This post is sponsored by Colorado Springs CVB in conjunction with Blog Meets Brand and I have been compensated for my participation. All opinions are my own.
We are so incredibly lucky to live in Colorado. As a Colorado native, I might be a little biased but honestly, Colorado is the best! We have amazing weather, beautiful scenery and great places to visit throughout the state.
We live in northern Colorado but just a few hours south is a great city called Colorado Springs. For just a short drive, we find that there are so many great activities and sites to see even for kids. If you live in Colorado, you need to add this to your travel list for your family and if you are looking for a perfect family getaway come to Colorado! Today I am sharing our Top 5 things we love doing when visiting Colorado Springs. Check them out and start planning!
When traveling around our beautiful state we have to remember to find attractions and activities that involve the kids as well. Thankfully Colorado Springs has a ton of options to choose from that are not only fun but educational.
Top 5 Things To Do As A Family In Colorado Springs
Dinosaur Resource Center
The Dinosaur Resource Center is a great place to stop and explore with kids when in the area. It is a fossil museum primarily exhibiting fossil organisms of North America’s Late Cretaceous including dinosaurs, pterosaurs, marine reptiles, and fish.
This center is in a beautiful area of Colorado so you get to enjoy the amazing scenery around you while you learn all about some of the largest fossils found. Your tour guide will give you a wealth of knowledge. Like I said before, I love going to sites that bring education to our family as well. This is the perfect place for my curious and always eager to learn son.
Location – 201 S Fairview St, Woodland Park, CO 80863
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Oh we love zoos but the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is on a whole other level. The first time we explored the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo we went for Jude’s 2nd birthday. It was hot out but so much fun. It is a big deal when we visit because we make a big day of it. My only issue is that I wish it was closer to us! But it does give us a reason to jump in the car and explore Colorado Springs for a day.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the only mountain zoo in America. 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.
Location – 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
The North Pole – Santa’s Workshop
Who loves Christmastime? We do and love celebrating it anytime of the year too!! A Christmas themed family amusement park that has been in existence since 1956. Santa’s Workshop has grown through the years, but pure enjoyment of the Christmas spirit has remained the same for the past 50 years.
Christmas music fills the air as visitors browse through the village. At the center of Santa’s Workshop is the North Pole, an ice-covered pole that never melts. Surrounding the North Pole are a variety of gift shops, each with their own unique selection of toys & gifts. Of course, the highlight of everyone’s visit is a trip to Santa’s House to greet the jolly old elf himself.
Dispersed throughout the park there are more than 25 rides and other attractions. Magic shows are shown throughout the day at Santa’s Show House. Visitors can listen to a variety of tunes from the 1919 Band Organ, which evoke memories of years past. A picnic pavilion is located near the front of the park for guests who would like to bring their own food. The views are amazing and perfect for a day of enjoying Colorado!
Are kids LOVE visiting this amusement park. It is a perfect place to visit with all ages of kids and adults. We love visiting Santa (the best Santa by the way) and enjoying the Christmas themed rides.
Location – 5050 Pikes Peak Hwy, Cascade, CO 80809
Garden of the Gods
The beauty of Colorado is shown here at the Garden of the Gods. Garden of the Gods is a public park located in Colorado Springs that is located at the base of Pikes Peak, this National Natural Landmark and popular park features stunning geological formations, rock climbing, and nature trails. There are more than 15 miles of trails with a 1.5-mile trail running through the heart of the park that is paved.
We enjoy stopping here to take beautiful pictures and let the kids run and explore. Even during the colder months you can stop in and enjoy the indoor activities. Those include 30 museum quality exhibits through the Visitors Center.
Location – 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are high on our must visit list in the coming year. We have driven by but never stopped. Over the last few months I have heard so many great things about this attraction and I believe my kids would really enjoy this. Again, another attraction that is fun but full of educational opportunities!
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a group of relocated Anasazi ruined cliff dwellings. Best part…you can actually go into the dwellings and even touch them! Browse through two museums featuring cultural displays all overlooking the historic town of Manitou Springs after you explore the dwellings. Hours do vary through out the seasons so make sure you plan your visit accordingly.
People have said you can see the attraction in about 2 hours. A perfect way to let your kids be enmeshed in some history but not bore them.
Location – 10 Cliff Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Anytime of the year is truly great to visit Colorado Springs Colorado but this time of the year you will not only get to enjoy all of these great attractions and sights but you will also get to enjoy the changing seasons of fall into winter. Escape to the mountains but not deal with the mountain drive and traffic.
I am excited to take more time with the family and continue to explore our beautiful state of Colorado including the Colorado Springs area. While I shared my top 5 things to do there are so many other attractions that you must add to your list as well.
What is your favorite attraction to enjoy in Colorado Springs Colorado?
My brother went to Colorado College… I think I visited him once, maybe for his graduation? I was there for like a 1/2 day so I never really explored Colorado Springs but I know I need to. It's funny though, I lived in Colorado for like 8 years and just never did it!
I remember going to the zoo in Colorado Springs years ago. I remember it was a lot of fun then and appears to be the same. Looks like you and your family have plenty to do there. Thanks for sharing!
It looks like I would have a fantastic time in Colorado Springs. I love any zoo and we pretty much always go to one when we visit a new place. My girls would love the dinosaur resources
A family trip to Colorado Springs would be terrific. I'm just afraid we will be fighting over where to go, if time is limited. Hubby will want to tour the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, so you know that's what we'll be doing first.
I just love that area. Colorado Springs is perfect! I would love to live out that way but for now we just have to visit. It is quite a drive from Cedar Rapids but it is so worth it, I loved it so much we even talked about moving out there. Maybe someday but for now we will have to make sure we visit everyone of these places, Garden of the Gods was my absolute favorite!
My brother went to Colorado College… I think I visited him once, maybe for his graduation? I was there for like a 1/2 day so I never really explored Colorado Springs but I know I need to. It's funny though, I lived in Colorado for like 8 years and just never did it!
I remember going to the zoo in Colorado Springs years ago. I remember it was a lot of fun then and appears to be the same. Looks like you and your family have plenty to do there. Thanks for sharing!
It looks like I would have a fantastic time in Colorado Springs. I love any zoo and we pretty much always go to one when we visit a new place. My girls would love the dinosaur resources
A family trip to Colorado Springs would be terrific. I'm just afraid we will be fighting over where to go, if time is limited. Hubby will want to tour the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, so you know that's what we'll be doing first.
I just love that area. Colorado Springs is perfect! I would love to live out that way but for now we just have to visit. It is quite a drive from Cedar Rapids but it is so worth it, I loved it so much we even talked about moving out there. Maybe someday but for now we will have to make sure we visit everyone of these places, Garden of the Gods was my absolute favorite!
Now I know what we should do when we visit Colorado