Elitch Gardens

Located in the mile-high city is one of the oldest amusement parks in the country, Elitch Gardens. Known by locals as simply Elitch's, the park has been in operating in the Denver metropolitan area for more than 120 years.

Elitch Gardens was formerly located in a Denver suburb, but moved to its present downtown location in 1995. Visitors to the park will find both an amusement park and waterpark for one admission price.

Attractions at the park include 23 rides and shows, including a collection of six roller coasters and a few other iconic rides. The park's historic Carousel with 67 hand-carved horses was moved from the original park and dates back to 1928. On a clear day a visit to the 300-foot tall Observation Tower affords you a spectacular view of the surrounding Denver area, downtown skyline and the Rocky Mountains to the west.

Elitch Gardens' included water park, Island Kingdom is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Denver gets hot during the summer and the water park allows visitors to cool off on a warm day in a number of water attractions.

The water park offers a large wave pool, endless action river, and five-story tall interactive water play structure. For thrilling water fun, there is a family raft ride and nine exciting waterslides, including the Acapulco Cliff Dive, a 65-foot tall free-fall body speed slide that's sure to make your stomach tingle.

During the summer months Eltich Gardens hosts a number of concerts and special events and closes each evening with a nighttime fireworks display.