Who doesn’t love Water World? It has something for everyone - zero-entry pools that transform into wave pools, fast tube rides that take you through tunnels and whooshing down hills, slides, roller-coaster-type water rides, racing, lazy rivers, and even a family area with mini versions of most of these.
My family and I were guests of Water World last week, and we had a blast! My 9- and 7-year-olds are tall enough to do just about everything the park offers.
We opted to purchase a tube valet wristband for our visit, and were glad we did. Tube Valet lets you skip to the front of the line in some of the more popular rides, plus you don’t have to schlep your tube to the top. One wristband is good for four people (perfect!), and we were able to spend a lot more time riding the rides and less time waiting in line. We also rented a locker for the day for our valuables, but felt comfortable leaving our towels, shoes, and cooler on one of the pool decks, where we made our home base.
My daredevil 7-year-old braved the 6-story-high Skyline Speed Slides, but he also thoroughly enjoyed The Big Top family-fun zone. The Big Top area includes a slide that is slower and not as steep as the other slides in the park, but still fun; a lazy river that is probably about 3’ deep; and a swimming area that goes up to a depth of 4’ in some parts. There is a ledge with lounge chairs around the pool so that Mom/ Dad/ Grandparents/ etc. can stay cool while they sit and watch the kiddos play. Even my 9-year-old enjoyed this area...it's not babyish, just smaller and not as deep as the other areas.
I love that guests are allowed to bring coolers and factory-sealed non-alcoholic beverages to Water World! We saved a bunch of money by bringing our own food.
Be sure to bring towels, plenty of sunscreen, and maybe even a strap for your sunglasses. If you forget anything, most necessities - plus souvenirs - can be purchased at The Lighthouse Surf Shop or The Surf Shack.
A day at Water World can be pricey for sure, but I think it’s worth it. The grounds are extremely clean and well-kept, with beautiful flower gardens and landscaping throughout the park. Everything down to the lounge chairs looks almost new. There are numerous employees needed to keep a place this size running so smoothly - several lifeguards at each attraction, people emptying garbage/recycle bins and sweeping up crumbs (I never saw a garbage or recycling bin even close to overflowing), customer service workers, etc. Discount tickets are available online and at King Soopers stores, and season passes are available - and pay for themselves within a few visits. Parking is free, and, as I mentioned, you can bring your own food and drinks for additional savings.
Ticket Prices:
- General Admission (heights 48” and taller): $41.99 + tax; Discounted tickets available online and at King Soopers stores
- Child (heights 40–47”): $36.99 + tax; Discounted tickets available online and at King Soopers stores
- Senior Citizen (Ages 60+): $10.99 + tax; Discounted tickets available online
- Tots (heights under 40”): FREE
Photo credit: Water World
Photo credit: Water World
Photo credit: Water World
Photo credit: Water World
