Top Waterparks And Pools In Denver
It is that time again. Time to find some fun ways to beat the heat and enjoy some aquatic summertime fun. Denver has plenty of great pools and other watery entertainment, so beat the heat this summer at one of these great water parks in Denver. From huge national attractions to small neighborhood spots, these are the best places to get out of the sun and in the water.
Water World
1800 W. 89th Ave.
Federal Heights, CO 80260
(303) 427-7873
www.waterworldcolorado.com
Price: $34.99 children/$39.99 adults/$8.99 seniors
Water World is one of the largest family water parks in the country, and it is right in Denver's backyard. Take the family out to this local favorite and enjoy more than 49 aquatic attractions. All of the rides have a thrill rating, so be sure to send the little ones on rides that won't scare them too much, and save the really high thrills for the big kids. For bigger parties, rent a pavilion or reserve picnic tables to guarantee everyone a little time out of the sun while they snack — tables here are typically first come, first served.
Elitch Gardens - Island Kingdom
2000 Elitch Circle
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 595-4386
www.elitchgardens.com
Price: $42.99 adults/$29.99 children/includes access to both the theme park and the water park
Elitch Gardens is no stranger to fun for the whole family, but its water park is another must see. With its wonderfully wet rides, this is another perfect place to embrace summer's heat. Its Splashdown features a 75-foot long twisting raft ride, and Hook's Lagoon is a five-story tree house with tons of wet and wild adventure. Also enjoy speedy slides and plenty of other family drenching fun.
Related: Guide to Summer Safety
Pirates Cove
1225 W. Bellview Ave
Englewood, CO 80120
(303) 762-2683
www.piratescovecolorado.com
Price: $8 children/$9.25 adults
Pirates Cove is one of the smaller water parks to enjoy, but it is certainly just as fun as the rest. Perfect for the whole family, Pirates Cove features a 35-foot tower with three slides, a lazy river, a six-lane pool and a 25-meter pool, along with plenty of concessions and other fun perfect for filling the whole day. Because Pirates Cove is less expensive, the whole family can come back for visit after visit all summer long.
The Splash at Fossil Trace
3151 Illinois Street
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 277-8700
www.splashingolden.com
Price: $9 for adults/$7.50 kids 6 to 18/$4.50 for kids 2 to 5
Head out to Golden and enjoy The Splash Aquatic Park at Fossil Trace. This fun water park features two large body and tube water slides, a huge leisure pool with play structures, small slides and a 500-gallon dump-bucket. The splash also features a beach-like sand area and a fun spray fountain for all ages. And of course it also has a lap pool and diving board. Snag a bite at The Tipper's Grill to round out a day full of summer heat, wet and wild fun, and carnival-style snacks.
Related: Top Playgrounds in the Denver Area
Deer Creek Pool
8637 S. Garrison Street
Littleton, CO 80128
(720) 981-8393
www.ifoothills.org
Infants (not yet walking): FREE
Youth (up to 17 years): $5.25, $3.75 (District Rate) Adult (18-61 years): $7.25, $5.25 (District Rate) Senior (62 and up): $6.25, $4.50 (District Rate)
Household: $21.00, $13.50 (District Rate)
For a great place to take the younger kids for some aquatic fun try the Deer Creek Pool in Littleton. Avoid the crazy attractions with big kids splashing around, and try this smaller, cheaper and more laid-back offering. This pool features a fun slide and several lap lanes as well as plenty of space for leisure swimming and splashing fun. It offers a great concession stand as well, making it perfect for a whole day of family friendly fun.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.