Three kids under three at an amusement park probably sounds like a complete nightmare to most people. And honestly, at times it was. There were meltdowns, snack breaks, stroller juggling, and moments where I wondered what we had gotten ourselves into.
But it was also the summer that changed everything for our family.
When we decided to spend so much of our summer at Silverwood, I didn’t realize how much it would shape our girls, not just in the obvious ways but in the quiet, unexpected ones. What I thought would simply be a fun way to pass summer days turned into a season of growth, connection, and memories that we’re still carrying with us months later.
At Silverwood, my girls learned patience in ways I never could have taught them at home. Waiting in line isn’t easy for toddlers, but ride after ride, they learned how to wait, take turns with their sibling, and simply observe. Most rides only allowed one child at a time, which meant one parent rode while the other waited with the remaining two. It wasn’t ideal, but we are a family of five, and that’s just how it is.
In the process, it taught the girls how to anticipate something good coming. They learned that not everything happens instantly and that sometimes the waiting is part of the experience. Waiting slowed them down. It gave them space to watch, to wonder, and to look forward to what was next.
It also created opportunities for one-on-one time with each of our children, something that is often few and far between in everyday life.
They also learned how to encourage one another.
There’s something special about watching your kids learn how to show up for others. Cheering for a sister as she rode by, waving with excitement, and celebrating her bravery became second nature. Those moments revealed how much they were learning about empathy, support, and being present for one another.
Independence was another unexpected gift.
As the weeks went on, confidence grew. Water slides that once felt intimidating became something they wanted to try on their own. At the start of summer, my youngest was just a year and a half old and hesitant to go down the water slides, even with mom or dad. By the end of the summer, she was going down them on her own and asking to do it again and again. Each small step, each ride without holding a hand, felt like a quiet victory. Silverwood became a place where they could safely push themselves, try new things, and feel proud of what they accomplished.
But more than anything else, Silverwood taught all of us the value of intentional family time.
Life moves fast. Between work, responsibilities, and the daily chaos of raising young kids, it’s easy to feel like time is slipping by. At Silverwood, time slowed down. It was easy to walk through those gates and forget about adult responsibilities and simply be a kid again with your kids. I don’t think our children see enough of that childlike side of us. We laughed together, experienced things together, and created shared memories that belonged just to us. Those days weren’t about checking boxes or rushing through schedules. They were about being present.
Now we’re several months into the off-season, and even though the rides are quiet and the park is closed, Silverwood still comes up in our house constantly, almost daily.
We talk about favorite rides, the lazy river, the excitement of walking through the gates, and the fun we had as a family. The girls reminisce about summer days while bundled up in sweatshirts, and the anticipation for next season is already building.
We’ve even found ourselves using Silverwood as motivation in everyday life. Maybe a little bribery, like saying that eating more veggies might help them grow tall enough to ride the crazy coaster. Or encouraging swim lessons now so they’ll be stronger swimmers by summer in the Lazy River. Trying something new often brings up reminders of how brave they were on that ride last summer. Silverwood has become part of our family language, woven into the way we encourage and celebrate our kids.
Birthdays are now counted down not just for candles and cake, but because shortly after, Silverwood opens again. And they know, almost instinctively, that when it does, something special is about to begin.
The off-season has a way of reminding us how much those summer moments mattered. It’s in the stories we retell, the excitement we feel for what’s coming, and the traditions we’re already planning to continue. Silverwood isn’t just an amusement park for our family. It’s a place where our kids grew, where we connected, and where some of our favorite memories were made. Honestly, because of this last summer and the overall experience we had, I truly believe we will be lifelong season pass holders.
Winter won’t last forever. When the gates open again, we’ll be ready, a little taller, grateful for the season that was, and excited for the one ahead. Because sometimes the best part of summer isn’t just the rides. It’s what stays with you long after they stop.
Meet The Conductor
Hi, I’m Torri! I’m married to my high school sweetheart and mama to three little girls under three (twins plus baby sister), and life is perfectly imperfect. We live in Spokane, Washington, and you’ll usually find us out and about chasing new adventures— I share all the real-life moments, family outings, and unfiltered motherhood over on Instagram (@torrionpurpose).
One local adventure that we keep going back to again and again is Silverwood. It’s been a special part of my life since the early 2000s. I grew up going there as a kid, and now I’m soaking up the joy of creating new memories with my children in the same magical place I loved growing up.
Comments (1)
So fun! Can’t wait for summer!
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