Nestled against the backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs with kids is a dream destination. With its stunning natural wonders, thrilling adventures, and charming local spots, this city offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation.
As Denver-area residents Colorado Springs is just over an hour drive south and is the perfect distance and destination for a day trip for us. Whether you are visiting from far away or just down the road, we’re excited to share our top three adventures with kids.
Just to be technically accurate here. Two of our adventures are actually in Manitou Springs, CO just 6 miles from Colorado Springs. Manitou Springs is a quaint little historic mountain town and is worth checking out!
Want to get to know us first? Check out our Intro Blog Post.
Garden of the Gods
Going on a family adventure to the Garden of the Gods promises a day filled with awe and exploration. Located in Colorado Springs, this iconic park boasts towering red rock formations, a natural playground for kids and adults alike.
Central Garden Loop Trail
Our kid-friendly pick for an easy but scenic hike is the Central Garden Loop Trail. This trail is rated as easy and is just over 1 mile. It is paved and easy for all ages and abilities. This will give you a spectacular hike walking among these giant rocks.
As far as time spent here, we did the park in just a few hours but you could spend all day here if you wanted. There are many other things that we either opted not to do or just didn’t have time for including the visitor center, rock climbing, a variety of guided tours, and a theater.
For more information visit the Garden of The Gods Website.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
The next must-do adventure in Colorado Springs with kids is the famous Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Board the Pikes Peak Cog Railway for a thrilling ascent to 14,115 feet. The train ride itself is an adventure, and the awe-inspiring views throughout the journey truly made it worth the long trek up. At the top, you get a chance to take in the views and hike around the top for a bit. And, of course, we couldn’t resist the sweet temptation of the famous summit donuts at the new Summit Visitor Center!
This is definitely a can’t miss spot in Colorado Springs but if we had to give one negative about our experience is we wished they gave you a little more time to explore and relax at the top. Time spent on the summit is 40 minutes which is barely enough time to hit the restrooms, grab a donut, and take some photos at the summit. Before we knew it we had to board the train for our trip back down. Nevertheless, it was still a fantastic adventure.
Total Tour Time: A little over 3 hours
Be sure to plan in advance for this as trains fill up fast. Get tickets in advance!
For more information and tickets visit the Cog Railway website.
Cave of the Winds
The final must-do adventure in Colorado Springs with kids is Cave of the Winds. The cave offers a thrilling underground exploration for families, and our kids absolutely loved this. This natural wonder features an array of awe-inspiring cave formations, illuminated by carefully placed lights to enhance the experience. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the geological history and unique features of the cave. The knowledgeable and witty tour guides ensure that the journey is not only educational but also entertaining for visitors of all ages. The cave’s intricate passages and chambers create an otherworldly atmosphere, making it a memorable adventure for families seeking both excitement and discovery in the heart of Colorado.
There a few options here but we opted for the Discovery tour which is ideal for families. This is a 45 minute to an hour tour. There are also a handful of touristy thrill rides and attractions on the grounds that we passed on. Most of them look great for older kids or adults so we stuck to the cave tour only.
More info and tickets visit the Cave of The Winds website.
If you are looking for an amazing spot for adventure, Colorado Springs with kids is a fantastic destination! We hope you enjoy your travels!
Going to Denver next? Check out our 5 Epic Adventures Near Denver!
