Ouray, CO - 21 Toddler-Friendly Activities

Ouray, CO, aka The Switzerland of America, holds a very special place in our hearts! It is a gorgeous mountain valley with the most accessible hiking you could imagine, beautiful waterfalls, great shops and restaurants, wonderful people, and alpenglow mountain sunsets. While there are quite a few hikes here that we wouldn’t take our toddlers on, we found many toddler-friendly hikes and other activities in this valley that we can’t wait to share with you!

Box Canyon Falls

The traverse through this narrow canyon and sound of the waterfall thundering through is unreal! You HAVE to experience it!

The Fall Trail heads directly to the waterfall and is around 500 ft. The power of the falls may actually startle your toddlers a little so we recommend doing a little prep work - tell them how loud it will be and that they’ll probably get a little wet but put a positive spin on it! Our daughter was clinging to me (I didn’t listen to my own advice about prepping!), but our son was completely fine. There are stairs at the end of this hike that take you to the bottom of the falls which are definitely worth a look, but the upper pathway dead ends at the mid-point of the falls and was my personal favorite part of this experience.

The High Bridge Trail takes you to the top of the falls which is mostly stairs with a 200 ft elevation gain over 0.5 miles. The views are breathtaking and our big made this one look easy! This portion of the hike connects to the Ouray Perimeter Trail and will keep going, so we recommend you hike to the bridge and through the tunnel, and then return back down. There is also a Native Plant Loop that we didn’t explore because we headed home for nap but looked like a fun walk with toddlers.

This waterfall does have specific hours and requires you to pay admissions at the visitor/nature center - $5/4-17 year old, $7/18-62 year old, $6/62-74 years old, and free for 3 and under and 75+. Parking is just outside the visitor center.

Baby Bathtub Trail

The pictures of this trail do not do it justice! It’s seriously so beautiful! Our big simply was not in the mood for a hike when we did this trail so it took away from this hike slightly, but this was still one of my favorite spots. The trail is about 0.5 miles and it is definitely a hike you should put your toddlers in bathing suits and watershoes for. Similar to Box Canyon, this trail connects to the Ouray Perimeter Trail so you can continue on if you wish.

There is a small amount of parking at the trailhead so try to stay away from the typical busy times of the day/weekends. Be sure to stop and see the waterfall that rips under the bridge at the trailhead.

Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls is the iconic falls you can see in the Ouray valley from most places in town. This is another stop on the Ouray Perimeter Trail but you can just hike straight to the bottom and the midpoint of it from town if you prefer. That would be our suggestion with toddlers. This is a popular spot, but still a must see.

The distance to the bottom of the falls is 0.3 miles with a small elevation gain and about 0.5 miles to the midpoint of the falls. You can actually stand behind the falls, but our kids were wiggly and we were a little bit nervous to try. There is parking at the base of the falls in town.

Uncompahgre River Trail

The Uncompahgre River Trail is such a treat with toddlers! Heading north from the Ouray Hot Springs, you’ll be able to follow the gravel path along the river and enjoy bridge crossings, feet dipping, and views of the mountains and beautiful homes. The trail can make about a 2 mile loop, or you can go out as far as you want and come back.

Perimeter Trail

The Perimeter Trail is 5.6 miles and encircles the Ouray valley. This hike offers amazing views and even stops through several of the locations we’ve suggested above. There are entrances and exits to this hike throughout town as well as a map at each spot, so you really can’t miss it nor do you have to accomplish the entire hike at once.

It is a challenging hike and particularly with toddlers. There are climbs and ascents, the edges are abrupt and there can be loose rock. There were several stories of people loosing their footing and falling. If we had two hiking carriers, I think we would have been more prepared to try this hike but after one attempt with our 4 year old toddler who trips on everything, we kept our toddlers away. If you’ve managed this with your toddlers, please provide your feedback in the comments!

We stayed at 4J+1+1 Campground in town and we were able to access this trail for my husband and I to run/walk during naptime. The views were gorgeous!

Ouray Visitor’s Center

We always include Visitors Centers on our blogs because we think it’s important to not miss them! These locals can share of closed trails or new locations that may not have been the same as when we visited. They had a lot of ideas and maps to share.

Fellin Park Playground

Fellin Park Playground is right in the middle of town near the hot springs and offers everything you could need for your toddlers and bigger kids to play. While the area is not fenced, it is large and provides a great spot to run around. There is a paved trail surrounding the playground and grassy area which is about 0.25 miles and is perfect for taking turns running with your spouse or letting the kids scooter or bike. There are covered picnic tables for your snack or picnic lunch and the mountain views are incredible.

Stop into the hot springs to grab bags of fish food for $0.50/each (cash only) and enjoy feeding the fish and turtles at the pond with your toddlers.

Be sure not to miss Mountain Air Music Series, aka Ouray Thursdays, which brings emerging bands, food and fun for the whole family. This event is every Thursday in June from 6-10pm. Bring your chairs and watch your toddlers dance to the music!

Ouray School Park

While this park is located at the elementary school, it is open to the public when school is not in session (after hours, summers, and holidays). This had great views from the town hillside and was fully fenced which we really appreciate. There was basketball, a reading corner, Gaga ball, and Kompan play equipment. It was perfect for toddlers. There was little shade and no potty so be sure to pack your own.

Ouray Hot Springs

The Ouray Hot Springs were a daily treat during our two week visit to Ouray. There are several pools including an adults only pool, lap pool (25 meter length), activity pool with a rock wall, hot pool, and a shallow pool. Our kids loved playing in the shallow pool which was the coolest pool and on colder days, the hot pool. There is also a waterslide for an extra $5 for kids 48” and taller. To play in the activity pool, kids must pass a swim test.

They offer a 20% military discount and 3 and under is free. Because we were in town for a while, we opted for a 20 punch pass for $320 which could be used by any member of our family and never expires. Passes also include access to the upstairs fitness center and you can come and go for the day with your receipt.

Twin Peaks Hot Springs

While we only enjoyed walking through these hot springs while we ordered dinner from the restaurant, we wished we had spent more time here. The setting was more calm than the Ouray Hot Springs, but was still toddler friendly. While there are hours that are exclusive for guests, this hot spring is open to the public. They do an excellent job placing colorful flowers in the landscape and it’s all-around just a gorgeous setting.

Wiesbaden Hot Springs

We did not visit Wiesbaden because your children have to be 6 or older to swim, but we wanted to include it in our blog, because it looks fantastic. The springs are continually flowing (there is no recirculated water) and the temperatures range from 102-111 degrees. If you can sneak away for a date night or if your kids are older, this spot would be great!

Bachelor Syracuse Mine

This spot does not come up often in searches of things to do in Ouray, but we highly recommend it! We found out about it from the locals and actually enjoyed Father’s Day breakfast here. Go for a weekend miners brunch which is Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8-11am Memorial Day to Labor Day and enjoy a hearty breakfast in the open air of the mountains. While we had a locals private tour of the outside of the mine and we let the littles pan for gems, the tours welcome all ages and the guides are fun and knowledgable. Adults 13+ are $20, children ages 5-12 are $10 and toddlers 4 and under are free.

Scooter Around & Downtown

We love taking our electric scooter out with our babes using a handlebar for them! We found ourselves doing rides around the campground, through town, and everywhere in between.

Million Dollar Highway to Silverton

The Million Dollar Highway is a gorgeous scenic drive between Ouray and Silverton, is about 23 miles and takes about 45 minutes (without stops). My husband and I compared this to Hawaii’s Road to Hana, Colorado style. If you are fearful of heights, this drive may be a bit scary, but we loved every minute of it and never felt like we were too large in our 22’ Ram 3500 dually (though it would have been more fun in an open air jeep!). Be sure to stop at the Switzerland of America viewpoint, gaze at the wildflowers, mines, waterfalls (especially Bear Creek Falls), rivers and curvy spots on the road along the way.

We timed our visit to be in Silverton for the Durango to Silverton steam train arrival which is at about noon. We arrived early and the kids played at the Silverton Memorial Park Playground which was beautiful. The playground equipment was in great shape, the park had trails around the Cement Creek and there were clean restrooms. If we had arrived early enough, we would have loved to check out the museum as well, but instead we headed to the train arrival spot which dead ends at the intersection of 12th and Empire St. The kids loved seeing it roll in and toot its horn. We beat the train crowds and headed over for a highly recommended lunch at El Bandito. While we awaited our food, the kids enjoyed gem mining across the street in the Old Towne Square. After lunch we walked through the historic town and returned back to Ouray for naps.

Since our visit, we’ve met other families who have parked their cars in Silverton and taken a cab to Durango to ride the train with their toddlers. The train only goes from Durango to Silverton and back and we hadn’t thought of this personally, but we thought it was a great idea so we wanted to share it with you!

Yankee Girl Mine via Jeep

If you have an off-road vehicle and can adjust tire pressure, it is so fun to take some mountain roads to get up close and personal with the views from the Million Dollar Highway. Ouray is known for off-roading and you’ll see that nearly everyone local (and visiting) has a jeep. The trails these people take and the sights they find are incredible! We were fortunate to befriend locals who took us out. In an afternoon, we were able to checkout Ironton, Yankee Girl Mine, and Red Mountain and I felt it was the perfect blend. The kids actually thoroughly enjoyed the open air, wandering around the mines and throwing snow in the mountains.

Ironton is a mining ghost town with buildings and homes still standing. Trails weave between them and to the river. The Yankee Girl Mine is spectacular! It’s about a mile off the highway and is extremely picturesque. I enjoyed imagining myself in the shoes of the people who constructed and operated the facilities and buildings and were able to enjoy the mountain views daily but also deal with the dangers of mining. After winding through the roads on the Red Mountain we were stopped by thick snow and could no longer continue. The views were breathtaking, the kids enjoyed throwing snow and I enjoyed watching them play in one of the most beautiful spots I’d ever seen.

We do not recommend you do this in a non off-road vehicle and especially not your tow vehicle. The suspension is too stiff and when you live full time in an RV or are traveling far from home, the last thing you need is to cause damage to your truck. Jeep rentals are about $300/day from the local Ouray companies, and they must be returned washed and full of gas. There are also companies in town which will take you out with a group tour like the San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours.

Imogene Rooftop Drinks

We love rooftop spots and the Imogene did not disappoint! You actually have to walk up the steel steps on the side of the building, enter the Imogene Hotel door, and climb another set of stairs to the rooftop. The 360 views are perfection and the beer was refreshing. The toddlers also enjoyed the endless supply of water from the 5 gallon Gatorade jug and our little man tried to become a bartender when he snuck off.

Ouray Brewery

We love checking out local breweries and this one was great! They also boast rooftop views and a great selection of beer and food.

Mouse’s Chocolates

Mouse’s has excellent chocolates, ice cream, scrap cookies and coffee! The shop is warm and inviting, especially on a rainy day.

Ridgway Playground & Railroad Museum

A day trip to Ridgway was well worth it! Ridgway is only about 20 minutes from Ouray and is a great place to find a larger grocery store and enjoy the shops, playground, views, and railroad museum. The town playground is right in the middle of quant shopping, is well shaded and has large grassy areas to run around. Our kids loved playing here! While we didn’t find a ton at the railroad museum and the kids REALLY wanted to go inside the train, we enjoyed a walk through this spot (it’s free!). There is also a library in this area that we wished we had time to checkout.

Ridgway State Park

Ridgway State Park is a lot of fun as a beach day, to explore on paddle boards and to hike! The visitors center is great as are the viewpoints from this location. There is a marina and several beach spots to setup chairs, toys, and take your paddleboard in and out.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison Day Trip

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a longer day trip and you may need to plan for naps in the car or omit them if you are coming from Ouray. The drive to the South Visitors Center is 1 hour and 15 minutes from Ouray. We highly recommend checking out this National Park. It isn’t as well known as the others, but the views are astounding and it can be quickly explored from your vehicle or, of course, you can get more intimate with it if you have more time.

We stopped in to get our Passport Book stamps, grab a map, and take in the views from the visitors center. Our must sees were the Gunnison Point, Pulpit Rock Overlook, Chasm View, and Painted Wall overlooks and we enjoyed the drive to the East Portal to see the views looking up from the Gunnison River. This drive is steep and windy - make sure you do a brake check - but also, enjoy it!

While many people document that this place gets it’s name because some places in the canyon only see a few minutes of sunlight a day, the park rangers confirmed that it is because of the type of rock in the canyon. Two things we found fascinating were that the view from Painted Wall has a height that is just as tall as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Having family in Dubai and visiting this building ourselves, we found that unbelievable! Also, the narrowest part of the canyon is only 40’ across - known as The Narrows.

We heard that the north rim is better, but we didn’t have time, nor did our kids have the desire, during our visit. We’d be interested in your feedback!

Do you have any other Ouray, CO favorites with toddlers?

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