Splash pads in West Dundee, Illinois

Randall Oaks Park is West Dundee's underrated win — splash pad, the small Randall Oaks Zoo, walking trails, and a destination playground all on one Dundee Township campus. Ground sprays for toddlers and arching jets for older kids. Free parking, clean restrooms. Parent gotcha: northwest-suburban Chicago summer storms blow in fast — check radar; the pad closes during lightning. The lot fills on weekends because the zoo is a draw. Best on weekday mornings. Pair the splash with a zoo loop (modest fee, very worth it). Pack a picnic. The most surprising suburban-Chicago afternoon you can have.