Lakeside Amusement Park, Colorado

Lakeside Amusement Park opened way back in 1908, and in the early days, it was deemed The Coney Island of the West. This historic amusement park in Denver continues to be a top local attraction to this day, and it boasts about 40 total rides for visitors to enjoy. Sixteen of these rides cater to small children, helping to make this excellent park a family favorite, and plenty of concessions are on offer as well. It is also possible to pack a basket full of goodies and take advantage of the park's picnic facilities.

The Lakeside Amusement Park enjoys an excellent lakefront location in the small Denver community of Lakeside. The majestic Rocky Mountains rise up to the near west, adding to the beauty of the location, and the best mountain views are arguably enjoyed from the tops of some of the rides. One of the newer attractions that can be found at this large amusement park in Denver is called Zoom, and it definitely offers some stunning area views from the top of its 140-foot tower. It might be hard to enjoy the views, however, as the quick drop that follows is likely to be weighing heavily on your mind. Another ride that provides good area viewing opportunities is the Cyclone. This historic roller coaster was erected in 1940, and thanks to its landmark appeal, it is very popular with visitors.

The rides at the Lakeside Amusement Park come in many shapes and sizes, and while some are suited for thrill-seeking adults, others are less intense and cater to all ages. One of the best low-thrill rides that is safe for all ages is the Merry-Go-Round, which has been in place ever since the park opened. There is a lot of history and charm to this amusement park in Denver, and historical buffs won't want to pass on a chance to ride the miniature train. This steam-powered relic is an early twentieth-century gem, and it executes a picturesque route around the park's lake. It is worth noting that the train's steam locomotives were employed at the 1904 World Fair in St. Louis, Missouri.

While the rides get most of the attention at the Lakeside Amusement Park, they aren't the only things that can be enjoyed on a visit. Visitors can also enjoy the park's midway area, where an arcade and a number of fun carnival games are found. As far as the concessions are concerned, most of the food stands specialize in quick and casual eats, with pizza, hamburgers, and ice cream figuring among the options. For those who are planning on bringing a picnic basket along, alcoholic beverages are not permitted. The same goes for barbecue grills and glass bottles. Pavilion rentals are available for special events, such as birthday parties or family reunions.

The Lakeside Amusement Park opens on Memorial Day weekend and closes the day after Labor Day. There are a few options for Lakeside Amusement Park tickets. Visitors can opt to pay the low admission fee and then purchase ride tickets as they go, or they can purchase a bracelet that includes admission to the park and unlimited rides. Lakeside Amusement Park tickets are more expensive on the weekends and on special holidays like the 4th of July. Regardless of the day, parking is free, and since the hours of operation vary considerably according to day and month, planning the whole visit in advance is recommended.

It is possible to purchase Lakeside Amusement Park tickets in advance, and for groups that purchase ten or more unlimited ride bracelets prior to arrival, special discounts apply. In addition to ordering in advance, those who want to get the group discount will also have to pick their tickets up at the park at least one full day before their intended visit. The park is one of the best attractions in the Denver area, particularly if you're traveling with kids, and it's not far from downtown, as it's between Lakewood and Westminster on the west side of the metro area.