guides

🏊 The Best Places to Splash and Swim in the Denver Tech Center

Water fun in Englewood, Greenwood Village, Centennial

May 28, 2024

Where does your family like to cool down during Colorado's hot summer days? From pools to creeks to water parks, Macaroni KID is here to help you make a splash this summer.

Most of our local cool-down hot spots open Memorial Day weekend and fully close on or before Labor Day. Be sure to check the links below to verify hours in the event of inclement weather or special holiday closures.



⛲ Splash Pads & Fountain Fun


Centennial Center Park
13050 E. Peakview Avenue, Centennial
Water Play Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily
This spacious, award-winning park has a water play zone with numerous splashing features appropriate for a wide range of ages. Conveniently surrounded by several shaded areas, relax as your little ones splash and squeal with excitement at each spray.


Westlands Park
5701 S Quebec Street, Greenwood Village
Dip your toes in the little faux river or push a button to test your fate with the fountain eruption. This area of the park is separated from the playground structures. Plus, the playground has been recently renovated!


City Center at Englewood
800 Englewood Pkwy, Englewood
Located in front of the Englewood Civic Center, this fountain area provides plenty of splashing fun to be had. The park has plenty of shaded areas and beautiful artwork to enjoy. Conveniently located near the library and restaurants, you can make your trip a whole day's adventure.


Cornerstone Park
5150 Windermere Street, Englewood
An oversized flower sculpture is the main event at this splash pad. It shoots water out intermittently in various directions. Shade is limited, but there are benches located around the splash area. Other fun attractions at this park include batting cages, playgrounds, an inline skate rink, and mini-golf.


🏊 Outdoor Pools and Water Parks


Get your Splash Passes for unlimited admission to Harlow, Holly, Franklin, and Cook Creek pools.


Franklin Pool
1600 E Panama, Centennial
This neighborhood pool features a sprayground, a wader pool with a toddler-appropriate hippo slide, a 20ft water slide, and a diving board. Grab some grub at the concession stand, relax under shaded structures, or enjoy a refreshing swim.

  • May 25 - August 4 (then weekends only through Sept 2)
  • Monday - Thursday: 11am-5pm
  • Friday: 11am-7pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 10am-6pm
  • Memorial Day, July 4th, & Labor Day: 10am-5pm



Holly Pool
6651 S Krameria Way, Centennial
This neighborhood pool has a 20ft water slide and a diving board. Grab some grub at the concession stand, relax under shaded structures, or enjoy a refreshing swim.

  • May 25 - August 4 (then weekends only through Sept 2)
  • Monday-Thursday: 11am-5pm
  • Friday: 11am-7pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 10am-6pm
  • Memorial Day, July 4th, & Labor Day: 11am-5pm


Pirates Cove
1225 W. Belleview Avenue, Englewood
Get soaked by a 750-gallon dumping bucket, float along the lazy river, relax in a personal cabana, slip down a variety of slides that start atop a 35-foot tower, dig in a sandy beach area, soar off diving boards, or simply swim. So many exciting adventures await at this family-friendly water park!

  • Daily: May 25 - August 9
  • Weekends Only: August 10 - September 2
  • Daily Hours: 10am - 5:30 pm


Elitch Gardens Water Park
2000 Elitch Circle, Denver
Water Park is FREE with Theme Park admission from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Complimentary life jackets are available at Raft Rentals on a first-come, first-serve basis.

  • May 25 - September 2
  • Park hours vary but doors typically open 10:30am. Park closing is typically 7pm, 8pm, or 9pm throughout the summer season.
  • Tube Rentals: Single $12, Double $18

Water World
8801 Pecos Street, Denver
Water World is located on the north side of Denver and is one of America's largest water parks with more than 50 slides and attractions across 64-acres!

  • Preferred/Elite Splash Pass Preview Day is May 26
  • May 25 - August 16 (then weekends only through Sept 2)
  • Daily Hours: 10am - 5pm/6pm (varies by date). Open late for special events.
  • Hours are weather permitting
  • Purchase tickets online.

🏖️ Swim Beaches


Aurora Reservoir
5800 S. Powhaton Road, Aurora
Kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals are set to begin operations on Memorial Day Weekend, 10am - 5pm, weather permitting.

  • $85 Annual Pass (Senior and Resident discounts still apply)
  • $15 Day Pass Saturday/Sunday/Holidays during Summer
  • $10 Day Pass Monday - Friday during Summer
  • $20 Watercraft Access Pass


Bear Creek Lake Park
15600 W. Morrison Road, Lakewood
Similar in size and activities to a state park, Bear Creek Lake Park is a 2,624-acre gem that provides opportunities to hike, picnic, camp, fish, boat, windsurf, mountain or road bike, hit the swim beach, or head to the archery range. The Swim Beach is open 8am to 8pm daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Entry is $10/vehicle. Annual passes are $80 each. Discounts are available for seniors and persons with disabilities.



Cherry Creek State Park
4201 S. Parker Rd., Aurora
Open seasonally in the summer, the sandy beach with a roped-off swimming area is a great place for water play.  There is a bathhouse with restrooms located at the beach for convenience. Colorado State Park swim beaches do not have lifeguards on duty. Daily entry is $11/vehicle. An annual Family Pass is $123.