Garden of the Gods scavenger hunt for kids

What makes Garden of the Gods worth investigating

Giant red rock formations tower over the park with Pikes Peak in the background. The rocks were tilted on their sides by the same forces that built the Rocky Mountains! Located in Colorado, this local park invites you to slow down, look closely, and ask questions about how the place came to be. It's at its best in spring, summer, fall, or winter.

The park was donated to the City of Colorado Springs in 1909 by the children of railroad magnate Charles Elliott Perkins, with the condition that it remain free and open to the public forever. Stories like this are part of why parks exist — places that protect not just landscapes but the people, plants, and animals that have lived alongside them.

Some of what makes it special: Balanced Rock — a massive red sandstone boulder perched on a tiny base. Kissing Camels — a formation that looks like two camels touching noses. Dramatic red Lyons Sandstone formations tilted nearly vertical by tectonic forces. Free admission guaranteed forever by the original deed of gift. On a visit you might spot Balanced Rock, Kissing Camels, and White-tailed Jackrabbit — a small reminder that the more closely you look, the more you find.

9 things to look for

Use this as an observation menu, not a race. Choose fewer items for younger children, pause for questions and sketches, and leave every natural and historic object where it belongs.

• Balanced Rock Geology
  A huge red boulder balancing on a small base of rock
• Kissing Camels Geology
  Rock formation that looks like two camels leaning in for a kiss
• White-tailed Jackrabbit Wildlife
  Large hare with long ears seen bounding through the rocks Observe only from the required distance; a sound, track, or other safe sign may count.
• Pikes Peak View Nature
  The famous 14,115-foot mountain visible behind the red rocks
• Cathedral Spires Geology
  Tall narrow rock towers that look like a cathedral
• Juniper Tree Nature
  Twisted evergreen tree growing from cracks in the red rock
• Red Sandstone Layers Geology
  Tilted layers of 300-million-year-old red rock
• Swallow Nests Wildlife
  Mud nests built by white-throated swifts on the rock faces Observe only from the required distance; a sound, track, or other safe sign may count.
• Trading Post History
  Historic building at the base of the rocks built in 1900

Checklist items describe things a visitor might observe. A sighting is never guaranteed. Do not approach wildlife, cross barriers, leave approved areas, or handle protected objects to complete an item.

Adapt the hunt by age

Turn “I want to go there” into a family plan

1. The child finds Garden of the Gods in the HomeSchool.You park catalog and taps the heart.
2. The parent receives an in-app alert that the child wants to visit.
3. Garden of the Gods appears in the child’s Travel Wish List inside the parent area.
4. The family chooses timing together, checks current conditions, and prints or opens this hunt.
5. After exploring, the child can save visit memories and progress in the park passport.

Respect the place

An adult should supervise the entire visit. Observe wildlife from the required distance, stay on allowed routes, follow posted and ranger instructions, pack out waste, and do not collect plants, rocks, cultural objects, or animals. HomeSchool.You is an independent learning platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Park Service or any state or local park agency.

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