When asking yourself about something to do near me in Denver with a group of friends or family, consider
Elitch Gardens
Why Elitch Gardens is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Elitch Gardens, located in the heart of downtown Denver, Colorado, offers a unique blend of thrilling amusement rides and refreshing water attractions ideal for groups and families seeking a fun day out. As Colorado's only world-class combination theme and water park, it features over 50 rides and attractions that cater to all ages and thrill levels. From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters like the Boomerang, Sidewinder, Tower of Doom, and the high-speed Mind Eraser, to family-friendly rides such as the towering Ferris wheel and KiddieLand’s gentle attractions, Elitch Gardens provides diverse entertainment options. The adjoining water park, included with admission, boasts water slides like the Acapulco Cliff Dive and Paradise Plunge, alongside kid-focused areas like Hook's Lagoon to keep younger guests engaged. Beyond rides, the park includes charming games and sideshow attractions, enhancing opportunities for group interaction and fun. Its historical roots date back over 130 years, and the park continues to maintain a welcoming and secure environment with friendly staff and attentive security, ensuring a safe and enjoyable meet-up spot for friends and families alike. Conveniently accessible by both public transit and paid parking, Elitch Gardens is a vibrant urban destination for seasonal enjoyment from spring through fall.
Here's what people think of Elitch Gardens
As of recent, Elitch Gardens holds a 4-star rating based on 14506 reviews.
Visitors consistently praise Elitch Gardens for its diverse selection of rides, particularly highlighting the mix of thrilling roller coasters and family-friendly attractions which accommodate a broad spectrum of ages and interests. Positive reviews often mention the unique combination of theme park and water park access under one ticket, making it an excellent value for families wanting varied experiences in a single location. Guests also appreciate the friendly and approachable staff, many of whom are enthusiastic seasonal workers, helping to cultivate a welcoming atmosphere. The high visibility of security personnel contributes to a secure feeling throughout the park, which is especially reassuring for visitors with children. Conversely, some negative feedback centers on the desire for more world-class roller coasters and occasional concerns about ride wait times during peak periods. A few reviews note that while the thrills are adequate, the park may not satisfy serious coaster enthusiasts looking for the latest or most intense experiences. Nonetheless, these critiques are balanced by appreciation for the park's accessibility, affordability, and variety of attractions. Overall, Elitch Gardens maintains a solid 4.0 rating from over 14,000 reviews, reflecting a broadly favorable guest experience, especially for families and groups looking for an all-in-one amusement and water park destination in the Denver area.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Melissa Baynes
Nice amusement / water park. Unfortunately, lots of people vaping despite the supposed "drug free" park. One lifeguard actually said something, which was really great. Took six kids for a birthday party today and they all had a really great time at both parts of the park. Definitely get there early... we got there at 945 (opens at 1030). So if you want to set up a base without renting a cabana, you can get chairs together in the shade. Food expensive, but not outrageous for an amusement park.
Rodzilla
Elitch Gardens is a must for families with kids. The season pass is one of the best investments you can make if your kids love fun, rides, and hanging out with their friends all summer long. It even includes a meal, which makes it an unbeatable deal. This park has become a summer tradition for my kids, and it’s worth every penny. I usually only join them for Fright Fest, and even that’s a blast. If you’re a parent in the Denver area, a season pass to Elitch Gardens is something you won’t regret getting for your kids.
Crystal Ridder
We went on a Thursday, just after opening. We waited in line about 10 mins to get in. Most rides had 5-10 lines, so had almost no wait. Rides were fun but it's small, not as many rides for adults/thrill seekers as larger parks. The kiddie area is nice with 6 or so kid friendly rides & play area. Restrooms were worn but clean. Food was decent for park food. I think we paid $17 for a burger & fries. They also had rice bowls which was nice. Water park was nice, it had at least 7 big water slides, wave pool, lazy river & kids play/spray area. We went to the counter & asked to rent tubes for the lazy river, paid & found out they are provided. I wish they would have said that when I asked. They provide life jackets for babies & kids. The water park was crowded and water slide lines were about 20-30 mins. Overall it was fun for younger kids but not a place I would go to again unless we lived close by.
Robert John Smith
I love Elitch Gardens and all the stuff they offer. I would give this a 5 star rating for everything else in the park, however, the staff are so rude and should be trained more properly. I got yelled at by an employee many times during my visit today. I rudely got yelled at by the security for trying to enter after I left to use the bathroom, I understand that I couldn't enter after leaving because it's a policy, but the way they told me to leave was so rude. These security staff are so rude and should be more polite next time. However I do have some favorite ride operators who are actually polite like Jose. This is the reason I give this 3 stars. Please tell the staff to be more polite to visitors for what they can and can't do. Thank you! Edit: Today during my visit wasn't a good visit. I now rate this 2 stars because I was getting food from the food court, when all of a sudden, a worker came up to me telling me that my card declined. It wasn't a big deal and I got back to "pay it", however, when I checked my recent purchases, it said that I paid it 2 times. I would love to get my money back and for Elitch Gardens to fix the machines, I'm sorry for my immature response but I'm pretty pissed off from this. Thanks Elitch Gardens for taking my money.
Jason Moore
It was a good time . Just sucked rides were closed . It was our family's first time. It would have been nice to be able to experience all the rides. Other than that it was cool my kids had fun. It can get pretty expensive $$$$$$$.
How to reach Elitch Gardens
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Why Elitch Gardens may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Elitch Gardens with your friends? Elitch Gardens, located in the heart of Denver, is a top-tier destination that masterfully blends a world-class theme park with an expansive water park, making it an unbeatable spot for groups seeking fun and adventure. Celebrating over 130 years of entertainment, it offers something for everyone, whether your friends crave adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, interactive family rides, or a refreshing splash in the water attractions. Meeting up here guarantees a day filled with memories, as the park's diverse range of offerings caters to different interests and ages, ensuring no one feels left out. Its prime downtown location means easy accessibility, and the vibrant atmosphere combined with special events like night fireworks and seasonal celebrations elevates the experience beyond a typical amusement park day. Whether you're planning a casual outing or a special celebration, Elitch Gardens is the ideal rally point where laughter, excitement, and camaraderie flow freely, making it a natural gathering spot that will energize your group and leave everyone eager for the next visit.
What activities can groups enjoy at Elitch Gardens? Elitch Gardens offers an impressive array of activities, perfectly suited for groups to share thrilling experiences together. The park features six outstanding roller coasters that provide heart-racing excitement for thrill-seekers. These rides vary in intensity, allowing you to pick your preferred level of adrenaline, from swift twists to soaring drops. Beyond coasters, the park includes several family-friendly rides that encourage bonding moments, such as classic carousels and gentle river rides. The water park is a standout attraction, boasting numerous slides, splash zones, and wave pools to cool down and have fun on hot days. Arcade games and skill-based challenges add extra layers of entertainment, offering opportunities for friendly competition and prize-winning moments within your group. Seasonal events such as Fright Fest, themed holiday celebrations, and spectacular fireworks nights deliver unique experiences that transform your gathering into an unforgettable festivity, ensuring your visit never feels routine.
Why is Elitch Gardens the perfect place to host a group meetup? Group meetups at Elitch Gardens thrive because the park seamlessly caters to socialization and shared fun without compromising individual desires. First, the variety of rides and activities ensures that all members, regardless of age or thrill tolerance, can participate in something enjoyable, keeping everyone included and happy. Its downtown Denver location simplifies logistics; attendees can coordinate easily with convenient transit options and nearby hotels, which is especially beneficial for out-of-town guests. The park's robust dining options accommodate groups with differing tastes and dietary needs, allowing everybody to recharge together over meals or snacks. Elitch Gardens also offers group ticketing and season pass deals that provide cost-effective ways to enjoy multiple visits or bring along friends with benefits such as free parking and guest tickets. Importantly, the park’s safety measures and well-maintained facilities foster peace of mind, so your focus remains on having fun with your friends or family. Everything about Elitch Gardens encourages connection, making it a go-to venue for memorable shared experiences.
What makes Elitch Gardens’ rides and attractions special? Elitch Gardens stands out because it combines classic charm with modern thrills, all packed into a compact yet lively urban setting. The park's six roller coasters are among the highlights, including a range of designs that appeal from coaster novices to hardcore enthusiasts. These rides are celebrated for their smoothness, unique layouts, and immersive experiences. For example, the Twister II offers a nostalgic nod to the park's rich history with its classic design reimagined to meet contemporary ride expectations. Beyond the roller coasters, the park includes numerous family rides like the historic carousel, which brings a timeless delight. The water park area complements these with numerous aquatic attractions such as rapid body slides, lazy rivers, and multi-user raft rides—perfect for team fun. The mix of rides ensures guests can embrace thrills or relax as they wish, catering to all moods throughout a day of adventure. This variety amplifies the enjoyment in a group setting, where diversity in interests is common.
How do special events enhance the group experience at Elitch Gardens? Elitch Gardens is known for its dynamic calendar filled with special events that enrich group visits and create unique atmospheres aligning with different seasons. One of the marquee events is Fright Fest, a Halloween-themed thrill experience that transforms the park with spooky decorations, haunted houses, and themed entertainment, ideal for groups who enjoy immersive seasonal fun. Another highlight is the Elitch Holidays celebration, which brings the magic of winter festivities to life with dazzling lights, themed shows, and holiday attractions—perfect for friends and families wanting to share joyful moments together. Dive-In Movies offer a relaxed, yet communal way to wind down after a day of rides and splashes, combining movies with the park’s poolside vibe. Fireworks shows conclude many summer nights with vibrant displays over the Denver skyline, providing spectacular photo ops and perfect group celebrations. These events encourage repeat visits and deepen the sense of occasion, making any meetup feel like more than just a day at the park.
What amenities support a comfortable and convenient visit for groups? Elitch Gardens provides a comprehensive range of amenities that ease group planning and enhance comfort. The park features ample parking options, including VIP season parking for pass holders, reducing hassle for larger parties arriving by car. Inside, clean restrooms and shaded rest areas make breaks restful and family-friendly. Dining facilities offer a variety of food and beverage choices from quick snacks to sit-down meals catering to different dietary preferences and budgets, supporting longer group visits without concern. Shopping opportunities include souvenir shops where groups can commemorate their outing with apparel and collectibles, amplifying the shared experience. The park’s staff is trained to assist with group needs, ensuring smooth coordination for ticketing, parking, and accessibility. These thoughtful conveniences allow groups to focus on enjoyment and togetherness rather than logistics, fostering a relaxed and carefree vibe throughout the day.
What makes Elitch Gardens’ location ideal for group gatherings? Situated right in downtown Denver, Elitch Gardens boasts one of the few major theme and water parks within a city center, making it exceptionally accessible for local and visiting groups. Its central location means easy transportation via public transit, ride shares, or personal vehicles, simplifying arrival and departure for attendees coming from various parts of the city or beyond. Being in an urban setting also means plentiful nearby hotels and lodging, which is perfect for groups planning overnight stays or weekend getaways tied to their park visit. The vibrant downtown atmosphere offers additional post-park entertainment options, restaurants, and nightlife, extending the fun beyond the park gates. This blend of park excitement with city convenience provides a compelling mix that few other parks can offer, making Elitch Gardens a strategic and enjoyable rally point for friends and family looking to maximize their time together.
What ticketing options and deals benefit group visitors? Elitch Gardens simplifies group access with a variety of flexible ticketing and season pass options designed to provide savings and perks tailored for frequent visitors or groups. Online ticket purchases offer discounted rates compared to gate prices, a smart way to plan ahead and ensure affordability. Season passes are particularly advantageous, as they pay for themselves in just a couple of visits and come packed with perks like free parking, guest tickets, rapid ride access, and special event admission. These passes allow groups to return multiple times, enabling deeper connections and ongoing fun throughout the season. For larger groups, coordinated ticket purchases facilitate easier entry and can come with additional discounts or exclusive offers. The availability of season passes with multi-visit access encourages groups to make Elitch Gardens a recurring destination rather than a one-off outing, boosting the value and bonding opportunities of their meetups.
How does Elitch Gardens foster a safe and family-friendly environment? Safety and a family-friendly atmosphere stand at the core of Elitch Gardens’ commitment to providing a worry-free experience for groups of all ages. The park adheres to strict maintenance protocols to ensure the rides and facilities operate at the highest standards. Trained staff members are present across the park to assist guests with questions and emergencies, keeping everyone secure and comfortable. The park’s layout and amenities focus on accessibility, offering ease of movement for families with young children or older adults. Family-friendly rides, designated picnic and rest areas, and child safety practices such as wristbands for kids provide peace of mind to parents and group organizers. Additionally, the park’s policies on ticket authenticity and fraud prevention help protect visitors from counterfeit admissions, maintaining integrity for all guests. These focused efforts create a welcoming environment that encourages groups to relax and enjoy each moment together.
Why do visitors give Elitch Gardens a solid 4.0 rating? With over 14,500 reviews, Elitch Gardens holds a strong 4.0-star rating reflecting a well-balanced combination of thrilling entertainment, friendly service, and well-maintained facilities. Guests often praise the park for its unique combination of a theme and water park in a downtown setting, which is rare and offers diverse experiences in one location. The variety of rides appeals to a broad demographic, supporting family outings as well as friend groups looking for excitement. While some reviews mention the occasional busy days or pricing concerns, the overall sentiment highlights positive memories and repeat visits. The park’s continuous efforts to add new attractions, host special events, and improve guest comfort demonstrate it is responsive to visitor feedback, striving to be an enjoyable destination for everyone. This reliable reputation makes Elitch Gardens a trustworthy choice for your next group meetup.