Colorado Theme Parks Brace for Cicada Season as Massive Brood Heads West
As billions of cicadas emerge across the eastern United States, Colorado theme parks and outdoor venues are preparing for potential impacts as Brood 14 populations move westward. The historic emergence, which experts say hasn't occurred since the Pilgrims first documented it in 1634, offers important lessons for Colorado's outdoor entertainment venues.
While Colorado's higher elevation and climate typically see different patterns of cicada activity than eastern states, local theme park operators are taking notes from Ohio's Kings Island experience to prepare for our own seasonal insect visitors.
What Colorado Families Need to Know
Dr. Gene Kritsky from Mount St. Joseph University emphasizes a simple but crucial piece of advice that applies to all thrill-seekers:
"Just enjoy the cicadas and when you're on the ride, keep your mouth closed."
"Just enjoy the cicadas and when you're on the ride, keep your mouth closed."
This guidance is particularly relevant for visitors to popular Colorado attractions like:
- Elitch Gardens in downtown Denver
- Lakeside Amusement Park
- Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
- Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Local Impact and Preparations
While Colorado's cicada species differ from the massive Brood 14, local entomologists remind residents that our state hosts several native cicada species that emerge annually. These insects are particularly active in late summer across the Front Range and Western Slope.
Hope Daniels, a parent whose experience at Kings Island offers insights for Colorado families, shared how her young son handled the situation:
"He reminded our group that we all needed to keep our mouths tightly sealed so we did not get a cicada in the mouth. And he was very proud at the end when we told me that he had not screamed the entire roller coaster."
"He reminded our group that we all needed to keep our mouths tightly sealed so we did not get a cicada in the mouth. And he was very proud at the end when we told me that he had not screamed the entire roller coaster."
Preparing for Summer Fun
For Colorado families planning theme park visits this summer, experts recommend:
- Wearing light-colored clothing to make spotting insects easier
- Keeping mouths closed on rides, especially during dawn and dusk when insects are most active
- Teaching children about our local insect species to reduce fear and promote understanding
- Checking park websites for any special advisories during peak insect activity
As we enter the summer season, Colorado's outdoor venues continue monitoring insect activity patterns to ensure visitors can safely enjoy our state's world-class attractions while respecting our unique ecosystem.
This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.
