Photo: DJ
The Garage
★3.8(26 reviews)$Bowling
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Preschoolers and elementary-aged kids love the bumpers and colorful arcade games, while tweens and teens enjoy the competitive bowling and independent arcade time. Toddlers can participate but may lose interest quickly.🧡 Saved by 17 families
About
The Garage is a classic bowling alley in downtown Durango that delivers old-school fun for the whole family. With bumper lanes to keep gutter balls at bay, an arcade packed with games, and casual food options on-site, it's the perfect backup plan when mountain weather doesn't cooperate or you need an evening activity after a day of outdoor adventures.
Highlights
- ✓Bumper bowling lanes perfect for young or beginner bowlers
- ✓Arcade games offering variety beyond just bowling
- ✓Downtown Durango location makes it easy to combine with other activities
- ✓Classic bowling alley atmosphere with old-fashioned family fun
- ✓Indoor activity perfect for rainy or snowy Colorado days
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when doors open at 2 PM for the quietest experience and easiest lane availability before the evening crowd arrives.
- 2.This venue has bar elements, so plan for earlier visits (2-6 PM) for the most family-friendly atmosphere before the adult crowd comes in.
- 3.Bring socks for everyone,bowling shoes are required and having clean socks makes the transition smoother with kids.
- 4.Set arcade spending limits in advance and consider getting tokens or a game card to help kids budget their playtime.
- 5.The food is bowling alley fare, so eat a meal beforehand if you have picky eaters and just grab snacks here.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons (2-5 PM) are ideal for families, offering smaller crowds and a quieter atmosphere before the evening bar scene picks up. Sunday afternoons are also good family windows.
What to Know
Note that The Garage operates as a bar in the evenings, so early afternoon visits are most appropriate for young children. Parking is available on downtown Durango streets, and the venue offers typical bowling alley food like pizza, nachos, and snacks.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, making it an especially valuable rainy day or winter evening option when outdoor Durango activities aren't feasible. Great for après-ski family fun during winter months.
Nearby Eats
Try Steamworks Brewing Company (family-friendly until early evening with a kids' menu) or Fired Up Pizzeria just blocks away for casual, kid-approved dining options in downtown Durango.
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