Top 10 Summer Activities to do with kids in Aspen

Aspen in the summer time is why I stayed here! The weather is great, and there are even more activities for kids to do than in winter. There are even camps for kids of all disciplines such as art, sport, environment and even physics. 

Here’s a list of our favorite summer activities for the kids while you’re visiting Aspen.

1. The ASPEN RECREATION CENTER! This place is a dream for parents and kids alike. Swim at the indoor pool and ride the  2-story water slide for hours, or try out 32ft. indoor rock climbing on the tower, beginners welcome! With an onsite snack bar, locker room, ice rink and work out facility, the whole family will be entertained.

2.  Guided Adventures. Explore the surrounding mountains via jeep, horse or foot – take your pick! Local jeep tours will take you to scenic vistas in a rugged but comfortable ride, or if sampling the Wild West is more your speed, take a guided horseback ride into the wilderness with a picnic lunch. For the active outdoor family, strap on your hiking boots for a guided hike to experience each trail crossing and grassy meadow on your own two feet. Better yet, let the guides teach you a thing or two about the basics of climbing and strap into a rope and harness to hang out in the hills, mountain style.

3.  Splash!  Ever try whitewater rafting? No trip to the Colorado Rockies would be complete without it! We have three area rivers (Roaring Fork, Colorado and Arkansas) that have everything from Class IV whitewater to mellow day floats to accommodate the whole family via raft, kayak, ducky or stand up paddle board. 

4.  Mini-golf anyone? FORE!  The Silver Circle Ice Rink located across from the Rubey Park Bus Station at the base of Aspen Mountain transforms into a miniature golf course in Aspen’s summer months.  The location can’t be beaten and the kids will be entertained day or night with this family fun activity.  And CP Burger is right there with the perfect kid-friendly nosh.

5. Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES).  ACES is abuzz with children’s voices and laughter during the summer months. They offer fun and educational kids’ classes and camps that allow your child to experience and learn about the natural world.  Let your child wonder in nature and see how quickly they can foster their curious minds! Kids will love meeting the resident golden eagle and learning about all of the local wildlife.  It’s like a zoo and a museum and a fun hands-on classroom all in one.

6. Horse riding! All kids love horses. Go check out lessons or camps at Cozy Point Ranch. 

7. Camps! Aspen loves its outdoor adventures in any season, but it’s second best friend is Arts and Culture of course!  It’s a good thing we’re familiar with exercising the mind AND the body around here.  See what places, such as the Ajax Adventure Camp, Aspen Art Museum, Theatre Aspen, and ACES to name a few, have in store. Your kids could be coming home from a day of creative activity that will wear them out and have the begging for more!

8.  Skateboarding! Whether you’re a novice or a shredder, Aspen’s very own Rio Grande Skate Park is a great place to play. Located near the popular Rio Grande Park and Trail the Skate Park includes all types of terrain from a clover bowl, peewee bowl and pool wall extension to a deep vertical bowl. Lessons are available through Radio Boardshop and All Star Skate Camp.

9. Smuggler Mine Tours. Many enjoy hiking up Smuggler mountain, but did you know that underneath that hike is one of the most famous and productive of Aspen’s silver mines? The Smuggler mine produced a world record nugget of nearly pure silver that weighed almost a ton! The guided tour takes guests into the mine and shows firsthand how difficult the hard rock mining of the late 19th century was. Call (970) 925-2049 for more information.

10. Top of the Mountain FUN. Step right up! Ride the Silver Queen Gondola all the way to the top of Aspen Mountain. Once you’re there try out the climbing wall or take a jump with Eurobungy. If that’s not your thing there’s disc golf, an obstacle course, and even the popular silver nugget dig! Mine for silver just like the old days in Aspen – the small silver nuggets can be taken as a souvenir. Have lunch at the Sundeck or pack a picnic of your own. The view from 11,212 ft. isn’t too shabby either!