Visiting Durango

Itinerary: Bring the Kids

An Itinerary guide for the kids!

Your guide to all the kid friendly activities Durango. There is so much to do you might need to plan another trip!

1. Don't miss a trip to the Durango Silverton Railroad Museum. Admission is free! The museum has an interactive train model, authentic train cars for kids to explore, plus many interesting historical railroad artifacts. Click here for more information.

2. Visit the Powerhouse Science Center- Open year-around. The Powerhouse Science Center is educational and playful place for children of all ages with hands-on learning and interactive exhibits. Hours of Operation: Monday,Tuesday, Thursday 9-1pm, Saturday & Sunday 9-3:30pm  Click here for more information.

3. Enjoy some Sweet Treats at our amazing ice cream candy shops. Visit Cream Bean Berry, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Cold Stone Creamery, Fuzziwig's Candy Factory, and Animas Chocolate Company.

4. Stroll or ride down the Animas River Trail. The river trail stretches 9 miles through Durango's Animas River Green way. The trail is a great connection to many of our parks and open spaces, including the Recreation Center, Powerhouse Science Center and more. Bike, ride, stroll down our beautiful trail. Click here for a map of the Animas River Trail.

5. Take a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This is an unforgettable experience to ride a coal-fired, steam-powered narrow-gauge train. It's an amazing experience that your family will continue to talk about years to come. Book your trip here.

6. Check out the Durango Public Library located in the North Main District at 1900 E. 3rd Ave., featuring a generous, dedicated children's section with books, interactive computer games, and puppet area. Keep current with the calendar for regular weekly events such as baby story time, fired up stories, STEAM-Tastic Friday, Lego club and more. 

7. Spend some time feeding the fish at the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum, located in the North Main District at 151 E. 16th Street,(just past the bridge as you head North from town) the hatchery produces more than 1.3 million fish a year, and visitors can feed the fish via coin-operated dispensers. Inside, the museum has a few displays covering the area's wildlife. Allow 30 minutes. Bring some quarters so you can feed the fish! The Hatchery and Wildlife Museum is open daily from 8-4:30pm. For more information call 970-247-4755.

8. Check out the Chapman Hill Rink & Ski Hill for more fun activities (500 Florida Road). Rollerblade during the summer months (Mid-May through Mid-September.) Lace up your skates every Friday & Saturday for Disco Night from 6 to 9pm all summer long. You can ice skate at the rink October to April. The kids will love our little in-town ski hill that offers two rope tows. Chapman Ski Hill Ski Hill opens Mid December (weather permitting) Click here for the events calendar.

9. Visit our beautiful Recreation Center, located in the North Main District at 2700 Main Avenue. The 71,557 sq. ft. facility is filled with fun activities for the whole family. The facility has an expansive aquatics area with a 160 ft. water slide and play structures. The kids will enjoy scrambling over the 30-ft. high rock climbing wall. And don't forget the racquetball courts and gymnasium. The Rec Center also has a great youth games space with fun activities such as air hockey, pool table and ping pong. Click here for more information.

10. Enjoy an adventure down the Animas River with one of our local guide companies. River Rafting, and tubing is a great way to cool down in the summer months. Check out these guide companies for reservations or for equipment rental. Mountain Waters Rafting 303 W. College Drive (by Albertsons), and, Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours 50 Animas View Drive.

11. Plan a trip to Mesa Verde National Park! Families will enjoy a trip to Mesa Verde to learn the history and sites of Ancestral Pueblo people who made Mesa Verde their home for over 700 years. Ask how your child can become a Junior Ranger and participate in activities while visiting the park

Durango is filled with many family friendly restaurants. Check out a list here.

Looking for more great activities? Check out the BMX Track, Lake Nighthorse, Purgatory Resort for summer and winter activities, and don't forget to stop by Durango Hot Springs!

There is so much to do, you will need to plan extra trips to enjoy it all! See our full family activity guide here

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