Three new rides to open at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park In 2012

By | March 9, 2012

Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park will be opening three new rides this summer. Tube Top, a twisting, twirling, totally-enclosed tube slide is going into Elitch Gardens’ water park while a fresh new look for the theme park’s KiddieLand will feature Rockin’ Tug and Tike Bikes, two new children’s rides. New custom-produced shows, that bring the audience into the act, promise yet another season of exciting entertainment in downtown Denver. And the best news is — all rides and shows are free with park admission.

“Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park is adding not one, not two, but three new rides this year making 2012 the most exciting season in recent history,” said Tracy Durham, Elitch Gardens’ Director of Marketing. “We chose Tube Top, the awesome new water slide, to deliver high-octane excitement this summer while keeping things cool when the temperature is hot. Refreshing KiddieLand and adding two more new rides just for little ones gives families with small children something they can enjoy together.”

When the summer does heat up, thrill-seekers will race to Elitch Gardens to drop into the whirling excitement of Tube Top — the only ride of its kind in Colorado. Riding in 4-person cloverleaf shaped tubes, passengers on Tube Top will be drenched by 4,000 gallons of water as they spiral, twist and swirl through the action-packed enclosed slide that features a double spiral, zero gravity funnel and vortex turn. Once complete, the award-winning wild purple and yellow slide will be visible from I-25.

Families will be delighted to see the fresh, new look at Elitch Gardens’ KiddieLand. A colorful new entrance, brand new theater, and two new rides bring renewed excitement to the popular kids’ area which includes a total of 14 rides.

On the new Rockin’ Tug, kids of all ages, and grown-ups too, will join in a sea-faring ride that simulates the gentle motion of ocean waves. Little hot-rods can also zoom around on Tike Bikes, a new motorcycle ride that gives kids the rush of the open road.

Elitch Gardens will also debut new shows this summer. “Cirque Innosta Verano,” is a full 360-degree stage experience designed to dazzle guests and make them part of this unique show. Best-in-class performers will display acts of aerial artistry and amazing strength as they fold audience members into the kaleidoscope of intrigue. Kids will love seeing the HipHopsicals in “Rock School for Kids” where Johnny Rocket Pop and Darla Drumstick take their music and dance straight out into the audience. As the summer sun sets, Elitch Gardens’ new night show, “Reflections,” will light the sky with a spectacular wash of color, drama and special effects.

“Under new management by Herschend Family Entertainment last year, we were able to upgrade our standard of service and operational excellence while introducing outstanding new live shows,” said Rod Rankin, Elitch Gardens’ General Manager. “Guest reaction was incredibly positive leading our management team to invest both in phenomenal new live entertainment and three new rides. Our unwavering commitment to creating memories worth repeating is supported in 2012 with a dramatically enhanced overall park experience. It’s been years since downtown Denver has seen this many new reasons to celebrate family fun.”

All shows, eight concerts and three new rides are free with park admission. At just $69.99 each, an Elitch Gardens Season Pass includes unlimited visits to the theme park, water park and all special events including Fright Fest. Visit and purchase a Season Pass by April 28 to enjoy the exclusive “Pass Holder Only-Theme Park Sneak Peek” plus receive three bring-a-friend-free tickets. Purchase online at www.elitchgardens.com.