Denver-area waterparks slated to open Memorial Day weekend

By Noah Festenstein May 21, 2025 | updated 2 months ago

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School is out, ski resorts are most all closed, and the Rockies keep losing — so a day out at your local Denver-area waterpark doesn’t seem such a bad idea after all.

Metro Denver boasts two world-class waterparks, both offering different H20 thrill experiences. And both of them open Memorial Day weekend, weather permitting.

Despite some cooler weather with a chance of thunderstorms this weekend, let’s take a quick look at what’s in store this summer for both Water World in Federal Heights and downtown Denver’s Elitch Gardens Island Kingdom Waterpark.

Water World

Dubbed as “America’s largest waterpark,” now in its 46th season, Water World in Federal Heights is located 15 miles north of downtown Denver at 88th Avenue and Pecos Street.

The waterpark offers free parking and has direct access to Regional Transportation District (RTD) public transit.

The award-winning waterpark is operated by the Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District and is publicly owned. Water World proceeds go towards parks, facilities and recreation services in the surrounding community, according to Water World officials.

Water World features more than 30 waterslides, including two adrenaline pumping water coasters, a lazy river, hot tubs, an express gondola and plenty of tame attractions for children.

In 2024, Water World was nominated for Best Outdoor Water Park in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards and Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice awards.

This year, Water World begins its season Saturday with 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. hours. Fun events planned include a “Bow Wow Beach Doggie Day,” a drone show on July 26 and “Mermaid Mondays.”

Entry tickets can be purchased online and range between $20 to $60, depending on the day and guest. Tickets are cheaper online if bought for a specific day. Season passes are also available for as low as $145.

Prohibited items include oversized coolers, alcohol, drugs, weapons, personal shade structures, snorkels, water toys, umbrellas and glass containers.

Seating areas are first-come-first-serve.

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Cabanas and bungalows are available for reservations.

Water World’s 46th season concludes on Sept. 6.

More information on park policy, schedules and daily closures can be found on the Water World website.

Elitch Gardens Island Kingdom Water Park

One of the nation’s only remaining major downtown theme parks also offers a waterpark located in central Denver.

Smaller in size, but packing a punch with world-class water attractions, Island Kingdom offers a getaway waterpark experience from the collection of roller coasters and rides at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park.

Access to Island Kingdom is included with theme park admission. Parking costs up to $35, but the park is RTD accessible. Available chairs and seating areas are first-come-first-serve.

Elitch’s waterpark includes several thrill slides, a wave pool, lazy river and kids’ attractions.

Lost Kingdom features “SlideZilla,” a massive hybrid slide with a bowl and wave element. SlideZilla won the 2014 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions award for best water attraction in the world.

Set to open Saturday, the waterpark will operate from 10:30 a.m.

Special events at Elitch’s Island Kingdom Water Park include “GLOWTOPIA,” an adult-only night at the waterpark on June 20. Four “dive-in” movie nights are scheduled for June 20, July 11, July 25 and Aug. 1.

Elitch’s waterpark season ends on Labor Day, Sept. 1.

More information on ticket prices and scheduling is available on the Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park website.