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Updated April 2026 | A local parent’s guide to the best family activities
Colorado Springs is one of the best family destinations in the country — and it does not have to cost a fortune. From free parks to affordable attractions, here is everything you need to plan a family trip the kids will talk about for years.
Free Activities (Yes, Really Free)
Garden of the Gods
The #1 family attraction in Colorado Springs. Towering red rock formations, easy paved trails for strollers, and it is completely free. Kids love climbing the smaller rocks near the Siamese Twins formation. Full Garden of the Gods guide.
North Cheyenne Canyon Park
A beautiful canyon with waterfalls (Helen Hunt Falls is an easy walk), picnic areas, and short nature trails. Less crowded than Garden of the Gods and just as beautiful.
Memorial Park
Huge park with playgrounds, a swimming pool (summer), sports fields, and paths along Monument Creek. Locals bring their kids here every weekend.
Worth-Every-Penny Attractions
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo ($30/adult, $20/child)
The only zoo in America built on a mountainside. Hand-feed giraffes (the kids will lose their minds), see grizzly bears, and enjoy views of the city from 6,800 feet. Worth every penny and then some. Go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings ($14/adult, $10/child)
Ancient cliff dwellings you can actually walk through and touch. Kids love exploring the rooms and learning about the Ancestral Puebloans. Small museum inside. Takes about an hour.
Penny Arcades in Manitou Springs (Cheap!)
Vintage arcade games that still cost a penny to a quarter. Kids go wild, parents get nostalgic, and you spend maybe $5 total. Combine with a full Manitou Springs day trip.
Rainy Day Options
- U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum — interactive, hands-on, inspiring for kids
- Space Foundation Discovery Center — space themed with a Mars robotics lab
- Pikes Peak Library — free, multiple locations, great kids sections
Sample 3-Day Family Itinerary
Day 1: Garden of the Gods (morning) + Manitou Springs penny arcades + lunch in Manitou
Day 2: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (morning) + North Cheyenne Canyon/Helen Hunt Falls (afternoon)
Day 3: Olympic Museum (morning) + Memorial Park playground + Pikes Peak drive (afternoon)
Plan Your Family Trip
Use our AI trip planner to build a custom family itinerary based on your kids’ ages, interests, and budget. It is free and takes 30 seconds.
More guides: Free Things to Do | Best Hiking Trails | Dog-Friendly Spots
