21 Things to Do in Colorado Springs with Kids
Colorado Springs, nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, is widely known for its scenic beauty, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly attractions. Whether you’re seeking an education-focused day, outdoor fun, or unique hands-on experiences, the variety of activities here ensures that kids of all age groups have an enjoyable and memorable time. In this article, we dive into 21 of the best kid-friendly experiences that Colorado Springs has to offer.
1. Colorado Springs as a Family Destination
Colorado Springs is a family-friendly travel destination that offers an array of activities suitable for all ages. Located in southern Colorado, at the base of the famous Pikes Peak, this city is a fantastic mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and historic landmarks. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, families can enjoy outdoor adventures nearly year-round. From hiking trails surrounded by stunning red rock formations to hands-on museum exhibits, there’s no shortage of educational and fun experiences for children.
Parents and kids can choose from many outdoor adventures like exploring the Garden of the Gods or hiking to waterfalls. Additionally, the city offers indoor fun at places like interactive children’s museums, climbing gyms, and even a year-round Christmas-themed amusement park. Whether you’ve got toddlers, school-aged kids, or teens, Colorado Springs caters to all with its blend of adventure, education, and entertainment.
Overall, its combination of natural attractions, such as the towering Rocky Mountains, and cultural gems like the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, makes Colorado Springs an outstanding destination for family fun and learning.
2. Garden of the Gods
A visit to Colorado Springs wouldn’t be complete without exploring the magnificent Garden of the Gods, a registered national natural landmark that boasts dramatic red rock formations set against the backdrop of towering Pikes Peak. This park is not only visually stunning but offers numerous family-oriented activities.
Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails:
One of the best ways to explore this park with kids is by walking along its many paved and accessible scenic trails. The Perkins Central Garden Trail is particularly recommended. This 1.5-mile, stroller-friendly loop provides close views of the largest rock formations while being convenient for families with young children or those using wheelchairs or strollers.
Interactive Exhibits:
The park’s Visitor and Nature Center is a destination in its own right, with over 30 educational and interactive exhibits. Through the hands-on geo-trekking displays, children can learn about the origins of the unique sandstone rock formations. Add to this the Geo-Trekker Theater, where they can watch a short film that explains the fascinating geological past of the region.
Wildlife Spotting:
Keep your eyes peeled while hiking; various species of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and a variety of birds, can often be spotted throughout the expansive park. It’s both an exciting and educational opportunity for children to learn about the local ecosystem.
Accessibility:
Garden of the Gods is extremely accommodating for families traveling with young children, strollers, or individuals with disabilities, offering paved and accessible paths. The park’s visitor center provides maps that highlight wheelchair-friendly paths, making it easy for all family members to enjoy.
Entry into Garden of the Gods is free—yet another bonus for families looking to make the most of their trip without breaking the bank.
3. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, sitting at 6,800 feet above sea level, is the only mountain zoo in the United States, making it a unique stop during your family’s adventure in Colorado Springs. With an elevation that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, this zoo provides more than just animal exhibits—it’s an experience of both nature and wildlife interaction.
Giraffe Feeding:
One of the most beloved activities at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the giraffe feeding experience. Visitors, including even the youngest children, can interact with and hand-feed the zoo’s large herd of giraffes. It’s an unforgettable experience that gets up close and personal with these majestic creatures.
Kid-Friendly Exhibits:
Families will enjoy exploring various kid-focused exhibits. Popular attractions include the Aquatics Area where children can observe playful hippos swimming and penguins waddling about. For a more immersive experience, the Australia Walkabout exhibit allows visitors to walk alongside kangaroos and wallabies.
Carousel and Zoo Camps:
For extra excitement, don’t miss the zoo’s antique carousel or take a ride on the Mountaineer Sky Ride for a bird’s eye view of the entire complex. Beyond entertainment, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo also offers zoo camps and educational programs in the summer, giving children the opportunity to deepen their knowledge about zoo-keeping and conservation in a hands-on environment.
With engaging exhibits, thrill rides, and scenic surroundings, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is an educational and entertaining experience for families. Plus, the interactive nature of the zoo sets the stage for learning, making it a must-see attraction during your Colorado Springs visit.
4. Pikes Peak Cog Railway
A journey to the top of Pikes Peak—one of Colorado’s most famous “fourteeners” (mountains over 14,000 feet above sea level)—is an exciting and memorable adventure for families. The best way to reach the summit is through the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest railway in North America.
Scenic Train Ride:
Departing from the town of Manitou Springs, this train journey takes passengers along breathtaking landscapes, with panoramic views of Colorado’s famous mountain ranges, forests, and wildlife. The train climbs over 9 miles, passing through various environmental zones—from lush forests to barren, Alpine tundra.
Kid-Friendly Summit Activities:
Once your family reaches the summit of Pikes Peak (14,115 feet), the fun continues. The Summit House serves piping hot donuts made specially for high-altitude cooking, a treat that children of all ages will enjoy. The summit also offers beautiful views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Kansas.
Tips for Young Families:
It’s essential to note that young children may be more sensitive to the change in altitude, so it’s recommended to monitor how they’re feeling, keep them hydrated, and move slowly to help them adjust to the thinner air. The railway trip, which includes time at the summit, typically lasts around three hours, so bringing snacks and light layers for the cooler summit temperatures is beneficial.
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is much more than a scenic train ride—it’s a fantastic experience that allows families to conquer one of the most iconic landscapes of Colorado.
5. North Pole – Santa’s Workshop
For those seeking a magical adventure where Christmas is celebrated year-round, the North Pole – Santa’s Workshop in Colorado Springs is an enchanting attraction perfect for children. As a charming, Christmas-themed amusement park, the North Pole has been a beloved family destination for over 60 years.
Christmas-Themed Attractions:
Children can enjoy a wide variety of rides, from the slow-moving Candy Cane Coaster suited for little ones, to the thrilling Ferris Wheel and the Paratrooper Ride. With over 20 festive rides, the North Pole guarantees fun for the whole family. What makes this amusement park stand out is how it incorporates a continuous Christmas theme, from the decorations to the jingles playing throughout the grounds.
Visit Santa and His Elves:
Children will delight in the opportunity to meet Santa Claus any time of the year. Santa’s workshop is open daily, where little visitors can share their wishes and even drop off letters in Santa’s mailbox. Elves perform fun shows throughout the day, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Petting Zoo and Gift Shops:
Among other family-friendly features, the petting zoo is a great option for animal-loving kids, where they can interact with friendly goats, reindeer, and other small creatures. Don’t forget to stop by the Jingle Bell Gift Shop before leaving, where kids can pick up festive souvenirs to remember their North Pole experience.
Best Ages for Visiting:
While the park is ideal for younger children under the age of 12, older siblings can still enjoy the park’s more thrilling rides and attractions. Plenty of rides allow parents to join their children, ensuring everyone in the family has a jolly good time.
6. Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Located just a few miles from downtown Colorado Springs, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings offer families an immersive opportunity to explore the history of the Southwest’s ancient Anasazi (Puebloan) people. These remarkably preserved dwellings were relocated to this spot in the early 1900s and are now carefully preserved for educational exploration.
Exploring Cliff Dwellings:
Families are allowed to walk through the actual cliff dwellings, ancient homes built into the sides of cliffs that provided shelter to the native people more than 700 years ago. Children will enjoy climbing ladders and walking through the rooms carved into the cliffs, providing a tangible experience of ancient life.
Hands-On Learning:
While exploring the cliff-dwelling structures, signs and informational boards provide insights into how these ancient peoples lived, hunted, gathered food, and built their impressive homes. This hands-on experience allows children to engage with history in a memorable way. Inside the adjacent museum, kids can touch replicas of ancient tools and pottery, providing further learning experiences.
Kid-Friendly Museum and Artifact Displays:
The museum at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings offers additional opportunities for families to learn about Native American history, culture, and artifacts, all presented in a way that’s kid-friendly and easy to understand.
Open year-round, this attraction is an excellent educational destination, especially for history-loving families interested in the lives of the early peoples of North America.
7. Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
The Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is a subterranean wonder and adventure park situated just outside of Colorado Springs. It brims with fun and thrilling activities that appeal to families and children looking to explore caves and outdoor adventure sports.
Guided Cave Tours:
The park offers several types of guided cave tours, including one for families—the Discovery Tour. This one-hour tour takes kids and adults alike through beautifully lit passageways and chambers, where they will learn about how caves are formed and see impressive geological formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. The guides make the tour accessible and educational, ensuring it’s suitable for even young children.
Outdoor Adventure Park:
For families with older kids and thrill-seekers, Cave of the Winds also offers multiple outdoor activities such as the zip line, ropes courses, rock climbing, and the Terror-dactyl, a super-fast canyon swing that launches riders off the edge of a cliff. Parents should check age and weight limits for these rides to ensure that their children are eligible.
Age Recommendations:
While the cave tours are suitable for all ages, some of the outdoor experiences may have age restrictions for safety reasons. Typically, children as young as 6 years old can enjoy the cave tours, but the adrenaline-pumping outdoor rides are best for teenagers and older kids.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park offers a balance of subterranean exploration and above-ground thrills, making it a versatile stop for families with members of all ages.
8. Focus on the Family Welcome Center
For families with young children, a visit to the Focus on the Family Welcome Center provides an enriching and entertaining stop on your Colorado Springs adventure. This attraction is especially popular among children who are fans of the Adventures in Odyssey radio series.
Interactive Exhibits:
The Welcome Center offers a variety of interactive exhibits tailored to children, such as Whit’s End Soda Shoppe, where kids can enjoy ice cream sundaes and beverages inspired by the Adventures in Odyssey characters. One of the most exciting experiences for children here is recording their own voices as part of the Kyds Radio Studio—an engaging podcast-like platform where kids can pretend to be radio hosts or actors.
Parent Resources:
For parents, the visitor center workshops and family-friendly seminars provide resources on topics like parenting and family relationships. This makes it a beneficial stop for all members of the family.
Three-Story Slide:
An added fun feature is the three-story slide, which kids will want to ride over and over again. It’s arguably one of the highlights of the visit, emphasizing the attraction’s focus on family fun and bonding.
Admission to the Focus on the Family Welcome Center is free, making it an excellent indoor attraction that’s both entertaining and educational for families on a budget.
9. May Natural History Museum
The May Natural History Museum, affectionately known as “The Bug Museum,” is a must-visit for families with curious kids who love creepy crawlies. Located a bit outside Colorado Springs, this museum proudly houses one of the world’s largest private collections of insects.
Insect Exhibits:
The museum showcases over 7,000 insect specimens from around the world, including butterflies, beetles, spiders, moths, and even scorpions. These insects are preserved in glass cases, allowing families to see various fascinating bugs up close.
Learning Opportunities:
For children who are fascinated by insects, this museum is the ultimate playground. Educational materials and exhibits help children learn about the diverse and vital role insects play in ecosystems worldwide. Curiously organized, the museum also teaches visitors about the life cycles and habits of different insect species.
Outdoor Setting:
The May Natural History Museum also provides an outdoor setting where families can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the scenic views that surround it. While it may be a niche attraction, it’s highly recommended for families with kids fascinated by the natural world.
Overall, the Bug Museum offers a unique learning opportunity that sparks curiosity in children and helps them discover the beauty of even the smallest creatures.
10. CityROCK Climbing Gym
The CityROCK Climbing Gym is a wonderful indoor activity for kids and families, especially if you’re visiting during the colder or wetter months. Climbing is a fantastic way for children to develop physical strength, coordination, and confidence—all while having fun.
Kid-Friendly Climbing:
CityROCK has been designed with climbers of all ages and experience levels in mind, making it a perfect family destination. For beginners, they offer auto-belay systems that ensure safety while climbing. These systems provide hands-free rope management, allowing even young kids to climb with confidence.
Special Programs for Kids:
Kids as young as 3 years old can participate in CityROCK’s climbing classes. These programs are tailored to help children learn basic climbing techniques while ensuring their safety with equipment suited for their size and ability level. For teens and pre-teens with a bit more experience, there’s also the bouldering section, where they can practice their skills without the use of ropes on shorter climbing walls.
Toddler Zone:
For the youngest guests, the Kid’s Cave is an ideal space filled with safer and smaller climbing walls suited to their needs.
Climbing at CityROCK is a goal-oriented activity, helping children build both mental and physical strength. It’s an excellent way for kids to have fun in a safe, structured environment.
11. Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site
Not all historical sites are designed with kids in mind, but the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site offers a unique “living history” experience that engages the whole family. Located on the grounds of Garden of the Gods, this historic site offers interactive exhibits that shed light on Colorado’s settlement history.
Living History Museum and Interactive Exhibits:
Families visiting Rock Ledge Ranch will step back in time and meet interpreters dressed in 19th-century attire, ready to share the stories of early Colorado settlers. Kids can become hands-on participants in activities such as blacksmithing, wool spinning, and sheep shearing. These immersive experiences allow children to see how early settlers lived, worked, and built community.
Pioneer Life and Early Settlements:
Visitors will explore the Pioneer Homestead, complete with a recreated farmhouse, barn, and outbuildings. Here, children can learn about the daily lives of homesteaders through engaging, hands-on exhibits like churning butter or making candles.
Seasonal Events:
Throughout the year, Rock Ledge Ranch hosts various seasonal events, from historical reenactments to harvest festivals and sheep shearing days. These special events offer even more interactive experiences for young history enthusiasts.
Rock Ledge Ranch is one of those rare places where history is actively brought to life, creating memorable learning experiences for kids. Whether they’re watching the blacksmith work or helping out with chores, the whole family will leave with a deeper understanding of pioneer life.
12. Red Rock Canyon Open Space
For families that love outdoor adventure, the Red Rock Canyon Open Space offers a fantastic opportunity for nature-based fun, with activities ranging from easy hikes to wildlife spotting, all within a beautiful red-rock canyon landscape.
Family-Friendly Hiking:
The open space boasts several well-maintained, easy trails that are perfect for families with younger children. These trails wind through stunning red rock formations, valleys, and open fields, providing parents with an opportunity to introduce their children to hiking without a strenuous experience. Trails like Sand Canyon and Mesa Trail are particularly recommended for their short, accessible routes.
Educational and Scenic Views:
The park features educational signs along the trails, explaining the geology and natural history of Red Rock Canyon, giving kids an introduction to basic geology while they’re out in nature.
Wildlife Viewing and Picnicking:
Kids can enjoy wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot deer, foxes, and various bird species that call the park home. Pack a picnic and take breaks at one of the park’s several picnic spots, which offer sweeping views of the canyon and its towering sandstone formations.
Red Rock Canyon offers a tranquil, natural experience that’s conveniently located close to Colorado Springs and provides the perfect opportunity to introduce kids to the joys of the outdoors.
13. Springs Adventure Park
Rain or shine, the Springs Adventure Park is the place to go when your kids want to burn off some energy indoors. This large indoor recreational park includes tons of activities that appeal to children of all ages, making it a perfect destination for families looking for fun, high-energy entertainment.
Indoor Trampoline Park:
Springs Adventure Park features a massive trampoline section, where kids can bounce and flip to their heart’s content. Padded walls and flooring make it generally safe for energetic little ones, and specific zones cater to different age groups to ensure safety for the youngest jumpers.
Ninja Warrior Course:
For older kids who want an extra challenge, the ninja warrior course offers a fun, obstacle-laden platform where they can test their agility, strength, and endurance. Think swinging bars, balance beams, and intense climbing challenges.
Arcade, Dodgeball, and More:
Other attractions include arcade games, a dodgeball court, and even foam pits for safe flipping and tumbling. Parents can relax knowing the staff keeps close watch over the activity zones to ensure everyone is playing safely.
Springs Adventure Park is the ultimate indoor venue to keep kids entertained while they run, jump, and play. Its multitude of activities ensures that every family member will find something they enjoy—rain or shine.
14. U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, located in downtown Colorado Springs, offers families the chance to learn about America’s greatest athletes and their journey to the pinnacle of sports achievement. Designed to be highly interactive and educational, this award-winning museum is an immersive experience for kids of all ages.
Interactive Exhibits:
One of the unique features of this museum is its hands-on exhibits that let kids simulate the experience of being an Olympic athlete. From testing your speed against Olympic sprinters to simulating the motion of bobsleigh racing, the museum combines learning with fun physical challenges through virtual sports experiences.
Athlete Stories and Educational Programs:
Children can dive into the inspiring stories of U.S. Olympians and Paralympians through multimedia exhibits highlighting what it takes to achieve greatness in sports. The museum also hosts regular educational programs, focusing on values like teamwork, perseverance, and determination, effortlessly blending education and inspiration for kids.
Accessibility:
The museum’s inclusive design ensures that it’s fully accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities, making it a wonderful destination for families with members of all abilities.
For families with sports enthusiasts or those who value lessons in perseverance and dedication, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is a highlight of any Colorado Springs visit.
15. The Dinosaur Resource Center
For dino-loving kids, the Dinosaur Resource Center in nearby Woodland Park, just a short drive from Colorado Springs, offers an unforgettable experience. Showcasing skeletons of dinosaurs, prehistoric marine reptiles, and a working fossil lab, this museum is an exciting educational stop for children and their families.
Fossil Displays:
The museum holds an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, including T-Rex, raptors, and marine reptiles. These full-scale skeletons give children a sense of the size and scope of prehistoric life. There are also interactive touch screens where children can deepen their learning about the prehistoric era.
Fossil Preparation Lab:
A unique feature is the working fossil preparation lab, where children can watch real paleontologists clean and prepare new fossils for display. This hands-on approach lets young minds dive deep into the science of paleontology and learn valuable facts about dinosaurs and prehistoric life.
Kid-Specific Programs:
Daily guided tours and educational programs make the museum’s exhibits engaging for children, helping them understand the lives and habits of dinosaurs in a way that is both fun and scientifically accurate.
For budding paleontologists and dinosaur enthusiasts, the Dinosaur Resource Center is a can’t-miss destination filled with fossils and fascinating insights into our planet’s ancient past.
16. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
Of all the kid-friendly destinations in Colorado Springs, the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park stands out as a place where kids of all ages can spend an entire day having fun—regardless of the weather. This indoor water park is part of the Great Wolf Lodge Resort, but day passes make it accessible even if you’re not staying at the hotel.
Water Slides and Splash Zones:
The water park includes exhilarating water slides, rushing wave pools, and winding lazy rivers. The slides range in intensity, so there’s something for every age level, from gentle slides for toddlers to more intense twists and turns for older children.
Toddler and Preschool Activities:
For toddlers and younger children, there’s a massive indoor splash playground filled with slides designed for smaller climbers, mushroom waterfalls, and interactive water sprays. Fort Mackenzie, a multi-level treehouse with water cannons and a giant bucket that regularly douses the area in water, provides an interactive element that keeps kids engaged for hours.
On-Site Dining and Entertainment:
When it’s time to refuel, families can grab a bite at the on-site restaurants, which offer family-friendly dining options. In the evenings, the lodge frequently hosts storytime and character appearances, providing a magical wind-down to a day filled with water-based fun.
Great Wolf Lodge is easily a full-day activity perfect for both indoor water fun and relaxation.
17. Acacia Park Playground & Uncle Wilber’s Fountain
Located in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, Acacia Park Playground is a wonderful outdoor destination for families with younger children looking for an afternoon of free, laid-back fun.
Playground:
The playground at Acacia Park includes swings, climbing structures, slides, and several features that promote open-ended play. It’s a favorite for both locals and visitors and provides ample seating for parents to relax and watch their kids safely play in the well-maintained area.
Uncle Wilber’s Fountain:
During the warmer months, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, you can expect a delightful surprise in the form of Uncle Wilber’s Fountain. This splash pad features whimsical water jets that turn on throughout the day, providing fun water play for kids. It’s particularly inviting on a hot day when little ones need to cool off.
Summer Concerts:
In the summertime, the park also hosts free family-friendly concerts, making it a lively, vibrant space for both families and the wider community.
18. Western Museum of Mining & Industry
Take your kids on an exciting trip back to the days of the Wild West at the Western Museum of Mining & Industry. This 27-acre site is filled with hands-on exhibits and live demonstrations that show what life was like during the height of Colorado’s mining boom.
Interactive Learning:
The museum is filled with interactive exhibits where children can try their hand at gold panning and operate mining tools, sparking their curiosity while teaching them about Colorado’s rich mining history. The dynamic steam engines and mining machinery are a particular highlight, best enjoyed during museum-led demonstrations that bring the machines to life.
Live Demonstrations:
The Western Museum of Mining & Industry hosts live machinery demonstrations, where families can see actual mining equipment in action. Watching ore crushers smash rocks and air-driven engines power large machinery is an exhilarating experience for kids. Plus, trained guides provide context, offering informative, storytelling-style tours that make history engaging and accessible to young visitors.
Wildlife:
Situated on acres of farmland, the museum’s grounds also include farm animals, which kids can visit, making this attraction a great mix of history, nature, and interactive fun.
The balance of historical education and engaging, hands-on experiences makes this museum a great stop for curious kids and budding engineers.
19. Flying W Ranch Chuckwagon Dinner & Show
For a mix of Old West nostalgia and delicious food, head to Flying W Ranch, where families can enjoy a chuckwagon dinner complete with a live, Western-themed music show. Ideal for children and adults alike, this attraction brings the spirit of the Wild West to life.
Chuckwagon Dinner:
Families are treated to a hearty chuckwagon-style dinner, often including BBQ meats, baked beans, biscuits, and desserts, served the traditional cowboy way. Kids and adults alike will love the friendly atmosphere and Western-themed ambiance.
Flying W Wranglers Musical Show:
The highlight of the evening is the live performance by the Flying W Wranglers, a country-western band that has been entertaining guests at the ranch for over five decades. Their music includes cowboy songs, heartwarming ballads, and foot-tapping tunes that entertain kids and grown-ups alike.
Old West Activities:
Before dinner, families are welcome to explore the ranch and engage in Old West-themed activities, including wagon rides, train rides, and a petting zoo for younger children.
The Flying W Ranch Chuckwagon Dinner and Show offers an evening full of laughter, music, and great food in a family-friendly environment that’s steeped in the Western legacy of Colorado Springs.
20. Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
For families with children fascinated by trains, the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad is a top-tier experience offering a ride on a classic steam locomotive. Located in nearby Cripple Creek, a former mining town just over an hour from Colorado Springs, this train ride explores Colorado’s gold mining history.
Steam Train Ride:
Families will board a historic steam locomotive that winds its way through the scenic mountains and forests surrounding Cripple Creek. The 45-minute roundtrip offers stunning views of the region’s mining areas, wildlife, and forested landscapes.
Educational Narration:
During the train ride, an insightful narration provides an overview of the region’s history, from the gold mining days of the late 19th century to its current preservation. The educational storytelling makes it both an entertaining and informative trip for children.
This scenic and relatively short train ride is an ideal outing for younger children who love trains and families seeking a leisurely historic adventure.
21. Pikes Peak Children’s Museum
Designed especially for younger kids, the Pikes Peak Children’s Museum is an interactive space focusing on hands-on learning through play. While this museum is still in the process of full development, it offers pop-up exhibits across various locations in Colorado Springs, making it an engaging and educational space for children ages 10 and under.
Hands-On Play Exhibits:
The museum’s exhibits focus on creativity, science, art, and culture, offering an array of interactive activities to engage toddlers and elementary school-aged children. Popular hands-on exhibits include science experiments, art projects, and sensory play opportunities.
Perfect for Indoors:
When you need an indoor option, especially on a cold or rainy day, the pop-up exhibits provided by the Pikes Peak Children’s Museum are ideal for keeping kids entertained and engaged with learning.
As this emerging museum evolves, it’s becoming an essential part of family-friendly indoor activities in Colorado Springs.
FAQs Section: Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in Colorado Springs with Kids
1. What are the best free things to do in Colorado Springs with kids?
One of the best things about Colorado Springs for families is that there are plenty of free activities, allowing families to have fun even on a limited budget. Must-visit free attractions include:
- Garden of the Gods: This beautiful park provides free entry and offers easy, stroller-friendly trails, wildlife spotting, and educational exhibits at its Visitor & Nature Center.
- Acacia Park Playground: The downtown park has a children’s playground and, during the summer, Uncle Wilber’s Fountain provides fun splash pad action for free.
- Red Rock Canyon Open Space: This scenic park is ideal for families who enjoy hiking, and offers free access to family-friendly trails.
2. Is Colorado Springs good for toddlers?
Yes, Colorado Springs is incredibly toddler-friendly, with numerous activities catering to younger children. Attractions like the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo with its open space and giraffe feeding, Pikes Peak Children’s Museum with hands-on play, and the magical North Pole – Santa’s Workshop are all fantastic for toddlers. Additionally, playgrounds like Acacia Park and toddler play zones at Great Wolf Lodge ensure plenty of age-appropriate fun.
3. What are some indoor activities in Colorado Springs for kids?
While outdoor adventures are plentiful, there’s no shortage of indoor activities either. Great destinations include:
- CityROCK Climbing Gym: This indoor rock-climbing facility is perfect for beginners with auto-belay systems and separate areas for young kids.
- May Natural History Museum: Kids can marvel at exotic insect displays indoors.
- U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum: Filled with interactive exhibits, this is an excellent indoor educational option.
Check out the Pikes Peak Library District’s free storytimes and pop-up events, too!
4. What is there to do in Colorado Springs in winter with kids?
Wintertime in Colorado Springs provides just as many fun opportunities for families. Enjoy outdoor winter events like the Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, ice skating at Acacia Park, and sledding at Mueller State Park. For indoor activities, Cave of the Winds and the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park are great winter getaways.
5. Are there any educational attractions in Colorado Springs?
Absolutely! Several attractions offer fantastic educational experiences, including:
- The Dinosaur Resource Center: Kids can learn about prehistoric life through fossil exhibits and a working lab.
- Western Museum of Mining & Industry: Gold panning and live demonstrations make this an engaging, history-rich experience.
- Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site: Children can engage with Colorado’s pioneer history through hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations.
Conclusion: Planning Your Family Trip to Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is a must-visit destination for families seeking both adventure and education. Whether you’re exploring ancient cliff dwellings, watching your kids climb their first rock wall, or simply admiring the awe-inspiring beauty of Garden of the Gods, every day spent in this city provides endless opportunities for quality family time.
This city is unique in its ability to combine outdoor exhilaration with interactive indoor experiences. The diversity of activities—from thrilling outdoor adventure parks and steam locomotive rides to sensory play at the Pikes Peak Children’s Museum—ensures there’s something for everyone in the family, regardless of their interests or ages.
As you plan your family trip, consider the time of year and your children’s ages to make the most of what Colorado Springs has to offer. Winter provides incredible cold-weather activities while summer means plenty of outdoor exploration. Yet, year-round, the weather allows for flexible experiences since both indoor and outdoor options abound.
Ultimately, the combination of history, adventure, education, and the natural beauty of the Rockies seamlessly integrates into a memorable family vacation that your kids will cherish for years to come. Start planning, pack your bags, and get ready to discover all the family-friendly attractions Colorado Springs has in store!