Fun Things to do in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs offers so many fun and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re just visiting or you’re looking to move to Colorado Springs, our hope is that this guide of places to go and things to do will help you find the best family friendly activity in Colorado Springs! From hiking to indoor laser tag, there are so many options to bring the family together and make some memories. In this guide, we will cover the four seasons and things you can do no matter the time of year!
Spring Family Activities in Colorado Springs
In the spring, Colorado Springs weather can be pretty unpredictable. You can go from snow to sunshine over the course of one day! Here are some places to go that offer you some time in the sun and some time inside.
Garden of the Gods Park
The famous Garden of the Gods Park is an absolute must-visit with its towering orange rocks and beautiful hikes that range from easy to difficult. Once you’re finished enjoying Garden of the Gods, head over to Manitou Springs for a bite to eat and some shopping at local boutiques! Garden of the Gods is free to enter. Their hours are 5:00AM to 9:00PM from November to April and 5:00AM to 10:00PM from May to October.
Old Colorado City Restaurants and Shops
Old Colorado City is located in-between downtown Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. If you’re looking for coffee, restaurants, and stores to peruse, Old Colorado City has many options for you. Story Coffee offers their own roasted coffee and is located next to a boutique displaying goods from local artists for sale. Mother Muff’s has breakfast and brunch options, and Eclectic Co. is a wonderful store offering a diversity of goods from lots of local artists and small business owners!
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Manitou Springs
The Cog Railway in Manitou Springs will take you right to the top of Pikes Peak! This train has been offering 3.5 hour round-trip rides to the top of America’s Mountain since 1891. And, once you’re at the top, you can check out the visitor center that sells Colorado themed merchandise and freshly made donuts. Ticket prices change depending on the day you want to ride, so be sure to check their website (click here) for prices. It is recommended to hydrate well and take a few days to acclimate to altitude if you’re visiting or just moved to Colorado Springs before riding the cog. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway will offer your family breathtaking views, quality time together, and a sweet treat at the top!
Summer Family Activities in Colorado Springs
In the summer, Colorado Springs gets pretty warm and is known for its incredible wildflowers. So, here are some great activities if you’re looking to get out in that beautiful sunshine and some fun ways to cool off from the heat.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a great choice for families with children of all ages. Animals to see, animals to feed, spots to eat, a carousel to ride, a chairlift-style ride, and more are all waiting for you at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Ticket prices vary, so it’s best to check out their website (click here) for pricing. The zoo is sure to bring your family hours of fun!
Pulpit Rock Hike
Pulpit Rock is roughly a 2.5 mile out and back hike that takes you to a large rock formation and offers a beautiful view of Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs. This hike gains about 400 feet of elevation and is located off Nevada in central Colorado Springs. It is about 20 minutes away from the Garden of the Gods. This is a great hike for your family to get some movement in and provides stunning scenery at the end!
Eleven Mile Canyon Reservoir and River
If you’re willing to drive an hour, you’ll end up at Eleven Mile Canyon. This canyon is not only beautiful but also has easy access to a great river that you can fish at and swim in! You’ll see lots of people spending their day here with camping chairs, coolers, fishing poles, and inner tubes. There is a day pass fee that ranges from $10-$12 per vehicle. If you’re looking to paddle board or kayak, check out Eleven Mile Reservoir. Eleven Mile State Park is a good family-friendly way to cool down and relax during hot Colorado summers!
Fall Family Activities in Colorado Springs
Colorado is absolutely stunning in the fall. Leaves are changing and local stores are offering all kinds of fall inspired goods. Here are some hikes to check out for autumn views and places to go to cozy up with your family and enjoy the crisp, cool weather.
Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings, Restaurants and Shops
Manitou Springs is located west of Old Colorado City and has many local restaurants and shops for your family to check out. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Adam’s Mountain Cafe offers nourishing meals using quality, local ingredients. Or, head over to Hell’s Kitchen for New York Style pizza! Manitou also has a historical site called the Manitou Cliff Dwellings which offer beautiful views and two museums with cultural displays for you to walk through. This is a great family-friendly choice because they allow you to touch and climb on the dwellings. Prices for tickets can be found if you click here!
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Red Rock Canyon Open Space offers lots of different hikes that range from easy to moderate. The park is pretty big which allows for lots of exploration. You can hike, bike, climb, and ride horses! Their hours are 5:00AM to 9:00PM from November to April and 5:00AM to 10:00PM from May to October. It is free to enter Red Rock Canyon Open Space.
Cheyenne Canyon
Cheyenne Canyon is another beautiful option for family-friendly hikes and picnics. The canyon offers 56 miles of hikes that range from easy to difficult. A popular hike in South Cheyenne Canyon is the Seven Falls Hike where over the course of a 3 mile out and back hike you encounter seven different water falls! This hike is considered moderately difficult, so be prepared with water, snacks, and hiking apparel. Cheyenne Canyon is free to visit, and their hours are 5:00AM to 9:00PM from November to April and 5:00AM to 10:00PM from May to October.
Winter Family Activities in Colorado Springs
Colorado winters still offer bright, sunny days despite getting snow. Here are some snow day activities and things to do after that snow melts!
Main Event
Main Event is a full-service entertainment center that offers bowling, laser tag, a large arcade, billiards, and a restaurant. It’s a great spot for large groups, parties, and all-around family fun. After saving up lots of points throughout your time playing an assortment of games, you can spend those points at their gift shop on a variety of prizes! Click here for more information about what Main Event offers and how to get passes and book events.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Looking to get out of the house and burn off some energy? Sky Zone is the place for you! After getting your tickets, signing their waiver, and putting on their special sky socks, you are free to jump as you please. Sky Zone is more than just a bunch of trampolines. They have multiple activities to choose from while you’re there including a foam pit, dodgeball, and two different basketball activities. Sky Zone welcomes all ages. Click here to book a party or event!
The Broadmoor Hotel
You might be wondering why a hotel is listed as a family-friendly activity! The Broadmoor Hotel is a large, beautiful resort that has been open for over 100 years. During the holiday season, the Broadmoor is decorated with hundreds of lights, poinsettias, Christmas trees, and they even have a life-sized gingerbread house that you can see! So, dress a little fancy if you want and take a nice evening walk through the Broadmoor during the holiday months. The Broadmoor also has many other family-friendly events and activities. Click here to see their website page specifically dedicated for families.
Family-Friendly Things To Do in Colorado Springs
As you can see, Colorado Springs offers a wide variety of activities and places to see that are great for the entire family! We hope this guide was helpful for you as you plan your next vacation or are just curious about what Colorado Springs has to offer your family. If you’re looking to move to Colorado Springs or want more information, reach out to Lisa Pflugh with Tava Homes Group at RE/MAX Properties.
