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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 favorite activities.
Of course, this list is family-friendly and make great vacation ideas with kids.
In full disclosure, I have family who have 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 is just over 110,000 people. Including Pueblo West and other areas into the east, the Pueblo County population is 166,000 people.
What is Pueblo Colorado famous for?
Pueblo is known as “Steel City” for the history of the steel mill and smelter and current steel production. In 1993, it gained the name “Home of Heroes” for the four living recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Additionally, Pueblo has developed the Arkansas River Walk along the and the Historic Union Avenue District along the Arkansas River.
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 Best Things to Do
Many visitors ask: What is there to do in Pueblo Colorado? This list will help you choose what to do in on your trip.
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. This is one of our favorite zoos to visit – read more about Why You will Love Pueblo Zoo
Our younger kids enjoyed feeding the animals at the petting zoo. Many interactive activates exist throughout the zoo. We found that this zoo is the perfect size for families to make it through on a short day without feeling exhausted.
- 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. El Pueblo History Museum
El Pueblo History Museum is a community museum featuring the history of Pueblo, highlighting the region’s cultural and ethnic groups. Kids will enjoy this small museum with interactive exhibits where they could touch and build things.
The highlight for families is the living museum in the re-created adobe trading post and plaza from the 1840s. The archaeological excavation site of the original El Pueblo trading post from 1842 is adjacent to the museum.
The award-winning “Children of Ludlow” exhibit, depicting the history of the Ludlow Massacre, is also on display at El Pueblo History Museum.
- Website
- Location: 3301 N Union Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003-4266
- Cost: $5 per adult
- Discounts: FREE for kids (ages 17 & under) from Memorial Day through Labor Day!
4. 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 backside of 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
5. Pueblo Railway Museum
Located behind the Pueblo Union Train Station are several old rail cars open to the public for exploring. If you love trains there will be lots for you to see. It is not a true museum as you would think, but a collection of railroad cars and a Baldwin 4-8-4 steam engine.
The exhibits are all available but have little explanation and no formal tour. If you would like a tour or more information call 719-251-5024 ahead of time.
You will be right along the tracks of the main lines for the UP and BNSF trains. So you will likely see trains go by while you are visiting.
If you don’t have a specific interest in trains, this is probably a good stop along with seeing the beautiful Union Depot and surrounding area.
They do have events throughout the year that include a short ride on the trains. On the Facebook Page you can find out about events like the Pueblo Express, Cemetery Express, and Independence Day Breakfast and Train Rides.
For a brief introduction to the Pueblo Railway Foundation and Pueblo Railway Museum
- Website:
- Location: 301 W B St, Suite 100, Pueblo, CO 81003-3445
- Cost: Free
6. Rosemount Museum
This beautiful Victorian mansion was built in 1893. It was originally home to the John A. and Margaret Thatcher family and contains almost eventing is original. Guided tours will take you through the house where you will learn add about the Thatcher Family and the history of Pueblo and the Victorian era.
This museum is best for older children and adults. If you are lucky you can enjoy one of the free events like the Antique and Classic Car Show, Easter Egg hunt, Halloween, Christmas and so many more.
The former carriage house for the Thatcher family is located on the property and is currently an event center. The unique building is available to rent for private events.
- Website:
- Location: 419 W 14th St, Pueblo, CO 81003-2707
- Cost: The cost of the tour is $8 adults, $6 seniors, $4 kids.
- Discounts: 5 and under are free, many events are free
7. 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
8. Steel Works Center of the West
There’s no doubt that Pueblo was built on the coal and steel industry. Anyone interested in the history of Pueblo, industrial revolution and immigration would like this museum.
Colorado Fuel and Iron Company (CF&I) was a strong force in the development of Pueblo and Southern Colorado. The Steelworks Museum is housed in the former CF&I Medical Dispensary, built in 1901.
The exhibits are all related to the steel industry, specifically the CF&I, and the impacts on the American West. The museum highlights the life of workers at the mill, their dedication to the hard jobs, family life, and life during war years.
- Website
- Location: 215 Canal St. Pueblo, CO 81004
- Cost:$6/adult and $4 up to age 4-12
- Discounts: under 4 free, group discounts available
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 paddleboard. Don’t miss the Hero’s Plaza.
10. 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
11. Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum
With over 100 years of aviation history, kids and adults will love this airplane themed museum. In fact, it is rated the #1 thing to do in Pueblo on TripAdvisor reviews.
I am not sure if my son or grandparents enjoyed this museum the most.
The museum houses military aircraft dating from World War I to current times. The docents are very knowledgeable and most vets who have lived the history. They willingly tell their stories and bring the displays to life.
There are over 25 aircraft are stored inside and outside two hangers. With more than 100 displays and exhibits in the museum, you will find something new every time.
Some of the highlights are actual F16, F15, and a huge B-29. My 11-year-old son said his favorite was the NASA space exhibit. Maybe because he is into space, or because he has a harder time relating to the Cold War than the adults do. Either way, he loved it.
- Website
- Location: 31001 Magnuson Ave, Pueblo
- Cost: $10 adults, $8 for Seniors and Vets,
- Discounts: Children under 7 are free, Active Duty personnel are free
12. 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.
- Website
- Location: 101 N Union Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003
- Hours: 24 hours (9 AM – 4 PM visitor center)
- Cost: $8 State Park Pass (camping $22 -$36 per night)
- Notes: All camping sites are by reservation only. Swimming is only allowed at the swim beach
13. 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 steelworks 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.
In fact, Authentic Pueblo Eats wrote a full story on Eiler’s Place.
While you are in the neighborhood you can grab a bite to eat at Do Drip Inn. This family-owned business has been serving up Italian food for 40 years in a historic building in Pueblo.
Although they are known for the sweet crust pizza, you can get different Italian food and delicious breakfast too.
- Do Drop In Website:
- Eilers’ Place – Facebook
- Location: 326 E Mesa Ave Pueblo, Colorado 81006
- Hours: 10 AM – 2AM
- Cost: Free to walk the neighborhood and visit the restaurants
- Notes: Check the Facebook page for upcoming gatherings and events.
14. Pueblo Heritage Museum
Did you know that Pueblo was once the saddle making capital of the world? Learn this and other historical facts of the region at the Pueblo Heritage Museum.
Claiming that the “Pueblo story starts here” this museum ties to together the long history of Pueblo and the southwest region of Colorado. It is aptly located in the restored 1924 Denver & Rio Grande Western Freight Station.
The exhibits show archaeology, local history, telephones, railroads, horses and the many ethnic heritages is that make Pablo unique.
Recently, there have been several children’s activities added to the museum to make it more interactive for kids. Small children will like these activities but may not have the same stamina for the rich history at the museum that the adults do.
- Website:
- Location: 201 W B St
- Cost: Adults $6, Seniors, military and students $5, Children $6-12
15. 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 rollerblade 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.
16. Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center – Mountain Campus
The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center actually has two campuses, so I had to name the Beulah campus separately. I remember this place fondly as Pueblo Mountain Park.
This area, located 26 miles west of Pueblo, has a completely different ecosystem and atmosphere from the city. It is one of the locals’ favorite afternoon getaways to cool off from the summer sun or play in the winter snow.
The 611 acres of the park covers an altitude of 6500 feet to 7400 feet. Six miles of hiking trails are dispersed through of the park and include Devil’s Canyon Trail, Northridge Trail, Mace Trail and Tower Trail.
The Horseshoe Lodge is onsite and a perfect place for a retreat. It is complete with lodge, dorms, pavilion, classroom, challenge course, and catering.
- Website
- Location: 9112 Mountain Park Road. Beulah, CO 81023
- Cost: Free
Places to Stay in Pueblo
If you are planning a trip here, we have some recommendations for the best places to stay in Pueblo.
I found 27 places to stay on Booking.com. You can look through all the places yourself on our reservations link for Pueblo CO
These are the places that we recommend that you consider staying at. The 2 hotels on the list are excellent for families – many friends and family have stayed here. Or consider renting a condo or house for your stay in Pueblo.
- Springhill Suites by Marriott Pueblo Downtown. – A hotel suite right in the heart of downtown so you can walk to the Riverwalk area. Hot breakfast, family rooms, and a pool.
- Courtyard by Marriott Pueblo –The Courtyard by Marriot is attached the Convention Center. Very convention to the Riverwalk and has a pool and breakfast.
- Best Western Plus Eagleridge Inn & Suites – A superior family-friendly hotel with clean, spacious rooms, free breakfast, pool, and kids stay free.
- Edgar Olin House. – A cozy B&B in a historic mansion
- Vintage Modern – Rent a House in town – Mesa Junction
Final Thoughts about Things to do in Pueblo, CO
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 a
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.
Colorado Springs is within 45 minutes of Pueblo and has many things to do. If you are considering Colorado Springs you will find our articles on the area useful:
- Things to do in Colorado Springs with kids
- Exploring Garden of the Gods (it’s free and worth the trip)
- Garden of the Gods Visitor Center
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?
Hi, I’m Shauna – Welcome to Family Travel Fever. We are a large family, that was bitten by the travel bug! We travel with kids and extended family. I take the kids by myself sometimes because I don’t mind flying or driving solo with my crew to discover the coolest places.
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