DurangoKidsGuide.com

Experience the adventure of traveling by a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago.   Durango was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1879. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. By July of 1882 (amazingly, only 9 months after construction began) the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers. The line was constructed to haul silver & gold ore from the San Juan Mountains, but passengers soon realized it was the view that was truly precious. This historic train has been in continuous operation for over 125 years, carrying passengers behind vintage steam locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the line. Relive the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a spectacular journey on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. (less) ... (more)

Colorado State Park   Mancos State Park, in southwestern Colorado, is a haven for the year-round outdoor enthusiast and traveler. In the spring, summer and fall, canoeists, kayakers and wakeless power boaters enjoy the calm waters of Jackson Gulch Reservoir. In the winter, there are great opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Biking, birding, hiking, and picnicking are also available throughout the year. The park has numerous campsites spread across two campgrounds as well as two year-round yurts, which provide visitors with an alternative to RV and tent camping. Family-friendly educational programs are also typically offered on weekends throughout the summer. (less) ... (more)

   Train rides bring out the kid in everyone! Ride Colorado's newest train to gain access to the truly wild and remote regions of the state along the route of the legendary La Veta Pass. Weekend departures from La Veta, just 16 miles off I-25. Themed trains run year round.

Take a Train Ride Through the Royal Gorge!   The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is Colorado's finest and most exhilarating way to explore the riches and beauties of the Royal Gorge. Whether enjoying the breathtaking views from an open railroad car or enjoying a meal garnished with spectacular sights, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad has bounties of fun for all those who board. The train departs daily now through October 31. Looking for a Christmas adventure the whole family will enjoy? The Santa Express Train is the answer for this year's holiday fun! Take part in the magical journey up the gorge to the "North Pole" where the train makes a special stop to pick up a very important passenger - Santa! Every family will enjoy classic Christmas stories and hot cocoa while making memories that will last a lifetime on the Santa Express Train. Make your reservation now for Santa Express, as spots fill up quickly. Visit us on our website or call us to make a reservation for an unforgettable journey on Colorado's most unforgettable train. (less) ... (more)

Zipline Adventure   The largest zipline adventure in the world is in Durango, Colorado! With 27 unique spans over beautiful mountain scenery, across Aspen and Old-Growth Ponderosa forest and criss-crossing the mighty Animas River, Soaring Tree Top Adventures' Zipline is a full-day of family-friendly adventure. Soaring Tree Top Adventures, located in Durango, Colorado, is the largest, safest zip line canopy tour course in the world. 34 platforms, over 27 spans ranging from 56 to 1,400 feet and several unique elements to get into and out of the trees make up the zipline course. Soaring lasts for an exhilarating 5.5 hours. During your adventure you will soar over a mile and a half of zipline spans, stop for a water/snack break, and have time to enjoy a four-course gourmet lunch in the trees. Eco Ranger specialists are in the trees and on the course to talk to guests about the unique old-growth forest and its inhabitants. Guests ride the Durango & Silverton Railroad to access our remote property, offering two unique adventures in one day. Guests ages 5-91 have experienced this family-friendly zipline adventure. Soaring has been rated the #1 Attraction in the United States, #1 in Colorado and #1 in Durango on TripAdvisor. Advance reservations required. (less) ... (more)

March 9-11, National Western Complex   Thousands of horse lovers and fans from around the region are getting ready for the 20th annual Rocky Mountain Horse Expo, with four-days of horse related family entertainment, crafts, vendors, educational exhibits, art and demonstrations scheduled for March 9-11 at the National Western complex in Denver. Expo 2012 features every type and size of horse, from show horses to working horses, dancing horses and ponies, and gives horse owners and fans the chance to meet and learn from the region's leading horse trainers, riders and clinicians. Highlights this year includes the Mane Event performances, with professional equine entertainers, and over 45 clinics per day featuring horsemanship workshops, riding, extreme trail, dressage and jumping demonstrations. We are also showcasing a Holistic Horse fair, with nationally known equestrian artists, sporting events, competitions and Art in the Part. "If you love horses, you will love the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo," said Bill Scebbi. "We have something for everyone and you can even bring your own horse." (less) ... (more)

   Have a horse crazy kid? Look for a qualified riding instructor or an educational horsemanship manual. The purpose of Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) is to promote excellence in safety and education for the benefit of the horse industry. CHA certifies instructors and trail guides, accredits equestrian facilities, publishes educational manuals, produces educational horsemanship DVDs and hosts regional and international conferences. For more information on CHA, please visit www.CHA-ahse.org or call 800-399-0138. To find a certified horseback riding instructor or accredited equine facility near you visit www.CHAinstructors.com. (less) ... (more)

Scouting   Going to Girl Scout camp can be a life-changing experience for girls. Its a place to try new things, get along with girls who are different and let down their guard in a safe environment. We have affordable day camp programs for all girls ages 6-17. You don't have to already be a Girl Scout to join the fun. Special discounts are available for first-time campers, even those who participate in other Girl Scout activities. Each camp program is geared to the girls age and gives girls the unique Girl Scout Leadership Experience while they have big fun and make friendships to last a lifetime. You could learn different dances from around the world; experience life as the pioneer women did; perhaps grow crystals or set off rockets; solve a mystery CSI-style; play games and make camp crafts; challenge yourself to learn new water sports; or choose from many other themed sessions. Most camp sessions are five days per week from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Day camps are made possible by dedicated volunteers throughout the state. If you are interested in volunteering this summer (and earning a free week at day camp for one daughter), call Kim Petau at 303-607-4647. For more information, click on website. (less) ... (more)

Trips on 5 Rivers at 6 Outposts!   Trip Discounts & Packages offered every day on our website, including our adventure-packed whitewater rafting & zipline packages! FREE wetsuits and splash jackets. With trips on 8 rivers, we'll find the trip that's perfect for you. We offer whitewater rafting adventures for all ages and abilities -- mild & relaxing floats, fun family whitewater and the most thrilling, heart-pounding Class V in the West! Plus zipline tours on 40+ acres of scenic Colorado beauty close to Vail, Aspen, Summit County and more . Let us show you the best summer activities in Colorado and make the booking process easy. Be sure to check out our award-winning website, where you can watch live-action VIDEOS of all of our trips and find discounts every day. We also offer rock climbing, fly fishing and horseback riding. Come stay in our log cabins or campground and make it a multi-day trip! Let us help you create the adventure of a lifetime with AVA! 877RAFTING (less) ... (more)

Door-to-Door Service   Get the best DEALS on the best whitewater rafting and zipline trips in Colorado. See our website for daily DISCOUNTS, all year long! Let us provide door-to-door service for you from Breckenridge or Keystone while you enjoy your Colorado adventure! Or save $$$ by driving to one of our convenient offices! BWR's offices are centrally located within an hour of five Colorado rivers. Always FREE wetsuits and splash jackets on all of our trips. Our outstanding and experienced guides will provide you with the adventure of a lifetime. Also offering rock climbing, fly fishing and horseback riding. Book today! (less) ... (more)

Colorado State Parks   Enjoy scenery that captures the beauty of Colorado from mountains to plains. Affordable vacations and some of the highest-quality recreation destinations in the state including hiking, biking, nature programs, boating, fishing, hunting and more. Colorado State Parks is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state's favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year Colorado State Parks manages more than 4,300 campsites, and 58 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit our website. (less) ... (more)

Family fun abounds at Colorado Trails Ranch   ... located in the beautiful San Juan Mountains just outside of Durango, Colorado. With its comprehensive Western riding and children's programs plus some of the best fly-fishing, the ranch offers an array of activities for the entire family.

Whitewater Rafting   Come enjoy a unique Colorado rafting experience and let us put the wet and wild in your Colorado family vacation! For over twenty years KODI Rafting has provided trips on some of Colorado's most spectacular rivers. With over 30 excursions on six Colorado rivers, we provide something for everyone; whether you a looking for a scenic float trip for the whole family or a wild whitewater challenge. Join us and find out why we've been voted #1 by Summit County locals five years in a row. (less) ... (more)

Colorado State Park   At Navajo State Park, boaters and campers enjoy the park year-round while biking, boating, camping, skiing, fishing, picnicking, hiking and swimming. Navajo's campgrounds have numerous sites with showers and flush toilets, as well as RV hookups. Navajo also has two-bedroom cabins that are fully furnished with many conveniences, including restrooms, showers, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave. Navajo State Park boasts its own full-service marina. Two Rivers Marina sells fuel, ice, tackle, boating supplies, snacks and accessories; has boat slips and mooring buoys; rental boats (pontoon boats, fishing boat and a ski boat) and a restroom on the dock. (less) ... (more)

   Train rides bring out the kid in everyone! Ride Colorado's newest train to gain access to the truly wild and remote regions of the state along the route of the legendary La Veta Pass. Weekend departures from La Veta, just 16 miles off I-25. Themed trains run year round.

Ski Sales, Rentals & Service   Since 1973, the Ski Barn in Durango, Colorado has provided performance ski products and services featuring expert boot-fitting, a full line of skis, and experienced and qualified technicians. Our goal is to provide the friendliest and most professional service to skiers and boarders enjoying Durango Mountain Resort (formerly Purgatory), Telluride, Wolf Creek and Silverton Mountain. (less) ... (more)