Island Kingdom, Denver vs The Splash, Golden
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 | The Splash, Golden |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Island Kingdom, Denver
- wave pool
- lazy river
- cabana rentals
- food court
- gift shop
- tube rentals
- birthday party packages
- group rates
- season passes
Only at The Splash, Golden
- 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 →The Splash, Golden
Colorado
The Splash in Golden feels like what every neighborhood wishes it had. This city-run facility sits right in the heart of Golden, and while it's not going to compete with Water World down the road, it absolutely nails what it's trying to be: a clean, affordable spot where families can cool off without the crowds and chaos of the mega parks. The water slides here are perfect for kids who've outgrown the baby splash features but aren't quite ready for the big thrills. You'll find a couple of twisty tube slides and an open flume slide that are just exciting enough to get kids asking to go again and again. The splash pad area is where the real magic happens for the little ones. It's got all the classics - tipping buckets, spray fountains, and ground jets - but it's well-maintained and the water pressure is just right. Parents can actually relax on the deck chairs nearby instead of hovering constantly. The pool area gives everyone space to just swim and play without dodging other attractions. What I love about The Splash is how local it feels. The staff knows the regular families, the facilities are spotless, and you're not going to spend your kids' college fund on a day out. It's perfect for families with kids under 12, though teens might get bored pretty quickly. The location in Golden is fantastic if you're already exploring the area - you can hit the slides in the morning and then walk…
Read the full The Splash, Golden guide →Ready to visit Island Kingdom, Denver?