Trust that the drive to the southland will be worth your while: This 360,000-square-foot water park ($7 for residents, $14 for nonresidents) includes five slides (the longest—328 feet), sand volleyball courts, a pool with a zero-depth entry, and a cliff jump. And, yes, the concession stand sells typical poolside fare (nachos, hot dogs). But it also whips up housemade Italian ice. (Try the mango.)

15600 West Ave., Orland Park, orland-park.il.us