Silverwood Theme Park

[Albertan mom]

We are thinking of not doing Disney and trying other things this year. (I know--crazy!!)

Can anyone tell me anything about Silverwood Theme Park in Idaho?
Is it super busy in the summer?
Are the rides good?
Is one day enough to do it all?

What about Boulder Beach waterpark?
Is it really busy?
Good slides?
One day sufficient?

Any other advice, comments, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

We were thinking of staying in Hayden at the Holiday Inn that has Raptor Reef waterpark too. Then maybe going to Spokane for a day.
What is fun to do in Spokane?

Thanks again for any advice!

 

[bev r.]

We were there last summer. One day at each park is plenty. We were there in the middle of August. There were some waits on some of the rides, especially the 2 roller coasters.

The water park slides had some waits, as the day we went it was extremely hot. The wave pool was a nice alternative.

We stayed at the campsite across the road from the park, and just had to walk across the road. I think we bought 3 day passes, which was more than plenty. Check out their website for more park and ticket information.

Overall it was okay. If your planning on travelling through the area, it's a nice diversion. I wouldn't necessarily plan a trip just for Silverwood.

We only spent a day in Spokane to do some shopping. Shopping was somewhat of a disappointment. The factory outlet at Post Falls has nothing. Almost all of the stores there have closed down.

I don't think there is much there. When my kids were small we did go to Riverfront Park. There was an IMAX theater and an amusement park (think kiddie rides at Stampede, or K-Days).

As far as I'm concerned, it's only a place to stop along the way to somewhere else.

 

[Albertan mom]

Thanks for your input.

We would be doing the drive just for that, to go there. It is about 10 hours each way, so it has to be worth it!!

 

[Bill_Lin]

I kind of stumbled on you by accident. I search the boards from time to time to steer people going on Make a Wish Trips to specials threads for them.

I live about an hour away from Silverwood and go there most every year, at least once. Have you checked out the website
http://www.silverwoodthemepark.com/

It is a small amusement park, more than a theme park. The main features there are the 2 large and one small roller coasters, the old-fashioned steam train ride, the water raft ride (very wet) and the water flume ride. There are quite a few smaller rides and an ice skating show (not always open). Boulder Beach water park is normally on the same admission price as Silverwood. It has some very good water slides and one double inner tube slide. The wave pool is okay. The lazy river is a nice place to float and cool off. The kids water play area is a lot of fun for small ones.

The parks are hosted by Garfield and Odie for some reason.

North Idaho weather can be very unpredictable. It can be hot, though seldom as hot as Spokane, but thunderstorms can move in and drop the temperature with amazing speed. On more than one occasion we have purchased jackets from the gift shops to stay warm.

There is a lot better place to camp than the RV park. Try Farragut State park about 10 minutes away. It is a HUGE state park with the stunningly beautiful Lake Pend O'reille and towering cliffs with mountain goats (binoculars required to see them). A few rustic cabins are available for rent. Tent and RV sites are quite good. The area is pine forest.

Here is the link for the park
http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/farragut.aspx

If you are going that far, I don't recommend visiting Spokane, but rather Coeur d'Alene, which has lovely quaint shops and a boardwalk out into the lake. Sand Point has much of the same and a very lovely beach.

Feel free to PM me for specific questions.

Bill in Washington State

 

[gwak4]

Hi Albertan Mom!

We just got home from a week in Idaho, including Silverwood, Boulder Beach, shopping etc. If you are still considering it, please PM me for info. We had a good time!