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Elitch Gardens Theme Park
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.
Give yourself lots of time at Elitch Gardens Theme Park. Below are the best things to do:
Want to discover this famous attraction in the most memorable way? Then you can't miss an Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park.
If you're looking for more options, examine our Denver things to do page.
Guide to Exploring around Elitch Gardens Theme Park
Best Lodging Options Near Elitch Gardens Theme Park
Per night/room
Feb 27 - Feb 28
Hyatt Place Denver Downtown
440 14th St, Denver, COLocated in Downtown Denver, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Colorado Convention Center, United States Mint, and Paramount Theater. Denver Art Museum and Buell Theatre are also within 10 minutes. 16th - California Station is 6 minutes by foot and Convention Center Station is 7 minutes.
Per night/room
Feb 28 - Feb 29
Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center
650 15th St., Denver, COLocated in Downtown Denver, this spa hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Colorado Convention Center and Paramount Theater. 16th Street Mall and Buell Theatre are also within 10 minutes. 16th - California Station and 16th - Stout Station are within a 5-minute walk.
Per night/room
Feb 27 - Feb 28
The Curtis Denver - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
1405 Curtis Street, Denver, COLocated in Downtown Denver, this romantic hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Colorado Convention Center and 16th Street Mall. Union Station and Denver Art Museum are also within 15 minutes. Convention Center Station is only a 4-minute walk and 16th - Stout Station is 6 minutes.
Per night/room
Feb 28 - Feb 29
Hilton Garden Inn Denver Union Station
1999 Chestnut Place, Denver, COLocated in LoDo, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Coors Field and Union Station. 16th Street Mall and Pepsi Center are also within 1 mi (2 km). Union Station-Coors Field-16th St. Mall Station is only a 3-minute walk and Denver Union Station is 9 minutes.
Per night/room
Feb 28 - Feb 29
Home2 Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center
801 15TH STREET, Denver, COLocated in Downtown Denver, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Colorado Convention Center, 16th Street Mall, and Buell Theatre. Paramount Theater and Denver Performing Arts Complex are also within 10 minutes. 16th - Stout Station and 16th - California Station are within a 5-minute walk.
Per night/room
Feb 26 - Feb 27
Mint House Downtown Denver
1777 Chestnut Pl, Denver, COLocated in LoDo, this aparthotel is within a 10-minute walk of Museum of Contemporary Art Denver and Union Station. Coors Field and Pepsi Center are also within 15 minutes. Union Station-Coors Field-16th St. Mall Station is only a 2-minute walk and Denver Union Station is 6 minutes.
Per night/room
Feb 28 - Feb 29
The Crawford Hotel
1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver, COLocated in LoDo, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Union Station, Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, and Coors Field. Larimer Square and 16th Street Mall are also within 10 minutes. Denver Union Station is only a 2-minute walk and Union Station-Coors Field-16th St. Mall Station is 6 minutes.
Per night/room
Mar 1 - Mar 2
Hilton Denver City Center
1701 California St, Denver, COLocated in Downtown Denver, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Paramount Theater, Colorado Convention Center, and 16th Street Mall. Coors Field and Union Station are also within 15 minutes. 18th - California Station and 18th - Stout Station are within a 2-minute walk.