19 Things to Do in Aspen Colorado With Kids

You’re planning a family trip to Aspen, but you’re worried about finding activities that’ll keep your kids engaged without breaking the bank. While this mountain town has a reputation for luxury, there are plenty of affordable adventures waiting for families like yours. From free outdoor exploration to budget-friendly attractions, Aspen offers experiences that’ll create lasting memories for children of all ages. The key is knowing where to look and what to prioritize.

Explore Family-Friendly Hiking Trails

When you’re planning outdoor adventures with your family in Aspen, you’ll find hiking trails that won’t break the bank while delivering stunning mountain experiences.

Start with the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail‘s 1.3-mile flat path—it’s perfect for kids and offers iconic mountain views with plenty of benches for breaks. The Rio Grande Trail provides paved, stroller-friendly segments along the river, while East of Aspen Trail gives you flexibility with shorter sections through beautiful aspen groves.

For educational value, choose Nature Trail at Snowmass with kid-friendly interpretive signs, or try Elk Camp Nature Trail‘s gentle loops through meadows. The Grottos offers a short 1.1-mile adventure featuring caves, waterfalls, and a winding river that’s perfect for sunset visits.

Remember that Maroon Bells requires shuttle access, so plan accordingly. These trails offer wildlife spotting opportunities and varying difficulty levels to match your family’s hiking experience.

Experience Whitewater Rafting Adventures

After exploring Aspen’s scenic trails on foot, you’ll discover that the region’s rivers offer equally thrilling adventures for families seeking water-based excitement. Multiple outfitters provide family-friendly whitewater rafting experiences tailored to different skill levels and budgets.

Aspen Whitewater Rafting specializes in gentle trips perfect for young children, while Elk Mountain Expeditions offers everything from easy floats to advanced adventures. Blazing Adventures brings 45 years of guiding experience to guarantee safe, memorable trips.

Three premier outfitters cater to every family’s whitewater needs, from gentle beginner floats to thrilling advanced rapids with decades of proven expertise.

For budget-conscious families, AVA Rafting operates Arkansas River trips from nearby Buena Vista.

The Roaring Fork and Arkansas Rivers provide diverse experiences with varying difficulty levels. Between the rapids, calm water sections allow families to relax and take in the stunning mountain scenery surrounding the waterways. All companies prioritize safety through experienced guides, quality equipment, and thorough briefings.

Age restrictions vary by trip type, so you’ll find suitable options regardless of your children’s ages.

Enjoy the Aspen Recreation Center Pool

While outdoor adventures dominate Aspen’s appeal, the Aspen Recreation Center Pool provides an excellent indoor alternative that’ll keep your family entertained regardless of weather conditions.

The facility features multiple pools designed for different age groups and activities. Your younger kids will love the zero-entry leisure pool and kids’ play area with its lazy river, while older children can tackle the two-story water slide if they meet the 48-inch height requirement.

Parents should note important safety rules: children under 8 need supervision unless they pass a swim test by swimming one lap pool length. For relaxation after active swimming, adults can unwind in the hot tub, sauna, and steam room facilities.

Everyone must shower before entering, and no food or drinks are allowed on deck. You’ll need a recreation pass or daily admission fee for access.

Splash at the Dancing Fountain

For outdoor water fun that won’t cost you a dime, head straight to the Dancing Fountain on Hyman Avenue mall in downtown Aspen.

This world-famous water feature operates 24 hours daily from spring through fall, creating a symphony of water movements that’ll keep your kids entertained for hours.

Built in 1979 by Nick DeWolf and sculptor Travis Fulton, the fountain serves as Aspen’s ultimate summer playground.

Designed as a collaborative artistic vision, this iconic fountain has delighted families and visitors for over four decades.

Your children can splash and play while you relax against the scenic mountain backdrop. The accessible design welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities.

Don’t forget your four-legged family members – dogs are welcome to join the fun too.

With a 4.3 TripAdvisor rating, this downtown attraction offers the perfect cooling-off spot on hot summer days. This beloved local landmark has been delighting families and visitors for decades since its inauguration in 1980.

Go Geocaching for Modern Treasure Hunting

Why not turn your Aspen adventure into a high-tech treasure hunt that’ll have your kids racing through mountain trails with purpose?

Geocaching transforms exploring Aspen’s stunning landscape into an interactive game using your smartphone’s GPS. With over 3 million active caches worldwide, you’ll find hidden containers throughout the area—from small camouflaged film canisters to multi-stage puzzle adventures.

Start with the free basic membership and download a geocaching app. Your kids will learn navigation skills, map reading, and problem-solving while hunting for treasures. Beginners should look for regular or large traditional caches with difficulty ratings of 1 or 2 to ensure a successful first experience.

When you find a cache, sign the logbook and trade items of equal value. Always respect private property and leave no trace.

This year-round activity combines outdoor exploration with modern technology, making it perfect for tech-savvy families seeking budget-friendly Aspen adventures.

Visit the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies

If you’re looking for hands-on environmental education that won’t break the bank, the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) delivers exceptional learning experiences for free.

Located at Hallam Lake, this nonprofit organization has inspired environmental stewardship since 1968.

Your kids will love these engaging activities:

1. Birds of Prey Demonstrations – Interactive shows designed specifically for children
2. Sunset Beaver Walks – Evening wildlife observation in natural habitats
3. Nature Trail Exploration – Half-mile loop with observation decks for wildlife viewing
4. Indoor Trout Stream – Unique aquatic exhibit at the visitor center

ACES offers year-round programming, from summer naturalist-guided walks to winter snowshoe hikes.

The environmental library provides additional learning resources, while Rock Bottom Ranch in Basalt showcases sustainable farming practices through educational farm tours. This 113-acre wildlife preserve sits beautifully between the Roaring Fork River and Mount Sopris, creating an ideal setting for wildlands preservation education.

Create Art at Anderson Ranch Arts Center

While most art residencies exclude families, Anderson Ranch Arts Center in nearby Snowmass Village breaks that mold with their groundbreaking Family Residency Pilot Program.

Anderson Ranch Arts Center revolutionizes the residency experience by welcoming entire families into their innovative pilot program.

Launched in fall 2023, this innovative program lets you integrate family life with serious artistic practice across two-week sessions.

You’ll get studio workspace, mentorship, and artistic resources while staff coordinate family activities. The flexible scheduling means you can balance creative time with family events seamlessly.

Your kids aren’t just tolerated—they’re welcomed into a vibrant artistic community where everyone grows together.

Beyond the family program, Anderson Ranch offers Parent Artist-In-Residence opportunities, master classes, and destination workshops. The program recognizes that family relationships can be valuable contributors to the artistic process itself.

Located in scenic Snowmass Village, you’ll have full studio access, lodging, and meals while surrounded by Colorado’s inspiring mountain environment.

Browse the Aspen Saturday Market

Something special happens every Saturday morning when downtown Aspen transforms into a bustling marketplace filled with Colorado’s freshest produce and local crafts.

The Aspen Saturday Market runs from June through October at the corner of Galena & Hopkins Avenue, creating the perfect family outing that won’t break your budget. This beloved community tradition has been bringing families together since the market was established in 1998.

Your kids will love this free outdoor experience where they can:

1. Sample fresh Colorado-grown fruits and vegetables from local farmers
2. Watch artisans demonstrate their craft-making techniques
3. Enjoy kid-friendly snacks from the food court vendors
4. Listen to live music while you browse handmade items

The pedestrian-friendly setting makes stroller navigation easy, and the 8:30am-2:00pm schedule fits perfectly into your family’s morning routine before other Aspen activities.

Attend Shows at Wheeler Opera House

When you’re looking for indoor entertainment that won’t strain your wallet, the historic Wheeler Opera House delivers world-class performances in an intimate setting perfect for families.

You’ll find diverse shows spanning music, comedy, theater, and family-friendly performances throughout the season.

Book early for the best prices on shows like SNAP’s Korean illusionists, Shaun Boothe’s educational Biography Series, or DanceAspen’s engaging productions like “A Snowy Soiree” and “Limitless.”

Your kids will love the magic shows and international acts, while comedy tours like “The Unteachables” and the Aspen Laugh Festival entertain the whole family.

The venue’s accessibility features and welcoming atmosphere make it comfortable for all ages. This historic opera house uniquely blends rich heritage with modern technical capabilities to create an unforgettable experience.

During holidays, you’ll enjoy festive lobby decorations and post-show activities like cocoa and cookies.

Learn Local History at Aspen Museum

Since Aspen’s fascinating transformation from silver mining town to world-class resort makes for engaging storytelling, you’ll find the Wheeler/Stallard Museum offers an affordable way to give your kids a deeper appreciation for this mountain community.

The Victorian home setting helps children visualize daily life from Aspen’s past, while the current “Decade by Decade: Aspen Revealed” exhibition runs through Spring 2025. The museum’s immaculate replica wallpapers and period furniture create an authentic atmosphere that transports visitors back to the Victorian era.

Here’s what makes this museum perfect for families:

1. Interactive exhibits engage multiple learning styles with hands-on displays and visual storytelling
2. Guided tours can be customized for your family size and children’s ages
3. Special programs like the “Ute Knowledge” exhibit connect kids with Indigenous history and STEM learning
4. Online archives let you explore thousands of digitized artifacts before or after visiting

The museum’s rotating exhibitions encourage repeat visits throughout your stay.

Hit the Slopes for Skiing and Snowboarding

Four world-class mountains await your family at Aspen Snowmass, where smart planning can stretch your ski budget without sacrificing the mountain experience. Your kids under six ski free, making this an immediate money-saver for families with young children.

Snowmass Mountain offers the most terrain variety, while Buttermilk’s S3 Park gives teenagers their first terrain park experience. The Treehouse Kids Adventure Center combines play with instruction for ages 3-6, keeping little ones engaged while learning fundamentals.

Book private group lessons to get personalized attention for your entire family. Choose ski-in ski-out accommodations like Residences at The Little Nell or budget-friendly Beaver Run Resort to minimize daily logistics.

Beyond slopes, try snow tubing or the alpine coaster for non-skiing family members. The Elk Camp area provides additional family entertainment with tubing and special Ullr Nights activities.

Try Snowshoeing Through Winter Landscapes

Snowshoeing opens up Aspen’s winter wonderland to families who want mountain adventures without the ski lift prices.

You’ll find over 60 miles of trails through the Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System, with rental gear available from local outfitters.

Choose family-friendly options that match your group’s abilities:

1. Aspen Golf Course Trails – Wide, groomed paths perfect for beginners
2. Hunter Creek Valley – Open spaces with room for kids to explore safely
3. Ashcroft Ghost Town – Combine history lessons with scenic winter hiking
4. Bernese Boulevard – Dog-friendly trail if you’re bringing pets

Check weather conditions before heading out and dress in layers. For a unique adventure, consider exploring Independence Pass Road, which is closed in winter and provides wide, open terrain for snowshoeing.

Guided tours offer educational value for curious kids while keeping safety priorities covered.

You’ll create lasting family memories exploring pristine winter landscapes.

Go Ice Skating at Local Rinks

Ice skating brings winter fun indoors and outdoors in Aspen, giving families affordable entertainment when mountain adventures need a break.

You’ll find two indoor rinks open year-round: Aspen Ice Garden at 233 W. Hyman Ave. offers open free skates, while Lewis Ice Arena at the Recreation Center features an NHL-sized rink with hockey leagues.

The outdoor Silver Circle Ice Rink downtown operates seasonally from noon to 9 PM, providing mountain views and starlight skating. Admission costs $10.50 for adults and $7 for children, with $3 skate rentals available.

You’ll pay extra for lockers, but the Aspen Recreation Department offers lessons if kids need instruction. The outdoor rink’s proximity to downtown attractions makes it convenient for combining activities. Hockey enthusiasts can join drop-in games at the various rinks throughout the week.

Experience the Thrill of Sledding

When fresh snow blankets Aspen’s hills, sledding becomes one of the most budget-friendly thrills your family can experience in this mountain paradise.

Whoa Nelly Sledding Hill behind the Aspen Recreation Center offers the perfect setup for all ages.

You’ll find gentler slopes for younger kids and steeper sections that’ll get your adrenaline pumping. The hill’s open dawn to dusk, weather permitting, and won’t cost you anything if you bring your own sled.

Here’s what makes sledding here exceptional:

1. Free access when you bring personal equipment
2. Varied terrain with natural dips and jumps
3. Safe design with wide stopping areas at the base
4. Convenient location next to ARC facilities

Onsite sled rentals cost $20 each while supplies last. The location creates a family-friendly environment where parents can easily supervise children while everyone enjoys the winter fun together.

Build Rockets in STEM Programs

While Aspen doesn’t offer dedicated rocket-building STEM programs, you can still spark your child’s interest in aerospace engineering through the area’s foundational science opportunities.

The Aspen Science Center provides free STEM programs for ages 1-5, building essential problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The center also offers a Rockets camp for ages 7-10 that provides exciting experiences in science and flight. ACES Ed offers environmental field programs that blend outdoor learning with science concepts.

Local STEM programs like Aspen Science Center’s free offerings for young children establish crucial foundations for future aerospace interests.

You’ll need to get creative for actual rocket-building. Purchase DIY rocket kits online and work on projects at home or in local parks.

These hands-on activities cost less than expensive camps while delivering the same educational value. Contact local schools and community centers about starting rocket-building programs – there’s clear opportunity for innovation.

The strong STEM foundation here creates perfect groundwork for future aerospace exploration.

Play at Treehouse Adventure Center

Located in Snowmass Base Village, the Treehouse Adventure Center offers state-licensed childcare and interactive play for kids aged 8 weeks to 4 years old.

This 25,000-square-foot facility combines nature-themed education with supervised activities, making it perfect for families who want peace of mind while skiing. The center also includes Snowmass Kids’ Ski & Snowboard School check-in along with equipment rental services for added convenience.

The Treehouse features four standout attractions:

1. Six interactive nature-themed rooms designed to bring the outdoors inside
2. Alpine Climbing Room with the popular Aspen Leaf Climber for active play
3. Bear Den specifically designed for preschoolers’ developmental needs
4. Butterfly Room providing a calm environment for infants and toddlers

You’ll appreciate the free all-day parking and convenient location near Wildwood Snowmass Hotel.

Book your spot by calling 970-923-TREE (8733) to secure childcare while you hit the slopes.

Visit the Iconic Maroon Bells

No trip to Aspen with kids is complete without experiencing the breathtaking Maroon Bells, two towering peaks that rank among Colorado’s most photographed mountains.

You’ll need advance reservations for access between May 15 and October 31, 2025. The RFTA shuttle costs $16 per adult, but kids under 12 pay just $10. Book through the official website or call 970-930-6442.

The family-friendly Maroon Lake Scenic Trail offers easy hiking perfect for children, while picnic areas provide rest spots with stunning views.

Early morning shuttle rides give you the best wildlife spotting opportunities—watch for marmots and deer. Private vehicles can also drop off passengers between 6 AM and 8 AM without a reservation if you prefer to avoid the shuttle system entirely. Pack water, snacks, and layers since altitude and weather change quickly.

Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect this delicate alpine environment.

Ride the Silver Queen Gondola

For breathtaking views without the skiing commitment, the Silver Queen Gondola offers your family a spectacular 14-minute journey up Aspen Mountain. This 12,000-foot gondola climb rises 3,267 vertical feet, delivering panoramic views of the Elk Mountains and White River National Forest through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Budget-friendly family options include:

1. Free rides for children under 6 – adults pay $52, seniors and teens $38
2. Sundeck Restaurant dining at the summit for a memorable mountain meal
3. Snowshoeing tours with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
4. Winter season access from November 28 to April 20, with uploads until 3:30 PM

Each Swiss-made cabin accommodates six passengers comfortably. The gondola provides year-round access to Aspen Mountain’s spectacular 11,212-foot peak elevation.

Note that sightseeing tickets are limited during peak holiday periods, so plan accordingly.

Fish in Aspen’s Beautiful Waters

While Aspen’s slopes draw winter crowds, its pristine waters offer your family an equally spectacular summer adventure at a fraction ski resort prices.

You’ll find 21 high mountain lakes in White River National Forest with minimal fishing pressure, perfect for teaching kids without crowded conditions. The Roaring Fork River provides crystal-clear waters ideal for beginners, while Ruedi Reservoir offers easy access for families with younger children.

Pack simple lures and flies—they’re effective for catching rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout in these waters. Fish early morning or late evening for best results.

Simple tackle works best in Aspen’s pristine waters—target dawn and dusk hours when trout are most active.

The July-to-September season gives you plenty of summer vacation opportunities. These alpine lakes sit at high altitudes between 9,580 and 12,540 feet, so dress in layers as weather conditions can change quickly. Remember to practice catch and release to preserve these fragile environments, and check local regulations before casting your lines.

Recap

You’ve hit the jackpot with Aspen’s family activities! From free hiking trails to budget-friendly geocaching adventures, you don’t need to break the bank for memorable experiences. Pack snacks for day trips, choose activities like the Dancing Fountain that won’t cost you anything, and take advantage of seasonal events. With careful planning, you’ll create lasting memories without emptying your wallet. Aspen’s natural playground offers countless adventures that’ll keep your kids entertained and your budget intact.