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12 Family-Friendly Activities in Aspen


Whether you’re making the decision to live in Aspen or just planning a trip to the area, there’s plenty to see and do here. The city itself is a wonderful combination of outdoor adventure, diverse culture, and high-end shopping. It’s noted for its beautiful historic hotels, small cafes, and boutiques of all types. For those who are planning a trip to the area or a weekend out, it helps to know what the area’s best family-friendly attractions and activities are. There’s no shortage of options.

If you're considering buying homes for sale in Aspen, turn to the team at Saslove & Warwick to find your dream home. In the meantime, consider taking on one or more of these activities for the whole family.

Photo courtesy of powderhounds.com

1. Hike and bike the Rio Grande Trail


For those who want an outdoor adventure available from spring through fall, the Rio Grande Trail is the ideal choice. It’s a flat, paved trail, which makes it a good option for biking. Still, this out-and-back trail allows you to explore some of the best natural elements of the area, from animal habitats to beautiful views.

If you’re looking for another fabulous hiking location, check out Woody Creek Tavern. It’s about 10 minutes from the heart of the city. It is also a good place for those who want to do some horseback riding.

2. Get outside and into the water



As the weather warms up, it helps to have access to some water fun. Aspen offers that in several ways. First, for older children and adults with swimming skills, whitewater rafting can be an exciting adventure. You’ll find various areas guides and resources to help you make this happen, or you can bring your river gear. If you’re local, you know that there’s always something fabulous to explore here.

For a bit more fun, check out the John Denver Sanctuary. It’s located on the banks of the Roaring Fork River. There’s a children’s area here that is perfect for those who want to do some exploring and cool off at the same time.

3. Explore the world-famous skiing


Photo courtesy of powderhounds.com

Skiing is one of the very best pastimes in Aspen. People come from around the world to do it. Families who may not have a lot of experience just yet should choose one of the ski resorts and make a day of it. Many offer ski lessons for young children through adults. You can also rent all the gear you need right at the location, which means you do not have to spend a lot of money on your first option.

One of the biggest resorts in the area is Buttermilk Ski Resort. Snowmass Ski Resort, Aspen Highlands Ski Resort, and Aspen Mountain Ski Resort are all fantastic options. Each one has an area for inexperienced and beginner skiers, along with areas for other fun winter sports. That includes snowboarding and even cross country skiing. 

4. Go camping at Lincoln Creek


Families looking for adventure can easily find it in multiple ways in Aspen. For those who may want to get away from their Aspen home, a bit of camping nearby can prove to be a fantastic experience. One of the best places to do this is at Lincoln Creek Campground., but they can provide some of the best open areas for those who want to set up a tent. You can even bring an RV if you would like to.

5. Explore Maroon Bells



For those who are looking for some fun and beauty to go along with it, Maroon Bells may be the best location to explore those opportunities. It’s a pair of snow-covered mountains called Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak. It’s possible to hike to them, but even viewing them in the distance can be stunning. What makes it unique is that, at the right angle and light level, the mountains turn a beautiful color of maroon. It’s quite a sight to see.

There is no doubt these are some of the most majestic of the Rocky Mountains and are worth the drive or hike to see them. However, access is limited during the spring and summer to protect the area. 

6. Go on a snowmobile tour


Exploring all that the area offers is a lot of fun, but there are many ways to do that. One option is to take a snowmobile tour. It’s a fun way to spend a few hours and provides great access to the area’s best amenities.

There are a number of locations that offer snowmobile tours, including T-Lazy 7 Ranch. They will take you up into the Maroon Bells themselves. Younger children are welcome, but they may need to be held by parents. The location even offers a hot chocolate break during the trip. It’s a fun experience for kids of all ages.

7. Visit the rec center


The Aspen Recreation Center is a good place to find out what’s happening locally and dive into the experience. The facility is open to the public, though there may be fees for some services provided. This is a hub for activity most of the time, and it’s easy to find lots to experience here.

This is a fantastic place to come during the winter months when ice skating is underway. The area is mesmerizing with the surrounding mountains and twinkling lights. There are other activities throughout the year, including an indoor pool, sledding, and rock climbing. There are also programs for fitness, education, and other activities for kids, adults, and seniors. 

8. Take in the Grottos White River National Forest


A visit to the Grottos White River National Forest may be in order for those with slightly older and more skilled family members. It’s a small loop trail that can be kid-friendly, though you can make it more challenging by exploring the pools and waterfalls. This area is a good option for those who want a relaxing nature hike. You can bring along your dogs, too, but they have to stay on the leash. Some may love climbing the large rock formations in the area as well.

9. Visit the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies


Dive in and learn something new at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. There are a variety of activities to explore here, including tours that happen each day (or throughout the week). That may include snowshoe tours, ski tours, and much more. For those who want to truly experience the very best this area has to offer, a visit here should be in order. Check out all of the current activities planned for the area. 

10. Plan a special hike


Another way to spend some time here is by hiking. Of course, there are many examples of hikes available throughout the area, but a few are fantastic for families.

One of those is along Hunter Creek Trail. There’s also Smuggler Mountain Road. These two are rather easy and make good starter hikes for kids who are just learning about the area and the many amenities.

11. Visit Wagner Park and Mill Street Fountain


Sometimes the best way to have some fun is just to blow off some steam. You can easily do that at Wagner Park and Mill Street Fountain. It’s a big playground with appropriately-themed mountain climbing gear. The kids will also want to dive right into the water fun here. There’s a splash pad that is available typically during the summer months.  This is a family-friendly location with much to offer, though it can get busy during the weekends.

12. Enjoy family-friendly meals


There are a number of different restaurants throughout the area, and most of them are very kid-friendly. If you are visiting from out of town and wondering where to eat, there are a few locations that should definitely top your list. Check out CP Burger for a good start. It’s also a mini-golf location the kids will love. Or head to Brunelleschi’s Dome Pizzeria. The food is fabulous, and the atmosphere is upbeat and enjoyable for most people.

Make Aspen real estate home with some help


There’s simply too much to take in and do in Aspen on a trip. Why not purchase a home here? Aspen real estate is an exceptional value for many reasons. For some, it’s an investment that can generate income for them for years to come. For active outdoor lovers, it’s the ideal place to live and explore. No matter your goals, making the move starts when you contact Saslove & Warwick.

*Header photo courtesy of powderhounds.com



About the Authors

Joshua Saslove

Joshua Saslove is the undisputed luxury real estate leader in Aspen, Colorado. Saslove routinely outperforms all other brokers in one of America's most exclusive, and most competitive, real estate markets when it comes to Aspen real estate. With over 40 years of experience and an unwavering commitment to the perfection of client service, he has sold an estimated $3+ billion in real estate while accumulating a client list of some of the world's most influential individuals.

Joshua Saslove has been featured on the cover of New York Times for his representation of the Prince Bandar $135 million estate. During 2009, the worst economic year in decades, Saslove made headlines for seller representation of the largest residential home sale in the United States for that year, a $43 million Aspen estate.

A Detroit native, Joshua is a proud Harley guy who enjoys cross-country skiing and spending time with family.

Riley Warwick

Riley Warwick is co-founder of the Aspen-based brokerage team, Saslove & Warwick, at Douglas Elliman Real Estate, with his partner Joshua Saslove. Saslove & Warwick approaches Aspen’s real estate landscape with an auspicious blend of experience, deep community ties, and forward thinking. Together, The Saslove & Warwick Team has over 60 years of experience and $5+ billion in closed sales.

Riley’s uncanny ability to find off-market opportunities for his clients is one trait that sets him apart. Recent examples include his record-setting sale of 421 Willoughby Way for $108M, 132 Placer Lane for $55M, representing Buyer and Seller in both transactions, and numerous other off-market sales. 

Crediting his success as an Aspen real estate agent to a relentless work ethic, responsiveness, and deep market knowledge, Riley also adheres to the primary principles of discretion, honesty and continual improvement. Ultimately, Riley judges his success by the number of clients who would recommend him to their friends and family.

His success thus far has not gone unrecognized. The Saslove & Warwick Team maintains standing as the #1 Colorado Team by sales volume for 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019. Riley was ranked #1 Douglas Elliman Colorado Agent in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019 for gross sales volume, #2 Douglas Elliman Colorado Agent in 2019 for GCI, voted the #2 Aspen Times Realtor of The Year in 2017, and received the Team Player Award from Douglas Elliman in 2018. 

A graduate of Purdue University and an Indiana native, Riley has been a downtown Aspen resident for the past ten years. When not working on real estate, Riley is an avid reader and cyclist. His other interests include art, architecture, design, vintage watches, and cars.

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