[4jen]

Hi everyone,
We are vactioning in COS for a week in early August woohoo. Just wondering if any of you have any suggestions. I have a visitors guide coming. We are planning on Pikes Peak maybe as we have two small boys, Royal Gorge, Garden of the Gods. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks all.

[semisweetchick]

Lucky you! (Actually, I will be in COS at the end of August, too.)

My suggestions: take an afternoon to walk and investigate the shops of Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs. Not as scintillating for the young boys, however. Also, Cave of the Winds is nice. If you want an "authentic" Western experience, head over to the Flying W Ranch for a chuckwagon dinner and a show. The Rodeo Hall of Fame is a fun visit, as is the Air Force Academy. Downtown COS holds many attractions, including museums.

On the way up to Pikes Peak is "The North Pole," with Santa's workshop. Sounds cheesy, but actually is very fun for little ones.

If possible, take the Cog Railway up Pikes Peak instead of driving. For one thing, you don't have to worry about your car overheating. For another, you'll see sights few people get to see.

Have fun! Colorado Springs is a great city with much to offer tourists. I consider it my home and plan to move back there eventually.

[bekindtokittens]

Semisweetchick gave some great suggestions. Garden of the Gods is beautiful. Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City are fun to walk around. Definitely take the Cog Railway! It is a bit pricey, but worth it. Although driving up to Pikes Peak is cheaper, the driver doesn't get to look around and enjoy the views. Plus on the Cog, the conductor tells a lot of neat stuff about the history of the area. Whenever I have family visit, I always take them on the Cog. There is also a waterfall here, Seven Falls, that is amazing. I saw it in the wintertime, but I'm sure it is fun in the summer too.

I've never been to the North Pole but it seems to be a hit with children. I will admit, I was a bit disappointed with Cave of the Winds. I'd been to the Natural Bridge Caverns in Texas and Cave of the Winds is a small cave system in comparison.

Have fun on your trip!

[4jen]

Thanks so much both you - we will use your suggestions for sure. We are so excited.

[LunahRN]

My husband spent 10 years in Colorado Springs years before we were married, and we vacation there almost every year. It's a great place! A couple more suggestions, in addition to the other excellent ones already given:

Helen Hunt Falls (includes hiking): http://www.cheyennecanon.org/helen_hunt.html

Mt. Cutler (hiking): http://www.stevegarufi.com/mtcutler.htm

I think both would be fine for kids as far as hiking, too -- they're not too difficult.

Oh, and the Cheyenne Mt. Zoo: http://www.cmzoo.org/
Neat place --- you can even feed special crackers (that you have to purchase, of course) to the giraffes -- it's a lot of fun!

Have a great time! We're not going this year, unfortunately ... but we might move out there once I finish my RN and have a few years under my belt. We'll see.

[4jen]

Just wanted to thank you all for feedback. We just got home from Colorado Springs and had the best vacation ever. I seriously miss it already. Thanks again!