When most people think of Woodland Park, they think of mountain views, cool summer temperatures, and easy access to the outdoors. But for families visiting the Pikes Peak region, the area also offers a surprising variety of attractions that can keep kids entertained for an entire weekend.
Whether you’re traveling with future paleontologists, aspiring adventurers, animal lovers, or simply looking for a place where the kids can burn off some energy, here are some of the best family-friendly attractions in and around Woodland Park.
Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center
One of Woodland Park’s most popular attractions is the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center. This world-class museum focuses on dinosaurs, pterosaurs, marine reptiles, and other creatures that lived during the Late Cretaceous Period.
Families can explore fossil skeletons, life-sized reconstructions, interactive exhibits, and even watch real fossil preparation work taking place in the museum’s laboratory.
For dinosaur-loving kids, this is often the highlight of a Woodland Park vacation.
The North Pole – Santa’s Workshop
Christmas comes early every day at The North Pole – Santa’s Workshop.
Located near the base of Pikes Peak, this longtime attraction combines amusement park rides, festive entertainment, and opportunities to meet Santa Claus himself. The park has delighted generations of Colorado families and remains one of the region’s most unique destinations.
Children can enjoy rides, visit Santa’s village, and experience a little holiday magic no matter what month they visit.
Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center
Just a short drive from Woodland Park in Divide, the Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center offers educational walking tours that allow visitors to observe wolves, foxes, and other rescued wildlife up close.
The center focuses on education and conservation, helping visitors better understand these often misunderstood animals. Guided tours provide plenty of opportunities to learn while seeing wolves in a setting far different from a traditional zoo.
Animal-loving children often leave with a newfound appreciation for wildlife and conservation efforts.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
A visit to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument feels like stepping back in time.
The monument is home to one of the world’s richest fossil deposits and features massive petrified redwood stumps that have remained preserved for millions of years. Families can walk easy trails, explore the visitor center, and participate in educational programs designed for children.
The discovery area inside the visitor center is especially popular with young visitors interested in fossils and natural history.
Memorial Park
Located in the heart of Woodland Park, Memorial Park is one of the community’s most family-friendly gathering places.
The park features a large playground, fishing pond, pavilions, open green space, and a creek running through the property. During the summer months, families can often be found fishing, picnicking, playing, or simply enjoying the mountain weather.
It is also home to many community events throughout the year.
Explore the Outdoors
Woodland Park provides easy access to some of the most scenic outdoor recreation in the Pikes Peak region.
Mule Creek Trail offers a relatively easy hiking experience suitable for many families, while Rampart Reservoir provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The reservoir’s shoreline trail offers beautiful mountain scenery without requiring a strenuous climb.
For families looking to introduce children to hiking or fishing, these locations make excellent starting points.
Stop by Zebz OutFooter
Before heading out on an adventure, families may want to visit Zebz OutFooter in Woodland Park.
The local outdoor shop carries hiking essentials, trail gear, gifts, and outdoor accessories that can make a day in the mountains a little easier. It’s also a fun place to browse before setting out for a hike, fishing trip, or camping excursion.
A Mountain Getaway for the Whole Family
One of Woodland Park’s greatest strengths is its variety. In a single day, families can see dinosaur fossils, visit wolves, enjoy a mountain hike, play at the park, and still have time for ice cream before heading back to their hotel.
With cool mountain temperatures and attractions that appeal to a wide range of ages, Woodland Park continues to be one of the most family-friendly destinations in the Pikes Peak region.
The Teller Times 