The Best FREE Outdoor Activities for Kids in Colorado Springs
Growing healthy and active kids is good for the whole family!
When the leaves are falling and there’s a chill in the air, it can be tempting to stay at home with your kids. But when you find them bouncing off the walls, it’s time to get out and about and discover the top things to do with kids in Colorado.
We love keeping our kids active. It’s a win-win! There is something about the fresh air and space that makes them less grouchy and whiny, and when they come home, they have burnt off all that latent energy. Plus, we can give them some guilt-free screen time while we do parenting things like getting dinner on, or just sitting down for a cup of coffee.
We also know that kids need to be active! There is so much going on in their little bodies when they can be out at a playground, field, playing sports, and enjoying the best of nature that Colorado has to offer. They are improving their coordination, balance, eyesight, gross motor skills, regulating their internal processes like emotions and self-control.
So, what are the top local places we love to visit when we head outdoors?
Our Five Favorite Outdoor Activities for Kids in Colorado Springs
Fountain Creek Nature Center is far and away our favorite place near Colorado Springs to take the kids to run around.
Free to enter and plenty to do, there are a mix of very short and longer trails to tire out those little legs. The short Nature Trail is toddler and stroller friendly.
Due to the wonderful creek and wetland areas, there are many different trees, wildlife, and birds to spot. The Great Blue Herons are here year-round, and fall is the perfect time to see Monarch butterflies.
And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can still pop inside to the Nature Center’s exhibitions, packed with information and loads to look at, it’s tons of fun and educational all in one!
The Fountain Creek Nature Center is just 15 minutes south of Colorado Springs off the I25. Check out the current programs and special events.
This is not your average playground! America the Beautiful really is a work of art with interactive installments called the Quirks that kids can climb on.
Centrally located, this playground is super easy to get to and there is something for all ages.
America the Beautiful Park is a 16.9-acre site, so once you’re done on the playground you can head to a grassy area to kick around a soccer ball, have a picnic and people watch. There are plenty of amenities in and around the park, including a picnic pavilion, Julie Penrose Fountain, restrooms, access to the Midland Trail and Pikes Peak Greenway Trail.
We’re so lucky to have two nationally recognized Nature Centers in El Paso County! We love Bear Creek for being a classic Colorado experience. Nestled in the foothills, the short, kid friendly hikes show you all that Colorado has to offer, mountain meadows, wildflowers, shrub land and conifer forest. Home to deer, bears, butterflies, and birds, you’re sure to see something beautiful each time you visit.
Like Fountain Creek, it is free to visit and there is a fantastic exhibition center. Head indoors if the weather turns rainy and see all the exhibitions and teach the kids about their local animals and habitats.
There are loads of nature programs and guided walks, inclusive and for all ages, check out what is happening when you visit.
The Garden of the Gods near Manitou Springs, Colorado is home to many fascinating trails to explore with your family. For a favorite outdoor adventure that’s easily accessible for kids, you can’t go past the Siamese Twins trail.
A half mile loop track, it’s only about 15-20 minutes, so a great stretch of the legs for young and old (there are plenty of stairs, though, so not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers).
During the hike, you’ll look out over Pikes Peak and many beautiful rock formations. Famous for the ‘window’ about mid-way make sure to stop for this great photo opportunity.
If you have older children or younger ones with energy to burn, talk to the information center about other trails you can connect on to go further.
Once you’re finished, head to the kid-friendly café for a treat!
Small but perfectly formed, Nancy Lewis Park is a delightful and easy place to get outdoors.
Walk around the perimeter of the pond and spot geese, ducks, and turtles. The playground will keep younger children happy while the older ones can kick a ball around and play among the many shady trees.
A happy and easy afternoon out on the northern side of town.
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