Families in Western Colorado are getting a rare, no-strings-attached chance to experience the outdoors together—gear, guidance, and good vibes included.

At Riverbend Park in Palisade, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) team has kicked off its “Cast, Blast, and Glass” event, a free, family-friendly gathering designed to spark a love for fishing, shooting sports, and wildlife watching. For many kids, this could be the first time they’ve ever held a fishing pole or looked through binoculars.

A Day Outside, No Experience Needed

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Riverbend Park is buzzing with excited kids, curious parents, and a crew of CPW staff helping folks try things they’ve maybe never tried before. The concept? Keep it easy. Make it fun.

“We’re really trying to eliminate those barriers,” says Christina French, a CPW District Wildlife Manager. “No one has to bring anything or know anything. Just show up.”

No fishing rod? No problem. Never touched a shotgun? That’s okay too. CPW has it all covered. There’s equipment for use, plenty of help from seasoned staff, and absolutely zero judgment. That makes the event especially welcoming for beginners who might feel out of place otherwise.

What’s on Offer: More Than Just Fun

While the name sounds like a tongue twister, “Cast, Blast, and Glass” breaks down simply:

• Cast: Kids learn how to cast a fishing line into the water, maybe even catch their first fish.

• Blast: Under tight safety controls, young participants get to try shooting sports with CPW-supplied firearms.

• Glass: Binoculars come out for wildlife spotting, a gentle reminder that there’s beauty in just watching.

Each of these activities is run by CPW experts who not only know their stuff but know how to talk to families who might be feeling a little nervous.

“The idea is that a kid who picks up a fishing pole for the first time today might go on to love it forever,” says French. “Or maybe they won’t. But at least they had the chance.”

Why This Matters: The Growing Disconnect

French isn’t exaggerating. The data shows a clear pattern: American kids are spending less and less time outside.

A study by the Child Mind Institute found that the average child in the U.S. spends just 4 to 7 minutes per day in unstructured outdoor play, while screen time can stretch to over 7 hours. That’s a huge shift compared to just a generation ago.

And while Colorado boasts some of the country’s most stunning landscapes, it’s not immune to the trend. For working parents, packed schedules often mean weekends become the only possible window to spend meaningful time outside as a family.

“Hosting this on a Saturday was intentional,” French points out. “We’re hoping families can make a day of it.”

Breaking Down the Barriers

For a lot of families, getting into outdoor hobbies can feel like a logistical and financial nightmare. You need gear. You need permits. You need to know what you’re doing. It’s a lot.

French says that’s exactly what CPW wanted to change with this event.

“We’re literally handing out fishing poles to kids,” she laughs. “We’re not just telling them to go outside—we’re making it easy to do.”

Some of the hurdles CPW has addressed through the event include:

• Free access (no fees for entry or participation)

• Staff to teach basic skills

• Equipment provided on site

• Clear instructions for beginners

A Hands-On Way to Learn

The event also provides an educational layer—though you might not realize it right away. Instead of sitting in a classroom hearing about conservation or safety, kids are learning by doing.

One staffer demonstrated how to safely handle a shotgun, while another knelt next to a boy who just hooked a fish for the first time, showing him how to reel it in without snapping the line.

It’s the kind of moment that sticks.

“I’ve never seen my kid this focused,” one mom said as her son peered through a pair of borrowed binoculars at a distant hawk. “He’s usually glued to a tablet.”

Bringing Generations Together

The event doesn’t just help kids—it gives parents a reason to reconnect, too. Several families said it was the first time in months they’d all done something outdoors together.

French says that’s one of the side effects CPW hoped for: shared experiences between parents and kids.

“Sometimes the parent gets into it just as much as the kid,” she smiles. “We’ve had moms cast a line and end up catching the biggest fish of the day.”

Here’s a snapshot of how CPW’s family-oriented model compares with traditional outdoor programs:

Building a Culture of Access

CPW isn’t just hosting this as a one-off feel-good moment. They see it as part of a broader effort to foster inclusivity in outdoor recreation. That means reaching people who may never have considered hunting, fishing, or birding before.

“There’s a whole generation of kids growing up without ever touching the outdoors,” French says. “We can’t just sit back and hope they’ll discover it on their own.”

That mindset is pushing CPW to hold more family-focused, barrier-free events like this throughout the year. It’s about normalizing nature as an everyday thing—not just something you do on vacation.

One kid, about 8 years old, was asked what his favorite part of the day was.

He grinned and held up a small fish: “This guy right here.”