• What are some fun ways to spend summer days?
    • Enjoy thrilling roller coasters or relax while floating down winding lazy rivers.
  • Is there something for the whole family?
    • Yes! The entire family will have fun-filled experiences suitable for all ages.
  • Are there activities for toddlers?
    • Absolutely! Toddlers can enjoy designated kids’ areas filled with age-appropriate rides and attractions.

Best Time to Visit Amusement Parks Near Denver, Colorado

  • June to August – Peak summer season with warm temps and exciting family fun.
  • July – Busiest month with long hours and lively summer vibes.
  • May & September – Shoulder season offering mild temps and fewer crowds.
  • October – Cooler fall weather with Halloween-themed events and festive activities.
  • Early June – Ideal for pleasant weather and shorter wait times before summer rush.

Unique Amusement Parks Near Denver, Colorado

Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park

Ride coasters and splash all day on an exciting summer trip.

Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park

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Open to visitors seasonally, Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park is a great choice when it comes to figuring out how to spend a day in Denver. With one ticket you get access to both the theme park and the waterpark; you can also go on each ride as many times as you want. In addition to the thrilling rides, the park also schedules entertaining shows and concerts throughout the summer. Popular aspects are the whitewater raft ride, the Boomerang, and the Brain Drain, which is sure to make you lose your mind. Thrill rides, family rides, kids’ rides, water rides – whatever your preference, you’ll find all this and more at Elitch Gardens.

2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO 80204, Phone: 303-595-4386

Water World

Zoom down slides and float lazy rivers on a fun family outing.

Water World

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Just a short drive away from Downtown Denver, Water World is one aspect of the Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District. The park has been open for nearly 40 years and is generally open each year from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It is one of the largest water-themed parks in the nation, and attractions that are popular with visitors include the Screamin’ Mimi, where guests are flown down a roller coaster-like track and then land in a pool, and the Voyage to the Center of the Earth, which sees visitors riding in rafts that travel through a cavern filled with drops and dinosaurs.

8801 N. Pecos Street, Federal Heights, CO 80260, Phone: 303-427-7873

Lakeside Amusement Park

Enjoy vintage rides and admire lake views on a cheap evening trip.

Lakeside Amusement Park

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The Lakeside Amusement Park is a family-owned destination that has been entertaining families for several years. It is one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States and is open every year from the first weekend in May all the way to Labor Day. There are 37 rides for visitors to choose from, including three roller coasters and one water ride. Little kiddies have their own section, filled with the Jolly Choo-Choo train, the Kiddie Sea Dragon, and much more. Popular rides at the park include the Bumper Boats, Cyclone Coaster, the Heart Flip, and the Dragon Coaster.

4601 Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80212, Phone: 303-477-1621

Fort Fun

Race go-karts and play mini golf on a kids-friendly weekend.

Fort Fun

© Fort Fun

Considered a premier family entertainment center of Northern Colorado, Fort Fun in Fort Collins offers hours of both indoor and outdoor year-round fun for the entire family. Activities here include laser tag, go-karts, miniature golf, batting cages, escape rooms, paddle boats, virtual reality rides, and arcade, and more. There are two miniature golf courses at Fort Fun. The Fantasy Course features a castle, water fountains, butterfly garden, “flower beds,” and a pond. The Old Fort course is themed to the days of early pioneers in Northern Colorado, featuring representation of original pioneer structures, a grist mill, an old trapper’s cabin, and more.

1513 E Mulberry St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, 970-472-8000

Amusement Parks Near Denver, Colorado for Older Kids

North Pole Colorado Santa’s Workshop

Visit Santa and ride holiday-themed attractions on a magical trip.

North Pole Colorado Santa’s Workshop

© North Pole Colorado Santa’s Workshop

North Pole Colorado Santa’s Workshop near Denver is a vintage-style, enchanting amusement park situated at the foot of Colorado’s Pikes Peak. Home to Santa and his village, it’s a place where the Christmas spirit lives on throughout the whole year. With The North Pole’s location of around 7,500 feet, visitors can take in panoramic views of the surrounding area and crisp mountain air. There are many different rides at the park, with different requirements, to offer an array of rides for small children and families. Guests can also watch glass ornaments being made, watch a show, and more.

5050 Pikes Peak Hwy, Cascade, CO 80809, 719-684-9432

Epic Discovery at Breckenridge

Zipline the mountains and climb ropes on an unusual summer adventure.

Epic Discovery at Breckenridge

© Epic Discovery at Breckenridge

Epic Discovery at Breckenridge offers visitors to Breckenridge Ski Resort a chance to explore the mountain during the summer season. This summer adventure park provides a mix of thrill-seeking, family-friendly, and scenic outdoor activities designed for immersing visitors in the area’s High Alpine environment. Activities include an interpretive loop trail, hiking vista overlook, mountain biking opportunities with bike haul, Alpineer Challenge Course, a climbing wall, scenic lift rides, 4x4 tours, Lil’ Climber Challenge Course, bungee trampolines, bounce house, gemstone panning, miniature golf, alpine slides, and the Gold Run Coaster. Epic Discovery is typically open from mid-June through the beginning of September.

170 Watson Avenue, Breckenridge, CO 80424, 800-789-7669

Boondocks Food & Fun: Northglenn

Bowl, game, and race on an affordable family day.

Boondocks Food & Fun: Northglenn

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Boondocks Food & Fun: Northglenn is one of Colorado’s most action-packed, year-round entertainment destinations, featuring go-karts, bumper boats, miniature golf, an arcade, laser tag, bowling, and more. The Ropes Course rises up almost forty feet and there are over 25 challenges along the journey, as well as an eighty-foot zipline back down. The two miniature golf courses have features like waterfalls, suspended bridges, and a fire-breathing lizard to challenge players. Guests can also take a spin on the 1,100-foot Kart Racetrack that features hairpin and banked turns. There’s also a rookie go-kart track for kids 48 to 58 inches tall.

11425 Community Center Dr, Northglenn, CO 80233, 720-977-8000

Slick City Action Park

Slide down indoor thrill tracks and jump into excitement on a quick trip.

Slick City Action Park

© Slick City Action Park

Slick City Action Park in Lakewood, Colorado is the first no-water indoor slide and sports court park in the world designed for guests of all ages. The company aims to evoke a thrilling sensation in everything they do and boast themselves as “audacious, courageous, and bold.” Slick City Action Park is located at Colorado Mills mall and provides a 40,000-square-foot destination of high-thrill surprises, giant climbing structures for younger children, sports air courts, and slides. Slides at the park include the Olympic-like and luge track-esque Berm Slide, the Bowl Slide, the fast Launch Slide, and the Race Slide.

14500 W Colfax Dr Suite 610, Lakewood, CO 80401, 720-798-6333

Plan Your Trip


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