10 Reasons to Visit Silverwood Amusement Park

We are not the family that normally calls an amusement park a vacation. Once in a while, though, it’s nice to try something new. Having taken Grandma and a 12-year-old cousin along with us to Couer d’Alene, we decided to throw caution to the wind and spend two days at Silverwood Theme Park and the connecting Boulder Beach Waterpark. With ages spanning from 2 to more than a few decades past 2, we put together this list of 10 reasons it’s a great choice for everyone in the family. 

1.  2 Parks in One

Who doesn’t love a good bargain? Entrance to the park includes everything that Silverwood Theme Park has to offer, as well as all the water attractions at Boulder Beach. It is easy to go back and forth between them, offering enough entertainment to keep everyone in the family content for days. 

2. The Steam Engine Train

Hop aboard an authentic steam train and the whole family will buy into the wild west park theme.The engine quickly rambles behind the traditional park boundaries and deep through the park’s backwoods. Along the way passengers help search for the elusive Bigfoot and endure a train “robbery” which in year’s past has helped the park raise over $55,000 to donate to local children’s charities.

3. The Rollercoasters & Water Slides

Let’s be honest, the train ride is fun, but kids come to amusement parks to ride the rides. Silverwood is home to the Corkscrew, the world’s first roller coaster to take passengers upside down through a double-looping track. If loops aren’t enough, the Aftershock will have you hanging on the edge of your seat…literally!  Right out of the gate riders shoot backwards up an inclined ramp and then hang suspended in air before hurtling forward through twists and turns.  

As an aunt, firmly planted on the ground, I could barely stomach watching my niece up there, but she assured me that it was the ultimate adrenaline rush for carefree teenage hearts.She was equally enthusiastic after dropping straight down the Velocity Peak water slide at 55 mph!

4. Little Kids Get to Play, Too.

For tinier adventurers tagging along with the family, Garfield’s Summer Camp area is adorably child-themed with puppies, frogs, butterflies, and flying elephants.  Small children can ride the child-sized rides alone, giving them freedom just like the “big kids”. There is a treehouse to climb and it works well as a meeting place for older kids to meet back up with Mom and Dad.The Polliwog Park and Toddler Springs areas at Boulder Beach offer the same excitement and variety for the little ones while big brother and sister go off to play. 

5. Attractions To Do With the Whole Family

A family trip to the amusement park does not have to mean dividing everyone up and heading off in separate directions.We all loved getting wet on the Log Flume and the kids thought shooting the grown-ups with water on the Bumper Boats was the best thing ever.Our family favorites were the two waterslides we could ride together in a 6-person raft while rushing through rapids on the way to the bottom of the hillside.

6. Places To Gather And Rest

At some time during a day of play, families need a place to rest and relax. It is easy to find beautifully landscaped places to pull up a bench and enjoy watching passers-by. Many areas are somewhat secluded and perfect for feeding and changing little ones or sprawling out on the grass while everybody eats. 

For even more privacy, Boulder Beach offers shaded cabanas for rent. A park employee monitors the entrance so guests can feel comfortable leaving their belongings, and families can order food to be delivered to their cabana at mealtimes.

7. Great Food

The logistics of eating during our two day visit to Silverwood were my biggest concern. I imagined meal after meal of unhealthy, deep-fried carnival food and lots of upset bellies. There was no need to worry. There are delicious offerings to satisfy every tastebud! The difficulty became deciding between BBQ, authentic Mexican burritos, fresh baked pizza, or pasta. The choices for dessert are equally as tempting.

8. Good Deals For the Thirsty

On hot summer days it is extremely important to stay hydrated. Purchasing an official park drink cup is the best way to keep everybody cool. After the initial purchase, drink refills are free for the rest of the day! Bring it back with you the next day, or next week, or next summer, and refills are less than $1. It’s an affordable way to keep the kids from telling you all day that they’re thirsty. 

9.  The staff is well-trained and professional

This shouldn’t be remarkable, but I arrived at the park expecting lackluster high school kids half-heartedly operating rides. Instead, we found the staff was well-trained and proud to be the face of Silverwood.  They smiled, they interacted with us, and every time a gate opened, they stood with a measuring stick in hand to double-check that every child getting on met the height requirements for the ride. For a mother taking her children to their first amusement park, the importance and adherence to safety was reassuring.

10.  2 days full of nothing but smiles

All parents want when taking the family on vacation is to have an enjoyable experience. The rides, shows, waterslides, and delicious treats at Silverwood and Boulder Beach will have the whole family laughing and smiling and talking long after returning home.