I don’t know about you, but I’m a planner. I like to have a general idea of what I’m walking into—especially when I’m hauling three littles under three into a theme park. If that’s you too, whether you’ve got one little or a whole crew—welcome! You’re in the right place.
Taking small kids to Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach can feel a little intimidating the first time—there’s a lot of ground to cover (literally), water to splash in, and emotions to manage. But after going through it ourselves, I can confidently say: it’s totally doable—and even magical—with the right prep.
I’ve got tips, tricks, and things I wish I had known before jumping in. Let’s make your first Silverwood visit as smooth and stress-free as possible!
Before You Go: Planning & Packing Tips
Let’s start with the basics.
- Bring a stroller or wagon — No question. Even if your toddler swears they’ll walk. The park is big, and by the end of the day, those tiny legs will be toast. Plus, it’s a great place to stash your bags, towels, or sleepy babies.
- Pack smart — I always bring:
- An extra change of clothes per kid (accidents happen, water play happens, life happens).
- Quick-dry shoes or sandals that can handle getting wet. This is great for going from Boulder Beach to Silverwood or even the wet rides in Silverwood.
- A soft-sided 12x12x12 cooler (yes, this is allowed!) with snacks and a lunch.
- Reusable water bottles — we LOVE our Silverwood sports bottle. Free refills the day you buy it, then $1 refills after that.
- Limit the number of towels — If it’s a sunny day, the kids will dry faster than you can wrap them up. Save the towel space for more snacks.
Safety First (Seriously!)
This one’s huge for my peace of mind.
Right after the entrance, swing by the Information Center (just past the train station). They offer waterproof wristbands where you can write your name and phone number. If your child gets separated from you (deep breath—it happens), this helps the staff reconnect you quickly.
✨ Bonus Tip: If your little one is right on the edge of a ride height requirement, they can get measured here once. They’ll receive a colored wristband that tells ride operators they’ve already been cleared. No more re-measuring at every ride = less waiting and way less frustration.
Boulder Beach Tips for Toddler Parents
Honestly, Boulder Beach was the biggest “wow, this is going to be harder than I thought” moment for us. But it quickly turned into one of our favorite spots — once we figured out a few key things.
- Bring Your Own Life Jackets
Yes, Boulder Beach has them. But hear me out:
- Your kids will be beyond excited to run into the water — the last thing you want to do is stand in line trying to track one down.
- On busy days, they do run out of the smaller sizes.
- Having your own means you’re ready to jump right into the fun.
Look for USCG-approved life jackets — that’s what they require in the water areas.
- Where to Set Up for the Day (and Sneak in Some Quiet Time)
- Closer isn’t always better—especially at Boulder Beach. While Polliwog Park and Salmon Run are near the entrance and super convenient, they also get crowded fast. If you’re visiting with babies or little ones who need breaks throughout the day, I highly recommend heading a bit farther into the park.
- Look for Toddler Springs or near that area—it’s usually less packed, has more shade, and offers a slower-paced, more peaceful vibe. It’s a great spot to set up your “home base” for the day.Or if it fits your budget, renting a cabana gives you a private, shaded space that’s perfect for naps, diaper changes, and resetting before diving back into the fun.
Back in Silverwood: How to Chill Mid-Day
While Silverwood Theme Park is definitely geared toward older kids and thrill-seekers, don’t let that scare you off if you have littles—there’s still plenty to do. We spend a good chunk of our day in Critter Country, where everything is scaled down for tiny thrill-seekers. Some of my girls’ favorite rides there include the Tiny Toot Roller Coaster, the Puppy-Go-Round, and the Kiddie Wheel.
That said, we also love venturing out into Country Carnival, where there are a few family rides that toddlers can enjoy with parents. Rides like the Antique Cars, Bumper Boats, and even the Roaring Creek Log Flume have been surprising favorites for our crew!
But let’s be honest—sometimes you just need a break that doesn’t involve standing in line or splashing in water. Here are a few mid-day reset spots that work great with little ones:
Need to Sit and Breathe? Try These Low-Key Gems:
- The Train Ride – It’s slow, shaded, and relaxing. Bonus: it doubles as a nap ride if your toddler’s ready for some zzz’
- Main Street Theater – A little AC and a short film = a great way to cool down and recharge.
- Theatre of Illusions – A fun, interactive show that entertains both kids and grown-ups while you all get off your feet.
- High Moon Saloon – Catch the Marvin & Friends show with live music and laughs—it’s indoor, family-friendly, and a nice break from the chaos.
Looking for a Quiet Place to Reset? Here’s Where to Go:
- Chrissy’s Quiet Garden – Tucked behind the Ferris wheel and near gentler rides, this peaceful little garden is perfect for regrouping, nursing, or just calming down.
- Grassy Area by the Information Center – Shaded and surprisingly quiet—great for letting toddlers roam or having a quick picnic.
- Outside the Victorian Coffee House – Cozy, quiet, and a good excuse for mom and dad to grab a coffee break.
Final Thoughts From a Mama Who’s Been There
Your first Silverwood trip with littles may not be perfect—and that’s okay. There will be meltdowns, missed naps, and chaos. But there will also be smiles, giggles, and core memories made with your littles. And that is why it’s all worth it.
Go in with a plan, pack light (but smart), and know that you’ve got this. I’m cheering you on, mama!
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.
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