Elitch Gardens Theme Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Elitch Gardens Theme Park

Previously known as Elitch Zoological Gardens (1890–1900) Elitch Gardens (1900–1998, 2007–present) Elitch Gardens - The Great Escape (1996–1999) Six Flags Elitch Gardens (1998–2007) Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park (2011–present)
Location	2000 Elitch Cir. Denver, Colorado, United States
Coordinates	39°45′2″N 105°0′40″W / 39.75056°N 105.01111°W / 39.75056; -105.01111
Status	Operating
Public transit	RTD   E   W  Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens
Opened	1890–2014, (original 1890–1994) 1995 (current 1995–2014) 2015–present
Owner	KSE Radio Ventures, LLC (2015–present)
Operated by	Premier Parks, LLC (2015–present)
Operating season	May–October (theme park) Summer (water park)
Area	65 acres (260,000 m2) total
Attractions
Total	40
Roller coasters	6
Water rides	2
Website	http://www.elitchgardens.com

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, often called Elitch's, is a fun amusement park in Denver, Colorado. It's special because it's right in the middle of a city! The park is open from April through October. It has been known by several names over the years, including Elitch Zoological Gardens and Six Flags Elitch Gardens.

History of Elitch Gardens

Moving to a New Home (1994–1995)

Satellite view from April 2004. You can see the Half Pipe coaster being built in the lower left corner.

The original Elitch Gardens park was getting too crowded. So, in 1994, the Gurtler family bought a big piece of land near downtown Denver. They spent $90 million to move some rides from the old park and build new ones.

The old park closed on October 1, 1994. The new park opened on May 27, 1995. Some popular rides that moved were the old Carousel and the Sidewinder roller coaster. A new version of a classic ride, the Twister II, also opened.

New Owners and Exciting Rides (1996–1998)

In 1996, a company called Premier Parks bought Elitch Gardens. They wanted to make the park even better. In 1997, they added three big new attractions.

The first was the Mind Eraser roller coaster. Riders hang below the track as they zoom through twists and loops. They also added the Tower of Doom, a super tall ride that drops you from 220 feet (67 m) high! A new theater, the Trocadero Theater, was also built.

Becoming Six Flags Elitch Gardens (1999–2006)

The main entrance of Six Flags Elitch Gardens.

In 1998, Premier Parks bought the company Six Flags. Because of this, Elitch Gardens became Six Flags Elitch Gardens in 1999. Many new things came with this change.

The park added the Boomerang: Coast to Coaster roller coaster. Famous characters like the Looney Tunes and DC Comics superheroes started appearing at the park. New areas, water rides, and other fun rides were added between 1999 and 2001.

In 2002, the park added the Flying Coaster. This was a special kind of roller coaster where you felt like you were flying. It was later moved to another park in 2011. In 2004, the park added the Half Pipe coaster, which looks like a giant skateboard ramp.

Changes in Management (2007–2014)

In 2006, Six Flags decided to sell Elitch Gardens. A company called PARC Management took over in 2007. All the Looney Tunes and DC Comics characters left, and the park went back to being called Elitch Gardens.

New rides were added, like the RipQurl water slide in 2007. In 2008, Ghost Blasters opened. This was an interactive dark ride where you shot at ghosts with light guns. The park also started hosting summer concerts and live shows.

In 2011, another company, Herschend Family Entertainment, started managing the park. They added new rides like Tube Top, Rockin’ Tug, and Tike Bikes. In 2013, CNL Lifestyle took over park operations.

Elitch Gardens Today (2015-present)

In 2015, an investment group bought the park. Today, Premier Parks, LLC operates it.

In 2020, the park had to close for the entire season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the first time in 130 years that Elitch Gardens was closed for a whole season. It reopened in 2021.

The Future of Elitch Gardens

There are plans to redevelop the area around Elitch Gardens. The park's owners, along with Kroenke Sports Entertainment, are looking at new ideas for the park.

In 2018, plans were revealed to move Elitch Gardens to a new location. The city council approved the project in 2018. As of 2025, Elitch Gardens is still operating at its current location.

In June 2025, Kroenke Sports Entertainment became the sole owner of the property. They said that Elitch Gardens will continue to operate and will be "better than ever."

Fun and Events

Fright Fest

Every October, Elitch Gardens hosts a spooky event called Fright Fest. The park transforms with haunted houses, scary decorations, and trick-or-treat trails for families. It's a popular way to celebrate Halloween!

Island Kingdom Family Water Park

Island Kingdom in 2009.

Right next to the main park is the Island Kingdom Family Water Park. It's a 20-acre (81,000 m²) water park that's open during the summer. Your ticket to Elitch Gardens includes entry to the water park!

Island Kingdom has lots of fun water attractions. You can find big tube slides, family body slides, and a water playground. There's also a large family raft ride, a half-pipe water attraction, and a relaxing lazy river.

Getting to the Park

Public Transportation Options

There's a RTD light rail stop right next to Elitch Gardens. It's called the Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens station. You can take the E or W light rail lines to get there. This station also serves the nearby Ball Arena. Many visitors use public transportation to avoid paying for parking.

Rides at Elitch Gardens

Roller Coasters

Thrill Rides

Family Rides

Kids' Rides

Water Rides (in the main park)

Water Park Rides (Island Kingdom)

Past Rides