1. Garden of the Gods:

Voted one of the best parks in the US – everyone should visit Garden of the Gods at least ONCE in your lifetime. You can park anywhere and find an amazing and beautiful hike! The main parking lot gets crowded, so start early. It was our favorite place to hike when Luke was in a stroller because the paths are paved.  However, you can park anywhere in this incredible park and find an easy path to explore.

2. Fox run park:

Fox Run Regional Park is on the north side of Colorado Springs and has lots of trails, a pond, a creek, and a couple of play areas! You could spend the day here or just an hour. My kids love this place. Click this link for a map of the trails.

3.  Palmer Park:

Palmer Park is an amazing place to visit at least once. You can drive up to the top of the mesa and enjoy the breath-taking view of the city and Pikes Peak. There are some easy trails at the top or bottom. Make time to stop at the huge playground off Maizeland on your way out. Click here to look at some trails.

4. Red Rock Open Space:

Red Rock Open Space is similar to Garden of the Gods, but even more “natural” – meaning no paved areas, no bathrooms and lots of winding trails. There are beautiful hikes no matter where you start! I could go here every week for a year and find a new trail. It gets a little confusing – trails split and you need to understand the “map” they have provided on signs throughout the park (I’m not that good). However, if you just keep walking, you’ll find your way again (or, ask someone else hiking which way to go). No matter what your age – two or 92 – you will love this place! Click here to view the trails.

5. Paint Mines:

The Paint Mines Interpretive Park is about 30-40 minutes outside of Colorado Springs, but worth the drive for an awesome adventure. Your family will love the gentle hike through the colorful caverns.

6. Bear Creek Nature Center:

and the

7. Fountain Creek Nature Center

Take a hike around the lovely grounds and enjoy the shaded trails, creeks and marshes. Then stop by the Nature center(s) to play with the interactive exhibits and learn about the animals that live in the region.

8. Pulpit Rock:

I wrote more about this amazing hike here.

9. Helen Hunt Falls:

Helen Hunt Falls is a gorgeous spot to visit any time of the year, but with kids, I recommend you visit in the summer. There are lots of steps and they get slippery/icy in the winter. There’s a handrail all the way up to the top of the falls. Then, enjoy a beautiful and easy hike at the top. The Starsmore Nature Center is nearby with beautiful and easy hikes all around as well. We absolutely love Cheyenne Canyon and all the adventure it offers our family.

10. Seven Bridges:

We love Seven Bridges. It’s a fantastic spot to explore and take in the beauty of Colorado Springs. With all four of our boys (ages 3, 5, 7 and 9) – we only made it to the FIRST of the “Seven Bridges” and then played in the creek before we hiked back. As they get older, we hope to conquer ALL SEVEN Bridges!

Would you like to purchase a copy of our book? It’s a great souvenir! The Egly boys take a hike up Pikes Peak and teach the reader about animals that live on this glorious mountain.

You can purchase a signed copy by clicking here, adding $10, and I’ll ship your book!

Thanks for your support!

To discover 20 free, fun, family friendly things to do around Colorado Springs, CLICK HERE!