14 Top Amusement Parks in Chicago: Best for Thrill-Seekers!

A racing heartbeat, thrilling rides, and mouthwatering street food… all in a day's visit to an amusement park. Discover Chicago's unique indoor and outdoor water parks with me!

Chicago, the third largest city in the United States, has, without a doubt, a lot to offer. From its unique architecture of towering skyscrapers to its backward-flowing lake, how can you not love this unique Illinois city?

One mistake many travelers tend to make is limiting Chicago to lollapalooza and food festivals, not realizing that Chicago is home to amusement parks that can spike up your adrenaline with just a glimpse! 

Let's virtually explore the amusement parks of the vibrant city today so you can experience the thrill of a lifetime!

Types of Amusement Parks

Amusement parks are a world of their own! They create a place where anyone, regardless of age, can get lost in the adrenaline rush and forget their worries. From spine-tingling roller coasters and drop towers to much milder carousels and bumper cars, there is something to be discovered!  

Let's look at different types of amusement parks in Chicago so you can find exactly what you need. 

*Note: the prices for rides vary depending on the park. Rides and are NOT included in the admission fee*

1. Outdoor Amusement Parks

These are the parks you may be most familiar with. They also happen to be my personal favorite. Weightless rides, breathtaking views, and mesmerizing sunsets are just a few things to love about outdoor amusement parks in Chicago. They are perfect for lively, adventurous souls who don't mind the Chicago wind. 

A few recommendations:

2. Indoor Amusement Parks

If you want to avoid relying on the weather when planning your trip, indoor amusement parks in Chicago are just the thing for you. These are an ideal choice for children, so to all my toddler parents - you're welcome! 

A few recommendations:

3. Water Parks 

Trying to beat the Chicago heat? Do you love getting soaked and playing around in the water but enjoy the thrill of electric rides? Waterparks combine the best of both worlds! Get ready to splash around some water and enjoy the slippery, exhilarating slides.

A few recommended waterparks in Chicago:

4. Theme Parks 

As the name suggests, these parks revolve around a theme. Everyone's dressed up, there are dozens of activities, and enthusiasts immerse themselves in their favorite themes. What's not to love?

Hoping to immerse yourself in a land of adventure? Take a look at some Chicago theme parks:

Protip: use TripAdvisor to look for reviews of specific parks when planning.

How to Get the Best Deals on Tickets

Most amusement parks in Chicago offer two types of tickets: "pay-one-price" which includes the fare for rides and admission fee, and" admission only," which, as the name suggests, is only the entrance fee. 

Park prices can weigh down your wallet, especially if you have a big family. Here are some ways to get tickets cheaper than usual to prevent your finances from limiting your fun:

• Book online tickets from websites like Tiqet for special deals like saving up to 20%!
• Follow the park on social media to stay updated on offers.
• Sign up for the park's newsletter if they have one. They often send exclusive deals to their subscribers directly to their inboxes!
• Look out for family or group bundles. They're often cheaper than individual tickets.
• Visit the park during a non-peak season or on weekdays to avoid waiting in long lines. Get the best deals!
• Look through the park's schedule and book the cheapest day.
  

Tips to Save Even More Cash! 

There's only so much you can save on tickets because you can't always visit during non-peak season and weekdays, especially if you have guests coming with you. However, you can decrease how much you spend at the park by following the given tips:

• Bring your own snacks! The ones sold at parks are often overpriced, and almost every amusement park lets you bring your own food.
• Avoid buying too many souvenirs.
• Take public transport to the park to avoid paying parking fees, often $20 daily! Book flights through Skyscanner and buses through FlixBus US to get the cheapest tickets if traveling to Chicago from outside the city.
• Give your children a set amount of allowance to prevent unwanted spending. 
• Always plan and create a budget for yourself, and most importantly, stick to it!

Plan Your Park Visits with Pilot!

Visiting amusement parks for the first time can be overwhelming, but if you plan ahead of time you'll have a blast! Remember to use a trip planner like Pilot to stay organized...