Telluride is the ultimate mountain destination for families with kids. Probably best known for epic winter ski conditions, season after season, Telluride Ski Resort consistently attracts families from all over the world who love the varied terrain, uncrowded slopes, spectacular alpine beauty & authentic mountain town vibe.
However, those same families are quickly realizing that Telluride is an equally impressive, if not MORE fun summer destination. Each summer, in increasing numbers, families from heat soaked states such Texas, Arizona, New Mexico & Florida are making their pilgrimage to Telluride to enjoy our mild climate, insane natural beauty, cultural delights and action packed outdoor adventure opportunities.
Telluride Town Park
Telluride Town Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise, with everything from playgrounds to skate parks to swimming and fishing.
Just last week, the Telluride Town Park unveiled it’s brand new 25 meter swimming pool facility. This stylish new recreation area is an outdoor, seasonal, heated, swimming facility located right next to the beach volleyball courts. Open from June 15 – August 30, the pool offers both adults and kid’s swimming programs. Admission is $5 for adults, and $2.50 for seniors and kids 4-11 years. Kids 3 & under are free. Click here for opening hours.
Right next to the pool is the ‘Imagination Station’ playground which is perfect for kids of all ages who love swings, slides, rope climbs, bridges and tunnels. Also in town park is a skate park, tennis courts, a frisbee golf course, kid’s fishing pond and horseshoe pits.
Ride The FREE Gondola!
One of Telluride’s most simple life pleasures, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike is the gondola that connects Telluride and Mountain Village. Famously free, and offering some of the most majestic mountain views in the United States, the gondola has saved many parents in dire need of half an hour to kill. The gondola station is located on South Oak Street in Telluride town, and it’s a 15 minute ride to Mountain Village, with a cruise through the San Sophia mid station in between.
Telluride Historical Museum
The rich & fascinating history of Telluride is captured at the Telluride Historical Museum, located at the top of Fir Street in the old hospital building. From native Ute beginnings, to the the heady mining days of the late 1800‘s, to a world famous ski town, you & your kids are sure to be intrigued and entertained learning about Telluride’s colorful past. The best thing to do with kids here – buy a bucket and discover your own treasures with your kids in the outdoor sluice! For opening hours & admissions, click here.
Wilkinson Public Library
While the idea of a traditional library probably won’t get your kids too excited, the Telluride library is truly one-of-a-kind, and you should definitely take your kids there for a few hours one rainy afternoon. The kid’s section is a magical world unto itself, offering a colorful tree house, kid’s kitchen, endless story books, creative activities, crafts, daily story times, yoga story time, bilingual story time, free movies, dance classes and Alternating Currents, a science and arts club. For full details on hours & programs, visit the Wilkinson Public Library website.
Telluride Academy Camps & Adventure
Is your kid dying to get into rock climbing or SUP? Or are you nurturing a more creative, artistic child who loves film and music? Or do you have a mini mad scientist on your hands? The Telluride Academy has been offering families some of the most diverse, challenging and rewarding summer camp experiences for kids since it’s inception in 1981. From Llama Trekking, to Flower Fairies to Horse Whisperer’s, the academy offers something for every child’s interest and imagination. Your kids will love you for the lifetime memories the Telluride Academy creates. To view the 2015 schedule, visit the website.
Telluride Rock & Roll Academy
Given that Telluride is a festival lover’s dream during the summer months, it’s only fitting that Telluride has it’s own Rock & Roll Academy (RRA) for kids. An experiential music program founded by Mark Galbo in 2003, the academy has served over 1400 students, and emphasizes the musical, technological and social aspects of students’ creative processes. The objectives of the program are as much about team building, self-expression and social responsibility as they are about learning to play music. In 2007, the RRA was awarded a National Association of Independent Schools “Best of Show” Award at the NAIS Annual Conference. In 2008 The RRA was featured in 5280 magazine in the “Denver’s Top Schools” edition. Described on the website as, “a program that is dedicated to changing the expectations our children have of what is possible for them and the world around them”, this is a truly unique & educational experience for your music loving child.
Ah Haa Programs
The Ah Haa School for the Arts offers creative adventures for kids including No School Art Days, After School programs, and Four-Day Art Camps and Fabulous Fridays during the summer months. Activities include throwing bowls on a wheel, creating mixed-media sculptures, or painting in the style of a famous artist. Ah Haa’s art curriculum is designed to instill confidence, creativity and proficiency in a fun and exciting atmosphere. Art Anytime allows students of all ages to design classes during convenient times that work well with their schedules. Explore just about any medium – jewelry, ceramics, painting, printmaking, photography, mixed media, cooking and more!
Nature Hikes
Some days, when the sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and the mountains are calling, there’s just nothing better than taking your kids on a nature hike. You can enjoy some fresh air, enjoy the gorgeous views, teach your kids about wildflowers, and hopefully tire them out with some exercise! You can start off nice & easy with a stroll along the Telluride river trail. Depending on your energy levels, you can follow the San Miguel Valley out along the valley floor. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, take the Bear Creek Trail from South Pine Street in Telluride town. The gradual incline eventually leads you to Bear Creek Falls which is well worth the effort if you make it that far.
Festivals
Telluride is famous for it’s festivals. Sure, some are a little rowdier than others – and some are just not appropriate for kids! But a lot of the festivals are kid friendly, and a trip to a Telluride festival could be a lot more fun than you had anticipated! The Bluegrass Festival has a designated kid’s section with activities. Other, smaller festivals like the Balloon Festival, the Mushroom Festival & the Wild West Festival offer fun and educational experiences for the whole family.
Telluride Eco Adventures
If your kid’s are looking for outdoor adventure, the Telluride Ski Resort offers a summer program via it’s Telluride Eco Adventures program that includes Kid’s Camp, ecoX, Capture The Flag, Build A Float, Kid’s Adventure Race, Old Sawmill Ranch Horses & Ropes Course, 2 day ecoXplore, Mountaineering 101, Mountain biking 101 & 201.