Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

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.

• ✓Hand-feeding giraffes at the African Rift Valley exhibit,the zoo's most popular activity
• ✓Mountaineer Sky Ride offering stunning panoramic views of Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs
• ✓Grizzly bear encounters at the Rocky Mountain Wild section
• ✓My Big Backyard play area with climbing structures and nature-themed activities
• ✓Up-close hippo viewing through underwater windows

1. 1.Arrive right at opening (9 AM) to feed the giraffes before crowds arrive and while the animals are most hungry and interactive
2. 2.Bring a carrier or backpack for toddlers instead of a stroller,the steep mountain paths make strollers exhausting to push uphill
3. 3.Purchase giraffe feeding lettuce at multiple stations throughout the day, but morning feedings are best before they get full
4. 4.Wear comfortable walking shoes and layers,the elevation (6,800 feet) means cooler temperatures and you'll be hiking hills all day
5. 5.Don't miss the Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit with mountain lions and grizzlies,it's near the top and many families skip it when tired

Visit on weekday mornings in spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) for smaller crowds, active animals, and pleasant temperatures. Summer weekends get very crowded, and afternoons can be hot with less active animals. The zoo is less busy during school hours.

Admission is around $25-30 for adults and $20-25 for kids ages 3-11 (check website for current prices). Parking is free but limited; on busy days you may need to park on the road and walk up. There are several snack stands and a café, but many families pack lunches to enjoy at picnic areas.

Open year-round, though winter (November-March) has shorter hours and some outdoor exhibits may have limited viewing. Electric Africa and other special exhibits are seasonal summer attractions. Holiday lights event 'Electric Safari' runs in December with evening hours.

The Broadmoor resort area (5 minutes away) has several family options including Natural Epicurean (healthy casual fare) and Starbucks. For something fun, head to Phantom Canyon Brewing Company downtown (15 minutes) which has a kids' menu and relaxed brewpub atmosphere.