Spring break in the Pikes Peak region means escaping the typical crowded beach scenes for a refreshing mountain getaway where both relaxation and excitement await. The city’s unique position, with access to high-country snow sports as well as milder weather activities, makes it an ideal choice for families looking for diversity in their vacation experiences.
Our guide highlights the best spring break offerings throughout Colorado Springs, from downtown culinary experiences to unforgettable outdoor excursions that showcase the area’s natural attractions.
Spring Break Culinary Experiences
Colorado Springs has quickly become a notable food destination, with the city’s food tours providing one of the most engaging ways to experience local cuisine during spring break. Rocky Mountain Food Tours offers several appetizing options for culinary exploration, including their signature 3-Hour Original Food Tour, which takes participants on a five-stop journey to some of downtown’s best eateries.
These guided experiences combine generous tastings with interesting insights into local history and architecture, making them educational outings disguised as delightful experiences. The tours run year-round, including throughout spring break, providing families with a perfect afternoon activity regardless of weather conditions.
For those with specific preferences, specialized options abound. Beer enthusiasts can sample local craft brews on the 2.5-Hour Downtown Brewery & Bites Tour, while those seeking a more sophisticated experience might opt for the Cocktails & Canapés Tour.
What makes these food tours particularly appealing for spring break visitors is their family-friendly nature—children are welcome on most tours, and the engaging guides ensure that participants of all ages remain entertained throughout the experience. Beyond merely dining, these culinary experiences offer a deeper connection to Colorado Springs through stories of local entrepreneurs, historic buildings, and the development of the city’s diverse food scene.
Family-Friendly Attractions
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo serves as Colorado Springs’ premier family attraction, holding the distinction as North America’s highest zoo at 6,800 feet above sea level. This elevation not only provides stunning views of Colorado Springs but also creates a distinct environment for the zoo’s 200+ animal species.
The giraffe exhibit remains a perennial favorite, where visitors can hand-feed these gentle giants at eye level—a rare interactive experience that delights children and adults alike. Beyond animal encounters, the zoo features a vintage carousel and an impressive modern reptile exhibit housing 40 different species, making it an easy half-day excursion during spring break.
For families seeking indoor adventure, especially during unpredictable spring weather, CityROCK Climbing Center in Downtown Colorado Springs provides the perfect solution. This climbing facility offers bouldering and top rope climbing suitable for all skill levels, allowing families to challenge themselves in a safe, controlled environment. After scaling walls together, visitors can extend their experience by enjoying a yoga class or refueling at the on-site Ute Restaurant.
Meanwhile, no family spring break in Colorado Springs would be complete without visiting the iconic Pikes Peak—”America’s Mountain.” The summit drive offers numerous scenic stops and activities along the way, culminating with the famous high-altitude donuts at the newly renovated summit house—a sweet reward after experiencing one of Colorado’s most beloved natural landmarks.
Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Discoveries
Spring break visitors to Colorado Springs can experience the region’s natural attractions through adventure options that showcase the area’s remarkable landscapes. Garden of the Gods, with its towering red rock formations, transforms from a simple sightseeing destination into an immersive experience when explored on horseback.
Academy Riding Stables pairs riders of all experience levels with suitable horses for guided tours through this natural wonder, offering perspectives of the iconic spires that can’t be appreciated from a car or conventional hiking trail. The knowledgeable guides provide context and information throughout the journey, creating a classic Colorado experience that connects with visitors of all ages.
For those seeking more exhilarating adventures, Colorado Jeep Tours offers off-road explorations of the stunning Royal Gorge. These guided excursions combine scenic drives with informative commentary, taking participants over America’s highest suspension bridge and into the depths of the gorge itself. Meanwhile, the drive to the summit of Pikes Peak represents one of the most accessible yet breathtaking mountain experiences in Colorado.
Families can travel at their own pace up this 14,115-foot peak, stopping at scenic overlooks, hiking short trails, or fishing at mountain reservoirs along the way. The journey culminates at the summit with panoramic views and the opportunity to enjoy the famous high-altitude donuts, proving that Colorado adventures can conclude on a mouthwatering note.
National Park Excursions
Spring break presents an excellent opportunity to explore Colorado’s impressive national parks without the crowds that descend during peak summer months. Rocky Mountain National Park, located between Estes Park and Grand Lake, embodies the quintessential Colorado landscape with its alpine lakes, snowcapped peaks, and abundant wildlife.
During spring, visitors can experience the park’s awakening from winter slumber as lower elevations begin to show signs of renewal while higher trails may still offer opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The reduced visitor numbers mean easier navigation of popular areas like Bear Lake and Trail Ridge Road (weather permitting), creating a more intimate connection with this stunning wilderness area.
For families willing to venture further from Colorado Springs, Mesa Verde National Park offers an unforgettable glimpse into ancient history through its remarkably preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Spring visitors benefit from cooler temperatures for exploring these archaeological treasures, while Great Sand Dunes National Park presents another striking landscape within driving distance.
Here, America’s tallest sand dunes rise dramatically against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, creating a unique playground for hiking, sledding, and photography. The lesser-known Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park rounds out Colorado’s national park offerings with its impossibly steep, narrow gorge carved by the powerful Gunnison River. During spring break, these natural attractions provide educational adventures without the transportation challenges and accommodation costs that summer visitors typically face.
