35 Fun Things to Do With Kids in Colorado Springs, CO

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Located at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains in the western United States, Colorado Springs is a beautiful and popular destination. The town offers visitors an array of outdoor activities to try along with lots of great indoor attractions. Best of all, Colorado Springs is a very family-friendly location.

If visiting with children, you'll be pleased to know that you can find many fun things to do with kids in Colorado Springs, CO. Activities that will please kids of all ages include running around parks, visiting candy shops, and learning about outer space, the Wild West, and more. Keep reading to discover 35 top things to do with family in Colorado Springs!

• 35 Colorado Springs things to do

35 Fun Things to Do in Colorado Springs With Kids

Fun Things to Do in Colorado Springs for Kids

Hike at the Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a 1,474-acre park located to the west of Colorado Springs. As the name suggests, you can find many red rock canyons and mountains here.

When visiting, you can hike various trails that take you around the mountains and through forested areas. If your kids like to mountain bike, you can also bike here. Wildlife sightings are likely too.

To make the most of your trip, the best time to visit Colorado Springs to go to Red Rock Canyon Open Space is in the spring or fall when the weather is nice but not too humid. In fall, you can also see the pretty autumn leaves.

Learn about insects at May Natural History Museum

If your children are interested in animals and insects, the May Natural History Museum is sure to appeal to them. The museum houses the world's largest insect collection and teaches visitors about spiders, scorpions, butterflies, beetles, and many other insects.

You can also spot the museum's quirky bug statue which represents the world's largest beetle.

Have a family bowling competition

Another of the family-friendly things to do at The Summit is bowling. The attraction has a large alley, with games suitable for kids and adults alike. After a game of bowling, your kids can also play arcade games. The Summit has an on-site restaurant too that has lots of menu options for children.

Watch an ice hockey game

While Colorado's professional sports teams are based in Denver, you can watch some collegiate teams play in Colorado Springs. A recommended team to watch is the Colorado Tigers hockey team.

The team plays at Ed Robson Arena, and you and your kids can catch a game if visiting between November and April.

Horse Ride in Garden of the Gods with Academy Riding Stables

Academy Riding Stables allows you and your family to go horseback riding through the Garden of the Gods. You can choose from a selection of excursions that will take you through the beautiful sandstone landscape.

The rides are appropriate for newer and experienced horse riders. Do note that kids must be at least eight years old to go on a one-hour ride and at least 11 years old to go on a two-hour ride.

Climb at an indoor rock climbing center

One of the most exciting activities for kids in Colorado Springs is taking them to the rock-climbing wall at CityRock. Located in downtown Colorado Springs, the center has a range of walls to climb that vary in difficulty.

Best of all, CityRock offers lessons to children and teens. Little ones aged two to six can also participate in special classes designed for young kids.

Find out more about nature at Bear Creek Nature Center

Another of the educational Colorado Springs activities for kids is going to the Bear Creek Nature Center. At the center, children can learn about the animals that live in the Colorado Springs area.

These creatures include bears, deer, and mountain lions. They can also learn more about the animals' habitats and plant life in the region.

Check out Play Street Museum

If your children are quite young, one of the kid-friendly things to do in Colorado Springs that you can't miss is going to the Play Street Museum. This interactive and educational venue features various play areas which allow your kids to have fun and be creative.

Things to do include playing in a pretend kitchen, doing arts and crafts projects, and building with blocks.

Bounce around at House of Bounce

What kid doesn't love bounce houses? At House of Bounce, your children get the chance to play on a variety of bounce houses located in an indoor center. They can choose from standard bounce houses, plus ones with obstacle courses, climbing walls, and more!

Treat your kids to delicious candy at Patsy's Candies

To give your kids a little treat, be sure to take them to Patsy's Candies. The popular outlet sells a vast array of sweet treats, and you can even take a tour of the candy factory. Just some of the kid-friendly treats to buy include taffy, popcorn, and peanut butter-filled chocolates.

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Relive the days of the Wild West at the Ghost Town Museum

The Ghost Town Museum is a fun attraction for all ages. This attraction features model villages that you can walk through and explore.

What's unique about the structures is that they're all based on the American Wild West. You and your kids can go to old-fashioned shops and saloons and see other props like wagons.

Compete in a game of laser tag

If your family likes some friendly competition, one of the Colorado Springs kids' activities that's a must is going to play laser tag. You can do so at The Summit, which offers visitors a two-story, 3,500 square foot laser tag arena to play in.

The venue frequently has laser tag specials too, so be sure to check those before buying tickets.

Visit the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum

One of the most interesting museums in Colorado Springs is the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum. Opened in 2020, it houses exhibits on the history of the games and famous US Olympic athletes. There are also interactive exhibits for kids to try and you can see some of the Olympic torches.

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Look at figurines at the Michael Garman Museum & Gallery

The Michael Garman Museum & Gallery is one of the most quirky Colorado Springs attractions for kids. This museum houses over 500 figurines representing Americans from the past and present. Figurines to see include those of cowboys, firefighters, and football players. All figurines are also placed within intricate model villages.

Immerse yourself in outer space at the Space Foundation

Going to the Space Foundation is another of the exciting kid-friendly activities in Colorado Springs. Having been founded in 1983, the Space Center is still an important venue today.

When visiting, you can watch shows and explore exhibits that will teach your kids more about outer space, space exploration, and engineering.

See airplanes at the National Museum of World War II Aviation

For kids interested in airplanes, a visit to the National Museum of World War II Aviation is a must. This attraction is located at Colorado Springs Airport and includes 20 restored WWII planes within a 40,000 square foot hangar.

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See exotic animals at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to an array of creatures. Animals to see include hippos, giraffes, elephants, and penguins.

Your kids can also participate in experiences like feeding animals and learning about how they're taken care of. Before you leave, be sure to check out the gift shop. Along with your average zoo souvenirs, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo sells art created by the animals!

Eat your way through a food tour

A different way to see the sights of Colorado Springs is on a food tour. If you have older children or kids that are adventurous eaters, this experience is a must! On the tour, you get the chance to visit top restaurants in the city and will also be taken to some Colorado Springs landmarks.

Get sweet treats at Amy's Donuts

Another of the best things to do in Colorado Springs with kids is to treat them to some snacks from Amy's Donuts. The much-loved donut shop sells a variety of sweet treats that will please kids and adults. Flavors on offer include banana fudge, chocolate with sprinkles, and cookies and cream, among many others.

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Fly above Colorado Springs on a hot air balloon ride

Taking your kids on a Colorado Springs hot air balloon ride is something they'll remember forever! As you fly into the sky, you'll be able to see landmarks like Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. If you all enjoy the experience, be sure to return in September to watch the Colorado Balloon Classic!

Zipline through the forest

If your family likes adventure activities, one of the fun things for kids in Colorado Springs to try is ziplining. You can head out to Seven Falls Canyon to tackle an exhilarating ziplining course. The course allows you to soar through the surrounding forests and mountainous landscape.

Hang out by Quail Lake

Due to the state's scenery with crystal blue lakes and green forests, it's no wonder a well-known Colorado nickname is "Colorful Colorado." An ideal place to make the most of the scenery in Colorado Springs is Quail Lake.

At the lake, you can admire the sparkling water and surrounding lush forests while your kids play on the shore. You can also hike and kayak or canoe on the water.

Learn about Colorado history at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

An interesting indoor attraction in Colorado Springs is the Pioneers Museum. The museum has exhibits on the history of Colorado Springs, Colorado state, and the United States. These exhibits mainly focus on the early years of US history. Conveniently, there are lots of activities for kids at the museum too.

Take a falconry lesson

One of the most unique things to do in Colorado Springs, CO, with kids is taking a falconry lesson! This one-of-a-kind activity allows your kids to meet various birds of prey, and a professional handler will offer more information on them. You can then take turns getting the birds to fly to you.

Family Activities Near Colorado Springs

Look around the Manitou Cliff Dwellings

One of the great outdoor family activities near Colorado Springs is going to Manitou Cliff Dwellings. Located just 15 minutes from Colorado Springs, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a replica of Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings.

During a visit, you can admire and explore the dwellings that have been carved into red rock. There's also a museum with exhibits on Native American history.

Play arcade games at the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade

If you're looking to keep your kids occupied, taking them to the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade is a must! This old-fashioned arcade has a range of games, including Pac-Man, pinball, and Skee-ball. If you're visiting with younger children, there are also penny rides for them to enjoy.

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Ride on the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

Cripple Creek is a small town in Colorado located an hour from Colorado Springs. One of the most family-friendly things to do in the town is riding the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

You and your kids can hop aboard a small steam train and will be taken around Cripple Creek. Along the way, you'll also learn more about the town's history.

Visit Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Paint Mines Interpretive Park features numerous geological formations in red, orange, and pink rock. Along with the unique stone structures, there are over four miles of trails that you and your family can follow. As you explore, you can appreciate the natural landscape and take some family vacation pictures with a great backdrop!

Wander around Old Colorado City

Old Colorado City is a historic district next to Colorado Springs, with boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. No matter how old your kids are, there'll be some places they want to visit, including candy stores and souvenir shops.

After shopping around, you and your family can share a meal at one of the numerous kid-friendly eateries in the area.

Explore the Pikes Peak region

Pikes Peak is an area of the Rocky Mountains found on the outskirts of Colorado Springs. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Colorado. The region has hiking trails and other attractions in a mountainous landscape. If your kids are older, you can hike some trails, including the one to the peak. This trail takes two to three hours, and at the top, you can take in panoramic views.

Sail on the Arkansas River

A memorable outdoor activity near Colorado Springs is sailing on the Arkansas River. On a family raft tour, you can hop aboard an inflatable boat and sail down the river. As you do, you can take in the views of the Rockies around you.

Admire Garden of the Gods Park

One of the most iconic landmarks near Colorado Springs is Garden of the Gods Park. Located just 15 minutes from central Colorado Springs, the park covers 1,300 acres and features numerous sandstone formations.

A convenient way for you and your family to see the park is on a Garden of the Gods tour. You'll be driven to the landmark where you can hike and admire the natural formations. On the drive to and from the park, you can also visit a handful of other landmarks.

Discover dinosaurs at the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center

One of the best things to do with kids in the Colorado Springs area is going to the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center. At the museum, your kids will discover a range of fossils and dinosaur skeleton models. They also have the chance to learn more about dinosaurs in general and North America's Late Cretaceous period.

Have a fun day out at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

Located in Pikes Peak, Cave of the Winds Mountain Park houses a vast cave complex. When visiting, you and your kids can explore the many caverns and try other activities. Child-friendly activities to try here include tackling the Wind Walker Challenge Course and climbing on a climbing wall.

Take a trip to the North Pole Colorado Springs!

You and your kids don't have to leave Colorado to go to the North Pole! One of the most popular attractions for kids in the area is The North Pole - Santa's Workshop.

The holiday-themed amusement park has 24 rides, plus festive shops and eateries. Of course, there's also Santa's Workshop, where your kids can meet Santa. The park operates from May through December, so you can check it out even if you visit in warmer months.

In Summary

Hopefully, this article has given you some inspiration on fun things for kids to do in Colorado Springs, CO. From unique museums to outdoor attractions, your family is sure to find activities everyone enjoys when visiting this vacation hotspot.

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