Top 8 Places to Visit in Colorado Springs

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Colorado Springs hosts a huge variety of attractions, history and overall family fun.  There is so much to do there, but these are the top 8 places to visit in Colorado Springs.

Disclosure: I am partnering with Visit Colorado Springs.  All opinions are my own. 

Why Colorado Springs

Growing up in Colorado, traveling this beautiful state has always been a part of my life.  It is something that I value and something that I make sure our family does as well.  Colorado Springs and the areas around it, are some of my favorite places to take our family throughout the year.

From the Air Force Academy, to the beautiful views and short driving distances to our Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is centrally located with so many family-friendly activities to take in.  Who wouldn’t want to visit Colorado Springs?  Check out our top 8 places to visit in Colorado Springs.

1. Garden of the Gods

I have driven past and through the Garden of the Gods several times.  However, my favorite memory of visiting Garden of the Gods was our 2-year wedding anniversary.  We were new parents, we were anxious to have some alone time, but we also didn’t want to be too far from our infant son.

We booked a room near Garden of the Gods and I remember waking up that first morning there (after my first full night’s sleep in 8 weeks) and looking at the window, seeing those incredible sandstone rock formations and taking in a deep breath and looking over at my sleeping husband.  I remember thinking that our couple trip was much needed and that these views were a reminder that getting out of our everyday schedule was so good for our souls.

Honestly, I remember this trip so fondly.  We visited so many different attractions while we were there and had the best time just exploring Garden of the Gods and the Colorado Springs area.  We hiked some of the trails, admired the natural sandstone formations and enjoyed a nice picnic while in this beautiful national landmark.  Now that our kids are older, we are planning to go back this summer and hike some of those same trails and relive this awesome experience with our two little humans.

2. The Broadmoor Seven Falls

Colorado has waterfalls everywhere.  You can be driving up the mountains and right outside your window is a waterfall.  However, some of the most famous falls in Colorado are Seven Falls.  A series of cascading waterfalls located in a box canyon, Seven Falls is a sight to behold.

I haven’t been to Seven Falls since I was a child.  I remember that you could hike the falls up a staircase and that you were so close that you were getting splashed.  I am eager to take our kids to Seven Falls and relive and re-experience this amazing place with my own family.  Definitely adding it to our summer bucket list!

3. U.S. Air Force Academy

I have to be honest, driving into Colorado Springs, the Air Force Academy and the pride for those Falcons is strong.  We haven’t attended a game, but I can tell you that I know numerous Air Force fans and they say that the games are a must do when in Colorado Springs.  The stadium is gorgeous and is a centerpiece to the town.

A game would be incredible, but in addition to taking in a game, the U.S. Air Force Academy has a lot more to offer.  The site is free and open to the public and includes, a Visitor Center, the AFA Chapel, newly opened Planetarium and a number of trails. You need to make time to visit this amazing facility!

4. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

As kids our parents took us to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.  I remember walking through this special place and the beauty of the zoo and the animals immersed in the backdrop of those stunning mountains.  Today the zoo is the same as I remember with even more incredible experiences to be had.

It is in the nation’s top 5 of best zoos in North America for a reason and features more than 30 species of endangered animals.  There is plenty for families to experience from feeding the giraffes, to riding the sky ride over the zoo, to guided tours and more!  The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the perfect place to stop on any family vacation through Colorado Springs.

5. Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Tucked away (actually just right off the road) in Colorado Springs are the Manitou Cliff Dwellings.  These Ancient Puebloan ruins are over 800 years old and were actually relocated to Colorado Springs as a way to protect them.

We visited the Manitou Cliff Dwellings on that anniversary trip and I remember walking through them, looking at the amazing architecture and learning about the culture.  It was really fun and inexpensive and something that we will definitely be taking our kids to soon!

6. Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain

Colorado is known for its big beautiful mountains and fondly calls some of the tallest mountains our 14’ers.  That is because they stand over 14000 feet above sea level.  Many people come to Colorado just to hike these 14’ers and take in the views from atop some of the tallest mountains in the state.  Pikes Peak Highway makes that feat a bit easier for those wishing to experience the top of one of our mountains.

Just a short drive takes you right to the top of the mountain where you can take some incredible photos of the Colorado plains, shop a little in their visitors center, learn about the history of the highway and even eat the most incredible donuts of your life.  No I am not kidding, people talk about these donuts like you would not believe.

If you are planning on visiting Colorado Springs, make sure to make a day out of the Pikes Peak Highway and get some donuts.  It is a great experience for the family and one that we love to do together!  We have driven it twice with our kids and each year they ask to go back!

7. The North Pole

It wouldn’t be Colorado if we didn’t have The North Pole.  Sitting on the slopes of Pikes Peak, this holiday experience has been around for over 60 years!  Santa’s Workshop at the North Pole is an attraction that anyone would enjoy.

Our kids went with our parents just a few years ago and still talk about how much fun they had.  With rides, shows and visits with Santa, you need to visit the North Pole when you are in Colorado Springs.

8. The Royal Gorge

If you are looking for something breathtaking in Colorado Springs, then you need to check out The Royal Gorge.  This is a huge tourist attraction here and there is good reason.  A massive suspension bridge spanning two mountain sides with views that you have to see to believe is exactly what anyone visiting Colorado Springs needs to see.

We have been a couple times and I swear each time that we go, I still have that adrenaline and the wow factor that the beautiful scenery and incredibly engineered bridge brings.  It is fun to walk across and they have added some rides and thrills for every member of the family.  We love the playland and will definitely be stopping back through on our summer trip!

Plan Your Visit to Colorado Springs

There is so much to see and do in Colorado Springs and honestly, I have only listed the top 8 that we have enjoyed (or plan to).  You can check out a comprehensive list of attractions here, check out family itineraries and even find easy hikes for the family.

Plan your visit now!

 

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