Prairie Lakes Park - Image 1
1 / 3

Prairie Lakes Park

4.7
·837 reviews·Des Plaines, United States

A versatile park offering aquatic fun, scenic trails, mini-golf, and batting cages for a complete outdoor experience.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Prairie Lakes Park - Image 1

Prairie Lakes Park

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A versatile park offering aquatic fun, scenic trails, mini-golf, and batting cages for a complete outdoor experience.

4.7
(837 reviews)

"Best park in Des Plaines for walking, playing mini-golf, or going for a swim."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Aquatic Center Value

A family of 7 can enjoy the aquatic center for around $28. Great value for a fun day out!

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

Lots of walking and trails, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the park's expansive grounds.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 837 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Splash Pad & Pools

Splash Pad & Pools

Prairie Lakes Aquatic Center

A hit with kids, featuring a splash pad, lap pool, and wellness pool for all ages.

Scenic Lake Trails

Scenic Lake Trails

Around the lake

Perfect for walking, running, or simply enjoying the beautiful, peaceful scenery.

Mini Golf & Batting Cages

Mini Golf & Batting Cages

South end of the property

Fun for all ages with options for baseball and softball practice.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Aquatic Center Fun

The Prairie Lakes Aquatic Center offers a splash pad for younger kids (2-12), a lap pool, and a wellness pool. It's a great spot for family fun, with affordable options for groups. TikTok+1

Outdoor Activities Galore

Beyond the aquatic center, explore scenic lake views, walking/running trails, and even miniature golf with batting cages. It's a versatile park for relaxation and active pursuits. TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer families, more relaxation
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Enjoy the sunset and cooler temps
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Prairie Lakes Aquatic Center -Splash pad for kids ages 2–12 open daily 9am-8pm. -Lap pool -Wellness pool 📍 515 E Thacker St, Des Plaines, IL 60016 #chicago #chicagofamily #chicagofun #kidsactivities #kidfriendlychicago #kidsthingtodo #kidspot #chicagokids #kids #kidsfun #desplaines #splashpad #indoorpool #waterpark
@chicagokidspot
44 likes • 6.1K views

🎯 Aquatic Center Value

A family of 7 can enjoy the aquatic center for around $28. Great value for a fun day out! TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

Lots of walking and trails, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the park's expansive grounds. Reddit

📍 Prairie Lakes Aquatic Center 515 E Thacker St, Des Plaines, IL 60016, United States Когда выходной хотел провести в режиме лежания, но пришёл муж с планом. В итоге — бассейн, дети счастливы, я отдохнула, все довольны. 💵 Всего $28 на семью 🧒 Зона для малышей: тёплая вода, грибок, фонтанчики и небольшие горки. 🏊 Зона для взрослых: бассейн 3,5 фита — можно поплавать. 🚿 Есть душевые, отдельные кабин...
@svetikchicago
513 likes • 12.9K views
Peaceful escape at Lake Park Des Plaines 🌊✨ #LakeParkDesPlaines #DesPlainesIL #NatureVibes #LakeViews #PeacefulPlaces #HiddenGems #IllinoisViews #TikTokTravel
@herdaysinchicago
45 likes • 2.5K views

🛶 Paddle Boat Fun

Paddle boats are available for rent at about $20 per hour, offering scenic lake views. TikTok

🍽️ On-site Dining

A restaurant with outdoor seating is available, perfect for a meal after park activities. TikTok

This park is a go to in #Chicago #desplainesillinois. it was very nice. The paddle boats were about $20/ hr. Beautiful scenery. They also had a nice restaurant as well with outdoor seating.
@diamondsayss
27 likes • 382 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Aquatic Center Value

A family of 7 can enjoy the aquatic center for around $28. Great value for a fun day out! TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

Lots of walking and trails, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the park's expansive grounds. Reddit

🛶 Paddle Boat Fun

Paddle boats are available for rent at about $20 per hour, offering scenic lake views. TikTok

🍽️ On-site Dining

A restaurant with outdoor seating is available, perfect for a meal after park activities. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(837 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Prairie Lakes Park for its diverse activities, from the family-friendly Aquatic Center splash pad to scenic lake trails and recreational options like mini-golf. It's considered a great spot for walking, running, swimming, and enjoying time with family in a beautiful setting.

"The mini golf on the south end of the property is a lot of fun and has batting cages for both baseball and softball. Haven't been inside the main buildng for a while but remember it being a nice set up with plenty of activities."

John Deignan

"Went here for a child's birthday party it was a swimming party so we got to use the splash zone and the regular pools as well it was a great time and all had fun"

Kelly Britt

"This is one of the best parks, I have visited, very scenic views, beautiful lake, large landscape, long trails! It's a great place for walking, running, fishing and enjoying time with family!"

mohamed yagi

What People Like

Family-friendly aquatic center
Scenic lake trails
Mini golf and batting cages

What People Dislike

Can get crowded on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Prairie Lakes Park is located at 515 E Thacker St, Des Plaines, IL 60016. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options may vary, so check local transit schedules. TikTok+1

Yes, there is parking available at Prairie Lakes Park, especially near the aquatic center and other activity areas. TikTok

While Prairie Lakes Park offers its own trails, the Des Plaines River Trail is a separate system. You may need to travel a short distance to connect to it. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The splash pad at the Aquatic Center is typically open daily from 9 am to 8 pm. Other pool hours may vary, so it's best to check their official schedule. TikTok

Entry to the park itself is generally free. However, specific activities like the Aquatic Center, mini-golf, or paddle boats may have separate fees. A family of seven can enjoy the aquatic center for around $28. TikTok

It's advisable to check the official Prairie Lakes Park website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on ticketing and reservation policies, especially during peak seasons. TikTok

The aquatic center is noted as being affordable for families and groups, with one mention of a $28 cost for a family of seven. Inquire directly for specific group rates. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Prairie Lakes Park offers a variety of activities including an aquatic center with a splash pad and pools, miniature golf, batting cages, scenic walking and running trails around the lake, and fishing. TikTokReddit+1

Absolutely! The splash pad at the Aquatic Center is specifically designed for kids aged 2-12, and the park's open spaces are great for play. TikTok

Yes, fishing is mentioned as one of the activities available at Prairie Lakes Park, making it a great spot for anglers. Reddit

Yes, there is a restaurant located within the park that offers outdoor seating, convenient for a meal during your visit. TikTok

The park is known for its scenic views, featuring a beautiful lake and large landscapes, making it ideal for leisurely walks and enjoying nature. TikTokReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lake itself offers beautiful scenic views, especially during sunrise or sunset. The walking trails provide lovely natural backdrops. TikTokReddit

With its lake, landscapes, and trails, Prairie Lakes Park provides ample opportunities for nature photography. TikTokReddit

You may also like

Prairie Lakes Park (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide