Island Kingdom, Denver vs Pirates Cove, Englewood
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 | Island Kingdom, Denver | Pirates Cove, Englewood |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Island Kingdom, Denver
- wave pool
- lazy river
- cabana rentals
- gift shop
- tube rentals
- birthday party packages
- group rates
- season passes
Only at Pirates Cove, Englewood
- splash pad
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
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 →Pirates Cove, Englewood
Colorado
Pirates Cove in Englewood is exactly what you'd expect from a city-run water park - straightforward, affordable family fun without the overwhelming crowds of the bigger commercial parks. This compact facility serves the local community with a solid mix of water attractions that hit all the basics. The highlight is their multi-level play structure with tipping buckets, water cannons, and smaller slides that keep younger kids entertained for hours. You'll also find a couple of body slides that are thrilling enough for older kids without being too intense for the parents who inevitably get talked into going down them. The zero-depth entry pool area is perfect for toddlers and non-swimmers, while the main pool offers enough space for actual swimming and water games. What makes Pirates Cove special is its manageable size - you can easily keep track of your kids, lines are typically short, and you're not walking a mile between attractions. The pirate theme runs throughout with themed play features and decorations that add character without going overboard. This isn't a destination park, but it's exactly what neighborhood families need for a few hours of relief from Colorado's summer heat. The lifeguards are attentive, the facilities are well-maintained, and the prices reflect the fact that this is a public facility, not a corporate money grab. Arrive early during peak summer days to snag a good spot, bring your own snacks if allowed, and don't forget the sunscreen - Colorado's altitude makes sunburn happen fast. The park works best…
Read the full Pirates Cove, Englewood guide →Ready to visit Island Kingdom, Denver?