Disclosure: I was provided with a family 4 pack for our family to visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in exchange for my honest opinion and review of our trip.
Every year for the kid’s birthdays we have taken a family day trip and this year was no different. Jude is old enough to decide what to do on his special day and this time he wanted to go to the special “mountain zoo”. Two years ago, on Jude’s 2nd birthday, we introduced Jude to this “mountain zoo” called the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Once Jude made his choice we made our plans to head to Colorado Springs for the day.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is located on the lower slopes of Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs. The drive from our house is about 2 hours so it isn’t a bad trip to get into the mountains. A very nice drive too. This zoo is special because it sits 6714 feet above sea level! I find that the animals are in great habitats in this zoo. Very natural and beautiful.
I think the most memorable part of this zoo is the Giraffe herd. Talk about up close and personal and educational! This is the largest Giraffe herd at any zoo and it is fun! These beautiful creatures walk right up to you and you become eye level with them. Amazing. This is the part that Jude remembers from his first visit to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and was excited to visit them again.
Did I mention that you get to feed these Giraffes? They instantly become everyone’s best friends! Jude was a bit timid to hand feed the Giraffes at first but after a while he was really into it again. Teagan, well she was terrified!! They are big animals for a little girl!
It is so cool getting to pet and feed these animals. They truly are beautiful. The habitat that this herd calls home is also beautiful. It looks just like an African Safari.
Getting the hang of it. And Teagan is just taking it all in!
One of the best parts about the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the super kid friendly spots all along your walk through the zoo. The Big Backyard is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s touch and see family area that is perfect for all ages. A small petting zoo, places to climb and explore and a whole tutorial on honey bees is a very important stop for any kid. Teagan was especially excited about the “rog” also known as FROG.
Jude found Pumbaa!! He was so excited to see Pumbaa up close. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is perfect for curious kiddos. The animals are close enough to really explore them in their habitat. I should point out, in this picture Jude was asking the Pumbaas what they were going to have for lunch! HA!!
Welp…Teagan was not impressed with my photo op! Oh well.
My 4 year old man and me. Having some fun checking out the elephants.
Now, the Giraffes are definitely hands on but the experience that Jude got that day with a baby Kangaroo was so special. We actually got to pet the baby and see him all curled up in a blanket pouch. It was so cute and Jude was very excited to pet a real Kangaroo! Memories made!
It isn’t a successful trip to the zoo with out a ride on a train! It was so cute to see both Jude and Teagan riding the train together all on their own. Teagan had a great time and kept asking to go again. I love seeing them play and interact together.
We have made this photo a tradition now. We took the same picture when we visited on his 2nd birthday!
The views are breath taking at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Not only is there a train and a carousel but there is also a Mountaineer Sky Ride! I am not one for heights so we have not gone on this attraction yet but I am sure in a couple of years I will be forced to face my fear. I have heard that the views of the zoo from the Sky Ride are amazing.
A girl and her daddy had some fun exploring and seeing the beautiful views.
How cool is this shot and exhibit? Amazing! Jude was a little freaked out by having this “big kitty” so close to him but he let me take his picture quickly! Like I said, this zoo offers up close and personal views of some amazing creatures.
Awww! Little kids in a big chair! Too cute!
Jude has a slight obsession with ants right now. So why not go to the playground and ride some giant ants with Daddy at the Big Backyard?
Our last stop before heading home was the carousel. Teagan was so excited to see this. I was too, there is something beautiful about a historic carousel. Older than most of the people who ride it, this carousel was a popular attraction at the 1932 World’s Fair. A cherished feature of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, it has been giving people of all ages a great ride since 1937.
So the next time you and your family find yourself wondering what to do in Colorado make sure you hit up Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Not only will you get a great hands on experience with some animals, make memories and find some cool rides to have fun on but you will get to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is open all year round and welcomes visitors to explore and enjoy the animals. Be sure to check specific hours of operation as they change from season to season and on holidays. And remember, with the exception of some special events and holidays, the last admission is always at 4 p.m.
Summer Months (May 1st through Labor Day) 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.) Please note that not all animals will be out on exhibit until 6pm.
All Other Months 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.) Please note that not all animals will be out on exhibit until 5pm.
Holiday Hours Thanksgiving Day: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., last admission is at 3 p.m. Christmas Eve: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., last admission is at 3 p.m. (no Electric Safari) Christmas Day: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., last admission is at 3 p.m. (Electric Safari begins at 5:30 p.m.) New Year’s Day and all other holidays: Normal hours
Prices:
Peak Season Prices:
May 1st through Labor Day Hours: 9am-6pm (last ticket sold at 4pm) Adults $17.25 Children (ages 3-11) $12.25 Seniors (ages 65+) $15.25 Military Adult* $14.25 Military Child* $9.25 All Children 2 and under: FREE
Off Season Prices: Day after Labor Day through April Hours: 9am-5pm (last ticket sold at 4pm) Adults $14.25 Children (ages 3-11) $10.25 Senior (ages 65+) $12.25 Military Adult* $11.25 Military Child* $7.25 All Children 2 and under: FREE
We had a great family day and I know the kiddos will love to come visit again soon. Also, they each got to pick out a stuffed animal for our trip. Teagan chose a Giraffe and has started saying Giraffe! Jude decided on a Rhino! Such a fun birthday treat for Jude! Happy Birthday Buddy!!
This zoo looks awesome! I would love to visit if I ever make it to the west side of the states. My son is terrified of giraffes as well. Your kids are adorable!
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is definitely one of my favorites. There are so many great things to do there plus the mountain view. They really are the best.
I am so so so jealous! I have been wanting to go their since Eyan was a baby and we have just never gotten around to it. Jude looks like he was so happy and I love your outtakes of Teagan!
What an awesome zoo!!! I love knowing about places like this to recommend to friends or to have on our travel list! Zoos seems to be such a place where you get your money's worth and then some!! What great memories!
I'm so jealous you got to feed a giraffe! Looks like a great zoo!
We went there over Memorial Day weekend – for the first time – and loved it! We especially liked seeing the animals as close as they were.
Holy Moly, I didn't realize that the giraffes had such long tongues!
I adore the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. It's uniquely situation and this makes it a gem.
Looks like he had a blast. We need another zoo trip-been a while http://www.parentinghealthy.com/
This zoo looks awesome! I would love to visit if I ever make it to the west side of the states. My son is terrified of giraffes as well. Your kids are adorable!
We just went to the zoo today. Ours had a special free day and opened at 6am and we got to hear the lions roar.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is definitely one of my favorites. There are so many great things to do there plus the mountain view. They really are the best.
I am so so so jealous! I have been wanting to go their since Eyan was a baby and we have just never gotten around to it. Jude looks like he was so happy and I love your outtakes of Teagan!
What an awesome zoo!!! I love knowing about places like this to recommend to friends or to have on our travel list! Zoos seems to be such a place where you get your money's worth and then some!! What great memories!