In June 2026, our family (with four kids ages 7, 5, 2, and 0) met up with our close friends (with kids ages 7 and 5) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Fun fact - we originally met them when we were American expats living in London, and now we’ve reversed roles—they’re the British expats living in Boston.
We wanted a destination that would work well for a multi-family meetup with young kids—somewhere with nature, wildlife, and great food, but still easy to navigate with little ones. Colorado Springs turned out to be the perfect choice.
From mountain views to hands-on animal encounters, this was one of our favorite family-friendly trips in the U.S.
Where to stay
If you're looking for one hotel that combines stunning scenery, family-friendly amenities, and a relaxing atmosphere, Garden of the Gods Resort is an excellent choice for families visiting Colorado Springs.
I actually stayed here nine years ago on a bachelorette trip—and coming back with kids felt just as special. The views are still absolutely unforgettable.
Why families love staying here:
Unbeatable views: Wake up to panoramic views of the iconic red rock formations of Garden of the Gods.
Spacious accommodations: Rooms and suites are large enough for families to spread out comfortably after a full day of exploring.
Family-friendly pool: A great place for kids to swim, splash, and burn off energy while parents unwind.
Peaceful, resort-style setting: It feels like a retreat in nature while still being close to major attractions in Colorado Springs.
On-site dining: Convenient for families—no need to load everyone into the car after a long day.
Luxury that feels welcoming: Upscale but relaxed, making it ideal for families traveling with young kids.
Deers and bunnies: Around the property, deer and bunnies are moving around! The kids LOVED spotting them - including from our bedroom window!
For families planning a Colorado Springs vacation with kids, this is one of the best places to stay thanks to its combination of comfort, views, and location.
What to do
Colorado Springs is packed with family-friendly adventures that are fun for both kids and adults. These are three experiences I wouldn't miss:
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
One of the most unique zoos we’ve ever visited, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is built into the mountainside, which means incredible views throughout your visit.
Highlights for families:
Feed giraffes from an elevated platform (a huge hit with kids)
See 750+ animals from around the world
Ride the Mountaineer Sky Ride for sweeping mountain views (note: you can’t take strollers on the ride, but can leave it at the front - this is just an add-on to the zoo, so no problem if you opt out of this)
Tons of interactive exhibits for hands-on learning
This is easily one of the best things to do in Colorado Springs with toddlers and young kids.
Garden of the Gods
No trip to Colorado Springs is complete without visiting Garden of the Gods. The towering red rock formations look like something out of a movie—and the best part is that it’s completely free.
Why it works so well for families:
Free admission (great for family travel budgets)
Easy, stroller-friendly paved trails
Visitor & Nature Center with educational exhibits
Perfect picnic spots with unforgettable scenery
This is one of the most family-friendly outdoor activities in Colorado Springs, especially for kids who need space to run and explore.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
For a true Colorado adventure, take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway up to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak.
What makes it great for kids:
Skip the stressful mountain drive and ride the train instead
Watch wildlife and changing landscapes on the way up
Incredible panoramic views at the summit
Don’t miss the famous high-altitude donuts at the top
This is one of the most memorable family day trips in Colorado Springs, even with little kids.
Sidenote: Here is my guide to making mom friends - my special mom friends have been such a huge blessing in my life!
Where to eat
We were genuinely surprised by how much we loved the food scene in Colorado Springs. Almost every meal was easy, relaxed, and kid-friendly.
Restaurant | Type of Food | Notes |
South East Asian | Great mix of Asian dishes, easy for kids to share | |
Indian | We especially loved the bhendi and chicken tandoori bites | |
Deli | Casual deli with great sandwiches (the BBQ chicken sandwich was a favorite) | |
Greek | A relaxed, family-friendly Greek spot | |
Ice Cream | Perfect ice cream stop after a long day of exploring | |
American | Because we stayed at this resort, grabbing breakfast here each day was convenient. A bit expensive, as expected at a nice hotel, but the views and convenience were worth it to start the day off | |
Cheyenne Zoo Restaurants | Casual options throughout the zoo for an easy lunch break |
Closing Thoughts
Colorado Springs is one of the best U.S. destinations for families with young children. It combines outdoor adventure, wildlife experiences, and easy logistics—all without feeling overwhelming.
If you’re planning a trip with little kids, this destination offers the perfect balance of nature, comfort, and kid-friendly activities, making it ideal for family travel, multi-family meetups, or even a long weekend getaway.
