9 Memorable Things to Do in Colorado Springs for Families

We just got back from an adventure-packed trip to Colorado Springs and it was the perfect location for a family getaway!

I visited a few times as a kid and have such great memories exploring the area with my family, so it was extra special getting to bring our kids along this time.

→ Spoiler alert: when we asked them what their favorite part of the trip was, the unanimous vote went to white water rafting! 🚣‍♀️💦

There’s so much to see and do here, but not everything is worth your time when you’re traveling with kids—so we’re sharing what we think is actually worth adding to your list.

Read on for the best things to do in Colorado Springs with kids that they’ll love–and you will too!

1. Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is a stunning National Natural Landmark—and the best part? It’s completely free!

Charles Perkins, who once owned the land, requested that it always remain open to the public and free of charge. 👏🏻

Start your visit at the Nature Center, where you can learn all about the park’s jaw-dropping rock formations, unique geology, and local wildlife.

The staff were incredibly kind and patient with our kids—who had approximately 420,485 questions. (And yes, they answered every one.)

After the nature center, check out one of the many gorgeous hikes!

We chose to hike the Perkins Central Garden Trail, a super family-friendly 1.1-mile loop that winds right through the heart of the park.

The trail is wide, paved, and stroller-friendly, making it an easy option for families with little ones.

And bonus: there are restrooms at the trailhead—which, let’s be real, is a must for any hike with kids.

As you walk, keep an eye out for fun formations like Balanced Rock and Kissing Camels—our kids loved spotting them! We also enjoyed watching deer and chipmunks throughout the walk.

I’d also recommend bringing a portable tripod so you can snap a family photo with those dramatic red rocks in the background.

The best times to visit are early morning or just before sunset, when the light is magical and the temperatures are cooler (in the summer). But truly, you can’t go wrong—this place is gorgeous any time of day.

👉 Want something a little different? There are tons of other trail options (you can find them all on AllTrails), and even a Jeep tour through the park that gets rave reviews!

2. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

When we were planning our Colorado Springs itinerary, we honestly weren’t sure whether to include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

We already have a great zoo near home, and we debated whether we should spend our limited time in Colorado visiting another zoo.

But wow—we’re so glad we went! Cheyenne Mountain Zoo ended up being one of our favorite experiences of the trip, and it’s truly unlike any other zoo we’ve visited.

Plan to spend about half a day here.

Tickets must be reserved in advance through their website, and they do occasionally sell out—especially on weekends and during school breaks—so definitely book ahead. The zoo is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

→ What makes this zoo so special?

First of all, the location—it’s built right into the side of a mountain, which means yes, it’s a bit hilly (bring a stroller if you have little ones!), but it also offers incredible views over Colorado Springs.

Our favorite lookout was near the elephant habitat, and it’s definitely worth stopping for a photo.

One of the biggest highlights for our family was the giraffe feeding experience. For just $3, you get a generous handful of lettuce to feed the giraffes right from your hand!

Our daughter, who’s a major giraffe lover, was in heaven. There are also other feeding opportunities around the zoo, which added an extra layer of fun for the kids.

We also noticed that the animal enclosures were thoughtfully designed, and most animals were really easy to see—something that can be hit or miss at other zoos.

The whole place just feels more interactive and accessible.

We had been looking forward to trying the Mountaineer Sky Ride, a chairlift-style ride that gives you sweeping views from higher up the mountain. Unfortunately, it was closed due to storms the day we visited—but it looked like such a fun add-on, and we’d definitely try it next time.

Tips for visiting:

• Bring water and sun protection—it can get warm, especially in the summer.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking uphill.
• Check the zoo’s website for current exhibits, feeding times, and ride availability.

If your kids love animals (or you just want a unique zoo experience with some of the best views in town), the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is totally worth the visit.

3. White Water Rafting

Did you know the Arkansas River in Colorado is the most rafted river in the country? After rafting it ourselves, I can see why!

The views are stunning and the rapids are exhilarating! Don’t worry, there are plenty of lower class I and II rapids, perfect for families with younger kids.

We used Journey Quest (near the Royal Gorge) for our rafting adventure and had a great experience. Our guide was very knowledgeable and it was clear that safety was his #1 priority.

We did the half-day family float, which gave us about 2 hours on the water. This float is for beginner rafters ages 3 and up.

It was mild enough that it wasn’t scary for our kids, yet still had class II rapids, keeping it fun and ensuring we weren’t dry at the end of the trip.

The sound of our kids giggling and shouting with joy as we splashed through the rapids was absolutely priceless—it’s one of those core memories we’ll all hold onto.

As if the adventure wasn’t exciting enough, we even spotted bighorn sheep climbing the cliffs just feet from the raft. So cool!

Three out of four of our kids voted this as their absolute favorite activity from our entire Colorado Springs trip—and the fourth? He said it was a close second!

If your family is up for even more adventure, head just down the road to the Royal Gorge Bridge, where you can walk across America’s highest suspension bridge or even zipline over the gorge for some serious thrills.

➡️ Book the exact white water rafting experience our family loved here! ⬅️

4. Explore Downtown Manitou Springs

Just 15 minutes west of Colorado Springs lies the charming mountain town of Manitou Springs—and it quickly became one of our favorite stops.

We loved it so much that we went back a second time just to soak up more of the town’s fun, artsy vibe.

This quaint town is packed with local shops, cozy cafés, street art, and mountain views in every direction. It has that perfect mix of small-town charm and unique attractions that makes it easy to spend a full day exploring.

One of the most unique attractions of Manitou Springs is the eight naturally-carbonated mineral springs scattered throughout town.

Each spring has its own distinct taste, and sampling them all became a fun scavenger-hunt-style activity for our kids! We brought our own cups, but you can also grab one for just $2 at the Manitou Springs Visitor Center.

If you’re visiting with kids, don’t miss the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade, located right in the middle of town. This nostalgic gem is packed with classic arcade games—some dating back decades—and most games cost just a quarter or less.

It’s a total throwback and such a fun way to spend an hour or two.

For families looking for more adventure, check out the Manitou Incline—a challenging hike made up of 2,744 steps with jaw-dropping views at the top.

It’s definitely more suited for older kids, teens, or adults, but it’s a bucket-list experience for those who love a good physical challenge.

Manitou Springs is also the departure point for the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, which takes you on a scenic ride all the way to the summit of Pikes Peak in just over an hour.

We decided to skip it this time, since it was our kids’ first time at this elevation and we didn’t want to risk altitude sickness. But if you’re well-hydrated and feeling good, this ride offers unbeatable views of the Rocky Mountains from over 14,000 feet up.

5. Hike the Paint Mines

Just a 40-minute drive from Colorado Springs, you’ll find what I consider the best-kept secret in the area: Paint Mines Interpretive Park.

With its colorful clay formations in shades of white, gold, pink, and deep red, it’s truly one of the most unique hikes in the area.

There are about four miles of easy to moderate trails, and the scenery is absolutely stunning. Giant hoodoos, narrow canyons, and vibrant rock walls had our kids exploring nonstop.

We spent about two hours hiking and taking photos, and we were able to see most of the park at a relaxed pace.

If you’re planning a trip to Colorado Springs, I always recommend making time for a day trip to the Paint Mines.

It’s a unique landscape you won’t see anywhere else in the region, and it’s a fun, low-stress adventure for families with kids of all ages.

Other great family-friendly hiking spots in the area include Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, and Cheyenne Canyon—but if you’re looking for something truly different, the Paint Mines should be at the top of your list.

👉 Just be sure to pack the right gear for hiking with kids! Being prepared will mean more fun for everyone.

6. Seven Falls

The Broadmoor Seven Falls boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado, including seven cascading waterfalls.

You will need to purchase tickets in advance on their website, and will be shuttled from the parking area to the entrance of the Seven Falls.

From there, you will have a scenic .8 mile walk to the waterfalls. This walk is completely paved, so you could easily take a stroller. 

Once you arrive at the end of the trail, you will be able to take an elevator to an overlook (view shown in the image below), or climb the stairs to reach the top of the falls.

There is also a nice (but pricey) place to eat called Restaurant 1858.

To add to the adventure, check out the Seven Falls zipline tour!

→ There are a few restrooms along the trail, and you can take snacks if you wish. Just make sure to use the bear-safe trash cans for any wrappers or leftover food.

➡️ Book the Seven Falls Zipline Tour! ⬅️

7. Flying W Ranch

I went to the Flying W Ranch as a kid and knew I wanted to take our kids here as well! Located just north of the Garden of the Gods, the Flying W Ranch features a chuckwagon dinner and live western stage show.

Gates open 1.5 hours before dinner which allows you time to explore all the family-friendly activities at the ranch.

Our kids loved bottle-feeding baby goats, riding a little train, axe throwing, archery, a carriage ride, and watching Native American dancing.

Following the opening activities, dinner is served. I wasn’t expecting the meal to be all that great since they have so many people to feed, however it was absolutely delicious!

You will be served mouth-watering “cowboy food” such as chicken, baked beans, baked potato, homemade applesauce and more. Our kids all loved it as well which is always a win.

Just after dinner, the western stage show begins. The country-western music lasts about one hour and features three, four and even five part harmonies.

Our kids now ask Alexa to play the “Flying W Wranglers Music”. I guess you could say they liked it!

To attend the kid-friendly Flying W Ranch, you will want to purchase tickets in advance, as they do occasionally sell out.

8. Cave of the Winds

If your family loves a little adventure, Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is a must-do while in Colorado Springs! There’s so much to explore here—starting with the caves themselves.

We booked the Discovery Tour, which is perfect for families with younger kids. It’s a 45-minute guided tour that runs every 20–30 minutes and takes you through an easy-to-navigate section of the cave.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the cave’s fascinating geology and history from a fun and knowledgeable guide who kept our kids engaged the whole time.

There was one brief part of the tour where we were in complete darkness, and one of our kids got a little nervous—but it only lasted a minute, and the guide did a great job making it feel safe and lighthearted.

Overall, our kids really enjoyed the experience and were talking about it long after we left!

But the fun doesn’t stop underground—Cave of the Winds Mountain Park has plenty of above-ground attractions too.

You can tackle the ropes course, ride the zipline, soar over the canyon on the “Bat-a-Pult” sky ride, or let the kids try their luck panning for gemstones.

If you have a few hours, you could easily make a half-day adventure out of your visit here. It’s a great mix of education, excitement, and family fun all in one place!

9. Manitou Cliff Dwellings

The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a fascinating glimpse into the past—these Ancestral Puebloan structures date back nearly 1,000 years!

Our kids had the best time climbing in and out of the ancient rooms and imagining what life might have been like here so long ago. It’s the kind of hands-on, walk-through history lesson that makes learning feel like play.

In addition to exploring the dwellings themselves, there’s also a small museum filled with artifacts and educational exhibits that give even more insight into the people who once lived in this region.

And of course, there’s a gift shop where the kids can pick out a souvenir or two to remember the visit.

The Cliff Dwellings are open seven days a week, and tickets can be purchased online in advance or right at the gate.

It’s a short but meaningful stop, and a great way to sneak in a little education while traveling!

More Kid-Friendly Things to Do

If you have extra time or are just looking to add more fun to your itinerary, here are some other family favorites in and around Colorado Springs:

• 🧗‍♀️ The North Pole – Santa’s Workshop
  A Christmas-themed amusement park at the base of Pikes Peak—perfect for younger kids!
• 🌳 North Cheyenne Cañon Park
  Hike to Helen Hunt Falls or explore the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center.
• 🏞️ Red Rock Canyon Open Space
  A less-crowded alternative to Garden of the Gods with family-friendly trails and beautiful views.
• 🔭 Space Foundation Discovery Center
  Hands-on exhibits and STEM-based activities all about space exploration.
• 🐴 Academy Riding Stables
  Take a guided horseback ride through scenic trails—great for older kids and teens.
• 🎠 Memorial Park & Prospect Lake
  Paddleboarding, playgrounds, splash pad, and plenty of space to run and play.
• 🏅 U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
  A beautifully interactive museum where kids can learn about Team USA athletes and even test their own skills through fun, hands-on exhibits.

Plan Your Colorado Springs Family Getaway!

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, hands-on learning, or just a chance to soak in some incredible views, Colorado Springs is packed with unforgettable family experiences.

➡️ A few extra tips for your visit: pack the right gear – including layers (the weather can shift quickly, especially in higher elevations), stay hydrated (especially if your family isn’t used to the altitude), and try to start your days early to avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms.

And if you’re visiting during peak season, reserve tickets and tours in advance—many attractions do sell out.

We hope this guide helps you plan a trip full of fun, discovery, and memory-making. If you have any questions, feel free to join our free Facebook group and ask away!

Explore More in Colorado:

• Your Unforgettable Weekend in Colorado Springs {3-Day Itinerary}
• 11 Epic Day Trips from Colorado Springs
• 9 Memorable Things to Do in Colorado Springs for Families
• Paint Mines Interpretive Park: The Best-Kept Secret of Colorado Springs
• A Colorado Springs Day Trip You Won’t Forget
• Exploring Manitou Springs: 7 Things You’ll Love to Do
• Plan the Perfect Babymoon in Colorado