One of the beautiful things about Aspen is that regardless of the season, the mountains and streets are busy with things to do. While Aspen is known for its winter activities, the warmer weather and longer days of summer offer numerous opportunities for families to enjoy the beauty of the town and its surroundings. It’s also a great chance to explore with your kids and create lasting memories.
If you are looking for ways to make the most of your summer trip to Aspen, read on for our recommendations for things to do and places to see if you are visiting Aspen with kids.
GET OUTSIDE
GONDOLA PASS
Take the 15-minute ride on the Silver Queen Gondola to enjoy the fresh air and check out the stunning summer beauty of the mountain’s wildflowers and hiking trails. Enjoy a warm summer day on the top of Aspen Mountain and explore activities such as obstacle courses, disc golf, a kids’ play area, and live music. The Sundeck Restaurant offers patio dining in Aspen for families where you can also enjoy lunch while basking in the summer sun.
HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS
Aspen offers an abundance of trails, many of which are easy to navigate with kids. Maroon Bells Loop Trail is a 10-minute stroll with amazing views of one of Aspen’s most notable landmarks, the stunning Maroon Bells. Hunter Creek Trail and Smuggler Mountain Road are two more of the many trails available for easy-to-moderate hiking and mountain biking. En route to Independence pass, the Grottos Loop Trail is another family-friendly hike with spectacular views and amazing scenery that includes caves, waterfalls, and a winding river.
WATER FUN
If you are feeling adventurous, Aspen Whitewater Rafting offers various rafting trips in Aspen for families of all levels. Families with younger children can enjoy the warm summer day cooling off while navigating through mild rapids and enjoying the towering red rock cliffs. Intermediate and experienced rafters (and those with adventurous kids 15 and older) have options for class IV-V rapid trips with intimidating drops and holes. With options for everyone, you can enjoy a fun and exciting day on the river.
ASHCROFT GHOST TOWN
The silver mining ghost town of Ashcroft is recognized as a National Register Historic Site preserved by the Aspen Historical Society. Located 11 miles up Castle Creek Road, it features the remains of several buildings and signage with stories of the boomtown. Nestled amongst the wildflowers, it boasts incredible views and a fun, family-friendly way to spend the day.
KID-FRIENDLY DINING OPTIONS
Aspen is renowned for amazing dining options, and it includes an array of restaurants sure to please your little ones. CP Burger offers delicious burgers and shakes, and its environment is designed to keep kids entertained. During the summer, the restaurant features Aspen’s only mini-golf park, where children can have fun while parents sip on spiked shakes.
Head to NY Pizza for great pizza options, sandwiches, salads, and wings, or check out Hickory House for delicious BBQ and sides. Meanwhile, Paradise Bakery is an Aspen institution with baked goods and ice cream to satisfy your sweet tooth.
SUMMER CAMPS/WORKSHOPS
If you are visiting Aspen with your family, it’s a great opportunity for your kids to learn and explore in one of the many summer camps that Aspen has to offer. Whether you are looking for art, sports, academic, or specialty camps, there are a variety of camps to choose from.
ART CAMPS
Theatre Aspen Summer Program
Ages: K-12th grade
When: Starting in mid-June
Whether your child is new to performing or adores the spotlight, Theatre Aspen’s
summer programs are designed to bring out the best in our students. Our elementary classes use children’s literature and fine arts to teach performance foundations. Middle and high school programming emphasizes the power of peer collaboration while building confidence.
Theatre Aspen Youth Productions (2023)
The Tempest: Shakespeare in the Park July 29 – July 1 (Free – 7th – 12 grade play)
Shrek the Musical Jr. July 20 -22 (3rd – 6th grade play)
The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee
Tickets: $20 adults | $15 students
Theatre Aspen also offers a free STORYTIME on Mondays at 10:30-11:30 am from June 26 – August 14 in the lobby of Theatre Aspen's Hurst Theatre in the John Denver Sanctuary. In this partnership with the Pitkin County Library stories are brought to life before your very eyes. Each week we will read a new book and explore the characters and themes through songs, skits, and games!
For questions on summer camps email education@theatreaspen.org
Aspen Art Museum’s Summer Workshops for Kids
Ages: 5-10
When: Week-long camps July 10-14 and 17-21
On-site and off-site workshops in collaboration with ACES where camp participants enjoy art projects, games, stories, and activities that tie into workshop themes.
SPORT CAMPS
Ages: 3 and up
When: June 5-August 25
With a variety of camp options including single-day, multi-day, bike camps, private camps, and season passes, Camp Aspen Snowmass programs include geocaching, mountain excursions, climbing wall, fishing, and more.
Call 844-289-3470 for rates and more information.
Ages: Kids 8-17 and families
When: Programs run from June through August
Summer adventure camps in Aspen for families with children who identify as deaf, hard of hearing, and more. Focuses include nature and forest therapy, families in nature, and wilderness CPR.
The Bob Johnson Ice Hockey School Summer Session
Ages: 6-13+ (sessions divided by age)
When: July 23-28
Top-qualified instructors help to develop and improve hockey skills. Daily ice sessions include power skating, fundamentals, and team play.
Mountain Kids Academy Sports and Outdoor Education Summer Camp
Ages: Entering grades 1-8
When: Starting in mid-June
Fostering team building, confidence, connections, and an enthusiasm for an active life and beyond. Sessions cover athleticism/sports and a backpacking session (to be announced) for a variety of ages depending on the session.
Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club’s Summer Programs
Ages: 7 and above
When: Starting in May
Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club’s Summer Program has 4 sessions available for kids. The Buttermilk Glacier Snowboard/Tramp session attracts skiers and snowboarders who are interested in developing skills and learning tricks and jumps, while Trampoline Camps help to continue progression and build confidence with coaches. Mountain bikers can enroll in the Mountain Biking program to learn about trail stewardship, bike maintenance, and trail etiquette while further developing their biking skills. Lastly, the Alpine Summer Camps are the earliest sessions that are tailored for alpine skiers who are interested in developing a solid technical foundation.
SPECIALTY CAMPS
Ages: 5 and up
When: Starting in mid-June
Regular, junior, overnight, and full-day camps available for kids 5 and up. Programs offer everything from daily activities to outdoor adventures such as horseback riding, rafting, and ziplining.
Ages: 7 and older (Wee Riders available for ages 4 to 6)
When: June 5-August 11
Focusing on cultivating responsible riders with basic horsemanship, Camp Cozy Point offers campers a well-rounded education on and off the horse.
Ages: 4-10
When: July 17-21; July 24-28
MEHYoga offers a week-long camp with a daily 2-hr session based on age group. Each session offers yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and social-emotional learning art projects to educate children.
THINGS TO DO IN ASPEN WITH A BABY
Aspen offers things to do for people of any age, including the youngest of the lot. If you are visiting Aspen with a baby in tow, there are plenty of things to do as a family.
Downtown Aspen offers a variety of outdoor activities to keep babies and toddlers busy and parents and older siblings equally entertained. Located across from the Wheeler Opera House downtown, Aspen’s Dancing Fountain is the world’s first computerized dancing fountain. With an infinite number of fountain configurations, it is sure to entertain children and adults alike.
Multiple parks and playgrounds offer a chance for your toddler to explore and be active. Wagner Park is centrally located, bordering the downtown core. Located on the west end, Triangle Park is a less-busy option in the summer, while Herron Park offers a playground with picnic tables and shallow pools. If you prefer to bike, Aspen Sports offers adult bikes, kid bikes, and trailers for the youngest riders.
The Aspen Recreation Center has great features including a zero entry leisure pool and waterslide to keep toddlers entertained. Guests of Frias Properties receive complimentary passes to Aspen Recreation Center.
START PLANNING YOUR SUMMER STAY
Now that you know the ins and outs of making your family's vacation a memorable one, it’s time to start planning yours. Check out our full selection of condos and homes to find the perfect getaway. Get in touch with our Reservations Team today at (970) 920-2010.