Spring break is upon us...
Opt Outside for Spring Break in Colorado Springs
Pikes Peak—America’s Mountain
That towering gem that inspired America the Beautiful is one of the most accessible fourteeners in the world and you can explore it all you want during your spring break adventure in Colorado Springs. While we don’t advise hiking it in the spring due to unpredictable weather, you still have options, like driving up the Pikes Peak Highway and exploring the trails near points of interest or taking the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit from its new train station in Manitou Springs. You can also catch a ride with Pikes Peak Tour by Gray Line and relax as someone else does the driving. At the new Summit House at the peak of the Peak, you can munch on hot, fresh donuts and pick from a variety of souvenirs.
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- 5089 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade, CO 80809
- 719.385.7325
Adventures Out West
For maximum spring break shenanigans in Colorado Springs, Adventures Out West could almost be considered your one-stop shop. You can roam the Pikes Peak region via their open-air jeep tours, zipline from their natural platforms near Manitou Springs, or even schedule a hot air balloon ride. The popular outfitter will let you curate an unforgettable experience that will beat any beach-themed vacation, guaranteed.
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- 925 S. 8th St. Colorado Springs, CO. 80905
- 719.578.0935
Academy Riding Stables
Garden of the Gods can also be toured via horseback at the only stable allowed to operate in the much-loved park. With options for riders of all skillsets, you and your companions will be treated to a lovely ride through the interpretive park led by confident, friendly and safety-focused guides. The horses are friendly, and the staff is hilarious and deeply knowledgeable about the park and the Pikes Peak region.
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- 4 El Paso Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80904
- 888.700.0410
Garden of the Gods Park
Towering rock formations and easy trails make this nationally recognized, completely free park a wonderful place to visit for everyone in the family. Wide, paved trails make the park accessible for everyone and the nature trails that weave around the park offer moderate challenge for hikers who want to explore the flora and fauna of the park. Stop into the Garden of the Gods Trading Post for an après-hike snack and pick up a gift or memento from the thousands of items offered in this community landmark.
Fabulous and Family-Friendly Fun in the Pikes Peak Region
The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
While the Royal Gorge Bridge is no longer the highest suspension bridge in the world, it remains the most awesome suspension bridge in our little Colorado hearts. This amazing park has it all: stunning views, fun activities and rides that with thrill and terrify you. You can cross the gorge via gondola, check out popular rides or simply just gawk at the Arkansas as it crashes more than 956 feet below.
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- 4218 County Road 3A Cañon City, CO 81212
- 719.275.7507
The Broadmoor Seven Falls
Seven falls has long been a favorite destination for visitors. During spring break, you may have the unique opportunity to catch the falls while they are still frozen from chillier temperatures. If not, the falls are still astounding, with a trail running alongside so you can get up-close to all that splashing beauty. Grab a snack from the snack bar and pay a visit to the rock shop to collect a colorful crystal to commemorate your trip.
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- 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
- 719.476.6708
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Everyone loves to explore caves, especially when they can do so safely without years of experience and expensive equipment. Cave of the Winds offers a fascinating tour through epic formations, dark caverns and stalactites and stalagmites. Outside the cave is just as much fun as the inside with an obstacle course, cool rides and a gift shop that will make any rockhound jump for joy.
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- 100 Cave of the Winds Road, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
- 719.685.5444
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Most cities will have some sort of zoo to explore when you visit, but no city in North America has a mountainside zoo like Cheyenne Mountain. You and your family will get to meet a variety of cool animals as you explore, like elephants, tigers, bears and moose. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo also has a lot of activities and interactive exhibits like the petting zoo and the Big Backyard. The old-fashioned carousel is always a hit with adults and kids alike and you’ll find lots of places to stop for snacks or enjoy a brief timeout from roaming the zoo.
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- 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80906
- 719.633.9925
Have a Small-Town Adventure
Old Colorado City
Dining and shopping abound in this historic town conveniently located between Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs. Dozens of locally owned businesses and restaurants line the streets, offering hours of entertainment as you stroll, shop and dine to your heart’s content. Old Colorado City is also a great place to pick up a PikeRide bicycle to explore the town or pay a visit to nearby downtown Colorado Springs or Manitou Springs.
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- 2400-2700 West Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
- 719.344.8537
Manitou Springs
The quirkiest of quirky small towns, Manitou Springs is an eclectic place to spend spring break. You can hike the Intemann Trail behind the town, shop its locally owned businesses or wine and dine at a variety of restaurants. Manitou Springs is also home to an authentic arcade where you can play penny games, skee-ball, classic video games and modern games. Up the hill near the Cog Railway’s train station, you’ll also find Miramont Castle, where you can stop for tea and check out the region’s coolest castle. While you’re visiting, be sure to check out the town’s many art galleries. The arts community in Manitou is second to none and you’ll find art for every taste.
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- 354 Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
- 719.685.5089
Explore these Educational Colorado Springs Area Attractions
The Space Foundation Discovery Center
Is your kid a space case in all the best ways? The Space Foundation Discovery center has cool, hands-on exhibits complete with activities and artifacts all related to the science of space. If your kid is super into STEAM, the Discover Center offers a rad day camp during spring break, complete with crafts, space and science activities and lots of friendship and fun.
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- 4425 Arrowswest Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
- 719.576.8000
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings
If you want to get your educational fun outside, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a literal walk back in time to see how the indigenous peoples of modern-day southeastern Colorado lived their lives centuries ago. The dwellings were carefully transported to the cliffs above Manitou springs more that 100 years ago and reconstructed with strong materials that allow visitors to touch and explore these monuments to a complex and rich culture.
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- 10 Cliff Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
- 719.685.5242
The Wild West Ghost Town Museum
Moving back to the great indoors, the Wild West Ghost Town Museum is incredibly cool and highly entertaining. Like the Cliff Dwellings, the museum has real structures reconstructed from ghost towns across Colorado. You can take a peek through shop windows to see what sort of wares were sold in the way back when, snap photos of real wagons and play the afternoon away at the arcade shooting gallery. Kids and adults alike also love the Ghost Town’s gold panning activity, where you can pick through gravel in running water and seek your (tiny) fortune in the water.
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- 400 South 21st Street Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904
- 719.634.0696
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum
Sports enthusiasts cannot stop raving about this unique museum dedicated to the epic feats of the country’s most promising and talented amateur athletes. With state-of-the-art digital displays, hands-on exhibits and all the sports memorabilia and artifacts you could ever want, it’s easy to see why the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum has made the list of top travel sites as a top destination. On top of all that, the museum is one of the most accessible in the world, meaning that everyone, no matter their unique needs, can enjoy the experience.
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- 200 S Sierra Madre St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- 719.497.1234
The Western Museum of Mining and Industry
Last, but never least, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry is an exceptional attraction for anyone who is fascinated by rocks and mineral and even kiddos who are into big, bad construction machinery. The Mining Museum has acres of space packed with giant mining equipment that you can check out outdoors. Indoors, you’ll find cool exhibits on mining in Colorado and try your hand at more gold panning. The museum is a fantastic way to learn about an industry that has built the success of the state and the country!
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- 225 North Gate Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80921
- 719.488.0880
