Family-Friendly Itinerary for Durango, CO

1. Thursday November 23: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Downtown Durango

   Start your family-friendly adventure in Durango with a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This historic steam-powered train takes you on a scenic journey through the spectacular San Juan Mountains. Marvel at the breathtaking views of the Animas River and enjoy the charming old-western atmosphere onboard. In the morning, embark on the round trip to Silverton, where you can explore the town and grab lunch. In the afternoon, the train will take you back to Durango.

   • Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: $100 per adult, $50 per child, estimated time: 6 hours
2. Friday November 24: Mesa Verde National Park
   52 minutes (35 miles) from Downtown Durango

   Head out to Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Explore the well-preserved archaeological sites and marvel at the intricate stone structures. In the morning, take a guided tour of the Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America. After lunch, hike the Petroglyph Point Trail and discover ancient rock art. Wrap up your day with a scenic drive along the Mesa Top Loop Road, offering panoramic views of the park.

   • Mesa Verde National Park entrance fee: $30 per vehicle, estimated time: 8 hours
3. Saturday November 25: Durango Discovery Museum
   5 minutes (0.7 miles) from Downtown Durango

   For a day of educational fun, visit the Durango Discovery Museum. This interactive science center offers hands-on exhibits and activities for all ages. Start your morning by exploring the "STEM Lab" where you can participate in exciting experiments. After lunch, head to the "Energy & Engineering" exhibit to learn about renewable energy and engineering principles. In the evening, catch an entertaining science show at the museum's theater.

   • Durango Discovery Museum admission: $12 per adult, $8 per child, estimated time: 4 hours
4. Sunday November 26: Animas River Trail & Powerhouse Science Center
   10 minutes (1.4 miles) from Downtown Durango

   Start your morning with a leisurely stroll along the scenic Animas River Trail. Enjoy the picturesque views of the river and surrounding nature. Afterward, make your way to the Powerhouse Science Center, a former coal-fired power plant turned interactive science museum. Explore the exhibits on energy, physics, and engineering. In the afternoon, take part in a hands-on workshop or catch a fascinating documentary at the museum's theater.

   • Powerhouse Science Center admission: $10 per adult, $6 per child, estimated time: 4 hours

For booking hotels and flights for your Durango, CO trip, please click here.