Looking for a summer getaway the entire family can enjoy? Aspen offers a variety of family friendly experiences, giving kids the chance to explore, learn, and most importantly, have fun in our scenic mountain town.
FAMILY FAVORITE SPOTS IN ASPEN:
- Aspen’s Dancing Fountain, deemed the “world famous computerized dancing fountain”, is located in downtown Aspen across from the Wheeler Opera House. Providing entertainment for people of all ages, the fountain is a gathering spot and summer playground.
- John Denver Sanctuary is located along the Roaring Fork River in Rio Grande Park. Large stone sculptures feature the lyrics of the former Aspen resident’s most beloved songs. It's a peaceful spot to enjoy a picnic, rest up for your next outing, listen to the sounds of the nearby river, or just enjoy the views of Aspen Mountain. Aspen is home to a number of parks, giving kids the chance to run around and play in a beautiful setting.
- Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) - Hallam Lake offers valuable learning experiences, teaching kids about the local environment and its inhabitants. ACES makes learning fun with summer camps for kids entering grades K-8 at their Hallam Lake and Rock Bottom Ranch locations. Looking for an activity you can experience alongside your kids? ACES has a variety of family friendly offerings including nature explorers classes, birds of prey demonstrations, hayride farm tours, and more!
- The Maroon Bells are peaks that rise above the Maroon Creek Valley, offering spectacular mountain views. Families can wander around the scenic area and capture family photos with a stunning backdrop! Families with older kids and teens can hike to Crater Lake, a moderately challenging 3.5 mile roundtrip trek.
- At the Grottos, located about nine miles from downtown Aspen on Independence Pass, families can explore rock formations, mountain waterfalls, caves, and more. Weller Lake, also located on Independence Pass, is a one mile roundtrip kid-friendly hike.
- Uncover Aspen's intriguing history by exploring the ghost town or visiting the Aspen Historical Society. Ashcroft Ghost Town on Castle Creek Road is filled with restored historical structures and information about Aspen's history as a silver-mining town. The Aspen Historical Society also offers family programs and activities for a range of ages, giving families the opportunity to learn in a fun environment.
- Take a ride to the top of Aspen Mountain on the Silver Queen Gondola while overlooking views of downtown Aspen and the surrounding peaks. At the summit, families can enjoy live music and a mountaintop meal at the Sundeck.
- At the Aspen Recreation Center, aka the ARC, families can swim, ice skate, climb, and play! With adult supervision, kids will have a blast zipping down the waterslide and spending an action-packed day at the ARC.
CLICK HERE FOR OUR ONLINE ASPEN EVENT CALENDAR FOR FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS.
