Colorado Springs
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo hosts a variety of animals, demonstrations, and experiences. Guests can expect to see hippos, giraffes, penguins, otters, elephants, and more.
In addition to the main exhibits, the Zoo offers a variety of animal feeding experiences for a small fee. For $1-$5 per exhibit, visitors can feed giraffes, birds, goats, rhinos, and chickens. There are also a few free animal encounters available. Additionally, the zoo also has a carousel for the price of $2/ride and a chairlift sky ride over the length of the park.
. The North Pole- Home of Santa's Workshop
There is a place on the map that is shrouded in mystery, a place where elves make toys and Santa practices his sleigh flying. That place is the North Pole.
Most people only know of the North Pole from stories, but it is a real place. It is located at the foot of Pikes Peak in Colorado. But you can only catch a glimpse of it from Mid May until Christmas Eve. The magical place has over a dozen rides, eateries and of course, shopping. This is a fun and unique, true to the name theme park.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods Park is a public park located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is a registered National Natural Landmark and is free it enter. The park features large rock formations and is a popular tourist destination.
The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center is a museum located in the park. It features exhibits about the natural history of the park, as well as interactive displays and a theater. Visitors can take in the scenes at Garden of the Gods in many ways, such as guided nature walks, renting mountain bikes/electric-bikes, on a Trolley cart from 1909, zipping through on a Segway, riding on a jeep tour, participating in rock climbing or hiking through the many trails available.
As a certified National landmark kids can join the Junior Ranger Program and receive a special collectable badge after completing an activity booklet.
In addition to exhibits and experiences, the visitors center also offers a fun-packed calendar events catering to children. Typically costing between $3 and $5 per activity, kids can participate in activities such as digging for dinosaurs, indoor scavenger hunts, and learning about animal adaptations.
The United States Airforce Academy (USAF)
Visitors to the United States Air Force Academy are welcome and will find plenty to see and do. A visit to the Visitors Center offers a realistic portrayal of cadet accommodations, a brief documentary on cadet life, and a chance to view the chapel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright – an award winning architect. Shoppers can also find Air Force merchandise in the souvenir shop.
After the visitors center, take a brief walk on the nature trail to see the real Cadet Chapel in person. Fly over to the planetarium to see astronomer guided fly throughs during the open house hours, Monday through Friday from 12-2pm. Arnolds Hall is next to the planetarium and is perfect for anyone in search of a casual dining experience, as there are a few different options to choose from. Those looking for something more upscale can visit The Grill at the golf course or the Falcon club for a buffet/restaurant.
The USAF academy's grounds are a popular spot for hikers and bikers, as well as hunters under specific restrictions. Visitors can find self guided tours and scavenger hunts on the academy's website. The academy is known for its beautiful locations that make for great Instagram photos.