2019 Visitors Guide

Whether you are a first time visitor or a lifetime season pass holder, this guide will help you plan the ultimate trip to Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach Waterpark this summer. This guide is filled with exclusive tips on how to avoid crowds, save money, find the tastiest treats, and start planning ahead of your trip to utilize your time as much as possible. Here at Silverwood Express, we’re taking our readers on a journey behind the scenes of our little slice of heaven.

It’s hard for most first-timers to fully grasp the magic of Silverwood. For some, initial thoughts of a theme park in a rural town in northern Idaho is that it would be small and there wouldn’t be much to do. These initial thoughts couldn’t be farther from the truth! Silverwood theme park shines in every detail, from the bright landscaping to the towering tops of thundering coasters. Each cast and crew member takes pride in their work knowing that Silverwood is a family friendly park that strives for perfection in all aspects. The park sits on over 220 acres, with plenty of room for future expansion!

Be A Kid With Your Kid

At some point in our lives, we are faced with the realization that growing up is not all it’s cracked up to be. Adults are faced with the constant burden of bills and responsibilities aka “Adulting.” Many adults wish they could turn back time to the days with a mind full of wonder and not a care in the world. Taking your children to Silverwood is the perfect opportunity to step back into time. This season, we challenge you to be a kid with your kid and race down Riptide Racer, climb to the top of our highest coasters, or splash down on our family raft rides. With over 70 rides, slides, shows, and attractions, the opportunities for endless summer fun are limitless.

Where Everyone is Coming From

Every year, visitors from across the country flock to Silverwood for an experience that can’t be found elsewhere! However, the majority of our guests venture from Canada, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Montana. Check out our 2018 numbers in the infographic below. Comment on this post below and let us know where your family will be visiting from this season!

When to Visit

The one thing it feels that we never have enough of is time. We understand that your time is valuable and we are here to help you make the most of your time with us at Silverwood! Those from all across the country travel to North Idaho to experience over 70 rides, slides, shows, and attractions. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead so that you can see all that Silverwood has to offer during your trip. Before you head to the park, check out our main website to see what the hours of operation are for your designated dates. If avoiding crowds is a goal of yours, check out the infographics below to plan which days will have the least amount of crowds.

4 Busiest Days

This may not be a surprise to some, but the busiest day at the park in order are Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. These projections are based on our 2018 season, and our data has confirmed that those visiting during our peak season and looking to avoid crowds should aim to come on Wednesday or Thursday. If you are planning on meeting up with other family members this summer, make sure to share this blog post with them as well so they have the opportunity to choose what days would work best for them!

3 Least Busy Days

Statistically speaking, there are fewer crowds at the park on Thursdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays. Crowded days can vary throughout the season based on special events and weather. In general, these are the best days to come to avoid crowds. We also recommend you make plans to visit the park for two days in order to fit in all the fun! Guests tend to spend one day at the water park, and one day at the dry park. You may have initially thought of coming on a Friday and Saturday, but if you want to avoid the crowds, we suggest that you switch your plans to a Wednesday/Thursday visit instead.

Holiday Attendance

Here at Silverwood, we are always looking forward to your next visit, especially during the holidays. But if you don’t want to take the chance of waiting in long lines, you might want to visit during the offseason. Here is a helpful chart to help you navigate through the moderately busy and least busy times to visit during the holidays.

Prepare for the Weather

Weather in North Idaho can be unpredictable, but we are here to help you pack the necessary clothing needed for your visit. Silverwood’s Pinterest page has a whole board dedicated to what to wear during all seasons at Silverwood, check it out here. Plus, you don’t have to allow weather to get in the way of having a good time because Silverwood is open May through September.

May

May is a wonderful time to visit the dry park. You can grab great deals on tickets every weekend of the month, and there are several promotions for guests to get in for FREE. The average temperature in May is 66 degrees. Typically, the weather ranges from the high 60s to low 70s, so it’s best to dress a little bit warmer during this time.

June

This is the ideal time to visit the park. We often recommend to guests that they visit us at the end of June. Children are out of school, the water park is open, the park usually isn’t busy yet, and the weather is more reliable at that time. There really isn’t any more you could ask for.

July

July is when it really starts heating up. Make sure to pack sunscreen and a hat to beat the heat. The average temperature is 84 degrees, so it’s best to come prepared for warm sunny days!

August

August is our hottest month of the year. You can keep cool on our coasters or go spend a day at Boulder Beach. There is nothing better than spending a day relaxing in a cabana at Boulder Beach on a hot August day!

September

September is when the park begins to cool down. The average temperature is 73 degrees which is still warm enough to enjoy a day at the park without lugging around a jacket! Be on the lookout for Scarywood tickets to go on sale!

Choosing the Right Ticket

There are several different ways of purchasing admission into the park. Depending on when you want to visit, how many days you want to spend, who you are bringing, and even where you are staying can affect how you get the best price. Here we are going to break down the different ticket options, and what will best suit your family’s needs.

When Are You Planning on Visiting?

If you plan on coming to the park during the shoulder season, then you have the opportunity to score a sweet deal! The general rule is that the longer you wait, the higher your ticket price will be. However, if you visit the park in May or September, there are specials almost every weekend that get you the most bang for your buck. During the first weekend, we are celebrating our 31st anniversary. To celebrate, all tickets will be $19.88 to commemorate our grand opening back in 1988. Check out all of our special events and pricing online. No matter when you plan on coming out to the park, you will always save by purchasing your tickets online in advance versus buying at the gate.

How Long Are You Staying?

Staying and playing for more than one day at the park will save you and your family money. The 2 Day, Any Day ticket is only $75 and is valid any 2 days during the 2019 season. But don’t wait to purchase this ticket because it goes up online if you purchase after May 3rd. No matter what time of year you decide on coming, this is usually the best deal for families. It comes in handy that you can use the tickets consecutively or nonconsecutively any time between May 4 through September 29.

If your family visits the park at least 3 times a year than a season pass is for you. Season pass holders receive a variety of benefits throughout the park and during our season pass sales (September thru February) they pay for themselves with 2 ½ visits! Not only do you get unlimited access to Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach, but you get free parking, a 10% discount on your stay at the RV park, a 10% discount at any Food and Beverage location (does not apply on alcohol), and a 2019 Scarywood premier discount! If you are a Silverwood fanatic, or your family is a regular park attendee, then season passes are a must have for your family to make memories all summer long!

Maybe your family can only sneak away from work for a weekend this summer, and you’re not quite ready to commit to a season pass. We do offer a 3 Day, Any Day ticket that is perfect for a family weekend getaway. Just like the 2 Day, these tickets can be used consecutively, or nonconsecutively, and they cost just over $36 per person/per day!

The Company You Keep

Would Grandma love taking her grandkids to the park all summer long? Then a Gold pass is the way to go. This pass is ideal for families that need some flexibility on who they would like to accompany them at the park. Gold pass members are able to bring up to 2 guests with them every time they visit the park.

Not sure who’s name to put the pass under? Always choose the person that will be visiting the park the most because the passholder has to be present in order to use the Gold pass. Sometimes this means putting the pass in a child’s name so any family member can join them and enjoy a day at the park.

Stay and Play Packages

If you and your family need accommodations, then you can save BIG on a stay and play package! We collaborate with several hotels in the area that offer discounted rooms and tickets.

Check out the properties for everything from Hotels, Motels & Resorts to Vacation Rentals, RV Parks and Campgrounds.

What to Pack

Occasionally, Idaho’s weather can be unpredictable, so we suggest you pack layers. Wear clothing fitting for the warmer temperatures such as shorts and t-shirts for during the day. If you want to spend the majority of the day in the water park, its best to prepare for the heat. Then most guests like to head to the theme park in the evening, and for this, you might want some dry, warm clothes to change into. A waterproof jacket is never a bad idea when you want to avoid a geyser or some rain.

Dress Code

All guests are asked to wear appropriate attire and no clothing or body art deemed by the park’s management as vulgar, rude or containing derogatory language or graphics is allowed.

Dress Code While in Silverwood Theme Park

• Silverwood Theme Park requires shirts, shoes and appropriate dress.
• Swimsuits are not allowed.

Dress Code While in Boulder Beach Water Park

• Swimwear must be modest in design. No revealing or thong swimsuits allowed.
• Swimwear with exposed zippers, buckles, denim fabric, rivets or metal ornamentation is not permitted.
• For safety, diaper-aged children must wear swim diapers. Swim diapers are available at Boulder Beach Trading Company store for purchase.
• Guests must change into street clothes (shirts, shoes and appropriate dress) before returning to Silverwood Theme Park.

Love to Camp? There’s an RV Park on site

Complete your summer experience by camping at Silverwood! Be the first in line at all your favorite rides by staying just steps away from the park’s entrance. Our RV Park features 126 full hookups, 41 tent sites, a play structure, fire rings, and discounted tickets! Spots are available May through October, but make sure you reserve your spot as soon as possible because they fill up fast!

If you stay in the RV Park June 8th through September 2nd, then you are eligible to receive discounts on your tickets. General admission will only be $46 per person, and youth/senior admission will only be $26!

2019 RV Park Policies

• Check-in time is 1:00 pm
• Check-out time is 10:00 am
• Cancellation policy is 48 hours from the check-in date to receive a full refund
• Quiet Hours are 10:00 pm until 7:00 am. Keep music and noise at a minimum level during this time. This rule is enforced by our Overnight Security Staff.
• Guests must check in at the office before entering the park. After hours, please check the bulletin board to be sure of the site assigned to you and come in the next morning to pay
• Laundry room is available 7:00 am until 10:00 pm. Times are subject to change.
• Outside firewood is not permitted due to state regulations, however, you may purchase firewood at the camp store. In the event of a burn ban, no firewood will be sold.
• All Pets must be kept on a leash and the owner must clean up after them. Pets are not allowed in the restrooms, laundry room, or the store.
• All sewer connections must be connected and sealed. NO OPEN SEWER DRAINAGE
• No motorized vehicles are allowed off of the gravel roads. Speed limit of 5 miles per hour applies to all motorized vehicles.
• The following are prohibited: Drugs, fireworks, weapons of any kind, paintballing, destroying property, or washing item in the restrooms.
• All Items must be placed on gravel pads or site at night due to our automatic sprinkler system. This includes Tents, Canopies, Etc. We are not responsible for any items that may get wet.
• Additional vehicles or trailers of any kind must be pre-approved by the Camp Host or the RV Park Office. Additional parking is available for $5 in Silverwood’s main parking lot.
• Outside firewood is not permitted due to state regulations, however, you can purchase firewood at the camp store.
• Site price includes 6 people per tent site and 8 people per RV site. Additional guest must be pre-approved by management prior to arrival.
• Failure to arrive by 1pm the day following your stated arrival date or not notifying the park by close of business the date of your arrival constitutes a no show status. The site will then be released and the deposit retained.
• We have the right to remove any RV, Tent, and/or possessions at the owner’s expense if the site is not vacated at the scheduled time

Hit The Road

Make lasting memories with your family by hitting the road. We know that many of our guests love to take their RV and stay in our campground, so here are some of our favorite road trip routes.

Portland

The drive from Portland to our area is approximately a 6-hour drive, and every minute of it will be worth it. We recommend taking I84 to I82 to I90. Stop by the beautiful Multnomah Falls on your way out of town. While you’re at it, enjoy a visit to Bonneville Dam and continue your drive to Coeur d’ Alene along the Columbia River Gorge.

Calgary

Our Canadian friends probably know all about the drive to our neighborhood, since a large percentage of our guests come from there, but just in case, we recommend driving through Banff and Radium Hot Springs. At the edge of Kootenay National Park, is the breathtaking untouched wilderness of Radium Hot Springs.

Seattle

There is plenty to do and see in the Seattle area. However, those who choose to travel to our neck of the woods are never disappointed. If you have some time, stop and take an Instagram worthy picture by Snoqualmie Falls. Also, don’t miss the little Bavarian town of Leavenworth. If you are traveling from the Seattle area and want to make Silverwood the main destination, we recommend buying the 2 Day, Any Day ticket.

Montana

Several of our guests have expressed that Silverwood is one of their favorite stops on their way to Glacier National Park. Drive through the rolling hills and mountains of Montana on your way to this admirable national park.

Airport Tips

If you and your family plan on flying for your trip to visit us, then you will most likely be flying into the Spokane International Airport (GEG). The airport is a little over an hour drive to the park, and there are many places to stay along the way. Upon arrival, visitors will walk out of one of three main corridors to the baggage claim. Since the airport is relatively small, you might want to make your transportation reservations in advance, whether you plan to use rental cars, taxis, shuttles, private car services, etc. The rental car companies that are available in the grounds transportation center are Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty. You won’t have to worry about budgeting for toll booths if you plan on just driving and staying in the Spokane/CDA area.

Join the Trend, Reserve a Cabana

A guest favorite is the cabanas in the water park. By reserving a cabana for your family, you won’t have the stress of finding a shady area, or renting a locker for your valuables.  You get VIP treatment with lounge chairs, a table, a refrigerator, and food services. They are also conveniently located between both wave pools, so it’s the perfect meeting space in the middle of all the slides and attractions.

Rules:

• A maximum of 6 guests can be in a cabana at one time.
• A maximum of 10 guests total can be in your party.
• If you wish to cancel a reservation, it must be done 72 hours prior to the date reserved
• No refunds for inclement weather or attraction closure (i.e. water slides, wave pools, etc…)
• Guests will be charged for missing cabana items – towels, locks, keys, etc…

Courtesy Pass Program

Here at Silverwood, our goal is to provide safe and fair access to all of our guests. One way we try to achieve that goal is through our Courtesy Pass Program. This program is available to any guest with a disability that cannot wait in line or cannot access the ride through the main entrance. If you or someone you know would like to participate in this program, head to the information center when you arrive for further instructions. Here is a brief description of how this process works below.

For a group total of 4 or less:

Guests can go to a ride’s alternative entrance, usually the exit, and speak with the ride operator and let them know you are using the courtesy pass program. The operator will then provide a boarding time that is equal to the wait of the current line.

For a group of 5 or more:

If a guest has more than 3 accompanying riders, have any additional riders wait in the main line. The courtesy pass holder should then go to the alternate entrance and let the ride operator know that riders from the group are waiting in line. As the group approaches the front of the line, inform the ride operator, who will allow the courtesy pass holder and up to 3 riders to join the rest of the group through the alternate entrance.

What’s One Thing Our Guests Should NOT Miss?

“The magic show is 100 percent a great thing for families, especially if they get there early to make it for dinner and the show. It breaks up the hustle and bustle and is highly entertaining.”

-Allison Hentags, Ride Operator

“The amazing smoothies and coffee from the Victorian.”

-Jennifer Good, Food & Beverage

“The train show is epic and a lot of fun”

-Jessica Everhart, Food & Beverage

“Come on a day where you can enjoy a warm day at the waterpark and a fun evening in the dry park. Best of both worlds”

-Kayliani Powlison, Rides

“The landscaping and gardens. Once inside the park you forget how close to Hwy 95 you are. It’s like being in a beautiful botanical garden”

-Kristen Mulady, Training

Interesting Facts

Did you know that Silverwood had a record-breaking season in 2018 for attendance?

Did you know that the Corkscrew Roller Coaster, purchased from Knott’s Berry Farm, was the first ever attraction to take riders upside down? Comment down below if you were one of the few to ride this spectacular ride in BOTH locations

Did you know that Silverwood hires up to 1,500 seasonal employees each year?

Did you know that one of our most consumed items at the park are chicken strips? There are over five locations throughout the park to purchase some!

Did you know that there is a clock in the park that is 150 years old?

As Always, Have Fun!

With so much to do and see, it’s nearly impossible not to enjoy your stay with us during your visit. Silverwood has been hard at work preparing and looking forward to opening day all winter. We are so excited to be opening our gates for our 31st year of creating smiles in the Pacific Northwest! Make sure to share your experience with others through social media, and tag us too for a chance to be featured on our pages! We love to see you and your family making memories with us. If you have any other tips and tricks that you didn’t see here but you would like to share, please comment below!

GIVEAWAY!

Silverwood Bring-a-Friend Giveaway