Although this is one of the most underrated destinations in the state, you will find many fun things to do in Pueblo, Colorado. Considered the gateway to southeastern Colorado, you won’t be left wondering what to do in Pueblo after getting to know these ideas.
Of course, this list is family friendly and make great vacation ideas with kids.
In full disclosure, my family has lived in Pueblo for 3 generations. So I may be a little biased, but not because I have a financial relationship with any of the businesses. I just have
About Pueblo
Pueblo is situated at the confluence of the Arkansas River and the Fountain Creek in the high desert of Colorado. Located 45 minutes southeast of Colorado Springs, it is a recreational and economic hub of Southeastern Colorado.
Pueblo was founded on the mining and steel operations at the turn of the century. In fact, “Steel City” is still one of the largest steel- producing cities in the US.
The city is now known for the arts and culture, outdoor recreation and low cost of living. The population of the city of Pueblo is just over 110,000 people. Including Pueblo West and other areas in to the east, Pueblo County population is 166,000 people.
Weather
Pueblo has four distinct seasons with hot summers and cool winters. In the high desert, the winters are mild and the summers are hot and dry.
Winter average temperatures range from 12 degrees to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. In the heat of summer, the average temperatures are 62 degrees to 93 degrees with multiple days reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
For more information about the weather during your visit check the average temperatures here.
With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s easy to participate in outdoor actives all year round.
If you want more information about what to do this weekend, check the official Pueblo visitors guide here. Summer weekends you will find fishing derbies, BBQ gatherings, street parties, drive-in movies and more!
Pueblo Colorado List of Things to Do
1. Pueblo Zoo
This 30-acre zoo is home to over 420 animals of more than 140 species. The Pueblo Zoo has a variety of exhibits for kids to see animals in action and learning activities in the visitor center. The younger kids enjoyed feeding the animals at the petting zoo. Many interactive activates exist throughout the zoo. We found that the Pueblo Zoo is the perfect size for families to make it through in a short day without feeling exhausted.
- Pueblo Zoo Website
- Location: 3455 Nuckolls Ave, Pueblo, CO 81005
- Hours: Daily
9AM to5PM – winter hours may vary - Cost: Adult admission $12 and children $10
- Discounts: discounts for military families, 50% discount for reciprocal zoo members, check the website for other discounts and free days
2. Buell Children’s Museum
The Buell Children’s Museum is an award-winning museum and was recognized as the second best children’s museum for art by Child Magazine. We have found this little museum is full of innovative, hands-on exhibits focusing on the arts, science, and history. We had fun watching the El Pomar Magic Carpet Theater and creating in the Artrageous Studio. They even have Buell Baby Barn for kids under four that the toddlers loved to crawl around in.
- Buell Children’s Museum Website
- Location: 210 N Santa Fe Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003
- Hours: Summer Tues – Sat: 11 am – 5 pm, Sunday: 12 – 4 pm (winter may have reduced hours)
- Cost: Admission is $8 for Adults, $6 for Children
- Discounts: Coupons are on the website here and check for free days
3. Union Avenue Historic District
After the disastrous flood of 1921, the levees were built to protect this historic downtown area from future floods. You can see the river and levees from the back side if the Train Depot.
The current historic district has 83 buildings on the National Historic Register. Many of the buildings
The Union Avenue district hosts many large gatherings and events such as the “B Street Bash” “Oktoberfest” and “Chile and Frijole Festival”
- Union Avenue Historic District Website
- Location: 101 N Union Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003
- Hours: 24 hours
- Cost: Free
4. Mesa Drive In
One of the last remaining drive-in movie theaters in Colorado is just east of downtown Pueblo on Sant Fe Drive. The theater was established in 1951 and has run during summers ever since. If you haven’t been to a drive-in theater – go now! Drive-in theaters are quickly becoming extinct as land values increase and other entertainment options are built. This is one of the best things to do at night in Pueblo with kids.
- Mesa Drive-In Website
- Location: 2625 Santa Fe Drive Pueblo, CO 81006
- Hours: summer evenings at sunset
- Cost: $10 adults and children under 12 are free (up to 4 per adult)
- Notes: Cash only – they do not accept credit cards or checks
5. Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center
This arts and conference complex has been the heart of arts education and entertainment in Southern Colorado since 1972. Just the architecture and the outdoor sculpture art are worth the visit to the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center. If you are lucky you can catch the Sangre de Cristo Ballet, the Pueblo Symphony or Steel City Theater productions.
- Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Website
- Location: 210 N Santa Fe Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003
- Hours: Weds – Sunday
11AM – 4 PM - Cost: Free to walk around (plus admission to an event)
- Discounts: Check the Website for current prices and discounts
6. Lake Pueblo, Colorado State Park
Lake Pueblo is a reservoir in the west part of Pueblo County. With 60 miles of shoreline and 10,000 acres of land, you will find plenty of recreational opportunities. You can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, camping and swimming at a special swim beach. It’s one of the best places to fish for the hybrid fish called a wiper, a cross between a striped bass and a white bass. Renting a pontoon boat is a fun activity for your family’s day out at the Reservoir.
- Lake Pueblo Website
- Location: 101 N Union Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003
- Hours: 24 hours (9 AM – 4 PM visitor center)
- Cost: $8 State Park Pass (campig $22 -$36 per night)
- Notes: All camping sites are by reservation only. Swimming is only allowed at the swim beach
7. Visit Eiler Heights Historic neighborhood
Pueblo is full of cultural neighborhoods that were settled at the turn of the century during the old mining and steel works days. “Old Bojon Town” or the more recent name Eiler Heights is the neighborhood where the Slovenian immigrants settled in the early-1900’s. So I have to admit, that I am shamelessly adding this area because of the wonderful memories I have with my grandmother (who built a house here). St. Mary’s Church, Eilers Place, original brick homes and 9 of the founding families, are all still in the neighborhood. If you are in Pueblo, Eilers’ Place is worth a visit to be transported back in time to the neighborhood tavern as a gathering place.
- Eilers’ Place – Facebook
- Location: 326 E Mesa Ave Pueblo, Colorado 81006
- Hours: 10 AM – 2AM
- Cost: Free to walk the neighborhood and visit the tavern
- Notes: Check the Facebook page for upcoming gatherings and events.
8. Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center – River Campus
The Nature & Raptor Center of Pueblo is located along the Arkansas River in the beautiful Rock Canyon. The center features a variety of facilities and picnic areas and offers educational nature programs for all ages. You can bike, walk, or roller blade along the paved riverside trails, fish from the scenic fishing deck, or visit the rehabilitation center for birds of prey.
The Raptor Center provides educational programs and activities, like birds of prey presentations, summer camps and “birdathons”
- Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center Website
- Location: 5200 Nature Center Rd Pueblo, CO 81008
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday: 11AM – 4PM
- Cost: $5 a car
- Notes: Check the Facebook page for upcoming gatherings and events.
9. Pueblo Historic Arkansas Riverwalk.
Did you know there is a Riverwalk in Pueblo? Who knew – right? This little river walk has so many activities for families. Little restaurants line the sidewalk, boats up and down the canal, sculptures decorate the entire path, and there is green grass to picnic on. A list of things to do in Pueblo would not be complete without guiding you towards the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk. In the summer you can catch a concert or special event at the plaza. During the night the lights come on and give everything a magical look.
- Riverwalk Website
- Location: 125 Riverwalk Place Pueblo, Colorado 81003
- Hours: 24 hours (check the website for boating hours)
- Cost: Free to walk
- Notes: You can take a boat, gondola, Pedal boat, or stand up paddle board. Don’t miss the Hero’s Plaza.
Pueblo is located along the Arkansas River in Southeast Colorado. It is not only a traditional mining town – it is also a place located in
If you would like to visit more locations a day trip to Buelah Mountain Park, San Isabel National Forest, Canon City, or Colorado Springs might be in order.
Pueblo is a unique mix of historic locations, modern activities, outdoor recreation, and delicious food. The activities are also affordable – a big plus for families.
If you want more ideas of cheap (and free) things to do in Colorado read our post and download the checklist of 100+ affordable things to do in Colorado.
Need help planning your next vacation to Colorado? Let us help you with the free step-by-step trip planning template.
What is your favorite in the list of things to do in Pueblo, Colorado? Did I miss something?
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