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Colorado Springs, CO · Guide

Rainy-day activities for kids in Colorado Springs

Last updated November 3, 2026 · 12 places

When the clouds roll over the Rockies and force indoor plans, Colorado Springs offers several reliable retreats for families. From the interactive science exhibits near the Northgate neighborhood to the hands-on history displays in Old Colorado City, the city provides plenty of engaging ways to spend an afternoon out of the rain. This guide skews toward preschool and school-age children, focusing on spaces that encourage curiosity rather than passive screen time.

Whether you are looking for an immersive museum experience or a comfortable corner to settle in with a book, these locations prioritize shelter and activity. We have selected spots that offer genuine engagement for young minds, keeping the focus on stable, year-round indoor options that remain accessible regardless of the weather outside.

Good to know this fall

The first truly wet weekends of fall catch everyone off guard — indoor play spaces and museums hit capacity by late morning. Arrive at opening, or save the trip for a weekday afternoon when school is in session.

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  1. 01

    First & Main Town Center

    4.4 (7,609)3305 Cinema Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80922, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyAll ages

    A large shopping complex containing various retail stores and dining options. The center serves as a hub for local errands and casual dining.

  2. 02

    Fort Carson Main Exchange

    4.4 (2,387)6110 Martinez St, Fort Carson, CO 80913, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyAll ages

    A military exchange facility that functions as a shopping hub for the installation community. It contains retail departments and a food court.

  3. 03

    Chapel Hills Mall

    3.9 (5,428)1710 Briargate Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyAll ages

    A multi-level shopping mall featuring a variety of retail shops and food court options. It serves as an indoor walking area for the local community.

  4. 04

    Manitou Cliff Dwellings

    4.4 (10,072)10 Cliff Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyBest for school-age

    This site features preserved dwellings that visitors can walk inside to learn about the Ancestral Puebloans. The grounds include a museum and gift shop focused on regional native history.

    Parent tip · If you are taller than 5'9", be prepared to duck frequently when exploring the interior of the dwellings.
  5. 05

    The Promenade Shops At Briargate

    4.4 (3,273)1605-1925 Briargate Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80920, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyAll ages

    An open-air shopping center featuring a mix of national retailers and local boutiques. The area includes pedestrian walkways and various dining establishments.

  6. 06

    Picture Show at Citadel Crossing

    4.4 (2,442)901 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyAll ages

    A renovated theater featuring reclining seats and affordable ticket prices. The location offers regular screenings and occasional kid-friendly film series.

    Parent tip · Check the schedule for their summer movie series, which often includes meal deals for children.
  7. 07

    Harmony Bowl

    4.2 (1,762)3845 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80917, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLoudBest for school-age

    A bowling alley equipped with digital scoring screens and tech-focused lanes. The venue has a snack bar serving pizza and sandwiches.

    Parent tip · Try the pizza or the Cuban sandwich if you are looking for a meal while bowling.
  8. 08

    AMC Chapel Hills 13

    4.1 (2,170)1710 Briargate Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyAll ages

    A standard movie theater with stadium seating and an onsite concession stand. It screens current releases and offers matinee pricing.

    Parent tip · Check your assigned theater screen upon arrival, as some rooms use older stadium-style seating rather than modern recliners.
  9. 09

    Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

    4.7 (2,301)215 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, USA
    CalmBest for school-age

    Housed in a historical building, this museum covers the multi-faceted history of the Pikes Peak region through artifacts, pottery, and paintings. The space includes hands-on learning areas specifically designed for children.

    Parent tip · Look for the designated hands-on learning stations throughout the exhibits to keep younger children engaged with the history.
  10. 10

    U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum

    4.7 (1,943)200 S Sierra Madre St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, USA
    CalmBest for school-age

    This museum features interactive exhibits highlighting the history of Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Visitors can test their skills at virtual sports stations and view historic memorabilia like torches and medals.

    Parent tip · The interactive virtual sports exhibits are generally more engaging for older children than for toddlers.
  11. 11

    Cinemark Carefree Circle XD and IMAX

    4.6 (4,053)3305 Cinema Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80922, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyAll ages

    A clean, modern cinema offering IMAX and XD screens with reclining seats. The lobby includes a cafe serving hot food and drinks.

    When to go: reserve on weekends

    Parent tip · Book middle or top section seats to ensure a comfortable viewing angle for the IMAX screen.
  12. 12

    Cinemark Tinseltown Colorado Springs and XD

    4.5 (7,176)1545 E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyAll ages

    A large theater complex equipped with spacious reclining luxury loungers and XD projection. The venue includes a cafe and allows food ordering through an app.

    Parent tip · Order your snacks through the app ahead of time so they are ready when you arrive at your seat.

Common questions

How were these rainy-day activities in Colorado Springs chosen?

Each place starts from current local listing data for Colorado Springs, then is screened for family fit — things like kids' menus and high chairs, how loud it gets, the ages it suits best, and practical details like stroller room and wait times.

How current is this guide?

This guide was last updated in November 2026. FamSpots refreshes its city guides on a rolling schedule, and each page shows its own update date at the bottom.

Is FamSpots free?

Yes. Every city guide is free to read with no account. Creating a free account adds recommendations tuned to your kids' ages, interests, and dietary needs. No credit card is required.

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