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Looking for the perfect outdoor spot to spark some adventure, awe, and family bonding? š 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, thereās something here for every little adventurer. š So grab your hiking boots, pack some snacks, and get ready to discover nature’s wonders in these family-friendly outdoor spots! šš£
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 parkās 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. Itās 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 childrenās 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. Itās 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. Itās 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, itās 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. Itās 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 Zooās āMy 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 Countyās 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. Maryās Falls Trail
- Description: A moderate hike leading to a beautiful waterfall, this trail offers a great adventure for families with older kids. Itās 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 childrenās programs, the center offers hands-on nature activities and interpretive displays about the regionās 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. Hellerās 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 itās 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. Itās 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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