Indoor Things To Do In Colorado Springs: Your Adventure Guide For Bad
You came to Colorado Springs for the adventure. You pictured yourself standing on the summit of Pikes Peak, navigating the sandstone fins of Garden of the Gods, or hiking a pristine trail deep in Pike National Forest. But then you check the forecast: afternoon thunderstorms, a surprise snow squall, or winds so strong they could rip a tent fly.
We’ve all been there. It’s a common problem for any adventurer, but a washed-out day doesn’t have to mean a wasted day. In fact, it can be a huge opportunity.
We promise to show you how to turn a forced day indoors into a strategic advantage for your trip. This guide to indoor things to do in Colorado Springs is built for adventurers like you. We’ll cover active training spots to keep you sharp, fascinating museums that deepen your connection to the landscape, and the best places to rest, refuel, and prep your gear for the sunny days ahead.
Why Every Adventurer Needs an Indoor Plan
Thinking about indoor activities might seem counterintuitive when you’re surrounded by world-class wilderness. But the smartest explorers always have a Plan B. The benefits of Indoor things to do in Colorado Springs go far beyond just escaping the rain.
A well-chosen indoor activity can be a crucial part of your adventure strategy. It allows for active recovery, letting your muscles repair after a strenuous hike. It provides a chance to build specific skills, like practicing your climbing technique in a gym before tackling real rock.
Most importantly, it prevents the frustration that can derail a trip. Instead of sitting in your campervan or hotel room watching the weather, you can use that time to learn, train, and prepare, making your next day on the trail even more rewarding.
Active Indoor Adventures: Train, Play, and Prepare
When you can’t get your energy out on the trail, take it indoors. These spots are perfect for staying active, honing skills, and having a blast, no matter what the weather is doing outside.
CityROCK Climbing Center
For climbers, a rainy day is the perfect excuse to head to CityROCK. This is more than just a gym; it’s a community hub where you can sharpen your skills for the outdoor crags. Whether you’re a bouldering pro or just learning to tie a figure-eight knot, they have terrain for you.
Spend a few hours on their top-rope walls to build endurance or project a tough bouldering problem to work on power and technique. It’s one of the best ways to ensure your body is ready when you finally get back on the real rock at places like Red Rock Canyon Open Space.
Air City Adventure Park
Sometimes you just need to burn off some energy. Air City is an indoor adventure park with trampolines, a warrior course, climbing walls, and even indoor go-karts. It might not be the same as a mountain scramble, but it’s a fantastic way to work on your agility, balance, and core strength in a fun, low-stakes environment.
This is an especially great option if you’re traveling with family or a group. It’s a guaranteed way to keep everyone entertained and moving, turning a potentially grumpy, cooped-up day into a memorable one.
Scheels
Calling Scheels a “store” doesn’t do it justice. It’s a destination. This massive sporting goods store has its own indoor 65-foot Ferris wheel, a wildlife mountain, and interactive games. It’s an easy place to spend hours, especially for gear-focused adventurers.
Use the time to try on those new hiking boots you’ve been considering, compare the packed sizes of different sleeping bags, or talk to their staff about the best local fishing spots. It’s a practical and entertaining way to wait out a storm.
Museums & Learning for the Outdoor Mind
A great adventurer doesn’t just see a landscape; they understand it. These museums offer fascinating context that will enrich every moment you spend outdoors in the Pikes Peak region.
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
As an official Olympic Training City, Colorado Springs is home to this state-of-the-art museum. The stories of dedication, perseverance, and grit from these world-class athletes are incredibly inspiring for anyone who loves pushing their own physical limits.
You’ll leave with a renewed appreciation for what the human body can achieve, which is the perfect mindset to take with you on your next challenging hike or climb. The interactive exhibits make it an engaging experience for all ages.
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Ever wonder about the history of the trails you hike? Housed in the stunning 1903 El Paso County Courthouse, this museum tells the story of the region’s settlement, mining history, and cultural development. Best of all, admission is free.
Understanding the lives of the Ute people, the gold prospectors, and the early pioneers gives you a much deeper connection to the land. You’ll start to see the mountains not just as a playground, but as a place rich with human history.
Western Museum of Mining & Industry
The geography of Colorado has been profoundly shaped by its mining past. This museum offers a hands-on look at the industry that built many of the towns and roads you’ll encounter on your travels. You can even try your hand at gold panning.
Learning about the geology and the machinery used to extract resources from the earth provides a fascinating new lens through which to view the surrounding landscape. It’s a perfect example of how an indoor activity can directly enhance your outdoor experience.
Your Guide to Planning the Perfect Indoor Day
Knowing your options is the first step. This section provides a simple guide with Indoor things to do in Colorado Springs tips and best practices to help you make the most of your time inside.
Best Practices for a Rainy Day
A little planning goes a long way when the weather turns. Follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable indoor day.
- Check Hours and Reservations: Always check the official website or call ahead. Some smaller museums have limited hours, and popular attractions like the Olympic Museum often recommend booking tickets online in advance.
- Group Activities by Location: Look at a map and plan your stops logically. Try to visit places that are close to each other, like the downtown museums, to minimize driving in potentially poor weather.
- Pack a “Go-Bag”: Even for an indoor day, have a small bag ready with snacks, a water bottle (like your trusty Nalgene), and a book or journal. This saves you money and keeps you prepared if you have to wait in a line.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Choices
Living an outdoor-focused life often comes with a desire to protect the places we love. You can apply that same mindset to your indoor plans. Making sustainable Indoor things to do in Colorado Springs choices is easier than you think.
Focus on supporting local institutions like the Pioneers Museum or independent businesses. When you visit a local brewery or coffee shop to plan your next hike, you’re investing in the community. Choosing to walk between nearby downtown attractions instead of driving is another simple, eco-friendly Indoor things to do in Colorado Springs practice that reduces your impact.
An Adventurer’s Rest Day & Gear Care Guide
Use your indoor time for productive rest. This is the perfect opportunity to perform some much-needed gear maintenance—a critical part of any outdoor enthusiast’s routine.
- Visit a Local Gear Shop: Head to a local outfitter like Mountain Chalet. You can get your boots properly fitted, ask for expert advice on waterproofing your rain jacket, or have them inspect your climbing rope.
- Restock and Reorganize: This is your chance to restock your first-aid kit, reorganize your pack, and inventory your food supplies. Lay everything out in your hotel room or van and make sure you’re truly ready for your next adventure.
- Plan Your Next Move: Spread out your maps (we love the National Geographic Trails Illustrated series for this area) at a local coffee shop. Use the Wi-Fi to check trail conditions, read recent trip reports, and meticulously plan your route for when the sun returns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indoor Things to do in Colorado Springs
What are the best free indoor activities in Colorado Springs?
The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum and the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center are both fantastic and free. You can also spend time browsing the unique shops in Old Colorado City or Manitou Springs without spending a dime.
Are there good indoor options for families with young children?
Absolutely. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics (the “Bug Museum”) is a quirky and memorable stop. Air City Adventure Park is great for burning off energy, and the indoor Ferris wheel at Scheels is a huge hit with kids.
How can I connect with other outdoor enthusiasts on a rainy day?
The climbing gym is the number one spot for this. You’ll instantly find a community of like-minded people. Local breweries, especially those near trailheads like Bristol Brewing Company at Ivywild School, are also great places to strike up a conversation about favorite trails and gear.
An unexpected indoor day in Colorado Springs is not a setback; it’s a strategic pause. It’s your chance to recover, learn something new about the incredible landscape around you, and prepare your gear and your mind for the adventures that await. When the clouds finally part—and they always do—you’ll be stronger, smarter, and more ready than ever to get back out there.
Stay prepared, stay curious, and we’ll see you on the trail.
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