Looking for the best kid-friendly or family activities in Colorado Springs? We’ve got you covered.
Situated just south of Denver, Colorado Springs sees its fair share of visitors throughout the year. Many travelers know the city is home to well-known destinations like the Air Force Academy and attractions like Pike’s Peak and the Garden of the Gods, but what most people don’t know is that it’s a surprisingly family-friendly city. Many of the local attractions are well-suited for the whole family, with many of them being free, and with a little planning, it’s easy to incorporate a couple into your plans to ensure your little ones have a good time.
Not sure what kid-friendly or family activities there are to enjoy in Colorado Springs? Here are just a few of my favorites:
Visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
This unique zoo is a must-see for anyone who passes through Colorado Springs, whether you’re a kid or an adult! Rated among the top five zoos in the nation, it’s easy to see why Cheyenne Mountain Zoo holds the title. It’s home to over 800 different species and is most known for its giraffe exhibit, which is the largest of any zoo in the world. You can actually feed the giraffes while you’re there; if you visit, you can’t miss it! In addition to the various animal exhibits, little ones can enjoy play areas scattered throughout the park.
Explore Space
If your kids are into space exploration, then the Space Foundation Discovery Center in Colorado Springs is the place to be. It is an interactive, education-focused destination that advances science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) in the exciting context of space exploration, development, and utilization
Explore Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Exploring a cave may not sound like a prime vacation activity with kids, but Cave of the Winds will change your mind. You can take guided cave tours, where you’ll learn about the ancient formation of caves, the formations that exist within them, and the history of the Manitou Springs area where they’re located.
There’s also tons of fun to be found here above ground! After all, it’s a mountain park, too. There’s a ropes course, a high-flying aerial attraction, a climbing wall, a virtual reality experience, and more to enjoy.
Marvel at the Broadmoor Seven Falls
Who doesn’t love a good waterfall? The Broadmoor Seven Falls is considered one of the most majestic waterfalls in Colorado, cascading 181 feet down a narrow canyon. It’s a brief walk down a paved trail to witness the falls in person.
While you’re there, let the thrill-seekers in the family have a little fun on Soaring Adventures, a zip-line course that sends you soaring over the falls and other beautiful scenery below.
Visit Santa’s Workshop
Which kid wouldn’t enjoy visiting Santa and Mrs. Claus all year round? Well, you can at the North Pole in Colorado Springs, complete with a real working North Pole post office in Santa’s Village. At Santa’s home, kids can have their pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus earlier than Christmas and enjoy the amusement park, complete with various rides. Santa’s permanent home is open from mid-May through Christmas Eve and closed from January through May to allow Santa and his elves to rest up after delivering all those gifts at Christmas. It doesn’t get any more family-friendly than this.
Experience the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade
If your kid loves video games, show them what gaming used to be like with a trip to the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade. While you won’t find many games that truly cost a penny, you will find old-school pinball machines, skeeball, and other classics. Little ones will get a kick out of the coin-operated ride—you’ll find 80 different options onsite!
Indoor Kart Racing
For those looking for the thrill of racing without the fear of a speeding ticket, Overdrive Raceway is the place for you. There, you can experience the thrill of indoor electric go-karts on Formula One-style tracks for both kids (age 6+) and adults alike. Take a ride around the tracks with karts that can reach speeds of up to 50mph. And for the more adventurous, you can book a Lamborghini Experience around road courses in Colorado Springs.
Play Some Mini-Golf
When it comes to finding vacation activities for the whole family, mini-golf is a classic. In Colorado Springs, Lost Island is the best spot in town to enjoy a game or two of 18-hole mini-golf. It’s also a great spot to go with little ones who need to burn off some energy, as there’s a great indoor play area designed for kids eight and under.
These are just a few of the many kid and family-friendly things to see and do in the Colorado Springs area! Add a few to your itinerary the next time you’re in town with kids, and you’ll be surprised to see how much fun the whole family has together.
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