Elitch Gardens Theme Park Tours

Photo provided by Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park
Photo provided by Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park
Photo provided by Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park
Photo provided by Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park
Photo provided by Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park


This theme park in downtown Denver has been a family-friendly playground for over a century.

Elitch Gardens began as a zoological park in 1890. Over the years it was famous for floral gardens, the glitzy Trocadero Ballroom and amusement rides. Its very first roller coaster opened in 1904, and the carousel from 1928 is still in use today.

As Elitch’s popularity increased, it outgrew its original site and was relocated in 1995 to its current location next to Interstate 25 in downtown Denver. It remains one of Denver's most popular family attractions. A combination theme park and water park, there are more than 50 rides as well as live entertainment and shows throughout the season.

If thrills and excitement are what you're looking for, the theme park area has some adrenaline pumping rides. Ride the Boomerang, the Sidewinder and the Tower of Doom. Jump onto the Mind Eraser, on which your legs dangle out from the seat while the roller coaster twists and loops at speeds up to 50 mph (80 kmh). If something slower is called for, try the 100-foot-high (30-meter) Ferris wheel. KidSpin twirls little ones around as they sit in giant tea cups.

Entry to the adjacent water park area is included in the ticket price so make sure you bring your swimwear, as you're going to get wet! Send the bigger kids to the high speed Acapulco Cliff Dive, or the 62-foot-high (19-meter) Paradise Plunge. Hook's Lagoon will keep the younger ones entertained for hours.

As well as roller coasters and waterslides, Elitch's has some charming sideshow attractions and stalls. Try your hand at balloon pop, hook a prize at Fried Frogs, or toss a ball into a milk can to win a prize. Children are well catered for too, with pint-sized meals and fifteen rides in KiddieLand.

The parks are open May through October but check the website for exact dates. There is plenty of paid parking available, and both light rail and bus routes stop near the park's entrance. 

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Reviews of Elitch Gardens Theme Park

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
169
5 - Excellent 47%
4 - Good
127
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
50
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
8
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
8
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Awesome!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

It's cute and fun. But your tickets online to save money and time. Long lines for all the rides.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Buy your tickets online! Lower cost and quicker entry!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

They offer a discount ticket for "late night". Entrance starts at 5pm and the park closes at 9pm- four hours is by far enough time to ride most if not all the rides in the water park (closes at 6pm) and the theme park.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.