If you read my Aspen Summer Travel Guide, you already know how much I love this mountain town – but one of the biggest reasons we keep coming back summer after summer is how wonderful it is with kids. There is so much for them to do. And not just the obvious mountain activities. Between summer camps, art classes, nature programs, rafting, biking, rodeos, afternoons at the river, and some pretty great rainy-day options, our days here tend to fill themselves.

After spending several summers in Aspen with my boys, I’ve also learned that a little planning goes a long way. Some of the best activities require reservations well before you arrive, while others are the wonderfully spontaneous kind you can decide on over breakfast. There are things that are perfect for little ones, others that are finally exciting once they’re a bit older, and plenty that the whole family will genuinely enjoy together.

So, consider this my running list of the best things to do in Aspen with kids – our tried-and-true favorites, the activities my boys ask to do again and again, and a few of those only-in-Aspen experiences that make a summer here feel so special. I’ve included everything from the camps and classes worth knowing about to outdoor adventures, rainy-day saves, and a handful of day trips worth getting in the car for.

Consider this your head start on next summer. Aspen’s best kids’ activities – and especially its camps – are worth knowing about well before you arrive. Now for the fun part…

CAMPS + CLASSES

If you’re staying in Aspen for more than a few days, one of my biggest tips is to look into summer camps before you arrive. There are some incredible options – from sports and outdoor adventures to art and nature programs – and my boys love having something that’s just for them mixed into our family vacation. Register early; the popular programs can fill up well before summer.

check out:

Camp Aspen Snowmass (tip: they offer private day camps for small groups, too!), Moof Goof, Ajax Adventure Camp, Camp Smashbox, and Wildwood.

NATURE + OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

SPEND A DAY WITH ACES

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) is one of my absolute favorite resources for kids in Aspen. At Hallam Lake, right in town, you’ll find nature walks, wildlife programs, and bird-of-prey demonstrations, while Rock Bottom Ranch is worth the short drive for an entirely different experience. Check their summer calendar before your trip because the programming changes throughout the season.

COLLECT EGGS AT ROCK BOTTOM RANCH

This deserves a special mention. ACES offers an egg-collecting experience at Rock Bottom Ranch where kids can visit the hens, gather fresh eggs, and learn a little about life on the farm in the process. It’s simple, hands-on, and exactly the kind of activity little kids remember. Check the ACES calendar and reserve ahead when available.

VISIT MAROON BELLS

The Maroon Bells may be one of Aspen’s most iconic sights, but they’re surprisingly easy to experience with kids. The Maroon Lake Scenic Trail is an easy, approximately one-mile loop, with plenty of opportunities to stop, explore, and take in the view along the way. The shuttle can sell out during peak summer weeks, so this is absolutely one to reserve before your trip.

EXPLORE THE GROTTOS

For kids who like climbing, rocks, and getting a little dirty, head to the Grottos along Independence Pass. There are ice caves, huge granite formations to scramble over, and a creek that’s perfect for splashing in on a warm day. Parking is limited, so go early—and bring water shoes.

RIDE THE SILVER QUEEN GONDOLA

You really can’t take kids to Aspen without riding the gondola. The ride itself is half the fun, and once you’re at the top of Aspen Mountain, there is plenty of space to explore before grabbing lunch at the Sundeck. It’s an easy activity that works for practically every age.

BIKE THE RIO GRANDE TRAIL

Rent bikes—or trailers and tag-alongs for younger riders—and head out on the Rio Grande Trail. The paved path is relatively flat, incredibly scenic, and one of the easiest ways to get everyone outside without committing to a major hike.

EXPLORE THE JOHN DENVER SANCTUARY

This is such an easy one to work into a day because it’s right in town. The riverside gardens have walking paths, streams, and huge boulders that kids inevitably want to climb all over. Bring lunch and make it a picnic, or simply stop by when everyone needs to burn off a little energy.

WATER ADVENTURES

GO WHITEWATER RAFTING

For older kids ready for a little adventure, whitewater rafting is one of the most fun ways to experience the valley. There are everything from mellow family floats to splashier whitewater trips, so you can choose the route that works for your crew. Age and weight requirements vary depending on the river and conditions, so confirm when booking—and definitely reserve this one ahead.

FLOAT NORTH STAR NATURE PRESERVE

For something decidedly more peaceful, spend a few hours floating through North Star Nature Preserve. Bring a paddleboard or tube and let the current do most of the work while you take in the scenery. Rentals and shuttle spots can sell out during busy summer weeks, so make arrangements ahead of time.

GO CREEK SPLASHING

Sometimes the activities kids love most require absolutely no reservation at all. Pack water shoes and let them splash around in the shallow rock pools near the Grottos or Maroon Bells. Fair warning: it’s snowmelt, so the water is cold.

EASY DAYS IN TOWN

GO TO LIBRARY STORY TIME

Do not underestimate the Pitkin County Library when traveling with little ones. It has a wonderful children’s room and offers story times, crafts, and STEAM programming throughout the summer. It’s free, right downtown, and an especially good option when everyone needs a slower morning—or when an afternoon storm rolls through.

VISIT THE ASPEN SATURDAY MARKET

If you’re in town on Saturday morning, take the kids to the market. You’ll find produce, food, local vendors, live music, and plenty to wander through together. It’s an easy activity to pair with breakfast and a morning downtown.

WORTH THE DRIVE

SPEND THE DAY AT LOST FOREST

If you have kids, Lost Forest at Snowmass is absolutely worth the drive. The alpine coaster is the headline attraction, but you’ll also find a climbing wall, ropes courses, hiking, a trout pond, and plenty more to keep everyone occupied. This is one of those activities that can easily turn into an entire day.

GO TO THE SNOWMASS RODEO

If you’re in town on a Wednesday night, this is such a fun Colorado experience. There’s barbecue, a petting zoo, and plenty of rodeo action—including the crowd-favorite mutton bustin’. It’s extremely popular and can sell out, so buy tickets ahead of time.

GLENWOOD CAVERNS ADVENTURE PARK

If you have a full day to spare, make the drive to Glenwood Springs. Glenwood Caverns is a mountaintop adventure park with cave tours, a coaster, and rides for kids of different ages. The journey is roughly an hour from Aspen, so I’d plan on making a day of it.

GLENWOOD HOT SPRINGS

Another Glenwood favorite, particularly on a warm summer day. Beyond the enormous mineral pool, there’s a dedicated kids’ splash zone with slides and a tube ride. You can easily pair this with another Glenwood stop for a full-day excursion.

TAKE A DAY TRIP TO MARBLE

If you have a rock lover, this is a fun little adventure. Marble is home to enormous blocks of the stone Colorado is famous for, and Mill Site Park gives kids plenty to explore. It’s farther afield—about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes from Aspen—but makes for a memorable change of scenery.

save this for a rainy day…

Every parent needs a rainy-day plan, and The Aspen Rec Center is mine. It has an indoor pool, lazy river, waterslide, climbing tower, and ice skating—more than enough to salvage a stormy afternoon. It’s also a good option when everyone simply needs a break from hiking and mountain adventures.