Since I am in the business of tromping other people's children around for the Summer and breaks throughout the school year, I thought I'd get it out there to those who may not know, 5 cool water play places in Colorado. 4 of the 5 are free to the public.
The first 3 are all in the same general vicinity. Belleview and Cornerstone parks, and Pirates Cove.
Pirates Cove, in my honest opinion, is the most affordable and best value for your dollar in Denver and by far the superior of all water parks on Colorado. The park features 2 large water slides, a massive lazy river, a huge water playground (with a huge bucket of water that drenches any weary land lubbers crouched below it), a toddlers spray ground and sand pit. Below all this is an Olympic size swimming pool. This park is very family friendly and does not suffer from the "meat market" mentality that permeates a much larger and more expensive water park to the north. Pirates Cove is run well by Englewood Parks and Recreation and is located on the northeast side of Windemere and Belleview. There is a ton of lifeguards on duty with their supervisors continually walking the park supervising all too. You can get more information here.
East of PC is Belleview Park (better known to some as airplane park). This cozy little park is massive and stretches around the backside of PC and has the following features. There is a snack shack, wading river, petting zoo, train, and 2 newly revamped playgrounds with plenty of covered and non covered seating. This quaint little park offers lots of shade and is VERY clean. Parking is limited due to PC and several parks in that area that all share the same parking areas. There are bathroom facilities that are nice (for park standards) and somewhat family friendly. Take a blanket for the ground, some areas are still damp. All areas are equipped for special needs and have ramps throughout the park for easy access to all parts of the park.
Just South, literally across the street from both PC and B-view is Cornerstone Park. This park is brand new (2-3 years old) and offers a spray ground (it's coolest feature), 2 playgrounds, one massive sand pit with water spigot (so it's more of a mud pit, but still fun to play in), and covered picnic area. The park also accesses basketball courts and soccer fields. WARNING: There is very little shade offered and what shade there is goes quickly. The covered area is typically being used and is a rare commodity when you can get a table. I like this park purely for the spray ground which provides hours of water fun, free. The playground area is a bit beaten up already and it does not look like they are able to maintain the park like they should. That's the biggest downfall of this park.
Westlands park is a hidden gem in Greenwood Village. This park boasts a spray ground, a green belt for eco-activities and tree climbing, and a massive playground with a "tree house" for the kids to play in or eat lunch in. This park boasts 3 bathroom areas as well. (bring your own paper towels and in some cases, soap) There is a fair bit of shade offered at this park in all three areas mentioned. For you in-line skaters, there is an outdoor rink. Located in the quiet city of Greenwood village, it is hidden behind the Greenwood Village Athletic Club, located at Quebec and Orchard. The entrance is just north of the Athletic Club.
And last, there is the illustrious America The Beautiful Park. (formerly Confluence Park) See review in previous post. Only draw back here is that it's in the Springs, but well worth the drive.
So there you have it, 5 fun places to take your kids almost anytime!
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