Big Sky, Columbia Falls vs Boulder Beach at Silverwood
A side-by-side look at two water parks — rides, prices, amenities, and which one fits your trip.
Which Park Is Right for You?
Quick verdicts based on what each park offers.
Amenities Compared
What each park offers, side by side.
| Feature | Big Sky, Columbia Falls | Boulder Beach at Silverwood |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Big Sky, Columbia Falls
- swimming pool
Only at Boulder Beach at Silverwood
- cabana rentals
- group rates
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Big Sky, Columbia Falls
Montana
Big Sky Water Park in Columbia Falls gives you that classic Montana outdoor water park experience without breaking the bank. This family-owned park sits in the shadow of Glacier National Park, making it a perfect stop during your Montana vacation. The park keeps things simple but fun with a solid mix of water slides that range from gentle slopes for younger kids to faster rides that'll get your heart pumping. The wave pool here is surprisingly good for a smaller park, and the lazy river actually has enough current to keep you moving without having to paddle yourself around. What I really appreciate about Big Sky is how well they've designed their kids' area. It's got mini slides, water features, and shallow pools that let parents actually relax while keeping an eye on little ones. The staff here clearly knows most visitors are tourists, so they're genuinely helpful about everything from locker locations to the best times to hit popular slides. Since you're in Montana, the sun can be deceiving. Bring more sunscreen than you think you need, especially at this elevation. The park gets busy during peak summer months, so arriving right when they open gives you the best shot at shorter lines. Food options are typical water park fare, but the portions are generous and reasonably priced. If you've got a larger group, their picnic areas are actually nice spots to claim early in the day. The mountain backdrop makes this place feel different from your typical suburban…
Read the full Big Sky, Columbia Falls guide →Boulder Beach at Silverwood
Idaho
Boulder Beach at Silverwood sits right next to one of the Northwest's premier amusement parks, giving you a two-for-one vacation destination in northern Idaho's lake country. This outdoor water park operates seasonally and feels like a natural extension of the Silverwood experience, with that same family-friendly vibe that makes the theme park so popular. The park centers around a massive wave pool that generates decent-sized waves every few minutes. Kids love timing their jumps with the wave cycles, while adults can float on tubes and actually relax. The lazy river winds around a good portion of the park and moves at the perfect pace for cooling off between more active attractions. For thrill seekers, the park features several multi-story water slides including both tube slides and body slides with varying intensity levels. The kids' area is well-designed with smaller slides, water buckets, and interactive features that keep little ones entertained for hours. What really sets Boulder Beach apart is its location and combo potential with Silverwood Theme Park. Most visitors do multi-day passes to experience both parks, making it a true destination rather than just a day trip. The mountain views from the park are spectacular, and the high desert climate means hot, dry days perfect for water park weather. Get there early during peak summer days because it does fill up, especially on weekends. The park gets busy with both locals and tourists visiting the Coeur d'Alene area. Parking is shared with the theme park and can be a…
Read the full Boulder Beach at Silverwood guide →Ready to visit Big Sky, Columbia Falls?