Durango is a wonderful place for families of all ages, young children, teenagers, and the young at heart. There are lots of different activities for the whole family. The helpful people at the Welcome Center are also happy to assist you with their ideas as well. 

Get ready to explore Durango’s fun and exciting family adventures with a four-day family-friendly itinerary!

Day 1

Powerhouse to Zip-lining

  • Start your vacation out right by treating the whole family to breakfast at The Lone Spur; their biscuits and gravy are amazing!

  • Explore the wonders of nature and technology at the Powerhouse Science Center along the river walk

  • Stop at and pick up a  to-go lunch, head to a park to eat, and let the kids burn off some steam.  

  • Get ready for high octane fun at Durango Adventures. Where Ziplining, Axe-throwing and Outdoor Laser Tag will get your hearts pumping

  • Top off your day at Steamworks. Adults can enjoy the local beer and kids can color or eat the peanuts.  

Day 2

Silverton Train Ride

  • Grab a coffee and pastry at the downtown Bread location before you board the train to Silverton. The D&SNG is also offering shorter trips for those that have young children.  

  • Check out the historic mining town of Silverton. There are a variety of shops to browse through and take your pick of the many restaurants. Be sure to look around at the high peaks and imagine trying to live in those mountains 100 years ago while mining for gold and silver.

  • Coming back into Durango, you may want to check out the Roundhouse Museum located at the train station. There are railroad memorabilia, exhibits, and miniature collections. Be sure to look up; there is an airplane hanging from the ceiling!  

  • Dinner beckons at one of Durango’s best BBQ places - Serious Texas.  There are 2 locations, and the one south of Durango has a mini-golf course. The kids, young and old, will love that.   

Day 3

Horsing Around Fun Day

  • It’s horseback riding day!! Depending on the outfitter and length of ride, some will treat you to breakfast or lunch. Check with your guide. If not supplied on the ride, there are many wonderful places to eat breakfast and/or lunch. Stop in the Welcome Center for ideas.     

  • After riding, you may want to go to Durango Hot Springs for a relaxing soak, and the kids can play in the saltwater pool.  

  • For dinner, there is nothing like a local Mexican restaurant. Gazpacho on East 2nd Ave is rated one of Durango’s best.

Day 4

Educational Experience

  • The kids are going to need a cultural experience, and there is no place like Mesa Verde National Park for that. But first, have breakfast at Durango Diner or Oscar’s Cafe, both are old-fashioned diners.

  • Head over to Mesa Verde National Park and stop at the Visitor and Research Center for any up-to-date information at the park. The adventurous can take a tour of the sites. However, for those not able to navigate the steps and ladders, much can be seen at the overlooks. Ranger-guided tours must be purchased ahead of time at recreation.gov. Younger children can have fun filling out the small packet for a junior ranger badge.

  • On your last night in Durango, head to Ska Brewing or Durango Beer and Ice for a relaxing evening of local beer and food. Kids are always welcome.