Glenwood Hot Springs 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 | Glenwood Hot Springs | Island Kingdom, Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Glenwood Hot Springs
- hot tubs
Only at Island Kingdom, Denver
- wave pool
- lazy river
- water slides
- kids area
- cabana rentals
- tube rentals
- picnic areas
- birthday party packages
- season passes
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Glenwood Hot Springs
Colorado
Let's be clear upfront: Glenwood Hot Springs isn't your typical water park with tube slides and wave pools. This is Colorado's legendary natural hot springs resort that's been drawing visitors since 1888. The main attraction is the massive mineral hot springs pool, fed by underground springs that pump out 3.5 million gallons of naturally heated water daily at temperatures ranging from 90 to 104 degrees. The main pool is huge - about two city blocks long - so you can actually swim laps or just float around soaking up the minerals. There's also a smaller therapy pool that's hotter and perfect for working out sore muscles after a day of skiing or hiking. The setting is absolutely spectacular, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and right along the Colorado River. You can soak year-round, and there's something magical about being in hot water while snow falls around you in winter. The facility feels historic but well-maintained, with clean changing rooms and a decent snack bar. This place works best for families who want a unique Colorado experience rather than traditional water park thrills. Little kids love splashing in the shallow areas, while adults appreciate the therapeutic benefits. The water has a slight mineral smell - totally normal and part of the authentic hot springs experience. Pro tips: arrive early during peak season because it gets crowded, especially on powder days when skiers come to soak their muscles. Bring flip-flops because the deck gets hot in summer. The water is naturally buoyant…
Read the full Glenwood Hot Springs 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 Glenwood Hot Springs?