Wondering how to fill those long summer days with something more memorable than screen time? When the Colorado sun is high and the kids are antsy, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore. Your base in Colorado Springs is an amazing launchpad for some of the best outdoor adventures near Colorado Springs, turning a summer break into a season of unforgettable family memories.
From paddling exciting rapids on a world-class river to walking across America’s highest suspension bridge, these adventure-packed day trips from Colorado Springs offer the perfect mix of natural beauty and screen-free fun. If you’ve been hunting for the best things to do in Colorado Springs with kids this summer, this guide has your whole season covered. Get ready to create the kind of stories your family will tell for years to come.
Why Is Whitewater Rafting the Ultimate Family Adventure?
Nothing builds confidence and brings a family together quite like navigating a river as a team. Here at Echo Canyon River Expeditions, we’ve had a front-row seat to that magic on the Arkansas River since 1978. As Colorado’s largest and most experienced whitewater rafting outfitter, we specialize in creating Colorado rafting trips that are perfect for first-timers and seasoned paddlers alike. It’s easily one of the most rewarding things to do in Colorado Springs with kids when summer rolls around.
Are you worried your family isn’t outdoorsy enough for rapids? You’re in the right place. Most of our guests are brand new to rafting, and we love showing them the ropes. Your friendly, expert guide is there every step of the way, and your guide handles the hard part, steering the raft through the waves while you and your crew power it forward. Our headquarters for rafting near Colorado Springs is a complete Colorado adventure basecamp, so after your time on the water, you can refuel with a delicious meal at our on-site 8 Mile Bar & Grill.
What Makes Bighorn Sheep Canyon Perfect for Families?
For families looking for that perfect introduction to whitewater, our Bighorn Sheep Canyon adventure is the answer. This section of the Arkansas River serves up exciting but manageable Class I-III rapids, meaning fun, splashy waves that are thrilling without ever feeling overwhelming. It ranks among the top summer activities for kids who are ready for a real challenge.
It’s the ideal place to learn new skills and watch your kids’ confidence soar. There’s nothing like the sound of an approaching rapid, the feeling of cool spray on a hot day, and the pride of working together as a team. For a deeper look, our ultimate family rafting guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
Here are the main benefits of this family-friendly adventure:
- Action-packed but accessible: It’s the perfect balance of excitement and safety, ideal for most kids and first-time rafters.
- Incredible wildlife viewing: The rugged canyon walls are prime habitat for majestic bighorn sheep, and your guide knows all the best spots to look.
- Expert guidance: Our guides don’t just steer, they teach you everything you need to know about paddling and navigating the Arkansas River.
For families with younger children or anyone wanting a gentler introduction, our beautiful Scenic Float offers a calmer alternative with light riffles and gorgeous scenery, perfect for kids ages 4 and up.
How Can You Experience the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park?
Just a few miles from our rafting headquarters in Cañon City, you can stand 956 feet above the very same Arkansas River you just paddled. A day at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park offers a breathtaking perspective on this incredible landscape. Walking across America’s highest suspension bridge is a bucket-list moment, with jaw-dropping views of the canyon below.
Beyond the bridge itself, the park is filled with other kid-friendly activities in Cañon City that make for a full day of fun.
Here are some popular attractions for families at the park:
- Tommy Knocker Playland: A fantastic playground and splash pad where younger kids can climb, slide, and burn off energy.
- Aerial Gondola: This smooth, scenic ride glides 2,200 feet across the gorge, offering spectacular views for all ages.
- Historical exhibits: Learn about the incredible engineering behind the bridge and the rugged history of this iconic Colorado landmark.
What Awaits Your Family on the Pikes Peak Highway?
No list of top Colorado summer activities would be complete without America’s Mountain. The legendary drive up the scenic Pikes Peak Highway is an adventure in itself. You’ll wind your way through multiple ecosystems, from lush green forests to the stark, beautiful alpine tundra above the treeline, with panoramic views that seem to stretch on forever.
A pro tip: bring layers! Even on a hot summer day in the Springs, the 14,115-foot summit can be chilly and windy. And don’t leave without trying the world-famous high-altitude donuts at the Summit Visitor Center.
Navigating the Summit Safely
A little planning goes a long way toward a smooth and enjoyable drive up the mountain. Follow these steps for a successful Pikes Peak drive:
- Secure timed-entry reservations online well in advance. These are required to drive to the summit during the busy summer season.
- Fill your gas tank completely in Colorado Springs or Manitou Springs before you start your ascent.
- Pace yourselves at the summit to help your bodies adjust to the high elevation. Drink plenty of water and take it slow while you explore.
Why Is Manitou Springs a Must-Do for Kids?
Nestled at the base of Pikes Peak, the quirky and charming town of Manitou Springs feels like stepping into another world. Its walkable downtown is filled with unique shops, art galleries, and a vintage penny arcade that kids and adults absolutely love. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon and one of the more laid-back outdoor activities Colorado Springs families can enjoy together.
One of the most unique activities is taste-testing the water from the town’s eight natural mineral springs, each with a slightly different flavor. You can grab a map and a tasting cup from the local visitor center and see if your family can find them all.
Looking for a Splash? Why Water World Delivers Big Fun
If your kids are craving a different kind of water adventure, a day trip north to Water World in Denver is guaranteed to deliver. As one of America’s largest family water parks, it offers acres of slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers designed to help everyone beat the summer heat in a big way.
It’s an exhilarating change of pace from the natural mountain adventures and provides a full day of guaranteed fun.
Here are a few reasons kids love this water park:
- Age-appropriate zones: The park has dedicated areas for everyone, from toddlers splashing in Calypso Cove to teens tackling the most thrilling slides.
- Wave pools and slides: With dozens of attractions, there are plenty of ways to cool down fast and get your heart pumping under the Colorado sun.
- Cabana rentals: For families who want a home base, renting a private cabana provides a shady spot to relax between attractions.
Planning Your Summer of Things to Do in Colorado Springs with Kids
Colorado Springs is surrounded by incredible family vacation ideas in Colorado, but nothing connects a family like paddling down the Arkansas River together. Of all the family activities Colorado Springs has to offer, a shared day on the water is the one that turns into the story everyone retells. It’s a chance to put the phones away, work as a team, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Here at Echo Canyon, we welcome first-timers and ensure every person in your group has an amazing day on the water. Our expert guides are passionate about sharing the river and guaranteeing big fun for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Colorado Springs with kids this summer?
The best things to do in Colorado Springs with kids this summer include whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, visiting the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, driving the Pikes Peak Highway, exploring Manitou Springs, and cooling off at Water World in Denver. Each offers a different mix of adventure and family fun, all within an easy drive of Colorado Springs.
What is the best family rafting trip near Colorado Springs?
Bighorn Sheep Canyon is the best family rafting trip near Colorado Springs for most families. It runs Class I-III rapids on the Arkansas River that are exciting yet manageable, and it welcomes kids ages 6 and up. Echo Canyon River Expeditions also offers a gentle Scenic Float for younger children ages 4 and up.
How far is whitewater rafting from Colorado Springs?
Echo Canyon River Expeditions is located in Cañon City, roughly one hour west of Colorado Springs on US Highway 50. That proximity makes a day of rafting on the Arkansas River an easy day trip, with on-site dining at the 8 Mile Bar & Grill to round out the day.
Is whitewater rafting safe for first-time families?
Yes. Most Echo Canyon guests are first-time rafters, and every trip is led by an expert guide trained above Colorado state standards. Guides handle the technical navigation while your family paddles, and every guest wears a PFD with a thorough safety briefing before launch.
Ready to give your family the ultimate summer adventure? Explore our family-friendly rafting adventures and find the perfect trip for your crew.
