13 Exciting Things to Do in Colorado Springs With Toddlers and Babies

You might not realize that Colorado Springs sits at 6,035 feet elevation, which means your little ones could experience mild altitude effects during your first day or two. While most families adjust quickly, this mountain city offers plenty of low-key, indoor activities perfect for easing into your adventure. From interactive museums designed specifically for tiny hands to gentle nature walks that won’t overwhelm sensitive systems, you’ll find these family-friendly options help create the perfect foundation for your Colorado Springs experience.

Explore Interactive Learning at Children’s Museum Colorado Springs

When you’re looking for an engaging indoor activity that won’t break the bank, Children’s Museum Colorado Springs delivers hands-on learning experiences specifically designed for kids aged 8 and under.

Located at 7075 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, this interactive space lets your little ones explore at their own pace while you relax nearby with free Wi-Fi.

Located conveniently with free Wi-Fi for parents, this interactive space encourages independent exploration while keeping grown-ups connected and comfortable.

Your toddlers can climb through the Tree House & Campsite exhibits, get creative at the Art Exploration Station, or enjoy messy sensory play with slime kits.

The Discovery Rug changes themes every two months, keeping repeat visits fresh and exciting.

You’ll need to accompany your children throughout the visit, but the museum encourages parent participation.

They’re open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, plus select weekend events by reservation. The museum also offers private playdates and birthday celebrations for more personalized experiences.

Feed Giraffes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

After exploring indoor learning experiences, step outside for an unforgettable wildlife encounter at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, where your toddlers can hand-feed gentle giraffes just $3 per lettuce bundle.

Perched at 6,714 feet elevation, this top-rated zoo offers breathtaking mountain views alongside incredible animal experiences. Your little ones can feed giraffes daily, rain or shine—outdoors in African Rift Valley or inside during bad weather.

• Watch your toddler’s eyes light up as a giraffe’s long tongue gently takes lettuce from tiny hands
• Capture priceless photos of your baby giggling at these towering, gentle giants
• Create lasting memories that’ll spark lifelong animal love
• Enjoy budget-friendly fun with cash-only feeding stations
• Experience stroller-friendly paths perfect for maneuvering with young children

The experience works beautifully for all ages with proper supervision. For an even more immersive adventure, consider booking the Giraffe Encounter Experience where families can go behind-the-scenes to watch training sessions and help create interactive toys for these magnificent animals.

Discover Nature Trails at Bear Creek Nature Center

Just minutes from Garden of the Gods, Bear Creek Nature Center offers 575 acres of gentle exploration perfect for families with little ones who need nature time without the crowds.

The two-mile self-guiding trails wind through diverse ecosystems where you’ll spot mule deer and enjoy scenic foothill views. Your toddlers can safely explore short grass prairie and cottonwood areas while you push a stroller on the accessible paths.

The center’s open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM, with free admission and ADA-compliant parking. The nature center also hosts interpretive programs throughout the year that engage both children and adults in educational activities.

Interactive exhibits like the live bee hive fascinate curious minds. Remember pets aren’t allowed on nature trails, but they’re welcome on regional trails with leashes.

It’s budget-friendly family fun that educates while entertaining.

Experience Hands-On Learning at Fountain Creek Nature Center

Where can your curious toddler touch, explore, and discover nature through interactive play? Fountain Creek Nature Center offers perfect hands-on experiences designed specifically for little ones aged 4-5 with their families.

Fountain Creek Nature Center provides hands-on interactive experiences where curious toddlers can touch, explore, and discover nature through engaging play.

You’ll love how affordable these programs are at just $3 per person, including siblings and adults. The center’s interactive displays engage children while teaching them about local wildlife and ecosystems.

Your family can enjoy:

• Delightful puppet shows that bring nature stories to life
• Creative crafts using natural materials your toddler can take home
• Gentle guided hikes on flat, stroller-friendly trails
• Wildlife viewing from comfortable gazebos overlooking ponds
• Special family events throughout the year

The wheelchair-accessible facility guarantees every family member can participate comfortably in these educational adventures. Located just 15 minutes south of downtown Colorado Springs, this nature center provides convenient access for families seeking outdoor learning experiences.

Take a Scenic Drive Up Pikes Peak

Nothing beats the thrill of driving America’s most famous mountain highway with your little ones safely buckled in their car seats. Pikes Peak Highway offers a perfect family adventure just 15-20 minutes from Colorado Springs. You’ll climb from 7,400 feet to the iconic 14,115-foot summit via a paved 19-mile toll road. Plan for 3-4 hours total, including stops at scenic viewpoints where toddlers can stretch their legs. From May through September, you’ll need timed-entry permits ($2) and reservations. However, infants under six months shouldn’t make this high-altitude journey. Start with at least half a tank of gas since there aren’t any stations along the route. The frequent rest stops and wildlife viewing opportunities make this an engaging experience for curious toddlers. Don’t miss the world-famous donuts at the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center, made with special high-altitude ingredients. To ensure a smooth trip, check the altitude considerations before planning your visit, especially when traveling with young children.

Learn About Dinosaurs at Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Research Center

Most toddlers can’t get enough of dinosaurs, and the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Research Center in nearby Woodland Park delivers an authentic paleontology experience that’ll captivate your little explorers.

Located just 30 minutes from Colorado Springs, this working fossil museum houses over 30 specimens from the Late Cretaceous period. Your admission includes guided tours where friendly staff explain discoveries in toddler-friendly language.

The quiet weekend atmosphere makes exploring comfortable with babies and young children. The museum is open year-round with convenient hours that work well for families with small children.

The peaceful environment and unhurried pace create an ideal setting for families with toddlers and infants to explore comfortably.

What makes this visit special for families:

• Watch real paleontologists clean fossils in the working lab
• See complete Pteranodon and Pachycephalosaurus skeletons up close
• Enjoy hands-on family events included with admission
• Learn fascinating discovery stories behind each specimen
• Experience free parking and well-organized, accessible exhibits

Enjoy Family-Friendly Cave Adventures at Cave of the Winds

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park in nearby Manitou Springs offers underground adventures that’ll thrill your family while keeping little ones engaged and comfortable.

The Discovery Tour provides a perfect 45-60 minute family-friendly introduction to stunning rock formations and historical chambers without overwhelming young children.

While toddlers can’t participate in advanced caving activities (restricted to ages 13+), they’ll love the above-ground attractions designed just for them.

The Stalactykes Adventure Slide and Caver’s Crawl offer simulated caving experiences that let kids explore safely. Gold panning adds extra fun without breaking your budget.

The Learning Center teaches cave geology and ecology through interactive exhibits that capture curious minds.

You can customize your visit based on your family’s energy level, making it an ideal educational adventure for families with mixed ages. For families with older children who meet the 42-inch height requirement, the Pioneer Package offers access to additional thrilling attractions like the Wind Walker Challenge Course and Bat-A-Pult Zip Line.

Ride the Historic Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

Adventure awaits your family aboard the Historic Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, where colorful steam locomotives chug through Colorado’s gold rush history on a perfect 4-mile round trip.

This family-owned railway operates vintage coal-fired steam engines on 24-inch narrow gauge tracks, creating an authentic Wild West experience that’ll captivate your little ones.

The wooden passenger cars provide comfortable seating while you journey through rugged mountain landscapes and abandoned mining camps. Trains depart every 70 minutes starting at 10:00 AM, making it easy to plan your visit around your family’s schedule.

Your toddlers will be mesmerized by:

• Steam billowing dramatically from colorful locomotives as they whistle through mountain passes
• Scenic views of historic mining territory that sparked Colorado’s greatest gold rush
• Educational storytelling about miners and railroad workers who shaped the region
• Gentle, smooth ride perfect for naptime or quiet family bonding
• Historic depot atmosphere with the adjacent Cripple Creek District Museum nearby

Cross the Famous Royal Gorge Bridge

Standing 956 feet above the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge offers your family an unforgettable experience that’s surprisingly manageable with little ones in tow.

You’ll walk across this 1,260-foot suspension bridge while enjoying breathtaking canyon views that’ll leave everyone speechless.

The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park provides stroller-friendly paths, making navigation easy with babies and toddlers.

While older kids might enjoy the zipline and gondola rides, you can stick to the bridge crossing and gentler attractions.

The park’s interactive exhibits keep curious minds engaged without overwhelming tiny attention spans.

Plan for a half-day visit to avoid little one meltdowns.

The bridge remains open year-round, so you can visit during off-peak times for smaller crowds and better photo opportunities of Colorado’s stunning scenery. This remarkable structure was built in just 7 months back in 1929, making it a testament to American engineering that your family can experience together.

Play at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Big Backyard

After experiencing Colorado’s breathtaking heights, you’ll find another perfect family adventure at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Big Backyard, where toddlers can get hands-on with animals and nature at a much more manageable pace.

This special area’s designed specifically for little ones, featuring a petting zoo and playground with giant ant rides. Your kids will love helping keepers move chickens during the daily parade – it’s interactive fun that doesn’t cost extra. Engaging in these activities promotes early animal education and curiosity about wildlife.

The climbing areas let toddlers burn energy while learning about bugs and frogs. The serene koi pond provides an ideal spot for peaceful reflection while little ones watch the colorful fish swim gracefully through the water.

Here’s what makes Big Backyard special:

• Interactive chicken parade where kids become junior zookeepers
• Safe climbing structures perfect for developing motor skills
• Educational bug and frog exhibits that spark curiosity
• Stroller-friendly paths for easy navigation with babies
• Included with regular zoo admission – no additional fees

Participate in Nature Center Educational Programs

When your toddler’s ready for structured learning mixed with outdoor fun, Bear Creek Nature Center’s educational programs offer an affordable way to spark their curiosity about the natural world.

The Children’s Nature Series welcomes kids aged 3-6 with puppet shows, crafts, and trail discovery time for just $3 per person—including you and any siblings.

If you’ve got a younger child, Bear Creek also runs interactive activities and short hikes for 2-3 year olds.

You’ll need to register and prepay in advance, but it’s worth planning ahead.

These programs blend hands-on learning with outdoor exploration, helping your little one develop independence while building social skills.

The adult-to-child ratio stays manageable, making it perfect for family participation without breaking your budget. For families seeking alternatives, Fountain Creek Nature Center also offers similar programming with stories and trail adventures for the same age groups.

Take Scenic Train Rides on the Royal Gorge Route

Though the Royal Gorge Route Railroad sits 45 minutes southwest in Canon City, this scenic adventure delivers an unforgettable experience that’s worth the drive for families with little ones.

Your toddlers will be mesmerized as the train winds through granite cliffs towering over 1,000 feet above the tracks. The 24-mile round-trip journey operates year-round with multiple daily departures, making it convenient for families.

Little adventurers will be captivated watching towering granite walls pass by during this family-friendly 24-mile railway journey through spectacular canyon scenery.

Choose seating that fits your budget and comfort needs:

• Dome cars offer panoramic views perfect for curious toddlers
• Coach seating provides budget-friendly comfort for families
• Dining cars feature locally sourced meals prepared onboard
• Open-air cars let little ones feel the mountain breeze
• Engineer experiences teach kids about train operations

The route is known as the “most scenic train ride” in North America, offering breathtaking views that will captivate both parents and children throughout the journey.

Book ahead since this popular attraction carries over 200,000 guests annually.

Enjoy Family Picnics at Local Parks and Nature Areas

Colorado Springs delivers exceptional picnic opportunities that won’t strain your family budget while keeping toddlers and babies entertained for hours.

America the Beautiful Park offers jungle gyms and spacious grassy areas perfect for little ones to explore safely. The park also features a splash pad that provides additional entertainment for young children during warmer months.

Bear Creek Regional Park provides picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and ten miles of stroller-friendly trails with stunning Pikes Peak views. You’ll find excellent amenities like restrooms, sports facilities, and multi-purpose paths at most locations.

Pack essentials like diapers, sunscreen, and a first aid kit for worry-free outings. Choose parks during off-peak hours for peaceful experiences.

Garden of the Gods combines breathtaking rock formations with family-friendly picnic spots, while Cheyenne Canyon offers scenic hiking trails suitable for baby carriers.

These natural spaces provide endless entertainment without expensive admission fees.

Recap

You’ll discover that Colorado Springs offers over 50 family-friendly attractions within a 30-mile radius – that’s more options per square mile than most major cities! Don’t worry about breaking the bank; many nature centers charge just $3-5 for admission, and several parks are completely free. Pack snacks, bring a stroller, and you’re set for affordable adventures. Your little ones won’t remember the cost, but they’ll treasure those magical moments exploring Colorado’s natural playground together.