I've noticed a lot of parents have been searching for pools they can reserve for private family swim time. Some are further away than others, but for those desperately needing to get out of the house, pool time might be a special treat. There are three places, I would go, to identify the best option for families.
1. Hotels
While last year, most hotels that had indoor pools were requiring that you reserve private or semi-private time-slots, that isn't the case this winter (yet anyway.) However, there are still some properties that offer pool time without an overnight stay. Contact hotels directly to learn more about their offerings and reservation processes.
Holiday Inn, Hoffman Estates - I have heard only good things about this new hotel in terms of cleanliness, customer service, flexibility, etc. Not only can you reserve pool time with an overnight stay, but they also offer a package called "Recess at the Pool", in which you get three hours of a hotel room and 60 minutes in the pool, starting at $80 for four people. The hotel also offers birthday packages that can include room decorations. Call 1-847-450-6170
Aloft, Bolingbrook - The Aloft has extended its check-out times with their Staycation Package. Check-out as late as 1pm and enjoy some extra pool time. The rate for a double queen room is $119 and includes a $10 food/beverage credit. Call 1-630-410-6367
Hampton Inn, Chicago McCormick - Some rates include early check-in and late check-out. Vaccination cards must be shown to use the pool and/or gym. Call 1-312-791-1121
Hyatt Lodge, Oakbrook - The Hyatt Lodge offers day passes. Note, their very large pool is divided into 5 or 6 lanes and they share their pool with a spa that can have classes in the pool while you are there, so you might want to call ahead to check. They also have a large jacuzzi. 1-630-568-1234. Book through ResortPass.com
Other hotels with indoor pools include, Courtyard; Oakbrook Terrace, Hyatt Centric on the Magnificent Mile, Hyatt House; Schaumburg, JW Marriott; Chicago, Marriott; Downers Grove, Marriott; Lincolnshire, Renaissance; North Shore, Westin; Lombard, Westin; O'Hare, and Westin; Wheeling.
2. Swim Schools/Parks
Aqua Tots, Wheaton - Aqua Tots' pool is available for rental from 9am-5pm on Fridays. The cost is $175/hr for up to 15 people. (Kids under 5 must be accompanied by an adult, but child and adult count as only one person.) Call 1-630-326-5487
Dive Right In Scuba, Orland Park - Private rental of their 89 degree pool available Saturdays 1pm-3pm, Sundays 10am-3pm, Mon/Wed/Thur 10am-1pm. $80/hr for up to six swimmers, $120/hr for seven to twelve swimmers, $200/hr for thirteen to twenty swimmers. Toys available/Lifeguard on duty. Email laura@theswimadvantage.com
Pro-swim Academy, Elk Grove Village - Open swim, in their 92 degree salt water pool, is available to the public from 1pm-3pm Monday - Thursday. Maximum capacity is 25 people. Rates are between $10 and $15. Call 1-630-283-0136.
Splash Landings Indoor Aquatic Center, Glenview - Public swim is offered during the following times: Tuesday from 5pm-7pm, Friday from 4pm-8pm, Saturday from 1pm-4pm. During Public Swim, swimmers will be able to use the activity pool, water slide and up to 2 lanes of the lap pool. Daily admission for non-residents is $12. They also have options for pool parties. Call 1-847-724-5670
Check out Chicago Park District indoor pools such as Gill Park, with Family Swim and Teen Swim on Friday nights, Family Swim on Sundays, and various other open swim options or Welles Park, with Family Swim on Monday & Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as other open swim options.
3. Third Party Websites
Check-out Resort Pass Chicago for Pool Day Passes to the Hyatt Lodge in Oakbrook starting at $20, or the Park Hyatt, Chicago (age 16+) starting at $45
Go to DayUse to use the InterContinental, Chicago Magnificient Mile pool from 9am-6pm or 4pm-11pm for $110. Pool is not private, but it is immense. Or use a Day Room at the Embassy Suites, Magnifiicent Mile for $129 9am-4pm, or at the SpringHill Suites, O'Hare $70 for eight hours, and many more. Contact the hotels directly for their covid policies and procedures.
Book last minute stays at hotels with indoor pools via HotelTonight. You could find deals on this site like the Hilton Garden Inn McCormick Place for $89, or Loews Chicago Hotel, Magnificent Mile for $129, and many more. Again contact the hotels directly for their covid policies and procedures.
