About
Low-priced outdoor swimming hole offering slides for kids and a play area.
The specific daily pool temperature for the Whealan Family Aquatic Center is not consistently published online. However, outdoor aquatic centers operated by the Chicago Park District generally maintain their pools at a comfortable temperature, typically in the range of 80-82°F (approximately 26-28°C), to ensure an enjoyable experience for all visitors during the summer season.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? Whealan Aquatic Center receives mixed reviews, often praised for being a fun, clean, and inexpensive option for families with toddlers and large groups when fully operational. However, a major and frequent complaint is the closure or malfunction of key attractions like slides, splash areas, and play structures, often due to lifeguard shortages or maintenance issues. Many reviewers express frustration at paying full price for a facility with limited features, leading to a perception that it has "gone downhill" and is no longer worth the cost. While official policy prohibits outside food, enforcement is inconsistent, and some recommend bringing personal snacks due to a limited concession menu. Parking is free but can be a long walk, and bathrooms are noted as clean in the morning.
Location
Gallery
Amenities
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Good for Children
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Accessible Entrance
Reviews
Listing Reviews
July 29th, 2023SANCHEZ E
Small clean swimming pool that was inexpensive, and not crowded. I took my daughter and her friends to go swim here. It was only $5 per kid and $7 per adult. We were the first 10 families in line so we were able to get sun chairs. If you are not the first 10 families, be prepared with a blanket or even your own folding chairs. People came prepared with chairs, shade covers, wagons and mini coolers. Although they have concessions, the menu is limited. It is best to chance bringing in your own snacks- as it's not allowed in general. We stood there for 4 hours, and the girls were still not ready to leave.
August 21st, 2025Brookes May
I'm obsessed with this place. It's SO fun when everything is working and they're well-staffed. It's perfect for toddlers and large groups. Makes me feel like I'm on vacation! Can't give 5 stars because the slides, splash area and toddler pool are not always open/working.
July 10th, 2024Thania Martinez
On Monday 7/08/24 we visited the Whealan Aquatic Center because I found that this pool is the only one to open early at 10:30 AM that was close enough for me. Okay, the prices are $7 for kids 4yrs- 12yrs & adults is $9. The parking is free theres a lot in the back just be prepare to walk the sorta long distance. The women’s bathrooms are clean in the morning can’t say if they are maintained in the afternoon hours. It would great to have some type of curtains so your able to change. Once you get there you will see signs NO COOLERS, NO OUTSIDE FOOD PERMITTED through out the facility premises, but there’s plenty of people that bring food inside and the staff notice, but won’t say nothing. Overall, it’s an alright pool.
June 29th, 2025Renat Geller
No longer allow outside food. Buys at our concessions. 3 out of four lifeguards didn't show today so the slides were closed and a portion of the kids play area is closed as well. Taped off with no water running. This place was alright before but has gone downhill. Better options around.
June 30th, 2025David Williams
What happened to this place?? It used to be so good. Today, on a hot Sunday in the middle of summer, we get there to find that the play structure in the pool is roped off, the waterslides are roped off, there's one lifeguard for this entire huge pool. And they charge full price for this??? What's the point of paying for Whealan without the extra features? We can get just a pool at any Chicago Park District pool. Whealan is not worth it anymore. Such a shame too.
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Opening Hours
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
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