Parks, attractions, and unique experiences for your great Colorado family vacay.
Prepare for the sweet sound of "This is the BEST day ever!" echoing through the Rockies.
Thao Vo
May 06 2025
11m
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Searching for fun things to do in Colorado Springs with kids? You've come to the right place! We at TravelThru know how challenging it can be to find activities that keep both the little ones and the picky teens entertained.
Luckily, this stunning mountain city is practically a natural playground for families. From the jaw-dropping red rock formations at Garden of the Gods to the giggles you'll hear when your kids feed giraffes at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs delivers big-time on family fun.
So grab your sunscreen, water bottles, and that endless parental patience you've been cultivating, we're about to turn your "Are we there yet?" journey into "Can we stay longer?" memories in CO!
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is literally built on the side of a mountain – how cool is that? The animals have amazing, natural-feeling homes, and you get incredible views overlooking Colorado Springs.
The most popular thing to do here is feed the huge giraffe herd by hand. Beyond that amazing experience, kids will be thrilled to ride the Mountaineer Sky Ride (like a ski lift gliding over animal habitats!), walk right among the wallabies in the Australian area, see penguins and hippos super close, spot bears and moose, and even take a spin on the charming old-fashioned carousel.
Because it's on a mountain, the paths go uphill and downhill, so your walk around the zoo feels like a mini-adventure.
Best for ages: All ages.
Ready for some space exploration? The Space Foundation Discovery Center is the place to go! It's the area's one-stop shop for all things space, science, and tech, filled with cool exhibits for curious kids.
There's plenty for kids to touch and try. Be sure to see the huge, glowing "Science On a Sphere®" that brings space data to life. Kids can also play pretend on Mars by driving rover models in the Mars Robotics Lab, look at actual artifacts from space missions, and try out fun, hands-on STEM activities.
Best for ages: 5+ (especially for kids curious about space, science, and technology).
At Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, you get double the adventure: exploring amazing caves underground and enjoying fun rides high above. It's a unique spot known for its natural caverns and outdoor attractions with great views.
The Discovery Tour is perfect for families wanting to see the cool cave formations on an easy, guided walk through lit-up passages. Then, if your older kids or teens are up for it, they can try the Wind Walker Challenge Course (a ropes course near the canyon edge) or take the exciting Bat-a-Pult ride across the canyon. It’s a neat combination of seeing natural wonders and having some thrilling fun.
Best for ages: 4+ for the basic Discovery Cave Tour. Older kids and teens for the outdoor adventure attractions (be sure to check specific height, weight, and age restrictions online for each ride/course).
Set within the beautiful Royal Gorge, the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park offers more than just its famous bridge! While it is home to the highest suspension bridge in the USA (nearly 1,000 feet up), you can also enjoy scenic gondola rides, exciting thrill rides, and fun play areas for children here.
Your kids will enjoy the enclosed gondola ride across the canyon, which gives great views without being quite as scary. For the little ones, there's Tommy Knocker Playland with slides, climbing fun, and a splash pad (when it's warm). Older kids, teens, and adults looking for adventure can try the Cloudscraper Zip Line or the exciting Royal Rush Skycoaster high above the ground.
Best for ages: Little ones can enjoy the bridge walk, gondola ride, and playland with supervision. Older kids/teens are the target audience for the thrill rides (strict height, weight, and age requirements apply and should be checked).
Your family can see wolves, coyotes, and foxes up close at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center. It's a safe, natural place focused on rescuing animals and teaching visitors all about them through guided tours.
Because it's not a regular zoo, the guided tours are the main way to see the animals in their large, natural homes. It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn interesting facts about these often-misunderstood creatures. The absolute highlight? Hearing the wolves howl during a tour. It feels like a really special wildlife experience.
Best for ages: 6+ is generally recommended due to the length (usually about an hour) and educational focus of the required guided tours.
The USOPM is a modern, very interactive museum that shares the inspiring stories and amazing achievements of America's Olympic and Paralympic athletes in a really cool building.
You won't just be looking – you'll be doing! Kids have a blast trying the interactive sports simulators (like skiing or sledding), experiencing the Parade of Nations tunnel, learning about different sports through fun exhibits, and hearing directly from athletes about their journeys. It’s a great mix of inspiration and hands-on fun for everyone.
Best for ages: 6+ (to best appreciate the stories and engage fully with the interactive exhibits). Younger children might enjoy some visual elements, but older kids and teens will get the most out of it.
Love dinosaurs? Then you've got to check out Dinosaur Resource Center! It's filled with amazing fossil skeletons of famous dinosaurs like T Rex and raptors, plus giant fish and ancient sea reptiles. You can even watch real scientists working on actual fossils in a special viewable lab.
Kids are usually wowed seeing these huge dinosaur skeletons right in front of them. Watching the paleontologists at work in the lab is also a big hit. With giant models and cool displays all around, it really feels like these amazing creatures are right there, totally sparking kids' imaginations.
Best for ages: 3+
If you’re looking for guaranteed water fun for the family without worrying about the weather, Great Wolf Lodge is your spot. It's a large resort focused on families, famous for its massive indoor water park that's open year-round.
Inside the water park, kids have tons to do: zoom down slides (ranging from thrilling to easy-going), splash in the wave pool, explore the big water play fort, and enjoy dedicated areas for younger children. If they want a change of pace, the interactive MagiQuest game and the arcade provide plenty more entertainment options right at the resort.
Best for ages: All ages (the water park has distinct areas suitable for toddlers, young children, tweens, and teens).
For outdoor lovers, we highly recommend visiting the mountain that inspired "America the Beautiful." Pikes Peak is massive (14,115 feet tall) and offers breathtaking views, maybe even across state lines on a clear day. You can experience that "top of the world" feeling by either driving the scenic highway or riding the popular Cog Railway train.
Many families love the adventure of the Cog Railway ride, with its steep climb and great views. The drive up the highway is also fun, with lots of twists and turns. Once you reach the summit, besides the amazing views, don’t forget to grab one of the famous high-altitude donuts from the Visitor Center. They're a unique treat only available way up there.
Best for ages: 5+ is generally recommended due to the significant altitude and the time commitment for the ascent and descent. Please carefully review altitude safety recommendations if considering taking younger children.
Your family will love exploring North Cheyenne Cañon Park. It's this gorgeous park hidden inside a deep granite canyon. It's great for a scenic drive, offers lots of different hiking trails, and places to picnic.
Speaking of waterfalls, the famous Helen Hunt Falls is super easy to get to. It's just a quick walk from the car park. Also, be sure to stop by the Starsmore Visitor & Nature Center near the park entrance; kids often really enjoy the hands-on stuff inside. Taking an easy stroll on the trails along the creek is a lovely way to explore nature together.
Note: The impressive, multi-tiered Seven Falls is located nearby but is a separate, privately owned attraction requiring paid admission and featuring stairs/an elevator alongside the falls.
Best for ages: All ages (especially for Helen Hunt Falls, the nature center, and lower trails). Steeper or longer hikes are better suited for ages 5+.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a large park with beautiful red rock scenery. It has a great network of trails perfect for hiking, biking, and seeing rock climbers in action.
Your kids would enjoy having space to explore the trails, scramble on some rocks (where permitted), ride bikes, and watch climbers. You get amazing red rock views similar to Garden of the Gods, but with a more relaxed vibe and plenty of room. Animal lovers in the family might also enjoy seeing dogs play in the park's off-leash areas.
Best for ages: All ages (easy, relatively flat trails start near the main parking areas). Ages 5+ for tackling longer or more varied terrain via hiking or biking.
The Pioneers Museum is housed inside a beautiful old courthouse from 1903. We find that just exploring the cool building is part of the fun. Inside, you'll find exhibits that bring the city's history to life.
Kids often find interactive bits here and there, and sometimes there are special activity zones just for them. You might be surprised how much they enjoy seeing real Native American crafts and learning about the exciting gold rush days.
Best part? It's completely free. Though donations are welcome and help support the museum, if you enjoy your visit.
Best for ages: All ages can find something engaging, especially with interactive displays. Ages 5+ will likely better grasp the historical stories and context.
You absolutely have to put Garden of the Gods Park on your list for Colorado Springs! It's a famous National Natural Landmark, stunningly beautiful with its towering red rocks set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak mountain.
Your kids would be fascinated by how big and weirdly shaped the rocks are. The main path (Perkins Central Garden Trail) is paved and flat, perfect for strollers or when little legs get tired. Spotting rock climbers, looking for critters, and finding cool rock shapes like the Kissing Camels are all part of the fun. To make it even more engaging, you might want to pick up a Junior Ranger activity book at the Visitor Center.
Exploring the main park trails is totally free. You can also go into the Visitor & Nature Center across the street for free. Just remember, if you want to see special presentations inside, like their Geo-Trekker movie, there's a separate cost for those tickets.
Best for ages: All ages.
You'll find a massive sporting goods store here that's also known for having fun attractions inside – it's quite unique! Best of all, Scheels is totally free just to walk in, browse around, and see cool things like the big aquarium or the wildlife mountain.
The most surprising thing is the giant Ferris wheel right inside the building. Riding it usually has a low cost per person, but it's a big hit with kids. Often, there are fun games or simulators available too (these usually require payment to play).
Oh, and definitely swing by the fudge and candy shop, too! Grabbing some sweets is a nice break, particularly on a day when you need an indoor activity.
Best for ages: All ages.
If you're planning a visit to Colorado Springs during the winter months, look out for some festive fun right downtown. A temporary outdoor ice skating rink usually pops up in Acacia Park, bringing a cheerful holiday buzz to the city center.
Your family would love the classic winter experience of putting on skates and gliding around the ice, often surrounded by festive decorations and with happy music playing. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the holiday spirit, get active together downtown, and maybe warm up afterwards with a yummy hot chocolate from a nearby cafe.
Best for ages: 4+ (or whenever children feel comfortable attempting to skate; check if skate aids are available for beginners).
Location: Acacia Park, Downtown Colorado Springs.
This is a Christmas-themed amusement park geared especially towards families with younger children. Just remember it's usually open seasonally, from around May until December 24th.
Little ones especially love the collection of fun rides built just for them – like a mini-roller coaster, a carousel, a sky ride, and the famous Candy Cane Coaster. Besides riding, visiting Santa's House, enjoying magic shows, and sending mail from the special Post Office make it a delightful day for young kids.
Best for ages: Primarily geared towards Toddlers through about age 8-10, as most rides are designed for younger children.
Operated by the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, this festive train ride takes families on an enchanting journey through the bottom of the stunning Royal Gorge Canyon. It’s all decorated to give you that cozy "trip to the North Pole" feeling.
There are Christmas carols, festive decorations, plus free hot cocoa and a cookie for everyone. The most exciting part? When the train arrives at the "North Pole" stop, Santa Claus actually boards the train. He visits with each child, asks about their wishes, and gives them a special little gift to remember the trip.
Best for ages: All ages.
Location: Departs from the Royal Gorge Route Railroad depot located in Cañon City, which is about a 1-hour drive southwest of Colorado Springs.
Over specific weekends each February, the old mining town of Cripple Creek becomes an outdoor wonderland filled with stunning sculptures carved entirely out of ice.
The amazing sculptures usually captivate kids and adults alike. They often follow a fun theme each year, like superheroes, animals, or fairy tales.
Watching the talented artists carve the massive ice blocks with chainsaws and other tools is also a big highlight. Some years, they even add fun extras like an ice slide for kids to zip down or other icy things to play on.
Best for ages: All ages who can bundle up and enjoy being outdoors in potentially very cold weather.
Location: Takes place throughout the main street (Bennett Avenue) of Cripple Creek, CO. This historic mountain town is located about a 1-hour scenic (and sometimes snowy!) drive west of Colorado Springs.
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Phew! Who knew there were so many things to do in Colorado Springs with kids? Whether you're seeking outdoor thrills or educational experiences, this city delivers smiles per mile like nowhere else. So, start dreaming, plan your itinerary using this guide, and get ready to create fun memories with your crew in beautiful Colorado Springs!