| If you are looking for a fun family destination that will | | | | and offers a spectacular view. The falls are lit at night |
| not break your budget, check out Colorado Springs. | | | | (certain times of year) and are amazing. Be warned |
| There is a variety of activities; from museums to | | | | the only restrooms are on the far side of the parking |
| beautiful views of nature. Surprisingly, there are | | | | lot so be sure to use them before making the walk |
| plenty of free activities. Even those with a fee are | | | | to the falls. |
| usually reasonably priced. | | | | UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMPLEX- 1750 E. |
| Here are some of our favorite family friendly | | | | Boulder Street, Colorado Springs |
| attractions in Colorado Springs. | | | | Learn all about the training complex that hosts many |
| PIKES PEAK- 10 miles West on Hwy 24, Cascade | | | | of America's finest Olympic level athletes. See training |
| Pikes Peak rises 14,100 feet above sea level. The | | | | facilities and hear stories about some of the famous |
| view from the top is amazing though be ready for | | | | names who have trained here. The garden area has |
| quite a temperature difference (dress appropriately!). | | | | fun displays to keep the children interested. The tour |
| Drive to the top on Pikes Peak Highway. Two other | | | | moves along fairly quickly so the kids did not get |
| options are Barr Trail and the Cog Railway. | | | | bored on it. |
| ROCK LEDGE RANCH- 30th St and Gateway Rd, | | | | WESTERN MUSEUM OF MINING & INDUSTRY- |
| Colorado | | | | 225 North Gate Blvd, Colorado Springs |
| This pioneer homestead is a living history museum. As | | | | This museum offers an interesting look at the history |
| you travel through the three distinct areas you will | | | | and impact of mining in America. There is a variety of |
| learn about the homestead and pioneer life from | | | | displays, several are hands-on (including a dress-up |
| costumed staff who go about their day as the | | | | area and gold panning). The staff was very friendly |
| pioneers would have. This is a great way to learn | | | | and willing to answer questions. Walk around the |
| about history in a fun, natural setting. There is a | | | | property to see larger equipment and pet the burros. |
| picnic area. | | | | SOLO'S RESTAURANT- 1664 N. Newport Rd., |
| SEVEN FALLS- 2850 S. Cheyenne Canyon Rd., | | | | Colorado Springs |
| Colorado Springs | | | | Though this is a restaurant, we found it appropriate |
| Often called the "Grandest Mile of Scenery in | | | | to include with tourist attractions due to its quirkiness. |
| Colorado", the falls flow 181 feet in seven distinct | | | | This aviation themed restaurant includes seating for |
| turns. For an amazing view (and exercise!) there are | | | | 42 passengers inside a fully intact Boeing KC-97 |
| 224 steps that lead to trails at the top. We found | | | | tanker! Great aviation memorabilia on the walls. The |
| the stairway to be scary and overwhelming for the | | | | kids will love visiting the cockpit! The menu ranges |
| children. They did love the mountain elevator though. | | | | from sandwiches to steak and seafood. There is an |
| Take it to the Eagle's Nest which overlooks the falls | | | | extensive children's menu. |