The 5 Best Places to Swim in the Denver Metro Area
As summer approaches our lovely landlocked state, you may be wondering about the best ways to beat the sweltering heat. Sure, staying inside with the air running is one way to do it, but it’s pretty far down on the fun meter. Instead, once the kids are out of school, keep everyone cool and comfy with a wet and wild adventure! From natural bodies of water to freshwater pools and theme parks, here are the five best places to swim in the Denver Metro area.
Chatfield Reservoir
Located in Littleton within the Chatfield State Park, lies the Chatfield Reservoir. Open all summer long, this magnificent lake boasts designated swimming areas, sandy beaches, picnic areas, grills, campsites, restrooms, sand volleyball courts, and an off-leash dog park. If you’re into water sports, Chatfield allows boating, jet skis, and paddleboards. Plus, you’ll never go hungry with onsite concession stands and even a restaurant on the marina. There is a daily state park fee to play, but it’s a small price to pay for a little piece of paradise!
La Alma Recreation Center
After 100 years in service, the public pool at La Alma Recreation Center(in Lincoln Park) was torn out and completely rebuilt in 2012. Now, this summertime sanctuary is a favorite of kids and adults alike.
For just $3.50, you can enjoy the enormous lap pool, open swim leisure pool, whirlpool, slide, and splash pad. Plus, there are plenty of umbrellas if you prefer the shade and a grassy area for picnics. The rec center also offers many aquatic activities for all including kids, adults, seniors, and those with disabilities:
- Group swimming lessons
- Private swimming lessons
- Water-fitness classes
- Lap swim
- Open swim
Pirates Cove Water Park
For just $15 per person, you and your crew can enjoy hours of amusement at Pirates Cove Water Park in Englewood.
With water-themed attractions for all ages, toddlers to grandparents will love spending the day splashing, soaking, and sliding at this alcohol-free pirate-fest of fun! Adding to the sandy beach, splash garden, and leisure pool (complete with enormous anchor and soaking bucket) is:
- the 35-foot slide tower with 3 slides
- the lazy river
- the diving board and drop slide
- the pool and play structure
- the 25-meter, 6-lane pool
- concessions
Water World
Water World, one of the country’s largest water parks, in located in Federal Heights on 67-acres of land.
Boasting 23 water slides and 49 attractions (including the infamous Screamin’ Mimi,) revelers of all ages find something to love at Water World. With locker and tube rentals provided by the park, bring a cooler and a picnic and plan to stay for a while. Don’t feel like lugging your lunch? For just $15.99, you can eat all day at Pharaoh’s Feast restaurant, with alcohol available on-site at the Watering Hole.
Adding to the heart-stopping slides and twisting tube rides is a lazy river, wave pools, and kid splash zones. On Fridays in July, Water World hosts live music from 4 to 8 PM. You can’t bring flotation devices into the park, but life vests are available to rent.
Eldorado Swimming Pool
Attached to a western-themed resort, the view from the Eldorado is simply breathtaking. Canyon walls sharply protrude above water so blue many don’t believe the color is natural, but it is! So, get ready for tons of family fun: the pool has a tall, metal slide and diving board and borders a pristine picnic area along the Eldorado Canyon State Park.
*Note: Eldorado Swimming Pool is actually closed this summer for renovations (see below) but it’s so magnificent, we didn’t want to leave it out!
Renovations
After 114 years as a summer staple in Colorado, the Eldorado is now in the midst of a renovation and historic preservation of the resort and visitor amenities. Keeping this rich history alive for generations to come is the Eldorado’s top priority as they improve the swimming pools and bathrooms. The resort will maintain the look and feel of its roots while taking on many energy efficient upgrades.
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