Elijah RomeroThere’s nothing quite like the rush of a roller coaster or the laughter that follows when your friends dare each other onto the next wild ride.
Our group has always been drawn to that mix of excitement and adventure, which is why we’ve been exploring and bookmarking some of the best amusement and theme parks in and around Denver.
We love how each park offers something different—whether it’s record-breaking coasters, water rides that leave you soaked and grinning, or family-friendly attractions that bring out everyone’s inner child.
So, whether you’re chasing thrills or planning a fun day out with family, these spots deserve a place on your must-visit list. Here are the top amusement and theme parks in and around Denver for thrills and family adventures.
Game Show Battle Rooms
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Address: 8230 S Colorado Blvd B, Centennial
Contact details: +17208505305
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $34.95 to $37.95 (per participant; price depends on time slot)
If you’ve ever dreamed of being on a real game show, Game Show Battle Rooms in Centennial makes that fantasy come to life! You’ll get to compete head-to-head with your friends, family, or coworkers in high-energy challenges that feel straight out of TV.
The hosts make the entire experience exciting from start to finish, keeping everyone engaged and laughing along the way. Each round brings something different—from trivia and quick-thinking games to hilarious team challenges—all designed to test your reflexes and wit.
The space itself feels like a professional set, complete with lights, buzzers, and music that keep your adrenaline pumping. Whether it’s for a birthday or corporate event, this place has a knack for making every guest feel like the star of the show.
Pro tip: Book in advance, especially on weekends, as slots fill up fast. Bring your A-game and a camera—you’ll definitely want to capture the reactions and victory moments from your crew.
Elitch Gardens
– Media credit: elitchgardens
Address: 2000 Elitch Cir
Contact details: +13035954386
Operating hours:
- Saturday – 12 to 10 PM
- Sunday – 12 to 9 PM
Cost:
- $49.99 (per head)
- Free – Kids 2 and under
If you’re looking for a full day of excitement without leaving the city, Elitch Gardens has you covered. As Denver’s only combined theme and water park, it delivers nonstop fun—from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to lazy rivers perfect for cooling off.
It’s that rare spot where you can go from screaming on a drop tower to relaxing in a wave pool, all in one visit. Families love how easy it is to spend an entire day here without running out of things to do.
You’ll find the kid-friendly rides, seasonal events like Fright Fest and Luminova, and plenty of good food—everything from barbecue to funnel cakes. The staff keep the place running and smoothly, and the atmosphere is as friendly as it is lively.
Pro tip: Arrive right at opening to hit the major rides before lines build up, then head to the water park in the afternoon when the sun’s at its hottest. If you plan to visit more than twice, grab the season pass—it practically pays for itself.
Slick City Action Park
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Address: 14500 W Colfax Dr Suite 610, Lakewood
Contact details: +17207986333
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 1 to 8:30 PM
- Friday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 8 PM
Cost:
- $26.99 – 90 minutes
- $31.99 – 120 minutes
- $14.99 – Junior Tickets
Walking into Slick City Action Park feels like stepping into a playground built for pure adrenaline. The energy hits you right away—massive slides twisting in every direction, the echo of laughter bouncing off the walls, and people of all ages racing each other to the top.
It’s a space where you can let loose, have fun, and still get a surprising workout while you’re at it. The staff here keeps everything moving smoothly and makes first-timers feel right at home.
Each slide brings a different thrill—some fast and steep, others bouncy and unpredictable—so you’ll quickly find your favourite.
The best part? The whole place is spotless and climate-controlled, making it an easy pick for rainy days or mid-winter weekends when you just need to get out!
Pro tip: Grab your tickets online to save time, and don’t forget to bring socks—they’re required for all slides. For families, the Littles sessions are the best way to give your younger kids full access without the big crowd rush.
Downtown Aquarium
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Address: 700 Water St
Contact details: +13035614450
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM
Cost:
- $28.99 (Adult ages 12 to 64)
- $22.99 (Child ages 3 to 11 )
- $27.99 (Senior ages 65+)
- Free (Toddler ages 2 and below)
There’s something oddly calming about standing in front of a tank full of swirling fish while the city hums just outside. Downtown Aquarium takes that feeling and turns it into a full-on experience.
You’ll find yourself walking through tunnels surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and schools of bright tropical fish. It’s surreal to think this underwater world exists right in the middle of Denver.
Beyond the exhibits, there’s plenty to keep you busy. The stingray touch pool is always a hit, and the 4D theater adds a fun, immersive twist that kids will love—and you can even spot Sumatran tigers lounging near the rainforest section, which feels like a mini escape from the urban buzz.
Pro tip: Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds and better views at the big tanks. If you plan to eat there, book your restaurant table in advance—it fills up fast, especially near the aquarium window seats.
Historic Elitch Carousel Dome
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Address: 3775 Tennyson St
Contact details:
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Walking up to the Historic Elitch Carousel Dome feels a bit like stepping back in time. It’s one of the few remaining pieces of Denver’s original Elitch Gardens, and even though the rides are long gone, you can still sense the joy that once filled the park.
The restored dome and theatre stand proudly like a museum, giving locals a nostalgic glimpse into a golden era of Colorado entertainment. You’ll find stories here, the kind that grandparents still tell about their first date or the summer nights spent riding the carousel under glowing lights.
The site has a quiet beauty that makes it worth the visit, especially for anyone who remembers the old Elitch or loves a slice of Denver history. It’s also a nice spot for photography, with vintage architecture and that unmistakable old-time amusement park charm.
Pro tip: Plan your visit outside the holiday season since the dome area is fenced off when Christmas trees are sold there. Bring a camera—the theatre and dome make for some of the most nostalgic photo ops in Denver.
North Pole Colorado Santa’s Workshop
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Address: 5050 Pikes Peak Hwy, Cascade
Contact details: 7196849432
Operating hours: Monday, Thursday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- Free (General Admission)
- $35 (Unlimited Ride Package)
North Pole Colorado Santa’s Workshop is one of those places that makes you forget what month it is—it’s Christmas here all year long. Nestled near Pikes Peak, the park blends nostalgia with charm, offering everything from old-fashioned rides to candy shops and photo ops with Santa himself.
You can feel the history in every corner, but the cheerful staff and warm atmosphere make it special. Having a wristband gives you unlimited access to the rides, which are mainly geared toward younger kids but still fun for adults looking to relive childhood memories.
Between the glass-blowing demonstration, zip line views, and Santa’s daily shows, there’s always something happening. It’s the kind of place where you slow down, sip a hot cocoa, and just enjoy being in the moment.
Pro tip: Get there early to meet Santa on the bridge before the crowds arrive. Bring a jacket even in summer—the park sits at high altitude, and the mountain breeze can get surprisingly chilly.
Bounce Empire
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Address: 1380 S Public Rd, Lafayette
Contact details: +17207912600
Operating hours:
- Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM
Cost:
- $34 (The Ultimate Bounce Pass/per person)
- $24 (The Chaperone Pass/per person)
- $14 (Watch & Relax Luxury Pass/per person)
- $24 (Senior Citizen Pass/per person)
- $99 (VIP Experience Pass/per person)
Bounce Empire takes the concept of indoor fun to an entirely new level! This massive inflatable park isn’t just for kids—it’s built like a nightclub for adults too, complete with over 50 attractions and a sleek 21+ bar.
Between racing down slides, tackling obstacle courses, and grabbing a drink at the Rubbish Ultra Bar, you’ll easily lose track of time here. The place is spotless and impressively organised, with friendly staff everywhere making sure everyone’s having a good time and staying safe.
What makes it even better is the mix of energy and relaxation—you can bounce yourself silly, then unwind in a massage chair or by a fire pit on the Alpine Terrace. Their food is surprisingly great for an amusement venue, too!
Pro tip: Sign the waivers online before you arrive to skip the queue and get straight to the fun! And if you’re a veteran or active-duty military, don’t forget to ask for their special discount—it’s a nice touch that makes the day even better.
Boondocks Food and Fun
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Address: 11425 Community Center Dr, Northglenn
Contact details: +17209778000
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday, Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Cost: $30 (4-Hour Indoor Attraction Pass)
Boondocks Food and Fun is the kind of place where you walk in expecting to entertain the kids, but end up having just as much fun yourself. It’s packed with everything you could want in one spot—mini golf, laser tag, go-karts, an arcade, and even bowling—so boredom isn’t an option here.
What stands out is how well-organised it is; despite the buzz of activity, everything runs smoothly, and the staff keep things clean and upbeat. The arcade is massive and surprisingly modern, with a mix of retro favourites and the newest interactive games.
If you’re more into outdoor thrills, the bumper boats and go-karts are worth the wait, especially on sunny weekends. Food-wise, their in-house restaurant offers a solid mix of kid-friendly meals and adult options, plus a bar if you want to relax while the kids burn off energy.
Pro tip: Sign up for their rewards program before you go—you’ll get a 20% discount on food and occasional game credits. And if you want shorter lines for the popular rides, plan your visit right when they open or on a weekday afternoon.
Bright Nights
– Media credit: fourmilehistoricpark
Address: 715 S Forest St
Contact details: +17208650800
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 7 to 11 PM
Cost:
- $8 (Adult/General Admission)
- $6 (Youth ages 7 to 17)
- $7 (Senior ages 65+)
- $7 (Military with ID)
- Free – (Child ages 0 to 6)
Bright Nights at Four Mile Historic Parks turns Denver evenings into something straight out of a dream. The moment you step inside, the park glows with vibrant lanterns, illuminated art displays, and interactive light installations that make you want to slow down and take it all in.
It’s not just a stroll through pretty lights—it’s a mix of creativity, history, and atmosphere that captures what makes Denver so special. Each year brings something new, from themed displays to pop-up food trucks serving warm drinks and snacks perfect for chilly nights.
Families love the open space and relaxed vibe, while couples tend to linger near the glowing tunnels and reflective ponds. The staff keep everything organised and welcoming, and the way they balance the event’s artistic charm with kid-friendly fun is impressive.
Pro tip: Arrive a little later in the evening, around 8 PM, when the sky’s completely dark, and the lights really pop.
Bundle up, grab some cocoa from the food trucks, and give yourself extra time to explore the smaller interactive displays—they’re easy to miss but worth finding.
