Ty Warner Park

The community pool might seem a little dull after visiting this West Suburban sprayground. While the rubber-surfaced splash pad’s zero-depth pool makes it friendly to tots, there’s plenty here to keep the big kids frolicking, too: They can use rotating water cannons to blast frenemy forces, run through a tunnel of spray rings, or just cool off under towering mushroom showers. But one of the most popular features is the dump buckets: The hanging tubs take about a minute-and-a-half to fill up, while kids eagerly huddle below in anticipation of the inevitable water dump. Chaise lounges, a nearby concession stand and two on-duty park staffers help parents relax.