Elitch Gardens has hot thrills, cool spills
With famous thrill-rides like the Mind Eraser and Twister II, it's easy to see why the Elitch Gardens amusement park is a favorite for nearly 1 million visitors each year. This 68-acre park features dozens of thrill rides and a complete outdoor water park in which kids and adults alike are sure to have a splish-splashing good time.
Visitors at this busy downtown park especially love the Commotion Ocean, a large wave pool, and Castaway Creek, an action river complete with geysers and waterfalls. The Acapulco Cliff Dive, a 65-foot free-fall water slide, is also a chilling thrill. (Just be careful to mind your bathing suit on the way down!)
A variety of entertaining shows are also on hand to ensure that no family member gets bored. New this year are Sea Lion Splash, where attendees can watch the hilarious antics of sea creatures, and Survivor Live, an interactive stage production of the famous reality show in which four audience members get to test their memory and endurance as they compete against each other in a variety of tasks. You can also join kids' TV show character Bob The Builder at the Startoon Studios Stage as he and the little ones pound-down some special projects.
The park also hosts several musical acts each season. This year, the Charlie Daniels Band and Grand Funk Railroad, among others, will be taking the stage and providing cool tunes in the hot summer weather.
In October, Elitch Gardens transforms from a theme park into a scream park. In the spirit of Halloween, several haunted houses and a free Trick-or-Treat Trail mean big fun for little ones and their “mummies” (and daddies, too).
Season passes cost $59.99, or $54.99 if you're buying for or more. One-day tickets cost $34.99 for adults and $19.99 for children 48 inches tall or less and for guests with disabilities. You can buy or renew season passes or buy daily tickets online or in person. If you buy your daily tickets online, you can print your tickets at home and go directly to the gate!
Posted by David Zindell
