Clearly, we didn't visit this in December! We went at the end of the season though in early September. It was just us as a family.
Raging waves is Illinois largest outdoor waterpark situated near Oswego and Yorkville. The park features a number of large slides with differing thrill factors, some for single riders, some you can go on with friends, a lazy river, wave pool, giant sand pit near the wave pool and two areas next to each other that are specifically designed for smaller children. One of these kids areas has a few slides for all ages and a zero depth pool while the other has both smaller and slightly larger slides, a bucket dumping water and a variety of dials that squirt and spray. This does not have a swim area but more of a splash pad.
There are two eating areas and places to buy food... you can not bring in your own.
We found the park to be well manned with friendly, helpful staff. While there are some signs of wear and tear in the pools, overall the park was clean and toilets stocked.
There are height restrictions for most of the rides including in the kids area! This can limit what you can take children on however prices do reflect height with toddlers (2 and under) being free and people under 48" being over $10 cheaper.
**Update to add they are continually expanding and now have a much larger kids area and new rides for older children.
As rated by parents:
8/10
This was a fun day out overall. All the kids enjoyed a variety of slides and pools and all got a good fun workout! Great to burn off energy and keep cool on a hot day! We as adults also enjoyed it... However despite the overall fun my son who was 2 at the time became quite upset that in one of the children's area he was not allowed to ride the only two larger slides, My 8 year old was only just big enough for them which made them somewhat pointless for the small kids area. We have been to other pools with slides in Naperville, Wisconsin and around the world where he was allowed to ride much bigger slides, so not to be allowed on the 'not very' big slides which are in the kids area was both disappointing and as a parent very frustrating. However he was allowed on all the small slides in the other kids area and did have a very good time on them, this kept him busy for a good couple of hours.
My middle child was allowed on most slides but again not on some which in other parks she has been allowed on. She did however enjoy herself, enjoyed the lazy river and wave pool.
My oldest was able to go on all and enjoyed herself, however in comparison to other water parks we have been to before she didn't feel it was as thrilling and after a couple hours came to sunbath instead. She was also disappointed that she initially was allowed to use the inner tubes in the lazy river but was later told she would have to rent them if she wanted to use one. Price wise I felt it was comparable to any waterpark for a day, we found a deal for $20 per person (with toddler free) and felt this was pretty good. However while entry is okay they sting you on charging for inner tubes, overpriced lockers and overpriced food. I always feel irritated you can not bring your own food in, but we did eat a large breakfast and took water. We bought fries and a drink only and they were overpriced, however not as badly overpriced as we were expecting. Overall it was a good day out but not one we would do more than once a year and only if we got a deal on the price. ** edit to add you can leave the park to eat and come back. We have made up picnics and ate them on the grass verges in the car park. They also provide some picnic tables outside in the car parking area for people who do not want to buy food inside. I though this was a nice touch.
I WOULD go again and WOULD recommend for the whole family. This is a FULL day out.
As rated by a 12 year old:
9/10
I had fun on all the slides but have been on bigger and better and was annoyed that they started charging for inner tubes half way through the day. I think it would be more fun going with friends but did like it and would go again. I really enjoyed the rides where you went in boats with other people.
I WOULD go again but not often and WOULD recommend for my age especially if you haven't really been to other water parks.
As rated by a 8 year old:
9/10
I really liked most of the slides especially the fast ones. I was disappointed I couldn't go on some of them as I have been on these in other places. I liked the fries we ate and I liked the little kids slides also (I played with my brother).
I WOULD go again and WOULD recommend for my age.
As rated by a 2 year old:
9/10
He had a lot of fun running round to the slides and splashing about in the pool. He liked the sand pit and the wave pool also. The only thing he was upset by was not being able to go on some of the bigger rides in the little kids area.
He WOULD go again and WOULD recommend for his age
TOP TIPS:
- Have a late breakfast before you go and take water if you want to avoid spending a lot on food or take a picnic and eat in the carpark on the grass or at a table.
- Look for deals online OR get a big group together as bookings of 15 or more significantly reduces the price.
- Check out the height restrictions before you go so your kids know what they can and can't go on.
- Don't take valuables so you can avoid locker fees
- make sure you have sun screen etc.
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