Hyland Hills Water World launches its 47th season with the new rides at the Summit Canyon area opening later in the 2026 summer season.
FEDERAL HEIGHTS, Colo. — One of America’s largest water parks is opening for a 47th summer of fun. Hyland Hills Water World opens for the 2026 summer season on Saturday at 10 a.m.
The sprawling water park said it will operate more than 45 attractions on its 70 acres this summer. The park is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Water World said parking is free again this year and picnics with factory-sealed, non-alcoholic beverages are allowed. Coolers are also allowed, with some restrictions.
Big changes are making waves at Colorado’s largest water park, with construction underway on new rides set to debut later this summer at Water World in an attraction area called “Summit Canyon.”
The outdoors-themed area will be the first new area at Water World since the Alpine Springs redevelopment opened in 2021.
The park said Summit Canyon will have a Critter Cove children’s area with pools up to two-feet deep, spray-play features, and pint-sized slides. The zone will also be home to Creekside Crossing with an obstacle course, in-water basketball hoops, and tranquil Emerald Lake.
Summit Canyon will also have Lookout Tower, the tallest point in Water World, as the launchpad of four new waterslides: Runoff Rapids, Marmot Mayhem, Columbine Cascade, and Aspen Falls.
Water World will open its first drop-capsule water slide, where a guest enters a vertical tube with a countdown to when the floor drops out, sending the rider on more than 400 feet of slide.
“Summit Canyon will offer something for everyone with unique thrill rides and spaces for children to play while parents relax,” said Bob Owens, Water World’s deputy director of enterprise services. “And with more modern amenities, we’ll be able to offer events and experiences entirely new to Water World.”
Water World began the Summit Canyon construction project this offseason after retiring its Calypso Cove area last August.
The Calypso Cove section of the park — which was home to Screamin’ Mimi, Tortuga Run, Pirates Plunge and Wally World — had its final day in August, ending its run after more than 40 years.
“Calypso Cove will be retired and re-imagined to make way for an exciting new chapter at Water World,” the park said in a statement. “These changes will bring fresh attractions and modern amenities that will better serve families, groups, and guests of all ages for years to come. We know how much Calypso Cove means to our community, and that saying goodbye is never easy.”
Water World ticket options and park rules are available at WaterWorldColorado.com.
Water World’s new Summit Canyon
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