Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Playground

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's playground is filled with whimsy. As far as I'm concerned, the whole zoo is a play area with animals to view and facts to learn. Discover the play area near the Grizzly Grill under the Mountaineer Sky Ride . . . smack in the middle of all the action.

Location:

• INSIDE the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo which is located on the mountain above the Broadmoor Hotel. If you're coming from the west side of I-25, you can take 21st Street. It turns into Cresta and dead ends into Mesa Avenue, where you will turn right. Go through the roundabout and stay to the left - the road turns into El Pomar Road. Turn left on Penrose Avenue and follow it all the way up to the zoo parking lot. Coming from the I-25 or east, it's easiest to take Circle to where it turns into Lake. Follow Lake a long ways up the hill until you turn right where it dead ends into the Broadmoor Hotel. Then follow the signs to the zoo by going to your left at the roundabout up El Pomar Road. MAP to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
  

Highlights:

• The green snake tunnel by far the favorite of kids young and old.
• Giant stone mushrooms, a small green slide, and ant sculptures are great for climbing.
• Giant flowers, cattails, the Old Gnarly hollow tree, and even a watering can accent the outdoorsy/nature theme.

Be Aware:

• You will need to pay a day admission or purchase a membership to gain entrance to the zoo (playground is free once inside). If you live in Colorado Springs, I highly recommend purchasing a membership. There is a range of admission, fees and discounts on the website. In general, for a single visit it's free for kids 2 and under, $7.25 for kids 3-11, $12.25 for seniors, and $14.25 for adults.
• My Big Backyard (above the play area) has limited hours during the winter months

Checklist:

• Parking free in the zoo parking lot
• Recycled rubber play surface
• Bathrooms in the nearby Grizzly Grill
• Definitely shade on the playground or in hollow tree
• Easy to watch kids play, only one exit (might lose sight of them when they run up path to what used to be a rope spiderweb - but they can't get out that way).
• Grizzly Grill and Safari Grill open in summer
• Limited to food at gift shop restaurant near entrance during winter months (Thundergod Snack and Gift Shop)