Winter Break Fun for the Whole Family: Hidden Gems from Pikes Peak Library District
As the holiday season approaches and kids begin their long-awaited winter break, families throughout Colorado Springs start looking for meaningful, affordable, and engaging activities to enjoy together. One of the most valuable — and often overlooked — resources for winter fun is right in our own backyard:Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD).
At Intentional Wealth Strategies, we believe that a rich life isn’t just about financial well-being — it’s also about creating memories, learning new things, and connecting with the community. That’s why we’re excited to highlight a variety of free and low-cost winter activities available through PPLD, perfect for keeping the whole family engaged during the holidays.
❄️ 1. Explore Local Attractions for Free with the Culture Pass
PPLD’s Culture Pass program offers families free or reduced-price admission to some of the most popular museums and cultural attractions in the Pikes Peak region — a huge win for parents looking for fun during the school break.
Some family favorites include:
• U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Interactive exhibits, athlete showcases, and hands-on experiences make this a great outing for families and visiting relatives.
• Space Foundation Discovery Center
Perfect for curious kids, this center offers STEM-focused exhibits, space displays, and interactive learning stations.
• Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
A great option for older kids and teens, with rotating art exhibits, hands-on activities, and seasonal events.
These passes can be reserved just like a library book — simply browse available dates on the PPLD website and enjoy a day out without the usual ticket cost.
🎨 2. Holiday Crafts, DIY Workshops & Creative Programs
Across multiple branches, PPLD hosts a full lineup of seasonal craft workshops, including:
- Winter-themed DIY art projects
- Ornament-making and holiday crafts
- Teen and tween creative sessions
- “Crafternoons” for younger kids
These programs fill up quickly during school breaks, so checking the event calendar early is a smart move.
📚 3. Winter Reading Challenges for All Ages
Winter break is a perfect time to build reading habits — or simply curl up with a good book. PPLD offers:
- Kids’ and teen winter reading programs
- Prize-based challenges
- Recommended reading lists by age
- Cozy reading spaces at nearly every branch
This is a great way to help kids keep their brains engaged while still enjoying the slower pace of the holidays.
🎬 4. Family Movie Days & Special Events
Many PPLD locations host:
- Family movie afternoons
- Seasonal film showings
- Anime & teen movie clubs
- Popcorn-and-PJ days (a parent favorite!)
It’s a great indoor option on cold afternoons when you need something simple — and free — to do together.
🧠 5. Learning Labs, Tech Help & Teen Spaces
For older kids and teens, the library offers:
- Makerspaces and 3D printing labs
- Recording studios
- Coding and robotics sessions
- Homework help and tutoring
- Games, hangouts, and study lounges
These programs provide enrichment while still giving kids the freedom to socialize and explore their interests.
🎄 A Community Resource Worth Exploring This Holiday Season
Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, a creative craft activity, or simply a warm place to spend an afternoon, the Pikes Peak Library District offers something for everyone — and most of it is completely free.
At Intentional Wealth Strategies, we love shining a light on resources that help families build meaningful experiences without stretching their budgets. We hope this inspires you to take advantage of all the amazing opportunities available in our community this winter.
For more details or to reserve Culture Passes, visitppld.org/culturepass
And to browse upcoming activities, check outppld.org/events.
And to browse upcoming activities, check outppld.org/events.
Warm wishes for a wonderful, memory-filled holiday season! ❄️