Colorado Springs is one place where you have to experience the beauty to believe it. Towering red cliffs, forest hiking paths, crystal blue waters, and plenty of wildlife make this area a unique and tranquil hideaway location. Plan your trip by booking a secluded Colorado Springs vacation rental, and then consider these 12 popular activities for families with children to make your getaway complete.

1. Pet the Animals at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Animal lovers of all ages will enjoy spending time at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. If you arrive at the park when it opens, you can watch the giraffes as they stampede into their open savannah. You can also feed them at the African Rift Valley. Throughout the day, the zoo hosts a variety of training demonstrations, feedings, and talks about the animals and their habitats. Ride the carousel and the mountaineer sky ride then grab a bite to eat at the Thundergod Snack Shop before heading back to your vacation rental.

2. Feed the Trout at Seven Falls

Located less than 1 mile from the Broadmoor River and located between the Pillars of Hercules rock formations, Seven Falls stands an impressive 181 feet tall and is one of the most picturesque falls in Colorado. There’s a tram that can carry you and the family to the top of the falls, or you can hike to reach the restaurant and gift shop that provides stunning views of the valley below. Enjoy a self-guided scavenger hunt, and kids can even feed the trout at the base of the falls.

3. Go Spelunking at the Cave of the Winds

Beat the heat of the day by exploring the Cave of the Winds caverns. Underground, you can take a tour and experience total cave darkness and crawl through narrow passages lit only by a flashlight all while listening to some spooky ghost stories and folklore about the caves. The muddy tour provides two hours of underground fun for all ages.

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4. Meet Santa at Santa’s Workshop Amusement Park

Why wait for December to let the kids talk to Santa when you can visit him at his workshop amusement park? Watch a magic show; ride a variety of rides, including an antique car ride, a candy cane coaster, and a boat ride; and then visit the gift shops at the center of the park.

5. Explore the Ghost Town Museum

Step onto the streets of an authentic western town at the Ghost Town Museum. Each building in the museum was salvaged and preserved from various locations around Pike’s Peak and then reassembled at Ghost Town. Kids can explore the buildings and look at the impressive collection of Wild West artifacts. Afterwards, pan for gold just like prospectors did along the Colorado frontier.

6. Jump Around at the Springs Trampoline Park

Expel energy on a rainy day by heading indoors to the Springs Trampoline Park. Wall-to-wall trampolines provide a fun and safe environment. The park also has inflatable obstacles, a large slide, and an American Ninja Warrior course for anyone who’s a big fan of the show. There’s even a designated area for small children and a special room for birthday parties and other events.

7. Tour the Glen Eyrie Castle

If you have a petite princess or prince in the midst, you’ll want to take a tour of the Glen Eyrie Castle. The home lies on 700 acres and includes 97 lodging rooms, sacred monuments, lush gardens, and plenty of grand rooms to explore. Once home to General Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs, Glen Eyrie Castle lets you take a look back in time. After the tour, sit down and have a cup of tea.

8. Ride the Carousel at Lollipop Park

Travel from your vacation rental to Lollipop Park to provide young children with a variety of fun activities and thrills. A small train takes you around the perimeter of the park. There are also pint-sized bumper cars, a swing ride, and a historic carousel complete with lights and music. Stop in the candy store and purchase enough snacks to last you through your vacation or pick up some souvenirs to remind you of the trip.

9. Scuba Dive at the Aurora Reservoir

Relax and become one with nature when you spend time outdoors at the Aurora Reservoir. This large body of water covers over 31,000 acres with plenty of room for biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, archery, and swimming. You can also sign up for an afternoon of SCUBA diving with the family along the northeast shore of the lake, where you can see some of the marine life native to the area.

10. Hike to Pike’s Peak Summit

If you and your family frequently hike together, you’ll love the trip to the Pike’s Peak Summit. The entire hike is 26 miles, but you can hike half of the way and then take the train up to the top. Make sure you bring the proper gear and plenty of water. The hike is best suited for teens and adults.

11. Achieve a High Score at the Penny Arcade

Let the kids experience how video games were once played at the Manitou Springs penny arcade. There are a few hundred games to test your skills, including working penny pinball machines, a 12-player mechanical horse racing game, and plenty of modern video game machines. For younger kids, there are a few coin-operated kiddie rides.

12. Explore the Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Take a step back into the history of the ancient Anasazi at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. Two impressive museums include cultural displays that will delight children of all ages. Walk through the solid clay homes, and then check out of the gift shop to pick up a few items before traveling back to your vacation rental for dinner.


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