Denver’s two world-class water parks will open for the summer season over Memorial Day weekend. Water World and Elitch Gardens Island Kingdom offer families diverse aquatic adventures, slides, and entertainment this season.
Highlights
- Dubbed America’s largest waterpark, Water World opens Saturday, May 24, with more than 50 attractions across 70 acres.
- Elitch Gardens Island Kingdom combines waterpark access with downtown Denver’s theme park adventure and award-winning attractions.
- Both parks offer Memorial Day weekend celebrations – fireworks displays, special events, and extended operating hours.
Water World and Elitch Gardens Island Kingdom, Opening This Memorial Day Weekend
Both Water World in Federal Heights and Elitch Gardens Island Kingdom Waterpark in downtown Denver kick off their 2025 summer seasons over Memorial Day weekend. Water World, dubbed “America’s largest waterpark,” marks its 46th anniversary as a public-owned park operated by the Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District. Water World covers 70 acres and features more than 50 attractions for both thrill seekers and families.
Elitch Gardens Island Kingdom continues more than 130 years of entertainment history with contemporary water thrill rides. Island Kingdom boasts the award-winning “SlideZilla,” a recipient of the 2014 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions award for the best water attraction in the world.
Season Schedule and Operating Hours
Water World opens on Saturday, May 24, 2025, and runs daily from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the Labor Day weekend. The park’s 46th season concludes on September 6, 2025.
Elitch Gardens Island Kingdom also opens on Memorial Day weekend – Saturday, from 10:30 a.m., with special extended hours. The waterpark season closes on Labor Day, September 1. Memorial Day weekend has extended Saturday hours to 9:00 p.m., and Memorial Day Monday operates from 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Water World’s Top Attractions and Features
Water World features more than 30 water rides, including two adrenaline-pumping water coasters, a lazy river, hot tubs, and an express gondola. There is a multitude of family-friendly options and attractions that appeal to thrill-seekers.
The park has certain kids’ areas designated for the little ones, wave pools, and private rentals, including the exclusive use of cabanas and bungalows complete with lounge chairs, tables, and charging stations for gadgets. Several special events recur on an annual basis, including “Mermaid Mondays,” “Belly Flop Competition,” and birthday party packages at the private “Shaka Shack” at Cowabunga Beach.
One of the planned 2025 activities is “Bow Wow Beach Doggie Day,” a drone show scheduled for July 26.
Admission Pricing and Accessibility Details
Water World admission tickets are priced between $20 and $60, depending on the day and guest category. Discounted prices are available for online purchase for specific dates. Season passes are available starting at $145. Visitors under 40 inches tall get free admission.
Elitch Gardens Island Kingdom ticket admission is included in theme park tickets. Parking costs up to $35, though the park is RTD accessible. Seating areas can be found at both parks on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Visitors may bring their own picnic food. Prohibited articles include oversized coolers, alcohol, drugs, weapons, personal shade structures, snorkels, water toys, umbrellas, and glass containers.
Island Kingdom’s Fun Summer Events for Family Entertainment
Elitch Gardens has also planned a Memorial Day weekend fireworks display that will light up the Denver skyline on Memorial Day Sunday at park closing. The celebration unofficially kicks off the summer entertainment season.
Special events include “GLOWTOPIA,” an adult-only waterpark evening on June 20. Four “dive-in” movie nights are scheduled for June 20, July 11, July 25, and August 1.
Character-themed events will also be offered for an interactive experience with Peppa Pig from June 27 to June 29, 2025, and with Blippi from July 11 to July 13, 2025. The park operates special schedules on Memorial Day weekend to allow for extended celebrations and commemorations.
