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If you’ve had the pleasure of living or growing up in the Centennial State in the early aughts, the memory of Water World’s catchy commercials is likely burned into your subconscious somewhere: “America’s biggest; America’s best,” its baritone tune would sing. And while the former claim to superior size may no longer, er, hold water, any true Coloradan knows the Federal Heights water park still holds the biggest—and best—place in our hearts when it comes to water-based fun.
It’s the shrill screams of hundreds of kids running into the Thunder Bay Wave Pool when the siren sounds. The obligatory post-ride Dippin’ Dots sticking to your lips on a scorching day. The sweaty, uphill tube hauls to each ride entrance to earn your thrills. The tattoo sightings, unmatched by any other amusement park. It’s these very sounds, sights, and splashes that draw thousands of Coloradans to Water World each summer, and this season, there are more reasons to visit than ever.
On July 16, Water World debuted its largest renovation since the 1980s: Summit Canyon. The 2.5-acre area features four new waterslides (including the park’s first drop-capsule slide), a massive kid’s play area, updated food and beverage options, and an adults-only pool. The new development replaced the Calypso Cove area, which housed Tortuga Run, Pirates Plunge, Wally World, and the treasured-yet-terrifying Screamin’ Mimi.
With nearly 50 attractions to explore across 70 acres, it’s impossible to fly down every flume in a single day. So, how do you know which attractions are worth the wait? We donned our bathing suits and put our bodies on the line to assemble this list of Water World’s best rides.
9. The Storm
- Thrill Factor: 4/5
- Splash Factor: 5/5
The old-timey tune of “Raindrops Keep Fallin On My Head” by B.J. Thomas playing overhead at the entrance of Storm is foreshadowing for what lies ahead on this pitch-black odyssey. You and your tubemates are at the mercy of the unexpected as you battle the elements and whir blindly through tight turns briefly illuminated by strobes of lightning. Once you catch a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel, you’ll learn that no one leaves the eye of the storm dry.
8. Thunder Bay Wave Pool
- Thrill Factor: 3/5
- Splash Factor: 5/5
Want to cool off, dodge the lines, and catch some waves? Thunder Bay is the place to be. Although not a “ride” in the purest sense of the word, this nearly two-million-gallon pool at the epicenter of the park is a rite of passage. If you haven’t nearly drowned in the massive manmade waves, then you haven’t really been to Water World (kidding, kind of). So if you’re a strong swimmer, venture out to the eight-foot deep end (just prepare to be pinballed by personal inflatable tubes—or splurge on one yourself.) If you’ve barely mastered the doggy paddle, stick to the lazy river.
7. Sunset Racer
- Thrill Factor: 4/5
- Splash Factor: 4/5
This eight-lane downward race track is one of the park’s unsung adrenaline rushes. You and your trusty steed (in this case, a thin, rubber mat) take off head-first into a winding race down enclosed slides. Don’t be surprised if you catch a little air on the final open-air rolling stretch. Since the ride fits eight people at a time, this line usually moves quickly—so you can easily challenge your friends to a rematch if the results aren’t in your favor. May the most aerodynamic Water Worlder win.
6. Zoomerang
- Thrill Factor: 5/5
- Splash Factor: 2/5
Don’t look down: This massive waterslide-meets-halfpipe is for the true daredevils at heart. (Seriously. Even the Water World employee pushing you down the slide has to be harnessed into the structure.) Whether you go it alone in a solo tube or ride with a partner for emotional support, the several-story plunge is guaranteed to get your blood pumping. Pro tip: You can also ask the lifeguard to push you down backward. Just be sure to tuck in your chin and be ready for your stomach to drop.
5. Roaring Forks
- Thrill Factor: 4/5
- Splash Factor: 4/5
Roaring Forks combines fun features from two other popular rides: the zippy roller coaster effect of Mile High Flyer and the classic “toilet bowl” drop for the finale, a la Revolution. Those with a little extra cushion for the pushin’ have a leg up on this two-lane coaster, where you try to outrace your friends around curves, up and over hills, and to the splashy finish line.
4. The Peaks Speed Slides
- Thrill Factor: 5/5
- Splash Factor: 5/5
These three no-frills, all-thrills body slides in the Alpine Springs area are easily the most adrenaline-inducing attractions at Water World. It takes serious guts to push yourself over the edge of Pikes Peak, the steepest of the trio, and plummet six stories down, but no matter which one you choose, each rewards fearless riders with a brief free-falling sensation. Those who conquer one of these slides get to wear their permanent wedgies like a badge of honor.
If you don’t have the nerve to catapult yourself down, you could try Aspen Falls, Denver’s first drop-capsule ride. Once you step inside, the automated capsule counts down and drops the floor out from beneath you. But be warned: The new ride has been experiencing some malfunctions in its early operations—and a few people have spent a little extra time in the capsule.
3. Runoff Rapids
- Thrill Factor: 3/5
- Splash Factor: 4/5
Grab a buddy because this brand-new slide in the Summit Canyon area is best experienced in pairs. Riders cruise down in a double tube facing one another—but don’t waste time fighting over who sits where. Both of you will fly down the flume backward at some point, thanks to two switchbacks (with near-zero Gs) on the descent.
2. Voyage to the Center of the Earth (AKA “the Dinosaur Ride”)
- Thrill Factor: 3/5
- Splash Factor: 2/5
For many, this 1993 relic is the park’s pièce de résistance. Your raft-turned-time machine journeys (mostly indoors) back to the Jurassic Period, where creaky animatronic dinosaurs lurk around every dark corner. It’s not the most heart-pumping attraction at the park, but the nostalgia and some surprisingly speedy descents make this masterpiece an obligatory pilgrimage for any newbie or Water World veteran. May its charming mix of corny adventure never go extinct.
1. Mile High Flyer
- Thrill Factor: 4/5
- Splash Factor: 3/5
Back in 2012, when this $4.5-million hydromagnetic coaster was first being built, the construction manager predicted it would eventually surpass Voyage the Center of the Earth in popularity. We think he’s right. The wait for this zippy, roughly minutelong attraction rarely falls below an hour. Why? Because it’s perfection. The ride uses linear induction motors to propel the rafts up steep inclines, and since your vessel hardly loses any speed on the uphill, you get some impressive hang time on the drops. If the line is long (and you don’t mind getting up close and personal with a stranger’s feet), consider hopping in the single-rider queue to reduce your wait time. The three of you will be laughing like old friends by the last drop.
Before you go: Day tickets can be purchased in advance online (general admission starts at $51.99; children for $46.79; seniors for $22.87) or same-day in person, depending on park capacity. Be sure to check the park’s website for the daily updates on ride closures, public health and safety guidelines, and other protocol to know before arrival.
