Durango, Colorado for the Family
Mesa Verde, Thomas the Train, Mountain Fun and Much More
The scenic mountain town of Durango in southwest Colorado is a treat for parents and kids alike. If you’re planning a summer vacation in or around Durango, check out these warm-weather attractions that are especially appealing to children.
Main Avenue Trolley Service Young children find these bright red trolleys that run up and down the main drag a blast to ride. They stop every 20 minutes at clearly marked signs and benches throughout downtown, Monday to Friday. The fare is only 50 cents, and kids under five ride for free.
Mesa Verde National Park This national park 35 miles west (about a 50-minute drive) of Durango is dedicated to the archeological remains of the ancient peoples who made their home in cliff dwellings in the natural alcoves in the mesas here. School-age children will enjoy the fascinating ranger-led tours of sites like Cliff Palace, Balcony House and Long House. When we visited Mesa Verde with our preschool-age kids in tow, they weren’t the greatest listeners during the tours, but they sure liked scrambling up the ladders at the multi-story dwellings.
Fassbinder Park There are lots of places in town to picnic with your kids and let them expend some energy, but one right off the Main Avenue is especially centrally located and ideal with its shady trees, picnic tables and playground. Look for Fassbinder Park just off Seventeenth Street and Second Avenue.
Steamworks Brewing Company At this downtown microbrewery, kids can draw on the floor with sidewalk chalk. What more could you ask for in a family-friendly restaurant? How about a vibrant (read: loud) atmosphere that will drown out your kids, a varied children’s menu, crayons and a paper placemat to color, plus cool sippy cups whose tops won’t fall off. Oh, and a scoop of ice cream comes with every kids’ meal. (And the beer’s not bad, either.)
Durango Mountain Resort There’s disc golf, mountain scooters, a climbing wall and naturalist programs on mountain at Durango Mountain Resort. A big draw: the half-mile alpine slide, which takes you on a curvy ride past banked turns and a trestle. Children ages 3 to 5 need to ride with an adult.
Thomas the Train Every summer, typically in June, Thomas the beloved tank engine makes an appearance at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, attracting thousands of families with preschool-age children obsessed with the bright blue character. Take a 25-minute ride on Thomas, play with model trains, listen to stories with Sir Topham Hatt, jump on a “bouncy train” all with the price of admission to the “Day Out with Thomas.” Book your train-ride tickets early; they tend to sell out quickly.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad If Thomas isn’t in town when you’re planning your family trip, consider a ride on a coal-fired, steam-engine train that makes its way from Durango through canyons and wilderness to the old mining town of Silverton. It’s an 8-hour round trip, so be prepared to spend the entire day on the train (except for time for sightseeing and lunch in Silverton). Choose from indoor or outdoor seating; if you sit on the open-air “gondola” bring along a jacket or warm gear in case of inclement weather, and don’t be surprised if you’re showered with ash emitted from the coal-powered train.
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