Elitch Gardens image

Elitch Gardens

Amusement park Water park Theme park Performing arts group

One of the Most Revieweds in Denver


Address

2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO 80204, United States

Website

www.elitchgardens.com

Contact

+1 303-595-4386

Rating on Google Maps

4.00 (13K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 10:30 am to 8 pm
  • Monday: 10:30 am to 8 pm
  • Tuesday: 10:30 am to 8 pm
  • Wednesday: 10:30 am to 8 pm
  • Thursday: 10:30 am to 8 pm
  • Friday: 10:30 am to 9 pm
  • Saturday: 10:30 am to 9 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: rides (38) park (36) ride (26) time (24) pass (19) great (15) worth (13) kids (12) line (11) water (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Elliot E. 8 months ago on Google • 46 reviews
    If you've never been to an amusement park in your life, you might have fun, otherwise skip this place. They have very few rides that rise above the level of temporary carnival thrills, and those that do are actually worse. 2 out of 5 major roller coasters were closed on a Friday in July? Get it together. Food options are pretty boring and wait times are incredibly long because ride operators have no urgency or care for their work. The main entry plaza is pretty but once you get behind the Ferris wheel all landscaping and beauty disappears immediately. Even when all of the major thrill rides are open, that would still be a cost of $10 per coaster, which is a complete rip off. The only unique thing about this park is their Meow Wolf dark ride Kaleidoscape, but that is certainly not worth the price of admission when Meow Wolf has their own permanent exhibit across the street. I feel sorry for Denver locals who have this as their home park, because they might be fooled into thinking that all roller coasters are supposed to be rough and painful, and they may never understand the true joy of visiting an amusement park.
    24 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeannine L. 2 years ago on Google
    We really enjoyed this experience. Our kids are 11 and 13 and loved it. The lights were beautiful! Riding rides in the cold is definitely a different experience (dress warm!) but our kids loved it. There are so many great places to take pictures. The Santa line wasn't terribly long. We didn't do it because our kids "are too big for that" but the display around Santa was beautiful and I imagine it makes for some great pics. We went on a Friday at 6 and it wasn't as overcrowded as I expected after reading other reviews. We would definitely do this again next year!
    18 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Nick 8 months ago on Google
    It was very depressing to go to what looks like used to be a very fun park. Admission was $50 a person with no kids price. About half of the rides were not working. Parking was $25. The slingshot ride cost more money along with the other cool rides. Renting a tube in the waterpark was $10/15 depending on single or double. This park is clearly closing down soon and I assume that is the reason everything is in VERY poor condition. All of the rides are worn down beyond belief and overall not worth going to waste your money at.
    18 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 A D. 6 months ago on Google • 530 reviews
    We bought our tickets online around memorial day for a reduced price during a sale. Going after the height of summer was a good plan, I’m pretty sure we waited much less then we would have a month ago. Do wish a few more of the rides had been open. Food was all right, it does get expensive if you want to drink any adult beverages. I had a good time and would definitely come again in similar circumstances.

  • 5/5 Olivia M. 1 year ago on Google
    This was my first time visiting the park and i had a great time!! We went on a thursday from about 3-8 and we were able to go on like 5-6 rides the lines were pretty short. I really liked the sidewinder and the brain drain rides. The ferries wheel was also really cool and there was a great view of everything. I would definitely come back here.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mallikarjuna Gongati (. 6 months ago on Google • 350 reviews
    Elitch Gardens offers the ultimate entertainment experience for families in the Denver area, featuring a wide variety of dry games and water slides. In fact, I even had the opportunity to ride my first roller coaster while there! Overall, it was an incredibly enjoyable experience for both children and parents alike.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Clarice F. 2 years ago on Google
    Despite the cold, the new Luminova lights displays and rides was an excellent family time. Best part was getting on rides as soon as the one running finished unlike the summer crowds. Definitely hope this returns next year and can make it part of our annual holiday plans.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Alena 2 years ago on Google
    Went for the first time of the summer in early June, and nearly half of the rides were closed/not operating, which was disappointing. Food prices are very high and not good, so next time we'll pack a lunch to leave in the car. (You can re-enter with a hand stamp.) The kiddos still had fun and we stayed a few hours. The season pass office was slammed, but employees were still friendly and helpful.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 DJ J. 7 months ago on Google • 177 reviews
    When entering the park the Amusement park is to the left and the water park is on the right. The longest wait me had was right at 12 minutes, that's awesome!!! Location has great food and drink options. If you get 2 beers or 2 margaritas be prepared to pay $32. We didn't make it to the water park this time. We was having to much fun in the amusement park. The drop into the water on the log ride was insane!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michael M. 7 months ago on Google • 10 reviews
    Pros: + Good variety of rides and activities for everyone + The park is a good size so you could spend all day there. + The $60 fun pass and $75 season pass is a good value if you plan to go more than once. Cons: - Some of the rides seem a little dangerous. For example, The ferris wheels door is not locked and there are no bars or windows above it so anyone near it could fall out. - kinda feels like visiting the wish version of bush gardens, but with the Disney pricing - Some of the drinks and items there are overpriced. Be prepared to spend $5 for a bottle of Pepsi or $50 for a stuffed animal Overall I enjoyed it. I recommend getting the $60 fun pass or $75 season pass for the value so you can avoid the time pressure from trying to maximize your enjoyment in one day. Spreading your visit out over a few days or a week seems less stressful in the event of bad weather or if a ride malfunction prevents you from getting on the rides you want. The $50 fast pass is also good to avoid long wait times for some of the rides. The fast pass doesn't cover every ride and its only valid for the day you're there. It's best to hit the rides that it does cover first, then you can spend the rest of the time visiting the remaining attractions without having to rush and get your money's worth for the time you're there. I spent 5-10 minutes waiting for a fast pass ride and about 30 minutes for the ferris wheel, which was the only non fast pass ride that I went on. That wait motivated me to get the fast pass, and I really wouldn't want to experience the wait for the more popular rides.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Holly G. 2 years ago on Google
    We've had many issues over the last summer with different things. Payments, staff attitudes (not all but enough to ruin a visit or two). We only made it into the water a few times but had fun. All of the water rules aren't posted so them you wind up having to ask a lifeguard and distract them because you keep having your kids told no but no explanation why... Finally figured out a big sibling could go with the youngest but not the third child due to their sizes. Would have been easier to have that posted honestly. Luniova was amazing. Skip the hot chocolate though. At $5.30 it definitely wasn't worth it for the small cups and the Swiss miss dry mix.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Unicorn S. 1 year ago on Google
    Fright fest was fun. My daughters really enjoyed themselves. Great festival, the haunted houses were very scary and fun. The food is amazing and the employees Halloween costumes were very scary but fun🤗. This is our favorite theme park. Keep up the great work Elitch Gardens💙
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 William Miles La M. 1 year ago on Google
    A wonderful place to spend a day. It rained during our visit, which added to the fun and excitement. The staff were mostly helpful and cheery and made sure we were safe and having fun. The only drawbacks are the price of food and the age of some of the rides.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ben P. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place! Great rides, great time. 4 stars only because employees are a bit heavy handed with guests - they have a job to do of course but there's a difference between asking someone to not sit on a railing vs condescention and/or strangely tiny power trip. But saw in more than one occasion - suspect it's a culture thing for the park employees. Rapid Pass! $50 per person at the park but *well worth it*! You're already spending a small fortune because this place is *expensive* as you'd expect but if you swing it, cough it up and save yourself hours of waiting. Several rides broke down temporarily while waiting in line - issues were resolved fairly quickly but again the employees have very little empathy. No apologies or understanding, one advised simply "if you want to wait, don't wait on the rails". Nice touch there guys. Overall incredibly fun day, just be prepared to shell out mega bucks. Parking $25?? 20oz waters $5 each... You get the idea. Come prepared, budget accordingly, have a blast!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 missy s. 2 months ago on Google • 91 reviews New
    Beautiful during holiday season! Too bad half the rides are closed, and even with the season pass, there are still quite a few attractions and rides you have to pay for to enjoy (games and booths are 5-10 dollars and give rewards worth >$1). Lights are pretty
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nishia R. 1 year ago on Google
    Definitely a place you need to check out. Super family friendly only downside is everything is crazy expensive and you’re definitely gonna have some wait times during their peak season. And the staff today was crazy rude. But besides that the food and rides are way worth it then even offer rain checks on tickets. But all games and food and even parking are gonna cost you. I’d absolutely recommend to come here at least once. And even baby friendly! We went on Saturday in august know we’ll definitely be back again.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Play Casket Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Many rides to seem to have been more... permanently shut down since the lock downs. And the few businesses opened within have really odd hours, and questionably high prices, even for an amusement park scope. The arcades that once littered the park have also seemed to been replaced with just a wall of... Well, crane games. Just... Crane games. In fact, it seems like the only things worth going to the park for in recent time is the Halloween themed Fright Nights events. Which they still hold about two haunts each year. Which at least made the environment of the park feel interesting to walk about in spite of rather inactive sections. At least Kaleidescape dark ride is an entertaining experience still.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ragu N. 8 months ago on Google
    Great place for families, great mix of rides for all ages. Plan for water park also, we can cover both in a visit. Close by parking is pay parking $25 for credit card pay and $30 for cash pay. Better book tickets online with parking which saves lot of time. Try to go first thrill rides when park open so avoid rush. Worthy to buy rapid pass which saves really lot of time , save at-least 45 mins as standing in queue. Go first to beat crowd, 1. Mind eraser 2. Boomerang 3. Twister Lot of options for lunch, drinks and etc.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hudson S. 2 months ago on Google • 26 reviews New
    Fun theme park that isn't part of a large chain. Came here for Christmas and it was a great experience with staff that clearly enjoyed their jobs. Also loved the Meow Wolf ride.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tara H. 6 months ago on Google • 64 reviews
    Took some of our grankids there while they were visiting. We had the best time. There are plenty of food selections and great rides. We didn't do the water park, but that looked pretty awesome. I loved the roller coasters! The only bad thing was the large swing ride by the wooden roller coaster 🎢 got stuck with us on it Waay up in the air. We were up there quite a few minutes, and I was terrified 😨 We finally came down, but there was no explanation why it ever happened in the first place. I won't do that ride again, but the others were great. The water rides were so refreshing as it was a very hot day. We got soaked and we loved it! Overall it was a great day. We spent 7 hours there and still didn't do everything we wanted to. We are considering session passes next year for sure.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 E F. 3 months ago on Google • 19 reviews New
    Fun place. Good discounts when your signed up for the season pass but could be better. Luminova now is nice. Alot of food was out but it seems to not be staffed as needed. Understable for the times but definitely hope to see this improve as prices rise.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sam M. 2 years ago on Google
    We had a good time, we purchased 4 season passes (which include 8 buddy passes for the months of June & September) because it was just a bit more expensive than 6 tickets. We rode roller coasters (the best of which in my opinion is the "Mind Eraser"), we rode swings, tilt-a-whirl, and the Meow Wolf kaleidoscope ride, The Twister II (not to be missed, wooden roller coaster, 10 story super structure, with a 90 foot drop, creating 3.1g's) They were all fun rides. I dropped one star due to the price of the food, they offer a meal plan but it costs more than the season pass. Also watch the weather if you plan to visit, during our visit most of the rides shut down at one point due to the fact that we were within 10 miles of a storm, not their fault of course, safety first.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lily 8 months ago on Google
    Went there yesterday it was a fun time! Got in through the main entrance pretty fast but we waited more than an hour per ride. They had three rides down too. They had a special going on with their tickets and we just bought our parking pass with them. $25 if you pay with card and $30 if you pay with cash at the stand. Didn't stop at any of the restaurants. I'll come back in the future but probably during the week when its not so busy.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 DQ D. 5 months ago on Google
    Great experience as always. Just keep in mind the ride with the Dragon Wings has a weight limit and beware that if you have thighs as a woman or bigger breasts. You won't be able to ride the ride. I just would've liked a heads up from the reviews but wanted to offer one. Great that they let you come in and out before 6pm with just a simple stamp on the hand and your tickets available. Such a great place for the family and friends
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rome C. 2 years ago on Google
    We had a really good time here. It wasn't too crowded, lines weren't too long/long wait, the rides were fun. We ate at one of the restaurants-a little pricey- and had surprisingly decent food. The park is kept pretty clean and reasonably free of critters. Although it doesn't compare with Worlds of Fun from my childhood, this is a nicer park than the flags. Plus, the games aren't over priced so you can have some downtime fun there as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer C. 2 years ago on Google
    We have gone atleast 20 times this summer! It has always been a great time except one incident we seen in the water park. That wasn't handled well at all. Would also be nice since they have handled the kids roaming freely in the park without adults, they figure something out where there are only 3 kids to one adult. It is ridiculous with there being 6+ kids to one adult and them losing little children in the water park. The staff does a great job when they notice the children alone though! If you are going to be wearing a weave and or wig, make sure it is secure. Photo below of someones wig that fell off on the Twister Roller Coaster! 😂 The food is amazing and I highly recommend the meal plans with your season pass. Well worth the price. Meals are $10+ and you get a lot for your money. My favorite is the cheese and bacon fries, ask them to layer it though! Fries, cheese, bacon and more fries then more cheese and bacon on top! Otherwise you will only have cheese and bacon on the top! 😉 Also I love the BBQ place inside the food court! I recommend the pulled pork! We get the two sides of meat and a side and it feeds 2-3 kids! Sometimes you can ask for an extra bun too to make two sandwiches! The picture I have posted is one sandwich and side. Two my kids shared this meal. Sometimes when I go and we know we are getting dip and dots, or snow cones I bring my own Red Solo Cups empty and will put half and half in each cup so my younger kids can share! They honestly never can finish one. Bring your own wetwipes as well! You will notice yourself using them a lot even if you have younger kids
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 mayo t. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is everything!! I appreciate the love extend to my family especially from the the young guy who I think is the supervisor for the life guards that gave us permission for my wheelchair bound child to enjoy the pool like everyone else. We really would recommend this place and will be going back soon. The food was also a plus.I really feel like I was back home in Jamaica. The settings give that Caribbean feeling. ❤️❤️❤️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 liza l. 4 months ago on Google
    So much fun! The season pass is worth it. Buy a refillable cup first thing so you don't waste money.

  • 5/5 Ryan P. 2 years ago on Google
    Great time while we were there for the first time! Parking was close and inexpensive. Definitely worth the visit and seeing the Luminova light show.

  • 5/5 Kristyn P. 1 year ago on Google
    We came for the luminova lights festival in December. We were overjoyed at the display. We hadn’t expected many rides to be open and mainly went for the lights, so the fact that we were able to ride the ferries wheel was a plus. We didn’t go until later (around 7-7:30) so unfortunately we didn’t have much more time for the other rides in between taking pictures and walking around. Well worth the money, and would definitely return.

  • 1/5 H G. 4 months ago on Google • 1 review
    BEWARE! Do not waste your money here! If you’re in the Denver area, go to Convergence Station instead!! I had way more fun at Meow Wolf and I didn’t have any bad experiences there. I can’t say the same for my trip to Elitch Gardens. I’ve been to dozens of amusement parks all across the nation, and this is the worst of all! Over half the rides were closed. Hummm… my ticket wasn’t discounted despite the majority of the park not opening the day I went. The rides are old, rusting, and poorly cared for - evidence by the newly renovated wooden coaster being down again today I was there. The few rides that were open had awful ride operators. The workers were so slow and disorganized!! Like most parks, there was line cutting. But at Elitch Gardens, line cutting was not rare, it was abundant & encouraged. Why pay for a skip the line pass when you can just skip the regular line with no recourse? While in line for coasters, twice a ride opp let me though the loading gates only for my seat to be taken by “VIP riders”. It was ridiculous! They need to be trained better!! I also witnessed an adult assaulting a minor in line for the Mind Eraser, which was pretty horrific. I lost my medical device at the park, which I know is my fault for not securing it properly. However, Elitch Gardens called me the same day to tell me that they found it & it was intact, yet they refused to let me come retrieve the that day or even that week. As don’t live in the state, I asked if they would mail it to me. They said yes, but they never actually did. This park let me down every step of the way. I’m so disappointed in them. The few food vendors and shops that were open, were grossly overpriced, even by theme park standards! The side of fries were okay, but really not worth the price I paid. The soda I got wasn’t even carbonated, gross! I waited in line for the Spider ride for over an hour. The ride operators left over half the ride empty each ride cycle for no reason. Then a girl got injured on the ride and it shut down for the rest of the day. All of us in line were told to leave, with not even a skip the line pass to make the horrible day a little better. Overall, Elitch Gardens is a total waste of money! I’m so mad at myself for wasting a day at this terrible place when there are so many better things I could have done in Denver. Please don’t make my same mistake!!! Go literally anywhere else and you’ll have a much better time! EDIT: Update: I appreciate the park management getting back to me. My medical device was finally returned after several weeks & park ticket cost was refunded without me having to ask. I thought that was very nice of them. Over all, I’m glad to have this experience behind me, and I hope Elitch Gardens takes all feedback seriously and makes changes for the better in the future. The guests who come to this park deserve better, but only time will tell.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍


Call +1 303-595-4386 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair rental
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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