Pelican Harbor Waterpark vs Mayan Adventure
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 | Pelican Harbor Waterpark | Mayan Adventure |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Pelican Harbor Waterpark
- swimming pool
- picnic areas
- season passes
Only at Mayan Adventure
- wave pool
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
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 →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 →Ready to visit Pelican Harbor Waterpark?