Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering families a chance to get outdoors for an unforgettable weekend getaway. This free two-and-a half-day event happens, July 29-31 at the Mount Ouray State Wildlife Area near Salida and will cover such interactive topics like firearms safety, hunting, outdoor survival and more. 

Check in begins Friday at 10:00 a.m. and sessions run through Sunday afternoon. Families can attend sessions on firearms safety, outdoor survival, hunting different types of big game, small game and waterfowl, and will have opportunities to shoot archery, muzzleloaders, shotguns and rifles. Participants who wish may take the Hunter Safety Education test at the end of the event to get their Hunter Safety certification will have the opportunity to do so.

"This is a wonderful event for the whole family," said Tracy Predmore, southeast education coordinator. "The idea is to educate children about the outdoors but we often find that the adults end up learning something new too."

This event is designed for adults and children age of 10 and over. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of 10 may attend as part of a family, but may not be able to participate in some of the activities.

Meals will be provided. Families must bring their own camping gear and plan on staying overnight at the wildlife area.

To register, call the Salida Area Office at (719) 530-5520. Deadline to register is July 15.