Lakeside at night - bring Mace?

So the last time I was in Denver it was winter and all I could do was sigh while we drove past Lakeside. So now we are headed there in July for a wedding and are planning to spend a few hours there. The park looks small and so we thought we'd use the other haf of the day to drive out to Pike's Peak or something.

So I think I may have heard something about the crowds being a little shady at night. But the lights look so pretty. What gives? Anyone been there recently? Should we bring our 300 lb bodyguard if we decide to go at night? Or should we take out a nice life insurance policy before even trying? Also, would anyone know if doing Pike's Peak AND Lakeside in the same day was even possible? I'm not all that interested in Elitch Gardens, but perhaps I should? We'll be staying downtown.

Thanks,

Eric

Been to the Coors brewery...so probably won't do it again even though it smells good.

*** Edited 4/17/2007 8:38:43 PM UTC by janfrederick***

Don't worry about the Lakeside crowds. I didn't give it one thought when I went last year over Labord Day weekend. And it was even super cheap pricing which some feel brings out the bad element.

Yes, you could do both Pike's and Lakeside in the same day. BUT while you're down in Colorado Springs, stop at Santa's Workshop! It's a great kiddie park with some great snappable flyers (if the ride op doesn't mind). It's a very cute park kinda like a cross between Holiday World and Knoebes, built on the side of a mountain. You could just stop there for an hour or two and have a good time unless you're not much of a park person.

When visiting Pikes Peak. Take two asprin before going up. Mild altitude sickness is common. Neat trip but be prepared for the headache if your not in extremely good physical condition.

As for Lakeside, Im told the only time to visit and what makes the park so enjoyable is it's night vista. Tons of neon and old time amusment park feel. I know the park has known about some beligerent problems. I hope they take the measures to clean it up.

Chuck

The night time crowd isn't that bad to be honest. Make sure you know the times that the "big rides" will open. Last time I was there (August) kiddie park opened at noon and the "big rides" opened at six. Pikes Peak is about an hour and a half south of Denver in Colorado Springs (Highway 24) (if speed limit is kept ;) ). You will pass Santa's Workshop on your way up the Pikes Peak Highway.

edit: grammar :rollseyes: *** Edited 4/17/2007 9:17:47 PM UTC by crombiedude11***

I didn't mind the altitude AT ALL. Some others may have differing opinions...

Santa's Workshop isn't really much of a RIDES park....but it was awesome-cool. Really brought out the 5-year-old in me...

Joyrides is closed.

I liked EG...sure, there's nothing especially *fantastical*, but I found it fun and clean and the staff was nice.

Lakeside...the neighborhood goes downhill as you go further from the interstate...but the food gets better! :) The art-deco, the only Wild Chipmunk in existence, a "classic flatride collection" bested by no one outside of Elysburg (even WITH the lame-o flyers). With the LIGHTING at the park, I would *never* consider (or suggest) skipping the place at night. Take the train for more super-spectacular views of the park.

P.S. for trivia: Lakeside's Cyclone was gator's 500th. I knew everyone needed to know, LOL... ;)

*** Edited 4/17/2007 9:22:44 PM UTC by rollergator***

Not saying you will get Altitude problems. Some do, Some don't. Dad had no problem. Mom and I got a headache. My brother was puking on the trip down. I might suggest Pikes Peak cog railway as well but the drive up and down is kinda scary and hairy and worth the effort.

Chuck

I got really sick going to Glenwood Caverns on the trip last year, and that sort of thing doesn't usually bother me. If you can make it out that way though, the Canyon Flyer alpine coaster is AWESOME!

It really depends on the day to be honest with the Cog Railway. Old Colorado City can get really congested (the area of where you board the cog railway) around that area. So please use caution.

---

rollergator said:
Really brought out the 5-year-old in me...
*** Edited 4/17/2007 9:22:44 PM UTC by rollergator***

---

Like that's difficult for you. :P

Elitch Gardens is possibly the worst park I have ever visited. Lakeside, on the other hand, is superb. IMHO the Cyclone in particular is one of the best park experiences to be found anywhere. Do NOT pass up any opportunity to visit after dark. The crowds were far less scary than most of the staff at Elitch Gardens :)

I've been to Lakeside a few times, each ttime it was late afternoon /early evening. Never had any problems. The staff was laid back, but in control. Defintely a must experience.

The Lakeside website does not tell what time they close just when the big rides open. Anyone know how late they stay open.

I'm planning a trip to Colorado this year also. I still don't know what town I'm going to stay in. Anyone have suggestions. I love hiking, driving on scenic drives, quaint little towns with some shops and amusement parks, but I'm almost convinced now to go to Lakeside,
Santa's Workshop and skipping Elitch.

---

Wabash Cannonball said:
I'm planning a trip to Colorado this year also. I still don't know what town I'm going to stay in. Anyone have suggestions. I love hiking, driving on scenic drives, quaint little towns with some shops and amusement parks, but I'm almost convinced now to go to Lakeside,
Santa's Workshop and skipping Elitch.

---

If you come to Boulder, I can hook you up with a motel room for a nice discount. :)

Anyway, the only time to go to lakeside is at night. No contest. The difference in coolness is, well, day and night.

Elitch is worth one visit if you have never been there but if you have to choose between there or Lakeside at night... DO NOT MISS LAKESIDE AT NIGHT! I have never been to Santa's Workshop could not give an Opinion.
The only problem I we had at Elitch was that it seemed like like every female working the games wanted to take my friend Joe behind the games area and have some real fun. Which got annoying to everyone including Joe (who thought it was funny to begin with)
The rides are not over the top but worth a shot because some people actually like it.

I know I am not supposed to do this, but here goes:

My gallery of Lakeside photos, mostly taken at night when I visited there last summer. Pity the train wasn't running.

One word of caution: If you ride the Cyclone by yourself in the back seat, do NOT sit in the middle of the seat. Sit to the right, with your back against the side of the train. Trust me on this one.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Another big thumbs up to Lakeside at night. What a treat. :)
There are alpine slides at Heritage Farms that were fun, but if you have the time, I'll second giving the alpine coaster at Glenwood Caverns a ride or two. And I agree that Santa's flyers are a blast!

If your a South Park fan, Casa Bonita is a must for a meal, I hear.

We were considering the alpine slides too. Cool. I think dusk/night it will be.

---

The crowds were far less scary than most of the staff at Elitch Gardens

---

LOL ;)

By the way, that Wild Chipmunk looks a lot like http://www.rcdb.com/ig573.htm?picture=3

Thanks everyone. Can't wait. :)

^ There's a reason the Chipmunk looks like TTR...

http://www.rcdb.com/ir.htm?model=75 ;)

And you'd think I'd have a credit on it by now...but it was raining last time we were there. But now that Jr. is getting bigger, I think I nice little trip to Adventure City might be in order followed by a huge bowl of Pho. Aww man.....Pho, one of the few things I like better than coasters. ;)

I too have been at night a couple times...I've never felt threatened...but it is not like we're talking about SFMM! ;)