I have often heard a saying along the lines of, “A vacation with kids is just a change of scenery.” We frequently take short trips to nearby places both with and without our kids, but I can honestly say that our recent visit to Colorado Springs was one of the best vacations that I have ever had – even with two toddlers with us. I am fortunate enough to have some of my husband’s family living in that area, so we visit pretty frequently for smaller amounts of time – but we intentionally made a point to make this time feel more like a true (long overdue) vacation and found a balance between exploring the area and getting some much needed rest and relaxation.
I was pleasantly surprised to find so much to do in the area with toddlers on board! A few of our favorites for both parents and kids alike are below:
Seven Falls – By far my favorite attraction on our trip! We made the trek up the 224 steps to the top of the falls, but that was no easy feat with small children in tow (according to my husband and father-in-law, who carried them round trip). I recommend taking the elevator to the “Eagle’s Nest” instead, where you get the best views of the waterfalls! The trail to the falls is paved and stroller-friendly until you reach the staircases.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – Dubbed “America’s Only Zoo in the Mountains,” Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is over 6,700 feet above sea level! The zoo winds up the side of a mountain, providing incredible views along the way. Throughout the zoo are different areas with playgrounds and other interactive stations for kids, to keep them busy between exhibits. There are plenty of opportunities for animal interactions, and more than enough stops for food, drinks, and coffee for mom and dad!
The Royal Gorge – After entering the park, take one of the aerial gondolas across the Gorge and soak in the amazing views. My daughter Ella absolutely loved the glass sides of the gondola and kept yelling, “We’re flying!” as we traveled across. On the far side of the Gorge, the newly rebuilt Children’s Playland has a beautiful vintage carousel, two-story play structure, and stations for making wax-dipped hands and other momentos. Older kids and parents may be brave enough to try out the zipline or swing!
Manitou Cliff Dwellings – I was surprised at how much my daughters enjoyed this one. The Cliff Dwellings are a grouping of relocated Anasazi ruins and a museum filled with related artifacts and other items of Native American history and culture. The dwellings themselves are an architectural wonder – it is truly incredible how brilliantly the homes were constructed and how they have held up over time. There were many kids playing in and around the dwellings, with informational plaques posted throughout for parents to get a history lesson along the way.
North Pole – This is SUCH a fun place for the whole family! At the North Pole, it is Christmastime from May through Christmas Eve. All of the rides, activities, and shows are holiday themed, and the kids can visit with Santa and get a head start on their wish list! My toddlers had a blast last year, and older kids would have fun as well. There are plenty of rides and activities for kids of all ages – my girls were under two years old when we visited and we ran into very few things they were not able to do.
Garden of the Gods – This completely free National Natural Landmark is home to breathtaking scenery and huge rock formations. There are plenty of easy hiking trails throughout, and much of the area is stroller-friendly. For those wanting a more leisurely visit, you can also drive through the park. Don’t miss grabbing some caramel corn and a buffalo burger at the Trading Post!
Colorado Springs is such a great destination for ICT families, because it is close enough to drive, but far enough to feel like you are truly getting away for a while. There are so many family-friendly things to do in the area to provide plenty of entertainment for everyone on board.
Are you planning a trip to Colorado Springs? Check out our sister site, Colorado Springs Moms Blog for everything you need to know!
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