There are so many exciting places to explore and things to do in Colorado Springs including whitewater rafting, shopping and dining, enjoying the great outdoors and many family-friendly activities!
This region is one of the most popular in the state! The beautiful 1,200 ft gorge, which was carved by the Arkansas river over millions of years, welcomes whitewater rafters from all over the world. One of our favorite activities for things to do in Colorado Springs is whitewater rafting in the Royal Gorge area.
For family-friendly rafting near Colorado Springs, Bighorn Sheep Canyon offers splashes and smiles for miles. For the adventure seeker our Royal Gorge rafting will take you through thrilling whitewater rapids and underneath the highest suspension bridge in America!
Nicknamed “America’s Mountain”, this stunning 14,115 ft peak is one of the most majestic in the state. It inspired the song America the Beautiful and you can see for yourself why! Reach the summit with a scenic drive on Pikes Peak Highway or challenge yourself on a hiking or biking adventure to the peak.
This charming town is conveniently located between Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. The unique arts district will draw you in with the galleries and shows featuring the local artists. Enjoy the beauty of nature and hike the manitou incline. This trail was originally built for a cable car, but now tempts adventurous hikers to take on the 2,000 vertical feet in less than a mile! You can also gain elevation on the fun zipline tours offered at Adventures Out West!
This stunning park was voted the #1 park in the country on Tripadvisor. Check out the visitor & nature center to learn more about the one of a kind formations like kissing camels and balanced rock. There are so many ways to immerse yourself in the beauty of the park from segway tours to rock climbing. Don’t forget your souvenir on the way out at the trading post!
Don’t miss the underground caverns at Cave of the winds. This 500 million year old geological treasure is fun for the whole family. Enjoy tours of the deep caves and learn about stalagmites and stalactites. You can also enjoy the outdoor adventure park and hop on the Bat-A-Pult coaster, climb the cliffhanger wall or explore the windwalker challenger course. If you need to re-fuel you can grab a bite at the cafe and pan for your very own gemstones.
The Colorado Springs area is home to an abundance of hiking and biking trails. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore incredible trail systems in Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
Experience the unique beauty of the Paint Mines, which offers an unforgettable time for families and adventurers alike. The 750 acres and miles of trails create the perfect backdrop to enjoy the pigmented rock formations that the Native Americans used to create paint.
The U.S Olympic & Paralympic Museum will take you on a journey of the Olympics from past to present day. Learn the history of the games in this accessible,interactive experience which showcases 13 exhibits. You can feel what it is like to walk in the opening ceremonies, see where athletes train and try your hand at the 30 meter dash or archery.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo lets you see over 900 animals! You can hand feed the giraffes, see the elephants and ride the carousel. Another way to experience wildlife in colorado is at the
Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center. This sanctuary is home to rescued wolves, foxes and coyotes. Dedicated to the education and rescue of these special animals, you can visit and learn about the special stories of these beautiful creatures and what we can do to help. You can even reserve an up close encounter and interact with the wolves - photos and kisses included!
Seven Falls is one of the only waterfalls in the US to be featured in National Geographic’s international falls! You can access great views of these beautiful 180 foot falls from the top of the staircase or the elevator access platform. From either spot you will be delighted to view these seven cascading falls flowing through the box canyon.
There are so many great spots to treat yourself after a fun day exploring! Downtown Colorado Springs is home to tons of locally owned shops and restaurants including Eclectic Co and The Well. Experience a local craft beer at one of the 20 local breweries including dog friendly, kid friendly and veteran owned craft breweries. Old Colorado City is also home to 100 businesses surrounded by walkable historic neighborhoods. Don’t miss the galleries, events and charm of this district!
Colorado Springs offers an array of unforgettable experiences, perfect for every type of traveler. Whether you're soaking up the stunning scenery while rafting the Royal Gorge, marveling at the majestic views from Pikes Peak, or exploring the charming town of Manitou Springs, there's no shortage of things to do in Colorado Springs. Discover the natural beauty and unique rock formations at Garden of the Gods, delve into the depths of Cave of the Winds, or get active on the many trails in the area.
So, whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or serene natural beauty, Colorado Springs in the summer is the perfect destination. Plan your trip now and make memories that will last a lifetime!
