Aqua Park FAQ

• Are innertubes available?

  Yes, we provide innertubes free of charge for the lazy river.  You can find the tubes lined up at the entrance to the lazy river.  Tubes come in multiple sizes to fit different age groups and sizes.  Ask a lifeguard on duty if you have questions regarding which tube you should use.  

  Innertubes should be used in the Lazy River only.

• Are lifejackets provided?

  Lifejackets are provided at no charge on a first-come, first serve basis.  Sizes include infant through adult.  They can be picked up in the breezeway upon entering the waterpark.

  You are welcome to bring your own US Coast Guard approved lifejacket and other US Coast Guard flotation devices.  Non US Coast Guard flotation devices will not be permitted in the waterpark. For more information on the types of acceptable flotation devices, visit the FAQ "Can I bring water wings or other flotation devices into the Aqua Park?"

• Are there changing rooms, showers, and lockers available?

  Yes, Collinsville Aqua Park is equipped with showers and changing facilities at the front of the waterpark.  There is also a family restroom in the front of the park and single stall restrooms in the back of the park.  Baby changing stations are available in each restroom facility.

  Lockers are available for free, but you do need to provide your own lock.   Locks must be removed at the end of each evening.  Any locks left on at closing time will be removed by waterpark staff.

• Are towels provided?

  Towels are not provided.  Please bring your own towel or you can purchase one in our gift shop if in stock. 

• Can I bring food or drinks into the Aqua Park?

  No outside food or beverages will be allowed in the waterpark except for

  • Factory Sealed Water Bottle
  • Baby Food (formula)
  • Medically required foods for special dietary needs (must show proof of need)

  Coolers may not be brought into the park. A concession stand is available to purchase food and drinks.

• Can I bring water wings or other flotation devices into the Aqua Park?

  Only US Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFD's) are allowed in the Aqua Park. A limited number of Coast Guard approved life jackets are available for use on a first come, first serve basis.

  Water wings,  pool noodles, inner tubes, rafts or similar flotation devices are not U.S. Coast Guard approved and are not permitted for use in Collinsville Aqua Park.

  

• Can I enter the waterpark early?

  Only season passholders and those registered for our morning programs can enter the park early.

• Can I host a birthday party at the Aqua Park?

  Yes! Birthday parties can be held at the Aqua Park during regular operating hours but must be scheduled in advance through us. View details and request a date.

  Parties without a reservation will not be accommodated.  

• Can I re-enter the park if I leave?

  Yes.  You may re-enter with proof of your receipt and wristband from that day.

• Can I wear shoes in the park?

  We do suggest you wear comfortable sandals or aqua shoes when walking throughout the waterpark.  Shoes, including water shoes, are not allowed on any of our slides. 

  We do not recommend street shoes.  Any shoes with wheels are not permitted.  Wheels must be retracted or removed from the shoes. 

  Socks may not be worn in the water.

• Can outside tables and chairs or pop-up canopies be brought into the Aquatic facilities?

  No, the waterpark is not able to handle any additional outside seating, tables or canopies. *

  Collinsville Aqua Park has three cabanas on site that can be rented.  We also have over 100 lounge chairs and sitting chairs, picnic tables, and plenty of green space that our patrons can utilize while at the waterpark.

  *Management has the right to restrict any outside items being brought into the aquatic facilities

• Do guests that choose not to swim still have to pay admission?

  Yes.  All guests entering Collinsville Aqua Park must pay the admission fee. Guests can exit and re-enter on the same day if they have their receipt and wristband.

• Do the aquatic facilities have lifeguards on duty?

  Yes, lifeguards who are certified through StarGuard Elite are always on-duty during operating hours and after-hours events/programs.  

   

• Do you accept payment through Payment Apps (PayPal, Venmo, CashApp)?

  No.  All payments must go through our registration software and cannot be processed through outside applications.

• Do you have an ATM?

  We do not have an ATM on site.  We do accept credit and debit card.

• Do you have first aid personnel?

  Collinsville Aqua Park is committed to ensure the safety of our patrons.  The park employs certified StarGuard Elite Lifeguards who are trained and tested on basic first aid.  Collinsville Aqua Park is a facility of the City of Collinsville and works closely with the City of Collinsville EMTs and police during operating hours and special functions to ensure our guests are safe. 

• Does Collinsville Aqua Park have adult to child ratios for groups, camps day cares?

  Yes.  Collinsville Aqua Park operates at the following ratios:

  1 adult chaperone per….

  2 children age 2

  5 children age 3

  8 children age 4-5

  10 children age 6-8

  15 children age 9+

   

   

• Does the Aqua Park accept credit cards?

  Yes, we accept credit cards for all transactions.

• Does the Aqua Park offer discounts for large groups?

  Yes! Groups of 20 or more can receive a discounted entry fee Mondays through Thursdays. Please schedule large groups in advance to ensure we can accommodate you.  Groups without reservations will not be accommodated.   View rates and request a date here.  

• Does the concrete get hot at the waterpark?

  Yes, the concrete gets hot especially on the hotter days of summer.  We do attempt to cool concrete by placing sprinklers around the park; however, we strongly recommend wearing water shoes, flip flips or sandals when walking throughout the park.  You can hold your shoes going down all attractions of leave them at the bottom of the ride. 

• How do I properly pick and fit a life jacket for myself or my child?

  When choosing a life jacket, follow the manufacturer’s sizing recommendations; life jackets are sized by chest circumference. In most jacket models, the only difference in the sizes is the length of the adjustment straps.

  When trying on a jacket, start by loosening all the straps. Put it on and zip or snap the closures shut. First, tighten the bottom adjustment strap below the rib cage. This is important to prevent the jacket from riding up once you’re in the water. Then move up the torso, snuggly tightening the adjustment straps. Finish by cinching the shoulder straps. Tightening the shoulder straps first will make the jacket ride up too high.

  Now, test the fit by raising your arms and having someone lift on the shoulder straps. If the jacket slides up your torso, try retightening the bottom adjustment strap. If it still rides up, select a different jacket model or size.

   It is imperative to note that lifejackets are not a substitute for adult supervision or swim instruction.  Undistracted adult supervision should always be maintained with a child who cannot swim on their own, with or without a personal flotation device.  

   

   

   

• How tall do I need to be to ride the slides?

  The slides have specific height requirements that are strictly enforced:

  • Large standalone blue slides (Leisure Pool): 48"
  • Large slides on Monsoon Mountain: 40"
  • Small slides on Monsoon Mountain: 36"

• I visited the waterpark and saw the staff practicing saves and CPR. Why are they doing that during operating hours?

  The best way for our staff to practice their lifeguarding skills and emergency action plans is to initiate live scenarios.  In order to do this, we need to have patrons around, so our staff gets the real feel.  You may see managers “dropping” mannikins into the water and the lifeguards performing saves or hear us blowing an airhorn and running around.  If you see this the best thing for you to do is clear the area and let the staff do their job.  

• If I forgot my bathing suit, do you have suits for sale?

  Yes.  The gift shop at Collinsville Aqua Park is well-stocked and has many items you may need to enjoy the waterpark.  The wide selection of merchandise we have includes men’s, women’s, women’s plus-size, junior’s, and kid’s suits, adult and child t-shirts, adult tank tops, and a variety of hats and visors.  There are other non-clothing options to purchase as well.  These items include sunscreen, beach towels, waterproof phone cases, and more.

• Is food available for purchase at the park?

  Yes, Collinsville Aqua Park has a full concession stand with a variety of food, beverages, and treats.  

• Is smoking allowed in the park?

  No.  Smoking is prohibited inside the Aqua Park.  Designated smoking areas are available outside the gates and away from admissions.  No tobacco products (including E-Cigs and vaping), alcohol products, or drugs shall be brought into the Aqua Park.

   

  Collinsville Aqua Park reserves the right to refuse entry.  Guests thought to be under the influence of drugs/alcohol or causing a disturbance will not be allowed entry into the waterpark.    Guests causing a disturbance inside the waterpark will be ejected without a refund.

• Is there a charge for parking?

  Parking is free at Collinsville Aqua Park.  

• What are the behavior rules?

  Collinsville Aqua Park is a family waterpark therefore foul language and unruly behavior will not be tolerated.  No alcohol, weapons, knives or firearms are allowed in the premises.  No running, spitting, or throwing objects permitted.   No diving, running, pushing, dunking and horseplay permitted.   No solicitation or distribution of literature on park property.  

  You can find a full list of our rules on-site, on our Facebook, and on our website by visiting this link.

• What are your hours?

  Collinsville Aqua Park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

   Collinsville Aqua Park is open to the general public Sunday through Saturday until mid-August when school goes back into session.  From there, the waterpark is open weekends only (Saturday-Sunday) until Labor Day weekend.

  General admission hours are:12 pm – 7 pm Thursday-Saturday, and 12-6 pm Sunday-Wednesday. Season Pass holders can gain access to the waterpark at 11 am daily.  

  Daily admission ends one hour before closing time.  For example, with a 7 pm closing time, daily admission ends at 6 pm.  With a 6pm closing time, daily admission ends at 5 pm.  

  Daily admission also ends when capacity is reached.  Only season pass holders may enter at this time. Capacity for daily admission is 700.

   Ticket sales cease when severe weather is in the forecast.  Check our inclement weather policy for more information.

  Collinsville Aqua Park hours are subject to change depending on weather, capacity, staffing, events and programming, maintenance, and any other unforeseen circumstances.  The City of Collinsville Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to adjust hours as deemed necessary for the betterment and safety of the waterpark, our staff and patrons.   If you plan to make a trip to Collinsville Aqua Park and want to ensure we are open, please give us a call at (618)-346-4571.   It is suggested that you check the weather and make an informed decision before attending the waterpark.

• What constitutes residency?

  A resident in someone who lives within and pays taxes to the City of Collinsville. 

   To check your residency, you can check your tax bill or visit http://reweb1.co.madison.il.us/ for Madison County Residents and https://stclairil.devnetwedge.com/ for St. Clair County Residents.  

  If City of Collinsville is listed under "Taxing Bodies", you are considered a City of Collinsville resident.  If you do not see City of Collinsville on your tax bill, you are not considered a City of Collinsville resident.  

• What happens if I get separated from my child?

  If your small child gets lost, please go to the Guest Service office or contact the nearest staff member.   We have an Emergency Action Plan in place for this type of scenario and it is best to get our staff involved as soon as possible.  

• What is the age limit to attend the waterpark by yourself?

  Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 17 years old. 

  Children must be 13 years or older to enter the waterpark without an adult.

  Adults must always accompany children unable to swim and children in flotation devices. 

• What is the aquatic facilities severe weather policy?

  INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

  Collinsville Aqua Park will be closed for the following weather-related reasons:

  • Lightning or Thunder: If lightning is within 10 miles or thunder is heard, the waterpark will be closed immediately and will remain closed until lightning is outside of a 10-mile radius and/or 30 minutes after the last indication of thunder. If lightning gets within 5-miles, all patrons should move into the breezeway, locker rooms, or out to their cars.  The concession stand will close at this time.  Every 15 minutes the weather conditions will be re-evaluated. If the pool has been closed for over an hour, the Superintendent of Aquatics or on-site manager has the option to close the pool for the remainder of the day. Opening of the facility may be delayed due to storms.  Ticket sales will stop when lightning is within 15-miles.
  • Rain: The aquatic facility can be open during rain but must be closed immediately if the lifeguards are unable to see the bottom of the pool. The facility will remain closed for 15 minutes and then will be re-evaluated for visibility. If the facility has been closed for over an hour, then the Superintendent of Aquatics or on-site manager has the option to close the pool for remainder of the day.
  • Temperature: To open the aquatic facility, the air and water temperature must be at least 70 degrees. If the air and water temperature is not 70 degrees at the time of opening, the pool will not open.   If the air and water temperature reach 70 degrees by one hour after scheduled opening time, the pool will open for the afternoon. 

     

  • Tornado Warning: During a tornado warning all waterpark patrons must enter the locker rooms or leave the facility. Once in the locker rooms, patrons will follow the instructions given by the Aqua Park staff on how to perform tornado procedures. The pool will be closed immediately and will remain closed until 30 minutes after the last warning.  Collinsville Aqua Park closings are at the discretion of the Superintendent of Aquatics or the Parks and Recreation Director. The Collinsville Parks and Recreation Department has the right to close the aquatic facilities due to weather forecasts.  All closings will be communicated through our Parks and Recreation and Aqua Park Facebook pages.

   Program Weather Policy

  •  Every effort will be made by Collinsville Parks and Recreation Department to hold programs (Examples: swim lessons, river walking, special events) that start and end during the aquatic facility’s adjusted hours.  Aquatic programming cancellations are at the discretion of the Superintendent of Aquatics or on-site manager. Rainouts will be communicated via email and on the Facebook page. Depending on the program there will be a make-up day or refund granted. All decisions concerning make-ups and refunds are at the discretion of the Superintendent of Aquatics.

   

  Rain Check Policy

  • Collinsville Aqua Park will remain open until staff makes the decision to close for the day. After one hour of weather delays, if the decision to close for the day has been made, guests are eligible to receive a rain check to visit the park on a different day during the season. Guests MUST present their receipts for all individuals wanting to receive a rain check. Guests requesting a rain check MUST have been in the park for less than 2 hours to receive a rain check.  Rain passes will not be given to patrons who enter the park within two hours of posted closing time (i.e. park closes at 7 pm, anyone who enters at 5 pm or after will not receive a pass).  Receipts are time-stamped Guests must be present in order to receive a rain check. A rain check will expire on the last day of the season and is only redeemable at Collinsville Aqua Park. Rain checks cannot be redeemed for cash. No receipt will result in no raincheck.   NO REFUNDS will be issued.

   

  High Attendance Policy

  • During periods of high attendance, Collinsville Parks and Recreation and the Aqua Park staff has the right to refuse entry to daily guests.  Once capacity is hit, daily admission sales will be cut off for the remainder of the day and only Season Pass holders may enter the waterpark.

   

   

  Low Attendance Policy

  • During periods of low attendance, Collinsville Parks and Recreation and Aqua Park staff has the right to close Collinsville Aqua Park or various attractions within the facility.  If the waterpark closes due to periods of low attendance, guests may receive a rain check (see Rain Check Policy).
    
    
    

  Please note that Collinsville Aqua Park will go down to reduced hours of weekends only starting mid-August.

  All hours are subject to changed due to inclement weather, maintenance issues, COVID-19 guidelines, or any other unforeseen issues that may come about.   

• What is the dress code?

   All swimmers must always wear a lined swimsuit. Underwear, street clothes, and jeans are not acceptable swimwear and will not be permitted in the water.  Thong bathing suits, swim attire with rivets, buckles, belts, metal ornaments, or any other provocative swim attire are not permitted as well.  We are a family waterpark therefore swim attire should not be provocative or showy.  Appropriate swim attire rules are strictly enforced.  Failure to comply with any part of the dress code may result in ejection from the park without a refund.

   

  

• What is your photography and videography policy?

  Collinsville Aqua Park is an outdoor waterpark in which guests and staff are not always fully dressed.  In order to protect the safety and privacy of our guests and staff, video cameras and cameras will not be allowed in the waterpark. 

  We understand that people will have their phones with them and that most phones have the capability of photography and videography.  We ask that guests take pictures of their children/group only.  Anyone believed to be inappropriately photographing or videoing any patron or staff member without their consent will be talked to and escorted out by Management and police depending on the situation.

  Any commercial/professional photographers and videographers who wish to shoot at Collinsville Aqua Park should reach out to the Superintendent of Aquatics at jwiedman@collinsvilleil.org. 

• What is your policy on diapers in the water?

  All children not toilet trained are always required to wear the following while in the pool area: 1. a disposable Swim Diaper, 2. Plastic to cover the diaper, and 3. a Swimsuit (see graphics below for an example).   

  Swim diapers and swim pants are not a substitute for frequent diaper changing and bathroom breaks. It is recommended that swim diapers and swim pants are checked frequently and changed away from the poolside. Diapers must be changed in the locker room and disposed of properly in the trash can.  Guests should then wipe down the baby changing station and wash their hands thoroughly before leaving the locker room. 

   If you or your children are sick, have diarrhea, or have an open cut/wound, DO NOT enter the water for the safety of other swimmers. In the event of a fecal “accident”, it is required that the pool be shut down for a substantial period so that the pool can be properly sanitized to a satisfactory level. State regulations require a twenty-four-hour closure when a liquid fecal contamination occurs.  Parents please talk to your non-diapered children about the importance of taking frequent bathroom breaks.  All adults will be responsible for the actions of their children. If you feel your child may have an “accident” we advise you to follow the swim diaper requirement. Swim diapers and the plastic pants can be purchased at the CAP Guest Service Office.

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• What is your refund policy?

  Collinsville Aqua Park has a no refund policy.  All sales are final.  However, we do understand that there may be extenuating circumstances that may be cause for a refund.  Refunds are solely at the discretion of the Superintendent of Aquatics and Director of Parks and Recreation and will never be issued in cash. 

  There are no refunds on incidental expenses (lockers, food, admission prices, etc.).   Please be clear with staff on what you want to purchase.   It is up to the customer to ask for and show proof if they qualify for any of the discounted rates (i.e. residency, military ID, and child/senior rate). 

   No refunds are issued regardless of time spent in the park or if we re-open once the inclement weather passes.

   For refund procedures and options on group reservations, birthday parties, and private rentals, visit Collinsville Aqua Park’s website.  List specific links

  As an outdoor facility, it is up to patrons to check the weather and make an informed decision before attending the park. 

   

• Where is Collinsville Aqua Park located?

  Collinsville Aqua Park is in Collinsville, Illinois, just at the heart of the populous Metro East area. Located right off major interstates 255 and 55, Collinsville Aqua Park is located at 10 Gateway Dr., Collinsville, IL 62234

  https://www.google.com/maps/place/Collinsville+Aqua+Park/@38.676702,-90.0294534,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xf628cecac81eaae6!8m2!3d38.6827658!4d-90.0195829

• Why are the lifeguards always blowing their whistles?

  Lifeguards blow their whistles for many different situations.   Most of the time the whistles are blown to get the attention of a guest who is not following a rule or policy so they can correct the potentially dangerous and unsafe behavior.    Rules will become more familiar to guests as they frequent the park and then the whistles will become less recurrent.  Until then, guests should make it a habit to stop, look at, and listen to the lifeguards in case they are trying to get your attention.  

   Lifeguards also blow their whistles in emergency situations and to get the attention of a manager.  They are trained to know what each whistle means so they can communicate to each other and management through their whistles.  

• Why are the lifeguards in different color suits?

  Our lifeguard team wears different color swimsuits and hip packs to help staff, patrons, and emergency personnel distinguish who the managers are. 

  Lifeguards wear royal blue.  Lifeguards are our front line staff and the face of the waterpark.  They are the ones you see on the stand and throughout the waterpark the most.

  Head Guards also wear royal blue swimsuits and visors; however, they have navy blue hip packs.  Head Guards are lead lifeguards.  They are more on the ground, walking around ensuring lifeguards and patrons are okay and have everything they need.  They can help in situations where first aid, emergency services, and customer service is needed.

  Assistant Managers and Managers wear red swimsuits and/or collared shirts or t-shirts with MANAGER on the back.  They have black hip packs.  Assistant Managers and Managers do a lot of the behind the scenes work such as paperwork, but you will see them throughout the park assisting patrons and staff in virtually every aspect.