Southwest Airlines has served Colorado for 15 years with our flights at Denver International Airport, and we have added more flights to the Centennial State with our flights to Colorado Springs. Interested in things to do in Colorado Springs? There are so many family things to do in Colorado Springs, from enjoying a Colorado Springs Jeep Tour, to hiking or driving up Pikes Peak, to visiting Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, to learning at museums. Need a break from the adventure? Colorado Springs Downtown offers many restaurants, bars, and breweries to sit and relax.
Go Explore
One of the most iconic sites near Colorado Springs is the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, which features breathtaking views or rock formations against a backdrop of mountains. Spend the day here and enjoy all of the activities, from bike and jeep tours, guided walking tours, yoga in the park, or a weekly fun run. Best of all: admission to the Park and Visitor and Nature Center is free!
Garden of Gods, photo by Patric Alva
Helen Hunt Falls: this waterfall is just outside of Colorado Springs in North Cheyenne Canon Park. It’s easily accessible with a short walk, or if you’d like a longer, more challenging hike, you can take the Columbine Trail to explore. The waterfall is open year-round, but the Visitor’s Center is only open in the summer. Tip: visit the falls in late spring or early summer, or after a rainstorm to see the waterfall at its peak.
For a unique way to explore the Rocky Mountains, book a train ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Enjoy spectacular scenery and the Rockies up close from the comfort of your rail car. The Royal Gorge Railroad offers train rides during mealtimes, so you can dine while you dash through the canyon.
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum: go for the gold with a visit to the museum and learn about the history of the games and the athletes who have represented the United States of America. Be sure to purchase a ticket ahead of time for either self-guided visits or tours with a guide.
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum; photo by Patric Alva
Grab a Bite
Located in downtown Colorado Springs is CO.A.TI, a food court/food hall that features a variety of food and beverage vendors. Enjoy a meal at Anju Korean Eats, and order favorites like the Bibimbowl, pork dumplings, or cheesy fried chicken wings, and then top it all off with a sweet frozen treat at Paleta, which is Spanish for fruit pop, and offers tasty fruit pops that can be dipped in chocolate or topped with nuts.
Streetcar 520 boasts an eclectic menu, with shared plates like kimchi fries, shrimp etouffee, bao buns, and carnitas nachos; a variety of salads; and main dishes like southern fried chicken, the 520 burger, and an ahi poke bowl. Streetcar 520 offers a daily happy hour, and weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday with favorites like stuffed French toast, falafel scramble, carnitas omelette, and bottomless mimosas.
Homa Cafe+Bar is in the lobby of the boutique hotel, Kinship Landing. Grab a bite or a drink at their outdoor patios, Greenhaus space, or at a comfortable indoor booth. Their menu includes items that are made with local ingredients, like a coconut chia pudding for breakfast; farro, lentil; and quinoa bowls; signature flaky handpies, like the St. Ives with braised short rib and brisket; or small bites like the cauli pop, which is friend cauliflower popcorn.
White Pie Pizzeria: start your meal with a shareable plate of burrata cheese, meatballs al forno, or beef carpaccio, then enjoy a handcrafted pizza with a crispy crust. Some favorites from the menu include the White Pie with crème fraiche, mozzarella, sunny egg, and pecorino; the Paulie Walnuts with mashed potatoes, bacon, mozzarella, and candied walnuts; and the Fuggetaboutit, with house red sauce, pecorino romano, and Kalamata olives.
Take It All In
Just outside of Colorado Springs is the Paint Mines Interpretive Park, which may make you feel as though you’re on another planet with its vibrant colored clay and sandstone formations. Hike the area while you take in the views and you may catch wildlife, like coyotes, falcons, rabbits, and mule deer.
Paint Mines Interpretive Park, photo by Patric Alva
Your visit to Colorado Springs won’t be complete without a visit to Pikes Peak. This mountain is one of the state’s “14ers,” which means the peak exceeds 14,000 feet. Want to take in the altitude for yourself? Visit the summit by car, take a guided tour, book a train ride to the top, or—if you’re feeling adventurous—bike or hike to the top. Whatever way you choose, sit back and enjoy the views!
Inspired to visit Colorado Springs? Visit Southwest.com to explore our flight schedule and to book your next trip now. Additionally, check out this blog for a family-friendly itinerary to help plan your next family vacation!
Please check local restrictions and Safety protocols before planning a trip.
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