Pirates Cove, Englewood vs Water World, 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 | Pirates Cove, Englewood | Water World, Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Pirates Cove, Englewood
- splash pad
Only at Water World, Denver
- wave pool
- lazy river
- cabana rentals
- gift shop
- tube rentals
- hot tubs
- birthday party packages
- group rates
- season passes
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
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 →Water World, Denver
Colorado
Water World in Denver sprawls across 70 acres of pure aquatic fun, making it one of the largest water parks in the country. The park's massive scale means you can spend an entire day here without hitting every attraction. The centerpiece is Thunder Bay, their enormous wave pool that generates 4-foot waves perfect for body surfing. The lazy river here is actually lazy - a full half-mile loop that takes about 20 minutes to complete if you just float. For thrill seekers, the Mile High Flyer is a massive bowl slide that drops you into a giant funnel, while Voyage to the Center of the Earth takes you through complete darkness in a multi-person raft. The kids' area, Lost River of the Pharaohs, is genuinely impressive with smaller versions of the big slides plus plenty of dumping buckets and splash features. What sets Water World apart is the sheer variety - they have something like 50 different attractions, from racing slides to tube slides to body slides. The park handles crowds well thanks to its size, but summer weekends still get packed. Get there right when they open at 10 AM to grab a good spot and hit the popular slides before lines build up. Parking is free but fills up fast on busy days. The food is typical water park fare - burgers, pizza, nachos - but portions are decent for the price. Cabana rentals are worth it if you're visiting with a big group or want a guaranteed…
Read the full Water World, Denver guide →Ready to visit Pirates Cove, Englewood?