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The first thing you notice when traveling through Colorado with your crew isn’t the mountains. It’s the happy noise—excited chatter, snack wrappers crinkling, someone yelling “LOOK AT THAT!” every five minutes. And honestly? That’s exactly how it should be.
A family getaway in Colorado Springs isn’t just about checking off the best things to do. It’s about that special vacation—where every minute of the day brings natural wonders, unexpected laughs, and just enough chaos to really make those memories stick.
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Garden of the Gods
The Garden of the Gods is 1300 acres of massive sandstone formations, truly a natural and National landmark. We got there in the early morning. FYI, the park opens at 5 am. For all you before-dawn folk, the air still felt cool, and the kids hadn’t yet entered full gremlin mode. The moment those towering rock formations came into view, everything went quiet—just for a second. Then: “I’m totally climbing that!” “Is that a dinosaur bone?”
Walking through this iconic park feels like stepping into a giant outdoor playground sculpted by time. Red spires stretch into the sky, and suddenly your kids—the same kids who refused to walk through the grocery store yesterday—are sprinting down trails.
We followed one of the easier trails, appropriately named Siamese Twins, which looped past a pair of twinning rock formations. Visitors can also sign up for a guided tour, which leaves daily from the Visitor & Nature Center.
Even the visitor center was an adventure all on its own; our kids ooh’d and ahh’d over the interactive exhibits, especially loving the new dinosaur species, Theiophytalia Kerri. Of course, debates went round and round about whether we needed another souvenir from the gift shop. (We did not. We bought it anyway.) And the best part? Free entry. Which feels like Colorado personally telling parents, “Put your wallet away.”
Keep your head on a swivel because the rock formations go on for days! Photo by: Grace Wojciechowski @pexels.com
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Now here’s a trip to the zoo that is like nothing you’ve ever experienced! Lace up your hikers and zigzag up the side of a mountain to what locals proudly call America’s mountain zoo. And yes, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo absolutely earns its reputation as the best zoo in North America.
Here’s what it feels like: You’re slightly out of breath. Your kid is somehow not. And then boom, you are eye level with a giraffe who’s staring directly into your soul while you hand it lettuce. Everyone is laughing. The zoo is built vertically, so every exhibit comes with incredible views of the city below. If you’re hoping for a view to remember, buy a $5 ticket and take an open-air gondola ride on the Mountaineer Sky Ride to the summit, where you can float above the mountain goat, grizzly bear, and Amur tiger exhibits while the kids point out animals like tiny tour guides. You don’t just see animals—you interact with them. Feed the wallabies, take a walkabout, and spot the alligators. That’s what makes this zoo one of those rare kid-friendly things that adults genuinely enjoy too.
What is cuter than an up-close encounter with a giant giraffe? How about two giraffes! Photo by: Aries Rivera @pexels.com
Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs is the gateway to some of the best places to visit in Colorado Springs. It’s also a super cool, mellow town where things slow down—in a good way. The town itself feels like you’ve wandered into a whimsical storybook. Street musicians play all manner of instruments; the art scene is all bohemian with a hippie vibe, and downtown is full of colorful local shops and boutiques.
Manitou Incline
Your kids will inevitably spot the legendary Manitou Incline and ask to climb it, you’ll laugh. Then realize they’re serious. For older kids (for everyone, honestly), it’s a truly challenging hike—a stairway made from old railroad ties, straight up the mountain that tests every ounce of energy you have. So. Many. Stairs.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
You could opt for a more relaxing adventure at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, where instead of climbing stairs, you’re crawling through 800-year-old cliff dwellings and ancient-style homes while learning about Native Americans through hands-on exhibits. It’s one of those educational experiences where nobody complains because it feels like exploring, plus kids get to use their smartphones as a self-guided tour, so they think they’ve won the day.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings are fascinating and will make you reconsider “mountainside living.” Photo by: James Wilson @pexels.com
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Get ready for underground thrills at Cave of the Winds. Descend into the earth, surrounded by twisting rock formations that are both magical and slightly spooky, and get ready for a bad hair day thanks to wind gusts between 40 and 60mph. Cave tours are offered every day and are fascinating, filled with cave facts and cavern myths that you never knew you needed to know!
The real adventure, for kids anyway, is the rides. Perched on the edge of a cliff, these attractions swing brave riders over open air. If you want the ultimate day of fun, the Pioneer Package gives guests general admission access to attractions, including the Wind Walker Challenge Course, Bat-A-Pult Zip Line, Geronimo’s Leap, and the Cliff Hanger Climbing Wall. This mountain park is a perfect mix of outdoor adventures and adrenaline—great for families who like a little “whoa” with their sightseeing.
Cave of the Winds motto: messy hair, don’t care! Photo by: Olga Lazurenko @pexels.com
Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs
Need a break from hiking? Enter the glorious world of indoor water park mayhem. Great Wolf Lodge is part hotel, part waterpark, and all adventure, offering family vacation packages or day passes. It is the perfect place for indoor activities, especially if the weather decides to do its dramatic Colorado thing. Between the water slides, arcade games, ropes course, climbing wall, and the blacklight themed Howl in One mini golf, what becomes clear is that this is not a quick visit. It is an all-day commitment that has something for everyone in your wolfpack.
Set aside plenty of time for mini golf wars at the Howl in One at Great Wolf Lodge. Photo by: Caleb Oquendo @pexels.com
Broadmoor Seven Falls
Seven Falls feels cinematic—like you’ve walked onto a movie set. Spend the day chasing seven waterfalls, walking up and down hundreds of stairs to one epic payoff at the summit. Climbing the stairs alongside the falls can quickly turn into a family challenge, speaking from experience. Who could make it to the top first? Who needed snacks halfway through? At the top, the reward is undeniable: some of the best views in the area. Everyone can pose, snap, and catch their breath!
Pikes Peak Adventure
There’s something special about standing on top of a mountain, especially when you didn’t have to hike the whole way, am I right? Board the Pikes Peak Cog Railway for a scenic train ride that climbs higher and higher until the world below looks tiny, and be prepared for your kids (and teens) to have their faces pressed to the windows the entire time.
Or, drive Pikes Peak Highway as it winds through forests and past ancient bristlecone pine trees, some of which are older than your entire family’s age combined. Each turn reveals more beautiful scenery and a summit with even more breathtaking views.
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
Howling is optional at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center. This nonprofit sanctuary is home to wolves, wolf-hybrids, coyotes, and foxes. The center offers visitors up close and personal experiences from tours, meet and greets, VIP encounters, and professional photos. All fees collected go toward advocacy and conservation efforts! You’ll stand feet away from wolves while learning about conservation in a way that feels personal and powerful. And no, son, you cannot have a wolf as a pet.
Learn about the resident wolves, and wish for one as a pet. Photo by: Engina Kyurt @pexels.com
Visit Old Western Towns
Step into the Wild West with a visit to Cripple Creek, one of Colorado’s old western towns. Here is the perfect opportunity to learn about mining and even try panning for real gold (results may vary). Wrap up your family history lesson in nearby Old Colorado City, which offers charming streets, quirky restaurants with names like The Happy Cow and Mother Muffs, and plenty of local shops for souvenirs.
The “Wow” Moments, Beyond the Basics
At Red Rock Canyon Open Space, spread out across wide open spaces, let the kids run free, and the parents regroup before settling into one of the many picnic areas. Make your way to Paint Mines Interpretive Park, where colorful clay formations dot the landscape, looking like spilled ice cream from another planet. Kids love it; photographers lose their minds. In other words, have your cameras ready! And don’t miss the Royal Gorge Bridge, one of the highest suspension bridges in the world. Do you dare cross it? Nothing screams family fun more than taking in incredible views with a mild dose of teeth-chattering, heart-racing dread. Hard pass for this mom!
Don’t Miss: 9 Best Colorado Ski Towns for the Ultimate Family Vacation!
Side Trip Favorites
Side trips are the best trips. Consider a drive through the stunning campus of the United States Air Force Academy, filled with cool architecture and even cooler planes. And, stop at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, where your kids will suddenly become very serious about their athletic futures.
Traveling through Colorado with kids can’t be perfectly planned. It’s messy, loud, and occasionally exhausting, but at least you are all exhausted together. From the towering red rocks of Garden of the Gods to the playful chaos of a water park, from quiet nature center stops to adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures, this corner of Colorado delivers that rare trip where every member of the family finds their own favorite moment.
When You Go
Where To Stay In Colorado Springs With Kids
Drury Plaza Hotel Colorado Springs
Drury Plaza Hotel Colorado Springs stands out for families for its exceptional value, with free hot breakfast and an evening “kickback” (hot dinner snacks, drinks, and kid-friendly options like pasta or chicken tenders). It features a clean indoor/outdoor pool (with a swim-through section), spacious rooms or suites with fridges and microwaves, and a convenient north location near the U.S. Air Force Academy, Garden of the Gods, and hiking. Friendly staff, cleanliness, and the money saved on meals makes this a perfect pick for families on a budget who want comfort without skimping on amenities.
Garden of the Gods Resort and Club
Garden of the Gods Resort and Club offers stunning red rock and Pikes Peak views right by the iconic Garden of the Gods park, making it ideal for nature-loving families. It includes multiple outdoor pools (with kids’ areas), a recreation center, pickleball/tennis, kids’ and teens’ clubs or activities, falconry experiences, and family suites/cottages with kitchenettes and patios. The spacious, upscale rooms, on-site dining, and proximity to trails, the zoo, and attractions create a memorable, activity-packed stay. Great for multi-generational trips or active families.
The Broadmoor
The Broadmoor, an iconic Forbes Five-Star resort, delivers world-class luxury with family appeal through three pools (plus waterslides), a kids’ club/camps, tennis, golf, a spa, lake boating, and extensive grounds for exploring. Elegant rooms or suites accommodate families comfortably, with excellent dining options and shuttles. Its historic charm, impeccable service, and location near Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Seven Falls make it a bucket-list spot. It’s definitely worth the splurge for a memorable vacation.
Getting To Colorado Springs From Los Angeles
There are currently no direct (non-stop) flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Colorado Springs (COS). All options involve at least one stop, typically in Denver (DEN), with total travel times of about 4–7+ hours depending on layovers.
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