300 days a year of sunny skies make Colorado Springs a popular destination for families, especially in the winter. This area of Colorado is an alpine desert, so you won’t typically see the tons of snow experienced in the nearby ski towns like Vail and Breckenridge. This temperate weather provides opportunities for other family adventures, especially if you choose The Broadmoor Resort as your home base.
I recently visited with my 14-year-old son and was really impressed by the gorgeous facilities, numerous on-site and nearby activities for families, and excellent restaurants. I’m never quite sure what will impress a teenager these days but I can definitely say that the Broadmoor’s falconry class and ziplining experience were highlights, along with our trip up to Pikes Peak. Here’s what you can expect when you visit The Broadmoor with kids:
Activities for Families at The Broadmoor Resort
Ziplining at The Broadmoor
I think the best way to see the stunning scenery surrounding The Broadmoor is by zooming through the air via a zipline. Broadmoor Outfitters offers two zipline courses that are just a short drive from the resort. Your guides will transport you to the course at South Cheyenne Canyon where you’ll traverse rope bridges and ziplines as long as 1,800 feet with a controlled rappel to end the fun. Impress your kids with your bravery and see waterfalls and the massive canyon far below along the way.
Falconry Class
The 4,000-year-old tradition of falconry is available for you to experience when you visit The Broadmoor. Kids from elementary age through teenagers will love learning about the owls, falcons, and hawks that make their home at the Broadmoor. These captive-bred, trained birds are housed in the onsite mews and this is where your falconry class begins. A falconer will introduce you to these amazing creatures and explain the history and tradition of falconry.
Then your class heads outdoors where you’ll get to see one of these birds in action as they chase prey and soar through the air. The highlight for us was holding the falcon at the end of the class—it was surprising how light the bird was!
On-site Activities at The Broadmoor
There’s so much to do at The Broadmoor that you never even need to leave the property! Families will want to book some time at Play where you can enjoy a game or two of old-school bowling while enjoying drinks and snacks. Saturday mornings bring everyone’s favorite Cosmic Bowling which is a real treat for kids because you can show up in your PJs!
Near the lobby, you’ll find a movie theater that shows family-friendly flicks on various nights. For some more active fun, book some time at the pickleball courts with a lesson for those who have never played before. Free fitness classes, ballroom dance lessons, and even a fly fishing fundamentals class are offered frequently throughout the winter season. Special events like elf storytime are available if you come during the holiday season.
Indoor Pool, Whirlpools & Spa at The Broadmoor
While the outdoor infinity pool is closed for the winter season, you can always swim in the gorgeous indoor spa pool and nearby outdoor lap pool. If the day has been a little chilly, the perfect spot to end your night is in one of the two outdoor whirlpools that fit up to 14 people each.
The nearby spa offers a relaxing environment for parents to enjoy when the kids are otherwise busy. Reserved for onsite guests and golf club members, the spa offers saunas, salt walls, steam rooms, oxygen rooms, and fireplace lounges to enjoy after your massage or facial.
Childcare and Day Camps at The Broadmoor Resort
If you are traveling with younger children and want to have some kid-free time to enjoy the spa or a fancy dinner, book some time for your kids to be cared for by the Broadmoor Nannies. They will visit the on-site playground and enjoy other activities around the property until it’s time for you to meet up again.
If you decide to visit the property in the summer months, Bee Bunch on-site day camps are offered for kids ages 3-11. Kids will do arts and crafts, take nature walks, and do STEAM activities. This program is also available on select days during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.
Accommodations & Restaurants at The Broadmoor
Whether you choose to stay in a traditional room, suite, or cottage, you’ll be impressed by the opulence of the rooms at The Broadmoor and all of the space it offers for your family. Large bathrooms, plenty of space for luggage, seating areas, and comfortable beds are all part of your Broadmoor experience. Many rooms have fireplaces which are pretty much our favorite after a long winter day spent outdoors.
Dining at The Broadmoor
There’s no need to leave the property for meals when you’re staying at The Broadmoor as you’ll find loads of kid-friendly dining experiences on-site. The Golden Bee is the lively English pub of your dreams with massive soft pretzels, fish and chips, and burgers on the menu. Head to Ristorante del Lago to dine by the lake and enjoy traditional brunch fare and Italian specialties like pizza, pasta, and slow-roasted chicken. For a real celebration, book a table at Summit where you’ll find upscale contemporary cuisine like veal osso bucco, herb-crusted sablefish, and Wagyu beef skewers. For a great grab-and-go option, head to Café Julie’s for croissants and pastries that will rival any Paris patisserie. You might even see them making the desserts in the attached kitchen while you are there!
Things to Do Near The Broadmoor
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
A highlight of our visit to The Broadmoor was a ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Open year-round, this train takes you from the town of Manitou Springs (elevation 6,320 feet) to the top of Pikes Peak which has an elevation of 14,115 feet. Along the way, you’ll hear about the history of the area and see some amazing views of Colorado Springs below.
The ride up the mountain takes just over an hour and then you’ll have about 40 minutes to enjoy the summit and visitors’ center before heading back down the mountain. Be sure to try their famous donuts at the top!
This trip is best for older kids as you have to stay in your assigned seat for the duration of the journey as it gets quite steep at some points. There are no restrooms onboard the train and no strollers are allowed. The elevation gain is no joke and you should be sure to hydrate and take it easy when you visit the peak. Choose seats by the windows for the best views!
Downtown Manitou Springs
After your visit to Pikes Peak, take some time to stroll through the quaint town of Manitou Springs. Kids will especially love the indoor/outdoor Manitou Springs Penny Arcade where you’ll find retro video games, pinball, racing games, and so much nostalgia.
Getting to The Broadmoor Resort
The best part about staying at The Broadmoor is that getting there couldn’t be easier. Fly into Colorado Springs airport and make arrangements to ride the property’s shuttle van to the property. You don’t have to rent a car and there’s plenty to do on the property to keep your family busy while you are there.
@k8loweth Lovely winter visit to The Broadmoor in Colorado Spings #broadmoorhotel #broadmoor #coloradosprings #colorado
♬ Autumn Leaves – Timothy Cole
The Broadmoor Resort
Colorado Springs, CO
Online: broadmoor.com
Editor’s note: This trip was paid for by The Broadmoor Resort but all opinions belong to the writer.
