Summer in Texas is synonymous with unbearable heat and humidity, which means there are two choices-head inside to hibernate or head out to somewhere less hot. We chose to hit the road and head just a little bit north to Colorado Springs where we could enjoy some cooler weather and outdoor exploration. Although Colorado Springs does offer more than enough to keep the kids busy out in the city, we also found more than enough options to play the day away at Cheyenne Mountain Resort.  This 217 acre mountain side facility boasts 300 days of sunshine and almost as many ways to soak up those rays.

~Clockwise from Top Left: Gathering Area in the Main Lodge; View from the Balcony of the Mountain View Restaurant; Passport to Summer Goodie Bag for Kids; Interior of Double Queen Room

Five Ways to Play All Day at Cheyenne Mountain Resort

1. Get a Little Wild at Breakfast

There’s breakfast and then there’s breakfast with your favorite animal friends from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. On Saturdays from 8:30-10, you can enjoy a breakfast buffet with made to order omelets, pancakes and waffles along with a few guests from the zoo. Zoo personnel will be on hand to answer any questions and let kids get up close and personal with the animals. It gets better; kids 8 and under eat free for all meals at the Mountain View Restaurant.

2. Make a Splash

With indoor and outdoor swimming facilities, you can find a way to hit the water year round, but in the summer, the aquatic center really shines. Kids and parents can choose from four different outdoor pools, including an adults’ only pool, and a lap pool with a twirly slide for the kids. If that’s not enough, a kiddie pool for the littlest swimmers and a kids’s splash park area also available.

3. Hit the Beach

A beach in the shadow of the mountains is not something you see every day; in fact Cheyenne Mountain is the only resort that offers a beach-front mountain experience. While on the beach you can build sandcastles or start up a game of beach volleyball. A nearby playground is available to keep the kids extra happy and there are always the resident geese to chase around the shores of the lake.

4. Lakeside Playground

A 35 acre private lake next to the mountains is a perfect excuse to take the fun out on the open water. Kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes, as well as water tricycles are available for complimentary rental and exploration along the lake.

5. Stay Up Late

Playtime doesn’t stop when the sun goes down; in fact it’s just getting heated up at the main resort pool and s’mores pit. S’mores kits are available to purchase from the Will Rogers Lounge. Or, if you want to take your S’mores to a whole new level, hit the gourmet S’mores bar where you can choose from toppings including caramel, bananas, Reeses, Heath, Kit Kat, nuts, jam and more. Before you call it a night, grab your swimming suit and a bucket of popcorn for a G-rated dive-in movie under the stars at the main pool.

~Cheyenne Mountain Resort provided for our room and breakfast during our stay in Colorado Springs. They did not require that I express a particular viewpoint and all opinions are my own.~