Aspen in Summer is a Vacation for All Ages

ASPEN, Colo. — Aspen is an ideal location for a summer family trip. Weather is warm and sunny, with low humidity, there are free events daily, and the small town nature of Aspen makes it easy for older kids to enjoy a bit of independence from Mom and Dad. From rustic to luxury accommodations, healthy, local food choices and a plethora of cultural and outdoor activities, Aspen satisfies the vacation dreams of kids and parents.

KID FAVORITES

• Aspen’s Dancing Fountain, deemed the “world’s first computerized dancing fountain” is located in downtown Aspen across from the Wheeler Opera House. With an infinite number of fountain configurations, the Dancing Fountain operates 24-hours a day spring through fall.
• 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. A wonderful spot to enjoy a picnic, a dip in the river or just enjoy the views of Aspen Mountain.
• Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) - Hallam Lake is a beautiful and wild wonderland for kids to explore and learn about the environment and the animals that live in it. ACES offers day-long and week-long summer camps for kids ages four to 18 at their Hallam Lake and Rock Bottom Ranch locations.

KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

Hiking

• A beautiful and scenic hike for children of every age is the Ajax Trail. Connecting two sides of town, Ajax Trail traverses Aspen Mountain beginning in groves of aspen trees, across the ski area and descending back into the wooded slope in Aspen’s east end. (Easy – one-hour roundtrip.)
• The Grottos, located eight miles east of Aspen towards Independence Pass, is a kids’ favorite with rock formations, ice sculptures and more along the banks of the Roaring Fork River.
• Weller Lake, near the Grottos, is a one-mile roundtrip kid-friendly hike.
• Ashcroft Ghost Town on Castle Creek is a wonderful spot for kids to explore and imagine when Ashcroft was a lively silver-mining town.
• Maroon Bells are a must-see for any visitor to Aspen. The short hike around Maroon Lake is doable by kids of any age, and older kids and teens can hike up to Crater Lake, about two-hours roundtrip.

Skateboarding

• Named one of the 10 best skateboard parks in the country by USA Today, the Aspen Skateboard Park, located in Rio Grande Park, accommodates more than 300 riders. With more than 15,000 square feet of terrain, there are several distinct skate areas from which beginner, intermediate or advanced riders can choose. 

Rafting

• Children ages six and above and families can enjoy the Roaring Fork River from the driver’s seat in summer. The Fork is great for rafting, kayaking and a float down the river in inflatable duckies.

Biking

• Enjoy a leisurely cruise throughout the West End, along the paved Rio Grande Trail, or a more adventurous climb up to the Maroon Bells.
• Try mountain biking in Snowmass, where lifts carry guests and their bikes to mid-mountain where they give singletrack and downhill courses a try.

Aspen Youth Center:

Aspen Youth Center continues to provide after school and all day summer programs to youth in grades 4-12, for free. Their primary goal is to keep kids safe and supported during their out-of-school hours, and it achieves this through daily, staff-led clubs and activities. 

For media information and images, visit www.aspenchamber.org/media. 

For visitor information, visit www.aspenchamber.org, or call 1.888.290.1324 or 970.925.1940.

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