Kids and Family Activities in Aspen, Colorado

Activities On-High

Some of the most memorable family activities are found right in Aspen’s backyard. During the summer and fall Aspen Mountain features diverse mountain-top activities: (www.aspensnowmass.com; 970.925.1220)

• Gondola Rides. The Silver Queen Gondola travels 2.5 miles and more than 3,000 vertical feet from the town of Aspen to the 11,212-foot summit of Aspen Mountain. At the top, take in the spectacular panoramic views of Aspen and the Elk Mountain Range, dine at the Sundeck, hike, and discover adventure. Tickets can be purchased at the Gondola Office at the base of Aspen Mountain.

• Between a Rock and a Hard Place.  A mini wall for aspiring climbers graces the top of Aspen Mountain during the summer, a safe and fun adventure for kids wanting to test their Spiderman skills.

• Children’s Activities. Kids of all ages will find free activities and entertainment awaiting them on top of Aspen Mountain every Monday–Friday during the summer. From 11 a.m.–2 p.m., families are invited to participate in arts & crafts, games, obstacle courses and more.

• Guided Nature Walks. Naturalists from the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) lead free 45-minute walks along Richmond Ridge at the top of Aspen Mountain. Learn about the native trees, birds and animals that thrive in the high-alpine environment. Tours meet at the top of the gondola on the hour from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily.

• Tuesday Twilight Dinners. Take advantage of the rare opportunity to ride the Silver Queen Gondola in the summer evenings, and enjoy a western BBQ dinner and live music to boot.  Dinner served 5-7:15 p.m. Price includes all-day gondola pass and dinner: Adults $35, kids (4-12 years) and seniors (70+) $20.

• Frisbee Golf. Play the world’s highest official disc (Frisbee) golf-course—a hike and a game in one free and fun outing. Pick up your disc, score card and course map at the top of Aspen Mountain. Take it easy and play the top 9 holes, or challenge yourself to all 18—the back 9 are infamous.

Favorite Places

• The Fountain. The fountain on the Hyman Avenue Mall is a bona fide child magnet, with unpredictable vertical jets of water that shoot from the ground, soaking anyone standing in their way.  Designed by Aspen-based physicist Nick DeWolfe, the computer-programmed fountain is completely random, with no set pattern.

• The Grottos. A few miles east of Aspen on Independence Pass, these smoothed-out rock caves and caverns on the Roaring Fork River never fail to thrill little explorers—and their parents, too. The scenic area includes picnic tables, so bring some grub and make a day of it.

Where to Feed ’Em

• Boogie’s Diner. This lively diner serves up foods everyone likes, from hot dogs to Caesar salads to incredible milkshakes, all amidst pink vinyl seat cushions and ’50s memorabilia. (970.925.6610)

• Little Annie’s. This classic Aspen restaurant serves great burgers, sandwiches, and other American fare in a casual, laid-back atmosphere. (970.925.1098)

• Gusto Ristorante. An Italian hotspot, this is a treat for both kids and parents. Offering pizza dough for kids to play with during dinner, Mom and Dad can relax with Gusto’s fine Italian wines. (970.925.8222)

• Su Casa. It’s always fiesta time at this festive Mexican restaurant, offering creative and affordable choices for the little ones. (970.920.1488)

• Lucci’s. Fun, affordable and tasty, this cozy Italian eatery on the Cooper Street Mall is a hotspot for pizza and pasta. (970.925.8866)

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