As the temps in Denver near 100 this weekend and as I plan my own trip to Water World  with my family for next week (we are going on Monday is the weather cooperates) -  I thought I would re-post this list that I made from last summer of Denver Area Water Parks. My kids are very excite about our upcoming visit to Water World and have already visited their map online to figure out where they want to "sit" (although we don't  do much sitting) and what rides they want to ride first. It sounds like we will be heading to Voyage To The Center of The Earth, first. 

If you are going to try out Water World - there is a great 4 pack offer available through King Soopers that also includes lunch.

The picture below is from Pirates Cove in Englewood, Colorado.

Enjoy!

Denver is Hot - Where Do you go to Cool Off?

When my family gets hot, we love to go swimming.  But to add a bit more excitement, they love the water parks.  And I get to be a kid too when we go.  

Fortunately the Denver area has plenty of them.   Here are a few of our favorites:

• Pirates Cove, Englewood - located on Belleview across from Cornerstone Park
  Pirates Cove is large enough to have a wide range of fun but small enough that it just isn't "too" big.  My kids love Pirates Cove - they float for hours on the lazy river and love the giant slides.  They also enjoy heading down to the larger pool and use the diving board.  Little ones will enjoy splashing about in the zero entry pool complete with an water playground and giant bucket of water overhead that pours out over the kids a few times each hour.  This is a great park for those on a budget, and coupons can be pretty easily found throughout town and also in the Entertainment Books & such.  Englewood residents & those with a South Suburban id card receive a resident rate.  Passes for multiple visits, family passes and season passes are also available. 

• H2O'Brien, Parker - located on Parker Road, just north of Main Street
  H2O'Brien is loads of fun - just get their early, especially if you want a chance of getting a spot in the shade.  This water playground has a zero entry area as well - and is loads of fun for those little ones.  My kids favorite here are the giant slide and my son loves the basketball hoops mounted on the sides of the pool by the deeper area.  Another very affordable option, and punch passes and season passes are available for a great rate as well. Parker residents do receive a resident rate with id.

• Splash Aquatics Park - Golden, CO - 3151 Illinois Street
  This park is also a favorite with more great slides, splash area for the smaller ones and tube rides as well.  There is also a beach-like sand area at splash for those sand castle builders, so bring a pail & shovel.  I can also recommend this park for the budget minded folks, and again resident rates (Jefferson County) are available as are punch passes and season pass options. 

• Water World -Denver - Located at West 89th Avenue & Pecos Street
  More of a Water Amusement Park, this option can get a little pricier - but it is worth it.  The giant wave pool is a huge hit, especially for the older kids and teens.  There are several water playground areas for the younger ones as well.  The true attractions here are the rides with all kinds of rafting rides - some more adventurous than others.  There are also slides of all types with steep drops and crazy turns.  You will be worn out after this park, it is a full day and is really fun. 

• The Water Park at Elitch Gardens - Island Kingdom- Denver - Speer Blvd and Elitch Circle (off of I25 & Speer)
  The Elitches Water park is not as big as Water World, but almost as fun.  Again, a great water playground area for the younger ones, but the older kids (and adults) are not forgotten on this side of the park.   An added bonus is you can also ride the rides on the amusement park side as well.  Look for coupons around town for this park as well.