Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: rides (48) park (34) ride (24) time (15) Lakeside (12) kids (12) visit (11) cool (9) family (8) Cyclone (8)
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  • 5/5 Steven R. 1 year ago on Google
    Been coming here since I could walk! Truly is a special and magical place, I’m thankful enough to share it with my soon to be wife whom I purposed to at lakeside. If you’re looking for a fun, and historical alternative to elitches this is 100% it. More family friendly and overall just a larger sense of community as well. Rohda, the owner can be spotted on an older style golf cart, and by older style I mean likely as old as the park! Look into the history of lakeside, it’s actually quite amazing.
    30 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenn D. 1 year ago on Google
    Lakeside still has a lot of charm and nostalgia. We bought wristbands($20 each)for the kids because they’ll ride the same rides over and over. Hubby and I purchased 20 coupons at $.50 a piece so we could ride the train and one other ride with the kids. As of 8/8/22 the rides closed are Cyclone, Whip, Ferris Wheel, Tilt A Whirl, Dragon Coaster. Kiddieland has quite a few rides operating. The train is always fun at sunset.
    17 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ruth Vigil N. 2 years ago on Google
    You must be a Denver native like me to TRULY appreciate this place. If it's not an Historical Landmark, it should be. Of course it is in need of much repair but back in it's glory days it was beyond amazing. It is still as safe as it can be under the circumstances and one of the last affordable amusements. Its charm is in the beautiful memories of days gone by. If I had the money I'd buy it and restore it, changing only what was absolutely necessary to turn it from ghostly to reborn.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 April M. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is creepy and cool all at the same time. It looks like someone stumbled upon it one day after 30 years of it sitting quietly unused and plugged it in. I read in one article that it’s an old trolley park, so that’s cool. One caveat, we did not ride the rides. It cost $4 for us to walk around. I did not feel like risking my life (literally, no being dramatic). I am not sure how they pass any safety or health inspection. This is definitely a go at your own risk type of place.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sara Beth W. 2 years ago on Google
    It's sort of wonderfully decrepit, like they've never made enough money to fix it up so it's stuck in time, like a major time-warp back to the 50's or even the early 1900's when it was first built. So that means on the one hand there's lots of fun retro neon signs, the original "tower of jewels" and spanish-style entrance, lots of different interesting architectural styles going on, often built one on top of the other. On the other hand, lots of those lights are burned out/broken, lots of rides are defunct but still standing, the overall feeling is one of disrepair. Two examples - it's really cool to see the lakeside dock where there used to be some sort of speed boat attraction, but it's definitely crumbling into the lake. And the tower is really cool looking, but the lights on it never came on during my visit. It's sort of like, "that's so cool" and "it's too bad" all wrapped up in one. Officially, there should be 4-5 roller coasters at the park, but only the 1940's Cyclone and a kiddie coaster were operating on my Sunday night visit. The Wild Chipmunk and another kid/family coaster weren't operating, and another new (surely relocated) coaster is just standing in a field behind the picnic pavilion. Another ride of note is the train that goes all the way around the lake, and was relocated from the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. Views of the illuminated park across the lake are pretty cool. In other news, they take cards at the front where you buy your admission - but cash only in the rest of the park for food, games, or if you want to buy ride tickets at the merry go round. I had a churro and an ice cream during my visit and both were above average, so they do okay on the food front. Prices are cheap too - $2 for a churro, $1 icees, $2 for a regular ice cream. $4 admission and 50 cents per ride ticket, meaning you can ride the Cyclone for $3 and the train for $2.50. Overall, I had a much better time here than at Elitch Gardens, which was a big disappointment! And more "gardens" here too - they at least keep their flower beds up.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Moffat P. 2 years ago on Google
    Some may say rundown but I say this old school family run amusement park is worth a visit for the classic Cyclone experience alone. If ever gone this throw back in time experience won't ever be again. Go!
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 andrew p. 1 year ago on Google
    Being a massive fan of Neon-signs and Art-Deco anything, this place was glorious. l loved all the neon glow and classic rides. My Dad wanted to buy a shirt late right before closing and a very kind employee went out of their way to get us some which was very kind and appreciated. Like most small parks it needs some love but thats also why I was happy to spend a little money here. To support its upkeep.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Angel G. 1 year ago on Google
    Paid $20.00 each (6) kid (unlimited pass) arrived at 9:00 bcuz we wanted to come when it was less hot.. I thought all rides were up and running,the kiddie rides I guess closes at 10:00 and the person who took our money said it closed at 11:00 but I guess that was the adult rides,my kids are for kiddie rides.. they only had 5 kiddie rides going,so an hour of riding only 5 kiddie rides,that was so not worth it! I regret paying $125.00 for 60 min of rides for 6 kids.. I was better off taking them to Dave and busters for longer fun. Update:so I was so disappointed,there was this cute 7 year old lady 🤣 (she told us she was 7) who kept hearing me say “that ride isn’t open” she told me,”u guys can ride any ride you guys want,just let the workers know where u want to ride.” I was so happy and amazed.. The workers previous didn’t say much, they just open the gate and made sure their seat belts were buckled. Their was a young manager who wore a blue shirt who was so polite and talkative and he allowed us to choose if we wanted to re-ride or go to a different ride,We left happy and felt it was worth it thanks to these two workers. Now I feel blessed she walked by. Super happy that my kids got to ride other rides. We paid $20.00 a ticket and they used to be $13.50 on a Monday. The last ride they allowed anyone to get on the Merry Go Round including all the employees it was so awesome. Again really happy to have came. Thanks to those two employees it made it all worth it cuz at first I was so down and out but I’m leaving so happy.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Dakota R. 1 year ago on Google
    This place has seen better days... Only kids rides are in operating condition, everything else is in a state of disrepair. It looks pretty from the road at night though. Hopefully they get bought out by some large amusement park company because it's a great location.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Josh J. 10 months ago on Google
    Two ways to enter the park: 1) go with the pass. It’s more money, but you have unlimited rides. 2) go with the “entry only” ticket and it’s a wonderful place to wander and enjoy the scenes without the cost. The rides are incredible and exciting! I grew up going to small county fairs and carnivals. This place harold’s back to the glory days and brings a smile to your face! Enjoy the fear of the unknown. The park will always surprise you😊
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Alex B. 1 year ago on Google
    It's definitely seen better days and could use a serious overhaul. The area is a bit sketchy. That being said what was running the kiddo had fun on and the employees were nice and friendly
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Janic M. 1 year ago on Google
    Definitely run down… been going there over 50 years … but haven’t been for a long time …. I moved …. Made a special trip to Denver because I read the reviews and heard Miss Rhonda has been working on it….. roofs are leaking rides are torn apart…. Cyclone just got a new paint job and was closed …. ??? For repairs…. How bad or unsafe was/is it…. The dock was falling apart … didn’t get to feed the fish ….. can’t believe it … was always packed when I was a kid and up to my mid 30’s … took my kids there …no waiting lines now … wow…. I’m afraid to think what is going to happen to it in the next 20 years ….. Miss Rhonda isn’t going to live forever ….very sad…. Go now you could miss it!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kyle E. 8 months ago on Google
    I give Lakeside amusement park four-stars for historic value and affordability. Sadly, the park is losing some of his Kitchy charm because broken machines or rides are piling up, and there’s a lack of attention to detail with the notable exception of high quality landscaping in the park. The owner could cash in most likely and make millions but is holding out for their own reasons. Regardless, the hold out gives a Denverites a space to enjoy 1950s neon and a fascinating throwback atmosphere crossed with abandon buildings and rides with trees growing up between the seats. I discovered Lakeside only in the past few years. I was fascinated and amazed, but I was a little disappointed to see the park falling into greater disrepair on this visit. Here’s hoping Trey Parker and the team from South Park purchases Lakeside and returns it to its former glory while - hopefully - retaining an affordable option for locals to enjoy.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Kyle C. 2 years ago on Google
    A blast from the past... Part charm part concerning disrepair. Lovely spot next to Lake definitely adds some magic at sunset. Half of the rides don't work, don't work well, or are closed, but that doesn't mean you can't have a good time. Bring good company, low expectations, and a positive attitude. Appreciate it for what it is. Though the concessions and the buildings they are housed could definitely use some attention. It's a bit concerning ordering food and beverages with the ceiling falling down and supplies scattered all over with boxes sitting on the floor in plain sight.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yosh 9 months ago on Google
    Better than elitches, and no I am not being sarcastic. If you have any kind of stamina issues they are so accessible!! The longest line was for the spider ( understandable ) and you never had to wait too long. There are benches everywhere, free water refills. And you're able to bring in your own snacks or drinks. Picnic!! They have a lot of spinny rides which I much prefer over rollercoasters and fear factor rides. It was so worth $20. And $5 at the arcade got me over 100 tickets for some really cute trinkets. Great for little kids who want some smaller prizes. BRING BUG SPRAY IF YOU STAY AFTER DARK!! bugs were all over us on the super bright rides.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joey G. 7 months ago on Google
    This park is a true gem and an important part of Denver history. It looks a little shabby, but the rides are still running and it’s a very popular and inexpensive place to bring the kids and have a great time. You can buy an unlimited ride wristband or just pay $5 to enter and buy individual ride tickets if you so choose. There are some very unique vintage rides here, and the architecture is amazing. My only criticism is that they really should put whatever work/$ needed into reopening the Cyclone wooden roller coaster because it’s the last of its kind in the world from designer Edward Vettel, and is an ACE coaster landmark.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Stephanie R. 1 year ago on Google
    “vintage” looking rides. Just came to take cool photos of old rides and look at some cool signs/ fonts selections nostalgic feels. The kids are looked fun!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rhonda C. 7 months ago on Google
    Highly recommend! It’s NOT Disneyland. It’s NOT fancy. It IS vintage Denver at its absolute best. Yes, they could spend a bazillion dollars to make it over but I hope they don’t! We came up from Albuquerque for Labor Day weekend with our family of 12 ages four to 65. Lakeside did not disappoint. Everyone loved it. Kiddie land had plenty of rides for the four and six year olds. Lots of family rides that we all enjoyed. Minimal lines with more rides where you could ride repeatedly without a wait at all. Food was pretty good and prices were well below what you’d pay anywhere else. Favorite food hands down was the swirl ice cream cones. Grounds were clean and beautiful flowers throughout the park. Another thing that my family talked about on the way home was how nice all the employees were from the ride operators to food service workers to security. There were a lot of tables set up for parties with decorations and ice chests left unattended - giving a vibe of easy going, no worry, safe fun atmosphere. Only one disappointment was that the Cyclone rollercoaster wasn’t open but two other coasters were along with kiddie coaster. So much fun for so little money!! Family can’t wait to come back next year!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Savanna B. 2 years ago on Google
    Lakeside opened again midsummer after COVID. Having grown up in Colorado, I’ve been going there as long as I can remember and it was fun to go yesterday with my son. First, the not so great: from staff, we experienced everything from friendly and knowledgeable to not sure if they even knew where they were to completely disengagement/dissatisfaction with jobs. Lots of things were closed and it didn’t look especially clean, and ride tickets were only being sold at the front entrance, despite being told otherwise by several park employees. What I like about the park is the same stuff I’ve always liked: the old trees and established gardens, the older rides, the fact that it’s independently owned, the carnival atmosphere, and the sense of history that is so thick you can almost taste it. Lakeside is also considerably cheaper and has shorter lines than Eliches… My son is a bit too young to stay seated on the kiddie land rides by himself, so we only did the merry go round and the train, but it was still fun, and we’ll definitely be returning next season as well as the one after that. It’s a family tradition after all.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amelia S. 7 months ago on Google
    Nostalgia nostalgia nostalgia! If you are looking for art deco, neon signs and classic rides, head to Lakeside. The vibe is throwback fun and the price cannot be beat at a $20 wristband for unlimited rides. I highly recommend you pay the park a visit!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sara J. 8 months ago on Google
    Paid $5 to walk around. Definitely run down and missing out on what would be an awesome place to do Halloween related activities. It's a Friday the 13th dreamland.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J P. 9 months ago on Google
    We haven’t been here in years and I honestly don’t know why as it’s so much FUN!!!! Met up with our Scout troop here last night and fun was had by all. It’s so inexpensive with just $20 for unlimited rides or you can buy individual ride tickets, which was a nice option for parents like me who just wanted to hop on a few rides. There were no lines and the rides were very generous in the allotted time. We’ve held Elitch’s season passes for years but we all agreed it was way more fun here because we didn’t spend any time waiting in lines. The food was also amazingly inexpensive. My son had burger & fries, I had nachos and we both got large drinks for a total of $15.50. I felt like I got transported back to my own childhood days with these low prices and nostalgic rides. The park is very clean with lots of employees cleaning. There was plenty of tables and shade for our picnic dinner we got to bring in. Not all rides are open but that’s to be expected as staffing is a real challenge for everyone right now. Elitch’s didn’t have all their rides open either. We already plan to come back soon! Some FYI: • it’s cash only inside the park 💴. • You can bring in food and water/drinks as long as it’s not glass or booze. • Or you can buy food & drinks there as it was fairly inexpensive. • Bring sun & bug spray • Kiddie land closes at 10 and park at 11 • There’s an easy game near kiddie land where you can win lots of prizes • Have FUN!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dania L. 9 months ago on Google
    Excellent fun for the whole family! I'm a big lady and fit in almost every ride! I'm a huge fan of this park.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kameron E. 11 months ago on Google
    It's an old time classic amusement park. That has withstood time itself. Pricing isn't too bad and the kids had a blast will be back a few times this summer I'm sure
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alyssa C. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a cute time! It’s only $5 to get in with no ride privileges to just walk around. great photo opportunities and the rides look so fun. Very retro vibes and they have such fun games to play
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marti jean D. 8 months ago on Google
    Had a great time, granted it is not close to back on the day when I was a teenager. No Cyclone but a lot more rides then last visit going. They ate actively working on grounds and the flowers are beautiful.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tom A. 8 months ago on Google
    Great place to enjoy an amusement park. I liked the vintage aesthetic and the good memories from yesteryears. The train ride is always a good respite from the day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lilly F. 8 months ago on Google
    Like that is always an incredibly magical place. Has a great mix of old carnival and old city vibe. Going to lakeside is always a great treat with someone that you care about. Be sure to check out the train It goes around the lake at the end of your visit!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Sergey R. 5 months ago on Google
    Hey everyone! 👋 Recently, I visited a park that held a special place in the hearts of my friends, as they had fond memories from the childhood However, my experience turned out to be quite different than expected. Allow me to share my thoughts and concerns in this post. Upon arrival, it was disheartening to discover that the park appeared to be frozen in time since the 60s, with no significant improvements or renovations. The only noticeable change was the heightened security presence, which seemed to be more like uniformed police officers rather than park personnel. As I strolled through the park, capturing moments with my camera, I was approached by one of the security personnel. They politely requested that I refrain from taking photographs, citing security reasons. Understanding their concerns, I complied. However, this encounter led me to wonder about the safety of this park for children and families. After my visit, I stumbled upon a video showcasing the true state of the park - one of complete and utter devastation. It was alarming to think that amidst such risks, people still bring their children here. While I understand the sentimental value and nostalgia associated with this park for my friends, I must emphasize that it is not an ideal place for young children. Moreover, it is worth noting that even if you do choose to visit, photography is strictly limited to capturing self-portraits only. No images of the park's amenities, no carousel rides, and certainly no other people in the background are allowed. It's a shame because I genuinely believe that social media can help bring attention to the need for improvement and revitalization. After this experience, I find it essential to share these facts with all of you. While my friends' affection for this park is understandable, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of our children. As much as we hold onto nostalgia, let's also acknowledge the need for progress and ensure that our experiences are enjoyable and secure. Please remember, this post is not meant to discourage anyone from visiting, but rather to shed light on the current state of affairs at this park and encourage everyone involved to take action. Together, we can make a difference.

  • 5/5 Don A. 9 months ago on Google
    Always love seeing this place! The vintage buildings and surroundings are beautiful. The rides are classic. Had a fun visit. They need to be able to take card though, can't stay "cash only" forever.

  • 5/5 Desiree “Des” G. 9 months ago on Google
    I LOVE Lakeside. I'm a Denver native and Lakeside has always been classic. It's a little ran down & on the older side, but my kids love it and the views are amazing! I will never get tired of lakeside. They just need to clean the park up a little bit more especially the rides that are not working. We will always be a fan of Lakeside.

  • 5/5 J B. 9 months ago on Google
    Lakeside is an affordable option for families. The rides and even food are very reasonable. It was great to see the drop tower operating. It has some amazing views from the top. The glass maze was even open. A suggestion for the owner-work with a trade school (art program) and refinish the carousel horses.

  • 3/5 Yadira V. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is very unique it has alot of abandoned ir broken rides makes the place creepy its a pretty cool experience but I don't think I would come back it's like a one time thing just to check it out.


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    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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