Only about an hour drive from Denver, with beautiful views of the mountains and plenty to enjoy for the whole family, Colorado Springs makes for an ideal day trip when you want to get away without going far. While it might be best known for Pikes Peak, it is also a wonderful getaway spot for people looking for a calmer, more relaxing day full of fun and culture.
Things To Do in Colorado Springs
Hiking
Garden of the Gods
While Garden of the Gods is very popular among tourists and can get uncomfortably busy, the beauty of living nearby is including it in a day trip during an off-peak time of year. There is a striking beauty to its landscape, you can spot lots of big horn sheep, and it’s always fun when you spy a rock climber scaling the sheer rock faces. If you’ve been before, take advantage of trying some more off-the-beaten-path trails while you have a higher chance of snagging a parking space.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
If you enjoy the beauty of landscape like Garden of the Gods but want something new, or just want smaller crowds, Red Rock Canyon Open Space is just across the road and provides a variety of trails through similar terrain. Be prepared on hot, sunny days, however, that there is not a lot of shade. What it lacks in shade it makes up for in low crowds and beautiful views.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
If you have animal lovers in your group, a wonderful option is the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Named No. 5 Best Zoo in North America by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo provides a unique experience most zoos can’t as it is literally on a mountain! Not only are there incredible views, but the exhibits are interactive and the variety of animals is amazing. This can easily fill an entire day if you want or spend a few hours before heading to one of the other options in this guide as they are all in fairly close proximity to each other!
Great Wolf Lodge
Especially given the unpredictable nature of Colorado weather, indoor activities can be a good idea. We are lucky enough to have a Great Wolf Lodge nearby in Monument, just a bit north of the Springs. The kids can feel like they got away to a beach destination and play in the water even if they’re getting tired of their neighborhood pool! Day passes are available if you only want it to be a day trip, or you can book a room for as many nights as you’d like to take full advantage of the resort. Check out our guide for more tips on a successful family trip to Great Wolf Lodge!
Cultural Outings
If you are more interested in culture than hiking, Colorado Springs still has options to suit your family, too!
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Depending on the season you are there, the hours of the cliff dwellings vary so be sure to check their website, but the Cliff Dwellings are an awe-inspiring look into history and 
Native American culture you won’t want to miss. You can walk through exact replicas of dwellings made into the side of cliffs and kids are welcome to touch and explore. Ticket prices are reasonable for adults and children, and children under 3 are free. Find ticket and tour details here.
U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum
While some museums can bore children who would like to simply breeze through every room with little thought, these exhibits are full of interaction. Patrons can use an interactive map to see various, former Olympians’ hometowns, colleges, or other cities of importance on their Olympic journeys. Each Olympic torch on display has a corresponding video so that visitors can watch a portion of its relay journey towards its opening ceremonies. Visitors can also experience a variety of simulations to gain a true
appreciation of the difficulty of the sports and the talent of the athletes. Adults and children alike will enjoy participating. Their website also has field trip packets available if you would like to print them off for your child like a scavenger hunt to keep them occupied. Check out our guide here.
Long vacations and national parks can be fun when you have the time, but if a day trip or short weekend getaway is what you’re looking for or all you have time for, Colorado Springs is a wonderful option. It’s a city you’ll definitely visit again.
