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Colorado Springs,
Colorado
Colorado Springs
is a city with a small town feel. It is the home of several
military installations including the Air Force Academy.
Tourism is a very important part of Colorado Springs. Many of
the abundant family friendly activities revolve around the outdoors
and the amazing beauty surrounding the Colorado Springs area.
If you aren't fond of outdoor activities you will still find plenty
to do while in the Springs.
Colorado Springs
has a mild climate; it is classified as an alpine desert.
Travel to the Springs during any of the four seasons and you will
likely have a sunny day to enjoy outdoor activities. For the
most part Colorado Springs offers low humidity and light amounts of
precipitation. Colorado Springs averages 250 days of sunshine
per year!
Friendly smiling
faces -- a comfortable climate -- abundant attractions,
hotels and restaurants-- Colorado Springs has lots to offer!
Please be sure to
call and verify times and rates as they are subject to change
 AIR
FORCE ACADEMY
Exit 156B on Interstate 25, Colorado Springs 719.333.2025
www.usafa.af.mil
COST: FREE
HOURS: Daily 9 am - 5 pm (chapel is closed to public on
Sunday)
Learn more about the history of the Air Force and the Air Force
Academy at the informative visitor's center. Take a short walk
along a path to the distinctive Academy Chapel. Sandwich shop
in the visitor's center.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- The children were interested in
some of the displays in the visitor's center. The walk to the
chapel was a favorite as they tried to spot chipmunks.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- The displays in the visitor's center did
not keep the interest of the younger children for very long.
It was difficult for the adult's and older children to spend the
required time to really enjoy the displays since the younger ones
were quickly ready to "move on".
COLORADO SPRINGS- GARDEN OF THE GODS
1805 N. 30 St, Colorado Springs 719.634.6666
www.gardenofgods.com
COST: FREE
HOURS: June 1 - Sept 1- 8 am - 8 pm, Sept 2 - May
31- 9 am - 5 pm
Drive or hike though the towering sandstone rock formations,
including amazing balancing rock and shiprock. Many picnic
areas. Visitor and Nature Center has an observation deck and
interesting hands-on exhibits. Cafe at the center.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
PROS- The children loved climbing next to balancing rock.
The breathtaking views as we hiked impressed even the youngest
member of the family.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- The visitor center displays did
not keep their interest for long.
COLORADO SPRINGS- GHOST TOWN MUSEUM
400 S. 21st St., Colorado Springs 719.634.0696
www.ghosttownmuseum.com
COST: $6.50 Adult / $4 Age 6 - 16 (with Adult) / Under 6
Free
HOURS: June - Aug- Monday - Sat 9 am - 6 pm, Sun 11 am - 6 pm,
Sept - May- Mon - Sat 10 am - 5 pm, Sun 11 am - 5 pm
Interesting look back at old pioneer towns of the West.
Inside the building you can follow the boardwalk past displays
including merchants, a Saloon and a Victorian home. Hands on
fun includes old time arcade machines and panning for gold.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- The children enjoyed the hands on
aspects the most; panning for gold and the old arcade devices
were favorites.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- You have to watch little
ones closely so they do not go into areas that are for display only.
COLORADO SPRINGS AREA- MANITOU CLIFF
DWELLINGS
Hwy 24, Manitou Springs 719.685.5242
www.cliffdwellingsmuseum.com
COST: $8.50 Age 12 and over / $6.50 Age 7 - 11 / 6 and
under Free
HOURS: May - Sept- 9a m - 6 pm, Mar/Apr/Oct/Nov- 9
am - 5 pm, Dec - Feb- 10 am - 4 pm
Tucked under a red sandstone overhand are the 700 hundred year
old Anasazi cliff dwellings. Climb around inside and truly
experience these historical structures. Often times there is
Native American dancing in the summer months. Snack stand is
available during the summer.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- The children loved that they could
climb around inside the ancient ruins (unlike so many places where
there is a 'look but not touch policy').
COLORADO SPRINGS- MONEY MUSEUM
818 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs 800.367.9723
COST: FREE;
donations appreciated
HOURS: Tues - Fri 9 am - 5 pm, Sat 10 am - 5 pm, Sun 12 pm - 5
pm
Learn everything you've wanted to know about money! Large
exhibit of rare currency. Hosts a variety of exhibits
throughout the year so it's a new adventure every time you visit.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- The children enjoy the traveling
exhibits as they often have something aimed toward young people.
During the last trip to the museum there was an exhibit on money
from around the world. The kids could take a passport to each
country to have it stamped. Educational and fun.
COLORADO SPRINGS
AREA- NORTH POLE
5050 Pikes Peak Hwy., Cascade 719.684.9432
www.santas-colo.com
COST: $15.95 Ages 2 - 59 / Over age 60 and under age 2
Free
HOURS: May 20 - June 16 Daily 10 am - 5 pm, June 17 -
Aug 13 Daily 10 am - 6 pm, Aug 14 - Aug 20 Daily 10 am - 5pm,
Aug 21 - Dec 24 Mon/Tues/Fri/Sat Sun 10 am - 5 pm
For generations families have enjoyed this Christmas-themed
amusement park at the base of Pikes Peak. The rides are
appropriate for a variety of age groups, from an antique carousel
and mini roller coaster to the Scrambler and Tilt-a-Whirl.
Scattered throughout the village are shops and restaurants. Be
sure to visit Santa's house to visit with Santa and stop by the ever
frozen North Pole.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- The
children love every aspect of the North Pole! Great variety of
rides to keep everyone happy. The lines are usually short
(during some times of the year, there are no lines for the rides).
They enjoy feeding the goats (and mom appreciates the hand sanitizer
located nearby). A visit to Santa Claus is always a highlight
of the trip.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- Due to the many hills, pushing a
stroller to some areas is a challenge.
COLORADO SPRINGS AREA- PIKES PEAK
10 miles West on Hwy 24, Cascade 719.385.PEAK
www.pikespeakcolorado.com
COST: $10 Adult age 16 and over / $5 Age 6 - 15 / Under 6
Free / Per Passenger Car $35
HOURS: Memorial Day to Labor Day 7 am - 7 pm, Labor Day - last
day of Sept 7 am - 5 pm, Oct 1 - Memorial Day 9 am - 3 pm
Pikes Peak rises 14,100 feet above sea level. The view from
the top is amazing though be ready for quite a temperature
difference (dress appropriately!). There are three ways to
reach the summit; the Pikes Peak Railway, Barr Trail and the
Cog Railway. Pikes Peak Highway is a 19 mile long partially
paved road which is open year round (weather permitting). Barr
Trail is a 13 mile trail. The Cog Railway travels 8.9 miles up
the mountain side. It is open April - December (weather
permitting).
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- The view amazes even the younger
children.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- The trip up can be scary for children
who are afraid of heights. Be sure to dress warmly (even if
it's hot when you leave the springs) as it is much colder at the
peak.
COLORADO SPRINGS- ROCK LEDGE RANCH
30th St and Gateway Rd, Colorado Springs
719.578.6777
www.rockledgeranch.com/
COST: $6 Adult / $4 Seniors & Students / $2 Age 6 - 12 /
Under 6 Free
HOURS: June - Labor Day- Wed - Sun 10 am - 5 pm
This pioneer homestead is a living history museum. As you
travel through the three distinct areas you will learn about the
homestead and pioneer life from costumed staff who go about their
day as the pioneers would have. Picnic area.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Educational in fun, natural
setting. The blacksmith kept the kids' interest for quite a
long time. While waiting for tours at the two main
houses there are lawn games for the kids to play.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- Little ones may find it a
challenge to walk through the houses without touch the valuables.
COLORADO SPRINGS- SEVEN FALLS
2850 S. Cheyenne Canyon Rd., Colorado Springs 719.632.0765
www.sevenfalls.com
COST: Day- $8.75 ages 16 and over / $5.50 age 6 - 15
/ $7.75 age 60 and over Night-
$10.25 ages 16 and over / $6.50 age 6 - 15 / $9.25 age 60 and over
HOURS: Apr 3 - May 12- 9 am - 5:15 pm, May 13 - June 2-
9 am - 9:30 pm, June 3 - Aug 14- 8:30 am - 10:30 pm,
Aug 15 - Sept 5 - 8:30 am - 9:30 pm, Sept 6 - Oct 29- 9 am -
5:15 pm, Oct 30 - Dec 31- 9 am - 4:15 pm
Often called the "Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado",
the falls flow 181 feet in seven distinct turns. For an
amazing view (and exercise!) there are 224 steps that lead to trails
at the top. Take the mountain elevator to the Eagle's
Nest which overlooks the falls and offers a spectacular view of the
falls. The falls are lit at night (certain times of
year).
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- The children loved traveling in the
mountain elevator to the overlook. Another favorite part was
seeing all of the fish in the clear stream.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- The stairs are difficult for many
children. The restrooms are located on the far side of the
parking lot (for water reasons) so it can be quite a hike to use the
faciliities.
COLORADO SPRINGS AREA- UNITED STATES OLYMPIC
COMPLEX
1750 E. Boulder Street, Colorado Springs 719.866.4618
www.usolympicteam.com/12181_19092.htm
COST: FREE (but donations
are appreciated)
HOURS: June 1 - Aug 1 (call for other months)- Mon
through Sat tours begin every half an hour from 9 am - 4 pm.
Call to make reservations for groups of 10 or more.
Learn all about the complex that hosts many of America's finest
Olympic level athletes. See some of the training facilities
and hear stories about some of the famous names who have trained
here.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- The outside garden area has a lot
of fun displays that kept my children interested. The tour
moves along quickly so children do not get bored.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- Only restrooms are in the main building
at the start of the tour. There are steps to get into some of
the buildings so it is not very stroller friendly.
COLORADO SPRINGS- WESTERN MUSEUM OF MINING &
INDUSTRY
225 North Gate Blvd, Colorado Springs 719.488.0880
www.wmmi.org
COST: $8 Adult / $7 Military & AAA / $7 Seniors (Over age
60) / $6 Students (age 13 and over) / $4 Child (age 3 - 12) / Under
3 Free with paid adult
HOURS: Mon - Sat 9 am - 4 pm (guided tours available
twice per day)
This museum offers an interesting look at the history, and
impact, of mining in America. There are a variety of displays,
several are hands-on (including a dress-up area and gold panning).
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Friendly staff was willing to answer
questions. The kids loved the burros and the hands-on
activities.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- It did not take long to go
through the facility. The price was a bit high considering the
amount of time we spent there.
ALSO NEARBY:
CANON CITY- BUCKSKIN JOE FRONTIER TOWN AND
RAILWAY
1193 Fremont Cty Rd 3A, Canon City 719.275.5149
www.buckskinjoe.com
COST: Town Admission: $12 Adult (12 & Over) /
$10 Age 4 - 11 / Under age 3 Free
Railway Admission: $19 Adult (12 & Over) / $8 Age
4 - 11 / Under age 3 Free Town & Railway Combo
Admission: $16 Adult (12 & Over) / $14 Age 4 - 11
/ Under age 3 Free
HOURS: TOWN- May- Daily 10 am - 5 pm, June - Labor
Day- Daily 9 am - 6:30 pm, Sept- Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat,
Sun 10 am - 5 pm RAILWAY- March -
Memorial Day 9 am - 5 pm, Memorial Day - Labor Day 8 am - 7 pm,
Sept & Oct 9a m - 5 pm, Nov & Dec 10 am - 5 pm
The Scenic Railway provides one of the most amazing views of the
Royal Gorge as it rides near the edge of the Gorge. Afterwards
take a step back in time and enjoy a walk down a replicated Frontier
Main Street. The buildings are all either from the original
town of Buckskin Joe or neighboring pioneer towns. Take a walk
through the old mine or stop to witness a gunfight in the street.
Restaurant on site.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- The children loved just about
everything! The street performances kept their interest.
A favorite was the slanted house; they went through it over
and over trying to find the perfect way to cross the slanted room.
A stop at the saloon for a refreshing drink was another favorite.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- The boardwalk and dirt areas are
difficult for stroller travel. Some of the street performances
could be frightening to young children.
RESTAURANTS:
COLORADO SPRINGS-SOLO'S RESTAURANT
1664 N. Newport Rd., Colorado Springs 719.570.7656
www.solosrestaurant.com
Aviation themed restaurant includes seating for 42 passengers inside
a fully intact Boeing KC-97 tanker. Great aviation
memorabilia. The kids will love visiting the cockpit!
The menu ranges from sandwiches to steak and seafood.
Has an extensive children's menu.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-
Sitting in the cockpit and "flying" the airplane was a favorite.
The children's menu had a good variety and came with plenty of food.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- There aren't many seats in the airplane
so you aren't guaranteed a seat in there. The
restrooms are near the front door which is a bit of a walk from
the airplane.
LODGING:
COLORADO SPRINGS-CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN RESORT
3225 Broadmoor Valley Rd, Colorado Springs
800.428.8886
www.cheyennemountain.com
Comfortable resort-style hotel. Has many amenities and
includes access to the neighboring Country Club of Colorado.
Amenities include 4 swimming pools (one indoor), tennis courts, and
a 35 acre lake for sailing and fishing (open seasonably).
Adjoining rooms are available.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-
The children loved the lake which can be used for fishing and
sailing. Adjoining rooms are a more affordable option for
families than the their suites which are quite pricey.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- No breakfast included.
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