Pelican Harbor Waterpark vs Paradise Bay Water Park
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 | Paradise Bay Water Park |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Pelican Harbor Waterpark
- swimming pool
- birthday party packages
- group rates
Only at Paradise Bay Water Park
- 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 →Paradise Bay Water Park
Illinois
Paradise Bay Water Park in Lombard delivers solid family fun without breaking the bank. This community-focused outdoor park sits in the heart of DuPage County and has been serving Chicago-area families for years with a no-frills approach that works. The main draw is a collection of tube slides that range from gentle spirals perfect for younger kids to steeper drops that'll get your heart pumping. The wave pool generates decent swells every few minutes and gives you that ocean feel without the drive to Lake Michigan. Kids under 10 absolutely love the dedicated play area with its smaller slides, tipping buckets, and interactive water features. The lazy river winds around a good portion of the park and moves at the perfect pace for floating on a hot summer day. What sets Paradise Bay apart from the massive corporate parks is its manageable size. You can actually keep track of your kids here, and you won't spend your entire day walking from one end to the other. The staff knows most of the regular families by name, which creates a genuine community vibe you don't find at the mega-parks. Lines move quickly even on busy weekends, and you can easily hit every attraction multiple times in a single visit. The concession area keeps things simple with standard pool fare, but the prices won't shock you like they do at some places. Bring your own snacks if you want to save even more. Parking is free and plentiful, which is a huge…
Read the full Paradise Bay Water Park guide →Ready to visit Pelican Harbor Waterpark?