Cheap Things To Do In Colorado Springs: parks and playgrounds

Time to continue with the list of Cheap Things To Do In Colorado Springs!  Here are some favorite parks and playgrounds in Colorado Springs.  There’s not much that’s cheaper!  As I was making this list I realized that one, we have a lot of parks in Colorado Springs, and two, there’s a lot we have yet to visit.

This list generally excludes parks that are mostly hiking trails or “nature stuff”, as we’ve already covered those in Cheap Things To Do In Colorado Springs: Take A Hike.

And, all of the parks that are listed on here are open to the public.  There are lots of cool neighborhood parks that are maintained by homeowner’s associations and other private groups, but in the interest of keeping HOA’s happy and Jeremy in good standing as a realtor, I didn’t include them on this list. :)

Palmer Park – 3650 Maizeland Rd

Lots to do in this park, from ball fields to hiking trails to sand volleyball and more.  The playground is quite large, with great equipment that’s a little more varied than the “normal”.  Picnic pavilions and restrooms.

Deerfield Hills Sprayground – 4290 Deerfield Hills Rd

Free (donations accepted) city-run splash park in southeast Colorado Springs with “16 different water spray features containing over 50 individual spray nozzles and various features including: Bell Trios, Foaming Geysers, Ground Geysers, Soak Stations, Water Jelly?s, Water Quests, Water Trios and a Water Wall.”  Sounds like fun!  More info here.

Fox Run Regional Park – Stella Drive and Roller Coaster Rd

Large park in northern El Paso County with several playgrounds, play fields, hiking trails, ponds, and more. If you’re meeting someone here, make sure you tell them specifically where to meet as this is quite a large park (not that I would know from experience or anything! ;)).  More info here.

Black Forest Regional Park – Milam and Shoup Rd

Playground, play field, tennis/basketball court, picnic pavilions, hiking trails, and more in this beautiful park in Black Forest! Many people ride their horses through the trails.  More info here.

America The Beautiful Park – 126 Cimino Dr

Playground, walking paths, picnic pavillion and restrooms, with access to Midland Trail and Pikes Peak Greenway Trail.  Also home to the Penrose Fountain.

Cottonwood Creek Park – 7040 Rangewood Dr

Recreation center with indoor pool, plus a playground, soccer fields, ball fields, tennis courts, in-line hockey court, disc golf, and walking/running paths.

Memorial Park – 1605 E Pikes Peak Ave

Rec centers with indoor pool, ice skating rink.  Outdoor activities include the Velodrome (bicycle racing), ball fields, tennis courts, horseshoes, playgrounds, outdoor swimming and paddleboating in Prospect Lake, and more.  Lots of big events, like the Hot Air Balloon Festival!

Monument Valley Park – 170 W. Cache La Poudre St

Ball fields, playground, walking paths, outdoor pool, tennis and basketball courts, sand volleyball, fishing, and more

Quail Lake Park – 915 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd

Basketball court, boating, fishing, playground, sand volleyball, and more.

Rampart Park – 8270 Lexington Park Dr

Basketball court, baseball field, tennis courts, playground, picnic shelter, restroom, perimeter sidewalk, BMX track, soccer field and dog park area.

Wilson Ranch Park – 2335 Allegheny Dr

Outdoor pool, picnic pavilion, playground, tennis courts, in-line hockey court with basketball hoops, backstop for softball/baseball

Acacia Park – 115 E. Platte

Home of the famous Uncle Wilbur fountain/splash park.

Green Mountain Falls Gazebo Lake and Park

If you’re driving up US 24 and have a little bit of extra time, I’d recommend stopping in at the town of Green Mountain Falls.  Gazebo Lake is about as peaceful as it gets, and there’s a small playground there for the kids.

So, what are your favorite parks?  Which ones have the best amenities?