Elitch Gardens - Denver, Colorado - Family Theme and Amusement Park

Elitch Gardens is a family theme and amusement park located in Denver, Colorado. Formerly known as Six Flags Elitch Gardens, the park is currently owned by CNL Lifestyle Properties, as well as operated by PARC Management along with six other fun parks that were also formerly part of the Six Flags family. The park keeps to a seasonal schedule and is typically open to visitors from late in the month of April through Halloween.

Elitch as it is today first came into being when it was acquired by CNL in April of 2007. At that time all Looney Tunes themes (typically associated with Six Flags) were removed and several new rides and attractions were gradually introduced to freshen up the park. These include the RipQurl water slide in 2007 and an interactive haunted house ride known as Ghost Blasters that was added in 2008. At this time, Elitch also began hosting a new summertime concert series that features big name recording artists such as Billy Ray Cyrus, Randy Travis, Smash Mouth, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

As is the case with many amusement parks, Elitch Gardens features a wide variety of different rides that are categorized according to intensity level. The most intense category - the thrill rides - features such attractions as the Tower of Doom drop ride, the Rainbow swing ride, the Mind Eraser monster coaster, and the Hollywood & Vine spin ride. Family rides include classics like the carousel, the Big Wheel giant ferris wheel, and the Tea Cups. The kiddie section largely consists of milder versions of other rides to be found elsewhere in the park. In addition to all of these, Elitch also includes water rides such as Disaster Canyon, a white water rafting adventure; and Shipwreck Falls, an exciting adventure ride that treats riders to a breath-taking plunge over a 50-foot waterfall into the tidal wave below.

Elitch Gardens also features many different types of sit-down entertainment options appropriate for park goers of all ages. Although those interested in attending specific shows should check directly with Elitch before planning their visit, current and past attractions have included such shows as the Sea Lion Splash live aquatic animal show in the Elitch Arena, a Bob the Builder show for children, the well-choreographed Survivor Live show based on the hit show of the same name, and Rhythm Recycled - an innovative music and dance show that highlights the benefits of "going green'' by using recycled items to produce the music.

Other special events are also periodically in progress at Elitch throughout the open season. Frightfest, for instance, is a Halloween extravaganza that takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout October and includes such activities as trick-or-treating and free haunted houses. Other events include Kid Fest, the Pet Parade, and the Colgate Country Showdown. These are, of course, in addition to the already popular summer concert series. Those interested in these events or others like them should check directly with Elitch for a current rundown of scheduled events.