Spending time together as a family doesn’t always mean hiking trails or board games, sometimes, it means learning valuable life skills, building confidence, and having a little fun at the range. At Basalt Firearms, we believe that safe, respectful firearm education can be a positive experience for the whole family.
Colorado offers a wide range of shooting activities that are both educational and enjoyable. Whether you’re introducing your kids to shooting for the first time or looking for a new way to connect as a family, there are plenty of opportunities to do it safely and responsibly.
Before heading to the range or trail, it’s important to lay the groundwork with a focus on safety. We always recommend that new shooters, especially kids, start with a basic safety class or an intro-level training session. At Basalt Firearms, we offer family-friendly instruction that covers safe handling, range etiquette, and hands-on practice tailored to all ages.
Starting with the right foundation not only helps prevent accidents, but also builds trust, respect, and confidence for younger shooters.
Local Ranges with Family Programs
Many shooting ranges across Colorado are welcoming to families and even offer youth-focused events. A few standouts include:
- Basalt State Shooting Range – A great local spot for supervised outdoor shooting with clear safety protocols.
- Colorado Parks & Wildlife Ranges – Several public ranges throughout the state offer well-maintained facilities perfect for beginners and families.
- Private Indoor Ranges – Nearby indoor ranges often have “family days,” rental specials, or beginner-friendly hours that help create a relaxed, educational atmosphere.
We’re always happy to point you toward nearby ranges that are safe, clean, and great for families, just ask when you stop by.
Try a Rimfire Day
One of the easiest ways to introduce young or first-time shooters is with a .22 LR rimfire rifle or pistol. These firearms are low-recoil, low-noise, and easy to handle, making them ideal for kids or anyone who may be nervous about shooting for the first time. We often host or support Rimfire Days, where families can shoot together under the guidance of experienced instructors. It’s fun, low-pressure, and a great way to build good habits from the beginning.
Shooting Sports for Kids & Teens
Colorado also has several structured shooting sports and youth organizations, including:
- 4-H Shooting Sports – Teaching responsibility and marksmanship in a fun, supervised setting.
- Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) – Great for teens interested in trap, skeet, or sporting clays.
- Junior Rifle Clubs – Local clubs often welcome young shooters who want to improve their skills or even compete.
These programs emphasize discipline, safety, and sportsmanship and they’re a great way to help kids grow confidence while making new friends.
Shooting together as a family can become a shared tradition. Whether it’s a weekend trip to the range, friendly target competitions, or teaching your child how to clean and care for a firearm, these experiences leave a lasting impact. And when it’s done with safety, respect, and proper training, it’s something the whole family can enjoy and be proud of.