Colorado Springs is a fantastic place for families. Whether you call the area home or are visiting for a special family vacay, there are so many ways to take advantage of its family-friendly environment. With so many beautiful sights to see, Colorado Springs is the perfect place to experience the best of nature as a family. Here are some of my favorite Colorado Springs family activities!
1805 N. 30th Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Garden of the Gods features some of the area’s most spectacular and unique landscapes. This registered National Natural Landmark has dramatic views of 300-foot sandstone rock formations that permeate views of snow-capped mountains in the distance. Kids can participate in the interactive Junior Rangers program or explore the park with a Segway or a bike tour!
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
The Manitou Springs are known for its famed natural mineral springs, which have natural effervescence and unique flavor profiles. Thought to have healing powers, the springs have drawn visitors for centuries and still do! The area is excellent for families who love outdoor adventure, with plenty of hiking, buggy tours, horseback riding, waterfalls, ziplining, and so much more!
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was named the #4 Best Zoo in North America by USA Today, and for good reason! It’s home to various animals, including African elephants, Amur tigers and leopards, giraffes, lions, and many more. Spend your day wandering from exhibit to exhibit, taking in sights of the surrounding mountains. Or, you can always try an animal encounter that lets you get up close and personal with animals like rhinos, Amur leopards, and grizzly bears!
4218 Co Rd 3A, Cañon City, CO 81212
For families that love an adrenaline rush, there’s no better way to experience the breathtaking Colorado Springs landscapes than by the Royal Gorge Bridge. Suspended 956 feet over the Arkansas River, the bridge provides one-of-a-kind bird’s-eye views. You can experience the gorge in several ways, including soaring on the World’s Scariest Skycoaster or gliding through the air on their famous zipline.
Skyline Drive, Cañon City, 81212
The Skyline Drive is an amazing scenic road with spectacular views and tight, hairpin turns. It’s a 2.5-mile paved drive northwest of Cañon City that isn’t for the faint of heart; certain points in the road drop several hundred feet! There are, however, plenty of pullouts and parking areas where you can pause to take in the stunning views. Near the top, you can even see dinosaur footprint casts embedded in the cliff face, making this an amazing Colorado Springs family activity!
515 Ruxton Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, United States
Pikes Peak Cog Railway is a one-of-a-kind way to experience some of the most stunning views in Colorado. The train carries passengers 9 miles up the mountain to the summit of Pikes Peak for a truly breathtaking view (in fact, it’s the view that inspired “America the Beautiful” back in 1891!) You’ll see sights like Diamond Rock, Ruxton Cree, Englemann Canyon, and so much more along the way.
These Colorado Springs family activities are the perfect way to make meaningful memories with the entire family. While here, you should consider taking advantage of the gorgeous surroundings with a beautiful family photoshoot! Let me share some of the best spots for beautiful family portraits and how to use the best of Colorado Springs to your advantage.