Aquatic Fun for the family in Kane County

By Erin Sauder • Photos Courtesy of

l OTTER COVE AQUATIC PARK

3615 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles www.ottercove.org

Cove Aquatic Park and Santa’s Springs Water park

A river otter and his friends make up the theme of this St. Charles Park District venue. Just some of the Otter Cove Aquatic Park attractions include the Frog Bog Zero-Depth Entry Activity Pool, with a dome waterfall, frog slide, and spinning spray water feature; the Dragonfly Den Toddler Pool, geared toward children ages five and under; the Crayfish Canal, with diving boards, drop slides and lap swimming; Salamander Slides; the Turtle Creek Lazy River which boasts the largest lazy river in the Fox Valley area; and a sand volleyball court. Otter Cove’s Splash Park is also a hit, with interactive water play features, a sand/water play area, dumping buckets, water wheels and spray cannons.

Looking to nosh while you’re basking in the summer rays? Menu fare in the Dive Concessions Area includes pizza, hot dogs, nachos, fountain and bottled drinks, ice cream treats, and chips. Or feel free to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the designated concession areas.

l HAROLD HALL QUARRY BEACH

400 S. Water St., Batavia bataviaparks.org/harold-hall-quarry-beach

Slather on the sunscreen and head to this popular swimming hole. Located in a former stone quarry and now owned by the Batavia Park District, Harold Hall Quarry Beach attractions include a sand-bottom swimming area covering 60,000 square feet, inflatables, a kid’s flume, islands, a drop slide, diving area, large picnic area and sand volleyball courts. The Quarry’s concession stand features hot and cold food and beverage options.

l SANTA’S SPRINGS WATER PARK

601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee santasvillagedundee.com

This Santa-themed water park offers a ton of fun in the sun for all ages. Kids can celebrate Christmas in July with attractions like Lighthouse Harbor, which features zero-depth entry to a 10,000 square foot, 8-inch-deep wading pool with a two-story interactive water play structure. The area also offers two tipping buckets and nine water slides, including a 50-foot long, four-lane kiddie racer slide.

The other main area of Santa’s Springs features larger waterpark slides, including the enclosed 300-foot-long Peppermint Twist body slide, the red and green, 300-footlong Caribbean Curl body slide, and the green and white 300-foot-long Spearmint Twist body slide.

While kids are at play, adults can relax in the surrounding lounge chairs in the Shoreline Seating Area, the patio tables and chairs in Buttons’ Bungalow, or cabanas in Coconut Cabana and the Poolside Paradise Cabana. A variety of eats and treats are available throughout the park.

l SPLASH COUNTRY WATER PARK

195 S. Barnes Road, Aurora www.splashcountry.info

Summer fun awaits at this family-friendly aquatic center which features a lazy river, two winding flume slides, a zero-depth pool with children’s play features, a sand play area and beach volleyball. An enclosed kid-friendly area has spray guns, a waterfall and other interactive features geared toward kids under 48-inches tall. The snack bar offers a variety of beverage and ice cream options, and outside food and beverages are allowed.

l ST. CHARLES PADDLEWHEEL RIVERBOATS

8 North Ave., St. Charles www.stcriverboats.com

Want to be on a boat? Have some fun on the water with a paddlewheel trip on the Fox River. Daily afternoon sightseeing trips or private charter cruises are available during the season. Both the Fox River Queen and St. Charles Belle II boats have enclosed lower decks and open upper decks, making them ideal for taking in the sunset and scenic river views.

l SWANSON POOL

8 North Ave., St. Charles www.swansonpool.org

Swanson Pool is the quintessential summer hotspot with facilities available to rent, programs for the little ones, lily pads, a zero-depth entry pool and slides – to name a few! Pack up the family and enjoy a day soaking up the sun at this community fun center that is part of St. Charles Park District’s recreational facilities.

Mill Race Cyclery

11 E. State St., Geneva www.millrace.com

This year, Mill Race Cyclery is celebrating their 40th anniversary serving Fox River Trail adventurers and the Geneva community. Choose from a selection of kayaks, stand up paddle boards, tandem kayaks or canoes to help plan the perfect outing on the water. Don’t forget to visit their ice cream shop in the summer!

KAYAK MYAK

Batavia www.kayakmyakrentalsllc.com

Kayak Myak will help you plan a paddling adventure on the Fox River, meeting you at your starting point with your itinerary and directions on where to arrange for transportation home. Trips are planned from Batavia to North Aurora, Carpentersville to Elgin and South Elgin to St. Charles. Please note there are only single kayaks available to rent.

Howling Wolfe Canoe

*No walk-ins, reservations required 550 Clearwater Dr., North Aurora www.howlingwolfe.com

Howling Wolfe Canoe is a great resource for watersport beginners. They offer rentals, guided tours and lessons. Howling Wolfe also provides the shuttle for your trip, flotation devices and equipment. Classes range from intro-level to rescue and recovery, and reservations are always required.