Press Room

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Durango Area

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

DURANGO NATURE STUDIES
Dedicated to bringing nature into the lives of people of all ages through hands-on experiential activities. Programs include: summer nature camps, workshops and classes, junior naturalist field school, guided nature walks and Wild Walkabouts.
Location: Hwy 550 South Phone: 970-382-9244
Nature Center is 12 miles South of Durango on HWY 550

WATCH BEES MAKE HONEY
Honeyville offers the opportunity to watch bees make honey in a glass hive! While the bees are busy making honey, you can sample some of the many products made on-site…Colorado wildflower honeys, jams, jellies and honey wines. Open daily 9 to 5
Location: 33633 Highway 550 North (About 11 miles)
Phone: 970-247-1474 or 1-800-676-7690

SUMMER AT DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT
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 the chairlift on a round-trip for breathtaking views. Miniature Golf, Bungee Trampoline, Mechanical Bull, Rock Climbing Wall, and miles of mountain bike trails, shops and restaurants.
Location:     25 Miles North of Durango
Phone:          970-247-9000 or 1-800-585-0892

DURANGO DISCOVERY KIDS
Exhibits designed to challenge the mind and promote hands-on learning. Exhibits change seasonally. Open Wednesday- Friday, 10 AM – 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday 1 PM – 5 PM.
Location: 802 E. 2nd Avenue Phone: 970-259-9234

D&SNGRR ROUNDHOUSE MUSEUM
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, artists exhibits and two full-size authentic, turn-of-the-century locomotives.
Location: 479 Main Avenue Phone: 970-247-2733

TRIMBLE HOT SPRINGS
Kids love to swim, and what better place to go than Trimble Hot Springs, located just six miles north of Durango. Kids can splash around in an Olympic-sized pool. There are two therapy pools for Mom and Dad. Also available are herbal wraps, spa treatments, massages, and La Stone Therapy. open from 8 am – 11 pm daily
Location: 8 miles north of Durango off Hwy 550
Phone: 970-247-0111

UTE MOUNTAIN TRIBAL PARK
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. No water or food is available in the park. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water, lunch, sunscreen, sturdy hiking shoes and a hat.
Location:     Junction of Highways 160 and 666,
                     20 miles South of Cortez
Phone:          970-565-3751 or 1-800-847-5485

SHOPPING FOR SOUVENIRS
There are many unique stores in Durango that kids will love to search for something special to bring to their friends or to keep as a memento for themselves. Many choices downtown and at the Durango Mall on Hwy 160 South.

SAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS CENTER
The San Juan Public Lands Center houses the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Forest Service & San Juan Mountains Association offices. In addition they have a bookstore, kids corner, library, educational tools and rotating hands-on exhibits.
Location: 15 Burnett Court, Tech Center West on 160
Phone: 970-247-4874

CROW CANYON
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. Workshops, hands-on learning, archaeology adventures, cultural explorations and more.
Location: 23390 Road K, Cortez
Phone: 1-800-422-8975 or 970-565-8975

HIKING
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. Youngsters will love the opportunity to view wildlife in its native habitat, from squirrels and chipmunks to deer and elk. It is important to follow these safety tips:
• Wear sturdy shoes with soles that grip.
• Carry a backpack with first aid supplies, a compass, map, quick energy foods (dried fruit, hard candy), water, warm clothing and rain gear.
• Beware of high altitude sickness, which is marked by headaches, irritability, irrationality, and nausea or vomiting.
If you have any of these symptoms, get to a lower altitude as soon as possible and drink plenty of water. Hike in the morning because it frequently rains in the afternoon.
Location:Trail maps at The Forest Service Center in The Tech Center
Phone: 970-247-3500 or 1-800-GO-DURANGO

ROCKY MOUNTAIN WILDLIFE PARK
A zoo full of animals that are native to this area living in a natural habitat. You’ll see elk, deer, cougar, grizzly, bobcat, wolves and bears. A wildlife museum contains life-sized mounted animals, as well as western and wildlife art. The park is open seven days a week year round. Winter hours are 12-4 pm with feeding at 2 pm. Hours from May 15 through November 15 are 9-6 pm with feeding at 4 pm.
Location: Pagosa Springs (1 hour from Durango)
Phone: 970-264-5546.

WILDERNESS TRAILS RANCH
Hayrides, trail rides, chuck wagon cookout, fishing, waterskiing or tubing. A real dude ranch.
Location: Vallecito Lake Phone: 970-247-0722

MOUNTED WILDLIFE
Interested in local wildlife? Stop by First National Bank for a peek at stuffed and mounted wildlife. Bank hours are 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Location: 259 W. 9th Street Phone: 970-247-3020

BAR-D CHUCKWAGON
For an evening of entertainment and great food, try the Bar-D Chuckwagon. Enjoy a traditional barbecue beef and/or chicken dinner and 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, the kids will enjoy riding the Bar-D Train and peeking in the shops for souvenirs. Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Location: 8080 County Road 250, 7 miles North of Durango
Phone: 970-247-5753 or 888-800-5753

VALLECITO LAKE
Miles of shoreline for unlimited fun! Opportunities abound for fishing, hiking, boating and lots of exploring. A road follows the entire perimeter of the lake allowing families to find the perfect spot for a picnic. Services available at the lake include restaurants, boat rentals, horseback riding, gas and lodging. Check out the Tour of Sculptures. (Pull-offs along Route 501)
Location: 24 miles northeast of Durango via C.R. 240
Phone: 970-884-0844

TROLLEY RIDES
Climb aboard Durango’s trolley for a ride down Main Avenue. Drivers often provide you with plenty of information about Durango’s history. Rides Free
Location: Stops along Main Avenue every 20 minutes
Phone: 970-247-5038

BALLOON RIDES
Imagine a magic carpet ride! Fly inches over area lakes for a breathtaking “splash & dash,” a little higher for some souvenir pinecones from the tops of trees, or up to 3,000 feet for a 200 mile panoramic view of 4 statesThe adventure begins just after sunrise as passengers participate in the inflation of the balloon and pack it. You’ll receive a unique talk on the history of ballooning, personalized flight certificate, a 200-year old champagne celebration (nonalcoholic for the kids!) and a continental breakfast.
Location: Fairfield Pagosa Activities Center Phone: 970-731-8060

COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER
Aquatics Area including: Lap Pool, Leisure Pool, Water Slides and Hot Tub; Gymnasium, Indoor Track, Racquetball Courts, Fitness Area, Aerobics/Dance Room, Climbing Wall, Baby-sitting Room, Youth Game Room and conference rooms.
Location: 2700 Main Avenue Phone: 970-375-7300

ANIMAS MUSEUM
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, and a gift shop, too. Open year round! Summer hours are from May to October, Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Winter hours are from November through April, Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Location: Corner of West 2nd Avenue and 31st Street
Phone: 970-259-2402

ART SUPPLY HOUSE
Explore art at the art table—free projects to introduce children and adults to different forms of media. Projects change weekly.
Location: 24A Town Plaza Phone: 970-375-0090

HORSEBACK RIDING
Area outfitters offer trail rides suitable for families with children of any age. Hourly, breakfast and steak rides are available as well as hayrides. For more information, contact the outfitters listed below.

Big Corral 970-884-9235
Buck’s Livery 970-385-2110
D bar G Outfitters 970-385-6888
Elk Point Lodge 970-884-2482
Hole in the Wall 970-382-6638
Over the Hill Outfitters 970-385-7656
Rapp Guide Service 970-247-8454
Rimrock Outfitters 970-533-7588
Rustlers Roost 970-533-1570
Wilderness Trails Ranch 970-247-0722

DISCOVERY MUSEUM AT THE POWERHOUSE
Free open-air, pedal-powered movies at the Powerhouse
Friday nights during the summer.
Location: 1333 Camino del Rio Phone: 970- 422-2034

DURANGO PARKS

SANTA RITA PARK/GATEWAY (S. Camino del Rio) Volleyball, basketball, play equipment, 41/2 mile walking path, large area for soccer, Frisbee, kite flying, etc.
FOLSOM PARK (Florida Road & Folsom Place)
Baseball and play equipment.
FASSBINDER PARK (17th Street & West 2nd Avenue) Lots of shade, play equipment.
SCHNEIDER PARK (Roosa Avenue)
Riverside, play equipment.
PIONEER PARK (37th Street & Bennett Street)
Play equipment, lots of room, secluded.
BROOKSIDE PARK (2301 Main: across from High School) Riverside, play equipment.
ROTARY PARK (15TH Street & E. 2nd Avenue)
Riverside, gazebo picnic area.
ANIMAS CITY PARK (32nd Street N. to Bennett Street) Near railroad tracks, riverside, play equipment.
FORT LEWIS RECREATION COMPLEX
(Located at Fort Lewis College on Rim Drive)
Softball fields, football, play equipment, picnic areas.
MEMORIAL PARK, PHASE 1,2,3
Begin at 32nd Street & E. 3rd Avenue
Riverside, play equipment, swing sets, nature trail.
DURANGO HIGH SCHOOL (23rd Street & Main Avenue) Track, soccer, baseball. Football, tennis, play equipment.
For information: Durango Parks and Recreation Phone: 970-375-7300

THRU THE LENS STUDIO
Step back into the days of the old west for a family portrait. Dress in authentic costumes, from cowboys to historical figures, and you’ll have a photo that will remain a treasure for years to come.
Location: 643 Main Avenue Phone: 970-247-8626

ANASAZI HERITAGE CENTER
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 trail 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. Open daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Admission is $3.00 for adults and kids 17 and under free.
Location: 27501 Highway 184, Dolores Phone: 970-882-4811

MOUNTAIN BIKING
Trails are available for beginners as well as advanced riders. Bicycle rentals and tours are also available

Hassle Free Sports 970-259-3874
Purgatory Sports 970-247-9000
Monty’s 970-259-3495
Pedal the Peaks 970-259-6800

DURANGO WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTER
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 places. 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. Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Location: north of Main Ave. bridge between 15th and 16th Streets
Phone: 970-375-6766

GOLD MINE TOURS
Mayflower Gold Mill
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 explained. 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.
Location: Two miles NE of Silverton, CO on Hwy 160
Phone: 970-387-0294

Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour
The tour takes you into Galena Mountain where you follow the vein and learn how mining was done 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.
Location: Five miles NE of Silverton, CO
Phone: 970-387-5444 or 1-800-872-3009

DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD
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 signs of wildlife and spot cascading waterfalls along the journey. The train travels to Silverton in the summer and the round-trip takes about nine hours including a 2 hour layover in Silverton. In the spring and winter, it travels to Cascade Canyon and the round-trip lasts five hours.
Location: 479 Main Avenue
Phone: 970-247-2733 or 1-888-TRAIN-07

RIVER RAFTING
Many of the 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. You can choose 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. Below is a listing of area outfitters:

Durango Rivertrippers 970-259-0289
Flexible Flyers Rafting 970-247-4628
Mild to Wild Rafting 970-247-4789
Durango Raft Company 970-259-2257
Mountain Waters Rafting 970-259-4191
Outlaw Tours 970-259-1800
Peregrine River Outfitters 970-385-7600
Kayaking instruction is also available for those seeking more adventure: Four Corners River Sports 970-259-3893

FISHING
Southwest Colorado is known for its outstanding fishing opportunities, and Durango fits that category. The Animas River, running through Durango, is just 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, but children through the age of 15 are free. Licenses can be purchased at sporting good stores, grocery stores or gas stations.
Location: Ask for a fishing map from a sporting goods store or stop by the Visitors Center
Phone: 970-247-3500 or 1-800-GO-DURANGO

DURANGO ART CENTER—PAINT BAR
Smooth white paper, containers brimming with colorful tempera paints, palettes for mixing any other hues your heart desires and quality brushes are waiting for you at "The Paint Bar". It's the Durango Arts Center fun new activity that takes place in our funky Garage Art Studio behind the DAC building. Enjoy painting with your family and friends or drop off your young artist while you stroll downtown for awhile. All ages are welcome! Cost by the Hour: Adults & Kids $6.00, DAC members: $5.00 (Kids 6 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.)
Location: 802 East 2nd. Avenue Phone: 970-259-2606

THE HENRY STRATER THEATRE
Live entertainment year round.
Location: 699 Main Avenue Phone: 970- 375-7160