Because Colorado weather has two settings: beautiful sunshine and “why is it snowing sideways?” ❄️
When the temperatures drop, the kids get restless, and you've heard “I'm bored” approximately 47 times before lunch, it's time to find some indoor fun.
The good news? You don't need to spend $100 entertaining your family. Southern Colorado has some wonderful places to explore that won't cost you a dime in admission.
Here are five indoor adventures worth adding to your chilly-day backup plan!
Colorado Springs History - Pioneers Museum Tour | Pink Realty
1. Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
📍 215 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, United States
💰 Free | 🕒 Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM
History doesn't have to be boring! Explore Colorado Springs' fascinating past inside a beautiful historic courthouse, with interactive exhibits and a children's Camping in the Rockies play area.
Best for: Ages 3–12 and curious grown-ups.
2. Focus on the Family Welcome Center
📍 8685 Explorer Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80920, United States
💰 Free play admission | 🕒 Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM; Saturday, 9 AM–4 PM
This one is a lifesaver when the kids have energy to burn! Explore the indoor play areas, visit Whit's End, and check out the giant slide. There's even a toddler playroom for little adventurers.
The slide has height restrictions, the soda shop charges for food, and some attractions have limited hours. The center is operated by a Christian family organization.
Best for: Toddlers through elementary ages.
Focus on the Family+1
3. Penrose Heritage Museum
📍 11 Lake Cir, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, United States
💰 Free admission and validated parking up to 1.5 hours
🕒 Tuesday–Saturday, 9 AM–noon and 1–4 PM
Have a kid who loves cars? This hidden gem features historic carriages and actual race cars from the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. No expensive admission ticket required!
Best for: Ages 5+, car lovers, and history enthusiasts.
Penrose Heritage Museum
4. Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum
📍 420 Elbert St, Castle Rock, CO 80104, United States
💰 Free admission; donations welcome
🕒 Wednesday–Friday, noon–5 PM; Saturday, 11 AM–4 PM
All aboard for a little local history! Housed inside a historic railroad depot, this small museum lets families explore Castle Rock's early days, old railroad features, and stories from Douglas County's past.
Best for: Ages 6+ and families who enjoy trains and history.
Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum
5. Old Colorado City Historical Society & History Center
📍 1 S 24th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, United States
💰 Free admission; donations welcome
🕒 Tuesday–Saturday, 11 AM–2 PM
Take a little trip into the past without leaving town! This cozy history center is filled with photographs, artifacts, and stories about the earliest days of Colorado City. It's an easy, shorter outing for a cold afternoon.
Best for: Ages 7+, homeschool families, and little history detectives.
Before loading everyone into the car, double-check the hours. Seasonal schedules, holidays, and special closures can change. And remember, while admission to these five locations is free, parking, treats, and optional extras may cost money.
Want to make your outing even more fun? Give the kids a mini scavenger hunt. Challenge them to find something older than Grandma, something they've never seen before, and something they want to tell Dad about at dinner.
Five free adventures are wonderful, but they're only the beginning!
At The Buzzy B, we're constantly uncovering family-friendly events, affordable outings, hands-on activities, recipes, crafts, and local hidden gems throughout Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, Monument, Fountain, Pueblo, and beyond.
Our color-coded family event calendar makes finding something to do a whole lot easier, because parenting is already a full-time job without becoming the family's unpaid entertainment coordinator.
🐝 Explore the calendar, subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter, and discover your next family adventure at www.thebuzzyb.com
Making Parenting Easier & More Fun! 💕
Updated November 2026. Hours and admission information should be reconfirmed before visiting.