Adventure thrills and water chills await the family at the Northwest’s largest theme park.
Silverwood Theme Park & Boulder Beach Water Park, Athol
Northern Idaho is home to roller coaster mania and water adventures at this giant theme park. Silverwood Theme Park has more than 65 rides, slides, shows and attractions. This park was built in 1988 to mimic a Victorian mining town covering more than 200 acres. With options for toddler to teenagers, family fun is guaranteed at Silverwood.
Roller coasters
For the dare devils in your life, you’ll find plenty of thrill-seeking opportunities. “Aftershock,” a 190-foot-tall steel roller coaster is certainly one of the most popular rides. “Corkscrew” is now in it’s second home at Silverwood. Originally opening in 1975 at Knott’s Berry Farm, this was the first modern inverting roller coaster. In 1990, it was relocated to its new home in Idaho and, with its historical charm, it still gives visitors one heck of a wild ride. “The Panic Plunge” was added to the park in 2006. A classic drop tower, visitors are slowly raised up the tower until they reach the top and plunge back to the bottom. It’s a thrill ride, no questions about it. “Tremors” is a classic wooden coaster added in 1999 that reaches speeds of 65 mph and is one of the most thrilling wooden rides in the country.
Water rides
Silverwood is a water adventure as well. The log flume is a nice, relaxing water ride that will keep you dry, until the very end! “Thunder Canyon” is fast, fun and the chances of getting wet are 100 percent. “Boulder Beach” within Silverwood has two wave pools, inner tube slides, two kiddie pools with slides, spraying water and tons of interactive toys and everyone’s favorite, a lazy river. Just added in 2011 is Ricochet Rapids, a family raft ride that drops visitors down a 40-foot hill then into a valley eventually ricocheting against the rapids before reaching the bottom of the ride.
For the wee ones
The 1915 steam-powered train is also a hoot. There are over a dozen classic amusement park rides including “Frog Hopper,” “Butterflyer,” “Tiny Toot Roller Coaster,” “Red Baron,” “Kiddie Wheels,” “Steam Engine Train,” “Flying Elephants,” “Kiddie Copter,” “Kiddie Wheels” and more. Add in daily shows, juggling acts and more entertainment and your family will not even be able to pack it all in during one day.
Insider’s tip: Visit the website before you plan your trip. If you live within 50 miles of the adventure theme park, you can enter to win a free trip for your family in their Family-a-Day contest. You’ll also find art and essay contests for schools resulting in class trips for the winners.
Hours and prices: Open June through August daily; May and Sept, weekends only. See silverwoodthemepark.com for hours and complete schedule details. General admission, $42, Seniors and children ages 3-7, $22; Discounts for groups of 15 or more if reservations made in advance! This is a great trick to save money.
More about Silverwood Theme Park
Address: 27843 N. Highway 95, Athol, Idaho 83801
Phone: 208.683.3400
Website: www.silverwoodthemepark.com
Image courtesy of Silverwood Theme Park
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