Aquatic Center/beach Passes for the Summer

I'm getting the Gurnee aquatic center pass for my family. I asked some other moms in Gurnee if they thought it was worth it and they have all said definitely yes.
If you end up getting one, you'll be seeing me there because I plan on going as much as possible this summer. :)Getting the pass makes sense for us because we can go whenever we want even if it's just for 20 minutes. :)

We'll go to Independence Grove Beach, too, which is very quaint and has an awesome playground and walking paths.

Independance Grove in Libertyville also has a beach. It does not get crowded either. We belong to our local pool for the daily swim and friends but then periodically go to the beach at independance Grove for beach stuff. They used to have a half day rate if you came after 3:00 or something like that. Good if you want to go for just a short time after nap.

The Rec Plex in Pleasant Prarie has an awesome beach and the pass is cheap. I THINK it was $60 for the whole summer last year. Or you can go and pay $8 for the day. The beach and bathrooms are really nice. It is open from 10 AM to dusk. They have life guards and a nice concession stand. I never got so crowded that I wanted to leave.
The Grayslake pool is really nice for little kids but there is no sand.

HI L B

We enjoy our passes to the Gurnee Aquatic Center. There were some days that there was a lot of people there but I have never felt like it was overcrowded. We spend most of our time in the zero depth and shallow area so this is the area I am commenting on.

There is a sand pit right in the pool area. My kids enjoy playing with the buckets, faucets and sand and I enjoy that there is a shower right at the exit.

The pool opens at 11 for season pass holders.

Is it worth it? Because we had the pass, we went more often. If you want to save money, consider getting the pass just for yourself and your son(he's free if he is under 3 at the start of the season). Also, be sure and take advantage of the early bird rate. We had considered this but decided to get the family pass for all of us and it worked out well. My husband did not go near as often as us but he joined us a lot more times after work (and occasionally weekends) since he did not think of having to pay the day rate.

I have not used the Grayslake pool but I have heard nice things about it and that it is not crowded. There is a splash park close to the Grayslake pool and it is free.