As part of our Southern Colorado summer road trip, we spent two nights and one full day exploring Pagosa Springs with kids. After visiting Durango, Mesa Verde, Silverton, and Ouray, we were eager to slow down and see what this small town had to offer. While Pagosa Springs with kids may not have the same walkable charm as some other Colorado mountain towns, we found plenty of activities to keep our family entertained. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Pagosa Springs with kids with young kids, including where to stay, what to do, and where to eat!
Where We Stayed: High Creek Lodge & Cabins
For our visit to Pagosa Springs, we stayed at High Creek Lodge & Cabins, located just outside of town. We booked the One Bedroom Cabin Plus, which worked well for our family of five. The cabin featured two queen beds and a double sofa bed, along with a small kitchen that allowed us to prepare some meals and save on dining expenses.
Pros of High Creek Lodge & Cabins:
- Spacious and Affordable – More budget-friendly compared to some other options in town.
- Updated Interiors – The cabin felt modern and well-maintained.
- Hot Tubs – A great way to relax at night after a busy day of exploring.
- Hiking Trail On-Site – Though it needed some maintenance, it was a fun little adventure for the kids.
Cons of High Creek Lodge & Cabins:
- Construction on Property – The lodge and surrounding areas were under renovation, which was a bit of a letdown.
- Permanent Residents & Workers – Some cabins seemed to have long-term tenants, making it feel less like a resort.
- Location – Being on the outskirts of town meant more driving to attractions and restaurants.
Would we stay here again? Maybe! While we liked our cabin, we might try a more centrally located option next time.
Exploring Downtown Pagosa Springs with kids
Unlike some other Colorado mountain towns, Pagosa Springs’ downtown area is not as charming or fully walkable. However, we still enjoyed strolling through neighborhoods and along the San Juan River Walk, a scenic path that winds through town and offers great views of the famous Pagosa Hot Springs.
While we opted not to visit the hot springs (more on that below), we loved the playgrounds at Pagosa Springs with kids Town Park. The ship-themed playground was a big hit with the kids while we waited for dinner.
Exploring the East Side Market
📍 Location: 225 E Pagosa St, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
In the afternoon, we stopped by the East Side Market, a lively outdoor marketplace featuring local artisans, food vendors, and live music. This was a great place to browse unique arts and crafts, pick up some souvenirs, and experience the creative side of Pagosa Springs with kids. The laid-back atmosphere made it an enjoyable stop for the whole family, and the kids loved exploring the different stalls.
Why We Skipped the Hot Springs
Pagosa Hot Springs is the #1 tourist attraction in town, but we decided to skip it. Why?
- Expensive Day Passes – The cost for a family to visit was quite high.
- Not as Kid-Friendly – While kids are allowed, it seemed more of a relaxing spa experience than an interactive one.
- Other Fun Activities – We prioritized other adventures that better suited our family.
If you’re interested in visiting, check out The Springs Resort for day pass options and pricing.
Our Big Adventure: Treasure Falls
One of the best things to do in Pagosa Springs with kids with kids is hiking to Treasure Falls. This stunning 105-foot waterfall is just 15 minutes outside of town and is perfect for families with young children.
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Why We Loved It:
- Short & Easy Hike – Less than a mile round trip, making it accessible for all ages.
- Gorgeous Views – The waterfall is absolutely breathtaking, and you can get close enough to feel the mist.
- Quick Adventure – It was the perfect outing that didn’t take up the whole day.
Pro Tip: Arrive early for fewer crowds and bring a towel if you plan to stand near the waterfall!
Where We Ate in Pagosa Springs with kids
One of our favorite parts of traveling is finding great local eats, and Pagosa Springs with kids had some solid options.
Lunch at Meltdown on Main
📍 Location: 439 San Juan St, Pagosa Springs with kids, CO 81147
🌐 Website: Meltdown on Main
Hands down, our favorite meal in Pagosa Springs with kids! This casual grilled cheese spot has an awesome outdoor courtyard, perfect for families. The owner is from Pittsburgh, and as a Pittsburgh sports fan myself, I loved seeing the decor!
- Great for Kids – Order at the counter, lots of seating, and quick service.
- Menu Highlights – Amazing grilled cheese sandwiches and fries.
- Bonus: Heinz Ketchup is served here—a must for Pittsburghers! 😂
Dessert at PS FroYo & Tennyson Sculpture Garden
📍 Location: 459 Lewis St, Pagosa Springs with kids, CO 81147
After lunch, we stopped by PS FroYo for a sweet treat. Right next to the frozen yogurt shop is the Tennyson Sculpture Garden, a great little area to walk around while enjoying dessert.
Dinner at Kip’s Grill
📍 Location: 121 Pagosa St, Pagosa Springs with kids, CO 81147
🌐 Website: Kip’s Grill
For dinner, we headed to Kip’s Grill, a fun surf-themed bar and restaurant with live music. We loved the laid-back vibe and outdoor seating, but it gets crowded—our wait was over an hour!
Pro Tip: Arrive early and check out Pagosa Springs Town Park nearby while you wait. The ship-themed playground kept our kids entertained before dinner.
Wrapping Up Our Visit to Pagosa Springs with kids
While Pagosa Springs may not have the same downtown charm as Ouray or Silverton, it still offered a relaxing and fun family-friendly experience. If you’re visiting with kids, you’ll find plenty to do, from hiking to waterfalls and walking along the San Juan River to enjoying great local food.
Would we visit again? Absolutely! We were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed our time here, and it was the perfect stop before heading to our next adventure: Great Sand Dunes National Park.
👉 Have you been to Pagosa Springs with kids? Let us know your favorite activities in the comments!
