Hurricane Harbor Chicago
A sprawling water park at Six Flags Great America offering thrilling slides, a lazy river, and wave pool for summer fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter lines
Hurricane Harbor Chicago
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter lines
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling water park at Six Flags Great America offering thrilling slides, a lazy river, and wave pool for summer fun.
"Long lines and high prices make this water park a disappointment for many."
🪑 Seating is Scarce!
Free seating is very limited. Arrive early or consider renting a cabana if you need guaranteed space.
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The pavement gets extremely hot. Water shoes will save your feet when walking between attractions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tornado
Water Slides
Experience the thrill of this intense water slide that spins you around before a final drop.
Lazy River
Relaxation Zone
Float your cares away on this winding river, a perfect escape from the park's excitement.
Wave Pool
Main Pool Area
Ride the waves in this expansive pool, offering a classic water park experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Understand Extra Costs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🪑 Seating is Scarce!
Free seating is very limited. Arrive early or consider renting a cabana if you need guaranteed space.
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The pavement gets extremely hot. Water shoes will save your feet when walking between attractions.
📱 Waterproof Phone Case
Protect your phone! You can find cheaper cases at dollar stores than inside the park.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Staying hydrated is crucial. Check park policy on bringing water bottles, or be prepared for high prices.
Tips
from all over the internet
🪑 Seating is Scarce!
Free seating is very limited. Arrive early or consider renting a cabana if you need guaranteed space.
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The pavement gets extremely hot. Water shoes will save your feet when walking between attractions.
📱 Waterproof Phone Case
Protect your phone! You can find cheaper cases at dollar stores than inside the park.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Staying hydrated is crucial. Check park policy on bringing water bottles, or be prepared for high prices.
⏳ Lines Can Be Long
Be prepared for significant wait times, especially on popular rides and during peak season.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hurricane Harbor Chicago offers a variety of water attractions, but many visitors are disappointed by long lines, understaffing, and a lack of free seating. The high cost of food, parking, and additional amenities like tubes and lockers are frequently cited as drawbacks, leading some to feel it's not worth the price compared to other water parks.
"LIMITED FOOD OPTIONS FOR VEGETARIANS!
The place offers many fun options for water enthusiasts. It does get pretty crowded in summer. We had a good time. My only complaint being food options for vegetarians. They should have more snack and food available for vegetarians."
Akila Iyer
"It’s a really nice waterpark with a kids area, family area, lazy river where you can go on float or not, and a handful of slides. Things to know before you come are possibly wear water shoes because walking from one area to the next can be HOT. I did not like for the lazy river. If you do not purchase a raft to rent for the day then the one you stand in line for as soon as you go around once they kick you off. I did not see anything of this prior to either and nobody said anything so when we went around and they forced us off, it was a big surprise! A few slides were out of order when we went so the lines for big slides were very long! I did not like that in the main pool all kids had to wear lifejackets even the babies and that made My Baby screamed and cried the whole time while I swim with my other children. I understand why however I’ve never seen this before. The shopping center was decently reasonable for swimsuits however, if you want a waterproof phone case go to the dollar tree instead of paying $20 there. I really wish they had more shaded areas as well."
kristina kopka
"UPDATE: I’m very disappointed with the customer service experience. The response to my inquiry was extremely delayed, and when they finally did reply, I was essentially called a liar. That kind of treatment toward a customer is unacceptable and unprofessional. I hope the company takes this feedback seriously and improves the way they handle customer concerns.
We visited Six Flags Hurricane Harbor on Saturday, August 16th with a group of 12 (including 6 kids under 10), and it was a complete disappointment. In 4 hours, we managed to get on only two rides. The lines were painfully long, and the park was clearly understaffed.
One ride had 4 different slide options, but there was only one lifeguard at the top and one at the bottom trying to cover everything. On top of that, multiple slides throughout the park were closed, making wait times even worse. For the price we paid, this was unacceptable.
To top it off, the “highlight” of our wait was watching the person in front of us have her kids pick her back zits until they bled—that was more eventful than the rides themselves.
Tickets here cost about the same as Noah’s Ark in Wisconsin Dells, but the difference is night and day. Noah’s Ark is properly staffed, better maintained, and far more organized. Hurricane Harbor seriously needs to take lessons from them.
Bottom line: we will not be back. Save your money and go elsewhere."
Shauna S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hurricane Harbor Chicago is located at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. You can drive there, with parking available for a fee. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is generally the most convenient way to reach the park.
Yes, parking fees can be quite high, often around $40. It's advisable to factor this into your overall budget for the day.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a viable option for getting to Hurricane Harbor Chicago. They can drop you off at designated areas near the park entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets online through the official Six Flags website or at the park's entrance. Buying in advance online often secures better prices.
Yes, Six Flags offers season passes that can provide access to Hurricane Harbor and Six Flags Great America. However, some visitors have noted that even with a season pass, certain amenities might incur additional costs.
Hurricane Harbor Chicago typically opens for the summer season around late May or early June and operates through Labor Day. Hours can vary daily, so it's essential to check the official Six Flags Great America website for the most up-to-date operating schedule. 
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside Hurricane Harbor Chicago, with the exception of baby food or special dietary needs with a doctor's note. Be prepared to purchase food and drinks within the park.
Yes, reviewers mention that you often have to pay an additional fee to rent a tube for the lazy river, which can be an unexpected expense. +1
🎫 🎢 Onsite Experience
Popular rides include the Tornado, which offers a thrilling descent, and the Wave Pool for a classic water park experience. The Lazy River is also a favorite for relaxation.
Yes, Hurricane Harbor Chicago features dedicated kiddie zones and areas designed for younger children, ensuring fun for the whole family.
The park can get very crowded, especially during peak summer weekends. Arriving early and visiting on weekdays can help mitigate the crowds.
Free seating is extremely limited. Many visitors report having to pay for loungers or cabanas, or struggle to find a spot to sit.
Yes, lockers are available for rent to store your belongings. However, some users have reported issues with security and theft from lockers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options can be limited, especially for vegetarians. Expect typical theme park fare like pizza, burgers, and snacks, often at high prices.
Yes, food prices are considered exorbitant by many visitors, with items like a slice of pizza costing around $18.
Vegetarian options are scarce. Visitors have expressed disappointment with the lack of variety for non-meat eaters.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture fun moments at the various water slides, the wave pool, and the lazy river. The colorful slides and water features make for vibrant shots.
Typically, cameras and phones are not allowed on the water slides for safety reasons. You'll need to secure them in a locker or with a non-rider before enjoying the rides.
While convenient, waterproof phone cases sold inside the park are expensive. It's much more cost-effective to purchase one from a discount store before your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of your family visit, consider arriving early to beat the crowds and heat. Pack plenty of sunscreen and consider bringing a waterproof phone case purchased from a discount store to protect your devices.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money on food, consider bringing your own snacks if allowed by park policy, or plan to eat before or after your visit. Reviewers consistently mention the high cost of food within the park.
couples
+2 The Wave Pool offers a lively atmosphere for some shared fun. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience. If you plan to spend the entire day, budgeting for a locker to keep your belongings secure is advisable.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Rides
+2However, be prepared for potential disappointment. Several reviews mention that multiple slides can be out of order on any given day, leading to significantly longer wait times for the operational rides. This understaffing and ride closures have been a recurring complaint, impacting the overall experience for many visitors.
For families with younger children, dedicated kiddie zones offer a safe and fun environment. It's worth noting that some reviewers have observed stricter rules, like mandatory life jackets for all children in the main pool, which might be a surprise for some parents.
Budgeting Your Visit
The most significant point of contention for many visitors is the scarcity of free seating. Most reviewers highlight that finding a place to sit and relax is difficult, and the park heavily promotes cabana and premium seating rentals, which can cost anywhere from $45 to $150. This lack of accessible free space forces many to consider these costly upgrades.
Food prices are also a major concern, with a single slice of pizza costing around $18 and other items being similarly inflated. Visitors strongly advise bringing your own snacks if permitted, or budgeting a considerable amount for park food.
Seasonal Events & Employment
For those looking for summer employment, Hurricane Harbor Chicago is a significant employer, particularly for lifeguards. The park actively recruits for these positions, offering a chance to work in a fun, outdoor environment.
Additionally, the park has hosted special cultural celebrations, such as '¡Viva La Fiesta!', which featured authentic cuisine and entertainment on weekends through June, adding a festive dimension to the park experience.
Social
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