10 Things to do in Colorado Springs, CO

Today, Janelle from Come Fly With Us is sharing a few of her favorite things to do while stationed in Colorado. After reading her words and listening to the conversations of friends, Ft. Carson has made it to the top of my wish list. For now, I’m living vicariously through other military spouses.

When my husband first enlisted I wasn’t thrilled. Military life was not something I had put on my bucket list. We were in the midst of a cancer diagnosis for my daughter and I thought my husband was running away. I went so far as to call in friends, one prior military the other a pacifist, who drove all the way from Dallas to hold an intervention.

Obviously, it didn’t work. I’ve since learned to bloom where I’m planted. I talked myself into loving the military life because of the promise to see the world. Guess what? Hubs did, I stayed planted in the desert of Ft. Bliss. I’ve grown to love aspects of living in the desert. I’ve grown during my time here. You can read more about our military journey and how we are making a long distance relationship work while my husband sees the world and I stay put in my book Finding Joy: The Year Apart That Made Me A Better Wife.

Be sure to leave a comment. Would love to hear if you have been to Colorado. If so what would you add to this list, or if you’re just dreaming about going what it is you want to do while there?

For other fun ideas and positive news join the Finding Joy Facebook Group

For more staycation/vacation ideas explore one of the posts from this series:

• 5 Tips for Staycation on a Budget
• El Paso, TX A Great Place to Live or Visit
• 5 Family Friendly Staycation Spots Near Camp LeJeune, NC
• Key West Staycation Ideas
• The Hawaiin Staycation

10 Things To Do In Colorado Springs, CO

Hi, I’m Janelle! I’m so happy to be sharing a post about my favorite city in the world today… Colorado Springs! On normal days, you can find me over at Come Fly With Us Blog or working hard in my Etsy shop, Two Cats Decorations. I’m a newly-ish wed to Lieutenant Lovemuffin, who is currently getting his Master’s degree in Applied Physics before heading to Air Force Pilot Training. I have taught middle school language arts for four years but am taking a break right now to focus on marriage and welcoming our first baby girl this coming fall! But that’s enough about me… let’s get to the fun part of this post!

Do you live in Colorado Springs? Are you stationed at Ft. Carson, Peterson AFB, Schriever AFB, or the US Air Force Academy? If so, you may know of several fun things to do around the area… but if you’re new, you may not!

Fortunately, if you’re looking to do a staycation to save some money and check out the amazing area your duty station resides in, you’re in the right place! Colorado Springs has so much to offer, and what I’ve included in this list is just a sampling. You can also hike the Manitou Incline (tough but worth it!), take a day trip to Cripple Creek, visit the Royal Gorge Bridge in Cañon City, see Santa’s Workshop, check out the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, shop in Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs, or just walk around downtown Colorado Springs, eating at some of the awesome local establishments.

I don’t live in Colorado Springs anymore, but I miss it like crazy. I have a visit coming up this summer, and I can’t wait to be back to the place I called home for four wonderful years. If you currently live there or will be visiting, please take advantage of all the fun things to do with your family! The Springs (as locals call it) has so much to offer, and most of the attractions are extremely affordable. Be sure to ask about military and student discounts everywhere you go because a lot of places are very generous about that!

So, what ten places made the big list? You’re in for a treat!

1. Garden of the Gods
Location: 1805 N 30^th Street Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Hours: 8:00AM – 8:00PM
Admission: free – and be sure to check out the fudge in the gift shop!

2. Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Location: 515 Ruxton Avenue Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Hours: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Admission: $35 (book ahead)

3. Seven Falls
Location: 2850 S Cheyenne Canyon Road Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Hours: 8:30AM – 10:00PM
Admission: $9.25

4. US Olympic Training Center
Location: 1750 E Boulder Street Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Hours: 9:00AM – 4:30PM
Admission: free

5. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Location: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Hours: 9:00AM – 6:00PM
Admission: $17.25 (and totally worth it – you can feed the giraffes!)

6. Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Location: 10 Cliff Road Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Hours: 9:00AM – 6:00PM
Admission: $9.50

7. Cave of the Winds
Location: 100 Cave of the Winds Road Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Hours: 9:00AM – 9:00PM
Admission: $18

8. US Air Force Academy
Location: 4700 Ponderosa Drive USAF Academy, CO 80840
Hours: 8:00AM – 6:00PM
Admission: free
*visitors must go in North Gate unless they have a military ID or a cadet escort

9. Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Location: 3550 W High Street Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Hours: from dawn until dusk
Admission: free

10. The Broadmoor
Location: 1 Lake Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Hours: hours vary
Admission: free to walk around; shops and restaurants vary in price

Again, this list is by no means comprehensive… but it should give you a great starting point and last you a few days in Colorado Springs. If you live in the area, these are also fun places to take guests when they’re visiting you – just remind them to bring their cameras because Colorado is insanely gorgeous!

I hope you can check out all the places on my list – and add even more to your memories of living in or traveling to Colorado Springs!

Picnic Pack USA English Style Willow Picnic Basket with BlanketEverywhere T-ShirtTopographic Recreational Map of Colorado

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