I don't live in the suburbs, and I don't even wish I did, but every so often you discover one of…read morethese amazing places . . . The Cermak Family Aquatic Center is awesome. A holy-grail destination for summer days with kids. They have a lazy river full of innertubes, and giant 2.5 foot deep pool with a play structure and various splashing items, plus a splash pad, and a junk food concession. It is neither a real swimming pool nor a water park. Not a real swimming pool because the deepest part of the pool is 2.5 feet deep. Not a water park because there's no actual waterslide, though there is a slide ... into the water -- if you grasp the distinction I'm making. But as a consequence this means that you can feel much more comfortable giving even young kids a decent amount of freedom (obviously not too much! be safe!) and generating the kind of wet, chlorinated, hot, happy, exhausted summer day that you may have grown up with as a kid. Chicago is a big city of rich amenities, so there are not a ton of things that I say are clearly worth a 45 minute drive from my house, but this is one of them.

Located inside Forest Preserve District of Cook County; Cermak Woods. Free parking for customers…read more Wonderful recreational area to enjoy with your family and friends. This is a well designed water recreational area. It has been changed, upgraded and redesigned throughout the years, but still here providing a great relaxing service to this community and visitors. You can grab a towel at the nearby Marshalls, and sunscreen as well. Plenty of grocery stores and restaurants nearby if you would like to enjoy a picnic with your family as well. Enjoy this wonderful experience.

What a great hotel gym! I was lucky enough to be staying at…read morethe Hilton Chicago last month and get a workout at their fabulous fitness facility. Amenities include: Indoor running track Indoor lap swimming pool with three lanes Jacuzzi Free weights up to 100 lbs Treadmills Elliptical machines Stationary bikes Stair climbers Smith Machine Rowing machine LifeFitness strength machines Dry sauna Most hotel gyms have one treadmill, one stationary bike, and some free weights, so this one definitely blew my mind. I cannot wait to return to take advantage of this offering the next time I'm in Chicago.

I'm not used to indoor pools. I was surprised at the…read morestrength of chlorine. We could smell it getting off the elevator. It would have been nice if they left the doors to the sun deck open, but apparently there are lots of spiders and insects that will fly in. Other than that, the rest of facilities are really nice. Great indoor track. I didn't use the machines, but they looked very clean and there were quite a few of them.

Great facility open year around BUT CLOSED FOR SCHOOL…read moreHOLIDAYS! Spa and sauna are super nice. The rec app says there is a Pilates reformer but no classes to sign up. Testing to find out if true.

**UIC Swim Classes: A Budget-Friendly Option for Kids**…read more We enrolled in UIC Swim Classes for our 1.5-year-old and found it to be a solid, budget-friendly option. At $22 per session, the classes offer structured swim lessons at a more affordable rate compared to other local options. There is a chill vibe that works great for a 1st learner, but the level of rigor is lower than Goldfish so we switched there once we got off their wait list. Classes are sold in 5 week packages, and reschedules are not typically allowed. The class structure follows a set sequence of exercises. Instructors are friendly, but engagement is inconsistent. While they guide kids through various activities, the level of encouragement and feedback varies, with some instructors mentally checking out after providing initial directions. The UIC facility itself is quite nice - The water is comfortably warm and there are changing areas. Parking is available but paid for a few dollars. Note that your access is restricted to within 15 minutes of class time, so don't go too early. Though there are fewer opportunities for underwater practice and confidence-building dips, the parent/tot classes are primary about getting your kid comfortable in water. Overall, UIC Swim Classes deliver decent value for the price, though parents seeking a more intensive training that will get kids swimming faster may want to explore Goldfish.

This pool is horrendous, the locker rooms are dirty (as well as the pool) very crowded with…read morechildren from day care, loud obnoxious raunchy explicit rap music being play on the speakers! and on top of that it is break the bank expensive!! the Forest Park aqautic center is a much better bet, it is far more clean quiet and cheap

I love this park. 2 different playgrounds that my son can play in. Very clean and people are always…read morefriendly there. Location is perfect for us also

Limit capacity enforced as well as distancing . There are wipes throughout and barriers between…read moremachines . The restaurant is closed and group fitness classes require reservations so that distancing can be enforced . My son takes basketball lessons every Saturday and they do a great job of working with the kids even with masks and distancing .

I was disappointed with the club. I was a member for a few months with a good deal and had planned…read moreto come back in the winter if there's another good deal. The advertising for non member events are very restrictive and former members are excluded from non member events. I was informed over the phone by Jason and I think that its false advertising that its open to non members with unwritten requirements. There are some good deals in the winter and the gym was clean but once you are not a member, some of the staff do not appear to be very friendly or have customer service skills. I guess they don't want my business or return business again. I want to be part of a club where the staff is friendly and helpful whether or not I am a member.

Not a bad option for a gym in West Loop…read more Usually running a promo for free enrollment and a month or two free. If you're looking to become a member, watch for these deals as they are run pretty frequently. Nice staff. Good amenities. No B.S fees like many other gyms have. Very utilitarian. Happy with my membership.

I would STRONGLY caution anyone considering a membership here. Their customer service is some of…read morethe worst I've experienced at any gym. When you request to cancel or pause your membership, they'll continue to take your money but won't actually process the request properly. In my case, when I asked them to cancel my membership in advance (so I wouldn't be charged again), they canceled it early out of spite because I had complained about them not pausing my account when I was traveling for 3 months. Instead of showing remorse for canceling my membership, the manager tried to blame me, until I had email as proof. Even then, the manager, Darrell Szymanski was dismissive, rude, and completely lacking in empathy or consideration. A gym is supposed to be a place where members feel valued and respected--not taken advantage of. Unfortunately, this club falls far short. They were so condescending, it's was insulting.

We love this park! It has a little bit of everything. Lots of grassy areas like baseball and soccer…read morefields, a rubber track, and a large playground for the kiddos. The park is great for picnics, people-watching, or walking the track. We typically come here to play on the swings though! They have baby swings which is perfect for my 9-month old. The playground is large with activities great for children of all ages that I know my baby will grow into along the way. On the weekends it can be busy, but adults and kids have always been respectful when playing. It's a great park, and we are so happy/lucky to live close by!

The turf project is finished and is a great new asset to the neighborhood!…read more Now if they could get around to opening the play lot that would be great.

I have only walked the park. There is a hot dog stand outside that's pretty busy. Nice grounds.read more

Great place for family, tons of classes to offer, the pool is clean and enjoyable, staff is a…read morelittle uptight, except the person at the reception, he was amazing and very nice, but overall the place is awesome to spend time with family