Ok so no hot springs. Can anyone tell me where would be a good place to go for the day that has either public hot springs or some kick-ass hiking or possibly both

Glenwood Springs

Yes you are correct. Eldorado Springs has a natural spring pool that is open only in summer, definitely not hot water. The canyon does have some nice trails however. Mountain trails in the park, and several others outside the stone wall around the original town. If you really want hot springs you will need to go up the mountains a bit, but if you are wanting just some hiking there are so many places to go that are pretty close in along the foothills. Boulder canyon, Red Rocks, ... We have done several hikes in the Southwest Littleton area as well.