Things To Do
Pikes Peak "aka America's Mountain"
This is where we got engaged! We have a great view of this mountain from our venue, however, it might be fun to make the trip to the top and explore the views and the visitor center. Although hiking it is an option, it may not be the best choice for our out-of-towners. 1. Drive to the top-book a timed entry pass on their website. 2. Ride the famous cog railway to the top-this will also require you to buy a ticket online. If you dont have a car, this is a great option that ensures everyone can enjoy the views. *both options may require you to plan for about 3.5 to 4 hours round trip.*
Garden of the Gods
This is a must see! easy to access and great for families to explore. Walking around the park is easy and offers paved paths around the major sites. If you'd like to find hikes, there's plenty of trails to explore.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
This is, hands down, our favorite zoo we've ever been to. The zoo sits at 6,714 feet, making it America's highest zoo. There are opportunities to feed the giraffes, however, every guest will be able to interact with them at eye level from an elevated platform. There is also an opportunity to interact with Wallabies for no extra charge as they roam freely.
Seven Falls
This is another beautiful site. It does require ticketed entry. There is a complimentary shuttle service that will take you to the park entrance. The walk is also paved and stroller friendly.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
In Addition to a beautiful cave tour being this locations main attraction, there are also mountain adventures and rides for the whole family to enjoy. Attractions like Wind Walker Challenge Course, Bat-A-Pult Zip Line, Cliff Hanger Climbing Wall, Terror-dactyl, and Geronimo’s Leap will keep any family busy for hours.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
If you're looking for something that wont take up a lot of your day, this is an easy self guided tour of cliff dwellings with lots of native american history. There is also a museum to explore. All of the cliff dwellings are family and dog friendly. kids are more than welcome to climb around inside them and explore.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
If you're looking to hike, this is a spot we frequent for the area. Lots of interesting trails with beautiful red rock and ponds. There are mountain biking trails and courses here, as well as a fenced in, off leash dog area.
Pub Dog Colorado
If you know us, you know we LOVE this place. Pub Dog Colorado is a beloved dog-friendly restaurant and bar in Colorado Springs with an indoor and outdoor dog park. You don't have to have a dog with you to go enjoy their awesome food and drink menu and just hang out with pups! There are also spaces to eat and drink in areas where dogs aren't allowed, or must be on leash, if you'd like to say hi to pups when you're done eating. still not sure? check out their website.
Ivywild School
Built in an old elementary school, Ivywild School is a marketplace of restaurants, shops, and bars. There are indoor and outdoor spaces to eat and enjoy. This is a great place to check out when no one can agree on what to eat.
Downtown Manitou Springs
This is old town Manitou Springs. Our venue will be located just a couple minutes from this main strip. Downtown is such a fun area to explore shops and fantastic restaurants and bars. There is also a "boardwalk style" attraction park and arcade area for kids to enjoy tucked away in the heart of downtown. Just outside of this main strip are lots of parks and a playground for families.
The Rabbit Hole
Looking for nightlife vibes with good food and cocktails? The Rabbit Hole is the springs best kept secret, with a speak easy style entry. You'll need to find the glass subway entrance and head underground and down the rabbit hole.
Cerberus Brewing Company
This one of our favorite breweries in the area. It is dog, and family friendly, with both indoor and outdoor seating options.
Shame & Regret
Knowing Kelly, this list wouldn't be complete without a spooky, yet upscale vibe at cocktail bar. This place delivers. Excellent cocktails and small bites to enjoy.
Cork & Cask
This is another upscale cocktail bar, with shared tapas on the menu. They have a lovely outdoor patio (with fire pits) to enjoy when the weather is right.
Scheels
This may look like an odd recommendation, however, if you're looking to escape the heat, bad weather, or just want an area with more shopping, entertainment, and restaurant options, head towards this scheels! Scheels itself is fun shopping, also offering an indoor ferris wheel and aquarium. However, its also very centrally located in an area with lots more food options, like Whataburger (for our texas friends and family), Lazy Dog, Daves Hot chicken, Starbucks, Five Guys, Colorado Mtn. Brewery, etc. For additional entertainment theres a large movie theater, a Main Event arcade and bowling, Great Wolf Lodge, and more.
RYZE Skyline Lounge
Rooftop drinks with city and mountain views.
Grand View Restaurant
Resort restaurant with floor to cieling windows and the best view of the Garden of the Gods.
Lake Terrace Dining Room
Lakekside dining at the Broadmoor Hotel.
Lumen8 Rooftop Social
vibrant rooftop restaurant and bar with city and mountain views
White Pie Pizzeria
Casual patio dining option. They have brunch options, pizza, and cocktails.
Homa Cafe + Bar at Kinship Landing
Brunch, Coffee, and Bar. Chill outdoor patio. Great for slower mornings.
Poor Richard's Bookstore + Restaurant
Bookstore, Toys, Cafe, and full restaurant. Theres a shaded patio by the toy and bookshop. great place to let kids roam. The restaurant serves pizza and sandwiches.
Good Neighbors Meeting House
Casual Breakfast, Lunch and Coffee spot with a patio. kid and dog friendly. They also have a grassy space with a playground for the kiddos.
Trainwreck
Casual Bar and Restaurant with tons of indoor and outdoor activities! check out the website. Great for the whole family to eat and be entertained.
Shuga's Restaurant and Bar
Retro bar and restaurant with cozy vibes and cocktails.
Black Forest Bistro
quiet, woodsy adults only patio bar and restaurant.
Totem Bar + Restaurant
best brunch patio, Bar, Restaurant, coffee
Wines of Colorado
Creekside wine and comfort food.