Nestled right at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs features sights you must see with your own eyes to believe. This city is known for its breathtakingly beautiful natural landmarks and rich cultural history. There is no shortage of exploration in Colorado Springs for you or your family!
Here are a few of the top things to do with the family in Colorado Springs:
- Garden of the Gods
- Olympic Training Center
- Ghost Town Museum
- Manitou Cliff Dwellings
- Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center
- Western Museum of Mining and Industry
- ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy
- Red Rock Canyon
1. Garden of the Gods
If you are visiting Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods is an absolute must-do! This gorgeous paradise boasts 300’ sandstone rock formations towering against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks in the distance and all underneath a brilliant blue sky.
You can take your family on the trails to enjoy the sights up close, check out the visitors center and museum for interactive educational exhibits, or grab a bite to eat at the glass-enclosed cafe to avoid missing a moment of beauty.
The Garden of the Gods park is open from 5 am to 10 pm from May to October (and 5 am to 9 pm the rest of the year). The visitor’s center is open from 9 am to 6 pm in the summertime. In the winter, it closes at 5 pm. Oh- and the best thing of all? Access to this paradise and its visitors center is free!
2. Olympic Training Center
While you may never be able to live out your childhood dream of becoming an olympian, you can at least see where some of the magic happens! This Olympic Training Center houses Olympic and paralympic training activities and the U.S.A. swimming and shooting headquarters.
While you visit the campus, you can get a guided tour through the facility. You might see some of the world’s top athletes at work training during the tour!
The Olympic Training Center is open to visitors Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.
3. Ghost Town Museum
If you are looking for an immersive experience for you and your kiddos, check out the Ghost Town Museum. This museum houses a preserved town curated by buildings and artifacts from the Pikes Peak region.
While you visit this authentic wild west experience, you can join in on various hands-on activities. You can pan for gold in the summertime, test your aim at the shooting gallery, or even churn your own butter.
This inexpensive experience is open daily during the summertime from 10 am to 6 pm and 10 am to 5 pm the rest of the year.
4. Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Unique sights abound at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. This great destination invites you to explore the past and discover history within the fascinating abodes of cliff dwellers.
You can go inside and touch the homes of the Native Americans who lived inside these interesting architectural structures. Explore the ruins and the museum with your family. You can even bring Fido along as long as he’s leashed.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings is open all year round, providing weather permits it.
5. Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center
This museum is a must-do for any dinosaur-loving kid- big or little. Explore the stories and discoveries of fossilized dinosaurs and marvel at the large skeletons on display. You can even see a real fossil laboratory at work before your eyes!
The kiddos can join in on the fun at the children’s area, where there is a big box for them to discover their own fossils, stations to let imagination soar as they create their own dinosaurs, and many dinosaur books to read.
The Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday and 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays.
6. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Named by USAToday as #3 among the top zoos in the nation, this unique mountain-based zoo will not disappoint. At this zoo, you do more than watch.
With many demonstrations and guest experience opportunities, there are countless ways to keep you and your family entertained. You can feed rhinos, chickens, elephants, and more during snack times! The professionally-led demonstrations offer unique learning opportunities such as primate training and wolf feeding. Check the daily plan to see what will be available when you visit.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is open every day, all year round. However, purchasing your tickets in advance is required if you want to check out this zoo during your trip or staycation at Colorado Springs.
7. ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy
Are you looking for a unique family outing? The ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy is the place for you. The museum dedicates itself to bringing the colorful history and legends of rodeo to life for the public to enjoy.
Check out the history of how rodeo got started and see professionals on display in the hall of fame. You can also see artifacts and clothing associated with rodeos and cowboys.
The ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy is open seven days a week during the summer and Wednesday through Sunday throughout the rest of the year.
8. Red Rock Canyon
If you want a place to stretch your legs and take in some fresh mountain air, check out Red Rock Canyon. The beautiful vistas of Red Rock Canyon will take your breath away.
While you visit, you can learn the story of the land, experience the rich history that spans from Native Americans to mountain bikers, and take in the gorgeous sights while hiking. Be sure to drink plenty of water before and during your visit due to the high altitude.
This location will likely be less populated than the Garden of the Gods, so if you want to see great sights with fewer people around, this is the stop for you. The park is open from 5 am to 9 pm from November to April, and from 5 am to 11 pm from May to October.
