City of Elgin, Elgin

Home to a frog-tongue slide and bordered by a pair of serpentine water slides, Lords Park Aquatic Center’s 14,142-square-foot recreation pool mixes water with whimsy to the delight of guests of all ages. In addition to the child-friendly fare, the Elgin Parks and Recreation facility invites older splashers to use the cordoned-off lap-swimming area, where they can practice their freestyle strokes and flip turns. Outside the zero-depth pool borders lie a sand volleyball court, a concession area, and plenty of chairs for poolside relaxation.