The Colorado Springs area has more than 50 attractions and magnificent scenery for countless outdoor adventures. There is no shortage of things to do in Colorado Springs, where you can choose adventures from mellow to wild. Colorado Springs and the surrounding region, which includes Cañon City and Manitou Springs, is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. Your only challenge will be deciding which adventures are right for you! Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Colorado Springs and don’t forget to check out our off-road jeep tours based from Cañon City. Our tours of the Royal GorgeRed Canyon, and the historic gold mining district of Cripple Creek and Victor offer a variety of information including geology, paleontology and western history, while traveling some of the most beautiful trails in Colorado.


Pikes Peak Highway

An image of one of the things to do in Colorado Springs, CO - the road to Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak is one of the most visited 14er’s on the planet. Taking the drive to the top of this majestic mountain is safe and scenic. Allowing you to enjoy the 19 miles of mountain terrain and breathtaking views. You can drive it, bike it or hike it – choose your adventure!


Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo shares all the wonders of the world with kids of all ages. It was named #6 Best Zoo in North America by USA TODAY. You get to do much more than watch. Hand feed giraffes, goats and budgies and have up-close animal experiences at this amazing mountain zoo.

giraffe sunning at the Cheyenne Mountain zoo in Colorado Springs, CO

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

view of the visitors center at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park near Colorado Springs, CO

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is an unforgettable Colorado adventure into a 500 million year old underground world. There are many different tours available where you’ll learn all about the history and geology of the cave and see it’s beautiful formations. There are short tours, and longer tours to go deeper into the cave, exploring by candlelight. They also have zip lines and adventure courses. Truly fun for the whole family.


Manitou Cliff Dwellings

At Manitou Cliff Dwellings in Manitou Springs, CO you can explore the fascinating architecture of the ancient Anasazi community. The magic and mystery of this Native American culture is sure to be a memorable experience for the whole family. You can also browse through two museums featuring cultural displays. All overlooking the historic town of Manitou Springs, Colorado.

cliff dwellings in Manitou Springs, CO

U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center 

Athletes walking at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs

Founded in 1894, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs is the home of athletes and coaches as they train to compete in the next Olympic and Paralympic Games. The facility provides housing, dining and recreational facilities for up to 557 people at one time. Public tours are available year-round Monday through Saturday. You embark on a 45 minute walking tour of the training complex and visit the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.


Ghost Town Museum

The Colorado territory was opened up to gold prospecting in 1858. Miners quickly populated this area and the railroad pushed into the Colorado mountains. “Pikes Peak or bust!” became the cry and towns sprang up all over this region. Once the mines were emptied of their treasures, many towns were abandoned and became “ghost towns.”

Ghost Town Museum was born with the desire to preserve this era for many generations to come and serves as an example of Colorado’s Wild West towns. There are many activities for the young and the old: pan for gold, crank a butter churn, go to an old-time arcade and much more. This museum is fun for all!

Front of the Ghost Town Wild West Museum in Colorado Springs

North Pole, Colorado – Santa’s Workshop

Santa in his sleigh at North Pole Colorado - Santa's Workshop

North Pole, Colorado – Santa’s Workshop is a Christmas themed family amusement park that opened in 1956. Christmas music fills the air as you wander through the village. At the center of the village is the North Pole, an ice covered pole that never melts. The village has a variety of gift shops, more than 25 rides and attractions, magic shows, and of course the highlight is a trip to Santa’s house to meet the jolly elf himself.


May Natural History Museum

The May Natural History Museum is Colorado Spring’s premier bug museum. If you can think of a bug, they’ve probably got it. Located at the base of the Rockies in between Colorado Springs and Cañon City. The museum is home to one of the largest private displays of tropical bugs in the world, with over 7,000 different species of insects. The May Museum is a great place for bug enthusiasts, scientists and anyone wanting to see all kinds of creepy crawly bugs. They even have beetles so big they knocked people over in flight!

A sculpture of a large West Indian Hercules beetle at May Natural History Museum near Colorado Springs, Colorado.