My happy place is just about anywhere I can be on the water. Whether that's on a natural river or a man-made one, the difference is lost on me when I can lean back on an inner tube, close my eyes and feel the sun on my skin. Illinois' largest waterpark, Raging Waves Waterpark in Yorkville, Illinois, has a lazy river running through it. Thrill-seekers are drawn to the park to try waterslides such as Cyclone or The Boomerang, but Kookaburra Kreek is a winding lazy river for all.

Raging Waves opened in 2008, redefining the waterpark scene in Illinois.

The park began with just 17 waterslides, but now there are 32 slides of all shapes, heights and colors dotted all over the 58-acre park.

Kookaburra Kreek has been around since the early days of the park.

Stretching a quarter of a mile, Kookaburra Kreek is a lazy river that runs right through the middle of the park.

Situated just a 45-minute drive from Chicago, Raging Waves is a go-to destination for many families when the weather is warm.

An added bonus for city-dwellers is getting a wider view of the sky from the lazy river than would ever be possible closer to downtown.

If you float along Kookaburra Kreek, you will need to grab an inner tube first.

I would make a beeline from the parking lot to the lazy river line, but keep in mind that UV radiation increases when you are on the water-- so lather up with sunscreen first.

There are three entrances to the lazy river.

You can enter Kookaburra Kreek by the Three Sisters waterslide, Brock's Sandbox and the Cyclone.

Once you enter the Kookaburra Kreek, be prepared to be in direct sunlight most of the time.

The lazy rivers winds beneath some of the park's other slides and attractions. There might be some shade when you are right beneath a slide, and you'll probably hear some screams above you as well.

I suggest starting your journey at the entrance closest to Cyclone.

That way you can end your lap around the park right by the exit of the Three Sisters waterslide.

Taking a leisurely ride on the lazy river is a nice way to start a morning at the waterpark.

But capping off your visit to the park by going down a slide that you just floated beneath will be a blast!

Kookaburra Kreek is one of the longest lazy rivers in Illinois, and it's an adventure ideal for families, friend groups, and solo visitors looking for a laid-back activity. If you would prefer to stick to Illinois' naturally flowing rivers, check out these 6 river activities you might enjoy instead. If you have any young readers who can't wait for their next trip to Raging Waves, let their imaginations run wild with books like this one. Have you tried out this lazy river? We'd love to hear about your experience.