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The Splash at Fossil Trace

About

Imagine the perfect spot for a family getaway under the bright Colorado sun — that's The Splash at Fossil Trace. Located in a scenic suburb of Denver, this modern outdoor water complex offers entertainment for all ages, harmoniously blending active recreation with the natural beauty of the USA.

The Splash Water Park. Source: Kupi.com AI

The water park is notable for its unique location within the Fossil Trace Golf Club, where ancient history lies right beneath your feet. Here, you can not only zoom down thrilling slides but also see real fossils of Triceratops, which are over 64 million years old. This makes The Splash more than just a place to swim — it's a true attraction with an educational twist.

The complex is fully equipped for comfort: from a 25-meter lap pool to a massive 500-gallon dump bucket that sends cascades of water crashing down on joyful visitors. Thanks to its diverse zones, the park is considered one of the best spots for summer leisure in the region.

Contacts

To confirm current operating hours or book a party, we recommend contacting the administration directly. You can use the official contact channels listed below to ensure your visit to Denver is perfect.

Address 3151 Illinois St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Phone +1 303-277-8700
E-mail splash@cityofgolden.net
Website http://www.splashingolden.com/

What to Do

At The Splash, there’s something for everyone. Thrill-seekers will appreciate the five diverse water slides, while the youngest guests will love the spray ground with its fountains and playful water jets. The main highlight is the giant bucket that slowly fills and suddenly tips over, creating a waterfall of joy.

For those who prefer traditional swimming, there is an 8-lane 25-meter pool. Here you can swim laps or make a splash from the diving board. If you want a change of pace, there is a dedicated sand play area where children can build castles while parents relax on nearby lounge chairs.

Don’t forget to take a stroll around the golf club. Right next to the fairways, you can spot ancient dinosaur tracks and palm leaf impressions in the rocks. This combination of water fun and paleontological discovery makes a visit to the park a truly memorable event.

Getting There

Getting to the water park is easy, as it is located just a 20–30 minute drive west of downtown Denver (about 25 km). If you are traveling by car, take I-70 West to the Indiana Street exit in Golden, and then follow the signs to Illinois Street. Free parking is available on the golf club grounds for guests.

For those who prefer public transportation, take the RTD Light Rail (W line) to the Golden station. From the station, the water park is about 3–4 km away, which can be covered by taxi or bike in 10–15 minutes. The trip from Denver International Airport (DEN) takes about 45 minutes by car.

History & Facts

The site where children play today has deep historical roots. For five generations, starting in 1877, the Parfet family mined clay here for brick production. During these operations, sensational discoveries were made: layers of sand and clay preserved fossils dating back 64 million years, including Triceratops tracks and palm leaf impressions.

In 2001, the Parfet family donated 52 acres of land to the City of Golden. Instead of the initially planned correctional facility, the city decided to create a unique space for recreation. Architect Jim Engh designed the Fossil Trace Golf Club, carefully integrating paleontological finds and industrial relics into the landscape. The water park became a harmonious addition to this area.

While walking around, an attentive visitor will notice massive clay-mining equipment and wooden beams in the rocks left over from the mining days. This place is a rare example of how a modern entertainment complex can coexist with an open-air paleontological museum and a monument to the industrial era.

Time Needed

To enjoy all the slides and have a good swim, it usually takes between 3 to 5 hours. This is enough time to visit the main attractions, change, and take a quick snack break.

If you're planning a family weekend with a picnic or a birthday celebration, you could easily spend the whole day (6–8 hours) at the water park. The relaxed atmosphere and available seating areas allow you to take your time and enjoy the sunny day to the fullest.

Working Hours

The water park is a seasonal facility and typically welcomes guests during the summer months, from June to August. Standard operating hours during this period are from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM, though the schedule may vary depending on the weather or private events.

Please note that the complex may currently be temporarily closed. Before your visit, be sure to check the official website or call to confirm the current schedule for your desired date.

Nearby

A visit to the water park is a great excuse to explore other interesting locations nearby. The area offers many options for active and educational leisure, from extreme rides to fascinating encounters with the underwater world.

Name Type Distance (km)
Slick City Action Park Amusement Park 4.6
Lakeside Amusement Park Amusement Park 14.1
Downtown Aquarium Aquarium 16.7
Elitch Gardens Theme Park 17.1
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park Adventure Park 17.4
Pirates Cove Water Park Water Park 21.5
Water World Water Park 21.8
Boondocks Food and Fun - Northglenn Entertainment Center 26.5
Bounce Empire Amusement Park 29.4
Boondocks Food and Fun - Parker Entertainment Center 42.2

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