Looking for a Cheap Day Trip

In the Colorado Springs area there is 7 Falls, Cave of the Winds, and Santa's workshop. Those are good outings but they cost and I don't know how much.

My favorite daytrip is to pack a picnic lunch (and plenty of water) and go down to the Springs to Garden of the gods. At one entrance to the park there are big rock formations that they can play on. Just off of the main parking area (which is not at an entrance) there are restrooms. And there is plenty of trail space for hiking and goofing around. Totally free. www.gardenofthegods.com

Look into YMCA camp of the Rockies in Estes Park. We used to stay in their rustic cabin, with four kids. It has two rooms, one with bunk beds. You can eat in the lodge, or it has a full kitchen with everything you need, or go into Estes. There is rollerskating, hiking, swiming...can't tell you how great and affordable this was for our family.

There are alot of hot springs you could visit (Idaho Springs has one and is very close) that have pools for the kids, but also really nice, relaxing hot pools for mom and dad. Often they are connected to a hotel, so you might consider overnight.
Or Cave of the Winds outside Colo Spgs?
or just go on a day hike?

This probably isn't the cheapest thing, but it's not really expensive either. We LOVE to go to Glenwood Springs. You can get a motel for $75 or so, go to the hot pools, swim, enjoy the sights. Bring your bikes and go biking on the trail by the Colorado River if it is warm enough. The kids would love the gondola to the top of the mountain. It's only 2.5 hours away.

Wow if you are goign to go this weekend what a perfect weather weekend to go. It is suppose to be really nice. I love Colorado Springs. You could get a cheap hotel room and there is lots of things to do around town. Garden of the Gods is a family favorite for us and it is free!!! There is also cave of the wind, 7 falls, the Zoo, and the north pole. All is great and the kids will love it. My boys really like the north pole but it is expensive. Hope this helps

Loveland has a lot of sculpture.
Georgetown is really sweet, cozy, a neat drive on 6(?) from there to Golden.
I'm sure lotsa people will mention Boulder.
Evergreen, Estes, of course.
Or just head to Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park, and camp! ( <---that's what I keep fantazing about)

HAVE FUN! and GOOD JOB MOMMIN'!
A.

We love the Estes park YMCA. You can get a cabin with a kitchen and cook your own meals. All of the activities are included except the craft room, you have to pay for your materials. ( there is swimming, nature hikes, roller skating, a sledding hill, the kids love it). There is also a library where you can check out games and books.

Hi M.,
You got a lot of good ideas here but most are summer activities. Rocky Mountain National Park isn't open til Memorial Day if we're lucky. Just keep in mind, it seems like Spring down here but it is definitely still winter in the mountains. They have snow and chilly temps during the day and below freezing at night.
That being said, there are so many great drives in this state that you really can't go wrong. Summer is great because you can pack a picnic and basically stop anywhere and find a river or waterfalls or just a great view. The issue at this time of year is $$ once you get there. I grew up in Grand Lake. It is a great town... but more so in the summer unless you have the $ to rent snowmobiles. Skiing, lots of fun... even more $$. I would get on the colorado website for ideas or just google Colorado day trips and see what you find.

Good luck and have fun whatever you do.