Season Pass + Two Water Parks = One Cool Summer

Every spring, the anticipation builds.

It’s a tease, really. We get those unseasonably mild days and bask in the sun’s warm glow – convinced that summer’s here – only to have those thoughts slammed shut by another cold front.

But keep the shorts and swim suits handy. Summer will arrive – it always does – and, based on recent years, it’s going to be another hot one.

That’s why the time is right – now – to make plans that keep you cool during the heat wave that’s sure to come. The Fox Valley Park District has just the ticket – a two-sided one at that. It’s a double-dandy season pass to two water parks for one low price.

Through the end of April, these dirt-cheap season passes are available at an additional discount. Purchase before May 1, and you’re good to go every day, all summer long at both Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center and Splash Country Water Park. Heck, visit both in the same day, every day, if you’d like.

Preseason prices range from $35 to $65 depending on age and residency, but regardless of which pass you choose, it’s a blue-water bargain – with added benefits. As a pass holder, you’re granted VIP treatment. On weekdays, the doors open one-half hour early for you, so you’ll enjoy exclusive access before the gates open to the public.

And if you ever want to throw a party, a season pass provides a 10 percent discount off water park birthday parties.

Simple math computes to a great discount. A standard season pass for residents 13 and over costs $55 (if purchased before May 1). A daily weekday pass is $8. So if you plan to enjoy more than seven visits this summer, it’s the equivalent of free admission from the eighth day forward.

Phillips Park has four slides – two of the winding flume variety. The other two are drop slides that provide the sensation of going over the edge of a cliff on a waterfall – an exhilarating plunge into the placid pool below.

Splash Country has two twisting flume slides as well and its famous “lazy river” – the second longest of its type in Illinois – that winds through dumping buckets, sprayers, water jets and bubbling rapids.

Both parks include kid-friendly sections with spray guns, waterfalls and sand areas, with beach volleyball courts for teens and adults. Lap-lane swimming is also available at designated times.

Each weekday at both water parks will have a theme and include activities like cannonball competitions, costume contests and relay races. Special event weekends are on tap as well, including Splash Bash on June 8 and Phillips Fest on June 15.

Family fun is priceless, and keeping it affordable assures that it stays that way.

The season for wet and wild fun begins June 1 – but your summer could start early with a season pass in your pocket.

Fox Valley Park District Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 13: Parker’s Children’s Theatre: ‘The Three Little Pigs’ musical, Prisco Community Center, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 20: Spring Spruce-Up, volunteer at various park locations, 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Saturday-Sunday, April 20-21: Junior Theatre: ‘James and the Giant Peach,’ Prisco Community Center, 2 p.m. each day
Saturday-Sunday, April 27-28: LEGO Bash, Blackberry Farm, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sa); 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Su)