From panning for gold to learning about Olympians who go for the gold, Colorado Springs offers engaging activities for kids of all ages.
Erica Colston, owner of the Co Springs Mom Collective, has been happily raising kids in the city since she moved here in 2005.
“Colorado Springs is a beautiful city with so much to offer,” says Colston, when asked why she thinks it’s such a great place to live. “I love that there are numerous places to get outside and explore with the kids. We can easily get out for an hour or two and it truly feels like an escape from the busyness of life.”
Whether you’re here for a visit or a long-time local, there’s always something new to check out. With too many options to mention them all, here are just a few to start exploring:
Attractions
Cave of the Winds – Rock your day with a family-friendly adventure into the Manitou Grand Caverns as you explore the electrically lit cave to learn about geology and history on this educational tour. Book your tour and find out more about other attractions at https://caveofthewinds.com/.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – From feeding giraffes to watching grizzly bears, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers animal encounters for all ages. Advance tickets are required. Go to https://www.cmzoo.org/visit/.
Cosmo’s Magic Theater – Looking for an out-of-the-box way to entertain your kids? Cosmo’s Magic Theater offers Saturday afternoon shows to entertain children ages 3 and older. Find out more at https://cosmosmagictheater.com/.
Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad – All aboard! From mid-May to the first weekend in October, children and adults of all ages can enjoy this 45-minute train ride back in time to explore the Cripple Creek and Victor gold mining days. Discover more trip details at https://cripplecreekrailroad.com/.
Ghost Town Museum – Hitch a ride back in time to this preserved glimpse of Colorado’s Wild West days. Engage in hands-on activities, pan for gold (seasonal) and observe artifacts from the Pikes Peak region. Discover more at https://www.ghosttownmuseum.com/.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings – These Ancestral Puebloan ruins offer an educational experience for all ages exploring both the ancient architecture and museums. Visit https://www.cliffdwellingsmuseum.com/ to learn more.
May Natural History Museum – Is your child a future entomologist? Any kid who loves bugs will find something to love at this museum, which houses over 7000 preserved insects. Open from May 1-October 1, plan your visit at https://www.coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/.
Penny Arcade – Take a step back in time and enjoy playing classic arcade games, vintage pinball and Skee-Ball at the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade.
Space Foundation Discovery Center – Is your kid curious? Check out the newly renovated Space Foundation Discovery Center where kids can learn through interactive exhibits with a focus on space, science, and technology. Visit https://discoverspace.org/.
United States Air Force Academy Planetarium – The USAFA Planetarium offers free IMAX and full-dome films. Viewers can immerse themselves in everything from learning about black holes to humpback whales. See showtimes and more at https://www.usafa.edu/facilities/planetarium/.
US Olympic and Paralympic Museum – Can you run faster than an Olympian? Kids will enjoy learning and exploring in this interactive, engaging, and inspiring in-depth look at Team USA. Visit https://usopm.org/.
Western Museum of Mining and Industry – Prepare to be engaged and educated as you visit this 27-acre campus that brings western mining history into the present day through interactive exhibits, gold panning, working machines and more. Uncover this gem at https://wmmi.org/.