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, an hour east of Spokane in Athol, Idaho.
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).
Silverwood got even bigger this summer with a $15 million expansion, adding nearly four acres to the adjacent Boulder Beach water park. The expansion, which opened in June, is an aquatic playground called Emerald Forest with tons of family-friendly features.
New Eagle Hunt dueling water coaster, longest in the US. Photo courtesy Silverwood Theme Park
Fly like an eagle
The highlight of the expansion is the Eagle Hunt. 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 new 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 added 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 is adding more family restrooms and changing areas for the boy moms and girl dads. The one family restroom we found was always occupied.
One of five roller coasters at Silverwood. Photo courtesy Silverwood Theme Park
Family experience
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 in everything, both the 220-acre theme park and the 25-acre water park. You pay once, and you don’t need to spend anything else if you don’t want to.
We split our time between the two sides, walking over the grassy lawn to the water park during the hottest part of the day and then finishing the day back at the rides.
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 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 Lightening Lanes. This is how theme parks should be.
There, I’ll say it: Silverwood is better than Disney.
Silverwood train ride. Photo courtesy Silverwood Theme Park
Move over Mickey
The staff is made up of almost exclusively 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 aboard 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’s lots of shade, so you can take a break if you need 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) til close. On a weekday, lines were definitely manageable, and no wait at all toward the 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. Photo courtesy One Lakeside
Where to stay
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.
If you go
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 $74 for ages 8-64, $47 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.
