Things To Do In the Colorado Springs Area

Things to do in (and around) Colorado Springs

Things to Do in (and around) Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is an incredible place to live, visit, and explore—whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or parent looking for a fun family outing. Our community is rich with activities for every interest and every season. Below, you’ll find a guide to some of the best things to do in and around the Springs

Think of it as your go-to adventure list—add to it, check things off, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!

Colorado Springs has so much to offer, consequently this is by no means an exhaustive list. Have a favorite local gem we missed? Reach out anytime if you think we left off your favorite Springs’ attraction. We love discovering new places!

Family & Kid-Friendly Fun

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – A world class zoo, boasting some of the best views in the city. A great place for animal lovers, families, and visitors alike.
Butterfly Pavilion (Westminster) – A magical world of butterflies and other small creatures. A bit of a drive out, but worth well worth the gas money.
Manitou Springs Penny Arcade – Nestled in the heart of Manitou, this throwback arcade has antique and contemporary favorites.
Poor Richard’s Downtown– Toy store, check. Bookstore, check. Cafe with live music, check. You’ll find all of this in one cozy, connected downtown spot.
North Pole, Santa’s Workshop – A great park for younger kids, with just enough for older children (think combination zip-line slingshot ride).

Outdoor Adventures & Parks

Garden of the Gods – Truly iconic, this natural treasure is easy to access for all, with paved trails and easy parking.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space – A local favorite, with excellent hiking, biking, and rock climbing for all levels. This sprawling, less traveled park is a great addition or alternative to a day at Garden of the Gods.
Mount Cutler Trail – One of the best intro level hikes in the region, this trail offers some of the best experiences and views for the amount of effort.
Mueller & Cheyenne Mountain State Parks – Excellent State Parks, just a hop skip and a jump away (just a hop in the case of Cheyenne Mountain). Backpack, car camp overnight or just plan a day trip. You’ll have plenty of options at these parks.
The Incline (Manitou Springs) – Famously (infamously depending on who you ask) the Incline is one of the most challenging hikes around. Be prepared, know your limits, and be prepared for breath taking views (assuming you have breath after 2,744 stairs)
Cave of the Winds – Explore underground caverns with guided tours for all ages. Junior spelunkers can enjoy great educational tours full of wonders, while those seeking a thrill can join a haunted lantern tour!

Museums & History

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum – Explore the city’s past as well as rotating exhibits, and multi-cultural celebrations.
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum – Interactive exhibits celebrating Team USA in a state of the art new facility.
Ghost Town Museum – Step into the Wild West with preserved buildings and artifacts.
Michael Garman’s Magic Town – A miniaturized, whimsical city with striking detail. A fun half day excursion.
Mining Museum– A history of the city’s historic mining economy, as well scientific exhibits on minerals in the area.

Arts, Theatre & Culture

Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center – A treasure trove of rotating exhibits, special events and performances. The fine arts center has something for everyone.
Cottonwood Center for the Arts – A nexus for local artists, Cottonwood Center has great gallery shows, events, and community classes.
First Friday Art Walks (Old Colorado City & Manitou) – Don’t just enjoy the galleries during the first Fridays, make sure to check out some of the demonstrations from the artists themselves!
Stargazers Theatre – A funky, retro venue with eclectic live music and performances all year long.
Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site – A living history museum nestled against the Garden of the Gods. Enjoy exhibits and demonstrations of life from the late 18th to mid 19th century.

Adventure Sports & Active Play

CityROCK Climbing Center – Indoor climbing for all ages and abilities. This stand out gym also has a stellar kid area and spelunking simulation (for bigger kids)
IFly Indoor Skydiving – Experience freefall without the normal risk factor of jumping out of a perfectly good plane.
Front Range Climbing Company – Guided climbing and canyoneering in Colorado’s most scenic spots including Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon and more!
Top Golf – Driving range meets arcade. The new Top Golf Center on the North Side of town is a great way to gather!
The Broadmoor Soaring Adventure – Conquer your fear of heights and enjoy zipline tours through the stunning Seven Falls canyon.

Animal Encounters

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – Worth a second mention! Feed giraffes, pet snakes, use complex skinner box contraptions to feed goats. There’s truly a ton to see here.
Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center – Get up close and learn about these majestic creatures.
Bear Creek Nature Center – Education and animal watching right in the foothills. Seasonal events are also a huge draw for locals and visitors alike

Libraries & Educational Stops

Library 21c (PPLD) – Part traditional library, part maker space, part community hub. Library 21c expands on what a library can be in the best ways.
Space Foundation Discovery Center – Fun meets science in this hands-on space museum.
Rock Ledge Ranch (again!) – A repeat, but a goodie! If you didn’t check it out in the prior section follow the link this time!
School Crossing & Toy Station – A charming local spot for toys that’s been in Colorado Springs for over 25 years.

Day Trips & Scenic Spots

Cripple Creek – Visit museums, ride the historic railroad, or try your luck at a casino.
Florissant Fossil Beds – See petrified trees and ancient fossils on scenic trails. A national treasure worth exploring!
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park – The views from the bridge are unforgettable (and so are the rides).
Gold Belt Scenic Byway – A beautiful drive through historic mountain towns that helped carve Colorado’s history.
Historic Arkansas Riverwalk (Pueblo) – Riverboats, festivals, and waterfront charm. The riverwalk is a favorite getaway on hot summer days!

Shopping: Local Finds & Unique Boutiques

Old Colorado City – Stroll the charming streets filled with local shops, art galleries, and cafes.
The Eclectic Co. – A downtown collective supporting women-owned and small businesses.
Heartshake Studios– Art, vintage goods, and creative finds in one charming space.
Colorado Co-Op – Curated fashion, gifts, and home decor in the heart of the city.
Odds and Ends – After enjoying great food and drink at Ivywild School, don’t forget to check out this awesome little shop in the centre.

Favorite Local Coffee Shops

Loyal Coffee – Barista-owned with awesome community vibes and even better coffee.
Switchback Coffee Roasters – Known for ethically sourced beans and cozy atmosphere.
Frankly Coffee– A hidden treasure just west of I-25 on Colorado. Frankly’s quality brews speak for themselves.

Story Coffee Company – Tiny house café with big flavor downtown and in OCC.
Wayfinder Coffee Co. – Travel-inspired décor with some of the best coffee and pastries on the East Side.

Wait, what about the famous Spring’s brewery scene? You may ask. Don’t worry, we’ve collected a more in depth list of our favorites here.

This list is ever-evolving, just like the Olympic City. If you have a favorite spot or hidden gem you’d like to share, feel free to reach out! Let’s continue to explore and celebrate all that Colorado Springs has to offer!

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