No matter how old you are, a visit to Telluride will be one you remember forevah and evah. So it’s safe to say that it’s hard to go wrong with a family trip to this little corner of the San Juan Mountains.
But kids and grownups alike can get riled up with trudging one trail after the other. So to keep everyone happy, here’s a solid list of 10 things to in Telluride with kids and the whole family!
Family Hangouts
Trout Lake
Whether you bring the canoe, paddle boards, or just the camping chairs with the fishing poles, kids absolutely love playing at Trout Lake. You can easily make an entire day out of this destination, with the Lake Hope Trail and the Rio Grande Southern Bridge to explore nearby. Plus, the dramatic peaks that backdrop these sparkling mountain waters make it hard to leave!
Horseback Riding with Roudy
Round up the kids and giddy up with Roudy Roudebush, Telluride’s famous horseback riding guide! Families absolutely love this activity as it gives them a taste of Colorado country at its best. Roudy hosts 1 and 2-hour rides, perfect for youngsters and grownups new to the saddle or with packed agendas.
Kid Friendly Festivals
Both the Bluegrass and Brews and Blues Festivals provide tons of things for kids to do as parents enjoy the music. Face painting, bounce houses, climbing walls, and more will keep them happy as the banjos play!
The Telluride Bluegrass Festival takes place in June, while the Brews and Blues Festival takes place in September.
Adventurous Kids
Raft the San Miguel
As the canyon widens and the paddling becomes less technical, kids 8+ can join in the fun through constant class II waves. All rafting trips come with a highly trained river guide, safety orientation, and topnotch gear including wetsuits and Coast Guard approved life jackets.
Mountain Biking
It’s easy to rent mountain bikes during your visit if you don’t have your own. Check out Telluride Sports or Mountains Adventure Equipment!
Here are some great beginner trails that everyone will enjoy:
Tommy Knocker Trail in Mountain Village
Galloping Goose just outside of town
Jurassic and Valley Floor Trail (easy to combine)
In town
Telluride Historical Museum
While Southwestern history might not seem like the most interesting subject for kids, the installations throughout the Telluride Museum make it an entertaining and immersive experience.
Tiny but mighty, it’s easy to step back in time with each exhibit that showcases the incredible and unique history of this prolific mountain town. The museum also offers educational programs and activities for children, making it a fun and informative experience for the whole family.
Bear Creek Falls Trail
Bear Creek Falls is an easier hike with a huge waterfall at the end. The trail follows an old service road, which narrows towards the end as you get closer to the falls. It’s a 4.5 mile round trip, and takes a couple hours to complete starting from Pine Street, or Town Park.
If this trail seems too long for your little ones, or there’s others you want to check out, head over to this Hiking in Telluride page for more great treks!
Adventure Center at Mountain Village
The Telluride Adventure Center offers so many things to do for kids, it can be hard to know where to start! Plus you can ride the gondola there, which adds to the whole experience! Here are some of the top activities they’ll love:
- Canopy Adventures: Zipline course with aerial bridges and rappelling.
- In the Plaza: Bungee Trampoline and the Mining Sluice
- Kids Summer Camps: Activities to keep them busy all week, or just for the day!
- Free! Yard Games and Disc Golf Course
Winter - All the Things in Mountain Village
If you’re visiting Telluride in the winter, Mountain Village is the place to be! With ski lessons for new shredders, a picturesque ice skating rink, multiple sledding hills, and sleigh rides, what can’t the kids do while they’re here?
Check out Things to Do in Mountain Village
