Desperate for some things to do with the kids? Feeling the need for some family fun? When holiday cheer turns to winter boredom, boost the mood and get everyone out of the house with these activities for kids in Colorado Springs. Whether you’re looking for family adventure over the holiday break, a creative way to ring in the new year, or just ways to burn energy or try something new, these winter activities for kids will get you moving in the right direction. There is always family fun near you in the Springs.
Outdoor Activities for Kids
The days may be shorter and the temperatures colder, but Colorado winters are still prime for spending time in the great outdoors. Bundle up and get out there!
The El Paso County Nature Centers at Fountain Creek and Bear Creek parks are excellent spots to let the little ones get out and explore nature. Fountain Creek Nature Center offers an oasis on the plains turned winter wonderland, and Bear Creek Nature Center is nestled against the foothills. Both parks have many trails to explore, and each has a visitor’s center with special programs and events to add an extra element of fun and discovery.
For fun things to do with toddlers in Colorado Springs, check out the full schedules of Nature Series events that feature activities and short hikes for kids as young as 2 and 3. Registration is usually required along with a nominal fee. You can find all the nature center info and schedules at communityservices.elpasoco.com/nature-centers.
There is always something to discover in Garden of the Gods no matter how old you are. It’s easy to get out and explore hiking trails like the Perkins Central Garden Trail around the biggest rock formations or the Siamese Twins trail away from the park’s central hub. Read about the latter in our 3 Great Trails for Fun Family Hikes.
But the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center offers lots of events and activities for kids and families, including regular Kids Indoor Scavenger Hunts and presentations on animals currently living in Garden of the Gods or dinosaurs that once roamed the area. There are also lots of interactive nature exhibits, a theater and a cafe for snacks and treats for hungry kiddos. Follow the schedule and register for youth programs at gardenofgods.com.
Outdoor Activities: Favorite Playgrounds in Colorado Springs
Playgrounds often conjure thoughts of long warm summer days, but they can be the perfect outlet for energy in the winter too, especially on a sunny day. Colorado Springs has some super fun playgrounds to choose from!
Never stop visiting your go-to neighborhood playground. But consider exploring a new park as well. Completely renovated in 2022, Panorama Park features a universally accessible playground plus a skate park, climbing boulder, bike skills park, walking loops and more. A new playground can capture children’s imagination and open the door to hours of active fun.
Wherever you are in the city, there’s a playground nearby. Acacia Park has a fun playground in the heart of downtown; it was also new redesigned in 2022. America the Beautiful Park is a spacious, long-time favorite playground near the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum. And in Briargate, John Venezia Park boasts acres of sports fields and courts, plus a Western themed playground that is universally accessible.
More Outdoor Activities for Family Fun
For other top things to do in Colorado Springs with kids, make it a day at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo or The North Pole in Cascade. Be sure to check the North Pole’s seasonal hours.
Ice skating is a fun family activity. Read about all of the outdoor and indoor ice skating rinks in our guide to skating in the Springs.
Indoor Activities for Kids
Windchill got you wrapped up indoors? You can still find adventure and stay active out of the elements with these family activities indoors.
Rope up and climb on! CityRock offers open family climbing sessions as well as half day camps for kids. Plus, don’t miss the chance to explore their artificial indoor cave. A cross between a natural cave experience and a video game, the cave provides fun competition and education about natural cave systems. With a design inspired by an eagle’s nest, the Aerie provides a unique play-space for younger children — especially kids 8 and under — to climb, play and imagine. Just remember that reservations are required during peak hours and on weekends and holidays.
Swimming is always great for family fun and perfect for burning off kid energy, especially with water slides! Great Wolf Lodge offers day passes for indoor water park fun. You can reserve your own poolside cabana, enjoy food and drinks and soak up the balmy, tropical vibes. And you can splash in the wave pool and multiple waterslides. Of course, you can make a full overnight family getaway too. You can read about that in Great Wolf Lodge: A Howlin’ Good Time.
There are famous local attractions here in Olympic City USA. To catch that Olympic spirit, there’s no better place than the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum. Interactive, hands-on exhibits allow kids and adults alike to experience the history and energy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Race on the track, test your skills on the alpine skiing simulator, or try your hand with the virtual archery bow. Read about it at Inside the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum. You can also tour the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center and athletes where they live and train as they pursue their Olympic dreams. Go Team USA!
Indoor Activities to Blast Off to Space
If you have a kid fascinated with space, Colorado Springs has some great experiences that are out of this world and great for winter activities for kids.
The Space Foundation Discovery Center is the perfect place for your little astronaut to explore science and technology through interactive education-focused exhibits. They also offer special programming, events and workshops. Check the schedule and buy tickets online. The Space Foundation Discovery Center was recently renovated, adding improvements that include a redesigned Mars Robotics Laborator, a new drone zone and 3D printing lab, and exhibits that explore the moon, space labs, zero gravity and more.
Immerse yourself in the experience of full-dome films and surround sound at the U.S. Air Force Academy Planetarium. From ocean depths to outer space, the planetarium offers the opportunity to explore the world of astronauts, outer space, fighter pilots, rescue dogs, humpback whales, bears, wild spaces and more through their featured films.
All shows are free and open to the public. Check the online schedule for dates and times. Most shows are first come, first seated. If all 110 seats fill up, remaining visitors are asked to attend the next show. Occasional shows require reservations. Read about the planetarium experience in Under the Dome at the USAFA Planetarium.
More Indoor Activities for Family Fun
Need more indoor entertainment? There are plenty of options from trampolines to zip lines to indoor pools to keep the kids entertained and the adults sane. For more options, check out Sky Zone, Springs Adventure Park, AirCity 360 or the Cottonwood Creek Family Center YMCA, which includes an indoor waterslide and zero-entry pool.
Plus, don’t miss the chance to explore world-class art during two free days each month at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College.
This article was originally published in December 2022 and updated in December 2025.
