There really is something for every age, from children to adults! Whether you have a family full of nature lovers or thrill seekers, here’s the best activities and experiences in Colorado Springs.
1. Pikes Peak
Rising 14,115 feet above sea level, Pikes Peak dominates the scenery of Colorado Springs from every vantage point. There are four ways up America’s Mountain, the most unique being the “Pikes Peak or Bust” Jeep tour with Adventures Out West, where you’ll enjoy unobstructed scenery and the feeling of the wind blowing through your hair. For a more relaxing journey, the recently re-opened Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is the most hands-off and family-friendly of all our options. Book your tickets in advance for this four-hour, 9-mile journey up to the summit, rumbling along Ruxton Creek, past Minnehaha Falls, through Deer Park and much more! You can also set your own pace by driving up Pikes Peak in your car or hiking the 12-mile Barr Trail with 7,900 feet of sweat-inducing vertical gain! The view will be more than rewarding no matter how you get to the top.
2. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
You don’t need to be a child to enjoy a zoo — not to mention the award-winning Cheyenne Mountain Zoo! This unique zoo experience guarantees genuine animal interactions. At its heart is one of the largest giraffe herds in North America, where you can view our long-necked friends face-to-face. The Zoo’s newest exhibit, Water’s Edge: Africa, displays impressive homes for Nile Hippos and African Penguins. Their beautifully taken care of animals inspire conservation, education and general family vacation memories.
3. United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum
When in Olympic City, one must visit the brand-new Olympic Museum! Located downtown, this museum is infused with modern technology, interactive exhibits and a rich history that celebrates mankind’s greatest athletic achievements. It will leave you in absolute awe. It’s also worth noting that when open again, the Olympic Training Center, where Team USA prepares for the iconic global games, offers tours giving you the opportunity to see how hard our athletes work.
4. Pete Dye’s First Golf Course West of the Mississippi
Re-imagine what it’s like to play golf. Surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the glassy waters of the Curr Reservoir, Cheyenne Mountain Resort’s Pete Dye-designed golf course was created to challenge golfers of all skill levels. Grab your clubs and rise to the occasion — Colorado’s leading golf experience awaits. This private golf course is only available for Resort hotel guests and members of the Country Club of Colorado.
5. Garden of the Gods
This location boasts more than just an epic name. Colorado Springs’ god-sized playground is packed with miles of trails weaving around towering dusty-red formations that frame Pikes Peak perfectly. You can put on your hiking boots and explore on foot or you can pick up the pace by riding a Segway or an open-air Jeep. Adding to the full cowboy effect, horseback riding tours are also available. For a bit of retail therapy and relaxation, we recommend beginning or ending your adventure at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post where you can fuel up on Starbucks, enjoy lunch on the patio and shop local-made souvenirs to take home as a badge of honor.
6. Alluvia Spa & Wellness Retreat
After a full weekend of travel, outdoor adventure and physical activity it is important to take time to relax. That’s why we added this secret sanctuary that’s located in the shadows of the Colorado Rockies. Alluvia Spa and Wellness Retreat is the best full-service spa oasis in Colorado Springs, especially for nurturing mind, body and soul. Treat yourself! Indulge in one of Alluvia’s many spa services.
7. Manitou Cliff Dwellings
If you have a penchant for having hands on experiences, everything at Manitou Cliff Dwellings is the sensory-driven history lesson you’ve always wanted. Look, explore and touch Ancestral Puebloan artifacts and ruins, dating back 800 to 1,000 years, in this unexpectedly thrilling 40-room museum. Carved into the orange cliff sides of Manitou Springs this is a unique learning experience for the entire family.
8. The Cave of the Winds
Down the road from the cliff dwellings is another rich, educational experience. The Cave of the Winds is an absolute local favorite! It’ll be hard to leave the beautiful canyon vistas and enter the chambers of the vast cave system, but when inside, the tour will boast geological wonders and unique-to-Colorado history. It’s incredible! After exiting the mouth of the cave, you will have plenty to do between the Wind Walker Challenge Course, Bat-A-Pult zipline ride and the climbing wall. If you’re brave enough to tip over the edge of the cliff on the Terror-Dactyl plunge, make sure to leave your sunglasses with the attendant, because yes, you really go 100-miles per hour, and yes you will scream.
9. Colorado Springs Eateries
Calling all foodies! One thing Colorado Springs locals can all agree on is that our city has delectable dining options in spades. If you’re looking for unique-to-Colorado Springs dining experiences take a visit to Ivywild School, The Carter Payne or The Rabbit Hole. These locations boast delicious food in venues that might surprise you! Other mouth-watering highlights for Colorado Springs include Sushi O Sushi (the best sushi in Colorado!), Colorado Mountain Brewery, the Gates Grille and Elevations Drinks + Eats.
10. Cheyenne Mountain Resort
Finally, when the family adventures have been experienced, Colorado Springs’ Premier Dolce Resort will always be there as the perfect home-base. With five pools, two hot tubs and a whole beach-front lake there is plenty of space to soak and catch some Vitamin-D. Not to mention the other fun Resort Activities available steps from your room. When it comes to a well-needed trip to Colorado Springs, the Cheyenne Mountain Resort is where luxury meets breathtaking.
This is just our shortlist of fun things to do the next time you visit Colorado Springs. Ask any local and they’d be happy to tell you more about all the incredible hiking, whitewater rafting and other amazing local attractions that makes our city the best!