Mayan Adventure vs Rainbow Falls, Elk Grove
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 | Mayan Adventure | Rainbow Falls, Elk Grove |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Mayan Adventure
- lazy river
- wave pool
- tube rentals
- cabana rentals
- birthday party packages
- group rates
Only at Rainbow Falls, Elk Grove
- swimming pool
- picnic areas
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Mayan Adventure
Illinois
Mayan Adventure brings ancient temple vibes to indoor water fun in suburban Elmhurst. The park transforms a standard indoor facility into something that feels like exploring a lost civilization, complete with temple-themed structures and jungle-inspired landscaping throughout the space. The theming works better than you'd expect for an Illinois indoor park. The slide selection covers all the basics without going overboard. You'll find a few mid-sized body slides that twist through fake rock formations, plus a couple tube slides that families can ride together. The kids area gets the most attention here, with a multi-level play structure that looks like a miniature Mayan pyramid. Little ones love climbing around the various levels, dumping buckets, and going down the smaller slides built right into the structure. The lazy river winds around most of the park and moves at a decent pace. It's not the longest you'll find, but it hits the spot when you want to float and take in the temple decorations. The wave pool generates solid waves every 15 minutes or so, though it's sized more for families than serious body surfing. This place works best for families with kids under 12. Parents can actually relax a bit since the layout keeps everything visible from the pool deck seating areas. Teens might find it a little tame compared to the mega parks, but younger kids think it's perfect. Get there right when they open if you're visiting on weekends. The facility fills up fast, especially during Chicago's cold months…
Read the full Mayan Adventure guide →Rainbow Falls, Elk Grove
Illinois
Rainbow Falls sits in the heart of Elk Grove Village as a solid neighborhood water park that punches above its weight for families with younger kids. The park built its reputation around being the kind of place where parents can actually relax while their children burn off energy safely. The main attractions center around a large swimming pool area with modest water slides that work perfectly for kids who've outgrown splash pads but aren't quite ready for the massive slides at bigger parks. The kiddie area is genuinely well-designed with pint-sized slides, water fountains, and shallow pools that let toddlers explore without parents hovering constantly. What sets Rainbow Falls apart is the manageable size - you can see your kids from anywhere in the park, and lines rarely get long enough to test anyone's patience. The grass areas around the pool deck give families space to spread out with their own snacks, and the shaded pavilion areas provide relief during those brutal Illinois summer afternoons. Admission prices stay reasonable compared to the mega-parks, making this a go-to spot for regular summer visits rather than special occasion trips. The food concessions cover the basics without breaking the bank. Pro tip: arrive right when they open to snag one of the better spots under the trees, and bring your own towels since the park focuses more on keeping costs down than providing luxury amenities. The changing facilities are clean but basic. This isn't the park for thrill-seekers looking for heart-stopping slides, but…
Read the full Rainbow Falls, Elk Grove guide →Ready to visit Mayan Adventure?