Overview
Set out alongside your students to discover the vast mysteries of outer space on a thrilling space and aviation-focused tour through Colorado Springs. Your group will explore the Mars Lander Lab at the Space Foundation Discovery Center, participate in a simulated lunar mission at the Challenger Learning Center, and learn from pilots during an immersive aviation workshop, where students will build and fly a drone.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Denver, CO
Lunch
Travel to Colorado Springs, CO
Garden of the Gods visit
Explore the majestic red rock formations at this National Natural Landmark. You'll learn about the unique geology and the park's history at the Visitor and Nature Center. Finish the day watching the beautiful Colorado sunset as the first of the evening's stars emerge.
Dinner
Hotel check-in
Day 2
Breakfast
Space Foundation Discovery visit
Immerse yourself in space exploration, celestial bodies, and planetary imagery. Explore real space artifacts, learn about the history of human space travel, and embark on a scavenger hunt.
Mars Lander Lab at Space Foundation Discovery
Build your own Mars lander in this hands-on engineering design challenge where you'll strengthen your physics and engineering knowledge.
Lunch
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument visit
Walk through a prehistoric forest, petrified millions of years ago, and view the fossilized redwood stumps—some up to 14-feet wide. You'll explore one of the world's richest fossil deposits of insects, leaves, seeds, and flowers.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park visit
Submerge into a magical subterranean world on this cave tour to witness the powerful and beautiful work of water. Discover how crystalline stalactites and stalagmites form over 1000s of years and learn about the importance of conservation for this delicate environment and the creatures in it.
Flying W Ranch Dinner and Show
Imagine what it's like to live on a working cattle ranch while you're enjoying a hearty chuckwagon meal at this 1,400-acre ranch. During dinner, be immersed in frontier life by listening to the Flying W Wranglers band sing time-honored tunes of the open range.
Day 3
Breakfast
Challenger Learning Center Lunar Quest workshop
Find out what it takes to solve real-world problems on the moon's surface in a hands-on workshop. In this space-themed learning environment, you'll analyze the impacts of space radiation on human tissue, determine the density of lunar rocks, and design circuits for a solar-powered rover.
Lunch
Royal Gorge Canyon Bridge and Park visit
Wonder at the formation of the narrow gorge carved by the Arkansas River from atop America's highest suspension bridge. Then you'll soar through this stunning region from inside an aerial gondola, where you'll get photo-worthy 360-degree views.
Dinner
WhirlyBall experience
Burn off extra energy and strengthen your teamwork skills when you face off in this game that mixes basketball, lacrosse, and hockey from the seat of a bumper car.
Day 4
Breakfast
Aviation workshop
Learn the basics of flying drones, including aerodynamics, First-person view (FPV) flying, and obstacle navigation, in this hands-on workshop. You'll build your own drone to take home and will have an opportunity to ask your your pressing aviation and flight questions to a panel of skilled pilots.
Lunch
Manitou Springs Course Leader-led walking tour
Learn about the history of exploration and discovery in this region and visit each of the eight unique springs where water flows freely, seven days a week. Stop by the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade to explore the nostalgia of vintage games.
Pikes Peak visit via Cog Railway
Aboard the historic Cog Railway, you'll climb 8,000 feet to the summit of Pikes Peak, the 14,115-foot majestic giant known as "America's Mountain." Rumble along Ruxton Creek in Englemann Canyon, past Minnehaha Falls, and discover why this region inspired the writing of "America the Beautiful."
Dinner
iFLY STEM experience
Dive into the STEM concepts of aerodynamics, gravity, and air resistance as you learn about the physics behind flight and wind tunnel design. Connect classroom theory to real-world applications by watching demonstrations, performing experiments, and enjoying an indoor flight experience.
Day 5
Breakfast and hotel check-out
Broadmoor Seven Falls visit
Venturing into the 1,250-foot box canyon, you'll learn about its distinct microclimate amidst a series of seven cascading waterfalls. Climb the 224 steps that zigzag from one sweeping view to another or ride the glass elevator, you'll be immersed in one of nature's great achievements.
Lunch
Travel to Denver, CO
Depart for home
Dinner
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldStrides Course Leader - a dynamic destination expert who brings learning to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Field Research Guide (Discovery Journal)
Scenes from Colorado Springs Space and Aviation
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.