Colorado Springs offers you rugged and ruddy historic landscapes. The Spaniards named it for the Colorado River’s peculiar redness due to its surrounding red clay mountains.
Towns with an ancient Wild West feel, replete with entertaining activities in this theme, are typical because the city is where the state of Colorado was first established.
Contrary to popular belief, Colorado Springs has recently received numerous awards for being one of the country’s top trending travel destinations and fastest-growing cities.
Here are some enjoyable activities in Colorado Springs for families with children if you want to bring the whole clan along on your upcoming family trip.
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The giant giraffe herd at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the tallest terrain in the US and is home to more than 800 animals from more than 200 species.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Explore the diverse exhibits at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to get up close and personal with creatures from all over the globe, including African Rift Valley, Australia Walkabout, Bear Grottos, the Loft, Monkey Pavilion, Tapir Exhibit, My Big Backyard, Asian Highlands, Primate World, and Making Waves.
The zoo offers kids entertainment and activities like a carousel, ski lift ride, feeding experiences, and special events in addition to exotic animals.
Recommended Ages
At the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, all family members – young children, teens, and adults – can have fun and learn.
- The North Pole — Cascade
Pole Nord Colorado, an amusement park with a North Pole hamlet complete with holiday-themed stores and attractions, debuted in 1956 as Santa’s Workshop.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Taking a holiday getaway as a family?
Colorado’s North Pole is unquestionably a must-see.
There are 28 rides with a family-friendly Christmas theme that you can try.
Enjoy the nostalgic Antique Carousel or vintage Santa’s Train, and soar through the air on the Aerial Tram.
Without Santa, a theme park with a Christmas theme wouldn’t be complete, and indeed, you and your family can see Santa at his house at the park.
Additionally, his elves are on hand to run the local shops and snap photos with you.
Recommended Ages
All ages are welcome at Colorado’s North Pole.
To guarantee safety, however, each ride has various height and age restrictions.
- Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center — Woodland Park
This museum takes you back to North America’s Cretaceous Period.
Its 20,000 square feet space is filled with fossil skeletons, life-size dinosaur reproductions, and other relics.
Why We Recommend This Activity
With your entrance, take a tour of the museum and discover what it was like to live during the time of the dinosaurs.
Along the way, stop at a functional fossil lab to see newly discovered specimens being restored.
In the museum’s dig box, kids can try brushing fossils or making their dinosaurs.
The most well-liked toddler activities in Colorado Springs include a play space exclusively for them and interactive educational games.
Recommended Ages
At the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center, people of all ages may enjoy learning more about paleontology.
- Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Nature Centers
Bear Creek Nature Center was Colorado’s first nature center to open.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Visit Bear Creek and Fountain Creek to see Colorado’s magnificent outdoors, and for added enjoyment, take part in their participatory activities and special events.
Various interactive games, narratives, arts & crafts, puppet performances, and walks are available.
While Fountain Creek has wetlands, marshes, ponds, and cottonwood trees, Bear Creek has foothills, fauna, pine forests, and meadows.
Recommended Ages
Children aged seven and above would enjoy an outdoor excursion at Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Nature Centers.
- Ghost Town Museum — Pikes Peak
Ghost Town Museum was established in 1954 to preserve Colorado’s Wild West history for future generations.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Visit the Ghost Town Museum to immerse yourself in the Old American Wild West.
All the structures and artifacts at the location were saved and conserved from the historic Pikes Peak region, where Colorado was first settled.
The museum offers some of Colorado Springs’ top family activities for reliving the city’s past.
Play vintage arcade games, operate a nickelodeon, operate a butter churn, check your luck at the shooting range, see a period-appropriate short film, or pan for gold in their panning areas.
Recommended Ages
All ages are welcome at the Ghost Town Museum. However, youngsters aged seven and above tend to enjoy it the most.
Teenagers interested in classic games will find this fascinating and enjoyable.
- Penny Arcade — Manitou Springs
Some of the earliest arcade games dating back to the 1930s can be found at Penny Arcade.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Today’s children have no idea what fun was like in the past.
To give them a taste of our earlier gaming history, take them to Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs.
Here are some of the very first arcade games.
More than 20 distinct pinball machines and 30 different racing games are available.
Teach them the basics of skeeball, pool, DDR, and arcade games.
And most of these games are still the same price as before.
Recommended Ages
Adults and children of all ages can play the games at Penny Arcade.
- Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad — Cripple Creek
Colorado Springs is a city with old railroads and trains because of its mining and milling background. Some of these railroads and trains are still in operation.
The Climax Molybdenum mine in Colorado supplied the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad with its trains, and the ticket office opened in 1894 until being relocated here in 1968.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Have either you or your children ever desired to board a real, vintage train?
While riding the train past numerous ancient mines and through the picturesque landscape, you may learn about the town’s history.
For 45 minutes, observe the smoke and the changing scenery while listening to steam and working steel sounds.
Recommended Ages
Riding on the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad is fun for kids of all ages.
- Manitou Cliff Dwellings — Manitou Springs
The Anasazi lived in these adobe cliff houses for 800-1,000 years.
The Colorado Cliff Dwellers Association’s founder chose to move the homes from their original location in McElmo Canyon in 1904 to keep them safe from robbers, vandals, and pot seekers.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Discover the 800 – to 1,000-year-old Native American cliff dwellings in Manitou.
You are permitted to enter the space and even touch the inside walls.
A pueblo-style building beneath the cave homes is currently used as a museum and gift shop.
See their calendar for unique activities like wolf encounters and Native American dances happening today, this weekend, or next month.
Recommended Ages
Children of all ages enjoy visiting the Manitou Cliff Dwellings.
- May Natural History Museum — Rock Creek Park
One of the world’s most significant collections of insects is on display at the May Natural History Museum.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Visiting the May Natural History Museum with kids is one of the most remarkable things in Colorado Springs.
A trip here will keep kids occupied since, for some reason, kids are fascinated by bugs.
There are over 8,000 different kinds of colorful, uncommon giant insects, arachnids, butterflies, and beetles waiting for you.
You are free to bring a picnic and enjoy it on their lovely grounds if your children are hungry after visiting the sizable collection.
Recommended Ages
The bugs on display at the May Natural History Museum will fascinate kids of all ages.
- Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center — Pikes Peak
Gen. William Jackson Palmer, who created Colorado Springs, regularly begged his friend Charles Elliott Perkins, the head of the Burlington train, to build a mansion in the Garden of the Gods and a railroad connecting Colorado Springs to Chicago.
Despite buying hundreds of acres of property, Perkins decided to leave it in its natural state.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The 1,323-acre Garden of the Gods Park is home to enormous sandstone rock formations.
Since the park is accessible to everyone, you’ll find many suggestions for free or inexpensive family activities right here in Colorado Springs.
Visit their interactive exhibits, tour the park on a bike, jeep, Segway, or trolley, go rock climbing or hiking, or take part in one of their many free or low-cost informative and entertaining activities, like Toddler Tuesday, Geology Hikes, Nature Immersion Poetry Walk, and others.
Recommended Ages
Children ages two and up are best suited to enjoy this beautiful park and educational experience.
- Glen Eyrie Castle
In 1871, General William Jackson Palmer established Colorado Springs and built Glen Eyrie.
Why We Recommend This Activity
What can families do in Colorado Springs?
Bring them to a genuine castle where they may go hiking, play games on a board, engage in outdoor activities, or attempt a ropes course.
You can reserve both castle excursions and educational tours.
Even better, the castle has 17 guest rooms, so you may also spend the night there.
Recommended Ages
The castle and the interior and outdoor activities are sure to delight kids of all ages.
- Old Colorado City
Old Colorado City, where the miners, ranchers, farmers, freighters, and bar proprietors of the Wild West lived and prospered, was the location of Colorado’s foundation in 1859.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Old Colorado City’s historic streets are lined with more than 100 distinctive enterprises, including high-end galleries, specialty stores, boutiques, renowned restaurants, and other services.
Evenings feature live music and shows, and during the year, there are special occasions where people dress up and have fun.
Recommended Ages
Children of all ages can visit and explore Old Colorado City.
- Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site — Pikes Peak
Four different eras of Colorado’s history are represented in the living museum known as Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site.
Why We Recommend This Activity
One of the most well0liked destinations for families in Colorado Springs is the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site.
The living museum includes reconstructed houses, costumed museum docents, Native American culture and traditions, reenactments of the Chambers Family from 1874 and the Homestead Act of 1862, a blacksmith shop from 1890, and an orchard home from 1907.
Join historical events to witness them in all their glory and engage all five senses as you experience history.
Recommended Ages
Families with infants, toddlers, older kids, and teenagers will appreciate the spectacle put on by the costumed performers and the open-to-all activities.
- Paint Mines Interpretive Park — Calhan
Four different eras of Colorado’s history are represented in the living museum known as Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site.
Why We Recommend This Activity
One of the most well-liked destinations for families in Colorado Springs is the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site.
The living museum includes reconstructed houses, costumed museum docents, Native American culture and traditions, reenactments of the Chambers Family from 1874 and the Homestead Act of 1862, a blacksmith shop from 1890, and an orchard home from 1907.
Join historical events to witness them in all their glory and engage all five senses as you experience history.
Recommended Ages
Families with infants, toddlers, older kids, and teenagers will appreciate the spectacle put on by the costumed performers and the open-to-all activities.
- Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs, a historical hamlet in Colorado’s Wild West, was established in 1872 and is well-known for its natural mineral springs.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Manitou Springs attracts visitors for the rest and healing that its natural mineral springs offer.
Native Americans believed that the bubbles emanating from the mineral waters were the Manitou, the Great Spirit.
You can either drink it or use it as a bath.
Manitou Springs also has hiking trails, and the 2,744-step Manitou Incline gives breathtaking vistas.
Recommended Ages
In this ancient town of Colorado Springs, parents will discover enjoyable activities for children of all ages.
- Play Street Museum
Manitou Springs, a historical hamlet in Colorado’s Wild West, was established in 1872 and is well-known for its natural mineral springs.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Manitou Springs attracts visitors for the rest and healing that its natural mineral springs offer.
Native Americans believed that the bubbles emanating from the mineral waters were the Manitou, the Great Spirit.
It can be consumed or used as bathwater.
Manitou Springs also has hiking trails, and the 2,744-step Manitou Incline gives breathtaking vistas.
Recommended Ages
In this ancient town of Colorado Springs, parents will discover enjoyable activities for children of all ages.
- National Museum of World War II Aviation
At the Colorado Springs Airport, an aircraft museum called the National Museum of World War II Aviation debuted in 2012.
Why We Recommend This Activity
This magnificent museum provides a history of American involvement in World War II.
Unique exhibitions with relics, audio-visual equipment, vintage World War II aircraft, archive documents, maps, and interpretive narratives are available.
It provides K-12 STEM programs, exhibits with wholly restored and available vehicles, and guided tours for a more educational experience.
Recommended Ages
The National Museum of World War II Aviation is open to visitors of all ages.
Children of school age might, however, find it more interesting.
- Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Within Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs is a park called the Red Rock Canyon Open Space.
It covers around 1,474 acres.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Explore the Red Rock Canyon Open Space with your loved ones for the ultimate natural escape.
It features beautiful trails with varying degrees of difficulty, abundant vegetation, dazzling lakes, and enormous rock formations.
Take part in horseback riding, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, and more.
Recommended Ages
There are no restrictions on what age people can enter this park.
It is best for your older children, though.
- U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center
Olympic and Paralympic athletes can train at the two sites that make up the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center.
It is the only Olympic training facility in existence that is accessible to tourists.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Visit this training facility with your loved ones to show them the rigorous training that athletes go through.
Discover locations like a shooting range indoors, a gym, a sports science lab, an Olympic-sized pool, weight rooms, dorms, an athlete center, and a visitors center.
Recommended Ages
Visitors of all ages are cordially invited to the U.S Olympic & Paralympic Training Center.
- North Cheyenne Cañon Park
Approximately 147 acres make up the regional park known as the North Cheyenne Cañon Park.
Colorado College Park and Cheyenne Park are other names for it.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Visit North Cheyenne Canyon Park for the ultimate natural getaway.
Enjoy outdoor pursuits like riding, hiking, picnics, and shooting many pictures in front of the breathtaking backdrop.
Visit the Starsmore Visitors and Nature Center to learn more about the area.
It offers exciting nature events, interactive exhibits, and park-related informational displays.
Recommended Ages
Although this regional park has no age limits, older kids will benefit more from it.
- Seven Bridges Trail
The 5.78-mile-long Seven Bridges Trail is a moderately challenging hiking route.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Take your teenagers for a hike through the Seven Bridges Trail for a fun outdoor excursion.
It is a beautiful hike with undulating ground, tall trees, cascading streams, and rich vegetation.
If you wish to travel with your pets, this trail is great because it is dog-friendly.
Recommended Ages
Your older children and teenagers might benefit more from the Seven Bridges Trail.
- The Broadmoor Seven Falls
Within South Cheyenne Creek are seven magnificent waterfalls known as The Broadmoor Seven Falls.
Why We Recommend This Activity
With a family hike to the Broadmoor Seven Falls, you may experience the breathtaking splendor of nature.
Follow a path that is lined with stunning natural scenery.
It offers breathtaking vistas of majestic rock formations, glistening streams, high falls, and tall trees.
Recommended Ages
The best hiking location for older children and their parents is The Broadmoor Seven Falls.
- Helen Hunt Falls
The Helen Hunt Falls magnificent waterfall is about 35 feet tall.
It is located in North Cheyenne Canyon Park.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Visit Helen Hunt Falls with your loved one to immerse yourself in the natural splendor.
It offers a scenic stroll through the lovely landscapes on a moderately steep track.
The Helen Hunt Falls Visitor Center, which hosts instructive exhibits about the region and regularly scheduled guided hikes and walks, is also located there.
It features a gift shop where you may buy things like history books, DVDs, refreshments, maps, and different souvenirs.
Recommended Ages
You and your older kids can find the ideal hideaway at this stunning waterfall.
- Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
A history museum, the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum was first inaugurated in its current location in 1979.
It is housed in a former courthouse that served as El Paso County’s seat from 1903 to 1973.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Visit the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum with your family and go back in time while learning.
Explore the more than 60,000 pieces on display, which include Native American relics, cultural items, and galleries devoted to the city’s mining economy, history, and military facilities.
Depending on your schedule, you may also get the opportunity to attend an engaging lecture or participate in family-friendly scavenger hunts.
Additionally, it provides kids’ activities like the Little Learners.
Your kids can participate in historical puzzles, sing-alongs, games, and crafts.
Recommended Ages
Every age group can enjoy something at this museum.
Only young children in preschool are eligible for the Little Learners program.
- Penrose Heritage Museum
The Penrose Heritage Museum has many displays regarding Pikes Peak’s past and present.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Explore the Penrose Heritage Museum with your family for an hour or two indoors.
View its stunning galleries, which include at least 30 old carriages, 15 race vehicles, and numerous Western items, to learn about Pike Peaks.
You can reserve a guided tour of the museum for an experience that is more engaging and instructive.
Recommended Ages
This heritage museum welcomes both parents and children of all ages.
- Adventures Out West
In Colorado Springs, Adventures Out West is a well-known tour company best recognized for its hot air balloon tours.
It has been around since its beginning in1973 and is a venerable institution.
Why We Recommend This Activity
By scheduling a tour with Adventures Out West, you may share an unforgettable experience with your loved ones.
Take in the breathtaking views of Colorado Springs from a hot air balloon trip, or choose from a variety of other exciting activities like guided walks, family campfires, segway tours, and so much more.
Recommended Ages
Your children must be at least six years old to ride in a hot air balloon.
For additional information on age limits specific to the activity you want to reserve, see their website.
- Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
The Cave of the Winds Mountain Park can be found in Manitou Springs, Colorado, near Pikes Peak.
Why We Recommend This Activity
After having a blast with the different family-friendly activities in Colorado Springs, continue the experience at the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park in nearby Manitou Springs.
Have a great day exploring caves with your family and participating in other fun activities, including navigating a ropes course, taking 1200 foot aerial ride, scaling a wall, tossing an ax, panning for gemstones, and sliding down a massive slide.
Recommended Ages
Although there are no age limitations at this popular tourist destination, rigorous height restrictions are in place.
You should visit their website to learn more about the entertaining activities for youngsters.
