with its tipping buckets, smaller slides, and interactive water features. For older kids and adults, the tube slides provide the thrills, with a couple of racing slides that get competitive families going. What sets Grizzly Jacks apart is the combination ticket that gets you into both the water park and the adjacent amusement park. The outdoor rides include a decent wooden coaster and classic carnival rides that work well for families. The resort aspect means you can easily make this a weekend trip, though day visitors are welcome. The facility tends to get crowded on weekends, so arriving right when they open gives you the best shot at shorter lines. The cabanas book up fast during peak times, so reserve ahead if you want that extra space and shade. Food options are typical water park fare but reasonably priced compared to some resort destinations. The changing facilities…
Read the full Grizzly Jacks guide →Pelican Harbor Waterpark
Illinois
Pelican Harbor Waterpark in Bolingbrook delivers classic summer fun without the massive crowds you'll find at some of the bigger Illinois water parks. This community-focused outdoor park has been serving families in the southwest suburbs for years, and it shows in all the right ways. The staff actually knows what they're doing, and the facilities are well-maintained without feeling overly commercialized. You'll find a solid mix of attractions that work for different ages. The main pool area is spacious enough that you're not swimming shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers, and there's usually a good selection of water slides that range from mild to moderately thrilling. The kids' area gets a lot of attention here, with age-appropriate splash features and smaller slides that let parents actually relax instead of constantly worrying. The lazy river moves at a perfect pace for floating on a tube while the kids play nearby. What really sets Pelican Harbor apart is the atmosphere. This feels like a neighborhood park that happens to be really well done, rather than a corporate water park experience. Families come back year after year, and you'll see the same lifeguards working multiple seasons. The food is better than you'd expect, and prices are reasonable for a captive audience. Pro tips for your visit: arrive right when they open to claim the best lounge chairs, especially if you're visiting on weekends. The shade spots fill up fast during peak summer months. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and reapply constantly – the reflection off the water is…
Read the full Pelican Harbor Waterpark guide →Ready to visit Grizzly Jacks?