Since our trip to Colorado was last minute, we were wondering what to do at Royal Gorge and Bridge park with kids. Here is everything you need to know to have a fabulous family day at Royal Gorge and Bridge.
Royal Gorge and Bridge Park provided tickets for our family to share this with you.
Our family trip to Colorado Springs was full of so many amazing experiences. Find our full suggested 3-day itinerary here {coming soon}
Getting to Royal Gorge and Bridge Park
Royal Gorge and Bridge Park is a little over an hour from Colorado Spring. The drive is easy enough with some interesting landscape changes. While visiting Colorado Springs, I’m sure you’ll take in the view of the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. So it just may shock you to find yet another amazing landscape feature so close.
Be sure to navigate to 4218 County Road 3A, Cañon City, CO 81212. Our GPS kept finding other Royal Gorge locations. Don’t lose time getting there!
Bring some entertainment for the short drive. Our rental car had a DVD player, so after a quick stop at Redbox, our kids were set for the drive. The movie ended right as we arrived. We also love audiobooks to entertain the kids on longer drives.
There are plenty of signs for the park, but watch your GPS in case you miss it (like we did). If you can’t find parking in the main lot, there is an overflow parking that isn’t too far from the main entrance.
Visitors Center and Observation Deck
Your bags are checked as you arrive and then get tickets to go inside. There isn’t much to the inside visitors center. Make sure you grab a map of the park and an easy Junior Ranger Program for the kids to complete. This will help you find what to do at Royal Gorge and Bridge park with your kids.
As you head outside, you’ll find the Water Clock (with the first clue for the Jr. Ranger program). Head around the side of the Cafe and you’ll have a fantastic view of the gorge. Plus, you’ll see the gondolas, ziplines, skycoaster (across the gorge) and all the park has to offer.
Cross one of the World’s Highest Suspension Bridges
Before you cross the bridge make a stop to see the cables that use to be the way the bridge was upheld. Then walk out on the cliff walks to get some great views of the bridge before crossing it.
This bridge does sway and swing {a bit}. It didn’t bother me in the slightest, but one of my daughters was nervous. You can see between the boards as you walk across, which made my other daughter pretty nervous, too. But it was totally a safe environment with an amazing view.
My kids really liked looking for the flags of the states we’ve lived it, which help distract them from being nervous. All 50 flags are on display as you walk across the bridge.
I just wanted to sit and stare at the view, both straight down to the Arkansas River and far into the distance. My kids liked the view better from the cliff walk (from solid ground) on the south side of the gorge.
Plaza Theater
Time your stay with a Birds of Prey Live show at the Plaza Theater. The shows occur at 11:00 am, 1, 2, & 3 pm. Check at the entrance desk for showtimes on the day you visit.
Be on time! They will close the doors right on the hour and you cannot attend the show if you are late.
The theater also shows movies at times, so you may want to stay for that as well.
The Plaza Theater is found right after you cross the bridge on the Southside. Here you will also find food, an outdoor, shaded seating area, and restrooms.
Let the Kids Play All Day at the Tommy Knocker Playland
The playland is unique and interesting. With the climbing area on the 2nd and 3rd levels, there is plenty of shaded area underneath for the adults to hang out while the kids climb, swing, and play.
The Carousel is included in the entrance fee. The smaller size was perfect for my toddler, but even my big kids rode it 5x in a row.
The splash pad is small with just 6-7 streams of water spurting periodically. There’s no need to change into swimsuits, but getting wet is perfect on a hot day. We wished we had gotten soaked so our walk back to the car wasn’t so hot. It’s the desert so you will dry out quickly.
For an extra fee, you can have your hand-molded by Wax or mine for gems with some Sluice. These range from $10-25. Both of these activities are near the gift shop in the playground area.
Listen to Live Music at the Outdoor Amphitheater
Live music is playing from the Elk Park Amphitheater from 12-5.
Glide Across the Gorge on an Aerial Gondola
America’s longest Gondola Ride is included in your entrance fee, so be sure to take it one way across the gorge. The view of the bridge and gorge is breathtaking. Although the ride is smooth-sailing and will not take your breath away. (My toddler was nervous, but quickly enjoyed the ride).
You can take a stroller on the gondola ride. In fact, everywhere is stroller accessible. However, be prepared to climb hills and steep inclines.
We waited 30 minutes to ride the Gondola. There are two Gondolas moving back and forth, but it does take a couple of minutes to go across and load a new group. Luckily the waiting area on the north has misters and shade!
Go the EXTRA Mile – Sky Miles that is!
The Zipline and Skycoaster is an extra fee. It looked amazing to sail over 1200 feet over the gorge! There was no wait to ride when we were there.
There is also a Via Ferrata Course you can do on the granite rock walls of the Royal Gorge. This ‘hike’ is with a trained guide and you are climbing right on the face of the cliff! With kids in tow, we were not able to experience this adventure, but I would love to try Via Ferrata someday!
Extra Tips for Royal Gorge and Bridge Park
Walk across the bridge first and take the Gondola Ride back. My kids said their legs were tired at the end, so a nice ride is perfect. Be prepared for a wait to ride the gondola.
Everything was more spread out than the map seemed to show. Plus, there are hills, so be prepared for steep incline walking.
While there are plenty of delicious dining options available in various locations throughout the park, you can also find a table to eat your own picnic lunch. Enjoy the view and eat, too!
We waited until after we exited the park to go to the bathroom. There was only one stall available outside the park. You can imagine the line of girls. Inside the park, there are plenty of restroom options.
There is Free WIFI on the bridge so feel free to ‘go live’ or post your favorite flag photo!
On the drive back to Colorado Springs, do not miss the scenic road between Florence to Canon City. It is one-way, up on a ridge, narrow drive with spectacular views. Watch for the sign “Skyline Drive”.
Plan your visit to know exactly what to do at Royal Gorge and Bridge park with kids. Pin this for your visit.
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