Father’s Day Activities in Colorado Springs

More Free Nature Experiences for Outdoorsy Dads

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a favorite for locals and visitors, with ample trails that can take you a short distance to the picnic areas or lead you all the way across the western foothills to Section 16 and beyond. It’s also dog-friendly with a huge off-leash space with it’s own walking trail. You’ll enjoy smaller versions of the famous Garden of the Gods formations, with fewer crowds. Check out the quarry for a unique bit of scenic history. , with loads of trails that weave through the quarry and connect to more challenging, lengthier hikes. Near the space are breweries in Old Colorado City and  Manitou Springs to enjoy a post-hike beer.

Ute Valley Park is another cool section of open space here in Colorado Springs. It also happens to be located right next to the Flying W Ranch and up the road from Garden of the Gods and the Space Foundation Discover Center. This sprawling park welcomes mountain bikers, hikers and leashed pets to roam free and explore the trails. The small, colorful canyons and rocks differ from the massive red rocks to the south, but they are still beautiful enough for all the photos you’ll want to take. 

Palmer Park is a time-tested favorite for an in-town hike. Located fairly central in Colorado Springs, Palmer Park has miles of trails for hiking, including two off-leash dog trails, a dog park, a playground, multiple pavilions and a few grassy fields. Short, easy hikes and longer loops take you all through the park, with miles of forest and formations to impress dad.  

Thrill-Seeking Activities for Dads Who Love to Play

For fathers who settled down but never slowed down, there are many heart-pumping activities in the Pikes Peak region. Cave of the Winds has two exhilarating above-ground rides, the Bat-a-Pult and the Terror-dactyl. Both rides allow you to sit side-by-side with dad, and nothing bonds a parent and child like dropping off a cliff together. They also have a great ropes course and multiple cave tours. It’s getting hot, so don’t forget those caves are always a cool 54 degrees, give or take. You might also want to check out the zip lines. They’re new to the mountain park and they sail 80 feet over the canyon for a quarter of a mile. Let dad choose his favorite or spend the whole day and try them all!

Just a short distance from Colorado Springs, you’ll find more thrills at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. Start with the Skycoaster, where you and dad can share a harness while you’re lifted 100 feet into the air to swing out over the 1,200 foot gorge. Alternatively, you can zipline across on one of the world’s highest routes. Think how cool your dad will feel flying like a super hero over the crashing Arkansas! There’s also a chill option — gentle gondolas you can ride all you like. Finally, the via feratta expedition is truly one of the coolest in the country. It will have you climbing the walls of the canyon with ropes and equipment, but no experience is required! Complete all the thrills to ensure the best day possible for dad. 

Back in Colorado Springs, Adventures Out West can also provide some heart-pumping fun with dad. Their ziplining tours use natural bases and take you through some gorgeous scenery near Manitou Springs. Adventures Out West also has a ton of unique options, like mountain biking, jeep tours, Segway tours, hot air balloon rides and custom excursions. 

Last, but not least on our fatherly thrill list, is a white water rafting trip with Echo Canyon River Expeditions. They have short trips, long trips, easy family floats and pulse-pounding adventures that are sure to create fun memories with dad. Give them a call to discuss your needs. If they’re booked up, ask about gift certificates. You can take dad to brunch and gift him a future adventure. 

Relaxing Fun for You and Dad

If your pops is more of a sit-back-and-relax sort, we’ve got plenty here to suit him, too. We suggest you take a relaxing Sunday drive to Cripple Creek, where you can hop on the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad. It’s a scenic journey through the mountains with great views and lots of family time. When you’re done, you can visit the Cripple Creek District Museum for a tour of historic buildings and artifacts.

The Flying W Chuckwagon is another easygoing, relaxing way to celebrate dad, with hearty food, western songs and plenty of laughs. This year the Flying W is offering a free hat for all dads on Father’s Day (including branding!) You should probably pick up a matching hat while you’re at it so everyone knows you’re pro-dad.

We’re also big fans of Miramont Castle’s tribute to fathers this year. The Queen may have her parlor and her tea, but dad will rule as a king in the garden this year, as the castle hosts Cigars & Bourbon in the Gardens from 2-5 p.m. $55 per person, includes one cigar, one glass of bourbon and heavy hors d’oeuvres like only Miramont can make. Advanced reservations only. Call 719-685-1011 to book.

You can also take a leisurely stroll through Manitou Springs, where you can wine and dine your dad in multiple local restaurants. Challenge dad to a few rounds of Skeeball at the arcade, sip from the many mineral springs and just relax.