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Looking for the perfect outdoor spot to spark some adventure, awe, and family bonding? šŸŒ„ Colorado Springs and its surrounding areas are packed with incredible places where kids can roam, explore, and learn! From breathtaking trails and towering rock formations to hidden waterfalls and fossil-themed playgrounds, thereā€™s something here for every little adventurer. šŸŒˆ So grab your hiking boots, pack some snacks, and get ready to discover nature’s wonders in these family-friendly outdoor spots! šŸƒšŸ‘£

1. Garden of the Gods

Description: This iconic park offers stunning red rock formations with numerous trails. Kids will love the short, accessible trails and the opportunity to spot local wildlife.

Location: 1805 N. 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Highlights: Scenic views, kid-friendly trails, Junior Ranger Program at the Visitor Center

2. Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Description: With 21 miles of trails, this park has options for easy family hikes. The parkā€™s natural playground is a hit, featuring slides and climbing structures made from natural materials.

Location: 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, CO 80926

Highlights: Wildlife viewing, designated kidsā€™ trails, nature programs, picnic areas

3. Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Description: This open space features a series of trails and sandstone cliffs. Families can enjoy easy walks and explore small caves, giving kids a chance to play and discover.

Location: 3550 W. High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Highlights: Rock formations, dog-friendly, family-friendly trails, biking and hiking options

4. America the Beautiful Park

Description: A favorite for families, this park has a large playground, splash pad, and the iconic Julie Penrose Fountain, perfect for cooling off on warm days.

Location: 126 Cimino Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Highlights: Large playground, water play features, beautiful green spaces

5. Fox Run Regional Park

Description: This park offers two playgrounds, a pond, and easy nature trails. Kids can enjoy the treehouse-themed playground, while parents appreciate the picnic spots and scenic views.

Location: 2110 Stella Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80921

Highlights: Treehouse-style playground, ponds, picnic areas, dog park

6. Monument Valley Park

Description: Known for its expansive green spaces, playgrounds, and trails along Monument Creek, this park is ideal for family outings with options for walking, picnicking, and play.

Location: 170 W Cache La Poudre St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Highlights: Playgrounds, walking paths, nearby tennis courts, beautiful gardens

7. North Cheyenne CaƱon Park

Description: A bit more adventurous, this park has short waterfall hikes and plenty of spots to explore. The Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center also offers kid-friendly exhibits and programs.

Location: 2120 S. Cheyenne Canyon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Highlights: Helen Hunt Falls, Starsmore Visitor Center, birdwatching

8. John Venezia Community Park

Description: This popular park includes a splash pad, playgrounds, and open fields for kids to run around. Itā€™s designed with Tuscan-themed structures that offer both play and shade.

Location: 3555 Briargate Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Highlights: Splash pad, themed playground, sports fields, picnic pavilions

9. Bear Creek Regional Park

Description: This park has extensive amenities, including multiple playgrounds, a dog park, and a nature center offering childrenā€™s programs and activities.

Location: 245 Bear Creek Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Highlights: Nature center, playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails

10. Pikes Peak Greenway Trail

Description: This trail spans along Fountain Creek and Monument Creek, offering an easy, scenic path for walking and biking with kids.

Location: Accessible at various points in Colorado Springs

Highlights: Flat, easy trail, beautiful views, birdwatching opportunities

11. Ute Valley Park

  • Description: Known for its rugged terrain and stunning rock formations, Ute Valley Park has easy to moderate trails that wind through forests and rock formations.
  • Location: 1705 Vindicator Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
  • Highlights: Scenic hiking trails, rock formations, family-friendly for hikes and picnics

12. Palmer Park

  • Description: This park offers a variety of short, scenic trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds with impressive views of Pikes Peak. Great for family hiking and play.
  • Location: 3650 Maizeland Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
  • Highlights: Diverse trails, playground, picnic areas, horse trails

13. Stratton Open Space

  • Description: Featuring six miles of trails, Stratton Open Space is a serene spot for families looking for a more relaxed outdoor adventure. Itā€™s perfect for birdwatching and easy hiking.
  • Location: La Veta Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
  • Highlights: Nature trails, scenic views, dog-friendly, ideal for wildlife spotting

14. Quail Lake Park

  • Description: This park offers paddleboarding, fishing, and a nice walking trail around the lake. Itā€™s a great spot for a family day out with water activities and a playground.
  • Location: 915 Cheyenne Mountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
  • Highlights: Lake activities, fishing, playground, picnic areas

15. Fountain Creek Regional Park

  • Description: Located a bit south in Fountain, this park has ponds, trails, and a unique nature center that provides educational programs for children.
  • Location: 2010 Duckwood Rd, Fountain, CO 80817
  • Highlights: Nature center, ponds, walking trails, picnic spots, birdwatching

16. El Pomar Youth Bike Park

  • Description: Designed with young cyclists in mind, this park has a range of bike tracks suitable for all levels, from beginner to advanced.
  • Location: 2212 Executive Cir, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
  • Highlights: Bike tracks for all ages, jumps, beginner-friendly areas

17. Flickering Pines Campground (Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument)

  • Description: Located near Colorado Springs, this spot provides beautiful trails and the unique opportunity to see preserved prehistoric fossils. A fantastic educational adventure!
  • Location: 15807 Teller County Rd 1, Florissant, CO 80816
  • Highlights: Fossil exhibits, hiking, scenic views, interactive Ranger-led programs

18. Acacia Park

  • Description: Right in downtown, this park includes a large playground, splash pad, and the beautiful Uncle Wilber Fountain, which lights up in summer.
  • Location: 115 E Platte Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
  • Highlights: Splash pad, playground, open green spaces, seasonal events

19. Iron Horse Park (Fort Carson)

  • Description: A fantastic playground and park on Fort Carson, accessible to the public, with areas for picnics, playgrounds, and open spaces for kids to explore.
  • Location: Fort Carson, CO 80913
  • Highlights: Large playground, military-themed play equipment, picnic areas

20. Homestead Ranch Regional Park

  • Description: This hidden gem offers hiking trails, horseback riding, and a charming pond. A quieter location, itā€™s perfect for a peaceful family outing.
  • Location: 16444 Gollihar Rd, Peyton, CO 80831
  • Highlights: Fishing pond, hiking trails, playground, equestrian trails

21. Bancroft Park

  • Description: Located in the heart of Old Colorado City, this historic park features a playground and open spaces perfect for family picnics. It often hosts seasonal festivals and farmersā€™ markets.
  • Location: 2408 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
  • Highlights: Playground, historic pavilion, family-friendly festivals, nearby shops and eateries

22. Shooks Run Park

  • Description: This linear park runs along a creek and offers paved trails ideal for biking, walking, and picnicking, with several playgrounds along the route.
  • Location: Along Shooks Run Trail, Colorado Springs, CO
  • Highlights: Biking and walking trails, creek views, multiple playgrounds, shaded areas

23. Fountain Valley Nature Center

  • Description: Set within Fountain Creek Regional Park, the Nature Center offers interpretive programs and exhibits. Kids can explore wetlands and prairie habitats.
  • Location: 320 Pepper Grass Ln, Fountain, CO 80817
  • Highlights: Interactive exhibits, pond and wetland trails, birdwatching, kidsā€™ nature programs

24. Memorial Park

  • Description: A large park with plenty of amenities including playgrounds, a lake, and a skate park. Itā€™s a great spot for various outdoor activities.
  • Location: 1605 E Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
  • Highlights: Prospect Lake (boating and fishing), playgrounds, skate park, sports fields

25. Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area

  • Description: A bit further out, this beautiful reservoir offers fishing, hiking, and boating with incredible mountain views. A perfect location for a peaceful family outing.
  • Location: Woodland Park, CO (accessed via Rampart Range Rd)
  • Highlights: Boating, fishing, scenic trails, picnic spots

26. Bear Creek Dog Park

  • Description: A unique spot where families can bring their dogs along for a day out. This off-leash dog park is located within Bear Creek Regional Park and has nearby playgrounds.
  • Location: 21st St & Rio Grande St, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
  • Highlights: Off-leash dog areas, trails, nearby playgrounds, picnic areas

27. Cheyenne Mountain Zooā€™s ā€œMy Big Backyardā€

  • Description: Part of the zoo, this area is specifically designed for young children and includes interactive play elements, a splash pad, and animal encounters.
  • Location: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
  • Highlights: Splash pad, interactive play areas, close animal encounters

28. Manitou Incline (for Older Kids)

  • Description: A challenging climb for more adventurous families with older children, the Incline is famous for its steep ascent. Nearby trails offer easier hikes as well.
  • Location: 506 Ruxton Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
  • Highlights: Intense workout, spectacular views, challenging but rewarding climb

29. Red Rock Canyon Open Space Dog Loop

  • Description: This dog-friendly loop is perfect for families who want a pet-friendly adventure. The loop is short and provides scenic views of red rock formations.
  • Location: 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
  • Highlights: Dog-friendly, red rock views, family-friendly trails

30. Paint Mines Interpretive Park

  • Description: This hidden gem in El Paso County has colorful clay formations that are as educational as they are stunning. Kids will love the unique rock formations and short trails.
  • Location: 29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808
  • Highlights: Unique geological formations, kid-friendly trails, beautiful photo opportunities

31. Stratmoor Hills Park

  • Description: This smaller park is ideal for younger children with its playground and shaded areas. The park has a quaint, peaceful atmosphere.
  • Location: 200 Loomis Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
  • Highlights: Playground, open grassy areas, picnic spots

32. Santa Fe Regional Trail

  • Description: Spanning from Palmer Lake to Colorado Springs, this scenic trail is great for biking, jogging, and walking. It provides mountain views and shaded paths.
  • Location: Trail access at multiple points, starting in Palmer Lake, CO
  • Highlights: Long paved trail, mountain views, family-friendly paths

33. Teller Countyā€™s Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

  • Description: Kids can see ancient fossils and explore petrified redwood stumps. This park offers trails, a visitor center, and hands-on activities.
  • Location: 15807 County Road 1, Florissant, CO 80816
  • Highlights: Fossil displays, easy trails, visitor center with exhibits, Junior Ranger Program

34. St. Maryā€™s Falls Trail

  • Description: A moderate hike leading to a beautiful waterfall, this trail offers a great adventure for families with older kids. Itā€™s scenic and offers plenty of photo opportunities.
  • Location: Cheyenne Canyon, Colorado Springs, CO
  • Highlights: Waterfall, shaded trail, picnic spots along the trail

35. Jackson Park

  • Description: This park offers a large playground, open green space, and picnic areas. Great for a low-key outing with younger children.
  • Location: 800 E Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
  • Highlights: Large playground, picnic tables, community events

36. Cattail Marsh Wildlife Area

  • Description: Ideal for birdwatching and short nature walks, this marsh area is a quiet spot where kids can observe various waterfowl and wildlife.
  • Location: Fountain Creek Regional Park, Colorado Springs, CO
  • Highlights: Birdwatching, nature trails, tranquil setting

37. Starsmore Discovery Center at North Cheyenne CaƱon Park

  • Description: A hub for childrenā€™s programs, the center offers hands-on nature activities and interpretive displays about the regionā€™s wildlife and ecology.
  • Location: 2120 S Cheyenne Canyon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
  • Highlights: Educational exhibits, kidsā€™ programs, nature trails

38. Helen Hunt Falls

  • Description: A short, family-friendly hike leads to the beautiful Helen Hunt Falls in North Cheyenne CaƱon. A fantastic spot for a quick nature excursion.
  • Location: 3440 N Cheyenne Canyon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
  • Highlights: Waterfall, nature center, easy hike

39. Blodgett Peak Open Space

  • Description: For more adventurous families, this open space offers rugged terrain and scenic mountain views. The hike to the summit is challenging but rewarding.
  • Location: 3785 W Woodmen Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
  • Highlights: Mountain views, hiking trails, wildlife sightings

40. Manitou Springs Penny Arcade

  • Description: Though not a traditional park, the Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs offers a fun, retro outdoor experience for kids and families with vintage arcade games and attractions.
  • Location: 930 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
  • Highlights: Outdoor arcade, classic games, family-friendly atmosphere

41. Pulpit Rock Park

  • Description: This local favorite offers panoramic views of Colorado Springs and surrounding mountains. The trails are moderately challenging, making it a good adventure for active families.
  • Location: 6411 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
  • Highlights: Rock formations, scenic views, family-friendly hike

42. Fossil Beds Playground

  • Description: Near the Florissant Fossil Beds, this playground has fossil-themed structures and educational signs about prehistoric life in Colorado.
  • Location: Near Florissant Fossil Beds, Florissant, CO
  • Highlights: Fossil-themed playground, nearby fossil beds, picnic areas

43. Red Rocks Trail at Section 16

  • Description: This trail loop offers a scenic hike through red rock formations, suitable for older kids and families seeking a bit more of a hiking challenge.
  • Location: 2220 W 26th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
  • Highlights: Red rock formations, scenic loop trail, challenging hike for families

44. Hellerā€™s Kitchen Waterfalls

  • Description: A hidden gem in the region, this natural waterfall is accessible by a short, scenic hike, offering a rewarding view for families willing to explore.
  • Location: Green Mountain Falls, CO
  • Highlights: Waterfalls, scenic nature views, quiet atmosphere

45. Green Mountain Falls Trails

  • Description: Located near Woodland Park, these trails are perfect for families looking to explore a variety of natural scenery, including mountain views and serene ponds.
  • Location: Green Mountain Falls, CO
  • Highlights: Pond, scenic views, family-friendly trails

46. Valley Hi Golf Course & Disc Golf

  • Description: Known for its disc golf course, this park offers a fun activity for families, with scenic views and wide open spaces to enjoy the day.
  • Location: 610 S Chelton Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
  • Highlights: Disc golf, scenic views, picnic areas

47. Mineral Palace Park

  • Description: This historic park features gardens, ponds, and playgrounds. A beautiful place for a family outing with lots of open space for kids to explore.
  • Location: Pueblo, CO (a short drive from Colorado Springs)
  • Highlights: Historic gardens, playground, ponds

48. Rainbow Falls

  • Description: This picturesque waterfall is located near Manitou Springs and makes for a quick and enjoyable visit. Kids will love the waterfall, and itā€™s a great spot for photos.
  • Location: Manitou Springs, CO
  • Highlights: Waterfall, scenic views, family-friendly

49. Mueller State Park

  • Description: A beautiful state park with miles of trails, perfect for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Itā€™s especially scenic in the fall.
  • Location: 21045 CO-67, Divide, CO 80814
  • Highlights: Extensive trails, scenic views, kidsā€™ nature programs

50. Rim Rock Open Space

  • Description: This peaceful open space offers beautiful views and easy hiking trails, ideal for families looking to explore without the crowds.
  • Location: Woodland Park, CO
  • Highlights: Quiet trails, mountain views, family-friendly paths

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