Looking for the best family-friendly activities in El Paso and Teller Counties? Look no further! Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, creative indoor fun, or exploring local history, this region of Colorado is bursting with awesome things to do with your kids. Here are some of the top spots and activities to enjoy with your family:
1. Explore Garden of the Gods 🌲⛰️
If your family loves the great outdoors, a visit to Garden of the Gods is a must! This iconic Colorado Springs landmark offers jaw-dropping views, easy hiking trails, and plenty of spots to take in the natural beauty. Best of all? It’s totally FREE! Pack a picnic, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure in one of the most stunning parks in the state. 🌞 #FamilyHikes #ColoradoViews
2. Manitou Springs Penny Arcade 🎮🎉
Step back in time and enjoy some retro gaming fun at the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade! Your kids will be blown away by the classic arcade games (and so will you!). With affordable games, a family-friendly vibe, and ice cream nearby, it’s the perfect mix of nostalgia and fun. Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of friendly family competition? 🕹️🍦 #GameTime #RetroVibes
3. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo 🦁🐒
No family fun list is complete without a trip to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Perched on the side of a mountain, this zoo is one of the coolest around—literally! Your family can hand-feed giraffes, marvel at grizzly bears, and watch playful penguins swim. Be sure to check out their special family programs and events for some extra fun! 🦒🍃 #ZooDay #WildFamilyFun
4. Mueller State Park 🌳🐾
Escape to nature in nearby Teller County with a visit to Mueller State Park. This park is perfect for family hikes, picnicking, and even wildlife watching. With over 50 miles of trails, it’s great for all ages and activity levels. Keep your eyes peeled for elk, deer, and birds as you enjoy the fresh mountain air. 🌲🦌 #IntoTheWoods #NatureLovers
5. Pikes Peak Cog Railway 🚂🏔️
Take your family to new heights—literally—by hopping on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway! 🚂 This historic train ride climbs to the summit of Pikes Peak, where you’ll be treated to sweeping views and a visit to the newly renovated summit house (and, yes, delicious high-altitude donuts! 🍩). It’s a thrilling experience that will leave your family feeling on top of the world—literally! #ClimbThatMountain #EpicViews
6. Manitou Cliff Dwellings 🏺🏞️
Give your kids a hands-on history lesson with a visit to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. These ancient cliff homes let your family step back in time and explore real dwellings once used by the Ancestral Puebloans. The interactive museum and stunning views make this a day of learning and exploration that your kiddos won’t forget! 🏺🌄 #HistoryComesAlive #CliffDwellers
7. Western Museum of Mining and Industry ⛏️🚜
For families who love to learn (and play!), the Western Museum of Mining and Industry is a hidden gem. Here, kids can pan for gold, see giant steam engines in action, and explore the history of mining in Colorado. The hands-on exhibits make learning fun and engaging for kids of all ages. 🏗️💎 #DiggingForGold #MiningHistory
8. Rainbow Falls Historic Site 🌈💧
For a quick yet beautiful outing, head over to the Rainbow Falls Historic Site in Manitou Springs. Known for its picturesque waterfall and colorful surroundings, it’s a great spot for a family hike and some fun photo ops! The short trail makes it an easy win with younger kids, and the scenery is top-notch. 📸🌿 #ChasingWaterfalls #OutdoorAdventures
9. Cripple Creek Train Ride 🚂🏞️
Step back in time with a visit to Cripple Creek and hop on the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad. Your family will love this scenic and historic train ride through the mountains, complete with tales of Colorado’s gold rush days. It’s a unique way to combine adventure with a bit of history. #TrainAdventures #GoldRushFun
10. Family Picnics and Playground Fun 🍉🏞️
Both El Paso and Teller Counties are filled with beautiful parks perfect for family picnics and playground time! Some favorites include Bear Creek Regional Park, Fox Run Park, and Acacia Park. Whether you’re relaxing with a picnic basket or letting the kids burn off energy at the playground, these parks offer great spaces to unwind and enjoy time together. 🌳🍉 #ParkDays #PlaygroundFun
11. Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site 🏞️👒
Take a trip back in time at the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, where your family can experience what life was like in Colorado in the 1800s! From blacksmith demonstrations to farm animals and pioneer homes, this living history museum offers a hands-on experience that will delight kids and teach them about Colorado’s past. Plus, the ranch regularly hosts seasonal events like harvest festivals and holiday celebrations. 🎃🎄 #StepBackInTime #LivingHistory
12. Bear Creek Nature Center 🌿🐦
For an educational yet fun day out, visit the Bear Creek Nature Center. This hidden gem offers interactive exhibits, nature programs, and beautiful trails perfect for a family hike. Check out their schedule of kid-friendly nature activities like guided hikes, animal presentations, and scavenger hunts. It’s the perfect way to connect your little ones with the natural world! 🌻🦋 #NatureLovers #OutdoorExplorers
13. North Pole – Santa’s Workshop 🎅🎡
No need to wait until December to visit Santa! North Pole – Santa’s Workshop in Cascade is a Christmas-themed amusement park open from summer through the holiday season. With kid-friendly rides, live shows, and, of course, a visit with Santa himself, it’s a magical day out for the whole family. 🎠🎅 #ChristmasInJuly #FamilyFunAllYear
14. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument 🦕🌋
Just a short drive from Teller County, the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a prehistoric wonderland where your family can explore fossils of ancient plants and animals, some over 34 million years old! Walk among petrified redwood stumps, try a ranger-led tour, or explore one of the family-friendly trails. It’s a dino-mite adventure for your little explorers! 🦖🌳 #FossilFun #PrehistoricAdventures
15. The Dinosaur Resource Center 🦕⚒️
For the dino lovers in your family, the Dinosaur Resource Center in Woodland Park is a must-visit. Your kids can marvel at life-size dinosaur skeletons, learn about paleontology, and even dig for fossils in their interactive exhibits. It’s a roaring good time! 🦖🦴 #DinoFun #JurassicAdventures
16. Acacia Park’s Uncle Wilber Fountain 💦🌞
During the warmer months, Acacia Park in downtown Colorado Springs is home to Uncle Wilber Fountain, a splash pad that’s perfect for cooling off! The interactive water fountain has music and sprays that surprise and delight the kiddos. It’s free, fun, and a great way to beat the heat while exploring the city. 🌊💦 #SplashPadFun #CoolOffWithWilber
17. Pikes Peak Children’s Museum (Mobile Exhibits) 🎨🔍
Though the permanent location is still in the works, the Pikes Peak Children’s Museum offers pop-up exhibits and hands-on educational experiences throughout the year. Keep an eye on their schedule for family-friendly events where kids can dive into STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) activities and interactive exhibits. 🚀🧪 #LittleLearners #STEAMKids
18. Manitou Springs Incline (For Older Kids!) 🏔️💪
If you’re looking for a serious challenge and have older kids ready to take on a mountain, the Manitou Incline is a workout like no other! This intense hike up old railroad ties has a 2,000-foot elevation gain in just under a mile—but the views at the top are worth it. For adventurous families with older children, it’s a bucket-list experience! 🎒🏞️ #InclineChallenge #MountainViews
19. Cripple Creek’s Heritage Center 🏞️🛤️
For a fascinating look into Colorado’s gold rush history, stop by the Cripple Creek Heritage Center. Located just outside the town, this museum offers interactive displays, fascinating exhibits on mining, and stunning views of the region. It’s the perfect stop after riding the Cripple Creek train! 🏆💰 #GoldRushDays #CrippleCreekHistory
20. Helen Hunt Falls and North Cheyenne Cañon Park 💦🌄
If you’re after a short hike with a big payoff, visit Helen Hunt Falls in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. This family-friendly spot offers a quick, easy walk to a beautiful waterfall, along with picnic areas and plenty of spots for exploring nature. After the hike, drive further up the canyon for more incredible views and hiking trails! 🍃🏞️ #ChasingWaterfalls #NatureLovers
21. Adventure Mini Golf & Batting Cages ⛳⚾
For some friendly competition, take the family to Adventure Mini Golf & Batting Cages in Colorado Springs! It’s a great way to spend an afternoon—whether you’re navigating one of their fun mini-golf courses or testing your swing in the batting cages. Perfect for all ages, and you’ll leave with plenty of laughs and maybe a new family champion! 🏆⛳ #MiniGolfMadness #BatterUp
22. Cave of the Winds Mountain Park 🏞️🧗♀️
Take your family on an underground adventure at Cave of the Winds! Guided cave tours offer a fun and educational look into the history and geology of the area. Above ground, there’s even more fun, with zip lines, a ropes course, and the thrilling Terror-Dactyl ride for the daring! It’s a great day out with something for everyone, whether you’re into spelunking or soaring above the cliffs. 🦇🌋 #UndergroundAdventures #ThrillsAndChills
23. Pulpit Rock Park 🌄👟
For a family hike with spectacular views, head to Pulpit Rock Park in Colorado Springs. This moderate hike offers a relatively easy climb with a big reward at the top—panoramic views of the city and Pikes Peak. It’s great for older kids who love exploring, and it’s a fantastic spot for photos, so don’t forget your camera! 📸🏞️ #HikingAdventures #ViewsForDays
24. Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center 🌿🐦
Located at the entrance of North Cheyenne Cañon Park, Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center is a great place to start your family’s outdoor adventure. The center offers fun, hands-on exhibits for kids to learn about local wildlife, nature trails, and picnic areas nearby. Plus, they host seasonal programs and events for families, making it a perfect educational stop before a hike. 🦉🌲 #NatureExplorers #LearnAndPlay
25. Pikes Peak Historical Street Railway Foundation 🚋🔔
For a unique trip back in time, visit the Pikes Peak Historical Street Railway Foundation. This hidden gem showcases restored trolleys and streetcars that once served Colorado Springs, along with interactive exhibits for kids. They offer rides on historic trolleys, giving your family a taste of what transportation was like in the early 1900s. 🚋 #TrolleyTime #AllAboard
26. Gold Camp Road Scenic Drive 🏞️🚗
If your family enjoys scenic drives, don’t miss a trip along Gold Camp Road. This historic mining road offers stunning views of Colorado Springs, winding through tunnels and along cliffs with plenty of spots to pull over for family photos or short hikes. It’s a fun way to combine history, nature, and adventure without leaving the car! 🌄📸 #ScenicDrives #GoldRushRoad
27. Fox Run Regional Park 🌲🏞️
For families looking for a mix of nature and play, Fox Run Regional Park in Black Forest is a perfect choice. The park offers trails for walking and biking, two playgrounds, picnic spots, and a peaceful lake. It’s a great destination for an easygoing day outdoors with little ones or a family gathering with plenty of room to roam. 🛶🎠 #FamilyParkDays #NatureFun
28. Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center 🦖🔍
For a dino-mite day, take a short drive to Woodland Park and visit the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center. This family-friendly museum offers an exciting collection of dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and interactive exhibits that will fascinate kids of all ages. It’s a roaring good time, perfect for young paleontologists-in-training! 🦕🦴 #DinoDays #FossilFun
29. The Broadmoor Seven Falls 🌊🏞️
Known as the “Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado,” Seven Falls is a stunning natural attraction with seven cascading waterfalls. Take the family on a walk along the scenic trail to the falls, and if your kids are feeling brave, climb the 224 steps to the top for breathtaking views! There’s also a mountain elevator for a bird’s-eye view without the climb. 🌿💦 #ChasingWaterfalls #SevenFallsAdventure
30. Catamount Ranch Open Space 🌄🚴♂️
Located in Teller County, Catamount Ranch Open Space offers trails perfect for family hikes, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. The Catamount Trail leads to South Catamount Reservoir, where you can enjoy peaceful views of the water with Pikes Peak in the background. It’s a hidden gem for families who love to explore the great outdoors. 🏞️🚶♀️ #TrailBlazers #OutdoorExplorers
With so many exciting and diverse options, family fun in El Paso and Teller Counties is never in short supply! From outdoor adventures and thrilling rides to history, education, and creativity, these two counties are packed with activities that every family can enjoy. Make the most of your weekends and school breaks by exploring everything your local area has to offer—you’ll be creating priceless memories in the process!
#FamilyFun #ExploreColorado #AdventuresWithKids #ColoradoDays
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