A Family-Friendly Adventure in Colorado Springs
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When Maggie-B first waddled into Garden of the Gods, she stopped in her tracks.
Towering red rocks stretched toward the sky, shaped like castles, animals, and even giant pancakes stacked by dinosaurs (or so Maggie-B imagined 🦕).
Garden of the Gods is one of Colorado’s most magical places for families, and the best part? It’s free, easy to explore, and perfect for kids of all ages.
🌄 What Is Garden of the Gods?
Garden of the Gods is a public park in Colorado Springs famous for its dramatic red sandstone formations set against the snowy peaks of Pikes Peak. The rocks are over 300 million years old, but don’t worry—kids don’t need to know that to be amazed.
Maggie-B thought the rocks looked like:
- Sleeping giants
- Dinosaur tails
- Giant storybook castles
And honestly… she wasn’t wrong.
👨👩👧👦 Why Families Love Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is especially wonderful for families because:
✅ Free admission
✅ Paved, stroller-friendly trails
✅ Short walks with big rewards
✅ Plenty of places to stop, rest, and snack
✅ Room for kids to explore safely
Maggie-B loved that she didn’t have to hike far to see something amazing.
🪨 Must-See Rock Formations (Kid Favorites!)
Here are a few formations Maggie-B thinks kids will love spotting:
🪨 Balanced Rock
A giant boulder that looks like it might tip over at any moment. Maggie-B tried balancing on one foot to match it.
🐫 Kissing Camels
Two rock formations that look like camels touching noses. Perfect for silly guesses and photo poses.
⛪ Cathedral Spires
Tall, pointy rocks that look like something from a fairy tale—or a dinosaur kingdom.
🚶 Best Easy Walks for Kids
Maggie-B recommends these gentle paths:
- Central Garden Trail – Flat, paved, and right in the middle of the park
- Perkins Central Garden – Short loops with big views
- Scenic Drive Pull-Offs – Great if little legs get tired
Each walk feels like stepping into a picture book.
🦴 Fun Learning for Curious Kids
Garden of the Gods is also a natural outdoor classroom:
- Rangers sometimes offer junior programs
- Signs explain how the rocks were formed
- Kids can learn about geology, wildlife, and history
Maggie-B learned a new word here: sandstone!
(She practiced saying it all the way back to the car.)
🧺 Maggie-B’s Family Tips
✨ Go early morning or late afternoon for cooler temps
✨ Bring water—Colorado sunshine is sneaky
✨ Let kids imagine shapes in the rocks
✨ Pack a small notebook for drawing what they see
✨ Pair your visit with a picnic nearby
📍 Where Is Garden of the Gods?
📌 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
🚗 Easy to reach from Denver (about 1–1.5 hours)
🅿️ Parking available throughout the park
🎟️ Admission: Free
🦕 Maggie-B’s Final Thought
Garden of the Gods isn’t just a park—it’s a place where imagination runs wild, families slow down, and kids feel tiny in the very best way.
Maggie-B left with dusty toes, big smiles, and a brand-new rock collection (don’t worry—she left them there 😉).
