Colorado Springs, located at the base of the majestic Rockies, is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities. Whether your kids are adventurers, animal lovers, budding scientists, or curious learners, the city offers countless ways to have fun and create unforgettable memories. The Kids Point has compiled a guide to the best activities for families in Colorado Springs to make your visit as exciting as possible.
Explore Garden of the Gods
Location: 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO
Why It’s Great for Kids:
Garden of the Gods is a geological wonder featuring towering sandstone formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak. The park offers free admission and has miles of walking and biking trails suitable for families.
- Kid-friendly Highlights:
- Rock climbing classes for beginners.
- Interactive exhibits at the Visitor and Nature Center.
- Wildlife spotting opportunities, including mule deer and hawks.
- Fun souvenirs and treats at the Trading Post.
Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Location: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO
Why It’s Great for Kids:
Ranked as one of the top zoos in the U.S., this mountainside zoo is a favorite among families. The unique layout and diverse wildlife make it both educational and entertaining.
- Kid-friendly Highlights:
- Feed the giraffes at the zoo’s African Rift Valley exhibit.
- Ride the historic Mountaineer Sky Ride for stunning views.
- Visit the Aquatics Center and learn about marine species.
Take a Ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Location: 515 Ruxton Ave, Manitou Springs, CO
Why It’s Great for Kids:
This scenic railway is the highest in North America, taking families on an unforgettable journey to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak.
- Kid-friendly Highlights:
- Enjoy breathtaking views and point out wildlife during the ride.
- Warm up with hot cocoa at the summit visitor center.
- Learn fun facts about the mountain’s history and geology from onboard guides.
Immerse in Space Exploration at the Space Foundation Discovery Center
Location: 4425 Arrowswest Dr, Colorado Springs, CO
Why It’s Great for Kids:
This hands-on museum is perfect for budding astronauts and space enthusiasts. The exhibits are interactive, engaging, and cater to curious minds of all ages.
- Kid-friendly Highlights:
- Explore the Mars Robotics Laboratory.
- Try virtual reality simulations of space missions.
- Watch captivating shows in the Space Foundation Theatre.
Discover History at Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Location: 10 Cliff Dwellings Rd, Manitou Springs, CO
Why It’s Great for Kids:
These well-preserved Puebloan ruins allow kids to step back in time and explore how Native Americans lived centuries ago.
- Kid-friendly Highlights:
- Crawl through ancient rooms and imagine life in the past.
- Visit the museum to learn about the Ancestral Puebloans.
- Take a break at the on-site gift shop for unique souvenirs.
Enjoy Thrills at North Pole Colorado – Santa’s Workshop
Location: 5050 Pikes Peak Hwy, Cascade, CO
Why It’s Great for Kids:
This Christmas-themed amusement park is magical for children, combining festive cheer with fun rides and activities.
- Kid-friendly Highlights:
- Ride the Candy Cane Coaster and the Peppermint Slide.
- Visit Santa’s house and meet the man himself.
- Mail letters to Santa at the themed post office.
Learn About Dinosaurs at the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center
Location: 201 S Fairview St, Woodland Park, CO
Why It’s Great for Kids:
This museum houses a fantastic collection of fossils and replicas of dinosaurs, marine reptiles, and prehistoric creatures.
- Kid-friendly Highlights:
- Participate in interactive exhibits in the Children’s Discovery Room.
- Watch paleontologists at work in the fossil prep lab.
- Explore life-size dinosaur replicas, including a T. rex.
Explore Caves at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Location: 100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs, CO
Why It’s Great for Kids:
Combining adventure and education, this park offers cave tours and outdoor activities.
- Kid-friendly Highlights:
- Guided Discovery Tours into the caves with storytelling.
- Thrilling rides like the Bat-A-Pult zipline for older kids.
- Light hiking trails and picnic areas for family fun.
Hike Through the Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Location: 29950 Paint Mines Rd, Calhan, CO
Why It’s Great for Kids:
This hidden gem features colorful clay formations and a history dating back to Native American tribes who used the clay for paint.
- Kid-friendly Highlights:
- Explore fascinating rock formations and hoodoos.
- Teach kids about geology and natural erosion.
- Capture Instagram-worthy family photos.
Visit the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center
Location: 1 Olympic Plaza, Colorado Springs, CO
Why It’s Great for Kids:
This center provides a behind-the-scenes look at how elite athletes train.
- Kid-friendly Highlights:
- Guided tours of training facilities.
- Inspiring stories about Olympians and Paralympians.
- Interactive exhibits showcasing sports science.
Spend the Day at Focus on the Family Welcome Center
Location: 8685 Explorer Dr, Colorado Springs, CO
Why It’s Great for Kids:
This family-friendly destination has plenty of free activities for children of all ages.
- Kid-friendly Highlights:
- Slide down a three-story slide.
- Play in the Kid’s Korner and Toddler Area.
- Enjoy a snack at the Soda Shoppe.
Experience Adventure at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Location: 4218 Co Rd 3A, Cañon City, CO
Why It’s Great for Kids:
This park features one of the highest suspension bridges in the world, along with thrilling activities.
- Kid-friendly Highlights:
- Ride the aerial gondola for scenic views.
- Enjoy the carousel and play area in Children’s Playland.
- For older kids, try the Cloudscraper Zip Line.
Go Mining at the Western Museum of Mining and Industry
Location: 225 North Gate Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO
Why It’s Great for Kids:
Introduce your kids to Colorado’s mining history with hands-on exhibits and demonstrations.
- Kid-friendly Highlights:
- Pan for gold and imagine life as a prospector.
- Tour the operational steam engines.
- Learn about the tools and techniques used in mining.
Spend a Rainy Day at the Penny Arcade
Location: 930 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO
Why It’s Great for Kids:
This retro arcade features hundreds of classic games and newer options, making it perfect for family bonding.
- Kid-friendly Highlights:
- Games priced from a penny to a dollar.
- Carnival-style activities for younger children.
- Nostalgic fun for parents too!
Visit the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
Location: 4729 Twin Rocks Rd, Divide, CO
Why It’s Great for Kids:
This sanctuary offers a unique chance to see wolves up close and learn about wildlife conservation.
- Kid-friendly Highlights:
- Guided wolf walks and howling sessions.
- Educational talks about wolf behavior and habitats.
- Opportunities to see foxes and coyotes too.
Have Fun with Fossils at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Location: 15807 Teller County Rd 1, Florissant, CO
Why It’s Great for Kids:
This national monument preserves ancient fossil beds and petrified trees.
- Kid-friendly Highlights:
- Touch real fossils and learn about ancient ecosystems.
- Join ranger-led programs and junior ranger activities.
- Hike family-friendly trails around the monument.
Kid-Friendly Dining Options in Colorado Springs
After a day of exploration, enjoy a meal at one of these kid-approved restaurants:
- The Airplane Restaurant: Eat inside a converted airplane!
- King’s Chef Diner: A castle-shaped diner serving all-day breakfast.
- Amy’s Donuts: A fun stop for colorful, gourmet donuts.
- Pizzeria Rustica: Delicious wood-fired pizzas in a family-friendly setting.
Final Tips for Family Fun in Colorado Springs
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early fall offer the best weather and fewer crowds.
- Essentials to Pack: Bring sunscreen, water bottles, and layers, as weather can change quickly.
- Discounts: Many attractions offer family passes or discounts for kids under a certain age.
Colorado Springs is a family-friendly haven with endless opportunities for fun and learning. From scaling new heights at Pikes Peak to feeding giraffes at the zoo, every experience is sure to bring smiles and laughter. For more tips and guides, visit The Kids Point—your ultimate resource for family adventures!