Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

Garden of the Gods is the perfect winter playground. Cold weather play can be a challenge in locales hit by winter. Colorado Springs sits below Pikes Peak on the east side of the Rocky Mountains. Snow doesn't stay on the ground for long, but strong and icy winds aren't ideal for outdoor activities. But they are possible in short spurts! MAP to Garden of the Gods

Suggested Activity for Cold or Warm Weather:

The Garden of the Gods Nature Center paired with a short walk among the red monoliths on the Central Garden Trail provide a little relief from the indoor blues. We start with a little exploration of the Visitor Center and maybe a giant hot pretzel and cocoa (or lemonade depending on the season) at the snack bar. Then we head across the street, by car, until the road dead ends. Turn right and wind around to the first main parking lot on your left. Park and walk into the park - as far as the weather allows. Bring your camera and watch for wildlife (often spot bighorn sheep on the rocks to the north of the main parking lot - opposite from the Central Garden. Partway down the path, the kids love to run rings around the circular stone site of the old chuckwagon suppers. From here, let the kids lead you on an exploration of their own.

Checklist:

• Parking is free at the Visitor Center and inside the park
• Paved walkways criss-cross the center of the park
• Bathrooms in the Visitor Center and near the parking lot
• Picnic tables dot the park
• Garden of the Gods official website

Marshall Sprague Park in Colorado Springs

Marshall Sprague Park, Colorado Springs

Marshall Sprague Park in Colorado Springs is one of the more scenic northwest parks with views from high atop Woodmen Valley across to Briargate. There's rarely any competition for play space, since the park is off the beaten path. The sign at the park introduces Marshall Sprague as a writer "best known for his popular history of Colorado Springs, Newport in the Rockies."

Location:

• Very easy to find on Woodmen Road. You can either follow Centennial until it turns into Woodmen (park will be on your left near Blodgett). Or you can take Woodmen Road directly from Rockrimmon until it winds around up the hill to the park. MAP to Marshall Sprague Park
  

Highlights:

• Variety of equipment including stand alone monkey bars, 2 baby swings, and 2 bench swings.
  
• A quiet park with a great views
  
• Lots of wildlife viewing, especially deer
• Fun to walk to the basketball court to get out the wiggles
  

Be Aware:

• NO restrooms
  

Checklist:

• Parking on the street
  
• Sand and recycled rubber play surface
• NO restrooms
• Not much shade
• Easy to view the kids
  

Golden Hills Park in Colorado Springs

Golden Hills Park, Colorado Springs

Located on Del Monico in the Rockrimmon neighborhood, this playground is hardly noticeable from the street. It has a nice covered picnic area and grills.

Location:

• From I-25, exit Rockrimmon Blvd. or Woodmen. Drive towards Pikes Peak and turn onto Del Monico. It's a right turn from Del Monico - parking lot on your right. Or it's a left turn after Woodmen turns into Rockrimmon onto Del Monico and left into the parking lot. MAP to Golden Hills Park in Colorado Springs
  

Highlights:

• Small neighborhood playground with picnic amenities
  
• Kids like the tunnel slide and there's easy viewing from benches surrounding the playground
  
• Small ride on horse, two bench swings, and one baby swing
  

Be Aware:

• Can feel isolated, since it's far from the street and rarely busy
  

Checklist:

• Parking in a small, dedicated lot
  
• Sand play surface
• Restrooms
• Shade from picnic table shelter
  
• Tables and grills
• Walking paths, baseball, basketball court
  

Colorado Springs Parks

Colorado Springs Parks - Where Do You Play?

Colorado Springs parks enjoy incredible views of Pikes Peak and clear mountain air. Fun Colorado Springs Parks aims to be the ultimate playground guide for the area. The site is organized with lists of parks by name and by location. It includes links to government park websites.

If you'd like to recommend your park, all you need to do is fill out this super-quick form. Then I will get photos, create a map marker, and post links. This is a community-generated park guide - so we need your help to make it great!

Thanks for visiting!

Wilson Ranch Park in Colorado Springs

Wilson Ranch Park, Colorado Springs

The biggest draw to this park is the neighboring Wilson Ranch Pool open during the summertime after Memorial Day. My son learned to swim here and I can't rate it highly enough for outdoor swimming fun. The only drawback is you might get pulled out if lightning is spotted during a summer storm.

Location:

• Head north on Centennial Blvd and make your first left onto Allegheny Drive. The playground is on your left after the light. MAP to Wilson Ranch Park
  

Highlights:

• I love this one because it's easy to watch kids of all ages from the centrally located benches. No running all over the place here.
  
• Sandbox, big kid and baby swings, 2 separate structures for different ages
  
• Shade covered picnic/eating area
• Some busy times, but usually VERY quiet park with wonderful lawn area for running out the wiggles.
• If you're lucky, you can view Wilson Ranch cows, horses and cowboys from the parking lot.
  

Be Aware:

• A few years ago, they added the fence to block the kids' access to Allegheny Drive. It would be a quiet street - except for the big rigs flying down the hill from the quarry. Prepare the kids for loud braking. Some think it's fun - others are spooked and cover their ears.
  
• Generally windy up here.
• Might be hard to find parking during the summer on busy pool days.
• I've been at this park when day camp buses drop off a load of kids. I usually make a quick exit before being overrun.
  

Checklist:

• Parking in a dedicated lot
  
• Bark play surface (with sandbox)
  
• Restrooms inside the pool building or port-a-potty near skate ramp
  
• No shade except for picnic shelter, but breeze keeps it pretty cool
  
• Definitely easy to view the kids
• Drinking fountain
  
• Basketball court, tennis courts, skate ramp, swimming pool with water play