Big Sky, Columbia Falls vs Silverwood Boulder Beach
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 | Silverwood Boulder Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Silverwood Boulder Beach
- cabana rentals
- gift shop
- birthday party packages
- 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 →Silverwood Boulder Beach
Idaho
Boulder Beach is the water park side of Silverwood Theme Park, Idaho's largest amusement destination. This outdoor water park sits right next to the main theme park in the pine forests of North Idaho, giving you mountain views while you're getting soaked. The centerpiece is Ripcurl Bay, a massive wave pool that generates 4-foot waves every few minutes. Kids absolutely lose their minds here, and honestly, so do most adults. The lazy river winds around a good chunk of the park, perfect for floating between attractions or just zoning out on a hot day. For slides, you've got options ranging from gentle family rafting rides to some legitimately intense tube slides that'll get your heart pumping. The kids area is solid with smaller slides, water features, and shallow pools that work great for toddlers and younger kids. Since this is attached to Silverwood's main theme park, you can actually buy combo tickets to hit both parks in the same day, which is a pretty sweet deal if you've got the energy. The mountain setting means it can get chilly in the evenings, even in summer, so plan accordingly. Parking is shared with the main theme park and it's free, but get there early on busy days because this place packs out. The food situation is typical water park fare but decent quality. Pro tip: if you're doing the combo ticket, hit the water park in the afternoon when it's hottest, then migrate to the dry rides as it cools down.…
Read the full Silverwood Boulder Beach guide →Ready to visit Big Sky, Columbia Falls?