From its wide array of state parks to its four official national parks, not to mention its wonderful urban centers, there are so many wonderful reasons to visit Colorado. But what you might not know? Colorado is also a great destination for families who love amusement parks.
Although there are many, the seven top Colorado amusement parks for RVing families are:
- The Bay Aquatic Park in Broomfield, Colorado
- Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park in Brighton, Colorado
- Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park in Denver, Colorado
- Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
- Lakeside Amusement Park in Denver, Colorado
- North Pole — Santa’s Workshop in Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Water World in Federal Heights, Colorado
Colorado amusement parks offer everything from classic roller coaster rides to major thrills and spills, family-friendly options like bumper cars, and a ton of water parks to wash off the hot summer sun with. Plus, all of them are close to well-appointed RV campgrounds that allow you to have a cozy home base for your days of adventure. Below, we’ll get into all the details of the parks themselves, as well as some inside tips and tricks that’ll help you plan your Colorado road trip like a pro. Let’s go!
Colorado Amusement Parks: At a Glance
| Park | Location | Current Ticket Cost | Attractions | Overnight RV Parking? |
| The Bay Aquatic Park | Broomfield (Denver metro) | Starting at $9 per session depending on date | Body slides, race slides, waterfall,interactive play structure,toddler pool,lap lanes | No |
| Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park | Brighton (Denver metro) | ~$6–$10 day admission depending on age; season passes available | Lazy river, slides, splash pad | No |
| Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park | Denver | ~$50–$80 single-day tickets; season passes from ~$80 | Roller coasters, water slides, drop tower, Ferris wheel | No |
| Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park | Glenwood Springs | ~$59–$79 gondola/day pass depending on season and attractions | Cave tours, high-thrill rides like Defiance and Canyon Swing, Alpine Coaster,, gondola | No |
| Lakeside Amusement Park | Denver | $5 general admission entry plus ride tickets or $15–$35 unlimited ride pass | Coasters, Ferris wheel, bumper cars, funhouse | No |
| North Pole — Santa’s Workshop | Colorado Springs | Unlimited ride wristband $38 for visitors age 3 and up; kids 2 and under free; free entry in summer and fall | Kiddie and family rides, zipline, visits with Santa | No |
| Water World | Federal Heights (Denver metro) | ~$33–$50 day tickets depending on age/date; more affordable to buy online ahead of time; season passes and resident discounts available | Wave pools, raft rides, speed slides, lazy river | No |
Why RV to a Colorado Amusement Park?
RVing is a classic way to see the west, and Colorado is a great state to include in your trip. (It’s also got more than enough to see to warrant a trip all its own!)
Colorado is home to 43 state parks, 12 national forests, and four breathtaking national parks:
- Rocky Mountain National Park (the most well-known and popular)
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (the least-visited, perfect for those hoping to avoid crowd)
- Mesa Verde National Park (which preserves Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings)
- Great Sand Dunes National Park (where you’ll find the tallest, steepest sand dunes in all of North America)
Each of those incredible outdoor landscapes marks another great reason to explore Colorado in an RV. When you do, you’ll be able to easily string together as many Colorful Colorado destinations as you like without having to unpack and repack your bags over and over again or settle into a new hotel room. You’ll also have all the storage space you need to travel with your outdoor adventure gear.
Renting on the peer-to-peer market at RVshare allows you to choose from the widest array of rental vehicles on the market from scrappy camper vans and pop-up travel trailers to luxurious Class A motorhomes and fifth-wheel travel trailers. We also offer delivery and set-up for campers planning to stay in one place and who want to just show up and start enjoying their vacations, as well as one-way RV rentals perfect for a deep dive drive in the great, wide American west.
The Bay Aquatic Park (Broomfield)
Visiting Colorado during the summer months? If so, you might be looking for a way to cool off. The Bay Aquatic Park is an excellent solution.
A small but mighty water park largely frequented by locals, this attraction can be found in Broomfield, Colorado. Admission is very affordable, and its water slides, zero entry pool, interactive water play structure, lap lanes and toddler pool ensure there is something fun for everyone in your family.
Stand-Out Features
A beloved local water park that punches above its weight class, The Bay is known for:
- Body slides
- Race slides
- Waterfall
- Interactive play structure
- Toddler pool
- Lap lanes
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Part of the larger Denver metropolitan area, there are plenty of great spots near The Bay to camp.
- Those looking to stay close to, but not quite in, town should consider heading to nearby Golden Gate Canyon State Park, which offers over 100 campsites, more than half of which have electrical hookups
- Those after a more urban adventure might consider Denver Meadows RV Park, which puts you closer to the heart of the city adventure with amenities including full hookups and onsite laundry (no tents allowed)
Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park (Brighton)
Another small but mighty family attraction, Brighton’s Oasis Family Aquatic Park is the perfect 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 generally under $10 per person and is cheaper for residents. There are also monthly and annual memberships available that are perfect for those who will spend a lot of time in the area.
Stand-Out Features
Part of a local recreation center, this spot has more on offer than water park fun. Visit for:
- Lazy river
- Slides
- Splash pad
- Rec center inclusions like an indoor track and lap pool
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Another park that’s part of the larger Denver metropolitan area, Brighton is served by the city’s many campgrounds, especially:
- Barr Lake RV, which doesn’t have a website but can be reached for reservations at (303) 659-6180 (note, nearby Barr Lake State Park does not offer on-site RV camping)
- Liberty Hill RV Park, which features wide-open vistas just 15 minutes from the park
- Gopher Gulch RV & Campground is situated on the north end of town, but still within an easy drive of Brighton (and other great outdoor to-dos)
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park (Denver)
Located in Denver, Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park 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 one price. Prices vary, but discounts are available if you buy early or if you invest in a season pass.
Stand-Out Features
With everything from kiddie rides to high-flying thrills and classic water park attractions, Elitch Gardens is just about guaranteed to put a smile on every single face in your camping party. Don’t miss:
- Major roller coasters like Mind Eraser, Sidewinder and Boomerang
- Family rides including a Ferris wheel, teacups and carousel
- Gentle, kid-friendly options like sunflower swings and the E.G. Express train ride
- Water park attractions including thrill slides, family slides and a lazy river
You can also book a private cabana to relax in the shade and enjoy on-site dining options including burgers, beer, soft pretzels, funnel cakes and more.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Tucked in the very heart of Denver, we’ll be honest: you may have to drive a little while to get to a campground. But it’ll be worth it! Especially when you stay at:
- Applewood RV Resort, known as one of the best campgrounds close to the urban heart of Denver
- Clear Creek RV Park, which is just a bit further out but offers access to the Golden Community Center with gym and recreational equipment
- Denver Meadows RV Park, the largest RV park in the urban Denver area
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park (Glenwood Springs)
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 serious thrill rides, cave tours, laser tag, and more. And the adventure begins before you even walk in the gate: as the only mountaintop amusement park in America, you’ll need to start out by riding a gentle yet thrilling gondola to the top!
Stand-Out Features
The thrills are real at Glenwood Caverns, but there are also lower-key options available for smaller adventurers and those who just like to stay grounded. Be sure to put the following on your list:
- (Literally) high-flying thrills like Defiance Roller Coaster (the newest, with a record-breaking 102.3 degree freefall) and the Giant Canyon Swing, which, true to its name, swings visitors out over a 1,300 foot cliff edge above the Colorado River
- Family attractions like 4D Motion Theater and Laser Tag
- Tours of Colorado’s largest show cave (recently designated a National Natural Landmark)
There are also fun shopping opportunities on-site as well as dining options with a great view. You’re way up high, after all!
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Located just north of the White River National Forest, there are plenty of rugged, outback camping opportunities near Glenwood Caverns if you’re looking to boondock — and the following developed campgrounds if you’re looking for a more white glove kind of camping experience:
- Glenwood Canyon Resort is one of the closest and offers cabins and suites as well as RV sites (monthly rates available)
- The Hideout at Glenwood Springs is a great option if you’re traveling in a smaller camper (RVs up to 20 feet allowed)
- Ami’s Acres Campground is another smaller spot (though it’s open to large rigs) with sweeping views, pull-thru sites and full hookups
Lakeside Amusement Park (Denver)
If you’re looking for a classic, even old-school, theme park or carnival experience, you can’t miss Lakeside Amusement Park. Dating back all the way to 1908, this park is still family-owned and is the oldest amusement park in Colorado that’s still operating on its original grounds and the last remaining White City-style theme park in the U.S. (i.e., a park inspired by the White City and Midway Plaisance sections of the World’s Columbian Exhibition of 1893).
Stand-Out Features
Think of a classic midway experience, and you can find it here at Lakeside. We’re talking:
- Roller coasters
- Bumper cars
- A drop tower
- A funhouse
- Midway-style games
As its name suggests, Lakeside is tucked between Lake Rhoda and Berkeley Lake, the latter of which offers a dog park, picnic tables and also a branch of the Denver Public Library.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Another park in the heart of Denver, your best bet campgrounds are likely to be:
- Applewood RV Resort, which is closest to Lakeside
- Clear Creek RV Park, which will give you some space from the big city hullabaloo
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park is another option if you want to bookend your festival days with tranquil time in nature
North Pole — Santa’s Workshop (Colorado Springs)
An absolutely adorable amusement park found in Cascade (just outside of Colorado Springs), 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 much oriented toward younger children. Prices depend on the season and what you plan to do during your visit, but if you come in summer or fall, entry is free!
Stand-Out Features
Situated at the foot of Pike’s Peak, North Pole — Santa’s Workshop offers sweeping views of nearby Colorado Springs and plenty of fun to-dos for Christmas celebrants of every age. Must-sees include:
- Antique car rides
- Candy cane coaster
- A Ferris wheel and kiddie wheel
- The zipline
- Visits, of course, with Santa
On peak days, it’s highly advisable to reserve your tickets online ahead of time.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
The Colorado Springs area is an incredible place to camp and explore, with plenty of side quests for outdoorsy and active campers (like the Manitou Incline — iykyk!). Campgrounds especially convenient to The North Pole include:
- Pikes Peak RV Park is situated to offer easy access to hiking trails, along with amenities like a camp store, kids play area and dog runs
- Rocky Top Motel & Campground is even closer to The North Pole, with full hookups and monthly rates available
- There are also many wildernesses surrounding this area for those looking to boondock or reserve an affordable site on a public campground, such as Pike-San Isabel National Forest and Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Water World (Federal Heights)
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. And it’s themed in different fun zones to explore, such as the West Coast Adventure area (filled with high-flying rides and fast slides for adults and older kids), Wild Isle, with family-friendly options like The Revolution, lazy river and warming pool, and great dining opportunities and little-kid friendly options scattered throughout.
Stand-Out Features
This is a truly comprehensive water park experience for those ready to have it! While there are nearly 50 attractions to explore, top hits include:
- Thrill-inducing features like the Mile High Flyer and The Peaks Speed Slides
- More relaxed options like Thunder Bay Wave Pool, the Warming Pool and several river rides
- Features friendly for the smallest swimmers like Minnow Creek and Turtle Bay
As always, there are great eats in the park, such as burgers, pizza, and Dippin’ Dots ice cream.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Once again, Water World finds us back in the Denver metropole, which means you’ll recognize our recommended nearby campgrounds:
- Applewood RV Resort is just 25 minutes away from the park, even with traffic — and less on less crowded days and hours
- Barr Lake RV (again, you can reach them at 303-659-6180) is a further drive, but a good way to balance theme park fun with outdoor tranquility
- And once again, we have to give it up for the largest developed campground in Colorado’s capital city, Denver Meadows RV Park
Tips for a Colorful Colorado Amusement Park Trip
With all these fun parks to hit (and so much more on offer in the state of Colorado), there’s truly no way to go wrong on your RV trip. However, a little bit of planning ahead can save you bigtime when it comes to headaches and hassles. Here are our top tips for planning a perfect Colorado RV amusement park extravaganza.
- Plan for multiple parks. As you can see, plenty of these parks are clustered in the Denver metropolitan area, and even those a bit further afield would be easy enough to add to your trip — especially when you travel by RV!
- Check the weather. Colorado’s climate can be extremely hot and dry or seriously cold and snowy, so be sure you double-check the weather during your prospective travel window (and whether or not the theme park you have in mind is open seasonally or year-round).
- Choose your RV wisely. It all depends on what you want and need! If you’re a smaller family and you’re into traveling light, a little Class B camper van might be just the ticket; on the other hand, if you have a big family or simply enjoy the finer things, consider a Class A motorcoach or fifth wheel travel trailer. You can find all of them — and so much more — on RVshare.
- Reserve your campsite and tickets ahead of time. It might be tempting to wing it, but reserving ahead of time helps ensure you won’t end up in a sticky situation with no room at the inn, and when it comes to the theme parks,it’s almost always cheaper when you buy online than at the gate!
Colorado Amusement Parks: Frequently Asked Questions
While any and all of Colorado’s theme parks have experiences geared toward younger travelers, North Pole — Santa’s Workshop outside of Colorado Springs is a can’t-miss experience for little kids. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park has high-flying thrill rides for adults but fun kid rides and cave tours for the whole family.
Yes! While most of the Colorado amusement parks don’t allow on-site overnight RV camping or parking, each of them is located within an easy drive of several campgrounds, both developed and rustic.
While summer is the high season (and the best if you’re hoping to visit a Colorado water park), the full extent of the season runs from late spring through early fall. It can be very dependent on the weather in a specific given year, so check ahead — and consider traveling in shoulder season to avoid crowds.
Of course! In fact, doing so is one of the best reasons to rent an RV for your Colorado RV trip, so you can enjoy its amusement parks, outdoor areas, urban landscapes and more, all while maintaining a comfortable and cozy home base.
Looking for even more fun in Colorful Colorado? Check out:
