Location: Colorado Springs
Top Things to do in Colorado Springs
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What to do and see in Colorado Springs, Colorado (CO): The Best Things to do Good for Kids
A crossroads for historians, sportsmen, architects, artists and gourmands, Colorado Springs offers a delightful mix of Western charms. Sunny skies and crisp mountain air make it a perfect place for a golf outing, extreme sports or a picnic in one of the many, many well-maintained parks.
Restaurants in Colorado Springs
1. Garden of the Gods
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17,122 reviews
Located at the base of Pikes Peak, this National Natural Landmark and popular park features stunning geological formations, rock climbing, nature trails and the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center.
Reviewed By BrooklynDodgers13 - Henderson, United States
This is a tourist attraction. It is a lovely natural Red rocked City Park with lots of hiking ???? trails, beautiful rock formations such as the Siamese Twins, Sentinel Spires, the Scotsman, Giant Footprints, Cathedral Spires and of course, Balanced Rock. There are many ways to explore the Park. There are Jeep ???? Tours, you can hike, climb rocks or take the 1909 Trolley ???? like we did. The driver told us a lot of interesting historical facts. The only problem was she didn’t stop for any photos so we had to take them on the go. The Gift Shop was large with lots of merchandise. I purchased Huckleberry tea!
2. Penrose Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 206 reviews
(Reservations Required) Penrose Heritage Museum showcases the history and heritage of the Pikes Peak region through the personal artifact collection of Colorado Springs’ philanthropists Spencer and Julie Penrose. The museum exhibits 30 carriages, western cultural artifacts, and 15 race cars that competed in the infamous Race to the Clouds, one of the oldest motorsport events in the U.S., second only to the Indianapolis 500. Whether you are interested in the Penrose legacy, regional history, transportation, or motor sports, Penrose Heritage Museum is a cultural institution you will not want to miss when visiting Colorado.
Reviewed By babybear55
This feels like two museums in one. There’s an extensive display of horse drawn buggy’s and early horseless buggies and then a fascinating history from the Pikes Peak hill climb including many of the old and newer cars. Excellent display!
3. National Museum of World War II Aviation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,196 reviews
The Museum's new 40,000 sq ft hangar is now open at 775 Aviation Way on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 4;30 PM. Face masks are requirement and reservation should be made ahead of time at worldwariiaviation.org. Visitors can walk around the museum on their own and hosts are available to answer questions .Tours for WestPac, a private WWII aircraft restoration company will be offered hourly.
Reviewed By CoryC2000
My wife and I visited this past summer and the museum volunteers were amazing at providing an interactive educational experience for us. They took time to answer questions and give us personal instruction about the various aircraft and equipment on display. One of the volunteers went the extra mile to take us into the museum restoration facility where we could see airplanes being restored to become museum displays or being restored to be flyable aircraft. Lots of great things to see. Worth your time!
4. Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
The location of NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, which offers limited tours to the public.
Reviewed By travissT7839AD
Cheyenne Moutain State Park is a beautiful park with lots of lovely hiking trails and great camping spots. Don't get this post wrong this is not a review for the Cheyenne Mountain complex which is no longer open to the public. If you come here you'll enjoy the beauty of nature and even see some wildlife as well. You won't be visiting one of the most well-defended military complexes in the world.
5. Peterson Air & Space Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
The Museum preserves and portrays the rich aviation and space history of Colorado Springs and Peterson Air Force Base. From our barnstormer beginnings in the Roaring Twenties, through the daring exploits of our World War II pilots and into the modern space era, our exhibits are sure to capture your attention. The museum is open to the public even though the museum is on an active Air Force installation. All that is required is for non-military ID card holders and groups to call us or submit a request on our web site a minimum of one day in advance of your visit (before noon MDT) to arrange for a pass and detailed instructions (https://petemuseum.org/visitor-information/). A State or federal issued Photo ID is required for all Non-DoD visitors over 18. Drivers will need to have proof of insurance and registration for their vehicles. Non-US Visitors: allow an additional day.
Reviewed By slikrokbel - Oceanside, United States
We arrived at the visitor center for directions to the museum and were told that it requires reservations at least 24 hours in advance! Fortunately, we were able to e-mail our information and reserve a tour the following day. We took a guided tour and our docent, Gus, was outstanding. After watching a short film, we toured the museum and then went outside for a tour of the aircraft on display. We got to go inside of the Lockheed Constellation ("Conny") and then moved into another museum building with more aircraft and all of the space displays. Gus really personalized the tour for our group and added many anecdotes and stories along the way keeping everyone engaged and even quizzing our 7-yr old aviation buff.
6. United States Air Force Academy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,957 reviews
Visitors can tour this modern sprawling campus that includes the Academy, Falcon Stadium, a chapel and Arnold Hall, a museum honoring Air Force personnel.
Reviewed By hikinguniversity - Colorado Springs, United States
The historic United States Air Force Academy has so many things to offer, it really does need to be at the top of "to visit" list. *Hiking / mountain biking *Historical driving tour *Planetarium *Amazing Cemetery *Historic buildings These pictures are of the Cadet Chapel and Arnold Hall at night. The red tips on the Chapel are from a bonfire below in the courtyard. This was a rare night where 500 drones were used to make different designs in the sky.
7. Western Museum of Mining and Industry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
The museum features artifacts and research involving the region's early mining and industrial activities.
Reviewed By jgrantco - Denver, United States
Was a nice respite away from the terrible crowds at other attractions. Interesting exhibits and nice grounds to walk.
8. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,707 reviews
Colorado Springs is home to America’s mountain zoo. Located at 6,714 feet above sea level, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers breathtaking views of the city and of its 750 animals. The unique design of the Zoo’s animal exhibits gets guests closer than ever before. Hand-feed one of the largest reticulated giraffe herds in the world, watch grizzlies swim with trout, hop next to red-necked wallabies and get hands on with some of the Zoo’s smaller residents in The Loft. Have a WILD adventure at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – see the animals, ride an antique carousel, eat a gourmet lunch at the Grizzly Grill and ride the Mountaineer Sky Ride to the Zoo’s summit. Visit 365 days a year for family fun at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Reviewed By cubie2017 - El Paso, United States
Went there after the hail storm and you can still see the damage. Loved the ski lift ride that takes you over the zoo and you get beautiful views of the city. Feeding g the giraffes was a treat and the elephant show was fun. Highly recommend it!
9. Olympic Training Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,409 reviews
The Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center is home to Olympic hopefuls in various sport disciplines. Take the guided walking tour and see the facilities in which athletes train as the aspire to be part of Team USA in the upcoming Olympic Games!
Reviewed By SendMeSomewhere - Cincinnati, United States
This tour was awesome, got to visit so many sections of US Olympic training facilities, including the shooting range, cooking class kitchen, sports medicine, track and field, basketball, and gymnastics areas. Taylor was an excellent guide - clearly has a passion for the Olympics and everything it stands for. He pointed out several Paralympic and Olympic athletes as we toured the grounds. We learned so much and my 9- and 6- year old really enjoyed it all, too. Thanks for a great visit!!
10. ANA Money Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By MichaelLong1963 - Colorado Springs, United States
This is a unbelievable museum of money and a must see for any coin/money collector. The collection of rare coins is so interesting and the history of money is very informative. They have displays of "error notes" that have bills that will reflect being a $5 bill on the front & $10 on the back as an example. They have many other bills that are "error notes" that are neat to see. They have the famous "Walton Specimen" that is a very interesting story in itself regarding a rare coin that was thought to be lost. The cost is very reasonable ($8 for adults but they offer a senior/military discount for $6) and it's easy to navigate through the museum. Currently they have a section about the history of money from Europe with many different coins, notes and artifacts from that area including Canada. The parking is free if you find a space in the small parking area next to the museum (it;s located next to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and near the Colorado College campus).
