Finding something to do over the summer is challenging – you finally have the time do something but the options seem to overwhelm and the vast majority of activities aren’t really meant for teenagers. This list will guide in finding a fun thing to spend all of that open summer time on, in and near Manitou.

1. The Incline

If you are wanting to get an amazing workout and see some of the best views, located on Ruxton Avenue, the incline is for you. Hundreds, possibly thousands, of people go everyday to get one of the most amazing local workouts available. The best part, it is completely free and at the top there is amazing views.

2. Coffee Shop

Manitou has a variety of coffee shops to choose from, but arguably the most popular one is Good Karma. The coffee is generally delightful and the atmosphere is very calm and chill. It is the perfect meet up spot with a reasonable amount of space to sit and stand of great for a chill out day to talk about the pondering of life. There are many other coffee shops throughout Colorado Springs, Good Karma is just one of the best near MSHS. It is fairly pricy, around $4 for a drink, make sure to bring enough money.

3. Ziplining through Adventures Out West

Ziplining is a wonderful activity that doesn’t require much. Located at the end of Manitou, Adventures Out West does a great job letting riders have as much fun as they want, they allow all sorts of tricks. The ride up to the first zip line (of many) is also an off­road adventure. All of the staff were hilarious and very nice. They are open from 8 am to 5:30 pm and costs $85 for the basic zip-lining package. It is definitely worth a visit if you want an adrenaline rush.

4. Trampoline Places

Bouncing on trampolines may seem childish, but it is extremely fun, especially for those who want a good workout but also to have fun at the same time. Most the trampoline places in Colorado Springs, such as Springs Trampoline Park and Skyzone, have trampolines on the walls and floors, they also have places to play dodgeball and basketball on trampolines. Trampoline World does not have trampolines on the walls but has a massive foam pit with multiple trampolines thuat go into it. The average price is around $10 for an hour and $16 for two hours. It is very tiring to jump for two so be ready.

5. Dirty Dash

One of the many mud runs that’s happen every year in Colorado, it is a less intense version of the Spartan Race. The whole objective is to get muddy and have fun, there is very little competitive aspect unless planning to race a friend. Perfect for a fun day with a group of friends, and it isn’t all that expensive, many coupons are available. The only time the Dirty Dash will be in Colorado Springs is August 15th, 2015 and will cost $50 before June 5th.

6. Graffiti Falls

A beautiful location of nature and urban culture clashing, graffiti falls has an amazing waterfall with a path that meanders along the stream that comes down. Surrounding the waterfall is graffiti, it may seem like an odd combination but, it is definitely a beautiful combination. There is also a bridge that goes over the falls, graffiti covers the most interesting parts of the underside of the bridge. It is a free area to go to and many people go in the water.

7. Paintball

Paintball is a great workout and extremely fun, slightly painful, but that is what encourages running and hiding. All over the outskirts of town are many different places to play paintball varying in price and fields. A closer one to Manitou is All ­Star Paintball which is in Downtown Colorado Springs and has two fields to play at. They are open from 12 pm to 6 pm, Tuesday through Friday and 10 am to 6 pm Saturday through Sunday. The most basic package to simply play is $30, including rentals, some paintballs, and access to both turf fields.

8. Cave of the winds

A beautiful location, Cave of the Winds has several large attractions and is always building more. One of the newest and most popular is the terror­-dactyl which throws riders off a 200 foot cliff and pushes 100 mph. There are many other rides and things to do including look at the view. They are open from 9 am to 9 pm and varies in pricing.

9. Gold Camp Road

Gold Camp Road is one of the most mysterious areas around Manitou, specifically in the three tunnels which are thought to be haunted. The haunted part is the second tunnel, no one has ever proceeded to the third and given an account. If you want a shaking experience this is the perfect place to drive to with a group. There is no cost to go there, and it’s a classic with Colorado Springs teens.

10. Swimming

There are many places to swim near Manitou, such as gyms like the YMCA. The closest place to swim is the Manitou Pool, which is fairly cheap and open almost everyday. There are also many clubs that have nice pools including the Valley Swim Pool and the Garden of the Gods Club. The pool opens at 5 am and closes at 8 pm, it costs a about $4 depending on age.