Kids Family activities

FUN FOR ALL

For families, summertime in Telluride means sundrenched, fun-filled days spent exploring together.

Tony Demin

HIKE In-town hikes like Bear Creek and the River Trail give families lots of options for exploration. Farther afield, the Keystone Gorge Trail that begins in Lawson Hill or the Lake Hope Trail south of town are surefire memory makers. Just remember to consult hike descriptions, check the weather forecast and be prepared with appropriate clothing, water and snacks.

BIKE Grab a bike, and recommendations, from a local outfitter and soon you’ll be giggling louder than your kids. In Telluride, start with the River Trail and then head one of two ways: east to the old mill building, or west to the Valley Floor. In Mountain Village, a wealth of family friendly trails or the Telluride Ski Resort’s bike park guarantee twowheeled fun.

SPLASH The mountains around Telluride are home to crystal-clear alpine lakes where families can add fishing, rafting or stand-up paddle boarding to their outdoor adventure mix. Kids can fish at the Town Park pond or take their parents tubing on the San Miguel River. Town Park has a fab swimming complex (check telluride-co.gov/185/Pool for more).

Ryan Bonneau

ADVENTURES FOR ALL

For 40 years, Telluride Academy has been sharing its love for exploration and adventure with kids ages 5 to 17. Founded by longtime local Wendy Brooks, this Telluride institution has grown from humble backyard beginnings to a leader in outdoor and adventure programming for kids.

For summer 2021 camp information and updates, visit tellurideacademy.org.

AN AH HAA MOMENT

Kids looking to learn a new medium, add to their portfolio or simply have fun should head to Telluride’s arts education hub, the Ah Haa School for the Arts. This summer, programming embraces a variety of formats, including in-person camps and private group and one-onone classes.

Check out ahhaa.org for the latest.

KIDS’ CAMPS & PROGRAMS

ROCK ON!

Have a budding Joan Jett or Dave Grohl? If so, check out the Rock & Roll

Academy’s Summer Rock

Camp. Weeklong sessions guide students through the process of being in a band, from choosing music and instruments to giving a concert.

For the latest on summer programs, head to telluriderockandrollacademy.com.

SCIENCE IS COOL

The Pinhead Institute, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, makes science cool with exciting summer programming that brings STEM to life. This summer, crowd favorites include outdoor-focused, in-person camps like Flora, Crazy Contraptions and Bridge Camp.

For more, visit pinheadinstitute.org.

BE RAD

At the Drop Boardshop’s Telluride Skate Camp, experienced instructors not only teach young people how to skate in a safe, supportive and totally rad environment, they also emphasize patience, perseverance, focus and respect, qualities that come in handy in real life too.

Visit thedropboardshop. com for the lowdown on summer 2021 camps.

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FAMILY FUN IS EASY

BEST LIBRARY … ANYWHERE … EVER Looking for a kid-friendly spot where you can be in the mountains, but not on the mountain? Go no further than the Wilkinson Public Library, where all ages will find opportunities to play, explore and learn. Our award-winning library embraces Telluride’s kids of all ages and vice versa. For instance, the summer reading program, Tales & Tails, is accessible and trackable online and open to all. For updated information, including outdoor summer programs for kids and teens, go to telluridelibrary.org.

TOUR THROUGH TIME The Telluride Historical Museum brings history to life through family-friendly exhibits and programs. Sitting at the top of North Fir Street, housed in Telluride’s original community hospital, the museum has 10 rooms of permanent collections each with its own theme and a large gallery with an annual exhibit. More than history under glass, the museum offers interactive displays like the popular mining sluice, outdoor mining exhibit and a scavenger hunt for kids. History buffs can enjoy historical and architectural tours. This summer, before visiting, check out telluridemuseum.org for up-to-date information.

ADVENTURE TIME The Telluride Ski Resort’s Adventure Center offers a full range of activities for the entire family. From fast-paced full-day adrenaline adventures, like the new Bike Park Camps, to shorter experiences that allow you to take in the serenity and beauty of the Telluride area, the Telluride Adventure Center has you covered. The fun and friendly child care center will also operate this summer. Check out tellurideskiresort.com for more information.