Parenting

Make a splash at Chicago’s outdoor pools

One highlight of Chicago’s summers is spending time at the beach or pool. With 51 outdoor pools run by the Chicago Park District — all free of charge and open mid-June through Labor Day — there’s no excuse not to enjoy a fun day poolside with the kids.

While park district summer swim lessons are already filled (you can register in August for fall lessons), family, youth and tot fun swims are offered throughout the week at city pools. Call your pool for updated schedules or check the Chicago Park District aquatics website.

We’ve highlighted outdoor city pools in the Lincoln Square and North side of Chicago neighborhoods, as well as a few in nearby suburbs.

Outdoor pools on the North side of Chicago

Chase Park, 4701 N. Ashland, (312) 742-7518: Outdoor pool with family and youth swims.

Gompers Park, 4222 W. Foster, (773) 685-3305: Outdoor pool with family and youth swims.

Portage Park, 4100 N. Long, (773) 685-4987: Three outdoor pools, including a zero depth pool for small kids with slide and swing, a 50-meter Olympic pool, and a diving pool with boards and tower. Several swim teams and water polo teams work out here.

River Park, 5100 N. Francisco, (312) 742-4466: 50-yard outdoor pool. Parent-tot (5 and under) swims throughout the summer, as well as family swims. Spray park currently being remodeled. 

Outdoor pools in nearby suburbs

Proesel Park Family Aquatics Center, 7055 N. Kostner, Lincolnwood, (847) 673-6870 (membership required): Three outdoor pools: Small kiddie pool with fountain and slide (bring your own toys!), a deeper activity pool with two large slides, and a 50-meter six lane pool with diving well. Family fun nights and tot swims.

Norwood Park (Chicago Park District), 5801 N. Natoma, (773) 631-5359: 50-yard outdoor pool with water slide. Youth and family swims throughout the week.

Devonshire Aquatic Center, 4400 Greenwood, Skokie, (847) 674-1500 (admission fee required): Lap pool, diving board, drop slide and fully-accessible sprayground.

Skokie Water Playground, 4701 Oakton, (847) 674-1500 (admission fee required): Multi-level sprayground, larger pool with slides (including tubing slide), zero depth pool for smaller kids, splashpad with sprayers.

Niles Park District Oasis Fun Center and Water Park, 7877 Milwaukee, (847) 967-6648, (admission fee required): Spray pad and fountain, zero depth play pool, slides and diving boards.

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