Make a Splash: Colorado's Best Water Parks for Family Fun and Adventure

When summer temperatures climb in Colorado, locals and travelers alike head to one of the state’s many exciting water parks to cool down and enjoy a full day of fun. From massive wave pools to towering slides and lazy rivers, these parks offer refreshing escapes with a splash of adventure. Here's a roundup of some of Colorado’s top water parks and what makes each one worth a visit.

Once you've had your fill of water parks, there are plenty of other types of family fun to be had.

1. Water World – Federal Heights (North Denver Metro)

Location: 8801 N. Pecos St., Federal Heights, CO
Website: waterworldcolorado.com
Features:

• One of the largest water parks in the U.S. spans over 70 acres.
• Over 50 attractions, including:
  • Voyage to the Center of the Earth (a water-dark ride)
  • Mile High Flyer (a hydro-magnetic water coaster)
  • Thunder Bay Wave Pool
  • Lazy River and Kiddie Areas

Nearby Attractions:

• Just 20 minutes from downtown Denver, making it easy to pair with city sightseeing.
• Close to Westminster’s shopping and dining areas.

2. Elitch Gardens Island Kingdom – Downtown Denver

Location: 2000 Elitch Cir., Denver, CO
Website: elitchgardens.com
Features:

• A seasonal water park attached to Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park.

Highlights include:

• RipQurl (a giant funnel slide)
• Castaway Creek (lazy river)
• Commotion Ocean (large wave pool)
• Hook’s Lagoon for younger guests

Nearby Attractions:

• Walkable to LoDo, Coors Field, and the Denver Aquarium.
• Enjoy both dry and wet rides in one location.

3. Glenwood Hot Springs Adventure Park – Glenwood Springs

Location: 401 N. River St., Glenwood Springs, CO
Website: hotspringspool.com
Features:

• Known for the world’s largest hot springs pool, now with a new water park area.
• Sopris Splash Zone includes:
  • Mini slides
  • Interactive water play features
  • Shaded lounging areas
• Relaxing thermal soaking alongside energetic water play.

Nearby Attractions:

• Walk to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and downtown Glenwood’s charming shops and restaurants.
• Ideal for a family weekend getaway in the Rockies.

4. Pirates Cove – Englewood

Location: 1225 W. Belleview Ave., Englewood, CO
Website: piratescovecolorado.com
Features:

• Family-friendly municipal water park with a pirate theme.
• Attractions include:
  • 6-lane body slide
  • Lazy river
  • Sand play area
  • Giant play structure with dump bucket

Nearby Attractions:

• Located near Englewood’s parks and Littleton’s historic downtown.
• Affordable prices make it popular for local families.

5. The Great Wolf Lodge Water Park – Colorado Springs

Location: 9494 Federal Dr., Colorado Springs, CO
Website: greatwolf.com
Features:

• Indoor water park, perfect year-round.
• 84-degree controlled environment.
• Slides, wave pool, lazy river, kids’ play zones, and even hot tubs.
• Guests must stay at the lodge to access the water park.

Nearby Attractions:

• Short drive to Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and the Air Force Academy.
• A full resort experience with dining, arcades, and themed rooms.

6. Bay Aquatic Park – Broomfield

Location: 250 Spader Way, Broomfield, CO
Website: broomfield.org/Bay
Features:

• Small but well-designed for families with younger children.
• Slides, interactive water playground, and zero-depth entry pool.
• Lap swim and picnic areas make it great for relaxed afternoons.

Nearby Attractions:

• Just north of Denver, near FlatIron Crossing Mall and local open space trails.

Final Splash at Colorado's Water Parks

Whether you’re looking for heart-pounding slides or relaxing rivers, Colorado’s water parks offer something for every kind of water lover. With both indoor and outdoor parks scattered across the state, you can make waves from spring through early fall—and even in the snowy months if you know where to go.

Tip: Always check hours and ticketing policies in advance—many parks have online discounts, limited capacities, or resident specials.

by Kathleen Fitzsimmons