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Durango Area
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
Activities for all ages:
Outdoor Activities
Durango Mountain Resort
1-800-979-9742
www.durangomountainresort.com
In the summer, Durango Mountain Resort offers fun and adventure for everyone. Ride a chairlift up the mountain and ride your mountain bike or the Alpine Slide down. Take in the breathtaking views on a mountain hike. The Plunge Zipline, miniature golf, Bungee Trampoline, rock climbing wall, gold panning, miles of trails, shops, galleries and restaurants make it an adventure for the whole family.
River Rafting and Water Sports
Rafting outfitters in Durango offer family adventures that are safe for children. Trips on the lower portion of the Animas River are available as float trips for families with small children. Choose from one-hour, two-hour or half-day trips to suit your needs. For older children, more adventure is offered via longer trips and rides on a different portion of the river.
| 4- Corners Whitewater | www.raft-kayak.com | 888-946-1404 |
| Mild to Wild Rafting | www.mild2wildrafting.com | 800-567-6745 |
| Adaptive Sports Association | www.asadurango.org | 970-259-0374 |
| Durango Rafting Company | www.durangoraft.com | 877-257-2252 |
| Durango Rivertrippers Rafting | www.durangorivertrippers.com | 800-292-2885 |
| Flexible Flyers Rafting | www.flexibleflyersrafting.com | 800-346-7741 |
| Mountain Waters Rafting | www.durangorafting.com | 800-585-8243 |
| Outlaw Tours | www.outlawtours.com | 877-259-1800 |
| Pine Rivers Surf Co. | www.pineriviersurfco.com | 970-749-4107 970-884-4533 |
| Southwest Whitewater | www.swwhitewater.com | 800-989-9792 |
| Valley of the Spruce (Jet Skies) | www.valleyofspruce.com | 970-884-5028 |
Fishing
Southwest Colorado is known for its outstanding fishing including the Gold Medal Waters of the Animas River. The Animas River, running through Durango, is one of the many places to catch trophy Rainbow, Brown and Cutthroat Trout. There are many lakes in the area as well, where you will have the opportunity to catch salmon, trout, pike and more. A license is required for adults; children 15 and under are free. Licenses can be purchased at sporting good stores, grocery stores or gas stations.
| Anasazi Angler | www.sanjuantrout.com | 970-385-4665 |
| Angler’s Wharf Marina | www.anglerswharf.com | 970-884-9477 |
| Animas Valley Anglers | www.gottrout.com | 970-259-0484 |
| Caddis Company | www.caddiscompany.com | 970-382-9978 |
| Duranglers | www.duranglers.com | 888-347-4346 |
| Doc’s Marina | www.docsmarina.com | 866-884-9450 |
| Pro Fly Fishers | www.proflyfishers.com | 970-385-9048 |
| Vallecito Lake Area | www.vallecitolakechamber.com | 970-247-1573 |
| Durango Wildlife Education Center and Fish Hatchery | 970-375-6766 |
Hiking and Rock Climbing
There are many trails suitable for family hikes in the Durango area. The trail system includes adventures such as hiking to hidden mountain lakes, easy walks along rivers and streams, and climbing a mountainside for panoramic views. From squirrels to elk, youngsters will love the opportunity to view wildlife in its native habitat. For older kids, rock climbing adventures are a more challenging, thrilling adventure. To be safe, be prepared. Mountain weather can change quickly. Wear sturdy shoes and sunscreen, carry a backpack with food, water, and medical supplies, and beware of high altitude sickness which is marked by headache, nausea or vomiting.
| Colorado Mountain Expeditions | www.coloradoexpeditions.com | 877-363-4453 |
| Southwest Adventure Guides | www.mtnguide.net | 800-642-5389 |
| Trails 2000 | www.trails2000.org | 970-259-4682 |
| U.S. Forest Service | www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan/ | 970-247-4874 |
| San Juan Mountain Association | www.sjma.org | 970-247-4874 |
| Animas River Trail |
Mountain Biking
Explore the terrain of Southwest Colorado on a bike! Single track trails and access roads are available for beginners as well as advanced riders. Bicycle rentals and tours are also available. Maps at:
| Trails 2000 | www.trails2000.org | 970-259-4682 |
| 2nd Ave Sports (rentals) | www.2ndavesports.com | 970-247-4511 |
| Adaptive Sports Association | www.asadurango.org | 970-385-2163 |
| Durango Bike Adventures | www.admotours.com | 800-944-2351 |
| Durango BMX | www.durangobmx.com | 970-759-1373 |
| Durango Cyclery (service) | www.durangocyclery.com | 970-247-0747 |
| Durango Mountain Bike Camp | www.durangomountainbikecamp.com | 970-385-0411 |
| Hassle Free Sports (rentals) | www.hasslefreesports.com | 800-835-3800 |
| Hermosa Tours | www.hermosatours.net | 877-765-5682 |
| Monty’s Town Bike Rental | www.montystownbikes.com | 970-426-2807 |
| Mountain Bike Specialist (service) | www.mountainbikespecialist.com | 970-247-4066 |
| Pedal the Peaks (rentals) | www.pedalthepeaks.biz | 970-259-6880 |
| Purgatory Sports (rentals) | www.durangomoutainresort.com | 970-247-9000 |
Jeep Tours and Rentals
Enjoy a thrilling 4 wheel ride through the mountains! You can admire the beautiful scenery of the mountains while feeling the wind in your face from the back of a jeep.
| Mild to Wild Jeep Tours | www.mildtowildrafting.com | 800-567-6745 |
| ATV’s at Vallecito Lake | www.valleyofspruce.com | 970-884-5028 |
| Farabee’s Jeep Rentals | www.farabeejeeprentals.com | 877-970-5337 |
Vallecito Lake
970-247-1573
www.vallecitolakechamber.com
Nestled in a secluded mountain valley surrounded by millions of acres of unspoiled San Juan National Forest, Vallecito Lake is one of the largest and most beautiful bodies of water in all of Colorado. Families can fish, camp, horseback ride, boat and relax. A variety of accommodations including guest ranches, campgrounds, mountain cabins and resorts. Miles of shoreline for unlimited fun!
Archaeological/Heritage
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde Country
800-449-2288
www.ps.gov/meve/
Situated in the hills just 35 miles west of Durango, Mesa Verde Country is the archaeological center of America. Mesa Verde Country is home to Mesa Verde National Park, the Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Hovenweep National Monument, the Anasazi Heritage Center and Crow Canyon Acharological Center. Mesa Verde Nation Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers kids an unforgettable opportunity to see and experience the life of the ancient Ancestral Puebloans.
For tours:
Mesa Verde Tours
970-247-8533
www.mesaverdetours.com
Anasazi Heritage Center
970-882-4811
www.co.blm.gov/ahc/hmpge.htm
Discover the Anasazi story through exhibits, a pithouse replica, films and hands-on interactive educational computer programs. Touch the past- grind corn, weave on a loom, use microscopes and touch real artifacts in the Discovery Area. You’ll learn about the Four Corners area via the half –mile train to Escalante Ruin where you’ll have an excellent view of McPhee Reservoir, Mesa Verde and Four Corners mountain ranges and the Great Sage Plain. Free for children 17 and under.
Ute Mountain Tribal Park
970-565-3751
http://www.utemountainute.com
Experience a special Native American interpretation of the culturally diverse homeland of the Ute Mountain Tribe. Native American guides interpret Ute Indian history, Ute rock art, geological land formation and Ancestral Puebloan rock art, artifacts and dwellings. Choose from full day, half day or special tours to remote sections of the park. Bring plenty of food, water, sunscreen and hiking gear!
Chimney Rock Archaeological Area
970-883-5359
www.chimneyrockco.org
Chimney Rock is a San Juan National Forest Archaeological Area located between Durango and Pagosa Springs. Take a tour of the home of the ancestors of the modern Pueblo Indians and visit some of the hundreds of individual sites on the beautiful, scenic landscape. See the Visitor Center Cabin to set up tours, although reservations are not required for regular daily tours except for groups of ten or more.
Museums
Animas Museum
970-533-9857
www.animasmuseum.org
A great opportunity to discover Durango’s history, the Animas Museum is the same location as the Animas City School built in 1906. The museum contains collections that will take you back into history, including a turn-of-the-century classroom and the pioneer Joy Cabin, as well as a gift shop. Open year round!
D&SNGRR Roundhouse Museum
970-247-2733
www.durangotrain.com
Children will have a chance to view the roundhouse turntable in action as locomotives return each evening from Silverton. Browse through the many historical exhibits on display including a library, railroad lamp and lock display, artist’s exhibits and two full-size authentic turn-of-the-century locomotives. The museum brings to life the heritage of railroading in the Rockies.
Durango Discovery Museum
970-259-9234
www.durangodiscovery.org
This world-class, interactive museum is hands-on fun for all ages. Visitors can explore science and energy topics in the country’s oldest surviving coal-fired, steam-generated AC power plant. The museum’s interactive discovery and science exhibits promise to “ignite curiosity, spark imagination and power exploration.”
Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum
970-563-9583
http://www.succm.org/
Explore the history of the Southern Ute Indians in this new Southern Ute Cultural Center located in Ignacio, Colorado. This interactive museum contains multiple galleries, libraries and archives, outdoor experiences and a museum store. Kids and their families can learn about the land that is of significance to the Ute people as well as investigate what defined the Ute Indian Tribe.
Special Attractions
Bar-D Chuckwagon
970-247-5753
www.bardchuckwagon.com
For an evening of entertainment and great food, try the Bar-D Chuckwagon. Enjoy a traditional barbecue beef and/or chicken dinner with all the fixins’, served on a tin plate. After you are full, you’ll be entertained with Western music by the Bar-D Wranglers. Before the show, kids will enjoy riding the Bar-D train and peeking into the Old Western Town shops for souvenirs. Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The Clay Room
970-426-9685
artandlaughter.com
Durango’s paint-your-own pottery studio for all ages! Parents can relax with a free beverage while the kids paint the pottery of their choice or take one of the offered classes. Classes cover everything from clay, to cake decorating and even Chinese.
Durango Nature Studies
970-382-9244
www.durangonaturestudies.org
Dedicated to bringing nature into the lives of people of all ages through hands-on experiential activities, Durango Nature Studies hosts many programs like Wild Walkabouts, nature camps, guided nature walks, classes and workshops.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
888-872-4607
www.durangotrain.com
Children of all ages love to ride this historic steam engine that takes you through the San Juan Mountains to the old mining town of Silverton, Colorado. Children can watch for wildlife and waterfalls along the journey. The train travels to Silverton in the summer with the option to take the bus in one direction. In the spring and winter, the train travels to Cascade Canyon. Special excursions include The Polar Express, Thomas the Train, The Pumpkin Express and more. Welcome aboard!
Souvenir Shopping in Historic Downtown Durango
There are many unique stores in the Nationally Registered Historic District where kids can search for something special for themselves or friends. Mom and Dad can also enjoy the galleries and museums as they stroll through one of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations.
Durango Wildlife Education Center/ Fish Hatchery
970-259-2402
The Durango Wildlife Education Center is open to the public and admission is free. The center offers tours of the raceway and show ponds where trout are being raised and released into area waters. Children can feed the fish in both areas and fishing is available in select ponds. The center has educational displays of all the different ecosystems that are found in southwest Colorado. The displays include plants and animals that are found in each unique system. Open Memorial Day through September.
Durango Public Library
970-375-3380
www.durangopubliclibrary.org
Located along the edge of the Animas River, in sight of the railroad tracks, the recently built Durango Public Library has sections for kids, parents as well as a restaurant to purchase food. Both children and parents can enjoy the peaceful and friendly atmosphere as they read and play games. When ready to leave, families can take an easy stroll down the Animas River Trail, located just outside the Library.
Thru the Lens Studio
970-247-8626
http://durangophotography.com/
Step back into the days of the Old West for a family portrait. Dress in authentic costumes, from cowboys and saloon girls to historical figures, and you’ll have a photo that will remain a treasure for years to come.
Art Supply House
970-375-0090
www.artsupplyhouse.com
A full-service art and supply store with hands on experiences. Explore art at the art table—free projects to introduce children and adults to different forms of media. Projects change weekly.
San Juan Public Lands Center
970-247-4874
The San Juan Public Lands Center houses the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Forest Service & San Juan Mountains Association offices. They also have a bookstore, kid’s corner, library, educational tools and rotating hands-on exhibits.
Bowling at Sky Ute Casino Resort
800-876-7017
www.skyutecasino.com
Keep every family member entertained with 24 lane AMF bowling and a state-of-the-art arcade and party rental room. There is also a playground area, swimming pool and mini golf! With all of these attractions, everyone will find fun and enjoyment.
Sweet Tooth
Honeyville
800-676-7690
www.honeyville.com
Watch bees make honey in a glass hive at Honeyville. While the bees are busy at work, sample some of the products that are made on-site like Colorado wildflower honeys, jams, jellies and candies.
Fuzziwigs
970-259-1325
www.sweetsfromheaven.com
Named in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 10 in 2007, visit Durango’s brightest candy store, located on Main Ave. Children and adults will be mesmerized by the wide variety of tasty treats and can sample a selection of goodies.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
1-888-535-2462
www.rmcf.com
Come see the store that started it all! The original Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory store was in Durango and is currently on Main Ave. Meet Truffles, the fluffy bear, and taste the amazing fudge and specialized sweets while you watch some of the candies and caramel apples being made!
Swimming
Trimble Spa & Natural Hot Springs
970-247-0111
www.trimblehotsprings.com
Just six miles north of Durango, Trimble Spa & Natural Hot Springs has an Olympic-sized pool and two therapy pools of mineral water that are heated by naturally occurring hot springs. Aside from splashing around in the water, herbal wraps, spa treatments, massages and La Stone Therapy are also offered. Large lawns surrounding the pools are perfect for picnicking and relaxing.
Community Recreation Center
970-375-7300
www.durangogov.org
Let kids splash around in the leisure pool, indoor play park and water slides, lap pool and hot tub. An indoor track, gymnasium, racquetball courts, fitness area, aerobics/dance room, climbing wall, baby-sitting room, youth game room and conference rooms are also offered.
Mini Golf
| Durango Mountain Resort | www.durangomountainresort.com | 1-800-979-9742 |
| Durango Park | 970-382-9099 | |
| Sky Ute Casino | www.skyutecasino.com | 970-563-7777 |
Horseback Riding and Outfitters
Saddle up and step into the boots of a real western cowboy! Area outfitters offer trail rides suitable for families with children of most ages. Hourly, breakfast and dinner rides are available as well as hayrides and sleigh rides. Ask your outfitter about specific age restrictions and options for children to join for later activities.
| Antler Meadows Outfitting | www.antlermeadowsoutfitting.com | 970-563-9567 |
| Big Corral Riding Stables | www.vallacitolakeoutfitter.com | 970-884-9235 |
| Buck’s Livery | www.buckslivery.com | 970-385-2110 |
| Colorado Trails Ranch | www.coloradotrails.com | 800-323-3833 |
| D Bar G Outfitters | www.dbarg.com | 970-385-6888 |
| Elk Point Stables | www.elkpoint.com | 970-259-8590 |
| Great Divide Outfitters | www.greatdivideoutfitters.com | 970-884-2372 |
| Hole in the Wall Stagecoaches | www.theholeinthewallstables.com | 970-768-3257 |
| Over the Hill Outfitters | www.overthehilloutfitters.com | 970-385-7656 |
| Peak to Creek Outfitters | www.peaktocreekoutfitters.com | 970-884-0199 |
| Rapp Coral | www.rappcoral.com | 970-247-8454 |
| Rocky Mountain Outfitters | www.rockymountainoutfitters.com | 970-884-2074 |
| Ron D. View Ranch & Outfitters | www.rondviewoutfitting.com | 970-259-8590 |
| San Juan Sky Outfitters | www.sanjuanskyoutfitters.com | 970-259-8590 |
| Seven-Seven Outfitters | www.77outfit.com | 970-247-3231 |
| Sheep Mountain Guides & Outfitters | 970-259-1076 | |
| T Bar M Outfitters | www.tbarmoutfittersdurango.com | 970-259-5469 |
| Waterfall Ranch Outfitters | www.waterfallranchoutfitters.com | 970-247-8758 |
| Wilderness Trails Ranch | www.wildernesstrails.com | 800-527-2624 |
Theatres
Durango Arts Center
970-259-2606
www.durangoarts.org
Come watch live performances at the Durango Arts Center! Always working on different productions, check their calendar for current showings and art exhibits.
Durango Melodrama
970-375-7160
www.durangomelodrama.com
Kids will love this interactive play. They’ll enjoy hissing the villain and cheering the hero. Parents will enjoy a walk down memory lane as they sing along to familiar tunes before the show opens and during the Vaudeville Review immediately following. Open June to mid-August nightly except Tuesday.
Henry Strater Theater
970-375-7160
www.henrystratertheatre.com
The Henry Strater Theater is one of the oldest and most respected continually running theatres in Colorado, offering a variety of performances. It hosts year-round community shows, and is one of National Geographic’s Top Ten Places to Experience in the USA. Check online or at the box office to see what is playing now!
| Abbey Theatre | www.abbeytheatre.com | 970-385-1711 |
| The Back Space Theatre | www.thebackspacetheatre.org | 970-259-7940 |
| Community Concert Hall | www.durangoconcerts.com | 970-800-5753 |
| Gaslight Cinema | www.transluxmovies.com | 970-247-9766 |
| Storyteller Theatres | www.transluxmovies.com | 970-247-9799 |
| Sky Ute Casino and Lodge | www.skyutecasino.com | 800-876-7017 |
Mine Tours
Mayflower Gold Mill, Silverton
970-387-0294
www.silvertonhistoricsociety.org/index_files/page0013.htm
Take a guided tour through this historic mill. See all the machinery still in place and much of it operating during the tour. Visit the Aerial Tramhouse with the buckets and tram system. See how gold and silver were processed. Free gold panning! A rock & mineral shop and unique gifts from the gift shop are available. Open Memorial Day through September. Tours hourly 10:00 am –3:30 pm.
Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour, Silverton
970-387-5444
www.minetour.com/
The tour takes you into Galena Mountain where you follow the vein and learn about mining and experience operating mine equipment in a real mine setting. Free gold panning (the miner’s sluice box has been “salted” with the real thing, so you’re sure to find some!) Other sites include the electric mine train, the famous “Cliff Dwellers” boarding house, actual drilling demonstrations and the gift shop. Open early May through early October. Tours leave hourly, beginning at 10:00 am.
Durango Parks:
- Santa Rita Park/ Gateway (S. Camino del Rio)
- Folsom Park (Florida Rd& Folsom Place)
- Fassbinder Park (17th Street & W 2nd Ave)
- Schneider Park (Roosa Ave)
- Pioneer Park (37th Street & Bennett)
- Brookside Park (2310 Main Ave: Behind the High school)
- Rotary Park (15th street &E 2nd Ave)
- Animas City Park (32nd Street N to Bennett St)
- Fort Lewis Recreation Complex (FLC Rim Drive)
- Memorial Park (32nd Street & E 3rd Ave)
- Durango High School (23rd Street& Main Ave)
- For information: Durango Parks and Recreation 970-375-7300
‘Tweens and Teenagers:
Soaring
Durango Mountain Resort www.durangomountainresort.com 1-800-979-9742
Soaring® Tree Top Adventures
970-769-2357
www.soaringcolorado.com
In a remote valley, accessible only by the historic steam train, this is an extreme zip line adventure. Soar through the Aspens and glide above the Animas River on an exhilarating tree-to-tree canopy tour. Soaring® offers outdoor activity and freedom to thrill seekers of all ages.
Full Blast Adventure Center
970-759-9880
www.ziplinedurangoco.com
Visit the Full Blast Adventure Center to experience Zip Line tours and Paintball! This safe yet exhilarating activity is a breathtaking mix of excitement and fun. Soar through the air then challenge family or friends at paintball. Book in advance!
Crow Canyon
970-564-4346
www.crowcanyon.org/archaeology
If you are looking for an adventure in Southwestern archaeology, an exploration of Native American cultures or a great way to experience the extraordinary landscape of the Four Corners Region, Crow Canyon Archaeological Center is the place for you! You’ll learn by participating in an actual archaeological dig, scrambling up slopes to view rock art, rafting down a river to explore a remote site or grinding corn as Native Americans have done for centuries. There are workshops, hands-on learning, archaeology adventures, cultural explorations and more. Wednesdays and Thursdays from May through September. For children 10 and older. Book your reservations in advance.
Winter Specific Activities:
Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort
800-979-9742
www.durangomountainresort.com
Durango Mountain Resort (DMR) offers world-class terrain, trails and amenities for skiers and boarders of all levels. With an average annual snowfall of 250 inches and over 300 days of sunshine a year, DMR is known for its incredible winter weather. Classes for kiddies, daycare and rentals are available. Also enjoy tubing and sledding on the mountain.
Purgatory Nordic Center
970-385-2114
Purgatory Ski & Snowboard Rentals
970-385-2182
Performance Peak
970-247-9000 x5180
Skiing, Snowboarding and Rentals
| Adaptive Sports Association | www.asadurango.org | 970-385-2163 |
| Bubba’s Boards & Mountain Sports | 970-259-7377 | |
| Chapman Hill & Ice Skating Rink | www.durangogov.org | 970-375-7395 |
| Cliffside Ski and Sport | www.cliffsideski.com | 970-385-1461 |
| Gold Medal Sports | www.goldski.com | 970-259-1063 |
| Hassle Free Sports | www.hasslefreesports.com | 800-835-3800 |
| Hesperus Ski Area | www.ski-hesperus.com | 970-259-3711 |
| Inferno Snowboard Shop | www.infernosnowboardshop.com | 888-396-8669 |
| Pine River Valley Nordic Ski Club | www.vallecitolakechamber.com | 970-884-7302 |
| Second Avenue Sports | www.2ndavesports.com | 970-247-4511 |
| Ski Barn | www.skibarndurango.com | 800-796-7472 |
| The Boarding Haus | www.boardinghaus.com | 970-259-8182 |
Snowmobiling, Dogsledding and Sleigh Rides
Get in the festive spirit with family-friendly snowmobile trips, dog sled trips and sleigh rides. Listen to the jingling of bells, the crunching of the snow, barking dogs, and the whinnies of the horses as you marvel in the winter wonderland of Durango.
| Buck’s Livery | www.buckslivery.com | 970-385-2110 |
| Durango Dog Ranch | www.durangodogranch.com | 970-259-0694 |
| Ice Pirates | www.dgoicepirates.com | 970-247-3706 |
| Rapp Corral | www.rappcoral.com | 970-247-8454 |
| Snowmobile Adventures | www.snowmobileadventures.com | 970-385-2141 |
Special Events
Homegrown Apple Days Festival
www.laplataextension.org
October- This free public event celebrates and highlights the apple. Those who attend gain information on how to promote sustainable foods while pressing, flinging and eating apples.
Peanuts™ Great Pumpkin Patch Express
970-259-0274
www.durangotrain.com
October-The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad hosts themed train ride to the pumpkin patch where passengers will meet the Peanuts™, enjoy live music and pick their own pumpkin to take home.
Polar Express
970-259-0274
www.durangotrain.com
December-Take the kids on a Christmas excursion to the North Pole that they will never forget. Let the friendly chefs from the Polar Express indulge you in hot chocolate and cookies, while they read you the magical book of the Polar Express. Then, when you arrive at the North Pole, meet Santa and see what special surprises are still in store!
A Day Out With Thomas™
970-259-0274
www.durangotrain.com
June-Passengers will chug along with Thomas the Tank Engine™ while enjoying stories, music and games. Meet Sir Topham Hatt while a memorable childhood friend springs to life, carrying boys and girls alike.
Winterfest at Durango Mountain Resort
1-800-979-9742
www.durangomountainresort.com
January- To get the full winter experience, visit Winterfest at DMR. Try all the exciting, snow-related activities such as ice climbing, dog sledding or snowshoeing. Fun for all ages!
Visit www.durango.org to see a full calendar of upcoming special events!
Visit www.durango.org for a full dining guide!
