7 SPECTACULAR | Sandy Hot Spots to Keep You Cool
- Glancer Magazine
- Aug 2, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 20, 2019
AUGUST IS HERE AND THESE 7 SANDY HOT SPOTS ARE CALLING YOUR NAME
Nothing says summer like warm sunshine and the sand between your toes. We may live in the Midwest, but there are still plenty of beaches to visit in the Chicagoland area that are waiting for you to come relax and play. So, pack up the car with your sun gear and take a little ride to one of these sandy getaways.
1. Centennial Beach, Naperville
Jump, swim or float at Naperville’s Centennial Beach, a historic quarry that holds an amazing 6.2 gallons of water.Starting at the west end’s sandy beach, you can wade into the zero-depth entry and swim to depths of 15 feet.It’s not a lake and it’s not a swimming pool, it’s a unique swimming experience.Prepare to have lunch at the Centennial Grill to enjoy grilled hamburgers, hotdogs or chicken sandwiches. www.centennialbeach.org
2. Raging Waves, Yorkville
Beat the heat at Illinois’ largest water park! This Australian themed family-friendly waterpark has over 20 water slides, a kiddie area, lazy river and a 25,000 square foot wave pool.Three different sand beaches allow you to park your stuff for home base, and you can test your sandcastle building skills in Brock’s Giant Sandbox! www.ragingwaves.com
3 Harold Hall Quarry, Batavia
An award-winning facility and former stone quarry owned by the Batavia Park District, the Hall Quarry Beach has been a favorite swimming place for the community since 1920.Swimmers will enjoy a sand bottom swimming area covering 60,000 square feet that includes islands, slides and a diving area.Deck chairs, concession stand and sand volleyball courts are available to add to your comfort and fun. www.bataviaparks.org/harold-hall-quarry-beach
4. WhoaZone at Whihala Beach, Whiting, IN
Just a smidge over the Illinois border on Lake Michigan, this beach and attraction is loads of fun for the whole family.Find yourself challenging yourself in adventure, acrobatic thrills and safe, yet fun athletic challenges.WhoaZone is an inflatable on-water obstacle course that is divided into four levels of challenges. You can also rent paddle boards and kayaks or just relax on their beach.Visit the website for age and height restrictions. www.whoazonewhihala.com
5. North Avenue Beach, Chicago
Head to the city to the shores of Lake Michigan where the expansive sandy beach is large enough to hold sunbathers, swimmers and several beach volleyball courts.Their signature beach house, designed like a sleek ocean liner, contains 22,000 square feet including the Castaways Bar and Grill and gives you some of the best views of the city. www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/north-avenue-beach
6. Indiana Dunes, Porter County, IN
If you are willing to drive a little farther away, but still close enough to make it a day trip, you can experience the majesty that is the Indian Dunes.Located on the southern shores of Lake Michigan, it boasts of more than fifteen miles of sandy shoreline and rolling sand dunes to explore.It’s a perfect place to spend a summer day. www.indianadunes.com
7. Illinois Beach State Park, Zion, IL Illinois Beach is a unique and captivating natural resource for all to enjoy. It was created by the titanic forces of glacial advance and retreat and the steady winds that breathed across expansive Lake Michigan. The park has dunes and swales with sprawling marshes, forests of oak and vast arrays of animal life and vegetation.The 4,160-acre park, consisting of two separate areas, offers ample opportunities for swimming, boating, picnicking, hiking, fishing, camping and just appreciating nature. Stretching leisurely for six and a half miles along the sandy shore of Lake Michigan in northern Illinois, Illinois Beach State Park encompasses the only remaining beach ridge shoreline left in the state. www.stateparks.com
Explore and find your perfect sandy spot whether you are looking for adventure, to bury your brother in the sand or just have a lazy day relaxing in the sun. Whatever your preference, these spots will be sure to help you have a great summer!
