Outdoor Things to Do with Kids in Colorado Springs

Looking for a family-friendly vacation destination that will keep your kids active and entertained outdoors? Look no further than Colorado Springs!

From hiking and biking trails to zoos and scenic drives, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. With so many things to do, your kids will never be bored in Colorado Springs. And, since the city is located just a short drive from Denver (70 miles) and Boulder (60 miles), you can easily add a day trip or two to your itinerary if you want to explore more of Colorado.

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Don’t Miss These Family Activities in Colorado Springs

Our family loves Colorado Springs and know you will too! To help you plan your trip, check out our list of things to do with kids in Colorado Springs below. It features mostly outdoor activities, but also a few indoor attractions and kid friendly museums for rainy days. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen!

Hike or Bike Colorado Springs Trails.

Some of the more popular bike and hiking trails include Cheyenne Cañon Park, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Garden of the Gods Park, North Cheyenne Canon Park, and Palmer Park.

For bike rentals, check out local businesses including Ted’s Bicycles, Colorado Springs Bike Shop and Rocke Mountain Bike. See our guide for the best hiking trails in Colorado Springs here.

Find a trail that fits your level of adventure here with AllTrails.

Here are some other guided tour options in the area:

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Enjoy Broadmoor Seven Falls

A great option for cooling off on a hot day is Seven Falls. This series of waterfalls is located in a box canyon in South Cheyenne Cañon Park. To get to the falls, you’ll hike 1.5 miles round trip on a moderate trail. Along the way, you’ll have stunning views of the canyon and city below.

The Seven Falls trail is one of the most popular trails in Colorado Springs. It can get crowded, especially on weekends. To avoid crowds, try to hike early in the morning or later in the evening.

Once you reach the falls, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of seven cascading waterfalls. The tallest of these falls is 24 feet high. You can also take an elevator to the top of the falls for an even better view.

Visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

This is not your typical zoo. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is located on the slopes of Cheyenne Mountain and is the ONLY mountain zoo you’ll find in the United States. This unique setting offers stunning views of the city below and allows you to get up close and personal with the animals. It’s rated one of the top zoos in the country by both TripAdvisor and 10 Best USA Today.

The zoo is home to more than 750 animals, including lions, tigers, bears, giraffes, and elephants. You can also visit the Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit to see animals that are native to Colorado, such as bighorn sheep, lynx, and river otters. The zoo is home of the largest herd of reticulated giraffes in the United States and offers a Giraffe Feeding Experience daily that you want to experience when you are here.

In addition to the animals, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo also offers some great views of the city below. Be sure to take the Sky Ride up to the top of the mountain for panoramic views of Colorado Springs. You can also ride the Mountaintop Carousel or take a spin on the Alpine Slide for some fun family-friendly thrills.

Explore Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak is one of Colorado’s most iconic landmarks and is definitely worth a visit when you’re in the area. The summit of Pikes Peak is more than 14,000 feet above sea level, making it the highest peak in the southern Rocky Mountains.

Imagine the panoramic view you’ll discover when you reach Pikes Peak’s summit at 14,000 feet. The views go on for miles and miles making it easy to see why it’s the most visited mountain in North America. There are several ways to reach the summit, but the most popular options are by car and to take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.

Pikes Peak By Car

You can drive your own car to the top of Pikes Peak, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. The road is steep and winding with some hairpin turns. But, if you’re up for the challenge, the views from the top are definitely worth it!

The drive to the top of Pikes Peak takes about 1-2 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions. Be sure to check the road conditions before you go as the road can close due to bad weather. When you reach the summit, be sure to take a walk around and enjoy the 360-degree views.

Hiking Pikes Peak

There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from on the mountain. For an easy family hike, the Crags Trail is a 4-mile out and back trail inside Pike National Forest. The views from the top are stunning!! You’ll see Crystal Reservoir and an unobstructed view of the Rockies.

Take a ride on the historic Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

This historic train has been taking passengers to the top of Pikes Peak since 1891. The railway is the highest cog railway in North America and the second highest in the world. The nearly 9 mile train ride is about 3 hours long and departs from Manitou Springs. You’ll travel up the mountain past cascading streams, forests of evergreens, and up above the timberline to the peak.

Once on top, you can step off the train and see for as far as the eye can see. The views from the summit are stunning. The visitor center has an observation deck where you can take pictures, learn about the history of the peak, buy a souvenir, or get one the peak’s famous doughnuts. Warning: the texture of these high altitude doughnuts are different than what you’re used to, but they are worth a try.

This is one of the best things for all ages, and your teens and older children especially will love being able to see the landscape from above. You’ll have plenty of time at the summit to explore and take in the breathtaking views.

Walk Alongside Olympians at the U.S. Olympic Training Center

Colorado Springs is nicknamed Olympic City USA and is home to The U.S. Olympic Training Center. Many Olympic and Paralympic athletes actually live and train here. The center includes:

• U.S. Olympic Committee
• U.S. Paralympics
• Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center
• 23 National Governing Bodies of Sport
• 2 Official Olympic Training Sites: Velodrome and World Arena Ice Hall

While you can’t actually go inside the training facilities, there are guided tours of the grounds that are open to the public. The tour takes you past several training venues and ends at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum. Get musfeum tickets here.

Visit The U.S Olympic and Paralympic Museum

This museum is a great place to learn about the history of the Olympics and see some of the artifacts from past games. There are 12 different galleries and many interactive exhibits inside this 60,000 square foot attraction. The museum is located right next to the U.S Olympic Training Center.

The museum is also home to the Hall of Fame which honors Olympians and Paralympians who have made a significant impact on their sport. This is a great activity for sports fans of all ages. Even if your teens aren’t into sports, they’ll probably find something of interest here.

You can purchase tickets for the museum and tour of the training center together, or you can buy them separately. If you have younger children, they will probably enjoy the tour of the grounds more than the actual museum. But, either way, this is a great activity.

Visit Garden of the Gods

In the foothills along Pikes Peak, you’ll find stunning red rock formations at the Garden of the Gods. Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the area. Here you will find ample opportunities to hike, bike, picnic, horseback ride, and climb. This city park was designed as a National Natural Landmark in 1971 and is one of the state’s top 10 Not-To-Miss Experiences.

Venture out on the park’s 15 miles of trails that range from easy to moderate. If you want an up-close-and-personal view of these red rocks, take the Siamese Twins Trail. This is an easy, 1-mile loop that will take you right through two of the park’s iconic red rock formations – the Tower of Babel and the Sentinel Spires.

For a more challenging hike, try the Garden of the Gods Loop Trail. This 7.5-mile trail will take you past all the major rock formations in the park. Along the way, you’ll have stunning views of Pikes Peak and the city below. Read more about the best trails in Colorado Springs for families here.

Explore the Great Outdoors

Go for a hike, picnic, or just take in the scenic views at Mueller State Park or Pike National Forest. Both Mueller State Park and Pike National Forest are great places to explore the great outdoors. And they offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a leisurely hike or a more adventurous experience.

Mueller State Park is located just west of Colorado Springs and offers over 1,000 acres of meadows, forests, and lakes. You can go hiking, horseback riding, fishing, or picnicking in this state park. For fishing enthusiasts, there are five stocked lakes to choose from. And for those looking for a challenging hike, the park has over 100 miles of trails.

Pike National Forest is located just outside of the city and offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Here you can go hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and more. For something a bit more rugged, take a guided 4×4 jeep tour on the backcountry dirt roads with Adventures Out West who will take you on a tour of some of the most scenic – and inaccessible – places in Pike National Forest.

Go for a Swim

Many area hotels have pools available to guests. There are also several public pools in Colorado Springs. So if you’re looking to cool off on a hot day, head to one of these pools for a swim. Splash around at Broadmoor World Arena, or City Pool.

Broadmoor World Arena also has two pools, as well as a diving well and waterslide. City Pool has one pool, a diving well, and a waterslide. All of these pools are great for cooling off on a hot day.

Explore Downtown Colorado Springs

Downtown Colorado Springs is a great place to explore. There are many shops, restaurants, and things to see and do. Start at Tejon Street where you’ll find many of the city’s best shops and restaurants. Then head to the historic district where you can tour the Ivywild School, a former schoolhouse that’s been converted into a unique marketplace with food and a local brewery.

If you’re looking for a fun place to eat with an Alice in Wonderland vibe, be sure to check out The Rabbit Hole. This restaurant is located underground and is decorated with Alice and the Mad Tea Party-themed décor. To access it, you have to go to what looks like an old subway entrance and down a flight of stairs. It’s a fun place to eat with kids and adults alike.

Space Foundation Discovery Center

I’m always a fan of getting the kids exploring outdoors. However there are certainly times when we love to explore indoors as well. The space foundation is a great excuse to stay inside. The exhibits are interactive, interesting, and fun for kids (and adults!) of all ages.

The space museum has lots of special events and labs, too. Check the website before you go for a full schedule and to purchase tickets in advance.

Visit a Museum

Colorado Springs is home to several museums, including the Ghost Town Museum and the May Natural History Museum.

The Ghost Town Museum is a great place to take kids. They can learn about what life was like in the Old West while exploring an authentic ghost town. The museum also has a gold mine where kids can pan for gold.

The May Natural History Museum is another great option for those with kids. They can learn about the area’s wildlife and geology while exploring the museum’s hands-on exhibits.

These are just two of the many museums in Colorado Springs. So if you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day, be sure to check out one of the city’s museums.

Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs is a historic small town located just west of Colorado Springs. The town is home to a number of art galleries, shops, and restaurants, as well as some interesting historical sites.

Penny Arcade

One of the most popular attractions in Manitou Springs is the Penny Arcade. This historic amusement venue features more than 50 vintage coin-operated arcade games, including pinball machines, shooting games, and carnival-style games. Best of all, the games charge the price they did when they were first introduced – some are one or two pennies!

If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, Manitou Springs is also home to a number of art galleries. The town is known for its vibrant arts community, and you’ll find everything from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and pottery.

Related: Read more about 15 Once in a Lifetime Things to Do in Colorado with Your Family

Cave of the Winds

The Cave of the Winds is another one of Manitou Springs’ must-see attractions. Take a break from the heat and explore some of Colorado’s coolest underground caverns at Cave of the Winds. This unique attraction takes you on a guided tour of Wind Cave, where you’ll see stalactites, stalagmites, and other amazing rock formations.

The Discovery Cave Tour is a great option for families as it’s gentle and easy enough for young kids. This tour will take you through the Windy Point Room where you’ll see stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations.

For a more challenging adventure, try the Lantern Tour. This tour is recommended for ages 10 and up and takes you off the beaten path into some of the less-traveled areas of the cave. You’ll get to see formations that are thousands of years old and hear stories about the cave’s history.

Both tours end with a trip through the Bat Cave – home to a colony of Mexican free-tailed bats. This is a great place to cool off on a hot day, and kids will love getting to see these fascinating creatures up close.

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

If you’re visiting Manitou Springs with kids, be sure to check out the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. This attraction includes a museum with displays about the area’s history and culture, as well as a recreated village. Kids will love getting to explore the dwellings and learn about life in this ancient civilization.

Note: Our family has been to Mesa Verde National Park and it is an amazing place to visit to see authentic cliff dwellings. If you don’t have time for a drive out there to see them, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a great option that is much closer. However, if you’ve been to Mesa Verde before, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings won’t have the same wow factor.

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Although not actually in Colorado Springs, a trip to see the Royal Gorge is a must when visiting with kids. The Royal Gorge Railway train departs from nearby Cañon City, Colorado and follows the Arkansas River for 12 miles through one of the world’s deepest canyons – the Royal Gorge.

The trip takes approximately 3 hours and provides amazing views of the river, cliffs, and wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goats. You might even see a bald eagle or two.

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a great way to experience the area’s history and natural beauty. The train cars are comfortable and provide ample room for families. Food and drinks are available for purchase on board. We did a lunch ride where lunch was included in the ticket price, and it was very good. I would recommend doing a lunch ride as it’s a great way to relax and take in the scenery.

Take a Scenic Drive

Colorado Springs is home to many scenic drives. And with so much beautiful scenery to take in, it’s no wonder that driving is one of the most popular things to do in Colorado Springs. Some of the most popular scenic drives include:

Pikes Peak Highway – This 19-mile drive takes you to the summit of Pikes Peak, the highest mountain in the Southern Rockies. Along the way, you’ll be treated to amazing views of the mountains, forests, and valleys below.

Garden of the Gods Scenic Loop – This 8-mile drive takes you through Garden of the Gods Park, where you’ll see towering red sandstone formations and breathtaking views of Pikes Peak.

Cheyenne Canyon Road – This 7-mile drive takes you through Cheyenne Canyon, where you’ll see towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.

Gold Camp Road – This 19-mile drive takes you through some of the most scenic areas in the area, including Mueller State Park, Eleven Mile Canyon, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park.

Visit the United States Air Force Academy

Founded in 1954, the United States Air Force Academy is one of the most prestigious military academies in the country. The campus is located just north of Colorado Springs and is open to the public for self-guided tours.

Tours typically take 1-2 hours and include a visit to the Cadet Chapel, Falcon Stadium, and the Visitor Center. The Academy is also home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, which is worth a visit if you have time.

Stay and Play at the Broadmoor

If you’re looking for a luxury vacation, look no further than the Broadmoor. This world-renowned resort is located in Colorado Springs and offers everything you could possibly want in a vacation, including five-star accommodations, championship golf courses, luxurious spas, and much more.

The Broadmoor is also home to several family-friendly attractions, including an indoor water park, an outdoor adventure center, and a wildlife preserve. And if that’s not enough to keep the kids entertained, the resort also offers kids’ clubs, daily activities, and child care services.

There’s truly something for everyone at the Broadmoor. And with so much to do, you might just never want to leave! But even if you choose not to stay at the resort, it’s definitely worth a visit. The grounds are beautiful and there’s plenty to see and do.

Falconry Experience at the Broadmoor

If you’re looking for a unique experience, the Broadmoor Falconry Experience allows you to get up close and personal with some of the most amazing birds of prey. It’s one of their most popular activities during the summer months.

During your experience, you’ll learn about the fascinating world of falconry and get to handle and fly a real hawk or falcon. You’ll also get to go on a guided hunt with your bird. And if you’re lucky, you might even get to see the bird take down its prey!

Wild West Experience at the Broadmoor

If you want to experience the Wild West, the Broadmoor Wild West Experience will take you back in time to the days of cowboys and outlaws.

During your experience, you’ll get to participate in a variety of activities, including horseback riding, roping, and shooting. You’ll also get to enjoy a delicious cowboy-style dinner. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even spend the night in a real tipi!

Fly Fishing at the Broadmoor

Colorado Springs is home to many great fly fishing spots. And if you’re a fan of fly fishing, the Broadmoor Fly Fishing Experience is a must-do.

During your experience, you’ll get to go on a guided fly fishing trip in one of the area’s many pristine rivers or streams. You’ll also get to learn about the art of fly fishing and receive expert instruction from your guide.

And if you want to catch something other than fish, the Broadmoor also offers fly fishing for trout, bass, and pike. So no matter what you’re after, you’re sure to have a great time!

Final Thoughts

Colorado Springs is a great place to visit with the entire family. There are many different fun things to see and do that there is something for every family member. From scenic drives and outdoor adventures to kids activities and free things to do, your family will love spending time in Colorado Springs!