9 Free Indoor Play Places in El Paso County, Colorado
When the weather in El Paso County, Colorado, turns cold or rainy, it’s great to have some indoor play options for the kids. Fortunately, there are several free indoor spots where kids can play, learn, and explore. Here’s a guide to some of the best indoor play places that won’t cost you a dime.
✨ Pikes Peak Library District Locations✨
The Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) has several branches across El Paso County, many of which offer dedicated children’s areas with books, toys, and interactive learning stations.
Libraries also frequently host free story times, craft sessions, and other educational programs for kids.
Things to do: Reading and exploring books, Participating in story times and events, Engaging with educational toys and activities
Locations: Various branches including East Library, Penrose Library, and Library 21c.
The do offer Free Wi-Fi
🎆 Chapel Hills Mall Play Area🎆
Location: Chapel Hills Mall, Colorado Springs, CO
The Chapel Hills Mall has a small indoor play area perfect for younger kids to burn off some energy.
The play area features soft play structures, making it a safe environment for toddlers.
Things to do: Climbing and playing on soft structures, Walking around the mall for a bit of exercise
They do offer free parking and there is also a food court.
🐟 Bass Pro Shops 🐟
Location: Northgate, Colorado Springs, CO
Bass Pro Shops offers more than just shopping; the store has a large indoor aquarium, wildlife displays, and even a small indoor shooting arcade (using air guns) that can be fun for older kids.
The store often hosts seasonal events like Santa’s Wonderland during the holidays, which includes crafts and activities for kids.
Things to do: Exploring the aquarium and wildlife displays, Participating in seasonal events, Playing in the arcade (some activities might have a small fee)
There is an on site restaurant and free parking too!
🎡 Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum🎡
Location: Downtown Colorado Springs, CO
There are several exhibits that are interesting for kids, including hands-on history exhibits.
The museum regularly hosts family days and educational events that are engaging for children of all ages.
Things to do: Exploring interactive exhibits, Attending family-friendly events and workshops, Learning about the history of the region
Bring a picnic lunch!
🎈 Focus on the Family Visitor Center🎈
Location: Briargate, Colorado Springs, CO
The Focus on the Family Visitor Center includes the Kid’s Korner play area and the Whit’s End Soda Shoppe, which are themed after the Adventures in Odyssey series.
The play area features a three-story slide, a playhouse, and plenty of interactive activities for kids.
Things to do: Playing in the Kid’s Korner, Enjoying snacks at Whit’s End Soda Shoppe, Browsing the bookstore for family-friendly content
There is free parting and a Café and snack bar
🎀 Ivywild School🎀
Location: Ivywild, Colorado Springs, CO
Ivywild School is a community marketplace housed in a former elementary school. While primarily a dining and shopping destination, it includes spaces where kids can move around and explore.
The venue often hosts family-friendly events and workshops, many of which are free to attend.
What to do: Attending free community events, Exploring the building and its unique shops, Grabbing a treat from the bakery (optional)
🕹Manitou Springs Penny Arcade🕹
Location: Manitou Springs, CO
While some of the arcade games cost a penny or more, simply walking around the Penny Arcade and exploring the vintage games and displays can be an enjoyable experience for kids.
There are free outdoor games and sights to see in the arcade’s vicinity.
Things to do: Exploring the vintage arcade games and displays, Playing on the outdoor free games and rides
Lots of restaurants and window shopping nearby too!
🐱🐉 Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center (Free Days)🐱🐉
Location: Woodland Park, CO
Although the Dinosaur Resource Center usually requires paid admission, they occasionally offer free days or events where families can explore the museum without cost.
The museum features life-size dinosaur exhibits and hands-on activities that are perfect for curious kids.
Things to do: Exploring dinosaur exhibits, Participating in hands-on educational activities
Free parking and fun gift shop
🛍 Mall at Briargate 🛍
Location: Briargate, Colorado Springs, CO
While the Mall at Briargate is primarily a shopping destination, the open spaces and walkways make it a good place for a casual indoor stroll.
There are seasonal events, especially around the holidays, that offer free activities for kids.
Things to do: Walking and window shopping, Participating in free seasonal events, Exploring the interactive displays set up during special events
🎇Scheels🎇
Location: InterQuest Marketplace, Colorado Springs, CO
Scheels is a massive sporting goods store that offers more than just shopping; it has several attractions that are fun for kids, including a Ferris wheel, an arcade, and a wildlife mountain with taxidermy displays. While some activities like the Ferris wheel and arcade games may have a small cost, exploring the store, visiting the fish tanks, and taking in the interactive displays are free.
Things to do: Watching the live fish in the aquarium, Exploring the wildlife mountain, Trying out free interactive sports displays (like basketball hoops)
There is On-site café and snack bar and Free parking
Buzzy’s Tips for Visiting
Event Schedules: Some places like the library and museums offer special events or free days, so check their calendars online before visiting.
Packing: Bring snacks and water, as not all locations have food available, and it’s always good to have something on hand.
Timing: Weekdays and mornings are often less crowded at these locations, giving your kids more room to play and explore.
El Paso County offers plenty of indoor spaces where kids can play, learn, and have fun, all without breaking the bank. Enjoy your indoor adventure
