Elitch Gardens – Best Place for Family Fun
The last 10 years of Elitch Gardens’ history has been filled with new rides and attractions, celebrations, new program development, new ownership and more! But the one thing that has remained the same for at least the last 50 years or so, is its well deserved reputation as the best place for family fun in Colorado. It is safe to say that most Front Range residents have been to Elitch’s at least once before, and I’m sure you undoubtedly loved it. But here’s the thing, for those who have families with small children, this place is like the holy grail for endless calorie burning/fun loving hours of entertainment! And, if your kid is 3 or under, they are FREE! Regarding the recent updates and renovations made to Elitch’s Kiddieland, I have to say I was uber impressed on our last visit and can’t wait to go again! And for that reason, here is a my guide to doing Elitch’s with kids.
First things first, buy season passes if you know your family will go more than twice in the next 12 months! The price of a day pass per person is about half as much as the season pass. Also, it’s worth it to upgrade to the premium pass, because then you get comp tickets for friends and family, and get free parking, which usually costs $15!
Second, don’t stress out about the money you think you are going to spend there! I know initially the passes will cost a pretty penny for everyone, but the more you go the more cost effective they become!
Next, pack food and water! You cannot actually bring them in, but you can get your hand stamped for reentry and tailgate for lunch. You can however bring in an empty water bottle to fill at one of the many water fountains, which will save you $5 on bottled water. Also bring in any old Elitch Garden’s souvenir cups for discounted refills on both kids and adult drinks!
Prepare for the sun! Even if you are not planning on doing the Island Adventure Water Park, I would still dress the kids in swimwear or bring a change of dry cloths for everyone. Do this for two reasons: One, the log flume, and two, it gets so hot you usually see people dowsing themselves with bottled water. Next, use your best sports sunblock and put it on before you even get into the car and drive to Denver. Do this because it was so hot the last time we went, our sunblock just sweat off right away, leaving us with stinging eyes and feeling slimy. Also plan to take a break by walking into the some of the air conditioned stores!
Don’t try to traverse the entire park in one day with kids! You are just asking for an overload. Instead, the first few times just do Kiddieland and a few family rides. Three hours is usually enough time to wear the kids out, and if you time it right with the drive home, it should knock them out for a solid afternoon nap!
Also don’t bring a stroller if you can avoid it. Only because they are pretty much everywhere already in Kiddieland and it is not that big. Do go on the rides with your kids. I know not all mom’s and dad’s want to go on the truck ride, and in fact, some rides don’t allow people our size at all, but it will be fun for your kid to share the experience with you at least a few times.
Additionally, if you only buy the day pass and will be there less than 4 hours, try parking at a meter on the side by guest drop off/pick up where it only costs $3. Also try to go on a weekday when things are less crowded. The park stays open until 7 pm on the weekdays during peak season, which means less time waiting in lines, and less whines coming from your children!