Northside attractions

For families living in other parts of town, I’m not sure they fully realize the fun zone that has boomed up north around Interquest and Voyager parkways and North Gate Boulevard. There’s a trampoline park (Air City 360). There’s a Nerf blaster complex (Dart Wars). Go-karts (Overdrive Raceway). Indoor skydiving (iFLY). I could go on. It’s all worthy of a staycation, with Great Wolf Lodge and that massive indoor water park being your overnight base. — Seth Boster

Desert Reef Hot Springs
desertreefhotsprings.com

I can’t get enough of soaking at Desert Reef Hot Springs, about 50 minutes south of Colorado Springs. With five pools of varying temperatures from which to choose, it’s like Goldilocks — one is just right for you. I prefer the largest, coolest pool, and hug the side of it while reading a book, drinking a cold beverage and gazing at the Sangre de Cristo mountains. The hot springs are bathing suit-optional, except Fridays before 6:30 p.m. — Jennifer Mulson

Urban Air Adventure Park
urbanair.com

The first time I walked into Urban Air Adventure Park for a birthday party, I was awestruck. I saw a young girl flying through the air on the Sky Rider zipline above. With trampolines, go-karts, climbing walls, arcade games, ball pits and more, Urban Air Adventure Park is a fantastic option for a party or simply a day of fun with the family. For me, 2-on-1 laser tag battles with my kids are moments that I’ll cherish forever. — Hugh Johnson

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
cmzoo.org

Sprawling across a stunning mountainside, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is an award-winning facility for good reason. Exploring this destination makes for a fun day for children and adults alike. Perhaps best known for its up close and personal giraffe feeding experience, one often overlooked feature of this spot is the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun. Found above the zoo, general admission tickets allow for visitors to drive to this massive tower. — Spencer McKee

The Biscuit Factory Cat Lounge & Adoption Center

Talk about a purr-fect way to spend time with the family! The Biscuit Factory Cat Lounge & Adoption Center is a cat cafe in the heart of Old Colorado City, where cat lovers can sip on coffee and tea while interacting with adoptable feline friends. As an aunt to a young niece who’s obsessed with kittens, this adorable spot helped us bond and create lifelong memories. We had a blast playing with the kitties and can’t wait for our next visit. — Ajia Cuevas

May Natural History Museum
coloradospringsbugmuseum.com

Drivers heading south on Colorado 115 are greeted by Herkimer, the Hercules beetle marking the entrance to May Natural History Museum. Home to more than 7,000 preserved insects and arachnids from around the world, the museum showcases beetles, butterflies, moths, spiders, scorpions and other fascinating species. Open May 1 to Oct. 1, it’s an experience where guests discover one of the world’s largest private insect collections. — Kelly Spieker