Things to Do in Colorado Springs: Your Complete Local-Inspired Guide
Colorado Springs is one of those places that surprises people. It has the drama of the Rocky Mountains, more than 55 attractions, red rock parks, and Olympic history, but it still feels relaxed and easy to explore.
If you’re planning a trip and searching for the best things to do in Colorado Springs, you’re in the right place.At Your Tour Explorer, we love building simple, stress‑free itineraries.
We’ve dug into local insights, family experiences, and official city highlights so you can decide exactly what to do in Colorado Springs today, this weekend, or on a longer trip.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, family with kids, or a group of young adults, this guide walks you through:
- What Colorado Springs is best known for
- Iconic outdoor sights and national‑park‑level scenery
- Things to do in Colorado Springs with kids and for adults
- Seasonal events and the best month to visit
- Hidden‑feeling spots and photo‑worthy viewpoints
- Food, drink, and must‑try local eats
What Colorado Springs Is Best Known For
Colorado Springs is known for three big things: Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and its Olympic and military heritage.
- Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain sits above the city at about 14,000+ feet and inspired “America the Beautiful.” You can drive, bike, hike, or ride the cog railway or shuttle toward the summit.
- Garden of the Gods is one of the country’s most treasured free parks, packed with towering red sandstone formations and miles of trails, with Pikes Peak perfectly framed in the background.
- The city is Olympic City USA, home to the U.S. Olympic Committee, Olympic Training Center, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, so you can literally see where Olympic dreams are built.
On top of that, Colorado Springs has deep Western history, attractions like Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, The Broadmoor Seven Falls, ghost‑town museums, and aviation and mining sites that tell the story of the region.
If you’re wondering “What do people do for fun in Colorado Springs?” the honest answer is: they hike, eat, explore red rocks, watch wildlife, zip‑line, ride trains, and chase sunset views over the mountains.
Classic Outdoor Things to Do in Colorado Springs
For most visitors, the top things to do in Colorado Springs start outside. The good news: many of the most famous places are either free or low‑cost and easy to reach.
1. Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a must‑see, especially if you’re short on time.
- Huge red rock formations tower above easy, paved, stroller‑friendly paths.
- Entry is free, and you can walk, cycle, join a guided tour, or even horseback ride through parts of the park.
- Sunset is one of the best times to visit: fewer crowds, soft light on the rocks, and great photos with Pikes Peak in the background.
If you like a low‑effort but high‑reward outing, this is one of the best things to do in Colorado Springs today or any day.
2. Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain
If you want that “I’m on top of the world” feeling, Pikes Peak is your spot.
Ways to experience it:
- Drive the Pikes Peak Highway with scenic stops like Crystal Reservoir and Glen Cove; you can now also use a shuttle service with set viewpoints.
- Ride the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway from Manitou Springs and watch the landscape change from forest to tundra as you climb toward the 14,115‑foot summit.
- Hike one of the demanding routes if you’re experienced and ready for altitude.
On clear days, you can see across multiple states, and fresh hot donuts at the summit are part of the fun. This climb and view are at the heart of many “things to do in Colorado Springs this weekend” bucket lists.
3. Cheyenne Canyon and Seven Falls
Cheyenne Canyon is one of the most beautiful spots near the city and offers some of the best things to do in Colorado Springs for adults who love hiking and views, as well as families.
- Trails like Mount Cutler and Helen Hunt Falls are short, scenic, and kid‑friendly, with rock hopping and waterfalls.
- At the end of the canyon, old Gold Camp Road passes aspen groves and collapsed tunnels that once linked Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek.
Nearby, The Broadmoor Seven Falls lets you climb 224 steps alongside a striking waterfall in a 1,250‑foot canyon, with more trails and streams at the top. It’s one of those photo‑heavy outings that works well for couples, solo travelers, and families.
4. Great Sand Dunes National Park (Day Trip)
If you have a full day free and want something unique, Great Sand Dunes National Park is about 2.5 hours away and is one of the most kid‑friendly national parks.
- You can climb massive dunes, sled or sandboard, and splash in Medano Creek in season.
- It’s a long day trip, but Colorado Springs is the closest major city, so it’s a realistic add‑on if you have an extra day.
For nature lovers asking “What time of year is Colorado the prettiest?” late spring through fall around the dunes and mountains offers huge contrasts: snow‑capped peaks behind glowing sand and bright blue skies.
City and Cultural Highlights
Colorado Springs isn’t just about trails. It also has museums, art, and historic districts that give you a break from hiking while still feeling like part of the trip.
1. Downtown Colorado Springs and Old Colorado City
Downtown has a growing mix of restaurants, breweries, cafes, and public events, including a central ice‑skating rink in winter and seasonal festivals.
- Old Colorado City, just minutes away, still keeps an Old West feel with galleries, boutiques, and patios where you can linger with coffee or a meal.
- Both areas host holiday markets, parades, and lights in December, and Carnivale‑style events and quirky traditions in winter.
If you’re looking for things to do in Colorado Springs tonight, wandering these neighborhoods, grabbing a drink, and finding live entertainment is a solid option.
2. Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak and feels like a small, slightly quirky mountain town.
- You’ll find historic streets, naturally carbonated mineral springs, and a famous penny arcade that hasn’t changed much in decades.
- Kids and young adults love the old‑school games, beignets, shave ice, and skate shops.
The town also hosts events like fruitcake tosses, Carnivale Weekend, and holiday parades, which answer the question “What do people do for fun in Colorado Springs in winter?” pretty clearly.
3. Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center & Bemis School of Art
For a cultural break, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center offers respected art collections, theater, and hands‑on classes.
- The Bemis School of Art runs classes year‑round in everything from sculpture and photography to cooking and dance, for kids and adults.
- Travelers staying longer can even sign up for a short workshop or week‑long class, making this a meaningful, creative thing to do in Colorado Springs for adults who like more than sightseeing.
Family‑Friendly Things to Do in Colorado Springs with Kids
Families sometimes worry: will the kids actually enjoy this trip? Around Colorado Springs, the answer tends to be yes.
1. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is built right into the side of a mountain and is one of the region’s standout family attractions.
- It’s known for the largest giraffe herd in the U.S., which you can hand‑feed, plus wallabies, budgies, and other close‑up animal encounters.
- There’s a carousel, mini‑train, and pony rides for younger kids, and you’ll get a real workout pushing strollers uphill.
- In summer, the zoo runs week‑long day camps, some with overnight stays on‑site.
In winter, the Electric Safari transforms the zoo with lights and holiday atmosphere, making it one of the best things to do in Colorado Springs this weekend if you’re visiting in December.
2. The Broadmoor and Cloud Camp
The Broadmoor is a luxury resort, but you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy some of its atmosphere.
- Non‑guests can stroll around the lake, visit the playground, and enjoy ice cream or hot chocolate, especially when the trees are wrapped in Christmas lights in winter.
- Guests can add paddle boating, falconry, waterslides, and a large pool, plus bowling and family‑friendly restaurants.
- For a splurge, Cloud Camp on top of Cheyenne Mountain includes activities like archery, crafts, horseback riding, games, and nightly s’mores.
For families and couples, this is one of the most memorable things to do in Colorado Springs for adults and kids together.
3. City Rock Climbing Gym
If you’re looking for active indoor things to do in Colorado Springs with kids or young adults, City Rock in downtown is a great pick.
- You don’t need prior climbing experience; auto‑belays make it easy to get started safely.
- It’s the kind of place where a spontaneous vacation activity can become a long‑term hobby, especially for teens.
This is perfect for those days when the weather turns or when you want a break from driving and sightseeing.
Seasonal and Winter Things to Do in Colorado Springs
Many visitors picture Colorado winter as deep snow and ski towns, but the Pikes Peak region has surprisingly mild, sunny winters in the city with more intense cold up high.
Winter weather basics
- In Colorado Springs, winter temperatures often swing between roughly 28°F and 61°F, with low humidity and many sunny days that feel warmer than the numbers suggest.
- December brings around 4 inches of snow on average, with the coldest temps often at night.
- Up on Pikes Peak, winter highs and lows are dramatically colder, so layers are essential.
Locals hardly ever pack away their patio furniture—winter barbecues and sunny‑day walks are normal.
What to wear and how to enjoy it
To enjoy outdoor things to do in Colorado Springs this weekend in winter, packing matters more than anything.
- Base layers (light long johns) help hold heat while wicking away sweat.
- A beanie or ear warmers, warm socks that go above the ankle, and insulated gloves keep extremities from freezing.
- Sunscreen, water, and lip balm matter because the region is sunny and dry, and snow reflects UV.
Follow the local saying: there’s no bad weather, just unsuitable clothing.
Winter events and festivals
If you’re asking “What are some fun things to do in Colorado Springs in winter?” the event list is long.
Some highlights:
- Bridge of Lights at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park and Magic of Lights at Pikes Peak International Raceway (drive‑through lighting experiences).
- Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Victorian Christmas at Miramont Castle, and Christmas at Flying W Ranch.
- Downtown Festival of Lights Parade, Manitou Springs Holiday Parade, and Gold Camp Christmas with head‑frame lighting in Cripple Creek.
- Quirky winter traditions like the Manitou Springs Fruitcake Toss, Cripple Creek Ice Festival and Ice Castles, and Carnivale Weekend.
These events are perfect for people searching for things to do in Colorado Springs tonight or over a specific weekend in December or February.
Best Month to Visit Colorado Springs (and Cheapest Times)
You can visit year‑round, but the “best” month depends on what you want.
- Late spring to early fall is popular for hiking, red rock scenery, and long daylight—many people see this as the prettiest time in the Pikes Peak region.
- Summer brings ideal weather, easy access to mountain towns like Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen, and a full calendar of outdoor events and camps.
- Winter is quieter, less crowded, and surprisingly pleasant in town, with small crowds at attractions and big holiday events.
If your goal is budget travel and you’re wondering “What is the cheapest month to go to Colorado?” late winter (after New Year’s) and early spring (before peak summer) often line up with lower demand, quieter streets, and more hotel deals, especially mid‑week.
At Your Tour Explorer, we’d suggest:
- Families with school schedules: June, July, or early August
- Couples and solo travelers on a budget: January–March or October–November
- Fall color fans: late September to early October in the surrounding mountains
Hidden‑Feeling Gems and Quirky Stops
If you’re searching “What are some hidden gems in Colorado?” around Colorado Springs, there are several less obvious spots that still feel special.
1. Ghost Town Museum and Old West Vibes
Ghost Town Museum preserves pieces of Colorado’s western past in an indoor “town” filled with artifacts.
- You walk boardwalk‑style past a blacksmith shop, saloon, general store, and Victorian home, all packed with objects from the late 1800s.
- There’s even gold panning at some sites, making it engaging for kids and history lovers.
It’s ideal for a mixed‑age group looking for things to do in Colorado Springs with kids that still appeal to adults.
2. Manitou Cliff Dwellings and Cave of the Winds
Manitou Cliff Dwellings and Cave of the Winds are both close to town and blend adventure with learning.
- At Manitou Cliff Dwellings, you can walk through relocated cliff structures, explore two small museums, and watch Native American dancers perform traditional ceremonies on select days.
- Cave of the Winds Mountain Park offers cave tours (including lantern and “caving 101” options) and big‑adrenaline rides like the Bat‑A‑Pult, Wind Walker challenge course, and the Terror‑Dactyl, which swings you into Williams Canyon at high speed.
- In the evening, a free laser light show paints colors on the canyon walls when weather allows.
These make great things to do in Colorado Springs for young adults or adventure‑loving families.
3. Museums with a Twist
There are multiple specialized museums that feel like hidden gems:
- Space Foundation Discovery Center, where you can interact with space‑themed exhibits and see items that have flown in orbit.
- Western Museum of Mining and Industry, where you can pan for gold and see large mining machines in action.
- Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center in nearby Woodland Park, with dinosaur skeletons, marine reptiles, and a fossil preparation lab you can view.
- National Museum of WWII Aviation, for aviation enthusiasts who want detailed exhibits and classic aircraft.
These are ideal when the weather turns or when you want things to do in Colorado Springs today that don’t require hiking boots.
Food, Drink, and Must‑Eat Experiences in Colorado Springs
“What is a must eat in Colorado Springs?” is a big question because the scene is varied and still growing.
Local flavors and unique settings
From the content we’ve seen:
- Little Nepal is a go‑to spot for excellent Indian food, with locations on 8th Street and farther north.
- Marigold Cafe and Bakery is loved for French‑leaning menus and reliable, high‑quality meals.
- The Ivywild School is a converted school building with multiple eateries, a brewery, and frequent live entertainment.
- Public House, Il Vicino, and Streetcar 520 all appear as repeat favorites for burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and modern American dishes.
- For dessert, Josh and John’s ice cream is a long‑standing local favorite, with multiple locations and a loyal following.
- Boba fans will want to stop at Coffee and Tea Zone, especially if traveling with teens who love bubble tea.
On top of that, Colorado Springs has over 30 craft beverage spots and small‑batch distilleries, plus the option to dine in a real Boeing KC‑97 tanker and join guided walking food tours that hit several tasting stops in one afternoon or evening.
If you’re planning things to do in Colorado Springs tonight, consider:
- An early sunset walk in Garden of the Gods or Old Colorado City
- Dinner at one of the downtown or Ivywild spots
- A nightcap at a brewery, distillery, or dessert at Josh and John’s
Quick Comparison: Top Experiences by Traveler Type
Here’s a simple guide to match the best things to do in Colorado Springs to your travel style.
| Traveler Type | Top Picks |
| First‑time visitor | Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak drive or cog railway, Old Colorado City, Olympic & Paralympic Museum |
| Family with young kids | Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Garden of the Gods paths, Manitou Springs penny arcade, Ghost Town Museum |
| Teens / young adults | City Rock climbing, Cave of the Winds thrill rides, Manitou Springs, winter events and Carnivale |
| Couples | Sunset at Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls, downtown dining, Miramont Castle tea or Flying W Ranch |
| History buffs | Ghost Town Museum, Cliff Dwellings, Western Museum of Mining and Industry, WWII Aviation Museum |
| Budget travelers | Free parks (Garden of the Gods), self‑guided hikes in Cheyenne Canyon, Old Colorado City, Manitou walks |
| Winter visitors | Electric Safari, Bridge of Lights, downtown ice skating, holiday parades, Cripple Creek ice events |
Safety, Comfort, and Practical Tips
Because of altitude and weather swings, a few practical tips go a long way.
- Hydration matters more here; the dry climate and elevation can dehydrate you faster, so drink water throughout the day.
- Wear layers because temperatures can swing 40–50 degrees from morning to evening, and it cools quickly when the sun dips behind Pikes Peak.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm are useful year‑round because the region averages around 300 sunny days, and snow reflects light.
- For bigger trips, consider travel health insurance; one traveler’s most expensive medical incident actually happened in Colorado, not abroad.
At Your Tour Explorer, we always recommend building at least one “easy day” into your itinerary for rest, strolling, and unplanned discoveries.
Why Colorado Springs Was Called the “City of Millionaires”
Historically, Colorado Springs earned the nickname “City of Millionaires” thanks to fortunes tied to nearby gold strikes and mineral wealth, especially around towns like Cripple Creek.
Wealthy investors and mine owners made Colorado Springs their base, building grand homes and funding cultural institutions, which is why you now see refined hotels, mansions, and museums mixed with rugged Western sites.
That same legacy shows up today in places like:
- Miramont Castle and other historic estates, with Victorian architecture and period interiors.
- Walking tours and museums that focus on mining, railroads, and the Old West boom era around Pikes Peak.
It’s one of the things that makes the city feel both outdoorsy and surprisingly cultured at the same time.
Plan an Unforgettable Trip to Colorado Springs
If you came here looking for the best things to do in Colorado Springs, you now know how much variety the city offers: free red rock parks, a famous 14,000‑foot peak, a mountain‑side zoo, quirky winter festivals, cliff dwellings, ghost towns, and a growing food and drink scene.
At Your Tour Explorer, we recommend building your trip around three anchors:
- One classic outdoor highlight (Garden of the Gods or Pikes Peak)
- One cultural or historic stop (Fine Arts Center, Ghost Town Museum, or Cliff Dwellings)
- One “just for fun” experience (zoo, cog railway, Cave of the Winds, or a food tour)
From there, you can layer in seasonal events, hidden‑feeling museums, and local restaurants that fit your style and budget.
With the right layers, some curiosity, and a flexible plan, you’ll find that there are always new things to do in Colorado Springs today, this weekend, and on your next visit—no matter when you come.
