🐝Indoor Play Places & Escape Route

Indoor Play Places & Escape Routes (For Bad Weather Days)

Don't let a little rain or an unexpected heatwave put a damper on your family's fun! While outdoor adventures are wonderful, having a trusty list of indoor play options is essential for those days when the weather just isn't cooperating. From active play zones to creative havens, we've got you covered with ideas that will keep kids entertained, engaged, and maybe even a little tired out. So, put away those raincoats and grab your sense of adventure – it's time to explore some fantastic indoor escape routes!

Fantastic Indoor Play Places:

1. Trampoline Parks: These high-energy zones are perfect for burning off steam. Kids can jump, flip, and bounce to their heart's content, often with dedicated areas for younger children and dodgeball courts for older ones.

2. Indoor Playgrounds & Activity Centers: Many communities have large indoor playgrounds with slides, climbing structures, ball pits, and soft play areas. Some even offer laser tag, arcade games, or mini-golf.

3. Children's Museums: More than just exhibits, children's museums are designed for interactive learning and hands-on exploration. They often feature areas for science experiments, art creation, dramatic play, and building.

4. Bowling Alleys: A classic for a reason! Bowling is fun for all ages, and many alleys offer bumpers and ramps for little ones. It's a great way to enjoy some friendly competition.

5. Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms: For slightly older kids (and adventurous adults!), indoor climbing gyms provide a challenging and rewarding physical activity, often with auto-belays and bouldering walls.

6. Libraries: Don't underestimate the power of your local library! Beyond books, many offer dedicated children's areas with toys, puzzles, computers, and often host free story times, craft sessions, and other engaging events.

7. Movie Theaters: Sometimes, a quiet escape is exactly what's needed. Catching a matinee can be a relaxing way to spend a stormy afternoon, especially with family-friendly features.

8. Aquariums & Science Centers: These educational attractions offer hours of wonder, from observing marine life to exploring scientific phenomena through interactive displays.

Creative Escape Routes at Home:

When venturing out isn't an option, transform your home into an adventure zone!

1. Blanket Fort Bonanza: Gather all the blankets, pillows, and chairs you can find and construct an epic fort. Add flashlights, books, and snacks for the ultimate cozy hideaway.

2. Indoor Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of household items for kids to find (e.g., "something red," "a fuzzy sock," "a book about animals"). Offer a small prize at the end.

3. Baking & Cooking Projects: Get messy in the kitchen! Baking cookies, decorating cupcakes, or even making a simple pizza together can be a delicious and engaging activity.

4. Art & Craft Station: Set up a dedicated area with paper, crayons, markers, paint, playdough, and various craft supplies. Let their imaginations run wild!

5. Board Game & Puzzle Marathon: Dust off those board games and jigsaw puzzles. It's a great way to encourage critical thinking, teamwork, and family bonding.

6. Dance Party Extravaganza: Turn up the music and let loose! A spontaneous dance party is a fantastic way to burn energy and boost spirits.

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 Pikes Peak Library District Locations

The Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) has several branches across El Paso County, many of which offer dedicated children’s areas with books, toys, and interactive learning stations.

Libraries also frequently host free story times, craft sessions, and other educational programs for kids.

Things to do:  Reading and exploring books, Participating in story times and events, Engaging with educational toys and activities

Locations: Various branches including East Library, Penrose Library, and Library 21c.

The do offer Free Wi-Fi

 Chapel Hills Mall Play Area

Location: Chapel Hills Mall, Colorado Springs, CO

The Chapel Hills Mall has a small indoor play area perfect for younger kids to burn off some energy.

The play area features soft play structures, making it a safe environment for toddlers.

Things to do: Climbing and playing on soft structures, Walking around the mall for a bit of exercise

They do offer free parking and there is also a food court.

 Bass Pro Shops 

Location: Northgate, Colorado Springs, CO

Bass Pro Shops offers more than just shopping; the store has a large indoor aquarium, wildlife displays, and even a small indoor shooting arcade (using air guns) that can be fun for older kids.

The store often hosts seasonal events like Santa’s Wonderland during the holidays, which includes crafts and activities for kids.

Things to do: Exploring the aquarium and wildlife displays, Participating in seasonal events, Playing in the arcade (some activities might have a small fee)

There is an on site restaurant and free parking too!

 Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

Location: Downtown Colorado Springs, CO

There are several exhibits that are interesting for kids, including hands-on history exhibits.

The museum regularly hosts family days and educational events that are engaging for children of all ages.

Things to do: Exploring interactive exhibits, Attending family-friendly events and workshops, Learning about the history of the region

Bring a picnic lunch!

 Focus on the Family Visitor Center

Location: Briargate, Colorado Springs, CO

The Focus on the Family Visitor Center includes the Kid’s Korner play area and the Whit’s End Soda Shoppe, which are themed after the Adventures in Odyssey series.

The play area features a three-story slide, a playhouse, and plenty of interactive activities for kids.

Things to do: Playing in the Kid’s Korner, Enjoying snacks at Whit’s End Soda Shoppe, Browsing the bookstore for family-friendly content

There is free parting and a Café and snack bar

 Ivywild School

Location: Ivywild, Colorado Springs, CO

Ivywild School is a community marketplace housed in a former elementary school. While primarily a dining and shopping destination, it includes spaces where kids can move around and explore.

The venue often hosts family-friendly events and workshops, many of which are free to attend.

What to do: Attending free community events, Exploring the building and its unique shops, Grabbing a treat from the bakery (optional)

 Manitou Springs Penny Arcade

Location: Manitou Springs, CO

While some of the arcade games cost a penny or more, simply walking around the Penny Arcade and exploring the vintage games and displays can be an enjoyable experience for kids.

There are free outdoor games and sights to see in the arcade’s vicinity.

Things to do: Exploring the vintage arcade games and displays, Playing on the outdoor free games and rides

Lots of restaurants and window shopping nearby too!

 ‍ Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center (Free Days)‍

Location: Woodland Park, CO

Although the Dinosaur Resource Center usually requires paid admission, they occasionally offer free days or events where families can explore the museum without cost.

The museum features life-size dinosaur exhibits and hands-on activities that are perfect for curious kids.

Things to do: Exploring dinosaur exhibits, Participating in hands-on educational activities

Free parking and fun gift shop

  Mall at Briargate 

Location: Briargate, Colorado Springs, CO

While the Mall at Briargate is primarily a shopping destination, the open spaces and walkways make it a good place for a casual indoor stroll.

There are seasonal events, especially around the holidays, that offer free activities for kids.

Things to do: Walking and window shopping, Participating in free seasonal events, Exploring the interactive displays set up during special events

Scheels

Location: InterQuest Marketplace, Colorado Springs, CO

Scheels is a massive sporting goods store that offers more than just shopping; it has several attractions that are fun for kids, including a Ferris wheel, an arcade, and a wildlife mountain with taxidermy displays. While some activities like the Ferris wheel and arcade games may have a small cost, exploring the store, visiting the fish tanks, and taking in the interactive displays are free.

Things to do: Watching the live fish in the aquarium, Exploring the wildlife mountain, Trying out free interactive sports displays (like basketball hoops)

There is On-site café and snack bar and Free parking

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   Kids Empire 

Activities: This fun playland features giant slides, obstacle courses, a ball pit, and climbing areas designed for active play. There’s also a toddler-friendly area!

Hours: Open daily, typically from 10 AM to 8 PM.

Perfect For: Kids needing a fun energy outlet indoors.

Website: Kids Empire

(currently closed but we are hoping it will re-open) 

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Play Street Museum 

Activities: A hands-on children’s museum with interactive exhibits, such as a mini city where kids can pretend to be chefs, builders, and doctors.

Hours: Mon–Sat, 9 AM–5 PM.

Perfect For: Creative, imaginative play and educational fun for toddlers and younger kids.

Website: Play Street Museum

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Lost Island Indoor Adventure Park 

Activities: Indoor mini-golf, laser tag, and an arcade packed with games for all ages. Mini-golf includes fun, glowing, jungle-themed designs.

Hours: Mon–Sun, various hours.

Perfect For: A mix of physical play and gaming fun for a range of ages.

Website: Lost Island Adventure Park

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6. Space Foundation Discovery Center 

Activities: Kids can explore hands-on exhibits about space, robotics, and virtual reality. There’s even a Mars simulator and a space-themed gift shop!

Hours: Tues–Sat, 10 AM–4 PM.

Perfect For: Young space enthusiasts and explorers.

Website: Space Foundation

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Little Monkey Bizness 

Activities: Indoor play structures, climbing walls, slides, and a separate toddler play area. Great for ages 1-10 with fun activities all around.

Hours: Daily, 9 AM–6 PM.

Perfect For: Letting little ones get active, especially on cold days.

Website: Little Monkey Bizness

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The Playful Palette Co 

Activities: Drop-in art studio with a variety of creative projects, including painting and crafting. Family-friendly environment with plenty of supplies.

Hours: Tues–Sat, 10 AM–5 PM.

Perfect For: Indoor creativity and family bonding.

Website: Playful Palette Co​

These spots offer a mix of hands-on learning, physical activity, and creative play—perfect for making lasting memories with the kids while staying warm!

Buzzy’s Tips for Visiting 

Event Schedules: Some places like the library and museums offer special events or free days, so check their calendars online before visiting.

Packing: Bring snacks and water, as not all locations have food available, and it’s always good to have something on hand.

Timing: Weekdays and mornings are often less crowded at these locations, giving your kids more room to play and explore.

El Paso County offers plenty of indoor spaces where kids can play, learn, and have fun, all without breaking the bank. Enjoy your indoor adventure

Bad weather days don't have to mean boredom or cabin fever. With a little planning and creativity, you can transform a dreary day into an exciting adventure, whether you're out exploring a new play space or creating magical memories right in your own home. So, the next time the forecast calls for rain or extreme temperatures, you'll be ready with a whole host of indoor escape routes to keep the fun flowing!

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