_png.png)
Fun Things to do in Colorado Springs
Colorado
Search activities
city guide
Colorado Springs is best known for Garden of the Gods, a massive National Natural Landmark with biodiversity as it sprawls from the grasslands up into the mountains. With a playground like this, locals rarely need to travel far to find exactly what they're looking for.
Best time to go
In our opinion, the best times of the year to visit Colorado Springs are March to May and September to October. The Spring and the Fall still see a decent number of visitors but won't be as crowded as Summer.
Fun city facts and activities
- Colorado Springs isn't just Denver's smaller sister-city to the South, it's a whole new place to explore with a storied history all its own. Old Colorado City, the original capital of the Colorado territory, has transformed over the past century. Its frontier-era Main Street has swapped saloons for modern storefronts, and the city has grown around it all with a gorgeous Rocky Mountain backdrop. Outdoorsy types will soak up the scenery, from spectacular waterfalls rushing down a box canyon and hiking an almost vertical cable car track to meandering through otherworldly red rock formations and wading into a babbling river full of rainbow trout.
But that's not all that draws visitors from around the globe. There are world-class museums, resorts, restaurants, and golf, too. Tourists can visit the U.S. Air Force Academy, train with Olympic athletes (or learn how they train), and even play penny arcade games. Its proximity to Denver makes it an easy day trip, too. The region has no shortage of ways to get acquainted with the Wild West and the frontier spirit that shapes the citys character and heritage.
Neighborhoods to explore
- Briargate
Old Colorado City
Broadmoor
Westside
Rockrimmon
Spring Creek
Kissing Camels
Park Hill
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- Some might say Colorado Springs has long occupied the culinary shadow of its booming neighbor to the north, Denver. But the chefs and restaurateurs in this Front Range hub are committed to pushing the foodie envelope farther and farther, even as they strive to preserve the dining traditions that anchor this picturesque urban oasis at the foot of the Rockies.
In this active mountain town, you wont run out of things to do or great meals to eat: From The Broadmoors impeccable offerings to the table-clothed service at the Pepper Tree, renowned staples continue to delight patrons with special-occasion grandeur and attention to detail. And the new kids in town, helmed by the likes of Food Network celebs and visionary chefs with international pedigrees, are adding a fusion-heavy pizazz that speaks to a younger, hipper, globally-minded clientele.
Colorado Springs Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Garden of the Gods: Take a scenic drive through the Garden of the Gods park and explore the stunning red rock formations. This is a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely hike.
2. Pikes Peak Cog Railway: Take a scenic train ride up Pikes Peak and take in the breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.
3. Cave of the Winds: Explore the unique cave formations and waterfalls at Cave of the Winds. This is a great spot for a family day out.
4. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Visit the largest mountain zoo in the United States. This zoo features a variety of animals from around the world and offers interactive educational activities for the whole family.
5. Manitou Cliff Dwellings: Explore the ancient cliff dwellings and learn more about the history of the area.
6. Broadmoor Seven Falls: Take a hike to the beautiful Seven Falls in the Broadm
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
1. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Hand-feed the famous giraffe herd at Americas mountain zoo, consistently ranked a top-ten zoo in the U.S. Explore its natural mountainside setting and get closer than ever to rare, endangered and native animals.
2. The North Pole - Home of Santa's Workshop
Is there anything more magical than visiting Santa himself at the North Pole? Nestled in the pine forest above Cascade, CO discover shows, rides, a petting zoo and wintery adventures at this holiday-themed amusement park.
3. Dinosaur Resource Center
View spectacular fossils of T-Rexes, raptors, flying and marine reptiles, huge carnivorous fish and life restorations. Kids can imagine a future in paleontology as they observe a working fossil preparation laboratory.
4. Penny Arcade
As you teach the little ones to spend their money wisely, you'll find that a dollar goes much further at this retro arcade located in the heart of Manitou Springs. Vintage games range from skeeball to pinball. Modern games also available.
5. May Natural History Museum
Affectionately known as "the bug museum," this kid magnet houses one of the world's most outstanding collections of insects, related creatures and rare artifacts collected from exotic locations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In fact, Ripley's Believe it or Not once tried to purchase this impressive assortment.
6. Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
Hop aboard Cripple Creek's authentic, century-old steam locomotive and take a 45-minute trip through the historic and scenic mining towns of Cripple Creek and Victor. The train's size and speed are kid-friendly and everyone will enjoy the ride.
7. Bear Creek & Fountain Creek Nature Centers
Explore endless trails, observe wildlife and enjoy the centers' extensive educational programs offered throughout the year. View the indoor/outdoor beehive and see if you can spot the queen and see how your wing span compares to the region's bird species.
8. Ghost Town Museum
This indoor museum displays an Old Western town made from the very structures that were part of a thriving mountainside community. Print up a "wanted" poster, crank up the player piano, take aim in the shooting gallery or strike it rich while panning for real gold.
9. Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Experience the life of the Ancient Puebloan people. This child and pet-friendly stop showcases ancient architecture that visitors are free to interact with and explore. Enjoy Native American dances and real wolf encounters during the summer.
10. Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center
Take the kids on a trip back in time in the Geo-Trekker movie and learn how those big, red rocks got there. Once you've learned the park's history, experience over 30 state-of-the-art, interactive exhibits and discover the local critters and geography that call Garden of the Gods home. Now you can head into the park as an expert.
City data and FAQ
What is Colorado Springs know for?
Pikes Peak is our very own backdrop- if you look west from almost anywhere in the city! Pikes Peak is Americas Mountain as having been inspiration in Kathy lee Bates America the Beautiful.-
_for amber waves of grain, for PURPLE MOUNTAIN- majesty- thats her! Pikes Peak inspired that part in her anthem- if you have not seen- you should!
There is the MOST military here- omg too many bases to count. installations. Branches -whatever- they track Santa all over the globe from NORAD.
Karli Knopp - Lives in Colorado Springs, CO (1982- Present)
Are two days enough to visit Colorado Springs?
Two days is pretty short, so you would probably pick the usual suspects. Garden of the Gods is one of the usual suspects. Some people like to visit the Air Force Academy. I have been to the museum of WWII aviation a lot. Touristy areas are old Colorado City and Manitou springs. Both are pretty cool IMO. People dont mention it a lot, but I like the Pioneer museum downtown. Also downtown is the coin museum, and I think the Fine Arts Center (hours limited there I think.)
Michael Bauers Lives in Colorado Springs, Co
