Family activities in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a modern city with a small town feel. Tourism is a very important part of Colorado Springs. Many of the abundant family activities revolve around the great outdoors and the staggering beauty that surrounds the Colorado Springs area. If you’re not into the outdoors, you’ll still find plenty to do while in Springs. Most of the activities are reasonably priced; in fact, some are even FREE!

Here are some of our favorite Colorado Springs family attractions.

AIR FORCE ACADEMY – Exit 156B on Interstate 25, Colorado Springs

Learn about the history of the Air Force and the Air Force Academy at the Visitor Information Center. Take a short walk along a path to the distinctive Chapel of the Academy. Be on the lookout for chipmunks and other wildlife along the way. There is a sandwich shop in the visitor center.

GARDEN OF THE GODS- 1805 N. 30 St, Colorado Springs

Drive or hike through towering sandstone rock formations, including incredible balancing rocks and naval rocks. There are many parking areas for you to get out and walk around. Many picnic areas. The Visitor and Nature Center has an observation deck and interesting hands-on exhibits. There is a cafe in the center.

GHOST CITY MUSEUM- 400 S. 21st St., Colorado Springs

Interesting retrospective look at the ancient pioneer cities of the West. Inside the building, you can follow the boardwalk displaying exhibits including merchants, a parlor, and a Victorian house. Hands-on fun includes vintage arcade machines and gold hunting. Watch the little ones closely, as there are some areas that are only show and cannot be touched.

MAGIC CITY- 2418 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs

This fun exhibit is in the Michael Garman Art Studio and Shop. The screen shows life in a miniature neighborhood. What an amazing detail! The scenes change thanks to the use of holograms and mirrors. Keep looking and you will see different areas totally transform.

MANITOU CLIFF HOUSING – Hwy 24, Manitou

Hidden beneath a red sandstone are the 700-year-old Anasazi cliff dwellings called the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. Climb inside and truly experience these historic structures. The kids loved the fact that they could actually touch the ruins and walk in them (unlike many areas where the ruins are not accessible). There are often Native American dances in the summer months. The snack stand is available during the summer.

MONEY MUSEUM- 818 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs

Learn everything you ever wanted to know about money! There is a large display of rare coins. The facility hosts a variety of exhibits throughout the year, making it a new adventure every time you visit. This is educational and fun!

NORTH POLE- 5050 Pikes Peak Hwy., Waterfall

For generations, families have enjoyed this Christmas-themed amusement park at the base of Pikes Peak. The rides are appropriate for a variety of age groups, from a vintage carousel and mini roller coaster to Scrambler and Tilt-a-Whirl. We like the fact that they place rides for young children next to rides for older children (and adults). The lines are usually very short; many times we have been there when there were no lines at all. Scattered throughout the town are shops and restaurants. There are goats to feed with feed from coin-operated dispensers. Moms and dads will appreciate having a hand sanitizer conveniently nearby. Be sure to visit Santa’s House to visit Santa and stop by the always frozen North Pole. This is truly one of our all-time favorite places in Colorado Springs!

Friendly smiling faces, pleasant weather, abundant attractions, hotels, and restaurants – Colorado Springs has so much to offer!