Six Flags Hurricane Harbor vs Mystic Waters
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 | Six Flags Hurricane Harbor | Mystic Waters |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
- cabana rentals
- gift shop
- picnic areas
Only at Mystic Waters
- splash pad
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Illinois
Hurricane Harbor Chicago sits on 25 acres in Gurnee, right next to Six Flags Great America. This is Six Flags' take on a water park, and they've packed it with some serious attractions. The Tornado is the centerpiece - a massive funnel slide that drops your four-person raft through a giant bowl before spitting you out. It's wild and gets long lines, so hit it early. The Bonzai Pipelines are their speed slides where you race friends down side-by-side drops that'll make your stomach flip. For families, Splashwater Falls has smaller slides and a huge tipping bucket that dumps hundreds of gallons every few minutes. Kids lose their minds over it. The lazy river here is actually lazy, unlike some parks where it feels like a water highway. You can float for 20 minutes without getting kicked or splashed by teenagers. The wave pool creates decent waves every 15 minutes, though it gets packed during peak hours. What sets Hurricane Harbor apart is the Six Flags efficiency - they know how to move crowds and keep lines reasonable. The staff actually enforces safety rules without being jerks about it. Food is typical theme park fare but better than most water parks. The pizza isn't half bad. Parking costs extra, which is annoying but expected for Six Flags. Rent a locker early because the free changing areas get disgusting by noon. If you're visiting with little ones, the shallow play areas have mini slides and water features that'll keep them busy…
Read the full Six Flags Hurricane Harbor guide →Mystic Waters
Illinois
Mystic Waters sits on the edge of Des Plaines, about 20 minutes northwest of Chicago, and it's one of those community water parks that locals have been enjoying for decades. The park covers about 15 acres and has that classic mid-sized water park feel - big enough to spend a full day but not so massive that you'll lose your kids in the crowds. The centerpiece is a large wave pool that cycles every 10 minutes, perfect for body surfing or just floating around when the waves aren't running. You'll find a solid collection of water slides ranging from gentle family slides to a couple of speed slides that'll get your heart pumping. The lazy river winds around a good portion of the park and moves at the perfect pace for floating on tubes. Kids under 8 will gravitate toward the dedicated children's area, which has smaller slides, fountains, and a big tipping bucket that dumps water every few minutes. The park draws a mix of families and teens, especially during summer afternoons when the Chicago suburbs get hot and sticky. I'd recommend arriving right when they open to claim a good spot near the wave pool - the prime real estate goes fast on weekends. Bring your own towels and snacks if possible, as the concession prices reflect the fact that you're somewhat captive once you're inside. The park typically operates seasonally from late May through Labor Day, and they do birthday parties and group events. Parking is free,…
Read the full Mystic Waters guide →Ready to visit Six Flags Hurricane Harbor?