The 3 Best Outdoor Waterparks in Colorado: Top Picks for Summer Fun
Colorado is known for its natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and outdoor adventures. When it comes to beating the heat during the summer months, there’s no better way to cool off than by visiting one of Colorado’s best outdoor waterparks. Whether you’re looking for thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, or wave pools, Colorado has something for everyone.
What’s the best outdoor water park in Colorado?
Water World is Colorado’s best outdoor water park, and it’s actually one of the largest in the US. Other great outdoor water parks in Colorado include Elitch Gardens and Pirates Cove.
From the towering water slides of Water World to the family-friendly attractions of Pirates Cove, Colorado’s outdoor waterparks offer a wide range of experiences for visitors of all ages. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Elitch Gardens Water Park boasts some of the most thrilling water slides in the state. Meanwhile, families with young children will appreciate the shallow pools and gentle slides of Great Wolf Lodge.
Whether you’re a Colorado native or just visiting for the summer, be sure to check out one of these top outdoor waterparks. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect place to beat the heat and make a splash.
If you love big water parks, you’re going to work your way through the best water parks in Colorado pretty quickly. Once you have, consider taking a road trip down south and check out some of neighboring Arizona’s best water parks!
Top Outdoor Waterparks in Colorado
Colorado is known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor adventures. What better way to cool off during the summer than by visiting one of the state’s many outdoor waterparks? Here are three of the top waterparks in Colorado:
Water World
Water World in Federal Heights is one of the largest waterparks in the United States, spanning over 70 acres. It boasts over 50 attractions, including thrill rides, family rides, a lazy river, water slides, and a wave pool. Kids will love the kiddie areas, while adults can relax in the leisure pool.
One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Mile High Flyer, a roller coaster that reaches speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
Water World Colorado also has a variety of food and beverage options and a large picnic area for families.
Elitch Gardens
Elitch Gardens is a popular amusement park in Denver that also has a waterpark. The waterpark features a variety of attractions, including water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.
One of the park’s most unique attractions is the Island Kingdom Water Park, which is a tropical-themed area with waterfalls, palm trees, and a swim-up bar. Elitch Gardens also has a variety of thrill rides and family-friendly attractions, making it a great destination for all ages.
Pirates Cove Water Park
Pirates Cove Water Park is a family-friendly waterpark located in Littleton. The park features a variety of attractions, including water slides, a lap pool, and a splash pad for younger children.
One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Buccaneer Bay, which is a large play structure with water cannons, slides, and a tipping bucket. Pirates Cove Water Park also has a variety of food and beverage options and a picnic area for families.
| Water Park | Location | Attractions | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water World | Federal Heights | Over 50 attractions including thrill rides, water slides, and wave pool | Mile High Flyer roller coaster, large picnic area |
| Elitch Gardens | Denver | Water slides, lazy river, wave pool, Island Kingdom Water Park | Tropical-themed area with swim-up bar, thrill rides |
| Pirates Cove | Littleton | Water slides, lap pool, splash pad | Buccaneer Bay play structure with water cannons and slides |
Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure or a relaxing day in the sun, Colorado’s outdoor waterparks have something for everyone. So grab your swimsuit and head to one of these top waterparks for some summer fun!
Other Notable Outdoor Waterparks in Colorado
Aside from the top-rated waterparks in Colorado, there are other notable outdoor waterparks worth visiting. Here are three that stand out:
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is not your typical waterpark. Located in Glenwood Springs, it is actually a historic hotel with a large outdoor pool and two water slides.
The pool is fed by natural hot springs, making it a unique experience for visitors. Guests can also visit the nearby Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for more fun.
Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park
Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park is a smaller waterpark located in Brighton. It features a wave generator, lazy river, and water slides. There are also tunnels and a kiddie area for younger children. The park is a great option for those looking for a fun day trip outside of Denver.
While these waterparks may not be as well-known as some of the larger ones in Colorado, they are still worth a visit for families looking for a fun day out.
Indoor Water Parks in Colorado
Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs
Great Wolf Lodge is a popular indoor water park in Colorado Springs. It offers a variety of water attractions, including water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and kiddie pools.
Visitors can also enjoy a range of non-water activities, such as mini-golf, arcade games, and a ropes course. The park has several dining options, including a pizza place, a grill, and a sweet shop.
H2O′ Brien Pool
H2O′ Brien Pool is an indoor water park located in Parker, Colorado. It features a large swimming pool, a lazy river, water slides, and a splash pad for younger children.
The park also offers swimming lessons and fitness classes. Visitors can bring their own food and drinks or purchase snacks and drinks from the concession stand.
Family FunPlex Indoor Waterpark
Family FunPlex is an indoor water park in Greeley, Colorado. It has a large swimming pool, a lazy river, water slides, and a kiddie pool. The park also offers other activities, such as a gym, an ice rink, and a climbing wall. Visitors can bring their own food and drinks or purchase snacks and drinks from the vending machines.
Overall, Colorado has a few great options for indoor water parks. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or a place to beat the heat, these parks offer a range of attractions and amenities to suit your needs.
Chart Comparing The Best Water Parks In Colorado
| Park | Location | Attractions | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water World | Federal Heights | Over 50 attractions including thrill rides, water slides, and wave pool | Mile High Flyer roller coaster, large picnic area |
| Elitch Gardens | Denver | Water slides, lazy river, wave pool, Island Kingdom Water Park | Tropical-themed area with swim-up bar, thrill rides |
| Pirates Cove Water Park | Littleton | Water slides, lap pool, splash pad | Buccaneer Bay play structure with water cannons and slides |
| Glenwood Hot Springs Resort | Glenwood Springs | Large outdoor pool and two water slides, fed by natural hot springs | Adjacent to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park |
| Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park | Brighton | Wave generator, lazy river, water slides, tunnels, and kiddie area | Speciala events like dog-paddle days |
| Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs | Water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, kiddie pools, mini-golf, arcade games, ropes course | Multiple dining options available, including a pizza place, a grill, and a sweet shop. |
| H2O′ Brien Pool | Parker | Large swimming pool, lazy river, water slides, and splash pad for younger children | Offers swimming lessons and fitness classes; visitors can bring their own food and drinks or purchase them |
| Family FunPlex Indoor Waterpark | Greeley | Large swimming pool, lazy river, water slides, and kiddie pool | Offers other activities such as a gym, an ice rink, and a climbing wall; visitors can bring their own food |
Conclusion
Colorado is home to some of the best outdoor waterparks in the U.S. From thrilling water slides to lazy rivers, there is something for everyone in this state. Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, a trip to one of these waterparks is a must-do activity.
Some of the waterparks in Colorado are located in ski resorts, offering visitors a chance to cool off during the summer months. Others are standalone parks with a variety of attractions such as mini-golf, tubing, and kayaking. Visitors can also take advantage of natural hot springs located throughout the state.
Many of these waterparks have a rich history, with some dating back to the time of homesteaders. They have evolved over time to become some of the most popular attractions in Colorado.
Overall, Colorado’s outdoor waterparks offer visitors a chance to enjoy the great outdoors while staying cool in the summer heat. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or a relaxing day on the lazy river, these waterparks have it all.