15 Things to Do Near Colorado Springs for a Fun Experience

Whether you’re visiting Colorado Springs or live in the area, there are so many unique experiences. Below, we’ll share some of the best things to do near Colorado Springs, including adventurous, relaxing, family-friendly, and date activities.

1. Stroll Through Garden of the Gods

Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Hours: Daily, 5 am - 9 pm (Nov 1 - April 30) and 5 am - 10 pm (May 1 - Oct 31)

Garden of the Gods is an iconic natural landmark and offers one of the most unique things to do in Colorado. The park is surrounded by stunning red sandstone rock formations and Pikes Peak in the distance. There are 21 miles of easy-to-moderate walking trails, perfect for enjoying the scenery. 

The park is free to the public and has a visitor's center with interactive exhibits. You can also take a scenic drive through Garden of the Gods or go rock climbing if you’re up for an adventure.

2. Visit Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Hours: Daily, 5 am - 9 pm (Nov 1 - April 30) and 5 am - 10 pm (May 1 - Oct 31)

Red Rock Canyon is a beautiful outdoor area located just a few minutes from Downtown Colorado Springs. It’s similar to Garden of the Gods but with less foot traffic.

You can enjoy hiking, biking, and climbing trails through striking red rock formations. There’s also an off-leash dog area and picnic spaces at Red Rock Canyon.

3. Go to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Hours: Daily, 9 am - 5 pm 

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the highest zoo in the U.S. at an elevation of over 6,700 feet. It sits on a mountainside overlooking Colorado Springs, making for one of the most scenic zoos. 

You can see over 750 animals, enjoy interactive exhibits, and take a sky ride through the mountains. 

4. Hike to Broadmoor Seven Falls

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Hours: Wednesday through Monday, 9 am - 7 pm

Seven Falls is known as “The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado,” with a stunning series of waterfalls in a box canyon. A 224-step staircase beside the falls or hiking trails lead you to panoramic overlooks. At night, the falls are beautifully lit for a magical experience.

There’s also an on-site restaurant so you can enjoy a meal before or after your adventure.

5. Enjoy Culture in Old Colorado City

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Hours: Varies by business

Once a Wild West town, Old Colorado City is now a charming historic district lined with over a hundred art galleries, boutique shops, cozy cafes, and award-winning restaurants.

You can stroll along brick-lined sidewalks for a unique dining, drinking, and shopping experience. The area is also a cultural hub that hosts regular festivals and events.

6. See Magic at Cosmo’s Magic Theater

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Hours: Varies by show

Cosmo’s Magic Theater is one of the best indoor things to do in Colorado Springs. The theater offers an intimate, upscale experience with unique magic shows. You can enjoy adult and kid-friendly performances. 

This is a hidden gem perfect for a date night or unique entertainment for the family.

7. Tour Glen Eyrie Castle

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Hours: Guided tours Monday - Saturday, 12 and 2 pm and Sunday, 2 pm

Glen Eyrie Castle is a stunning English Tudor-style mansion built by the founder of Colorado Springs. It’s nestled next to the Garden of the Gods and offers a peaceful atmosphere for a nature walk. 

There are two guided tours a day (one on Sundays) so you can explore the property. You can also visit for afternoon tea or spend the night in one of the castle’s guest rooms. 

8. Relax at Oakwell Beer Spa

Location: Highlands Ranch and Denver, CO

Hours: Daily, 8 am - 10:30 pm

Oakwell Beer Spa offers a unique wellness experience where you can soak in a beer-infused bath, relax in an infrared sauna, and enjoy craft beers on tap. There are two locations: Highlands Ranch and Denver’s Five Points Neighborhood.

There are various spa packages to fit your needs, whether you’re planning a solo self-care day, a romantic date, or a spa day with friends. You can also stop in to enjoy drinks in the taproom at Oakwell Beer Spa.

9. Ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Location: Manitou Springs, CO

Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is one of the highest railways in the world, offering a scenic and relaxing journey to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak. The 3.5-hour roundtrip ride provides panoramic views of forests, alpine tundra, and mountain peaks. At the top, you can enjoy snacks and sweeping vistas.

If you’re up for an adventure, you can also combine your ride with a bike ride up or a hike down.

10. Trek the Manitou Incline

Location: Manitou Springs, CO

Hours: Daily, 6 am - 3 pm (Nov 1 - April 30) and 6 am - 6:30 pm (May 1 - Oct 31)

Reservations at no cost are required

Trekking the Manitou Incline is one of the best bucket list things to do near Colorado Springs if you’re a fitness enthusiast. It’s a 0.88-mile trail that climbs nearly 2,000 vertical feet with over 2,700 old railway ties as steps. Most people take the Barr Trail back down.

The trek is quite a challenge, but the breathtaking views and sense of accomplishment can make it well worth it.

11. Tour the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

Location: Manitou Springs, CO

Hours: Daily, 9 am - 7 pm (last tour leaves at 6 pm)

Cave of the Winds is a cave and amusement park in Colorado’s Pike Peak region. Experience a mix of adventure and geology with guided cave tours ranging from easy walks to lantern-lit explorations. 

You can enjoy adventurous activities above ground, including a Terror-Dactyl ride, zip lining, and climbing courses. The park also offers breathtaking views of Williams Canyon and educational exhibits on local geology and history.

12. Walk the Royal Gorge Bridge

Location: Cañon City, CO

Hours: Daily, 10 am - 7 pm

The Royal Gorge Bridge is a popular tourist attraction and theme park. It has one of the highest suspension bridges in the world, suspended 956 feet above the Arkansas River. 

You can walk across the bridge, ride an aerial gondola, or take on the zip line for incredible canyon views. The park also has family-friendly attractions, scenic trails, and educational exhibits.

13. Explore the Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms

Location: Littleton, CO

Hours: Daily, 9 am - 4 pm

The Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms is one of our favorite activities in Littleton. It’s a 700-acre native plant refuge and working farm with a lot to see and do, whether you’re visiting alone or with family or friends. 

The gardens also has seasonal events, nature trails, and a lavender garden, ideal for a unique outdoor experience.

14. Get Adventurous at Mueller State Park

Location: Divide, CO

Hours: Daily, 5 am - 10 pm

Exploring Mueller State Park is one of the best things to do near Colorado Springs for an adventure. The park covers over 5,000 acres of pristine forest and meadows with activities for everyone.

There are 55 miles of hiking trails, with options for all hiking levels. You can also go mountain biking, go camping, and view wildlife. During winter, you can enjoy skiing and snow-shoeing.

15. Experience the Craft Beer Scene

Colorado Springs has a thriving craft beer scene with dozens of local breweries, including Cerberus Brewing and Bristol Brewing Company. Many taprooms offer mountain views, food trucks, and live music. 

Denver is also a great nearby city to enjoy craft beer, with over a hundred breweries, taprooms, and brewpubs.

Things to Do Near Colorado Springs: Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful and are excited to explore Colorado Springs and nearby areas. There’s so much to see and do, whether you want to go hiking, see a magic show, or visit a castle.

If you want to enjoy a unique and relaxing spa day to unwind after exploring, book an experience at Oakwell Beer Spa.