Garden of the gods
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Best Things To Do In Colorado Springs With Kids

Planning a trip to Colorado Springs? Awesome! There are so many things to do in Colorado Springs with kids!

We loved Colorado Springs and wish we would have planned more time to visit all the amazing kid-friendly activities in Colorado Springs!

Let's explore all the fun things to do in Colorado Springs with kids!

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Where is Colorado Springs

Denver to Colorado Spring Map

Colorado Springs is located a little over an hour south of Denver.

It is located at the base of the Rocky Mountains which provides some beautiful scenery.

What is the Best Time to Visit Colorado Springs with Kids?Best time to go to Colorado Spring with kids

The best time to visit Colorado Springs is March-May and September – Fall.  This is the off-season so you will get better deals on lodging and activities.

Plus, in the Fall the leaves will be changing colors which is a gorgeous sight.

Unfortunately, unless you live close to Colorado Springs going during these times is probably not an option as kids will still be in school or just starting school.

The best time to go to Colorado Springs with kids will probably be the summer. It might be a little more crowded and the temperatures will be a little warmer but you will still be able to have a great trip.

Things to Do in Colorado Springs with KidsThings to do in Colorado Spring with Kids

There are so many things to do in Colorado Springs with kids.  We did not plan enough time because we had no idea how much there is do in this area.

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods

Admission and Hours

Free

Park Hours:

5:00 am – 10:00 pm

Visitor Center Hours:

9:00 am – 3:00 pm (M-Th) 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (F-Sun)

Visitor's Center

Garden of the Gods is a visitor and nature center.

We first stopped at the visitor center and I was so surprised at how many different license plates from all over the country there were!

This is a huge attraction that receives visitors from all over!  It is actually the most visited attraction in all of Colorado Springs and definitely one of the best things to do in Colorado Springs with kids.  

Colorado Springs is one of the cheapest places in Colorado where you can find plenty of free things to do.

Museum and Overlook

We started with the museum and overlook.

Junior Ranger Program

If you are in Colorado Springs with kids you will want to head to the front desk of the visitor's center and pick up an activity book.  It is $2.00  and is designed for kids ages 7-12.  My kids love doing these extra activities.

Once the packet is completed your child will receive a badge and a certificate.

Hiking at Garden of the Gods

Hiking with kids at Colorado Springs

One of the best things to do in Colorado Springs with kids is hiking.  Many hikes are very family-friendly!  Shuttle buses are available to take you to certain hikes or you can try to park at specific parking lots located close to each trail.

If you choose to drive, we found that it was very crowded getting into the actual park, and can be difficult to find a parking place.

Hiking Trails

Most of the trails at Garden of the Gods are kids friendly. The majority of the trails are less than 3 miles. Most kids will not have a problem.

My advice would be to go early to avoid the heat, bring water, and have a great time.

This is one of the best family-friendly activities in Colorado Springs. 

Pikes Peak

Things to do in Colorado Springs with Kids

This is America's Mountain!  There are a few ways to get up to the top. Unfortunately, they all require a fee.

Driving is an option, but the roads are very curvy.   Shuttles run every five minutes from Devil's Playground. Sadly, Broadmoor had a historic train ride up but it recently closed.

On a clear day, you can see five states (Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and Kansas) from the top. This is a fun thing to do in Colorado Springs with kids!

It is open from 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Cave of the Winds

Things to do in Colorado Springs With Kids Cave of the Winds

Cave of the Winds offers a variety of tours.  There is an admission fee!

This is not just a cool cave, but an attraction as well.  They offer an outdoor rock climbing adventure, ropes course, and a “Terror-Dactyl” zip line flight across the canyon.

It is one of the things to do in Colorado Springs with kids, especially those kids who love adventure.

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

The Manitou Cliff Dwellings is a replica of the actual dwellings located in Mesa Verde.  They represent artifacts and structures dating back 800-1000 years.

What is nice is that you can actually climb and explore.  As a kid, I remember going and seeing Native American dancers that performed a rain dance and it actually rained!  That made it worth it for me.  This has an admission fee

Broadmoor Seven Falls

Seven Falls Hike in Colorado Springs

The “grandest mile of scenery” is a nickname for this beautiful waterfall.

Hiking the Seven Falls

There are two hikes available to see two separate views of the falls.   One option takes an hour to complete the hike.  A shorter option is a 30 minute smaller hike.

What You Need to Know

An elevator to the top of the Eagle's Nest is located across from the falls.  A restaurant and gift shop are close by.

There are free shuttles so you won't have to deal with traffic. The shuttles are located near Broadmoor Resort

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park

Royal Gorge Colorado Springs

Royal Gorge has developed over the years.  It is not just a phenomenal view from the Bridge, it is a full entertainment area.

Royal Gorge – Family-Friendly Activities in Colorado Springs

There is a zipline, sky coaster, gondola ride, play area, and theater.

We were really surprised at how expensive it was and unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to make it worth the money.

If you allow yourself enough time it would be an awesome adventure!

Kid-Friendly Palaces to Stay in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs has some amazing places to stay. From camping to luxury resorts, it has it all.

We actually wanted to camp on this trip.  This was our first time camping with our kids and we thought Colorado Springs would be a great place.  Indian Springs Campground is the site we stayed at.  We had a great time!

For those of you who would rather stay in a little more luxury, the following places are my top hotel choices in Colorado Springs.

Broadmoor Resort

Broadmoor Resort Colorado Springs

Broadmoor Resort is a great family-friendly place to stay. The resort offers a wide variety of room choices such as suites, cottages, and even an estate house.  Not only is the lodging nice but they have attractions that you can come enjoy a la carte.

Attractions at Broadmoor Resort

“Soaring Adventure” is a zip line that is not for the faint of heart.  It is pretty amazing and is perfect if you are looking for things to do in Colorado Springs with kids.

Shuttle

Broadmoor Resort is also the location to take the free shuttle to hike the falls.

Other Amenities

The resort itself has golf, a spa, a pool, and a tennis court with fitness facilities

Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Colorado springs
Image Courtesy of The Denver Post

One of my top things to do in Colorado Springs with kids is going to Great Wolf Lodge.  It is a new accommodation just built within the last few years.

Great Wolf Lodge is a kid's dream. There is an indoor water park!  We didn't get a chance to go to Colorado Springs but we did go to Wisconsin and my kids loved it!

MagiQuest is one of the many fun attractions and activities for kids. My kids loved it!

Are You Ready to Go to Colorado Springs With Kids?Things to do in Colorado Springs with kids

There are so many things to do in Colorado Springs with kids. These suggestions are just the beginning.

You could easily stay a week and have enough to entertain you the entire time.  Especially, if you like hiking and want to explore this beautiful area of Colorado.  I highly recommend a road trip to Colorado Springs you will not regret it!

Facebook Community

If you have any questions join my Facebook Travel Community. You can ask any questions you have about upcoming trips and everyone is happy to help you plan your trip.  I also try to give exclusive travel deals that companies send me.  It is a great group to join!

 

 

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45 Comments

  1. We have family who lives near Colorado Springs, might have to check a few of these places out when we visit, thanks!

  2. This looks awesome! The next time I’m near Colorado, I’m definitely adding Colorado Springs to my must see list!

  3. This is super helpful! We’re headed to Colorado soon and will be sure to hit up some of these locations!

  4. We love hiking in CO. It great to learn from others about the places to visit. That way next time we are there we can see more.

  5. We have friends that just moved near Colorado Springs. We might have to visit them just to see a few of these places.Thanks for sharing!

  6. Great tips for visiting Colorado. We’re hoping to plan a trip soon and I’ll have to come back and review this when planning. Thanks for sharing!

  7. I’m from Golden Co and I’ve been to 3 of 8 on the list and they were so amazing. I can’t wait to try the other five. Great list. Thanks!

  8. We have never visited Colorado, but it’s on our list! I have saved this in case we make it there! Thanks!

  9. Pingback: Best of the Best Family Vacations – Planning Away
  10. Colorado Springs has been on our list for a while now – this is a great resource for things to do with kids there – thanks!

  11. We are so lucky to be so close to Colorado Springs, CO as we are just north of Denver. We LOVE going to the Garden of the Gods and Cave of the Winds. I have great memories of going to the summit of Pikes Peak as a kid to visit the North Pole, but haven’t been in years!

  12. I have been to Colorado Springs, but never with kids! These are all amazing adventures and I am sure that my family would love them all! I can’t wait to go!

  13. I love that you show Colorado Springs during the summer. It’s definitely the time of year I’d rather visit. There’s just so much to do!

  14. Wow! I never knew Colorado Springs had so much to do. I have not been there yet but I am definitely going to add it to our list!

  15. I would love to go in the fall. I have been seeing a lot posted about Colorado lately and it is stunning.

  16. This is a great itinerary for Colorado Springs with kids. We passed through here in August when traveling from Denver to Rainbow Trout Dude Ranch in southern Colorado. We only had one day in the area which was not enough time. We did visit Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak but I would love to return when we have more time.

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