Free Things to Do in Colorado Springs With Kids: 25+ Budget-Friendly Family Activities (2026)
After raising my family here for over 20 years, I can tell you this with confidence: Colorado Springs is one of the best cities in the country to entertain kids without spending a dime. Between the red rocks, the open space, the free museums, and the community events, you could fill an entire summer — honestly, an entire childhood — and never pay an admission fee.
Here are 25+ genuinely free things to do in Colorado Springs with kids, organized by category, with the insider tips that only a local would know.
Outdoor Adventures
Garden of the Gods Park
The crown jewel of Colorado Springs, and it is completely free. Kids lose their minds scrambling around the base of 300-foot red rock formations while Pikes Peak towers in the background. The Central Garden Trail is paved and stroller-friendly — about 1.5 miles round trip. For older kids, take the Siamese Twins Trail for a short scramble to a natural rock window framing Pikes Peak. Tip: Go early on weekends (before 9 AM) to avoid the parking crush. The Juniper Way lot fills up fast, but the south lot on Gateway Road rarely does.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Just south of Garden of the Gods and a fraction of the crowds. This is where locals actually go. The trails wind through red sandstone fins and there are mini caves and rock scrambles that kids treat like a natural playground. The Contemplative Trail loop is perfect for families — flat, easy, and about a mile. Dogs welcome on leash, so the kids can bring the pup too. Free parking lot right off Highway 24.
North Cheyenne Cañon Park
One of the most beautiful spots in the city, and somehow still under the radar for tourists. The lower canyon trail follows the creek and is easy enough for kids 4 and up. Older kids and teenagers will love the scramble up to Helen Hunt Falls — a waterfall right inside city limits. There is a small free parking lot at the base; arrive before 10 AM on summer weekends or you will be circling.
Palmer Park
This 730-acre park on the east side of town feels like a secret world. Red rock formations, pine forests, and mesa-top views — and trails for every age. The Edna Mae Bennett Nature Trail is a gentle loop great for little ones. Older kids love exploring the rocky outcrops near the dog park. Tip: The Maizeland Road entrance has the best family trail access.
Memorial Park Playground
The Pikes Peak Playground inside Memorial Park is massive — we are talking multiple climbing structures, swings, slides, and a separate toddler area. It is the kind of playground where you bring camp chairs and snacks because you are going to be there a while. Plenty of shade trees and clean restrooms nearby. Free parking along Hancock Avenue.
Ute Valley Park
A neighborhood gem on the west side that feels way more remote than it is. Rocky trails wind through scrub oak and sandstone — perfect for kids who like to explore and pretend they are on an expedition. The main loop is about 2.5 miles and manageable for ages 5 and up. Watch for deer — we see them nearly every visit.
Museums & Learning (All Free!)
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Downtown in the beautiful old El Paso County Courthouse, this museum is always free. Kids love the hands-on history exhibits, the old-time general store display, and the Van Briggle pottery collection. It is genuinely interesting, not just a box-checking museum visit. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM.
Peterson Air & Space Museum
Located at Peterson Space Force Base, this free museum has real aircraft on display outside plus missile and space defense exhibits inside. Kids who are into planes, rockets, or anything military will be fascinated. Note: You will need a valid photo ID to enter the base. Check their website for current access procedures, as base security requirements can change.
Money Museum (American Numismatic Association)
A quirky hidden gem near Colorado College. Kids get to see gold bars, ancient coins, and learn how money evolved from shells to digital payments. They have interactive exhibits and the staff is great with young visitors. Always free admission. Perfect for a rainy day — plan about an hour.
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (Free Days)
The FAC at Colorado College offers free general admission on select days throughout the year, including many First Fridays. Their collection ranges from Western art to contemporary pieces, and kids respond to the space itself — the building is gorgeous mid-century design. Check their calendar before going, as the free schedule rotates.
Water Fun
Memorial Park Splash Pad
Open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the splash pad near the Prospect Lake side of Memorial Park is a godsend on hot summer afternoons. Ground jets, sprayers, and arching water features keep kids entertained for hours. Completely free. Bring towels and sunscreen — there is limited shade right at the pad, but plenty of grass nearby for your setup. Best for ages 2-10.
Prospect Lake
Also inside Memorial Park, Prospect Lake has a small beach area where kids can wade and splash. No lifeguards, so you need to supervise closely, but the shallow edges are great for little ones to get their feet wet on a hot day. Fishing is also free for kids under 16 with a licensed adult.
Monument Valley Park Creek
Monument Creek runs right through this long linear park that stretches through the center of the city. On summer days, you will find kids wading in the shallow spots, skipping rocks, and catching crawdads. The stretch near the Bijou Street bridge is one of the best wading spots. Pair it with a walk or bike ride on the paved path that runs the full length of the park.
Seasonal Events
First Friday Artwalk (Year-Round)
On the first Friday of every month, galleries and studios in the downtown area open their doors for free. Many set up activities for kids — face painting, mini art projects, and snacks. It is a relaxed evening out that exposes kids to art and community in a way that feels natural, not forced. Usually runs 5-8 PM along Tejon Street and surrounding blocks.
Free Summer Concerts
Colorado Springs runs multiple free concert series in the summer. Music in the Park at Memorial Park, concerts at Acacia Park downtown, and neighborhood events throughout the city. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and let the kids run on the grass while live music plays. Check the city’s events calendar starting in May for the full schedule.
Independence Day Celebration
The city’s Fourth of July celebration at Memorial Park is a full-day free event with live music, activities, and a massive fireworks show over Prospect Lake. We have gone almost every year for two decades and it never gets old. Tip: Stake out your spot by early afternoon. Bring chairs, snacks, and layers — it cools off fast once the sun drops behind the mountains.
Winter Holiday Lights
The Festival of Lights Parade in early December is a beloved local tradition — marching bands, lit-up floats, and Santa rolling through downtown. Completely free to watch from the sidewalk along Tejon Street. Dress warm (it will be cold) and grab hot chocolate from one of the downtown coffee shops. The Electric Safari at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is not free, but the holiday lights displays in Acacia Park downtown are, and well worth a walk-through with the little ones.
Hidden Gems Locals Know
Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site
Right at the entrance to Garden of the Gods, this living history site is free on select days and during special events (check their calendar — many Saturdays are free). Kids get to see what life looked like in the Pikes Peak region from the 1860s through the early 1900s. Farm animals, blacksmith demonstrations, and old cabins to explore. It is the kind of place where kids ask to come back.
Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center
At the mouth of North Cheyenne Cañon, Starsmore is a free nature center with hands-on exhibits, a climbing wall for kids, and nature programs throughout the summer. The staff runs excellent free guided hikes and nature talks geared toward families. This is a perfect first stop before hitting the canyon trails — the kids burn energy on the climbing wall and the adults grab a trail map.
Bear Creek Nature Center
Tucked into Bear Creek Regional Park on the west side, this small nature center is free and focused entirely on local ecology. Live animal displays (snakes, turtles, birds of prey), nature crafts, and self-guided trail maps. The trails right outside the door are flat and easy, following the creek through cottonwoods. A perfect morning for kids ages 3-10 who are curious about animals and nature.
Austin Bluffs Open Space
On the north side of town near UCCS, this open space has an easy network of trails through grasslands and rock outcrops. It rarely feels crowded and it is a great spot for kids to run free, spot prairie dogs, and explore without the intensity of the more popular parks. The main loop is about 1.5 miles — flat and wide enough for bikes or strollers on the lower sections.
Bonus: Free Outdoor Ice Skating (Winter)
The Acacia Park ice rink downtown opens each winter and while skate rental has a small fee, if you bring your own skates, skating is free. It is a small rink and perfect for young kids learning to skate in a low-pressure setting.
A Few Tips From a Local
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable. At 6,035 feet, you burn faster than you think. Even on cloudy days.
- Bring water everywhere. The altitude and dry air dehydrate kids quickly.
- Layer up. Morning temps can be 50°F when the afternoon hits 85°F. Colorado Springs weather is famously unpredictable.
- Go early. The most popular spots (Garden of the Gods, North Cheyenne Cañon) get packed by mid-morning in summer. Early birds get the parking spots and the peace.
- Check the city parks website before heading out — trail closures, event schedules, and seasonal hours are all posted at coloradosprings.gov/parks.
Never Miss a Local Secret
Colorado Springs is packed with free and affordable family activities — and new ones pop up all the time. Sign up for the Springs Local Guide newsletter and we will send you the best local tips, seasonal event roundups, and insider recommendations straight to your inbox. Written by locals, for locals.
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