Oh, hello... I love pools a ridiculous amount. I always have. Then I had my son and made his water-baby-ness a top priority, and now we are two water babies swimming our way through this landlocked state. As he gets older, the more pools we get to explore, so with that, I present my opinions on all things Colorado pools.
OUTDOOR POOLS
Water World: Oh me oh my, Waterworld is an undertaking, but here is the scoop because it is worth it.
- You must get TubeValet (details below)
- Arrive early
- Bring snacks, the food takes forever and isn't great.
- Be so grateful that you live in (or have visited) the great state of Colorado and have access to such an amazing water park.
- Order of rides
- Roaring Forks - not on tube valet, start here. The lines are crazy. 48” and up… so keep that in mind
- Mile High Flyer — One ride for up to a maximum of 4 guests, all must be 42″+ in height
- Revolution — One ride for up to a maximum of 4 guests, all must be 42″+ in height
- Voyage to the Center of the Earth — Unlimited rides all day for up to a maximum of 4 guests + 1 tot
- Storm! — Unlimited rides all day for up to a maximum of 4 guests + 1 tot
- Glacier Run — Unlimited rides all day for up to a maximum of 4 guests, each must be 42″+ in height. Do this about 75 times, it's so fun.
- Lost River of the Pharaohs — Unlimited rides all day for up to a maximum of 4 guests + 1 tot (this is my least favorite)
Pirates Cove (Englewood) - This is the water park where we hold our annual Live.Laugh.MakeASplash. client appreciation and FUNdraising event, and just so happens to be a personal fave! Truly something for everyone, with 4 different pools from FAST slides to one of the biggest splash pools/ pads I have seen in the form of a Pirate Ship (obvs). Also, the funnel fries are a must.
The Bay (Broomfield) - I love this place more than a human should love a municipal water park. The best part, you can go down the slides with your kiddos, even if they are wearing vests… WHAT?!? Amazing. I think Benton went down the slide 15 times straight when he was 2, so fun. Great little area, and a big area. Slides are fast, and fun for all.
Elitch Gardens Water Park (Denver) - free with entry (weather permitting). A great way to cool off in those hot city summers, this park has thrill rides to family fun, and is worth a stop!
Paradice Island Pool at Pioneer Park (Commerce City) Don't sleep on this one! With three impressive water slides (48" and up), a lazy river, and one of the best water playgrounds I've ever seen, this spot fills all the requirements. They do hit capacity most weekends, so either go early or plan to wait in a 1-in, 1-out line.
INDOOR POOLS
When the outdoor pools close, the fun doesn’t need to end.
Apex Center in Arvada is far and away the best municipal indoor water park - in my humble, yet expert opinion. Apex Center features 23,000 square feet of indoor water fun - amazing for all ages, and city amenity pricing.
Carla Madison in Denver (City Park). Check out the leisure pool, with a big red slide, a toddler splash area, a climbing wall, and a lazy river this pool is easy and fun year-round.
Central Park Rec Center, with a similar setup to Carla Madison, the Central Park rec center has a little kids' area, a big slide, and tons of room for indoor splashing fun!
Paul Derda Rec Center in Broomfield - with 88-degree water, an Inner Tube Slide, a Body Slide, a Butterfly Toddler Slide, and a Lazy River this rec center has fun for all ages.
Great Wolf Lodge - Listen, this place is like Vegas for children. Keep in mind, going from the hotel to the actual water park, you walk through a gauntlet of kid temptations (just like a kid's Vegas… so maybe bring goggles with blinders. That said, it’s a blast and should at least lead to a good night's rest.
The Gaylord - as far as hotel pool go, this place is the bee's knees. It is a combo indoor/ outdoor, has slides, a restaurant/ bar, and a lazy river. That said… I prefer to leverage The Gaylord in colder weather… there are many easier and more cost-effective options when it comes to outdoor swimming.
**This is not a comprehensive list, but rather a list of my favorites. I am truly amazed by how incredible our city and county amenities are here in Colorado. My advice is this: if you don't see one close to you on this list, check with your rec centers, they also likely have amazing indoor/outdoor options… and be sure to mention your favorites in the comments!
See you at the pool,
Lindsey
