Summer Guide to Aspen with Kids

Published June 2017

You’ve finally landed in Aspen and you can’t wait to hike, bike, eat at new restaurants and wander around the shops. But with kids in tow, you’re not sure how to navigate all of these activities, and still ensure a good time for the whole family. From summer camps, to on-mountain activities, the best playgrounds, and the sweetest places to get a treat, we’re here to help.

Part of the fun in visiting the mountains surrounding Aspen lies in the hands-on learning opportunities children can have with nature. Over the course of a few days in this pristine setting, you can watch their minds expand, their imaginations grow, and their confidence in their physical abilities soar.

Whether you’re looking for a day camp, a multi-day specialty camp or daycare for children ages 1-3, check out Camp Aspen Snowmass.

Day Camps

Broken up by age group, day campers enjoy activities like swimming, fishing, skateboarding, crafts, golf and biking. Camps run from 8am–4pm, and start at $144/day.

On Fridays campers are treated to theme days like Tie-Dye Day, Mad Scientist Day, and Super Hero Day (design your own cape and celebrate local heroes at the fire department).
Friday Road Trips get kids out of town for local day trips including the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, a visit to Reudi Reservoir, and an adventure to nearby Marble, Colorado.

Multiday Specialty Camps

These specially crafted multiday camps are ideal for kids who are ready to try an overnight or simply focus on one activity over multiple days. Age ranges and dates vary for each of the following camps.

Overnight Campouts
Pro Mountainboard Camp
Rocket Camp
Bike Handling Skills Camp

Learn more about multiday programs at Camp Aspen Snowmass.

Cub Camps

Designed for the tiniest campers (ages 1-3), children are treated to a variety of age-appropriate guided activities, all centered on The Treehouse Kids Adventure Center at the Snowmass Base Village. Purchase can be made in-resort.

View the Camp Guide

Aspen Mountain

Gondola Pass

Ride up the Silver Queen Gondola for some fresh air, great views and kid-friendly activities.

Obstacle courses
Disc golf
The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Kids’ Program
Stories and crafts sponsored by the Pitkin County Library

Snowmass

Gondola Pass

Venture out of downtown Aspen and head to Snowmass with the whole family.

Climbing Wall
Euro Bungy
Kids crafts
Family sing-a-long and s’mores.
Mountain boarding
The Snowmass Bike Park

Sweet Treats

Paradise Bakery and Cafe
You’ll be able to smell the scent of waffle cones down the block. Nothing like a scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day.

Best Kids' Menus

CP Burger
Sometimes there’s nothing better than a cheeseburger and fries. In the summer the neighboring ice skating pavilion turns into mini-golf central.

Limelight Hotel Lounge
Kids can enjoy a hand-tossed personal pizza, while parents enjoy specialities like the flight of three Sangrias.

Ajax Tavern
Don’t miss the kid-sized mac & cheese — a miniature version of the sinful comfort food.

Playgrounds To Explore

Wagner Park
This park is centrally located and borders the downtown core. Parents can get a drink at one of the nearby restaurants, while kids enjoy the playground.

Triangle Park
Located in the West End, this is a great less-busy option in the summer.

Herron Park
Right off of the Rio Grande trail, Herron Park has a playground, picnic tables and shallow pools ideal for hot summer days.

Random Fun

Pedestrian Mall
Your kids will automatically gravitate toward the fountains at the end of the mall— endless entertainment without spending a cent.

Aspen Recreation Center
Also known as the “ARC,” the rec center features indoor pools, a two-story water slide, a rock climbing wall, and a skating rink. It’s a perfect place to spend rainy afternoons.

Saturday Farmer’s Market
Open from 8am to 3pm on summer Saturdays, bring your kids to check out local vendors, eat kettle corn, and play with puppies from the Aspen Animal Shelter.