Silverwood Theme Park, the largest theme park in the Northwestern United States, is a travel destination in its own right. Between the rides and the water park, there is more than enough to fill a whole day. If you’re a theme or water park enthusiast, you might want to plan to spend two or more days at Silverwood in order to experience the full range of rides and entertainment available. Combine the play at Silverwood with the wealth of mountain, forest, and water recreation available in North Idaho, and you have the making of a memorable family getaway. Silverwood is a family-owned and -operated facility that has been in operation since 1988.
Where is Silverwood Theme Park
Silverwood Theme Park is located in Athol, Idaho, 15 miles north of Coeur d’Alene on Highway 95. The park is on the west side of the highway. The parking lot and RV park are on the east side. The two sections are connected by a pedestrian tunnel that goes under Highway 95.
27843 N. Hwy 95
Athol, ID 83801
When to go to Silverwood Theme Park
Silverwood Theme Park is open daily from late May through early September. It is open only on weekends during most of May and September.
What is at Silverwood Theme Park
Your admission ticket to Silverwood Theme Park allows you to enjoy a long list of rides and shows, including Boulder Beach Water Park. Here is a sample of the activities and attractions you’ll find.
- 1915 Steam Train
- take a relaxing ride through the woods, past wildlife and scenery, on a vintage steam train originally built for the Eureka and Palisades Railroad in Nevada - Roller Coasters
- Silverwood’s high intensity coasters include the wooden Timber Terror and Tremors, and the historic steel Corkscrew Coaster - Water Rides
- cool off on the Roaring Creek Log Flume, the Thunder Canyon raft ride, or Bumper Boats - Traditional Carnival Rides
- feel like a kid again on such favorites as a Ferris wheel, the Tilt-a-Whirl, and the Roundup - Child-friendly Rides
- small ones can enjoy many rides, including the Kiddie Helicopters, Tiny Toot Coaster, Flying Elephants, and Garfield’s Summer Camp - Midway Games
– from Fried Frogs to Skeeball to a ring toss, you’ll find plenty of ways to win that cute stuffed creature - Entertainment
– you can attend a movie, a magic show, or an ice spectacular - Special Events
– a 4th of July fireworks display and a classic car show are among the special events scheduled during a Silverwood season - Food & Drink
– Lindy’s, a sit-down restaurant, serves up delicious hamburgers, salads, ribs, chicken, and pasta
- the Victorian Coffee house offers espresso drinks to satisfy your caffeine needs
- in addition to hamburgers, hot dogs, and pizza, you can dine on burritos, sub sandwiches, or Asian dishes
- you’ll find goodies galore at Silverwood, including cotton candy, caramel apples, funnel cakes, ice cream treats, and frozen lemonade - Shopping
– all the items you might need during your visit – sunscreen, towels, etc. - plus souvenir and novelty items
What is at Boulder Beach Water Park
- Polliwog Park
– this fort-like structure provides a variety of ways to play in the water - Elkhorn Creek Lazy River
– float down the river with a cool drink in hand - Boulder Beach Bay Wave Pools
– not one but two huge wave pools - Rumble Falls Water Slides
– four different corkscrewing slides - Velocity Peak Water Slides
– three choices of steep slides where you can experience high speed plunges - Avalanche Mountain Family Rafting Ride
– whole groups can raft down the twisting slide together - Toddler Springs
– a gentler place for tots to frolic in the water - Cabana Island
– situated between the two wave pools, these semi-private cabanas are available to rent (advance reservations recommended) - Food & Drink
– you’ll find ice cream, drinks, hamburgers, pizza, and even alcoholic beverages at carts and stands throughout Boulder Beach Water Park - Rental lockers and towels
- Showers and changing rooms
Tips for Silverwood Theme Park Visitors
- Be sure to bring towels, a swimsuit, sunscreen, and sunglasses. While all these things are available for sale or rent, you’ll save money if you bring your own.
- Most rides have height limitations.
- Smoking is allowed in designated areas only.
- Life jackets are available at no charge; only those provided at the park are allowed.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Although outside food is not allowed in the park, there is a picnic area for visitors at the RV park.
- Wheelchairs, strollers, lockers, towels, and tubes are available to rent.
Where to Stay near Silverwood Theme Park
The RV Park & Campground at Silverwood
Located adjacent to the theme park, this facility offers restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and spaces for RVs or tent camping.
Triple Play Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
The closest hotel to Silverwood Theme Park, Triple Play offers its own amusements, including an indoor water park and family fun center.
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As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodations, meals, and recreation for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
