A Perfect 3 Day Colorado Springs Itinerary

Colorado Springs is a fantastic vacation destination, surrounded by mountains and nature, historic sites, and lots of activities for kids of all ages!

You’ll love spending three days or a long weekend in Colorado Springs!

Get ready to enjoy three amazing days hiking through breathtaking rock formations, discovering wildlife, and experiencing hands-on museums, all while enjoying great coffee, fun breweries, and delicious foods.

Colorado Springs is the perfect place for a three-day weekend or for three days of relaxing and exploring! You’ll have plenty of activities and restaurants to choose from in Colorado Springs!

This three-day Colorado Springs itinerary is packed with fun outdoor activities, historical sites, and unforgettable experiences! Feel free to customize it to your interests!

Day 1: Nature & Wildlife Adventure

Morning: Garden of the Gods

Start your Colorado Springs adventure at the stunning Garden of the Gods, a National Natural Landmark known for its striking red rock formations. 

You can explore the park by hiking on easy hiking trails suitable for all ages. (Perkins Central Garden Trail is a family favorite at just 1.5 miles round trip!)

You can also opt for touring the park on an e-bike, taking a Segway tour, or taking a guided geology hike. 

Even if you simply drive through the park, you’ll be awed by the beauty of these towering sandstone formations set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak.

Allow plenty of time for breathtaking photo opportunities. The iconic Garden of the Gods park is a fantastic photo subject, whether you just want some cool selfies or are trying to capture the play of light and shadow across the rocks. 

The Garden of the Gods Visitor Center offers interactive exhibits about the park’s geology and history. The nature center also has a water bottle refill station, cafe, gift shop, and restrooms. 

Arrive early to snag a parking spot, avoid crowds, and catch the best lighting for photos!

Midday: Lunch at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post

After exploring the park, stop by the Garden of the Gods Trading Post, a charming eatery offering burgers, sandwiches, and kid-friendly meals. While you’re there, browse their unique gift shop filled with local artwork and fun Colorado souvenirs.

Afternoon: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo 

After lunch, head to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the highest-altitude zoo and only mountainside zoo in the United States, for an up-close experience with incredible wildlife. Zoo must-dos include: 

• Feeding the giraffes (a highlight for kids and adults alike!)
• Riding the Mountaineer Sky Ride for spectacular views
• Visiting the Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit to see native Colorado animals like bears and mountain lions

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of the best zoos in the United States, and shouldn’t be missed!

Evening: Strolling & Dinner in Old Colorado City

Wrap up the day with a visit to Old Colorado City, a historic district filled with charming shops, art galleries, and fantastic dining options.

Try Paravicini’s Italian Bistro for authentic Italian cuisine or Front Range Barbecue for Southern-style comfort food with live music. 

After dinner, take a leisurely evening stroll through the town and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Day 2: Adventure & Exploration

Morning: Pikes Peak via the Cog Railway

No trip to Colorado Springs is complete without experiencing Pikes Peak, “America’s Mountain”. You have several choices for how to reach the summit!

• You can drive yourself to the top of Pikes Peak. Keep in mind that the road is steep and can be intimidating for drivers not used to hairpin curves.

• Take a Pikes Peak Jeep tour and avoid the stress of driving! Your driver will also tell you stories, folk legends, and history about the Pikes Peak region.

• Go up in four wheels and down on two! The Pikes Peak Summit downhill bike tour will take you up in a van, then lead you on a guided bike ride down the mountain. This is the absolute best way to take in the views of the Rocky Mountains at your own speed!

• Hop aboard the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest railway in North America! On the 3-hour round-trip journey, you’ll have incredible mountain views.

Once at the top, you’ll be 14,115 feet above sea level. Once there, enjoy fresh Pikes Peak donuts at the Summit House (yes, they’re famous!)

Dress in layers—the temperature at the summit can be much cooler than in town.

Midday: Lunch & Exploring Manitou Springs

After your mountain adventure, stop in Manitou Springs, a quirky and fun town known for its natural mineral springs and unique shops.

The Loop is a great place for delicious Mexican food with large portions. Try Savelli’s if you want pizza. My overall top pick is Adam’s Mountain Cafe, where you can get your breakfast favorites and substantial main dishes with globally inspired flavors. 

While you’re in town, try sipping from the natural spring fountains—each one has a unique taste due to different mineral compositions! Play some classic games at the penny arcade. 

If you’re feeling up for a climb, hike the Manitou Incline. On this strenuous hike, you’ll gain more than 2,000 feet of elevation in less than a mile and hike approximately 2,750 steps!

Or, head to the Color-Rad Zipline, where you’ll be thrilled by five cliff-to-cliff style ziplines!

Afternoon: Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

Next, venture underground at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, one of Colorado’s most exciting natural attractions. (Bring a light jacket—the cave stays cool year-round!)

Choose between the Discovery Tour (great for families) or the Haunted Lantern Tour (for older kids and thrill-seekers).

Above ground, enjoy the Terror-Dactyl ride, stunning rock formations, and fascinating cave history

Evening: Colorado Springs Food Tour

Get an insider’s tour of Colorado Springs’ delicious culinary scene. You’ll visit several boutique food shops and amazing restaurants downtown. Plus you’ll learn about the city’s history, art, and culture.

Expect to try a variety of foods, including specialty burgers, pizza, appetizers, dessert. Cocktails and beer will available (for an extra charge).

Day 3: History & Hands-On Fun

Morning: U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum

Start your day at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, in downtown Colorado Springs. This is one of the most interactive and high-tech museums in the country. If you have any sports fans (or Olympics fans) in the family, they’ll love this place!

You’ll get to test your speed against an Olympian at hands-on sports simulations. The museum’s permanent exhibits feature Olympic medals, torches, and athlete stories. You’ll definitely leave the museum inspired! 

Midday: Lunch downtown

Enjoy a laid-back lunch at Phantom Canyon Brewing Co., a family-friendly spot offering delicious food and house-made craft beer, or Gaia Masala and Burger, for excellent Indian food, as well as burgers and fries! There are several restaurants just a short walk away. 

Afternoon: Western Museum of Mining & Industry

Discover Colorado’s rich mining history with interactive exhibits at the Western Museum of Mining & Industry.

Visitors can actually pan for gold (a hit with kids!). You’ll also see working steam engines and mining equipment and learn about the history of mining in Colorado.

Afternoon: Hike Red Rock Canyon Open Space

If you’d rather spend your last afternoon in Colorado Springs outside, head the the Red Rock Canyon Open Space.

There are several hiking trails that will surround you with the area’s famous red rocks. Whether you choose an easy hike or a more advanced hike, you’ll love being surrounded by nature. This park is a bit of hidden gem, often overlooked by people opting for Garden of the Gods instead. 

Evening: Dinner & Relaxation at The Broadmoor

End the day with a relaxing visit to The Broadmoor, a luxurious historic resort known for its beautiful lake, fine dining, and elegant atmosphere. Be sure to make your dinner reservations in advance!

Try the Golden Bee, a lively British-style pub with great food and live music, or Ristorante Del Lago, a fabulous Italian restaurant with a homemade gelato!

Take a peaceful walk around the lake to cap off a fun-filled day.

When to visit Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a great year-round destination! 

In the spring, temperatures are perfect for hiking, but there are few crowds—making Colorado Springs a great spring break destination!

In the summer months, you’ll love the warm weather and special events happening in Colorado Springs and the surrounding area. But expect lots more tourists!

Fall is the perfect time to see spectacular autumn foliage, and you should definitely add a scenic drive to your itinerary. 

In winter, you might be surprised by temperatures that are generally in the 40s, and you’ll be able to explore the area without crowds. 

Overall, the best time to visit Colorado Spring is either in the spring or fall, but there are perks to visiting in the summer or winter too. 

Final Thoughts on 3 Days in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is the ultimate family-friendly destination, blending outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters, and hands-on fun.

This itinerary will guide you to some of the Pikes Peak Region’s most popular attractions and outdoor adventures!

Whether you’re hiking among stunning rock formations, reaching the top of Pikes Peak, or exploring interactive museums, you’ll have a great time in Colorado Springs! This three-day itinerary is designed to be so much fun for the whole family.