Raging Waves 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 | Raging Waves | Pelican Harbor Waterpark |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Raging Waves
- wave pool
- gift shop
- surfing simulator
Only at Pelican Harbor Waterpark
- swimming pool
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Raging Waves
Illinois
Raging Waves sits on 58 acres in Yorkville and holds the title of Illinois' largest outdoor water park. The highlight here is absolutely the FlowRider, where you can bodyboard or surf on artificial waves. I've watched people wipe out spectacularly on this thing for hours. The Cyclone is their signature water coaster that shoots you uphill using water jets, which feels weird and awesome at the same time. For families with younger kids, Tadpole Bay offers smaller slides and interactive play features that'll keep little ones busy for hours. The lazy river here is solid - actually lazy unlike some parks where it's more like a rushing current. The wave pool generates decent waves every 10 minutes, though it gets packed on weekends. Thrill seekers should hit the Tornado, a massive funnel slide that drops your raft through a giant bowl before spitting you out. The park also has traditional body slides and mat racers if you're into speed competitions. Food options are typical water park fare - burgers, pizza, nachos - but portions are decent and prices aren't completely outrageous. Pro tips: arrive right when they open to claim a good spot, especially if you're not renting a cabana. The grass areas fill up fast on busy days. Bring reef-safe sunscreen because you'll be in the sun all day with minimal shade unless you spring for premium seating. The changing rooms can get swampy by afternoon, so consider changing in your car if possible. Parking is free but the…
Read the full Raging Waves 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 Raging Waves?