Best Things to Do in Aspen, CO With Kids
Aspen and Snowmass split into two seasons for families: summer means the Maroon Bells scenic area, the Silver Queen Gondola (sightseeing only in summer), and Snowmass's Bike Park and Lost Forest treehouses; winter means Aspen/Snowmass ski school and the Buttermilk tubing hill. Budget accordingly — this is one of the more expensive family destinations in the country.
Want a resort shortlist for your Aspen trip too?
60-second match. Free. No email required to see picks.
1Area photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Maroon Bells Scenic Area
The most-photographed mountain scene in Colorado — twin 14,000-foot peaks reflected in Maroon Lake — and an easy, flat walk from the shuttle drop-off gets young kids the full view without a real hike.
Watch out: Private vehicles are largely banned on the access road in summer and early fall; a reserved shuttle from Aspen Highlands is required except for very early morning or late evening arrival windows. Shuttle tickets sell out on peak fall foliage weekends — book well ahead.
2Area photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Silver Queen Gondola (Summer Sightseeing)
A scenic ride to the top of Aspen Mountain with hiking trails, a restaurant, and mountain views — genuinely worth doing in summer when it operates as a sightseeing gondola open to everyone, not just skiers.
Watch out: This is a summer-only sightseeing option — in winter the gondola serves skiers and riders only, with no casual scenic rides for non-skiers. High altitude at the top (over 11,000 feet) can affect younger kids; take it slow.
3Area photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Aspen/Snowmass Ski & Ride School
Well-regarded kids' ski and snowboard programs with real terrain progression, but be honest with yourself about the cost going in — this is one of the most expensive ski destinations in the US, and a single day here for a family of four routinely runs over $1,000 once lift tickets and a group lesson are combined.
Watch out: Winter only — the mountain is closed to skiing outside roughly late November through early April. Book lessons well in advance; peak-week slots for young kids' programs fill up.
4Area photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Buttermilk Tubing Hill
A cheaper, lower-commitment winter alternative to a full ski day at Buttermilk, Aspen's beginner-friendly mountain. A tow lift does the climbing, so it's genuinely accessible for younger kids without ski experience.
Watch out: Winter only, and sessions run in timed slots — book ahead for weekend and holiday dates. Weight and age minimums vary by lane; check before arriving with very young kids.
5Area photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Snowmass Bike Park & Lost Forest
Summer-only: a real mountain bike park for older kids and teens, plus the Lost Forest — treehouses, slides, and nature play connected by the free Elk Camp Gondola — that works for younger kids at the same time older siblings ride.
Watch out: Bike park terrain requires real mountain biking skill and full protective gear for anything beyond the easiest trails — this isn't a rental cruiser path. It closes for the season outside roughly summer months; confirm dates before planning around it.
Frequently asked
Can we ride the gondola in winter without skiing?
Not for casual sightseeing — in winter, Aspen's Silver Queen Gondola serves skiers and riders only. The scenic, walk-up sightseeing ride is a summer-season activity.
How much should we budget for one ski day at Aspen with kids?
Realistically $900–$1,400 for a family of four once you combine adult lift tickets and a full or half-day kids' group lesson — this is genuinely one of the most expensive ski destinations in the country, so budget with eyes open.
Do we need a reservation to see the Maroon Bells?
Yes, in season (roughly late spring through fall) — private vehicles are largely restricted on the access road, and most visitors need to book the Aspen Highlands shuttle in advance, especially on fall foliage weekends.
Is Snowmass better than Aspen for young kids?
Generally yes — Snowmass is built as the more family-oriented of the two resorts, with the Lost Forest, a gentler learning terrain, and a slightly more relaxed pace than Aspen proper.
Things to do in similar destinations
Same family-activity angle, different destination.
Quintana Roo, Mexico
Cancun
Xel-Há All-Inclusive Eco Park · Xcaret Park (Plus Pass) · Chichen Itza + Cenote + Valladolid Day-Trip
Things to do in Cancun →
FL, United States
Orlando
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Day · Gatorland — Florida's Original Attraction · Discovery Cove (Reserved-Day, All-Inclusive)
Things to do in Orlando →
Plan a full Aspen family trip
Tell the Advisor your kids' ages, your budget, and your travel window. We'll match a resort, an activity stack, and the booking-window math that beats peak pricing.