Getting outside with kids in Colorado Springs isn’t just a fair-weather activity — it’s a winter sanity saver. When cabin fever hits and the days feel extra short, fresh air can change everything.
As a mom of a toddler boy, I know it’s time to head outside when everything that’s not a toy suddenly becomes a toy. That’s our cue to bundle up, burn off endless energy, and make memories that don’t involve screens or schedules. From stroller-friendly winter hikes to playgrounds worth the extra layers, here are 10 easy, fun ways Colorado Springs families can enjoy the outdoors all winter long.
1. Take a Family Winter Hike – Free
Colorado Springs’ open spaces are a gift for families with young kids for their smooth stroller-friendly paths, carrier-friendly elevation gains and room to roam. Red Rock Canyon Open Space and Fox Run Regional Park are especially great winter picks.
At Red Rocks, the Mesa, Greenlee and Red Rock Canyon Path Loop circles a pond, winds through red rock formations and delivers big mountain views. Fox Run adds one of the area’s best playgrounds, making it an easy hike-and-play combo kids love.
2. Create Nature Scavenger Hunts and Outdoor Art – Free
Turn a simple walk into an adventure by creating a nature scavenger hunt. Ideas to add to your list are native Colorado plants, pinecones, animal tracks and rocks of different colors. Kids are far more willing to keep moving when they’re on a mission.
For slower-paced days, head outside with sketchbooks, watercolors or sidewalk chalk in hand and let kids create art inspired by their surroundings. Painting Pikes Peak, drawing red rocks at Garden of the Gods or crafting leaf rubbings turns the outdoors into a creative studio — and it helps little ones connect more deeply with the landscape around them.
3. Wander Around the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – $$
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is famous for its mountainside setting, which means lots of hills — but that’s part of what makes it such a great winter outing with kids. The walking alone helps everyone stay warm and the zoo’s open-air design keeps kids moving between exhibits. Many animals stay active year-round, and play areas along the way offer chances to climb and explore. It’s an easy way to spend a winter day outdoors — one I return to often as a member.
4. Skate in the Park – $
Ice skating in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs is a fun winter tradition for families. Acacia Park’s outdoor rink offers skate rentals, and kids aged 4 and under skate free with a paid adult, making it an accessible outing for families with little ones. And plastic dolphins to push and balance on make it easy for little ones to learn.
Weekends often feature themed skate nights that add extra fun. Even if your kids spend more time wobbling than skating, the experience feels festive and keeps everyone laughing, moving and enjoying the season together. The seasonal Skate in the Park is open through Jan. 31 this year.
5. Play at Manitou Springs Penny Arcade – $
The Manitou Springs Penny Arcade blends nostalgia for parents with nonstop fun for kids. A mix of vintage penny machines and modern games makes it easy to linger. Pair it with a walk through downtown Manitou, a nearby playground stop or a stroll along the creek to keep the day feeling active — even in cold weather.
6. Drive Pikes Peak – $$
Few winter experiences feel as magical as driving up Pikes Peak after a light snowfall. The Pikes Peak Highway lets families enjoy alpine scenery without a long hike. Pull off to stretch the legs, then head to the summit for sweeping views and snow-globe-worthy family photos. It’s an easy way to introduce kids to high-country winter beauty —just check weather closures before you go.
7. Sled Around the Springs – Free
When snow starts piling up, heads for the sledding hills! Colorado Springs is full of neighborhood hills perfect for sledding, from toddler-friendly runs to longer slides for older kids. Sledding delivers big laughs, tired legs and instant winter joy. Add hot cocoa and extra gloves and you’ve got a go-to cold-weather classic.
8. Spend a Full Day at the Playground – Free
Colorado Springs continues to raise the bar with playground design, making it worth bundling up on a winter day. Panorama Park and Acacia Park feature newer renovations with engaging equipment for all ages, including safe areas for toddlers.
Many parks, including Nancy Lewis, Memorial Park, Palmer Park and John Venezia Park include universally accessible features. The larger parks throughout the Springs also have open fields where you can build a snowman and have snowball fights, as well as covered picnic areas for cozy snack breaks.
9. Practice Bike Skills with the Kids – Free
Winter doesn’t have to end biking season in Colorado Springs. On dry, sunny days, youth bike skills parks like Goose Gossage, Cresta Pump Track, El Pomar Youth Bike Park and Panorama Park are perfect for practicing. When conditions allow, paved paths like the Pikes Peak Greenway offer flat, family-friendly rides ideal for balance bikes, training wheels and easy winter family bike rides.
10. Play a Round of Disc Golf – Free
Disc golf is a wonderful kid-friendly activity, even with snow on the ground. Courses around Colorado Springs allow families to enjoy fresh air while keeping kids engaged with an easy-to-understand game. Younger kids can toss from shorter distances, making it more about fun than the score. Walking between holes keeps everyone warm, and the relaxed pace makes it a great introduction to outdoor sports for little ones.
Whether you are hiking, skating, sledding or simply exploring with the family in Colorado Springs, winter offers endless ways to stay active outside. Grab your coats, embrace the season and keep making memories all winter long.
