Looking for the best places to swim in McHenry County this summer? Whether you prefer a family-friendly aquatic center with water slides, a sandy swimming beach, an inflatable aqua park, or a free splash pad, McHenry County has options for every age and budget. Here's a rundown of the top swimming spots across McHenry County, Illinois.
Please note: Some locations may charge non-resident fees in addition to standard entry fees. Pricing and policies vary by facility. We recommend checking directly with each location before your visit.
Aquatic Centers & Pools in McHenry County
Looking for water slides, diving boards, lap lanes, or interactive splash features? McHenry County has five public aquatic centers, and most check all those boxes. Zero-depth entry areas keep the little ones happy while bigger kids tackle the slides.
City of Harvard Aquatic Center
607 Galvin Parkway, Harvard, IL 60033
A summertime favorite in northern McHenry County, the Harvard Aquatic Center features a zero-depth-entry pool for young swimmers, water slides, spray features, and plenty of room for families to spread out.
Merkel Aquatic Center
201 S. Green St., McHenry, IL 60050
Located near downtown McHenry, Merkel Aquatic Center has designated lap times for adults, a separate 2 ft. deep baby pool, 1m and 3m diving boards, and an aqua zip’n.
Sunburst Bay Aquatic Center
1201 First St., Cary, IL 60013
Sunburst Bay is one of the bigger aquatic centers in the county. It has a little bit of everything: a zero-depth leisure pool with interactive water play, a current channel, body flume slides, an eight-lane lap pool with diving boards, a climbing wall, drop slide, shaded cabanas, and a Snack Shack.
Woodstock Water Works
1313 Kishwaukee Valley Rd., Woodstock, IL 60098
Set within Emricson Park, Woodstock Water Works has a zero-depth recreation pool with interactive play features, a double flume water slide, an eight-lane lap pool with diving boards, a separate baby pool, concessions, shaded picnic shelters, and a tot playground. If you're in the Woodstock area, this one's hard to beat.
Stingray Bay Aquatic Center
12015 Mill St., Huntley, IL 60142
Stingray Bay has multiple water slides, a zero-depth entry pool with interactive splash features, diving boards, lap lanes, a children's play area, Ray's Cafe, and shaded seating. Worth the trip if you're coming from the Huntley area.
Lions Armstrong Memorial Pool
599 Longwood Dr., Algonquin, IL 60102
Located in Algonquin, Lions Armstrong Memorial Pool is a classic community pool offering lap swimming, open swimming, and diving boards. Plenty of seating for sunbathers and a relaxed atmosphere make it a great spot for all ages.
Swimming Beaches & Lakes in McHenry County
Prefer open-water swimming? McHenry County has plenty of lake beaches. Some are quiet neighborhood spots; others are full-service recreation areas with kayak rentals, inflatable obstacle courses, and waterfront dining.
Indian Trail Beach
228 Indian Trail, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Located on Woods Creek Lake, Indian Trail Beach has a sandy swimming area, playground, picnic areas, and basketball and volleyball courts. It's a neighborhood beach - unpretentious and good for a laid-back afternoon.
Three Oaks Recreation Area
5517 Northwest Hwy., Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Three Oaks has a sandy beach on a crystal-clear lake, kayak and paddleboard rentals, sailboats, canoes, paddle boats, hiking and biking trails, and scenic picnic areas. Plan to spend most of the day.
The Quarry
5517 Northwest Hwy., Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Home to one of the largest inflatable Aqua Parks in the Midwest, The Quarry is the county's best bet for older kids and adults looking for a thrill. Tackle the floating obstacle course, learn to wakeboard at the full-size cable park, or grab food and drinks at the waterfront bar.
Petersen Park Beach
4300 Petersen Park Rd., McHenry, IL 60050
Petersen Park sits along McCullom Lake and has a sandy swimming beach, WiBit inflatable obstacles, shaded seating, and a solid lineup of boat rentals: kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, stand-up paddleboards, Corcls, and Power Paddlers.
Butch Hagele Beach
71 Hilltop Dr., Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
A smaller, quieter spot on Woods Creek Lake with a designated swimming area, sandy shoreline, picnic areas, and open green space. Good if you want to skip the crowds.
Crystal Lake Main Beach
300 Lakeshore Dr., Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Crystal Lake Main Beach is the county's most iconic swimming spot, set on the namesake lake with a historic pavilion as the backdrop. It has swimming, boat rentals, a fishing pier, playground, concessions, basketball courts, and picnic areas. A true summer classic.
Free Splash Pads in McHenry County
Need a quick cool-down with the kids? McHenry County has splash pads spread across the county, all free to use and located within parks with playgrounds and picnic areas nearby.
Kaper Park Splash Pad
Georgetown Dr. at Cimarron Dr., Cary, IL 60013
Acorn Alley Splash Pad
Veteran Acres Park - 431 Walkup Rd., Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Crystal Castle Splash Pad
Woodscreek Park - 1420 Willow Tree Dr., Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Dragonfly Lane
Lakewood Meadows Park - 6904 Haligus Rd., Lakewood, IL 60014
**Under Construction**
Sunset Park Splash Pad
5200 Miller Rd., Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Melissa O'Leary Memorial Splash Pad
Emricson Park - 1313 Kishwaukee Valley Rd., Woodstock, IL 60098
Whispering Oaks Park
4300 Front Royal Avenue, McHenry, IL 60051
Make This Your Coolest Summer Yet
McHenry County has no shortage of ways to spend a summer day in the water. Pick a spot, pack the sunscreen, and get out there. Memories like these are naturally made in McHenry County
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to swim in McHenry County?
McHenry County has great options across all swimming styles. For aquatic centers, top picks include Sunburst Bay in Cary, Woodstock Water Works, and Stingray Bay in Huntley. For beach and lake swimming, Crystal Lake Main Beach, Three Oaks Recreation Area, and Petersen Park Beach are popular choices. Free splash pads can be found in Cary, Crystal Lake, Lake in the Hills, and Woodstock.
Are there free places to swim or cool off in McHenry County?
Yes. McHenry County has multiple free public splash pads: Kaper Park Splash Pad in Cary, Acorn Alley Splash Pad and Crystal Castle Splash Pad in Crystal Lake, Sunset Park Splash Pad in Lake in the Hills, and Melissa O'Leary Memorial Splash Pad in Woodstock. Admission fees apply at aquatic centers and most beaches.
What beaches in McHenry County allow swimming?
McHenry County has several designated swimming beaches: Crystal Lake Main Beach (Crystal Lake), Three Oaks Recreation Area (Crystal Lake), Petersen Park Beach on McCullom Lake (McHenry), Indian Trail Beach on Woods Creek Lake (Lake in the Hills), and Butch Hagele Beach (Lake in the Hills).
Which McHenry County aquatic centers have water slides?
Sunburst Bay Aquatic Center in Cary and Woodstock Water Works are among the largest, each with body flume slides, lap pools with diving boards, and zero-depth entry areas. Stingray Bay in Huntley and Merkel Aquatic Center in McHenry also have multiple water slides. Harvard Aquatic Center is a solid option for families in the northern part of the county.
Where can young children swim safely in McHenry County?
Every major aquatic center in McHenry County has a zero-depth entry pool designed for toddlers and young children. The county's five free splash pads are also great for little kids and are all next to playgrounds.
Is there an inflatable water park in McHenry County?
Yes. The Quarry at Three Oaks Recreation Area in Crystal Lake has one of the largest inflatable Aqua Parks in the Midwest, plus a full-size cable wakeboard park and a waterfront bar and restaurant.