Top 10 Amusement Parks in Colorado

By Chelsea Gonzales
Amusement Parks

Colorado is an amazing place to visit. The outdoor fun found around every corner is sure to keep anyone busy for quite some time. That said, we highly recommend taking a break from the amazing views, awesome trails, and outdoor recreation to check out some of the amusement parks in Colorado. 

Colorado Amusement Parks

Whether you prefer water fun, outdoor adventures, or traditional amusement park rides, you’re sure to find fun at the amazing Colorado amusement parks below. Check them out and see which one will best suit your interests!

  1. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
  2. The Bay Aquatic Park
  3. Pirate’s Cove Family Fun Aquatic Park
  4. Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
  5. Water World
  6. The North Pole — Santa’s Workshop
  7. Elitch Gardens and Island Kingdom
  8. Lakeside Amusement Park
  9. Colorado Springs Great Wolf Lodge
  10. Brighton Oasis Family Water Park
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Image source: Toshihiro Matsuri

#1. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Offering a fantastic mix of outdoor fun and amusement park excitement, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a wonderful place to spend some time. 

This park is located in the cute town of Glenwood Springs and features a wide variety of attractions, including thrill rides, cave tours, laser tag, and more. Buy tickets for one fun activity, or invest in a bunch of awesome rides and games to fill the whole day!

RV Camping Near Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

In our opinion, any vacation to Colorado is made better by staying in an RV. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to park an RV near Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. 

These include:

KOA Crystal River — This super cute Rocky Mountain campground is located right next to the beautiful Crystal River. It features 24 RV sites and plenty of family friendly fun. 

KOA Glenwood Springs West — This KOA is also super family-friendly. It is just 17 miles west of Glenwood Springs and is set on the Colorado River. 

Find an RV rental near Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park!

Planning Your Trip to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park has a whole host of awesome activities. That said, many of these activities are only available during some parts of the year. You’ll want to take a peek at the website to make sure the attractions you are most interested in will be open while you’re there. 

#2. The Bay Aquatic Park

Visiting Colorado during the summer months? If so, you might be looking for a way to cool off. Bay Aquatic Park is an excellent solution. 

A super fun water park, this attraction can be found in Broomfield, Colorado. Admission is totally affordable, and the three water slides, zero entry pool, interactive water play structure, and tot pool ensure there is something fun for everyone in your family. 

RV Camping Near The Bay Aquatic Park

Need a place to park your tiny home-on-wheels while in town? There is a great camping option in the area! Set up camp at this campground and you’re sure to have a fantastic stay. 

Standley Lake Campground — A city park campground, Standley Lake Campground is a quiet place that offers clean grounds, beautiful mountain and lake views, and nice restrooms. It is about 13 minutes from the water park, so you should have no problem finding fun while you’re there. 

Find an RV rental near The Bay Aquatic Park!

Planning Your Trip to The Bay Aquatic Park

Obviously, The Bay Aquatic Park has to close during the winter months. That said, when it does open, the park offers birthday parties, group rates, and after-hours parties, so be sure to look into those options before you go!

#3. Pirate’s Cove Family Fun Aquatic Center

Another of the wonderful Colorado amusement parks, Pirate’s Cove Family Fun Aquatic Center is sure to leave your whole family smiling. 

Like The Bay, Pirate’s Cove is a city-run water park. This one is found in the town of Englewood and offers a small collection of slides, a lazy river, a toddler play area, and more. Admission to the park is surprisingly affordable, and the concession stand adds an extra fun element to the experience. 

RV Camping Near Pirate’s Cove Family Fun Aquatic Center

Looking for RV camping in Englewood? We’ve got you covered! The parks below are both excellent picks:

Flying Saucer RV Park — The place to stay if you’re looking to be near the fun offered by Pirate’s Cove, Flying Saucer RV Park is a great choice. Amenities include clean restrooms with showers, 162 RV sites, laundry facilities, and more. 

Bear Creek Lake Park Campground — Prefer to be out away from town? Bear Creek Lake Park Campground might be the place for you. This campground is found in a county park in the city of Lakewood. Water, a dump station, and electricity are all available, and the price is wonderful. 

Find an RV rental near Pirate’s Cove Family Fun Aquatic Park!

Planning Your Trip to Pirate’s Cove Family Fun Aquatic Center

Season passes are available for those who want to visit multiple times, and are cheaper when purchased before the summer season kicks in. If you’re looking to plan an extra special day, consider renting a cabana or planning a pool party at Pirate’s Cove. It’s also a good idea to check out the guidelines on the park website. 

#4. Royal Gorge Bridge and Park

Often referred to as a “magical” place, Royal Gorge Bridge and Park does an excellent job of showcasing the beauty of Colorado. The main attractions here are of course the eponymous gorge and the bridge that crosses over it. That said, a sky coaster, zip line, gondola ride, and theater certainly do add to the fun. 

This park is located near Canon City. Admission cost is based on what you choose to do. 

RV Camping Near Royal Gorge Bridge and Park

Want to camp near Royal Gorge Bridge and Park? We don’t blame you. Who wouldn’t want to camp in this gorgeous area? 

Check out these campgrounds for some ideas of places to stay:

Royal Gorge Park East Ridge Campground — If you want beautiful views, easy access to the park, and an escape from the hustle and bustle, Royal Gorge East Ridge Campground is for you. While there are no hookups available at this campground, it is absolutely beautiful and the price cannot be beat. 

Royal Gorge/Canon City KOA Holiday — If hookups are a necessity, we recommend heading over to the Royal Gorge / Canon City KOA Holiday. This is the perfect place for families and offers a variety of amenities such as full hookups, mini golf, a pool, and more. 

Find an RV rental near Royal Gorge Bridge and Park!

Planning Your Trip to Royal Gorge Bridge and Park

This park is open year-round. That said, it’s important to keep in mind that the park may close during inclement weather. It’s also important that you dress for the weather and keep in mind that it could change throughout the day. 

Plan to visit often? Consider a seasonal pass

Water World

#5. Water World

Those looking for bigger Colorado amusement parks and water parks will love Water World in the Denver area. This park first opened way back in 1979 and has been going strong since. When you visit, you’ll understand why. 

The park features a number of slides for riders of all ages. The Caribbean Family Adventure play area is perfect for young children, Cowabunga Beach gives visitors a one-of-a-kind boogie boarding experience, and the Lost River of the Pharaohs is a fantastic place to float and relax. 

Most people should plan to spend around $49.99 per person when visiting this park.

RV Camping Near Water World

There are a number of lodging options around Water World. Some of the best options are actually the area campgrounds. We especially like the campground below:

Cherry Creek State Park — Conveniently located in Aurora, Cherry Creek State Park is a lovely place to call home for a few nights. Paved sites with full hookups are available, and amenities include bathhouses, laundry facilities, vending machines, and more. 

Find an RV rental near Water World!

Planning Your Trip to Water World

Clearly, Water World is a seasonal park. It’s important to ensure the park is open when planning your trip. You’ll also want to consider whether you’re interested in upgrades such as bungalows, lockers, tube valet service, or premium parking. 

#6. The North Pole — Santa’s Workshop

An absolutely adorable amusement park found in Cascade, The North Pole — Santa’s Workshop has a super fun Christmas theme that the kids are sure to love. 

Rides include classics such as a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and a kiddie coaster, and most of the attractions are very oriented toward younger children. Prices depend on the season and what you plan to do during your visit.

RV Camping Near North Pole — Santa’s Workshop

If you’re looking to camp while visiting The North Pole, you’re in luck. Not only is there tons of boondocking nearby, there is also a great campground and an excellent RV park:

Haviland Lake Campground — A National Forest Service campground, this camping spot is located in a gorgeous forest. No hookups are available, but there are restrooms and the cost is very affordable. 

Durango Oasis RV Campground — Those looking for full-hookup sites should check out this RV park. The park is well kept and family-friendly, and the amenities are top-notch!

Find an RV rental near The North Pole — Santa’s Workshop!

Planning Your Trip to North Pole — Santa’s Workshop

Although it is not a water park, this amusement park is open seasonally. During the summer and fall months, park entry is free and ride wristbands must be purchased. Meanwhile, general admission is charged during the holiday season.

#7. Elitch Gardens Theme Park and Island Kingdom Water Park

Located in Denver, this might just be the most well-known of the Colorado amusement parks. It’s also the biggest amusement park the state has to offer, and is often the first result to pop up when searching “amusement parks near me” while in Colorado. 

This large park features both traditional amusement park rides and a waterpark section. The waterpark is free with amusement park admission, meaning you get both sections for $65. Additionally, discounts are available if you buy early or if you invest in a season pass. 

RV Camping Near Elitch Gardens Theme Park and Island Kingdom Water Park

Looking for camping near Elitch Gardens? Seeing as the park is in Denver, you have quite a few options to choose from. As mentioned above, our absolute favorite camping option in the area is Cherry Creek State Park. That said, we also like the park below:

Clear Creek RV Park — Found in Golden, CO, Clear Creek RV Park is a lovely place to stay. Concrete pads, shade trees, and hookups all make your stay comfortable, and the fact that you can walk to so many things is a major bonus. 

Find an RV rental near Elitch Gardens and Island Kingdom!

Planning Your Trip to Elitch Gardens Theme Park and Island Kingdom Water Park

Generally, this park opens in late spring and closes in late fall. They do have special holiday events as well. Be sure to check opening dates, and if you wish to experience the water park, make sure you visit during the hotter part of the year. 

#8. Lakeside Amusement Park

Lakeside Amusement Park in Denver, CO is a fantastic pick. This family-owned amusement park is set by a lake and has been around since 1908.

This Colorado amusement park features beautiful mountain and lake views, toddler attractions, a kiddie playland, a large roller coaster, a drop tower, a carousel, and more. Parking is free, but there is a cost for spectator admission and riders will need to pay per ride.

RV Camping Near Lakeside Amusement Park

Once again, there are plenty of camping options around Denver. We’ve mentioned our favorites, but the option below is also a good pick that might suit your needs:

Dakota Ridge RV Park — This campground is located just 15 minutes from Lakeside Amusement Park. It features full-hookup sites, easy access to a number of attractions, and a pool. The friendly staff is also wonderful. 

Find an RV rental near Lakeside Amusement Park!

Planning Your Trip to Lakeside Amusement Park

When planning a visit to Lakeside Amusement Park, you will want to make sure to check the posted schedule. The hours change daily, and some attractions are not open every day. 

Great Wolf Lodge

#9. Colorado Springs Great Wolf Lodge

If you haven’t ever visited a Great Wolf Lodge, you’re in for a treat. These indoor water parks are spectacular, and are a great way to have some family fun no matter the time of year. 

The Colorado Springs Great Wolf Lodge offers a wide variety of activities. These include water slides, interactive water features, and swimming. You’ll also find a ropes course, an interactive game called MagiQuest, and a whole lot more onsite. 

Prices are based on what you plan to do—as well as whether or not you stay at the resort—and start at $76 for the day for the water park. 

RV Camping Near Great Wolf Lodge

While many choose to stay in the Great Wolf Lodge hotel rooms during their water park getaway, others prefer to stick to camping in their home-on-wheels. If you’re looking for a place to park your RV, the option below is for you:

Cheyenne Mountain State Park — Located about half an hour from Great Wolf Lodge, Cheyenne Mountain State Park is our favorite place to stay in Colorado Springs. This place is beautiful, offers full hookups, and couldn’t be in a better place.

Find an RV rental near Colorado Springs Great Wolf Lodge!

Planning Your Trip to Great Wolf Lodge

Before you book your trip to Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs, be sure to check the website for special deals. You will also want to consider whether you’d like to add other options onto your waterpark admission for even more fun. 

#10. Brighton Oasis Family Water Park, Brighton

Small but mighty, Brighton Oasis Family Water Park is a super awesome place to cool off when the weather gets hot. 

The park is run by the city of Brighton and includes such attractions as a lazy river, slides, and a kiddie play area. Admission is under $10 per person and is cheaper for residents. There is also a season pass available that is perfect for those who will spend a lot of time in the area. 

RV Camping Near Brighton Oasis Family Water Park, Brighton

Camping is available by Brighton Oasis, meaning you can park your rig and start having fun right away. The park below is the place to go!

Pepper Pod Campground — This is a small, family-run campground that offers great rates and a clean place to park. While this is a no-frills kind of place, you will find what you need to be comfortable during your visit to Colorado, as well as a welcoming staff that is happy to help. 

Find an RV rental near Brighton Oasis Family Water Park!

Planning Your Trip to Brighton Oasis Family Water Park, Brighton

A visit to Brighton Oasis is fairly straightforward, meaning there isn’t a lot to know before you go. You will want to check the calendar because park hours do change throughout the season. You’ll also want to check out the rules and make sure you stick to them. 

More Colorado Fun

Looking for even more things to do in Colorado? Below is a list of some more wonderful Colorado amusement parks that are perfect for passing the time:

  • H2O’Brien Pool
  • Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
  • Old Town Hot Springs, Steamboat Springs
  • The Splash at Fossil Trace, Golden
  • Hotel Glenwood Springs, Glenwood Springs
  • Wild Waters Park, Walsenburg

Alternatively, you might try checking out these articles for more Colorado attraction suggestions: 

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