Lakeside Amusement Park, Denver

Tucked along the shoreline of a gleaming lake with snow-capped mountains rising in the distance, Lakeside Amusement Park in Denver is a place where time slows and childhood joy springs to life with every whirl, chug, and shriek of excitement. Since opening its gates in 1908, this family-run amusement park has stood as a proud sentinel of Americana, where hand-painted signs, vintage architecture, and laughter echo through the summer air.

A Step Back into Vintage Charm

Lakeside is not a theme park in the polished, corporate sense. It holds something richer: charm earned over a century of continuous operation. The park wears its age proudly, with character-rich structures and classic neon lights that glow as the sun sets over the lake. There’s no manufactured flash or towering mascots here. Instead, Lakeside offers the kind of carefree amusement that feels refreshingly genuine.

The old-fashioned train ride that loops around the lake is a must. With the foothills of the Rockies forming a grand natural backdrop, guests are treated to scenes of still water and quiet trails. As the locomotive clatters gently around the park, you can hear the distant whoosh of coasters and the laughter of kids chasing each other between rides.

Family Fun for All Ages

Lakeside Amusement Park delivers a diverse lineup of attractions, carefully curated to entertain all age groups. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nostalgic soul, or the parent of a toddler, you’ll find something worth cherishing here.

Highlights include:

• Skoota Boats (Bumper Boats): Glide and collide across a shimmering pool in a bubbling flotilla of fun.
• Auto Skooters (Bumper Cars): A timeless favorite that guarantees giggles and playful rivalry.
• Menagerie Carousel: Hand-painted animals whirl to cheerful carnival tunes in this century-old centerpiece.
• Drop Tower: Plunge 140 feet for a breath-stealing moment of pure exhilaration.
• Classic Coasters: While the legendary Cyclone and a few other rides are currently closed for the 2025 season, there remain plenty of high-speed thrills across the park.

For the youngest guests, Kiddies’ Playland is an entire zone dedicated to preschool-aged adventurers. It features pint-sized rides operated by rotating staff, which gives every visit a slightly different experience. Expect gentle trains, small spinning rides, and miniature cars tailored for tiny thrill-seekers.

An Evening to Remember

Lakeside comes alive in the evenings. As the sky deepens into cobalt blue and the lights flicker on one by one, the entire park glows with nostalgia and magic. Kiddies’ Playland generally winds down by 10 PM, but the rest of the park often stays open until 11 PM on weeknights and 11:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission gates close roughly an hour before the park does, so arriving early is a smart move.

Operating hours shift with the seasons. The summer season begins with weekends in May. From early June to mid-August, the park opens daily except Tuesdays, then returns to weekends only until mid-September. On weekdays during peak summer, the park opens in the evening, while weekends and holidays welcome guests in the afternoon and continue into the night.

Because schedules and ride availability depend on staffing and operational conditions, it’s best to call ahead before visiting. The park’s number is 303-477-1621.

Flexible Pricing with a Welcoming Spirit

Lakeside keeps pricing refreshingly accessible. There’s free parking for all guests, and the park offers several flexible admission options:

• Spectator Admission: For those who simply want to soak up the atmosphere or accompany younger riders without participating.
• Ride Coupons: Buy individual tickets for specific attractions.
• Unlimited Ride Pass: Ideal for energetic visitors planning to make the most of every twist, splash, and spin.

All guests 36 inches or taller are required to purchase either an admission ticket or a ride pass. Everyone must pay to ride, whether through a pass or coupons.

Casual Dining and Classic Treats

The park offers classic amusement food—think cotton candy, popcorn, funnel cakes, and hot dogs. It’s comfort food in the best sense, meant to be eaten with sticky fingers and a smile. If you’d rather bring your own meal, Lakeside welcomes picnics. Just be sure to skip the glass containers, alcohol, and anything that requires heating.

Tables and grassy spots around the lake make ideal picnic spots. Families can spread out under the open sky and recharge between rides.

Nostalgia Meets Colorado Sunshine

Lakeside is a park where the clatter of a wooden coaster, the sparkle of lights on water, and the happy squeals of children blend into an experience that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s not polished or high-tech. Instead, it brims with personality and history, offering a kind of thrill that comes not from speed, but from sincerity.

For visitors to Denver and locals alike, Lakeside is the kind of destination that stays with you, long after the gates close and the music fades into the warm night air. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, every summer evening spent here feels like the start of a memory you’ll want to keep.