For some reason, no one wants to build a theme park in a city famous for its rain. Instead, Seattle families road trip to Silverwood Theme Park in Athol, Idaho, the largest theme park in Idaho and a true Pacific Northwest favorite.
Did I drive 10 hours round-trip to give my kids one day at a theme park? Yes.
Was it worth it? Absolutely.
I guarantee it’ll be the highlight of their summer, the thing they’ll remember and talk about for a very long time.
Silverwood Theme Park is the largest theme park in the Pacific Northwest. It boasts more than 75 rides, slides, shows, and attractions, including five roller coasters (three steel, two wood).
In 2024, Silverwood Theme Park Idaho expanded its Boulder Beach Water Park with a massive $15 million addition — the Emerald Forest. This aquatic playground added more family fun with splash zones, slides, and shaded cabanas.
New Eagle Hunt dueling water coaster, longest in the US. (Image courtesy Silverwood Theme Park)
Ride Highlight: Eagle Hunt Water Coaster
The standout from the expansion is the Eagle Hunt, the longest dueling water coaster in the United States. It’s the first dueling water coaster on the West Coast, and at 925 feet long, it’s the longest in the United States. Riders race down and up on two lanes like an eagle in pursuit of its prey.
For a tamer experience, Emerald Forest includes a kids’ waterslide area and splash pad. There are eight colorful waterslides, ranging from 36 to 82 feet long. Each one is named after a fish that lives in the Idaho lakes.
Emerald Forest also has a grab-and-go food pavilion, drink station, 24 private cabanas and seven villas for rent, and a big area with open picnic tables.
One missed opportunity I should note is adding more family restrooms and changing areas, the one family restroom we found was always occupied.
One of five roller coasters at Silverwood. (Image courtesy Silverwood Theme Park)
Our Family Visit to Silverwood Theme Park
Silverwood is a family-owned theme park that opened its doors in 1988. Gary Norton, who founded the park, is still the owner today.
One ticket gets you into everything: the 220-acre Silverwood theme park and 25-acre Boulder Beach Water Park. You can spend the day exploring, or split your time like we did — hitting the water park during peak heat.
There’s plenty to do, and there’s something for everyone. You choose your own level of challenge. Critter Camp offers smaller rides for the littles. Coaster Alley offers truly terrifying roller coasters for thrill seekers. We saw one coaster get stuck, and that was my sign to stick to the lower-intensity rides.
Silverwood is big enough to be fun for the whole family, but not so big that you’re completely defeated at the end of the day. You can meander along, check out the rides, and pick the ones you want to try. Unlike Disney, you don’t need a master’s thesis to prepare for your trip, and you’re not glued to your phone the whole time trying to strategically book Lightning Lanes. This is how theme parks should be.
There, I’ll say it: Silverwood is better than Disney.
Silverwood train ride. (Image courtesy Silverwood Theme Park)
Move over Mickey
The staff consists almost exclusively of very young people, all super kind and hardworking. Their parents should be so proud of them. Every single person we met was friendly and helpful. As we passed by the train ride, the landscaping crew paused their work to smile and wave. Safety is not a light responsibility in the water park, and the lifeguards took their jobs seriously.
The entire park felt very safe and clean, and the grounds were beautifully landscaped. There was lots of shade, so you could take a break if you needed one.
You can buy carnival-type food there (funnel cakes!) or bring in your own food as long as there’s no glass.
We only went to Silverwood for one day and made the most of it by arriving early and staying (nearly) until close. On a weekday, lines were definitely manageable, and there was no wait at all toward the end of the day. My kids can’t wait to come back.
One Lakeside three-bedroom unit with a chef’s kitchen and a view of the water. (Image courtesy One Lakeside)
Where to Stay Near Silverwood (Hotels, Camping & More)
Whether you prefer Silverwood camping, nearby Airbnbs, or lakeside luxury, there’s something for every budget. Popular searches include hotels near Silverwood or family-friendly stays in Coeur d’Alene Idaho.
For the closest proximity, Silverwood has a RV park and campground just an underground tunnel walk away. It’s a great option if you have small kids who nap. Prices start at $54 per night for a tent without power for up to six people. At this bargain rate, you’ll need to book early.
Me? I don’t believe in roughing it, and my kids are well past napping age. We stayed half an hour south in the charming lakeside resort town of Coeur d’Alene. One Lakeside, built in 2020, offers 29 boutique hotel rooms. Each unit is a complete apartment with a full kitchen and in-room laundry. Our luxurious 3-bedroom came with a panoramic view of Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Planning Your Trip to Silverwood Theme Park Idaho
Silverwood is located in Athol, Idaho, half an hour north of Coeur d’Alene.
Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach Water Park are both open daily through Sept. 2. The theme park is open on limited dates through October. Hours vary; check the schedule online.
Admission: Single-day tickets pre-purchased online cost $75 for ages 8-64, $48 for ages 3-7, and 65 and up. Tickets cost an additional $10 if purchased at the gate. Parking is an extra $10.
Summer rates for One Lakeside start at $500 nightly for a 1-bedroom and $800 for a 3-bedroom. Garage parking is included.
