From Parks to Popcorn: 5 Leisure Stops in Woodland Park
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Traveling to Woodland Park is an adventure in itself! Just a short, scenic drive from Colorado Springs along U.S. Highway 24, the journey winds through Ute Pass, offering breathtaking views of towering peaks and lush forests.
Once you arrive, the fun truly begins. Woodland Park combines the charm of a small mountain town with endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
From hiking trails and wildlife encounters to cozy cafes and unique shops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re planning a family day trip, a weekend getaway, or just passing through, Woodland Park promises an unforgettable experience packed with natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm.
Places to Eat
Gold Hill Movie Theatre
Memorial Park
Shopping
Woodland Park Aquatic Center
Places to Eat:
The Donut Mill:
Open since 1977, known for its huge donuts, and excellent breakfast choices. They have a bear claw that is bigger than both of my hands put together!
The buttercream filled donut was amazing, and the chocolate on top tasted just like grandma’s homemade frosting.
Aj’s Pizzeria:
Offering pizza, chicken wings, salads, pasta, and subs. You will enjoy the laid back setting, with seating inside or on the patio. After your meal, make sure to order the Cinnamon Knots, they are to die for.
I recommend eating on the patio, you’ll have a great view of Pikes Peak.
Gold Hill Movie Theatre:
A perfect small-town theatre experience awaits you here, with four screens showcasing the latest films. Enjoy in-theatre dining with a menu full of delicious options like popcorn, drinks, appetizers, sandwiches, and even milkshakes! Before or after your movie, head over to the Cloud City Arcade for some extra fun.
Small-town theaters offer that special charm, where the friendly atmosphere and lack of crowds make for a much more relaxed and enjoyable outing.
Memorial Park:
This is such a great park, there are so many choices as to what to do first. Offering something for everyone, with a playground, basketball court, a creek running through the park, where kids and dogs to splash around, a pond offering fishing, wide open spaces for playing tag, fetch or a picnic. If you don’t want to sit on the ground, there are covered picnic tables.
This is a great option for families to get out in the fresh air and enjoy some quality time together.
Shopping:
Woodland Hardware and Home:
Located off the main road and down a hill, this hardware store is really fun. You can find gifts, lawn ornaments, home improvements, and kitchen items. I always enjoy taking a stroll through here.
Elevated Upcycle Thrift Store:
A small store nestled in a shopping center, its a great place to find good deals. In the back of the store is a small book section, and household items. Very clean and well organized so you can find what section you are looking for.
Above the Clouds Bookstore:
One of my favorite shops in Woodland Park, used books all over, organized, and clean. I really like the mystery bags, because sometimes you just want a new book, but can’t decide. The employees are always super helpful and love talking books.
Woodland Park Aquatic Center:
Dive into fun with a six-lane lap pool complete with a diving board, a leisure pool featuring a relaxing lazy river, and a twirly tunnel slide that swooshes you outside the building and back in! Kids will love the spray nozzles and the splash-tastic dump bucket for endless playtime.
With floor to ceiling windows, you can enjoy a nice swim and look out at the gorgeous views. The lap pool and leisure pool are separated by a wall of glass, allowing you to see in to both pools but will help reduce noise.