Cliff's Amusement Park vs Island Kingdom, Denver
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 | Cliff's Amusement Park | Island Kingdom, Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | ||
| Arcade |
Only at Cliff's Amusement Park
- Arcade
Only at Island Kingdom, Denver
- cabana rentals
- gift shop
- tube rentals
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Cliff's Amusement Park
New Mexico
Cliff's Amusement Park brings classic water park fun to the high desert of Albuquerque. This family-owned outdoor park combines water attractions with dry rides, making it more of a traditional amusement park with a solid water section than a pure water park. The water area features a good mix of slides ranging from gentle family slides to more thrilling body slides that'll get your heart pumping. The wave pool is the centerpiece, generating decent waves that kids love to jump in while parents can relax along the edges. You'll also find a lazy river that's perfect for floating away an afternoon - though it moves at a pretty good clip compared to some parks. The kids' area is well-designed with smaller slides, water features, and plenty of shallow water for toddlers to splash around safely. What sets Cliff's apart is that combination of water and dry rides. When you need a break from the water, you can hit the roller coaster, bumper cars, or arcade. This makes it especially great for families with mixed interests or teenagers who might get bored with just water attractions. The park has that authentic, family-run feel that's becoming harder to find. It's not the biggest or flashiest water park you'll visit, but the staff genuinely cares about your experience. Arrive early during summer weekends - this is Albuquerque's go-to family destination and it shows. The New Mexico sun is no joke, so bring plenty of sunscreen and reapply often. The concrete gets hot, so…
Read the full Cliff's Amusement Park guide →Island Kingdom, Denver
Colorado
Island Kingdom sits right next to Elitch Gardens theme park in downtown Denver, giving you the unique experience of hearing roller coaster screams while you're floating down a lazy river. The combo ticket deal makes this one of the better values in Colorado - you can literally walk between the theme park and water park all day. The water park itself is compact but well-designed, with a solid mix of slides that range from family-friendly tube slides to a couple steeper body slides that'll get your heart pumping. The wave pool is the centerpiece here, and it gets busy fast on hot summer days. I'd recommend hitting the slides first thing in the morning before the crowds build up. The kids area has smaller slides and water features that work well for younger families, though teenagers might find the overall selection a bit limited compared to some of the bigger Colorado water parks. What really sets Island Kingdom apart is that downtown Denver location - you can see the city skyline from the top of the slides, which is pretty cool. The food options are standard theme park fare, so consider eating before you come or be prepared to pay theme park prices. Parking can be a nightmare during peak season since you're sharing the lot with Elitch Gardens visitors, so arrive early or be prepared to walk several blocks. The facility shows its age in some areas, but they keep it clean and the staff is generally helpful. If…
Read the full Island Kingdom, Denver guide →Ready to visit Cliff's Amusement Park?