best water-activites programs in Lake Zurich, IL

For over 50 years, Frontier Camp has been dedicated to making disciples of Jesus by sharing God’s Word amidst the beauty of His creation. Since our founding in 1969, we’ve been licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and are proudly accredited by the American Camping Association. We’re also a member of the Christian Camping and Conference Association. Our mission is to use Christian camping and outdoor recreation as a means to support local churches in fulfilling the Great Commission—evangelizing people of all ages and discipling believers toward deeper maturity in Christ. Frontier Camp offers a dual ministry: during the summer, we host a 10-week youth camp, and throughout the rest of the year, we serve as a retreat facility for churches and like-minded religious organizations. Whether through summer camps or retreats, our goal remains the same: to expose people to Christ and encourage their spiritual growth through His Word and by reflecting His character in everything we do. While we provide top-notch recreation and exciting programming, the heart of our camp is the spiritual impact, rooted in the truth of God’s inerrant Word.

Camp Assurance is the perfect place for families to spend quality time together! Located just a few minutes west of the Illinois-Indiana border, Camp Assurance is a Christian camp near Danville, IL. Our camp offers a variety of activities designed with your family in mind. Take part in youth and teen camps, family retreats, and leadership training seminars. Camp Assurance is the perfect destination for kids of all ages. Our youth and teen camps provide enriching experiences that foster growth and development. With our family retreats, you can get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a peaceful environment with your loved ones. Additionally, our leadership training seminars are an ideal way to help your teen gain valuable skills. At Camp Assurance, we understand the importance of making lasting memories with your family. That’s why we offer a host of activities and programs designed to help create those cherished moments. So come and visit us today and enjoy the outdoor adventure of a lifetime!

Every summer, campers and staff from all around the globe, and from a variety of backgrounds, return to their own special home away from home. At our camp in Central Wisconsin, situated on an 80-acre lakefront compound, there’s never a shortage of activities and experiences for everyone to enjoy. From biking around Stratton Lake to water skiing, drama, rock climbing, and arts & crafts, our campers can stay busy for hours on end. At our camp, campers can explore, take on new challenges, and make lifelong friendships. Our campers and staff come from all walks of life, and every year they return to our camp to enjoy new experiences, make memories, and have the time of their lives. The beautiful lakefront facility in Central Wisconsin provides the perfect place for campers to explore, challenge themselves, and make lasting friendships.

DuBois Center, a United Church of Christ camp in rural Illinois, is the perfect place for your group to experience nature and create memories that will last a lifetime. Our facilities are available to serve a variety of needs, whether your group is looking for a more rustic experience, something that feels like home, or something in between. We believe in the value of all of God's people, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ability, national origin, religious background, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We strive to accommodate those with a variety of physical, mental, emotional, medical, or dietary needs to the best of our ability. With our wide range of offerings, DuBois Center is the ideal spot for your next group adventure!

Camp Shaw has been around for 75 years and we are proud of our rich history. We strive to continue our camp traditions while also introducing new activities and opportunities for our campers. From archery to swimming, from nature hikes to arts and crafts, we have something for everyone. Our campers will gain lifelong skills and have a great time doing it. We are so proud to be part of their summer adventures!

At Camp Ben Frankel, we focus on creating a lifetime of memories for Jewish children of all backgrounds. Our leadership and staff are experienced and highly trained in providing a safe, welcoming camp environment, and we’re proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association. We strive to meet and exceed the expectations of our campers, parents, and staff. During the summer of 2021, we reopened our in-person camp and experienced no cases of Covid. In 2020, we launched CBF Online, our virtual summer camp program. It quickly gained recognition from the Jewish Telegraph Agency, The Forward, The Telegraph (UK), the St. Louis Jewish Light, and eJewishPhilanthropy. We partner with organizations like the Foundation For Jewish Camp, JCamp180, Jewish Camps USA, Life and Legacy, and Jewish Federations across the country to better serve our community. We are proud to have been presented with the JCamp180 Outstanding Board Leadership Award in October 2020. At Camp Ben Frankel, our mission is to provide a lifetime of memories to Jewish children from all backgrounds. We create an inclusive and welcoming environment that invites exploration of identity. Our staff are trained in safety protocols, and we use best-practices, strategic partnerships, and an open-minded approach to develop programs and activities that meet our high standards. We are thrilled to have been able to offer both in-person and virtual camp in 2021 and look forward to continuing to provide high-quality programming for years to come.

The American Camp Association (ACA) is a community of passionate camp professionals with over 100 years of collective experience. Our 10,000+ members come from all sorts of backgrounds, providing a wealth of knowledge and expertise. With our exceptional programs, we provide children and adults with invaluable opportunities to learn valuable life lessons. These lessons, which teach positive values like community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living, cannot be found anywhere else. At the American Camp Association, we believe in the power of community. We have been connecting camp professionals for over a century, sharing our knowledge and experience to ensure the quality of camp programs. Our diverse 10,000+ membership is a testament to our commitment to helping each other, and our programs are designed to help children and adults develop vital skills and values. The American Camp Association is proud to offer lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living - lessons that can only be found at camp. With our exceptional programs, we have been providing children and adults with the opportunity to grow for over 100 years. We are committed to helping others learn and share powerful life lessons.

At the Lions-Armstrong Memorial Pool, families can enjoy a variety of activities together all summer long. From the 1-meter spring diving board to the lap pool, the facility has something for the whole family. The interactive splashpad area is perfect for younger children to cool off and have fun, while the pool deck offers chaise lounges for those who want to relax and soak up some sunshine. Make a splash this summer at the Lions-Armstrong Memorial Pool! Whether you’re looking to take a dive off the 1-meter spring diving board or take a dip in the lap pool, this facility offers something for everyone. The interactive splashpad area is perfect for the little ones, while the pool deck features chaise lounges for those who want to take a break and just relax. Come join us for a fun and refreshing swim!

The Bolingbrook Park District is the public park and recreation agency for the residents of Bolingbrook, Illinois and its surrounding areas. With 76,272 people, this large community is only 25 miles from downtown Chicago. The district works to enrich the community by providing programs and events, as well as intergovernmental agreements to maximize the benefits for its residents. The Bolingbrook Park District offers a variety of activities for the whole family. From swimming in the Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park to taking part in various programs and events, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to spend the day or for a program that will help reconnect you with your community, yourself, and your family, you’ll find it at Bolingbrook Park District. As the district’s motto states, “we make the fun happen!” As Bolingbrook Park District looks to the future, they continue to strive to provide the best possible services and programs to their community. Through their commitment to the residents of Bolingbrook, the district is working to provide opportunities that will help build a strong and connected community. Whether it’s through swimming, sports, or special events, Bolingbrook Park District offers a place for families to come together and have fun. With their commitment to their motto, “we make the fun happen!” the district looks to continue to enrich the Bolingbrook community for years to come.

At our parks and facilities, we strive to provide an array of recreational opportunities that will fit the needs of the community. We strive to make sure that our services are both diverse and responsive. We believe that our parks, facilities and services can help to enhance the quality of life in the community, and we are proud to have such dedicated employees and volunteers who work to make this possible. We are passionate about providing recreational experiences that are enjoyable and create lasting memories. Our commitment to excellence in recreation ensures that our visitors can enjoy their time in our parks and facilities. We hope to make sure that everyone who visits us has a unique and memorable experience. We are committed to providing quality recreational opportunities that benefit our community. Our parks, facilities, services, employees and volunteers work together to provide a diverse and responsive program that will help to improve the quality of life in the community. We are proud to offer experiences that are both enjoyable and meaningful, and we look forward to continuing to provide exceptional recreational opportunities for years to come.

The Cary Community Pool provides a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for children to grow and learn. Our comprehensive program of developmentally appropriate activities fosters physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth, while also encouraging a lifetime love of learning. Our experienced staff is dedicated to creating a positive, sensitive, and responsive atmosphere to ensure that all children feel valued. The Cary Community Pool is conveniently located at 100 Cary-Algonquin Road in Cary. We are committed to providing a positive and supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and explore. Our team of qualified professionals is focused on helping children develop a love for learning through activities that are tailored to their needs. At the Cary Community Pool, we aim to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere where children feel appreciated. We strive to provide a positive and inclusive learning experience that leads to physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth. Our goal is to help children develop a lifelong passion for learning.

Are you dreaming of summer days ahead? We are, too! That's why we are so excited that Splash Valley Aquatic Park will be opening its doors for the 2023 season on Saturday, May 27. Make sure to purchase your Season Pass now to get the best deal and be ready for a summer of fun! You can purchase your passes at the Bird Park Administrative Office, located at 893 W. Station St. in Kankakee. You'll be able to access all the fun amenities that Splash Valley has to offer, from the slides and lazy river to the splash pool and water playground. It's a great way to enjoy the summer with the whole family. Don't miss out on the fun! Get your 2023 Season Passes now and look forward to a summer of splashing, sliding, and sun. Get ready for a summer of memories at Splash Valley Aquatic Park!

At Huntley Stingray Bay, parents and children can enjoy the benefits of Starfish Swimming. This nationally recognized swim instruction curriculum is designed to help kids build their swimming and water safety skills. Developed by the Starfish Aquatics Institute (SAI), the program offers a series of color awards that swimmers can earn as their skills progress. Starting with StarBabies/StarTots classes, kids can gradually work their way up to the five levels of Starfish Swim School and eventually to Starfish Stroke School. Huntley Stingray Bay is an official provider of Starfish Swimming, a highly regarded swimming instruction program. Developed and administered by the Starfish Aquatics Institute (SAI), the program is designed to help children develop both swimming and water safety skills. The program follows a progressive structure which begins with StarBabies/StarTots classes and advances through the five levels of Starfish Swim School to the Starfish Stroke School. As children progress, they can earn a series of color awards that signify their achievement.

KH Kim Taekwondo - Plainfield Academy in Northbrook is the perfect place to enroll your child for martial arts training. Our school puts a strong emphasis on physical fitness, along with developing strong character traits such as self-esteem, resilience, focus, and respect. Our goal is to create a group of young people who are well-rounded and prepared to face the challenges of our global society. We provide an environment that encourages students to work together to build their physical strength and stamina, improve their focus and concentration, and gain self-discipline and self-defense skills. With our program, your child will gain a sense of self-confidence and a feeling of accomplishment that will stay with them for years to come.

At our facility, you will learn to always give your best through rigorous training and a wide range of successes and failures. We will teach you the values of the Bushido code, which include integrity, respect, courage, honor, compassion, honesty, and loyalty. You will also be able to hone your movement and learn to be completely alert and present in any moment. Our facility is a place to make friends and share experiences with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. We also believe in the words of A.A. Milne, “You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” With the skills you learn here, you will become a true champion and will inspire others to follow in your footsteps. This facility is a place of growth and learning. Through hard work and dedication, you will learn to live by the Bushido code and gain invaluable skills. You will also come to embrace the idea that you are stronger than you think and will be able to use your skills to become a leader and role model for others. With our help, you can become the best version of yourself and a true champion.

At Haigh Quarry, we offer a range of PADI scuba diving courses, from Discover Scuba Diving (an introductory course) to Instructor courses. Our PADI instructors are fully insured for your peace of mind, and are highly educated and specialize in personal safety. With small classes, our instructors are able to provide a unique, personalized experience and will work around your hectic schedule. Our instructors love what they do and live to dive – why not come and join in the fun and excitement of this life-changing sport? Haigh Quarry is the perfect place to start your scuba diving journey. With our excellent PADI courses, ranging from Discover Scuba Diving (an introductory course) to Instructor courses, you can be sure that you’re learning from qualified, experienced instructors. All of our instructors are fully insured with a focus on personal safety, and with small classes, they can work around your hectic schedule. What’s more, our instructors love what they do and live to dive, so you’ll be sure to have a great time while learning this exciting, life-changing sport. So why not come and give it a try?

Sheridan Shore Sailing School has been offering students the opportunity to learn the exhilarating sport of sailing for over 50 years. Our courses emphasize both sailing skill and the importance of seamanship, and are designed for individuals of all levels of experience, from beginners to more advanced sailors. Our instructors are certified by U.S. or Canadian Sailing Associations and our classes have a low student to instructor ratio, allowing for plenty of personalized attention. With a wide variety of courses available, everyone can find something that’s right for them.

Since 1984, Discovery Day Camp has been providing a unique experience for campers. Through a variety of activities, events, and field trips, campers are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow while building a sense of community through skill development, team building, and sportsmanship. Safety and comfort are also top priorities of the camp, and the camp is fully accredited by the American Camping Association. The camp has been a hit since its opening, with many former campers now joining the staff and sending their own children to the camp. The circle of Discovery speaks for itself! With a focus on fun, growth, and appreciation for the outdoors, Discovery Day Camp offers a fantastic opportunity for campers to make long-lasting memories with friends while gaining valuable life skills.

At Camp I Am Me, every program is designed to give burn survivors the opportunity to gain physical, psychological, and emotional support. From therapeutic games and activities to educational programs and field trips, Camp I Am Me is dedicated to providing a safe and meaningful experience for all participants. Camp I Am Me provides a unique environment where burn survivors can feel comfortable being themselves and build relationships that will last a lifetime.

At Fox Valley Youth, our mission is to create an environment where youth in under-resourced communities can experience a life-transforming relationship with Jesus. Through our summer camp programs, we strive to give youth the opportunity to immerse themselves in a Christ-centered environment for a week, allowing them to view themselves and Jesus in a new light. We also offer year-round programs such as Teen Night Together (TNT) and after-school clubs for grade school children, providing ongoing opportunities for spiritual growth and development. We believe that the combination of the summer and school year programs will have the greatest impact on the lives of these youth.

At our camp, we foster a cooperative environment that celebrates personal and group achievements. Our experienced staff lead small groups of campers in activities that develop valuable social skills, athletic ability and teamwork. We strive to build self-confidence in each camper by creating engaging activities that encourage learning and mastering new skills. At our camp, we understand the importance of age-appropriate activities that are fun and engaging. Through our various programs, campers are given the opportunity to develop their social and emotional growth while having fun. Our experienced staff lead small groups of campers in activities that develop valuable social skills, athletic ability and teamwork, all in a cooperative environment. Our goal is to help build self-confidence in each camper through a variety of activities that encourage learning and mastering new skills. At our camp, we realize that achievement should be celebrated. We foster a cooperative environment that encourages growth and celebrates personal and group successes. Our experienced staff lead small groups of campers in activities that develop valuable social skills, athletic ability and teamwork. Through these activities, we strive to build self-confidence in each camper by creating an environment that promotes learning and mastering new skills. We take pride in providing an engaging and fun atmosphere for campers of all ages.

And the more they build on those skills, the more they’ll feel confident and independent. Camping is an amazing way for girls to strengthen their leadership skills, build confidence, and develop a strong appreciation for the natural world. It encourages them to put down their electronics and immerse themselves in the great outdoors. It also provides the opportunity to acquire outdoor skills that can’t be found anywhere else. These include building a campfire, putting up a tent, and canoeing across a lake. As girls gain more confidence and independence in these activities, they can better explore their leadership abilities and grow as individuals.

Elaine Frank Apachi Day Camp is the perfect summertime destination for your family. Situated on 37 acres of lush grounds and surrounded by gorgeous Lake County landscapes, the camp provides a safe and fun-filled environment for campers of all ages. With sprawling green sports fields, natural wetlands, winding nature trails, two heated outdoor pools, a climbing wall, zipline, ropes course, athletic courts, and air-conditioned buildings, there's something for everyone. We also offer two specialty camps: Apachi STEM and Apachi Performing Arts Camp. Both are designed to engage campers in activities that allow them to explore their interests and develop their skills. Plus, the camp also features the amazing and unique Garoon Gateway to Science, an outdoor S.T.E.A.M. museum with over 50 engaging, hands-on exhibits to explore. Elaine Frank Apachi Day Camp is the perfect place for your kids to have a summer to remember. With so many exciting activities and adventures to be had, your family is sure to have a blast. So come join us for a summer of fun and learning!

Y Day Camp is the perfect way for kids to stretch their imaginations and flex their creativity muscles. Our campers are encouraged to take on new challenges and learn extraordinary skills, while having fun and playing until the whistle blows. We provide exciting opportunities to explore, grow, and discover new ways to have fun. At Y Day Camp, we believe in the power of play. We’re committed to helping youth build confidence, self-esteem, and resilience, while having a great time. Sign up your camper today and get ready for a summer of fun, learning, and adventure!

Y Day Camp offers something for everyone. From building a better Lego creation to crafting a masterpiece with paint, youth will be able to explore their passions and cultivate new interests. They’ll also get to team up with their peers to take on exciting games and activities. It’s the perfect place for youth to cultivate their creativity, hone their problem-solving skills, and make long-lasting memories.

Little Grassy Camp and Retreat Center is an outdoor destination like no other. Located south of Carbondale, IL, on 157 acres of hills and trees, this United Methodist Church Camp and Retreat Center is a piece of nature’s beauty. Bordering a 1,000-acre Little Grassy Lake and set in the Shawnee National Forest, Little Grassy is bounded by a covenant with the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge to exercise careful stewardship of the wildlife, vegetation, and landforms. The camp provides exciting opportunities to explore and reconnect with nature. On the grounds you’ll find a hotel-style lodge with a large meeting room, a year-round youth lodge, and a dining hall with a meeting room furnished with cozy furniture and a fireplace. Plus, there are air-conditioned cabins and an open-air tabernacle, making Little Grassy a great destination for a variety of housing and meeting needs. For visitors looking for outdoor activities, Little Grassy Camp has it all - from hiking and swimming to rock-climbing and rappelling. Plus, the camp offers spiritual formation programs in the Christian tradition for both youth and adults. Little Grassy Camp is also available to rent for special events like reunions, business meetings, or youth camps. Join Little Grassy Camp and Retreat Center to explore the great outdoors and connect with nature and Christ.

At Ramah Day Camp, we’re proud to provide a safe, nurturing environment for young Jewish campers to learn and grow. Every day is an opportunity to experience the joy of being surrounded by smiling faces, all of whom are engaged in the fun and meaningful activities that make up a camp day. Whether we’re playing pillow polo baseball, hiking in our “secret” prairie, or learning a new Israeli dance, the joy of being in a familial atmosphere is just the beginning. Campers also leave with a strong appreciation of their Jewish heritage, as they learn and grow with the values that are so fundamental to who we are.

For 95 summers, YMCA Camp Benson has been providing incredible summer camp experiences for boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 17. Our innovative programming is rooted in values and facilitated by experienced, caring staff in a beautiful natural setting. We are dedicated to helping campers reach their full potential, and have created a summer camp program that helps campers learn about themselves and ultimately build character and confidence. At YMCA Camp Benson, summer camp is at our core. We believe that by spending time in the outdoors, campers can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and grow in unusual and meaningful ways. Our staff is here to provide support and guidance, so campers can embrace the process of self-discovery and become the best version of themselves.

The Park District and Park Foundation are collaborating to ensure that all park district residents have access to the recreational programs. To this end, assistance is provided to those facing financial hardship. This program is available to all who live in the park district boundaries and are in need of assistance. Individuals who have special medical, physical, psychological, and/or emotional needs or receive special services from the school district are also encouraged to reach out to the Park District. The staff at Lincolnway Special Recreation Association will work with the Park District to provide reasonable accommodations to participants with disabilities. Participants who would like to request inclusion services are asked to complete the appropriate forms provided by the Park District.

At Palatine Park District, we are committed to creating an active, safe, and healthy community for our residents and visitors. Our District provides a wide range of amenities such as parks, trails, recreational facilities, and programs that are designed to help foster a sense of community and promote physical and mental well-being. We understand the importance of being good stewards of our community assets and tax dollars, so we strive to provide quality services that are both affordable and enjoyable. From playgrounds to nature preserves, the Palatine Park District is dedicated to providing a variety of recreational opportunities for the whole family. With our expansive network of parks, trails, and facilities, you can find something suitable for all ages and interests. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of the community and encourage people of all ages to get out and explore nature, stay active, and have fun. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy.

With the support of the residents, the Lemont Township Park District was established in 1963. Its mission was and still is to provide the very best parks and recreation experiences to the community while being safe and fiscally responsible. Today, the Lemont Park District continues to carry out this mission, providing the community with safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences.

Parents in the Lockport Township area will be delighted to learn that the Park District recently has made a great effort to renovate and beautify existing parks, as well as create several new parks like Hawthorne Preserve, Sagebrook, and Oak Creek. Every park offers a range of recreational activities, including open play and spaces, playgrounds, sports fields, outdoor fitness trails, and more. There’s even a spray park and complete handicap access at each park. The Park District’s commitment to providing a great outdoor experience is exemplified by the recognition of Canyons, Dellwood Park’s Disc Golf Course. The course was recently rated #1 in Illinois and #5 in the world by UDisc.com. Altogether, the Lockport Township Park District maintains approximately 950 acres across 41 parks.

At SSSRA, we strive to provide individuals with disabilities or special needs with the opportunity to be involved in year-round recreation. Our organization is an extension of seven park districts and three recreation and parks departments, and we are committed to promoting the power of choice and enhancing the quality of life of individuals of all abilities. Our goal is to provide accessible recreation in an environment that promotes dignity, success, and fun. At SSSRA, we understand that recreation can have a powerful impact on the lives of individuals in the community. We are continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of our community and to ensure that we provide quality resources to make a positive difference. We believe in the inherent value of recreation for everyone, no matter their abilities. Our goal is to create a safe and fun environment where individuals can explore and develop at their own pace. We strive to provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere to ensure that everyone can participate and enjoy recreation in its fullest form.

The Bolingbrook Park District offers a wide variety of recreational activities and amenities for families in the community. Located in Bolingbrook, Illinois, the Park District is just a short 25 miles away from the city of Chicago, and serves a population of 76,272. With over 1,106 acres of land, the Bolingbrook Park District provides two community centers, an indoor/outdoor aquatic park, a golf course, a banquet facility and restaurant, a fitness center, two outdoor skate parks, a sports complex, and 50 parks with multiple playgrounds, picnic shelters, and more. According to Money Magazine, Bolingbrook is one of the nation’s Top 100 Cities to Live. Residents and visitors of the Bolingbrook Park District can take advantage of the many recreational opportunities available. With all the amenities available in the park district, families can enjoy a variety of activities from picnics and sports to dining and leisurely walks. The Park District is a great place to spend quality time with family and friends.

The park system in Joliet had its start in 1899 when the City of Joliet purchased West Park (40 acres) and Highland Park (45 acres). These two parks served as the foundation for what is now the Joliet Park District. In 1920, the district was gifted 327 acres from the late Robert Pilcher, which were purchased from Harlow Higginbotham. This land is now known as Pilcher Park and is a great addition to the park district. The Joliet Park District has come a long way from the purchase of West Park and Highland Park in 1899, to the addition of Pilcher Park in 1920. It is now a thriving park system enjoyed by many local families.