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 avoiding crowds, saving money, finding the tastiest treats, and how to start planning ahead of your trip to utilize your time as much as possible. So come with us on a journey behind the scenes of our little slice of heaven here in North Idaho.
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 further 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!
Where Remember When Begins…
At some point in our lives, we realize that growing up is not all it’s cracked up to be. Adults face 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 loved ones to Silverwood is the perfect opportunity to step back into time. This season, we challenge you to disconnect and unplug with your family. Race down Eagle Hunt, experience the thrill of the new Tremors upgrade, or find a new sense of wonder with our brand-new magic show with Nick Norton. With over 70 rides, slides, shows, and attractions, the opportunities for endless summer fun are limitless, and the stories and memories created here will truly last a lifetime.
Where Everyone is Coming From
Every year, visitors from across the world 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. 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! 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, be aware that the better the weather is in July and August, the busier the park will get. Rainy days see the fewest visitors and can be just as fun as long as lightening doesn’t strike, in which case we may need to temporarily shut things down until the storm moves out. Know that May and September are only open for the dry park, so if waterslides are more your thing, make sure you visit on a hot day in the summer. For a full breakdown of all the details by month, week and day, check out our corresponding episode of The Silverwood Show Podcast HERE.
Busiest Days
This may not be a surprise to some, but the busiest day at the park in order are Saturday, Friday, Monday, and Thursday. These projections are based on previous seasons, and our data has confirmed that those visiting during our peak season and looking to avoid crowds should aim to come on Sunday, Wednesday or Tuesday. 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!
Least Busy Days
Statistically speaking, there are fewer crowds at the park on Tuesdays, 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 Tuesday/Wednesday 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. 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. Check out all of our special events and pricing online.
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 Ticket is valid any 2 days during the 2025 season. 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 throughout the season.
If your family visits the park at least 4 times a year than a season pass is for you. Season pass holders receive a variety of benefits throughout the park. 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 more! 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!
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 unexpected splash or some rain. Check out the Silverwood Express Blog for lots of tips on packing for all occasions!
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 (dry 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!
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, if you have extra time, 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 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 or villa 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, as well as the New Emerald Forest, so it’s the perfect meeting space in the middle of all the slides and attractions.
Rules:
-
Rules:
- A maximum of 6 guests in a cabana or 20 guests can be in a villa at one time.
- If you wish to cancel a reservation, it must be done 48 hours prior to the date reserved.
- Guests must check-in at Northern Flights Bar the day of their reservation
- No refunds for inclement weather or attraction closure (i.e. water slides, wave pools, etc…)
- Guests will be charged $10 for missing cabana locks or keys.
What’s Your Insider Tip for 2025?
“Don’t miss your chance to try out all the new food! Including Cosmo’s Cantina dry ice cocktails & mocktails and those giant turkey legs in the dry park.”
-Amanda Noah, Marketing
“Get in the back row of any of the coasters and ride with your eyes closed.”
-Jake Kilcup, RMC Coasters
“I’m obsessed with the flowers and meticulous landscaping. Silverwood could be in a Better Homes and Gardens magazine!”
-Sara Meddock, Podcast Host
“Ranger Rosie was our favorite! On the train ride!”
-Girl Scout Troop 2424
“If you are coming out here on a Saturday in July or August, get here by 10:15, otherwise wait until noon.”
-Steve Carey, Sales
“Don’t wait until the last robbery of the day to get on the train. Try for the first one that you possibly can and sit in the front of car 4 on the right-hand side.”
-Shiloh Qalo, Entertainment
“The movie theater on a hot day is a great place to rest and cool off! The Three Stooges are timeless.”
-Hannah & Wendy, Silverwood Conductors
“The Lindy’s burgers are really good!”
-Danny Wanamaker, Rides
“If you’re looking for a cabana, head to Toddler Springs. Most people forget those are there!”
-Michele Sheets, Human Resources
“The magic show is top notch! I heard its circus themed and there are aerialists this year!”
-Jason Olsen, Videographer
Interesting Facts
Did you know that the Corkscrew Roller Coaster, purchased from Knott’s Berry Farm, was the first ever attraction to take riders upside down and is celebrating it’s 50th birthday this year? 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 2,000 seasonal employees each year?
Did you know that one of our most consumed items at the park are chicken strips?
Did you know that Engine No. 7 is a real steam engine train from 1915? We actually outbid Disney when we bought her at auction in the 80s.
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 37th 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 Express Giveaway
Listen to “The Silverwood Show” on Spreaker.
Add comment