It's a full weekend in Colorado Springs, and we've rounded up the best picks for families. Whether you're into rodeos, sunflowers, soccer, or a free scavenger hunt in one of the most beautiful parks in the state, there's something worth getting out for — just keep one eye on the afternoon storm forecast before you head out. All three days carry a 58–76% chance of thunderstorms after noon.

For the complete full list of things to do with kids in Colorado Springs this weekend, including events we haven't covered here, check Springs Daily's weekly roundup. You can also browse free things to do this weekend if you're keeping costs low, or get a broader look at everything happening this weekend across the city.

The Headliner: Pioneer Rodeo and Demolition Derby (August 14–16)

The Pioneer Rodeo and Demolition Derby runs all three days at Norris Penrose Event Center, making it the weekend's biggest family anchor event. This is a CPRA-sanctioned professional rodeo — the real thing, not a county fair exhibition — and it runs Friday through Sunday with different programming each night. Sunday's finale is the Demolition Derby, featuring five vehicle classes.

Families with young children will appreciate this: kids under 5 get in free on general admission. The Fan Zone opens before the main events, so you can arrive early, let kids explore, and get settled before the show starts.

Because this event runs into the evening on all three days, it's a good pick for after the afternoon storms pass. Check the rodeo's schedule at Norris Penrose's website for specific gate and show times.

When: Friday August 14 through Sunday August 16
Where: Norris Penrose Event Center, Colorado Springs
Cost: Kids under 5 free (general admission); children under 2 free (lap seating)

Morning Activity: Sunflower Days at Gather Mountain Blooms (Starts Saturday, August 15)

Sunflower Days at Gather Mountain Blooms opens for the season on Saturday, August 15, and it's a great morning option for the entire weekend. Early sessions run from 8:00 AM to noon — that's your sweet spot before the afternoon storm risk kicks in. Walk through peak-bloom sunflower fields, set up at picnic tables, and browse local artisan vendors. Coffee and other beverages are available on-site.

Admission is $10 for adults, and children under 6 get in free. Sunflower Days runs through August 29, so if Saturday doesn't work out, you have two more weeks.

When: Opens Saturday, August 15; early sessions 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Where: Gather Mountain Blooms, Colorado Springs area
Cost: $10 adults; free for children under 6

Saturday Evening: Switchbacks FC "Next Gen Night" at Weidner Field

If you want to cap Saturday with something for older kids, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC host Birmingham Legion FC at Weidner Field on Saturday, August 15 at 7:00 PM. This USL Championship regular-season match is branded as "Next Gen Night presented by Children's Hospital Colorado," which typically includes kid-focused activities and family giveaways in addition to the match.

Evening kickoff means the afternoon storms will likely have passed by the time the game starts — check NWS ahead of time to confirm. Tickets start around $20 per person.

When: Saturday, August 15 at 7:00 PM
Where: Weidner Field, Colorado Springs
Cost: From $20

Thursday Tonight: Acacia Park Concert Series (Free)

If you're reading this Thursday evening, there's still time to catch the Acacia Park Concert Series tonight in downtown Colorado Springs. The series runs free every Thursday this summer in Acacia Park. Check with the Downtown Colorado Springs Partnership for tonight's specific lineup and start time.

When: Thursday, August 13 (tonight)
Where: Acacia Park, Downtown Colorado Springs
Cost: Free

Weather This Weekend

All three days this weekend carry a significant chance of afternoon and evening thunderstorms: 76% on Friday, 58% on Saturday, and 66% on Sunday, with highs ranging from 76°F to 83°F. Air quality is currently rated "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups," which is relevant for families with children who have asthma or other respiratory conditions.

The practical guidance: prioritize morning activities (events starting before noon tend to be safest), and check the National Weather Service Pueblo forecast at weather.gov before heading out for anything scheduled after 2:00 PM.

What's Next

Sunflower Days continues through August 29, so if this weekend fills up, you have several more chances. The Pioneer Rodeo wraps up Sunday. If you're a D20 family, school starts Monday, August 17 for preschool, elementary, 6th, and 9th graders — so this might be your last full weekend of summer. Use it well.

For the full calendar, visit SpringsDaily.com to see everything happening in Colorado Springs with kids this weekend.