Whether you’re a Colorado Springs native or here on family vacation, you’re probably looking to have some fun outdoors exploring! A kid friendly hike in Colorado Springs is great way to get fresh air and spend some time with family. Fortunately, very few places offer as many fun kid-friendly hikes than Colorado Springs. The beautiful scenery makes it the perfect place to explore with the whole family! The hikes were one of the reasons we chose to raise our family in this area. With its stunning views, diverse landscapes, and family-oriented trails, it’s the perfect place to get your kids connected to nature. These kid-friendly hikes around Colorado Springs are sure to keep your little ones engaged, excited, and active.

1. Garden of the Gods

Best for: Younger kids, families with strollers

If you’re looking for a hike that’s both scenic and easy to navigate, a Garden of the Gods hike should be at the top of your list. This is a huge tourist attraction so if you plan on going during summer months be prepared for a large crowd. With its awe-inspiring red rock formations, this spot is famous for its beautiful and accessible, kid-friendly hikes. The Main Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that’s perfect for young kids, offering paved paths and easy terrain. Along the way, they can spot unique rock formations like the famous “Balanced Rock” and enjoy wide, open views of “America’s Mountain” Pikes Peak.

For a colored map of all the trails you can do swing by the visitors office to get yours. If you prefer a more guided option, Garden of the Gods offers a guided nature walk daily at 10:30am. It’s a 45-60 minute walk for $5/person with reservations required.

If you don’t plan to use a stroller or have older kids then check out the Siamese Twins 1.5 miles (my kids favorite) and Ridge Loop Trail .4 miles (my personal favorite).

Why Garden of the Gods is fun for kids

• Paved paths options make it stroller-friendly.
• Easy-to-navigate terrain suitable for little legs.
• Plenty of spots to stop and take in the scenery or have a mini picnic.
• Fascinating rock formations that ignite curiosity—great for teaching your kids about how rocks are shaped from natural elements.

2. Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Best for: Families with kids of various ages

Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers a variety of trails suitable for different age groups and abilities, making it one of the best places for kid-friendly hikes in Colorado Springs. The Black Forest Trail is a great choice for families with younger kids or beginners, providing a relatively flat, 2-mile loop with lots of shady spots. The park also features longer hikes for those with older kids who are ready to tackle more challenging terrain.

Why Cheyenne Mountain is fun for kids:

• The park is home to tons of wildlife like deer, rabbits, and even wild turkeys!
• The variety of trails means you can choose one based on your kids’ energy levels and hiking experience.
• The park’s picnic areas and beautiful landscapes make it a great spot to relax and take in the outdoors after your hike.
• For additional cost, If you’re into archery the park also has both a static and 3D archery range for the older kids.

Admission Cost: $10/Vehicle

3. North Cheyenne Cañon

Best for: Family and kids looking for an adventure and water loving families

North Cheyenne Canon is perfect for both beginner and more intermediate hikes for kids. I love the trail that goes past the visitors center by the creek. You’ll love how easy it is for your kids to explore and play along the way. A trail that I love is the Chamberlin Trail. It’s a moderate level hike, but has a beautiful view of Colorado Springs and the Broadmoor Resort.

Why North Cheyenne Cañon is fun for kids

• Great easy trails for small children
• Not paved, but jogging strollers are still easy to use on the trails
• A mellow creek makes for the perfect place to stop along the way to have a picnic or play in the warmer months
• Enjoy a nature walk through the beautiful fall leaves during the month of October
• Trails that vary in difficultly to accommodate for your children’s hiking needs

4. Seven Falls: A Majestic Adventure with Waterfalls

Best for: Kids who love water and excitement

If your kids are excited by the sound and sight of waterfalls, then the Seven Falls Trail is a must-see. This family-friendly hike leads you to a series of stunning waterfalls nestled in a beautiful canyon. The hike itself is a bit more strenuous. For an easier experience you can take an elevator to the top for a bird’s-eye view of the falls before descending on the trail.

Why it’s fun for kids:

• Waterfalls are always a hit with kids—they’ll love splashing around in the creek at the base.
• The trail is full of photo ops, and your kids will be eager to capture the stunning scenery.
• The unique rock formations and cool mist from the falls offer a sensory experience that kids won’t forget.

Admission Cost: For current hours of operation and admission costs see the Seven Falls website

5. Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Best for: Families with kids who want to explore unique rock formations

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a hidden gem in Colorado Springs that provides family-friendly hikes with lots of natural beauty and fun challenges. The Red Rock Canyon Loop is an easy 1.5-mile trail with gorgeous views of the surrounding rock formations and local wildlife. It’s a perfect spot for a family adventure, offering plenty of opportunities to explore and discover.

Why Red Rocks Open Space is fun for kids

• The bright red sandstone formations are a fun sight for kids to explore and climb.
• A relatively easy trail that’s great for younger kids and beginners.
• The variety of trails in the park your family the option to adjust your hike based your specific needs

For a full list of updated hikes at Red Rock Open Space use the Colorado Trail Explorer App

6. Pulpit Rock Trail

Best for: Families with kids who can handle a moderate incline

The Pulpit Rock Trail is a short but rewarding hike that provides panoramic views of Colorado Springs, perfect for families with kids who are ready for a little adventure. This 1.5-mile round-trip hike features a steady incline, but nothing too steep for most kids to handle. Once you reach the top, the views are well worth the effort. It can take you between 30-60 minute to complete this kid friendly hike.

Why Pulpit Rock is fun for kids

• The moderate climb challenges kids without being overwhelming.
• At the top, they’re rewarded with beautiful views of Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak in the distance.
• The trail passes through rock formations and Colorado native vegetation, making it an excellent hike for teaching kids about local plants and wildlife.

7. Monument Rock

Best for: Families with kids who want to explore wooded areas and fun rock sculptures

My family loved this hike into Monument Rock a few weeks ago! We chose to do the longer version of the hike to make it a little more challenging and wear out my little niece along the way. The hike in is fairly simple with very little incline or decline after the first part of the hike. Your family will love exploring the outdoors through the wooded area. Though some may feel the fire damage will take away from the experience, my children loved to stop and learn about what happens to the forest after a fire! When you get to Monument Rock you’ll be at awe over the huge rock structure that stand before you. It truly is a remarkable sight!

Why Monument Rock is fun for kids:

• The way in is wooded making for a fun adventurous feel for kids to explore
• When you get to the rock there is sandy rock around the formation. During certain times of year there is even water that surrounds Monument Rock.
• The recent fire is a great educational opportunity to teach your kids about wildfires and what nature does after a fire. My son was fascinated learning about how the pinecones help reproduce for the next growth.

8. Fox Run Regional Park

Best for: Families with kids who like to explore nature play areas

Fox Run Regional Park is not only home to a number of family-friendly hiking trails, but it also has a fantastic playground and nature-based play areas that kids will love. The Fox Run Loop Trail is an easy 2.5-mile hike that takes you through forests, meadows, and alongside peaceful ponds, offering plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching. Bring along a picnic to enjoy at one of the park’s picnic areas, or let the kids explore the playground after your hike to burn off some extra energy!

Why Fox Run Regional Park is fun for kids

• The park has a mix of forested and open areas, perfect for curious young hikers to explore.
• Kids can enjoy the park’s nature play area after the hike, making it an excellent spot for a whole day of family fun.
• The flat terrain makes it an easy hike for families with younger children or strollers.

Bonus Kid Friendly Hike: Painted Mines

Best for: Families and children looking for a simple trail that want to dive into a little history while they’re at it.

I was a little hesitant including this location only because it’s a little ways outside of Colorado Springs, but the location is truly too remarkable to not include! The Painted Mines in Calhan is rich in history. The mines has evidence of human life that dates back 9000 years ago. The colorful clays were collected by the American Indians to use as their paint. There are several trails throughout this area that are perfect for young kids to dive into history all while admiring an amazing landscape. Most the trails are stroller friendly, but I do suggest using a jogging stroller.

Why the Painted Mines is fun for kids

• A perfect way to incorporate a lesson in history.
• The colors are appealing to young kids.
• You get to explore in some of the small spaces that permit you to do so.

Why Colorado Springs has the Perfect Kid-Friendly Hikes

With its diverse landscapes, stunning natural beauty, and well-maintained trails, Colorado Springs is the perfect place for a family hiking adventure. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll through Garden of the Gods or a more challenging climb at Pulpit Rock, there’s a hike for every age and ability. These kid-friendly hikes provide a fantastic way for children to connect with nature while having fun, learning, and exploring.

Next time you’re planning an outdoor family outing, check out these kid-friendly hikes in Colorado Springs. You’ll make memories, teach your kids valuable outdoor skills, some locations you’ll dive rich into history and most importantly have fun exploring while spending quality time as a family.

You may also be interested in a list of Colorado Springs Parks on the city’s website.

Elevate your kid friendly hike in Colorado Springs

If you want to elevate your family’s hiking experience, try turning your next adventure into a family session full of fun and play! My favorite family sessions are ones that encourage you and your family play and interact authentically in the beautiful scenery Colorado Springs has to offer!