Thanks for a great 2023 season! See you next summer!

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Raging Waves

Illinois' Largest Waterpark

FAQs

Bag and Cooler Policy

  • Are clear bags required to enter the park? For the safety of our guests and to decrease time spent at bag check, only the following bags are permitted to enter Raging Waves Waterpark:

Towels

  • Do I need to bring my own towel when I visit Raging Waves? Yes! Please bring your own towels to dry off with as we do not provide them for our guests. Don't have a towel? You're welcome to purchase one at the Outback Trading Company Gift Shop!
  • What if I don't have a towel? If you don't have a towel, we do have them available for purchase at the Outback Trading Company Gift Shop, located in the main plaza!

Promo Codes

  • Does Raging Waves offer promo codes? Yes! From time to time, Raging Waves Waterpark does offer promo codes. Customers are welcome to use them as long as their use does not violate the promotion's terms and conditions. Orders with promo codes that violate a promotion's terms and conditions will be canceled. Please note that some promo codes have certain residency restrictions.
  • Do I receive a promo code for joining the Raging Waves mailing list? There is not a discount for joining the Raging Waves mailing list; this is being falsely promoted by third party couponing sites. We apologize for the confusion and frustration they are causing.

Pets

  • I am traveling with my pet. Can I bring them into the park with me? In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, only dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability are allowed in the park. Miniature horses are also allowed if they are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability are allowed in the park AND are housebroken, under the owner's control, and will not compromise the legitimate safety requirements necessary for the safe operation of Raging Waves. Unfortunately, emotional support animals are not allowed in the park. Although we can’t invite your furry friend to join us at Raging Waves, there are many options in the area for pet boarding

Clothing

  • What can I wear to and at Raging Waves? Attire must be appropriate for family environment: thong or G-String swimwear is not permitted. Additionally, sheer, mesh, and see-through clothing cannot be used as a cover up over bathing suits. Any guests wearing clothes that are deemed offensive, vulgar, or NOT family-friendly by Raging Waves management will be asked to change.
  • What are the requirements to participate in swim activities? A lined swimsuit is required to participate in swim activities. Swim diapers are required for toddlers. T-shirts are allowed on all attractions except speed slides. Cover ups for speed slides are permitted but must be skin tight rash guards. Water shoes are permitted in the Wave Pool, Lazy River, Crocodile Mile, Boomerang, Koala Kove, Quokka-Nut Island and Kangaroo Falls. Water shoes are not permitted on any other attractions. All policies are at the discretion of Raging Waves management.
  • What is meant by a lined swimsuit? A lined swimsuit means that it has a layer of fabric that is behind the visible print or color that you see, ensuring that the swimsuit doesn't become see-through when wet.

I can’t find someone

  • What do I do if my party gets separated? We know that when visiting the waterpark you might be concerned about getting separated during the excitement of your visit. It is important that each family or group establish a meeting point for family and friends. We recommend an area outside of the main plaza at specific times throughout the day to check up on all group members. Raging Waves does not page for lost guests but any of our team members and Guest Services is always happy to assist you in finding guests 12 and under.

Smoking and Vaping Policy

  • What is Raging Waves smoking policy? Raging Waves is a smoke-free facility. A reserved smoking area is available outside the park in the main parking lot, by the flag pole. This includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes. As a courtesy to those who choose to each lunch in the parking lot, re-entry is limited between 11:00am and two hours before the parks close.
  • The possession and/or usage of marijuana is not permitted anywhere on Raging Waves property.

Add-ons to Your Experience

  • Do I have to rent a tube for rides? New this year for the 2023 season: Tubes are provided for free on all rides including the following attractions: The Cyclone, The Three Sisters, Great Barrier Reef Wave Pool, and Kookaburra Kreek Lazy River.
  • Are lockers available? Yes! Our lockers are located near Aussie Water Company, Great Barrier Reef Wave Pool, and Hungry Croc Restaurant. Daily individual rental lockers are available for $12.00. Family Lockers are also available for $15.00. We highly recommend use of a locker. Click or tap here to rent a locker.
  • I want to make this a special day for my family or group. Do you rent private cabanas? Yes we do! Cabanas overlook the Great Barrier Reef Wave Pool, Kookaburra Kreek Lazy River, Koala Kove, and Quokka-Nut Island. Only guests with wristbands will be allowed into the cabana areas, and the number given to the cabana renter is based on the maximum capacity of the cabana. Due to the high popularity of our cabanas, be sure to make your reservations early! Cabanas reserved day of are on a first-come basis in person only. No phone reservations will be accepted. Please note: cabana rental DOES NOT include admission to the park.
  • Do you rent towels? No, but we do sell them in the gift shop.
  • Do you have gift cards? Yes! Splash Cash is available for purchase at Guest Services on the day of your visit.
  • Do you have an ATM machine? Yes! Our ATM is located right next to the Outback Trading Company Gift Shop.

Rain Policy

  • What happens if it rains during my visit to the park? We will suspend the operations of our attractions when unsafe conditions are present (as determined by Management in conjunction with our weather service).  We will re-open when weather conditions in our immediate area are safe to do so (we cannot  guarantee ideal weather conditions).  In the event we cannot re-open our attractions within 60 minutes, guests remaining in the park will receive a complimentary ticket for a return visit to Raging Waves during the 2023 season (you will receive an email confirmation).  No refunds are issued regardless of time spent in the park or if we re-open after inclement weather has passed.  There are no refunds on incidental expenses (such as Tube Rentals, Lockers, Food, Cabanas, Parking, etc.). Operating hours and attraction status are subject to change.
  • Does Raging Waves offer rainchecks in case of inclement weather? Raging Waves is open every day of the season, rain or shine but can close for the day based on current poor conditions and a poor forecast. If we experience inclement weather that includes lightning (or some other extreme weather condition), the park will suspend operations until it passes. If the park closes for the day, all customers remaining in the park (except season pass holders) will receive a complimentary return ticket for a visit during the 2023 season via email. Guests MUST use the weather voucher email to reserve their future visit to the park. Exchange may be done only on the day in which the park closes. Refunds are not offered.
  • Are there days when Raging Waves will not open due to weather? Yes. Because we are an outdoor park with all water attractions, there are days we might not be able to open for guest comfort or safety. Forecasted high temperatures for our area (Yorkville/Bristol, Illinois) must generally be at least 72 degrees or warmer. We also taking into account cloud cover, wind and potential precipitation on these cool days. We typically make these decisions by 9am and we suggest you checkout our website and Facebook page, or call 630-882-6575 for updates on questionable weather days.

Restricted Items

  • What items are NOT allowed into Raging Waves?
      • Outside food or beverages
      • Alcoholic beverages 
      • Cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes and other paraphernalia.
      • Grills
      • Knives
      • Firearms
      • Glass items (including but not limited to jars, bottles, and mirrors), or other sharp or potentially dangerous items.
      • Chairs
      • Umbrellas
      • Tents
      • Flotation devices and noodles
      • Selfie sticks
      • Speakers/artificial noise makers
    All bags are inspected upon entrance. Unauthorized items will need to be thrown away or returned to your vehicle. Raging Waves will not hold unauthorized items for guests. All photography is limited to friends and family. Any actions deemed inappropriate are cause for immediate ejection without refund. All policies/items are at the discretion of Raging Waves management.  GoPro (or other) video cameras may not be taken down rides.
    • May I bring my own life jacket and/or tube into the water park? Outside life jackets and puddle jumpers are permitted if they bear the “Coast Guard Approved” tag. We have life jackets available near the wave pool which are complimentary for guests, however they are first come first serve. Because of the active nature of our attractions, personal flotation devices, including children’s water wings, noodles, tubes are not allowed in the park.  All policies are at the discretion of Raging Waves management.

Food and Beverage

    • Can I bring food and beverages into Raging Waves? Guests are allowed to bring two factory-sealed unflavored water bottles into the park. Flavored, enhanced, and/or canned water including but not limited to Propel, Powerade, and VitaminWater are not permitted. Guests may bring one empty water bottle but it must be made of plastic or metal. You may only bring SOFT coolers into the park that are no larger than 8” X 10” x 8” (Lunch box size as seen below). Lunch box sized coolers can only contain water bottles and ice. No other outside food or beverages are permitted are the park. If you do come to the gate with any of those items, we will ask you to please either bring them back to your vehicle or dispose of them before entering the park. We cannot hold onto unauthorized items for guests. We suggest guests who are bringing food and beverage to keep all items in a cooler in their cars and use provided picnic areas outside the park to enjoy lunch or snacks. As a courtesy to those who choose to each lunch in the parking lot, guests may leave and re-enter the park between 11:00am and two hours before the park closes.  Additionally, grilling is not permitted on Raging Waves property.
    • What if I or a member of my group have special medical dietary needs? Please contact our info@ragingwaves.com to make special food arrangements at least 24 hours in advance. Due to the numerous fraudulent attempts to circumvent our policies (true example: “My child needs a 24-pack of Mountain Dew with him at all times”), we have instituted this policy to ensure that those with true medical needs can fully enjoy their time at Raging Waves. *Ingredients for Food & Beverage items can be found in the Guest Services Office and at each dining location.
    • What if I don’t want to eat at the restaurants or concession kiosks? Several picnic tables are located in our parking lot, and are available on a first-come, first serve basis. As a courtesy to those who choose to each lunch in the parking lot, guests may leave and re-enter the park between 11:00am and two hours before the park closes.
    • Is dining at Raging Waves expensive? Not at all! Unlike other theme parks, we keep our food and beverage prices competitive with many popular fast food restaurants.
    • What is the best place and time to eat? Raging Waves offer 2 restaurants and multiple snack carts throughout the park. To beat the crowds we recommend eating around 11:00am or after 1:30pm for lunch.
     

Ticketing

  • Does everyone need an admission ticket to enter? Yes! All guests must have a valid admission ticket or season pass to enter Raging Waves.
  • Do you have a spectator admission ticket? We do not offer a spectator admission ticket. Because there is no way to separate or regulate those who are not using the attractions, all guests entering Raging Waves must have a valid ticket However, infants 1 and under will be admitted for free.
  • Can my twelve year old (or younger) child be by themselves at Raging Waves? For the safety of our guests, only children 13 years old or older may visit Raging Waves without adult supervision. Children 12 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a responsible adult, 18 years of age or older. Children 12 and under may never be dropped off and left unsupervised.
  • I'm having trouble purchasing tickets online. What should I do? We're sorry you're having trouble purchasing on our website! To verify that our e-ticketing system is fully operational, feel free to contact guestservices@ragingwaves.com. Please verify the following before attempting your purchase again:
    • You have not had more than 3 failed attempts to make a purchase on our website within an hour (if so, please wait 24 hours from your last failed attempt to try again)
    • Your credit card account has sufficient funds
    • Your credit card account status is not frozen
    • Your credit has not been reported as lost or stolen
    • All billing information EXACTLY matches all information that the bank has on file for your credit card
    • All payment information EXACTLY matches all information that the bank has on file for your credit card
    • You have selected the correct credit card type
    • You have entered in the correct card number
    • You have entered in the correct card expiration date
    • You have entered in the correct security code
    • You have entered in a valid zip code
  • What is the re-entry policy? As a courtesy to those who choose to each lunch in the parking lot, guests may leave and re-enter the park between 11:00am and two hours before the park closes. In order to re-enter, all guests (including season passholders) must get a handstamp prior to exiting.
  • What is the refund policy? All tickets and season passes purchased online or at the park are non-refundable. Additionally, we cannot provide refunds if you decide you are not comfortable attending the park this summer. (No extensions are allowed).
 

Safety

  • Do you have lifeguards on duty? Yes, we take safety very seriously. All Raging Waves lifeguards are certified by Ellis and Associates, the leaders in water park safety.
  • Why do the lifeguards perform mock rescues when Raging Waves is open? The lifeguard training provider, Jeff Ellis & Associates (E&A) requires that staff practice Vigilance Awareness Training (VAT) as an educational tool for lifeguards. E&A has long been an innovator in the aquatic community. VAT seeks to educate, train, and prepare lifeguards for a submersion event. Through exhaustive research, the VAT training uses a mannequin to simulate a submerged victim. E&A found that with this training technique, the average detection time was 30 seconds; some detection occurred in as little as 10 seconds. This program is unique in that it involves actually showing lifeguards what a submerged victim looks like. If you see a mannequin in or around Raging Waves, do not remove it.
  • Are there height and weight restrictions for some of the slides? For guests 48″ tall or taller, there are no height restrictions (except in areas designed for young children). Height measurement stations are available at Admissions, Guest Services, In the main Plaza, and at the base of attractions.  Please be sure to measure accurately and remember safety first.  All policies are at the discretion of Raging Waves management.
    Attraction Height Requirement Weight Requirement
    Brock's Giant Sandbox None None
    The Great Barrier Reef None None
    Kookaburra Kreek None None
    Quokka-Nut Island Over 36" tall Under 54" tall None
    Koala Kove Under 48" tall Under 54" tall None
    Kangaroo Falls Over 36" tall to ride lower slides Over 42" tall to ride upper slides None
    Wild Wallabies Over 42" tall None
    Aussie Mat Dash Over 42" tall None
    The Crocodile Mile Over 42" tall Must be accompanied by an adult if under 48" tall Combined rider weight must not exceed 800lbs
    The Three Sisters Over 42" tall Must be accompanied by an adult if under 48" tall Single rider weight must not exceed 250lbs Double rider combined weight must not exceed 400lbs
    Tasmanian Twisters Over 48" tall None
    PJ's Plummet Over 48" tall None
    Cyclone Over 48" tall Single rider weight must not exceed 250lbs Double rider combined weight must not exceed 400lbs
    Platypus Plunge Over 48" tall Single rider weight must not exceed 250lbs Double rider combined weight must not exceed 400lbs
    The Boomerang Over 48" tall Combined rider weight must be between 200lbs and 700lbs
    Wonambi Over 48" tall  Combined rider weight must be between 200lbs and 700lbs
  • Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act On December 19, 2008, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act went into effect. This new law requires VGB Compliant Pool Drain Grates. We are VGB Compliant but please note in some applications these grates have a raised profile off the floor as mandated by the Law.
  • Warning: Raised Grate – All of our raised grates have a red circle highlighting their location. They are designed to be stepped on but in shallow water situations they may pose a tripping hazard.
  • May I bring my own life jacket and/or tube into the water park?Outside lifejackets are permitted if they bear the “Coast Guard Approved” tag. If you do not own a lifejacket, we do have life jackets that you may borrow during your day at the park for no cost. Because of the active nature of our attractions, personal flotation devices, including children’s water wings, noodles, tubes are not allowed in the park. All policies are at the discretion of Raging Waves management.

Parking

  • Does Raging Waves charge for parking? All guests parking a vehicle at Raging Waves must pay for parking. For rates, please visit our online ticketing page or contact Guest Services.
  • What if I have a season pass? Standard parking is included with your season pass, so there is no additional charge. However, there IS NOT a discounted preferred parking rate for season passholders.
  • If I pay for parking, leave, and come back, do I have to pay for parking again? There are no in and out privileges for any guests! Once you leave the parking lot, you must pay again to park.
  • Am I allowed to grill in the parking lot? Grilling is not permitted on Raging Waves property.

Schedules

  • What days will Raging Waves be open for the 2023 season? Click here for the Park Operating Schedule https://www.ragingwaves.com/park-schedule/
  • Are there days when Raging Waves will not open due to weather? For the safety and comfort of our guests, Raging Waves may not open on select days due to weather. Forecasted high temperatures for our area must generally be at least 72 degrees or warmer. We also take into account cloud cover, wind and potential precipitation on these cool days. We typically make these decisions by 9am and we suggest you checkout our website or call 630-882-6575 for updates on questionable weather days.
  • Are there days when not all attractions at Raging Waves will not be open? For the safety of our guests, all attractions are subject to temporary maintenance or safety shutdowns. Attractions are also subject to closure and/or rotating schedule without notice.

Birthday Parties

  • Can I celebrate a birthday at Raging Waves? Raging Waves does not host birthday parties, but you are welcome to enjoy your birthday at the park during the summer if you wish! The only thing we ask is that you do not bring wrapped gifts, balloons, birthday cakes, or decorations into the park, as they conflict with park policies. However, you are more than welcome to open gifts and enjoy cake in the parking lot.