Things To Do With Kids in Colorado Springs, CO

Garden of the Gods is a stunning natural playground featuring towering red rock formations that will spark kids' imaginations and sense of adventure. With paved and unpaved trails ranging from easy stroller-friendly paths to more challenging hikes, plus a free visitor center with interactive exhibits, it's perfect for families wanting to experience Colorado's natural beauty without the entrance fees of national parks.

Perched on the side of Cheyenne Mountain, this incredible zoo offers a unique experience where kids can hand-feed giraffes at eye level and ride a sky ride with breathtaking views of Colorado Springs. With over 750 animals including grizzly bears, elephants, and meerkats spread across the mountainside, families will get a workout while enjoying close-up animal encounters that beat typical flat-land zoos.

Pikes Peak offers families an unforgettable Colorado adventure to the clouds at 14,115 feet! Whether you drive the scenic Pikes Peak Highway or ride the historic Cog Railway, kids will be amazed watching the landscape transform from forests to alpine tundra, culminating in breathtaking 360-degree views from the summit. The visitor center at the top features exhibits, restrooms, and the famous high-altitude donuts that have become a beloved tradition.

Red Rock Canyon offers families a stunning natural playground with dramatic red rock formations and trails suitable for all skill levels. The park combines easy, stroller-friendly paths perfect for little ones with more adventurous hiking options and rock climbing areas that will thrill older kids, all while offering excellent opportunities to spot local wildlife like deer, rabbits, and various bird species.

The Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum in downtown Colorado Springs showcases over 300 vintage motorcycles that captivate vehicle-obsessed kids and adults alike. With interactive exhibits and fascinating stories behind the bikes, this surprisingly kid-friendly museum offers a unique alternative to typical Colorado attractions, earning rave reviews from families who discover it.

Fountain Creek Nature Center offers an ideal introduction to Colorado's natural world for young explorers,and it's completely free! Kids can get up close with live animals, dig into hands-on exhibits in the discovery room, and burn energy on easy, stroller-friendly nature trails that wind through riparian habitats along Fountain Creek.

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park offers an incredible combination of underground exploration and above-ground thrills that keeps the whole family entertained. Kids are mesmerized by the glittering cave formations on guided tours, while older children and teens get their adrenaline pumping on zip lines, the aerial adventure course, and the heart-stopping Terror-Dactyl ride that swings you out over Williams Canyon.

Palmer Park is a sprawling 730-acre urban oasis that offers families everything from easy nature trails to challenging rock climbing formations. With multiple playgrounds, stunning panoramic views of Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs, and plenty of open space for kids to explore, it's a local favorite that keeps families coming back for outdoor adventures without leaving the city.

Paint Mines Interpretive Park offers families a magical, Mars-like adventure just outside Colorado Springs, where kids can explore vibrant clay spires, hoodoos, and archaeological sites along easy, stroller-friendly trails. This hidden gem provides an otherworldly hiking experience that sparks imagination and wonder, perfect for young explorers who'll feel like they've stepped onto another planet without the challenging terrain of more difficult Colorado trails.

Pulpit Rock Park offers families an accessible introduction to Colorado's stunning red rock landscapes without the crowds of Garden of the Gods. Kids can explore dramatic rock formations, burn energy on the playground, and hike manageable trails while parents soak in panoramic views of the surrounding rock formations and Pikes Peak.

The Western Museum of Mining & Industry transforms Colorado's mining heritage into an interactive adventure that captivates curious minds. Kids can try their hand at real gold panning, watch massive steam engines roar to life, and explore both indoor galleries and outdoor equipment exhibits that bring the Old West mining era to life in a tangible, exciting way.

Santa's Workshop at the North Pole is a magical Christmas-themed amusement park nestled at 7,400 feet on Pikes Peak Highway. This nostalgic park has been creating holiday memories since 1956 with 30+ rides, live magic shows, carousel rides, and of course, visits with Santa himself year-round. The festive atmosphere and classic charm make it a beloved Colorado tradition for families seeking Christmas magic any time of year.