Silverwood Theme Park is a top-notch place to spend a summer day at a reasonable price. With over 200 acres of fun, 70+ rides, slides, shows, and attractions – it’s no wonder this amusement park in north Idaho has been called the best-kept secret by locals!
You may be thinking that all sounds great, but…
How do I get there? How much does the admission cost? Is there free parking? And what are the best rides and slides?
In this post, I’ll give you all the answers you might need and more, so let’s get into it.
You might be interested in:
The Most Iconic Amusement Park in Every State
25 Day Trips From Orlando When You’re Over Theme Parks
5 Great Amusement Parks That Will Entertain Kids For Hours
Silverwood Theme Park Overview
Silverwood Theme Park in Idaho consists of 4 main areas: Main street, Country Carnival, Coaster Alley, and Boulder Beach Water Park.
This theme park has something for all ages – from world-class roller coaster rides to children’s attractions, enjoyable scenic train rides, and live comedy shows.
On a hot summer day, you can cool off at two massive wave pools, lazy river, or thrilling water slides, including Riptide Racer – a whopping 400-foot long slide standing nearly 60 feet tall!
The racing water slide with six side-by-side racing lanes is also super fun because you can compete against your friends or siblings.
Do you love Halloween? Then you should definitely visit the park in October when Silverwood turns into Scarywood with many cool spooky attractions and scare zones.
During Scarywood haunted nights, you can experience clown town, planet zombie, crime scene, and more. If that’s not scary enough for you, you can hop on Timber Terror wooden coaster, which runs backward during this time. Just one thing to keep in mind. Scarywood tickets are limited, so book them in advance.
After an action-packed day, you can indulge in one of the delicious eateries.
If you want a break, try the Steam Engine Train ride that takes you for a tour around the park. It leaves once every hour and includes a fun old Western show with park actors. Another great option is the Theatre of Illusion.
What Are the Opening Hours at Silverwood Theme Park?
Both Silverwood and Boulder Beach open at 11 am every day during the season. Silverwood usually closes at 9 pm and 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Boulder Beach closes a bit sooner, at 7 pm.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Silverwood Theme Park?
Silverwood Theme Park is open seasonally from May to October, but Boulder Beach Water Park is only accessible from June to early September. Therefore, the best time to visit is in summer because you’ll be able to enjoy both parks.
However, if you decide to visit in autumn, you can attend the annual Scarywood event with Halloween-themed haunted attractions and shows.
May or September might be better for you if you don’t like crowds.
How To Get To Silverwood Theme Park?
Silverwood Theme Park is located near the town of Coeur d’Alene in park Athol, ID, United States.
The most convenient way to get to Silverwood park is to fly to Spokane international airport. From there, it’s only one hour drive by car.
Alternatively, you can go to the Amtrak station in Idaho by train, from where it’s about 30 minutes by car to Silverwood.
Either way, you’ll need to rent or drive your car.
How Many Rides Are at Silverwood, Idaho?
Silverwood theme park in Idaho has over 70 rides, slides, shows, and attractions, including thrilling roller coaster rides like the Corkscrew, Aftershock, and Tremor. Another popular attraction is the steam engine train ride, and children’s favorites are antique cars. One thing is certain; the park will keep you and your whole family entertained for hours.
What Rides Do They Have at Silverwood Theme Park?
Rollercoasters: Aftershock, Corkscrew, Krazy Koaster, Stunt Pilot, Timber Terror, Tiny Toot, Tremors
Other Rides include:
- Antique Cars
- Barnstormer
- Bumper Boats
- Butterflyer
- Carousel
- Ferris wheel
- Flying Elephants
- Frog Hopper
- Kiddie Wheel
- Kiddie Copters
- Krazy Kars
- Panic Plunge
- Paratrooper ride
- Puppy-Go-Round
- Red Baron
- Roaring Creek Log Flume
- Scrambler
- Silverwood Central Railway
- SpinCycle
- Super Round Up
- Thunder Canyon
- Tilt-a-Whirl
How Much Does It Cost To Get Into Silverwood Theme Park?
Regular Silverwood ticket price for people aged between 8-64 is $48.00 per day or $76.00 2-day pass. Tickets for children between 3-7 cost $25.00 per day or $38.00 per 2 days. Seniors 65+get a discounted rate of $25.00 per day or $38.00 per 2-day pass. The admission price covers both Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach Water Park entry.
How Many Days Do You Need at Silverwood?
Two days will be just about right. There are many rides you will want to take advantage of and perhaps try more than once. Add time for waiting in lines and food breaks. Before you know it, the day will be over. Time flies when you have fun. Moreover, a two-day pass is better value for money.
What Should I Wear to Silverwood?
Silverwood Theme Park requires shirts, shoes, and appropriate attire.
High temperatures in the summer months can make it very hot at Silverwood Theme Park, so be sure to pack sunscreen, hats, and water bottles. Swimsuits are not allowed outside the Silverwood water park.
Is Parking Free at Silverwood Theme Park?
Parking costs $5 per vehicle. However, parking is free if you are a Silverwood Season or Gold Pass Holder.
Can I Use Cash at Silverwood?
Silverwood Theme Park is cashless, but there are many other payment options, including Credit, Debit, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Alternatively, you can add some credit when you buy a ticket online. If you have some money linked to your ticket, you’ll receive a cash band at the entrance, which you can use to make purchases at the park.
Do You Bring Your Own Towels to Silverwood Theme Park?
There are towels available for rent, but you will save money and time by bringing your own. These towels will come in handy when you want to save that chair in the sandy spot by the Lazy River or dry off.
Is Silverwood Theme Park Good for Toddlers?
The answer is YES! Silverwood is perfect for toddlers and young kids. Most of the tiny kids’ rides are in Garfield’s Summer Camp section, which makes it pretty convenient. It means less walking and more time for fun with kids. There’s even a fun jungle gym that looks like trees.
How Many Water Slides Are at Silverwood?
There are nine rides and attractions at Boulder Beach Water park ranging from low to high intensity:
- Avalanche Mountain
- Boulder Beach Bay
- Elkhorn Creek
- Polliwog Park
- Ricochet Rapids
- Rumble, Falls
- Toddler Springs
- Velocity Peak
- Riptide Racer
The most popular are Avalanche Mountain, Riptide Racer, and Lazy River.
How Long Are the Lines at Silverwood?
Most of the wait in the lines varies depending on how busy it gets. The peak season is in the summer months. The wait time in lines rarely takes over 30-40 minutes.
Is There a Weight Limit at Silverwood?
Weight restrictions vary depending on the type of ride. With that said, there are plenty of attractions with no weight restrictions. You can check the exact height and weight restrictions on the official Silverwood Theme park website.
Can You Rent a Locker at Silverwood Theme Park?
There are lockers you can store your items in the park for a small fee, so you don’t have to worry about carrying your belongings around all day. You can re-enter the park to get to your car if needed.
How Do You Skip a Line at Silverwood?
Unfortunately, Silverwood offers no option to skip the line for a higher price. However, there are a few ways how to outsmart the crowds and reduce your waiting times in lines:
- Start your day at the park early. Get there at 10 am when the front gate opens. Plus, you’ll be able to grab freshly baked warm pastries and coffee to start your day right.
- If you stay later in the evening, the crowds tend to die off. Silverwood also offers discounted tickets after 4 pm.
- You can plan your visit to the park in May or September to avoid the busy summer season. Just keep in mind that the park is only open on weekends, and Boulder Beach will be closed (except Labor Day weekend). The other downside is that the weather is more unpredictable around this time of the year.
- Check the calendar to avoid special events and weekends.
- You can take popular rides around lunchtime when many people take a break for a meal so that it might be less busy.
- The best days for fewer crowds at Silverwood are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
- As per the waterpark, Avalanche Mountain and Riptide Racer tend to have the longest line, so it’s best to arrive early, secure your lounge chair at the water park and then line up for these attractions before more crowds start rolling in.
How Tall Do You Have To Be To Ride at Silverwood?
The height restrictions vary depending on the type of rollercoaster. You check the exact height and weight restrictions on the official Silverwood Theme Park website.
What Is Silverwood Theme Park Known For?
Silverwood is the American northwest’s largest theme and water park. It’s a family-owned business. The owner Gary Norton is still very much involved in everyday operations. Corkscrew at Silverwood was the first roller coaster in the world to take riders upside down twice.
Do They Serve Alcohol at Silverwood?
Yes, it’s possible to buy alcohol at Silverwood. There is even a swim-up bar in the lazy river where you can buy beers or frozen margaritas. However, you’re not allowed to bring your alcohol to the park and must consume alcoholic beverages on the premises when purchased in the park.
Are Pets Allowed at Silverwood?
Because of safety reasons, no pets except service animals are allowed at Silverwood Theme park.
What Is the Scariest Ride at Silverwood?
The scariest rides include:
- Tremors – wood coaster with four underground tunnels featuring a loose earthquake theme and 30 m drop
- Aftershock – inverted rollercoaster
- Corkscrew – it was the first roller coaster in the world to take riders upside down twice
- Panic Plunge – 140 feet tall drop tower, a classic free-fall experience
- Spin Cycle – 360 ride, largest of its kind in the United States and tallest of its kind in the world.
- Stunt Pillot – train ride ascending to the 105-foot-tall (32 m) chain lift hill with many drops, turns and twists
- Timber Terror – 89km/h wooden coaster ride
- Velocity Peak – high-speed water slide tower
What Is the Closest Town to Silverwood Theme Park?
Silverwood is 25 miles north of Coeur d’Alene. There is a beautiful lake Coeur d’Alene and plenty of other water activities that you can add to your itinerary.
Is Silverwood Open if It Is Raining?
Yes, Silverwood is open if it rains. If there is lightning in the area, some tall attractions might temporarily shut down. Once the storm passes through and it’s safe again, the attractions resume operating.
Does Silverwood Have a Lazy River?
Yes, The Boulder Beach Water Park at Silverwood has a lazy river.
What Are the Busiest Days at Silverwood?
The busiest days at the park are Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Friday. And of course any holidays. Summer is the peak season.
How Do You Save Money at Silverwood?
- One way to save is by getting a discounted rate for groups with 15-plus people. However, you have to make your booking at least 72 hours in advance.
- Visit the Silverwood amusement park outside the peak season and special events. Shoulder season is May and September.
- You can bring snacks and drinks to save on food if you like. Just keep in mind the park only allows a soft-sided 12x12x12 inch cooler with small snacks and sealed non-alcoholic beverages.
- On the first opening weekend, everyone receives a special $19.88 ticket price. However, that also causes large crowds and longer wait times in lines. The standard adult ticket normally costs $48.
- If you stay for two days instead of one day, you’ll get better value for money. ($48.00 per day or $76.00 2-day pass)
- If you visit the park at least three times a year, it may make sense to get a Season Pass. With a Season Pass, you will receive lower rates and other benefits such as free parking, a 10% discount on your stay at the Silverwood RV park, and a 10% discount when you dine at Lindy’s.
- You can also get Stay and play package to save on your accommodation. Here is the list of hotels that have a partnership with the park.
- If you purchase the souvenir Silverwood cup, your drinks refills, including beer, will be discounted.
- Bring water bottles and use the water fountains to refill at no charge throughout the day.
- If you buy tickets online, you’ll save $5.
- All military personnel and veterans (identification required) receive free admission to Silverwood Theme Park on Heroes weekend (usually May 28, 29, and 30).
Accommodation Near Silverwood Theme Park
The only on-site place to stay is the RV park and campground across the highway from Silverwood.
Coeur D’Alene and Sandpoint are the nearest towns, with plenty of lodging options.
Triple Play in Hayden, Idaho, is the closest hotel to the park. It’s less than 20 min drive. The hotel has an indoor waterpark, miniature golf, and a go-kart track.
Another option is Silver Mountain resort in Kellogg, about an hour from Silverwood.
However, hotels near Silverwood are pretty pricey so check Airbnb options.
Here is the list of hotels that partner with the park and offer discounted rates.
Food Options at Silverwood Theme Park
Silverwood has a variety of food stands and restaurants to choose from, serving classic theme park food. There are burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken fingers, tacos, hot dogs, and more.
Lindy’s is the only food facility in the park with tables. It has a fun, laid-back atmosphere, a good menu, and indoor and outdoor patio seating. If the weather isn’t too hot, get a table outside as you’ll be next to the train tracks. You can enjoy your meal while trains pass by. They have delicious burgers, salads, and daily soup.
Another noteworthy place is the Pizza place inside the Magic Theater and Pablo’s Mexican food in Boulder Beach. However, during popular Nick Norton shows, it can get really busy here. Mexican spot is super slow at serving their meals, so plan accordingly.
As for small snacks and treats, the Coffee Shop at the front of the park serves freshly baked cinnamon rolls and a blueberry muffin. And yes, they’re made from scratch.
No visit to the park would be complete without delicious ice cream. There is an Ice Creamery shop inside the Country Carnival section.
Related Posts:
Casandra Karpiak is a travel writer and owner of Savoteur. A Toronto native with Danish roots currently residing in British Columbia, her travel writing has been seen on The Associated Press wire, MSN, FOX, CBS, NBC, Entrepreneur, 24/7 Wall St, Times Daily, and many more. When she’s not traveling, she can be found at hockey arenas all over BC cheering on her two young sons.