Silverwood Theme Park, in the small town of Athol, Idaho, is the largest theme park in the Pacific Northwest — and one of its most wallet-friendly. It sits about 25 minutes from Coeur d'Alene and roughly 50 minutes from Spokane, Washington, making it an easy day trip or a multi-day base for families in the region.
The park packs in more than 75 rides plus a full water park. Thrill-seekers can aim for the Timber Terror coaster or the Panic Plunge drop ride, while there are gentler options — a carousel and ferris wheel among them — for smaller kids. The star aquatic attraction is the Eagle Hunt, a two-lane water coaster measuring 925 feet, which claims the title of the longest dueling water coaster in the United States. Boulder Beach, the on-site water park, got bigger in 2024 with the addition of the Emerald Forest, a family-friendly area with waterslides, cabanas and splash zones. There's also a steam train, live entertainment and restaurants on site.
Where Silverwood really stands apart is on price — and policy. Buying tickets online in advance knocks $10 off each one, which adds up quickly for a family. Multi-day passes work out cheaper per day than a single-day ticket, and a season pass pays for itself if you'll visit more than a few days (and skips the reservation requirement). Even better: the park allows guests to bring in a 12-inch cooler with outside food, plus empty plastic water bottles or factory-sealed soft drinks — a rarity that spares visitors from inflated concession prices. If you do want drinks, a cheap souvenir bottle in the park gets unlimited free refills for the day.
Practically speaking, most visitors fly into Spokane International Airport (GEG), under an hour away. Lodging ranges from nearby hotels and motels to a campground and RV park right next to the park. Regulars suggest planning two days — one for Boulder Beach, one for the dry-land rides — though it's doable in a single day if you're efficient. Afterward, Coeur d'Alene's downtown makes a good spot for dinner and a stroll.
For travellers in the Pacific Northwest, or families passing through Idaho and eastern Washington, Silverwood offers a rare combination: big-park variety without big-park pricing. Pack the cooler, buy online, and you've got a solid-value summer outing.