There are LOTS of things to do in Colorado Springs! Offering an incredible mix of outdoor adventure, family-friendly attractions, and various fun experiences, our city is one of the best places to visit and live in Colorado. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a military family new to the area, or considering a move here, there’s something for everyone — from world-class hiking to unique museums and community events. (Our list is below so keep reading!)
For the most up-to-date events and seasonal activities, visit the official Visit Colorado Springs website.
Outdoor Adventures
Colorado Springs is surrounded by natural beauty. Top experiences include hiking or driving Pikes Peak, exploring the dramatic red rock formations at Garden of the Gods, and enjoying trails at Palmer Park and Cheyenne Mountain State Park. In warmer months, families enjoy the Manitou Incline, whitewater rafting, or mountain biking. Winter brings snowshoeing and cross-country skiing just a short drive away.
Cultural and Entertainment Options
Downtown offers a vibrant scene with breweries, restaurants, live music at the Pikes Peak Center, and performances at multiple theaters. Sports fans enjoy local high school and college games, plus professional-level soccer with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.
Local Insights for Colorado Springs Residents
Neighborhoods like Briargate, Northgate and Mountain Shadows are ideally located for quick access to trails and attractions, while areas closer to downtown offer walkability to cultural spots. Military families near Peterson AFB and Fort Carson particularly appreciate the variety of free and low-cost activities. With over 300 sunny days a year, outdoor options are almost always available.
Here is our current hot list of things to do. (Most of things you can “google” to find out more!)
Activities
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
- U.S. Air Force Academy (Visitor’s Centers, Tours & they have a Planetarium!)
- Olympic & Paralympic Museum
- Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
- Mini Golf (lots of options)
- Top Golf
- iFly Indoor Skydiving
- Dart Wars
- Skyzone Indoor Trampoline Park
- Main Event
- Dave & Busters
- Great Wolf Lodge (Book a room and get access to the water park for the day!)
- Ghost Town Museum
- Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs (One of our favorites!)
- Catch a Switchbacks Soccer Game
- The North Pole (Up in Woodland Park – very fun!)
Shopping
- Scheels (If you haven’t seen this store, it’s a must see.)
- Sierra Trading Post
- Shops at Briargate
- Old Colorado City (lots of random shops)
- Downtown Colorado Springs (also has some good shops)
- Epic Mountain Sports
- Angler’s Covey
Restaurants
- Viewhouse
- Ted’s
- White Pie
- Lazy Dog
- Skirted Heffer (2 locations)
- Shuga’s
- Bourbon Brothers
- Latin Social
Coffee
- Building Three (our favorite)
- Loyal Coffee (Two Locations)
- Hold Fast Coffee Co
- Switchback Coffee Roasters
- Story Coffee Company
Ice Cream
- Josh & Johns (many locations)
- The Ice Cream Lab
- Rock House (in Palmer Lake)
- Lolley’s (in Monument)
- Ice Guys (downtown)
Hiking
- Garden of the Gods (We like the Siamese Twins Hike)
- Ute Valley
- Pulpit Rock
- Blodgett (Lots of options)
- Seven Falls
- The Pineries (Out east but great views of Pikes Peak)
- The Incline and/or Bar Trail
- Painted Mines (also out east but cool!)
Cocktails & Breweries
- The Rabbit Hole
- The Principles Office
- Lazy Susan’s
- Agave Lounge
- Red Leg Brewery (Our favorite)
- Goat Patch Brewing Company
- Voodoo Brewing Co
- Gunslinger Brewing Co
Other Cool Things
- Balance Rock (near Garden of the God’s but often missed!)
- Glen Eyrie Castle
- Drive to the top of Pikes Peak
- Check out Woodland Park
Ready to find a home near the best things to do in Colorado Springs? Call, text, or visit thebaconpartners.com/contact for personalized real estate guidance.
Want to get details on home buying in Colorado Springs? Check out my article here: Steps to Buying a Home in Colorado Springs.
I’m Andrew Bacon, a Top Colorado Springs Real Estate Broker in Colorado Springs. I take care of my clients as family and aim to provide them with the necessary information and tools to navigate the complex markets in Colorado and around the US.
As a member of the Pikes Peak & Denver Metro Association of Realtors, I enjoy staying aware of current cultural trends and economic drivers.Check back regularly for new articles on all things real estate along Colorado’s Front Range.
More Articles
- Things to do in Colorado Springs – 2026
There are LOTS of things to do in Colorado Springs! Offering an incredible mix of outdoor adventure, family-friendly attractions, and various fun experiences, our city is one of the best places to visit and live in Colorado. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a military family… Read more: Things to do in Colorado Springs – 2026 - Colorado Wildfire Building Code: What Homeowners Need to Know in 2026
Colorado’s new statewide wildfire building code took effect on July 1, 2026, making it the first Western state after California to adopt mandatory fire-hardening standards for homes in wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas. This code aims to reduce the risk of homes igniting during wildfires, which… Read more: Colorado Wildfire Building Code: What Homeowners Need to Know in 2026 - Wild Horse Reservoir Project Update: Wild Horse South Reservoir Selected
The Wild Horse Reservoir Project is moving forward with a key change: Aurora Water has selected the Wild Horse South Reservoir alternative for further environmental review and permitting. Announced in the Spring 2026 newsletter, this decision follows evaluation of several sites identified by the Bureau… Read more: Wild Horse Reservoir Project Update: Wild Horse South Reservoir Selected - PPAR MLS Changing to Elevate MLS: What It Means for Colorado Springs
PPAR MLS is changing to Elevate MLS, marking a major upgrade for real estate professionals and clients in the Pikes Peak region. The Pikes Peak Association of Realtors has officially transitioned its Multiple Listing Service to the new elevateMLS™ platform in 2026. This rebrand brings… Read more: PPAR MLS Changing to Elevate MLS: What It Means for Colorado Springs - Homeschooling in Colorado Springs: Co-ops and Programs Guide 2026
Homeschooling in Colorado Springs continues to grow in popularity as families seek flexible, personalized education options that align with our outdoor lifestyle and strong community values. Whether you’re a military family stationed near Peterson AFB or Fort Carson, or a local looking for more control… Read more: Homeschooling in Colorado Springs: Co-ops and Programs Guide 2026 - I-70 Floyd Hill Project: Major Improvements
The I-70 Floyd Hill project is one of Colorado’s most significant highway upgrades, improving safety, capacity, and travel times along a critical corridor west of Denver. While not directly in Colorado Springs, this project impacts our region by easing travel for residents, military families, and… Read more: I-70 Floyd Hill Project: Major Improvements