Skip to content
PLAN YOUR TRIP

Updated: September 14, 2026

Affordable Spring Break Ideas in COS

Plan your spring break vacation or staycation in the Pikes Peak Region

Struggling to come up with ideas for how to spend your spring break without breaking the bank? There are plenty of free and affordable options in the Pikes Peak Region. Here are our top recommendations to get your planning started.

Get outdoors

Nothing says “free” like the freedom found in the great outdoors. Other than renting some gear or booking a tour if needed, outdoor recreation comes at no cost. Enjoy a hike at popular spots like Garden of the Gods Park, Red Rock Canyon Open Space or North Cheyenne Cañon Park. Explore one of the many parks in our region - hit the trails at Paint Mines Interpretive Park, Palmer Divide Trails and Pineries Open Space. El Paso County Parks also has two nature centers, both of which are free to the public. Visit outdoor attractions that are open year-round and have affordable admission costs, like Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Cave of the Winds Mountain Park.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Bunk up somewhere cozy

Looking to save some cash? You can book a bunk room with your friends and family at RAD Hostel. Traveling in an RV? Grab an RV site at Colorado Springs KOA. If you’re looking for more traditional lodging, check out local hotel deals.

RAD Hostel

Learn something new

The kids may be out of school for the week, but the learning doesn’t have to stop. Colorado Springs has plenty of free and affordable museums the whole family will enjoy exploring. Get in the Olympic spirit with a visit to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. Did you know it’s Colorado Springs’ sesquicentennial? You can learn all about the history of the region over the last 150 years at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. For families that like to nerd out about space, the Space Foundation Discovery Center is open and offering programming about robots, exploring Mars, coding, 3D printing and flying drones.

Space Foundation Discovery Center
More to Explore
Sheridan Powell

Author

Sheridan Powell

Communications Specialist | Visit Colorado Springs

A Midwesterner at heart, Sheridan moved to COS following college graduation. Her Strategic Communications degree from Mizzou equipped her for the unique space that is tourism marketing. You can find her most often at Poor Richard’s Bookstore, and she’s most likely to talk your ear off about all-things Taylor Swift. Ask her about taking steps to become more accessible and inclusive!
Cover for 2026 Colorado Springs Vacation planner that shows a red convertible driving up a mountain pass towards Pikes Peak under blue skies
Start Planning Your Colorado Springs Trip

Get Your FREE Official Vacation Planner for Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region.

Request A Vacation Planner