Colorado Springs is a playground for families, with outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, and kid-friendly attractions around every corner. From exploring towering rock formations to spotting local wildlife, there’s no shortage of fun things to do with kids of all ages. In this guide, we’re sharing 10 of our favorite family-friendly activities in Colorado Springs—including the unforgettable Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center—that will keep your little ones entertained and create memories for the whole family. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer summer trip, these must-see spots will make your visit to Colorado Springs with your kids, unforgettable.
1. Garden of the Gods
No trip to Colorado Springs is complete without visiting Garden of the Gods. The towering red rock formations are breathtaking, and kids love running around the trails and spotting unique rock shapes. Be sure to check out the Trading Post, a stunning historic building where you can browse local souvenirs, Native American crafts, and fun keepsakes. It’s the perfect spot for a family photo, too!
2. Old Colorado City
Step back in time at Old Colorado City, a charming historic district filled with colorful shops, cafés, and galleries. Stroll the streets, grab a treat, and soak up the small-town charm. There are plenty of kid-friendly stops, from candy stores to fun little boutiques, making it a great place to wander with the family.
3. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
No trip to Colorado Springs with kids is complete without and up-close wildlife experience at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Unlike many large zoos, this one allows you to get surprisingly close to the animals. The giraffe feeding experience is a family favorite. It’s perched on a mountainside, so you’ll also get incredible views of Colorado Springs while exploring the zoo.
4. US Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Sports fans of all ages will love the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum. The museum is interactive, with hands-on exhibits and simulations that let kids try out Olympic events. It’s a fun and educational stop that inspires a little friendly competition—and maybe even sparks a future Olympian! We absolutely loved our visit!
5. Pikes Peak
No Colorado Springs visit is complete without a trip to Pikes Peak. Driving or taking the cog railway to the summit offers stunning views, and we spotted marmots along the way—always a hit with kids. A tip: skip the donuts at the top—they didn’t live up to the hype—but definitely take in the scenery and snap lots of photos.
We visited Pikes Peak straight after camping in Rocky Mountain National Park, which is where we thought we’d left my youngest’s sneakers. It was a vacation moment that we each blamed each other for! Cue bickering and frantic searching for the missing sneakers. Turns out, we’d left them inside the tent (the only place we didn’t look). A discovery we made three months and 2 new pairs of sneakers later (a cheap emergency pair from Walmart mid-trip, and a new pair for school). These things happen to us all!
6. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Travel back in time at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, home to one of the richest fossil deposits in the world. Kids can explore petrified redwoods, see fossils of prehistoric insects and animals, and enjoy the easy hiking trails. It’s also conveniently located near the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, making it easy to combine the two stops.
I hadn’t heard much about this National Monument but I’m so glad we went. It’s really interesting and the landscape is gorgeous. I did have lots of great photos but deleted them before they were saved to my cloud. Fail! It isn’t one of the big hitters but that means it isn’t overcrowded. It offers a peaceful step back in time.
https://www.nps.gov/flfo/index.htm
7. Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center
If you are looking for an unforgettable wildlife experience while visiting Colorado Springs with kids, the Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center is the place for you and just 40 minutes drive from Colorado Springs. The guided tour gives families a chance to see wolves, foxes, and other wildlife up close, learn about their behavior, and understand conservation efforts. It’s hands-on, educational, and fascinating for kids and adults alike.
8. Seven Falls
Seven Falls is a series of seven cascading waterfalls in a stunning canyon. Kids will love the trails, the wildlife, and the impressive stair climb to the top (or you can take the elevator!). It’s a beautiful spot for a picnic and offers some of the best natural scenery in Colorado Springs.
9. Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site
Step into history at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, a living history museum where families can explore historic homes, gardens, and working farm animals. Kids can see how families lived in the 1800s, try old-fashioned activities, and even meet farm animals up close. It’s educational and fun for all ages.
10. North Cheyenne Cañon Park
Wrap up your trip with a visit to North Cheyenne Cañon Park, a beautiful outdoor spot with easy hiking trails, picnic areas, and waterfalls. It’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon after a busy trip, and kids can explore the natural playground of rocks and streams.
Final Thoughts
Colorado Springs is packed with family-friendly adventures, from wildlife encounters to outdoor exploration and interactive museums. Whether you’re feeding giraffes at the zoo, hiking among red rocks, or meeting wolves up close, these 10 activities offer something for every kid—and plenty of opportunities for lasting family memories. Pack your sunscreen, grab your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable Colorado Springs adventure!
For more ideas and tips on visiting Colorado with kids, check out Colorado page below:
3 responses to “Colorado Springs with Kids: 10 Fun Things to Do for Families”
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