Best Things To Do With Kids In Colorado Springs

Hike amongst towering red rock formations, climb Balanced Rock, and marvel at the natural beauty. Choose some easy trails such as the Perkins Central Garden Trail, which offers close-up views of many rock formations.

You can also enroll your kids in the Junior Ranger Program, available at the visitor center. For older kids or adventurous families, consider rock climbing with a certified guide. Also, take advantage of the designated picnic areas within the park for a scenic lunch break.

See giraffes, lions, monkeys, and pandas in their natural habitats at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. It covers 146 acres, of which 40 are currently used for exhibits, housing over 750 animals representing more than 150 different species.

In addition to seeing animals, visitors can also enjoy a variety of other Colorado Springs family activities at the zoo, such as riding the carousel, taking a train ride, and watching animal demonstrations.

The journey aboard the Pikes Peak Cog Railway is as much a part of the experience as reaching the summit. Be sure to have your cameras or smartphones ready to capture the scenery along the way.

Passengers embark on a scenic ascent through the picturesque landscapes of the Pikes Peak region, including dense forests, alpine meadows, and rugged terrain. The panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, one of the best places to visit in Colorado, are truly breathtaking and make for great family photos.

Nestled in the foothills of Pikes Peak, lies The North Pole - Santa's Workshop, a charming amusement park that brings the magic of Christmas to life year-round.

During the holiday season, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, festive shows, and special appearances by Santa Claus. In the summer, the park offers things to do with family in Colorado Springs with a variety of outdoor activities, such as mini golf, gemstone mining, and laser tag.

If you're a nature enthusiast seeking adventure, exploring the Cave of the Winds is sure to leave a lasting impression. Led by an experienced guide, participants venture into the depths of the cave system, exploring its winding passages, caverns, and formations.

Along the tour route, guides point out notable features such as stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone formations, cave pools, and other geological wonders. They also share stories and legends associated with the cave, adding to the sense of wonder and intrigue.

Visiting the planetarium, learning about space exploration, and witnessing inspiring cadets in training at the U.S. Air Force Academy are among family friendly things to do in Colorado Springs.

If you want to learn more about the academy's history and traditions, a guided tour is a good option. These tours are led by knowledgeable volunteers and last about 1.5 hours. Highlights of the Tour include the Cadet Chapel, Honor Court, Arnold Hall, Planetarium, and Falcon Stadium.

The surrounding area of the Royal Gorge Bridge is characterized by dramatic cliffs, rugged terrain, and breathtaking vistas, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The zipline course consists of multiple ziplines, allowing participants to soar through the air.

Riders can expect to reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour as they zip across the canyon, experiencing an adrenaline rush unlike any other. The feeling of flying through the air with nothing but the vast expanse of the gorge below is both thrilling and awe-inspiring.

Colorado Springs family things to do list has to include Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center. Immerse yourself in North America's Late Cretaceous period with fossils of dinosaurs, pterosaurs, marine reptiles, and fish.

See impressively mounted skeletons, including a fearsome Tyrannosaurus Rex and a long-necked Brachiosaurus. Also, find dinosaur-themed souvenirs, toys, books, and apparel for all ages at Prehistoric Paradise Gift Shop.

Step back in time at this historic castle with beautiful gardens and stunning views at Glen Eyrie Castle. The castle features asymmetrical design elements, pointed arches, and masonry details reminiscent of medieval English manors.

The interior of the castle is equally impressive, with rich wood paneling, ornate fireplaces, stained glass windows, and elegant furnishings that reflect the Victorian era. Guests can also explore the extensive grounds, which encompass over 700 acres of pristine wilderness.

Imagine a 1,250-foot-walled box canyon, flanked by the towering Pillars of Hercules reaching nearly 900 feet. This dramatic backdrop sets the stage for the cascading beauty of Seven Falls.

Each "fall" has its unique character, from the powerful Cascade Falls to the delicate Minnehaha Falls. For those seeking an active experience, a challenging 224-step climb leads to hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the canyon and the surrounding mountains.

There are several ways to reach the summit of Pikes Peak, each offering a different experience. The most popular options include driving the Pikes Peak Highway, hiking the Barr Trail, or taking the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.

Once you reach the summit, take some time to soak in the panoramic views and snap some photos. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction, including the Great Plains to the east and the Continental Divide to the west.

While not actual dwellings from the past, Manitou Cliff Dwellings offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who once inhabited the Southwest.

Explore five replicated cliff dwellings, each showcasing different architectural styles and construction techniques used by the Ancestral Puebloans. Wander through two museums housing informative exhibits and artifacts that illuminate various aspects of their daily lives, culture, and traditions.

Established in 1970, the museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the region's mining heritage. The museum features a diverse range of exhibits showcasing the evolution of mining technology, the daily lives of miners, and the impact of mining on the Western landscape.

One of the many things to do in Colorado, visitors can explore indoor and outdoor exhibits. You can also take guided tours that offer a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by miners throughout the decades.

Step into the Wild West at this interactive museum, where kids can explore authentic ghost town buildings and pan for gold. This fun family things to do in Colorado Springs features real structures salvaged from towns around the Pikes Peak region.

Explore a saloon, blacksmith shop, doctor's office, and more, all meticulously preserved to their original state. Put your history skills to the test by churning butter and playing antique arcade games.

Get up close and personal with majestic wolves and other rescued wildlife on guided tours of Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center. Guided tours are available by reservation, allowing visitors to explore the facility with knowledgeable guides who provide insights into wolf behavior, biology, and conservation.

Guests also have the opportunity to meet some of the resident wolves up close, observe them in their naturalistic habitats, and learn about their individual stories and personalities.

Step back in time and experience the wonder of classic arcade games at the Penny Arcade. This beloved attraction, spread across several buildings, boasts a fascinating collection of over 400 games, ranging from vintage gems over a century old to modern favorites.

Encounter classic pinball machines featuring iconic themes like The Beatles, Star Trek, and Street Fighter. Marvel at antique fortune tellers and test your strength on vintage skill testers.

An interactive and educational space museum, Space Foundation Discovery Center features a collection of authentic space artifacts, including rockets, spacecraft components, spacesuits, and moon rocks.

Detailed models of spacecraft, satellites, and space stations provide insight into the design and engineering of vehicles used in space exploration. Some exhibits offer virtual reality simulations, allowing visitors to experience what it's like to walk on the moon, explore distant planets, or navigate through space debris.