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The kids returned for lunch (included in the VIP Cabana rate), and then we explored the theme park rides together for the late afternoon. My tweens spent the morning on their own in the waterpark, while I read my book in the shade and kept one eyeball on the raucous wave pool. But I loved having my own private and shady home base. Splurge on a waterpark cabana: Starting at $90 for the day, these are not cheap. Lines for some of the popular thrill rides – like the Mind Eraser coaster – may die down just before park closing, too.Ĭabanas are pricey, but you’ll have a shady spot in the waterpark all day. to stand in line until the turnstiles open, then hit all your “must-do” attractions first.

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Plus you get extra perks like the Bring-a-Friend vouchers and early admittance to the water park.īuy a souvenir cup and bring it back for $1 soda refills: Another great tip from Chris Bird!Īrrive before opening: If the park opens at 10 a.m., park your car ($20) by 9:30 a.m. If you don’t purchase them before you arrive, bring an empty Pepsi can for $10 off.Ĭonsider buying Rapid Ride passes: With these passes, you move to the front of the line on the most popular rides.īuy a season’s pass if you plan to go twice in one season: The season pass is $69.99 and will pay for itself after two visits, points out my friend Chris Bird, an Aurora mom. You can also buy discounted tickets at King Soopers grocery stores. Purchase tickets ahead of time: Buy them online for discounted pricing (not there is a $5 per order processing fee). Avoid Saturdays and Sundays, too, if you can help it. Tips for Visiting Elitch GardensĪvoid lines at the ticket window by purchasing ahead of time then you can head straight to the park entrance.ĭon’t visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday: Season pass holders can use their “Free Bring-a-Friend” tickets on these days, making the park much more crowded than a Monday, Thursday or Friday. Consider these time-, money- and sanity-saving tips that I gathered during my recent stints at each of the parks, plus some great advice from smart moms in the Denver area. So no matter which theme park you visit, you’ll want to approach the park with a game plan.

Same goes for Elitch Gardens and its Island Kingdom Waterpark. In fact, on your average, crowded summer day, it’s impossible to hit all the rides during opening hours at Water World. Still, given the vast number of attractions at Water World, the price of admission is quite reasonable. at Water World), offering added value for the price of a daily ticket. Plus, Elitch Gardens is open later (typically 8 p.m.

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They might argue that Elitch Gardens does offer two types of experiences for one price: your thrilling rides and a full waterpark, and that’s pretty cool. Now, other Denver-area moms may disagree with me.

Lockers to store valuables at Elitch Gardens are $12 lockers at Water World near Thunder Bay wave pool are $1 (pay $1 each time you open and close it), and standard ones that you can access all day at no extra fee are $8 in the bathhouse near the main entrance.

Food prices are cheaper at Water World than Elitch Gardens for example, Water World sells a $3.50 cheeseburger, which I think is quite reasonable.

You can bring in your own food and coolers at Water World outside food and beverage is forbidden at Elitch Gardens.

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Parking is free at Water World it costs $15 at Elitch Gardens.Water World offers discounted rates after 1:45 pm Elitch Gardens doesn’t have half-day pricing.Daily adult admission costs at Water World and Elitch Gardens (“Elitches” or “Elitch’s” to locals) are comparable: roughly $40 per adult when purchasing tickets in advance online.Still, after visiting each of the parks - with four kids between the ages of 10 and 12 - I’d have to say that Water World offers the better value, namely because I didn’t feel quite so nickel and dimed : Both parks have their merits… and their disadvantages. Elitch Gardens - is a bit like comparing apples and oranges because they are quite different. Water World is one of America’s biggest waterparks with 49 attractions on 64 acres, technically north of Denver in Federal Heights at 88th & Pecos.Įlitch Gardens in the middle of downtown Denver actually comprises two distinct areas, an amusement park with roller coasters, thrill rides, carousel, Ferris wheel, carnival games and live shows, plus Island Kingdom waterpark, filled with raft rides, water slides, lazy river and wave pool.Ĭomparing the two head to head - Water World vs. There are few Denver water park options better than Water World or Elitch Gardens, so which one is right for your family? Let’s walk through both!