When the summer comes knocking, the first thing everyone wants to do is swim! Although Colorado may not have a beach, there are a long list of places to swim that will cure that desire for an exciting day in the water.
Water World – 15 Minutes North of Downtown Denver
If you have a chance to visit this water park, do not miss out! Ranked as one of the top ten water parks in America by the Travel Channel, this 64 acre water extravaganza will be sure to please. They have over 46 exciting water adventures, with activities and rides for anyone from a toddler, to those adrenaline seeking daredevils.
Eldorado Springs Pool – Approx. 30 Minutes NW of Denver
Enjoy the unique experience of swimming in natural spring water, in a gorgeous pool facility. The pool is fed by a constant flow coming from the artesian spring. The water is a beautiful hue of blue that is so astonishing many people initially think it is artificially colored! The water comes in at 76 degrees but is kept at a comfortable 80 degrees by the pool’s heating system.
Chatfield State Park – Approx. 40 Minutes South of Denver
There is a summertime swim beach at the Chatfield State Park that is perfect for a sunny day! Swimming is only allowed at the swim beach, so you will usually find lots of children and families enjoying the water there.
Pirates Cove Water Park – Approx. 25 Minutes South of Denver
If you’re looking for a fun adventure the whole family will enjoy, head over to Pirates Cove Water Park in Englewood. There are pools for guests of all ages and swim levels, a lazy river, and even huge play structures and slide towers!
Glenwood Hot Springs – Approx. 2 ½ hours West of Denver
Although this destination might be a bit of a drive to get to, it is absolutely worth it. This is the World’s largest hot spring pool, and is a renowned spot for relaxation and family fun. There are 15 minerals in the water that have not changed since 1888. The hot spring pool is open year around, and in the summer there are waterslides and a kiddie pool to enjoy!
Bay Aquatic Park – Approx. 30 Minutes NW of Denver
This aquatic park features a pool, a body slide, and a tube slide! For the little ones, there is a new and improved tot pool with a zero-depth area for younger toddlers on one side, and an area for older toddlers to play on the other side. There’s an interactive sprayground and tons of new shelters for everyone to relax in when you’re done in the pool!
Boulder Creek – Approx. 40 Minutes NW of Denver
Tubing in Boulder Creek is exciting, yet relaxing, and just all around fun! Boulder Creek was listed as one of the 10 Best Lazy Rivers for Tubing in the Country by Men’s Journal, and is a must-do activity for everyone who lives nearby. You can rent a tube there, or bring one of your own, just grab your sunscreen and don’t miss this great experience.
Barnum Recreation Center – Approx. 10 Minutes from Downtown Denver
This is a gorgeous outdoor pool that is sure to please. Located in the up and coming Barnum Community, this rec center received a huge $1.2 million dollar makeover just 6 years ago! Along with the huge swimming pool, tot pool, and slide, there are two different splash pads with a variety of activities for kids to do. One splash pad is geared towards 2 to 5 year olds, and the second has features for ages 5 to 12.
Splash Aquatic Park – Approx. 20 Minutes West of Denver
Located at Fossil Trace Family Aquatic Park, the Splash Aquatic Park is the largest water park in Jefferson County. The park features two huge slides, a pool with a play structure, smaller water slides, fountains, and a giant dump-bucket! If you want a little time outside the water, there is a beach-like sand area for the kiddos to play in. There are shaded structures surrounding the pool area, with loungers to relax in. It is the perfect place for a summer day.
Del Mar Family Aquatic Center – Approx. 25 Minutes East of Denver
The beautiful city of Aurora homes the Del Mar Family Aquatic Center which features a huge array of activities for the whole family. Following the 2014 re-opening of the center, after a $7.75 million dollar renovation, they offer a 181 ft. long slide, diving boards, and cabana-like shaded areas. Along with the updates to the pool, they built a spray park playground, complete with a 100-foot-long slide, a mid-length slide and a toddler slide! This facility looks more like a pricey waterpark, than a community public pool, and you do not want to miss out on the great time you’ll find there.
