Aspen is well-known for its snow-bird activities, but this mountainous escape is well worth a visit in the summertime, too! Bring the whole family along for an unforgettable vacation filled with outdoor activities and fun for all ages. From white-water rafting to exploring local parks, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Things to Do in Aspen with Kids This Summer
Discover an array of exciting activities for kids in Aspen this summer! Whether you're looking for hands-on nature experiences at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies or seeking the tranquility of the John Denver Sanctuary, Aspen has something for everyone. Get ready for exhilarating white water rafting adventures, step back in time at Independence Ghost Town, and enjoy outdoor thrills at the Lost Forest. Don’t miss the fun of riding the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster. Read on to learn more about these fantastic summer activities and how to make the most of your family’s Aspen adventure! Read on to learn about our favorite family-friendly activities in Aspen!
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES)
Looking for fun and education all in one? Visit the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES)! ACES is a fantastic spot for families to enjoy nature and learn together. Located right in Aspen, they offer educational programs, guided hikes, and interactive exhibits all about the environment.
Kids and adults alike will love exploring the scenic trails, meeting the resident birds of prey, and joining in on hands-on activities that inspire a love for nature. It's the perfect place for families to connect with the outdoors and discover the importance of caring for our planet.
John Denver Sanctuary
If you’re wanting to have a nice day out in the park, the John Denver Sanctuary is a perfect spot for family-friendly fun and relaxation. Families can enjoy a picnic together, surrounded bynature, or take a moment for quiet reflection (if your kids allow for that).
John Denver fans will love the Song Garden, where a Colorado Blue Spruce stands in the middle, representing Denver himself. The garden features river boulders etched with his lyrics, arranged in a circle to symbolize the circle of life. Kids will love the perennial flower garden that blooms starting in late May. This peaceful retreat is a wonderful destination for any visitor to Aspen and a must-see for John Denver fans.
White Water Rafting
Hop in your raft and hold on as you navigate the rapids on a white-water rafting adventure! This classic Colorado activity is a summer favorite for a reason. Your family will have the time of their lives speeding down the river with exciting twists and turns along the way.
If you’re traveling with small children, you can take a mild family-friendly rafting trip and enjoy a more peaceful view of Aspen's nature—local companies have trips for people of all ages. Families with older children may want to check out Aspen White-water Rafting’s “wild rafting trips” or “adventurous trips” to add an adrenaline rush to their itinerary.
Independence Ghost Town
Sixteen miles east of Aspen on Highway 82, the historic town of Independence offers a unique family-friendly adventure. Once a bustling mining town in the 1800s, Independence is now a captivating historical site where families can explore and learn together.
Kids will love visiting this abandoned ghost town and imagining what life was like so many years ago. Preservation efforts since the 1980s have ensured that future generations can enjoy exhibits such as the abandoned stables, the General Store, and the Intern Cabin. Discover the rich history and mining legacy of Aspen's past, and let your family experience a fun and educational journey through time!
Lost Forest
The Lost Forest in Aspen was designed with family fun and adventure in mind. Located on Snowmass Mountain, it offers a variety of exciting activities for all ages, including a thrilling alpine coaster, zip lines, and a challenging ropes course. Your kids will be tired out after a full day here!
Nature lovers can enjoy scenic hiking trails and picturesque picnic spots. With so much to see and do, the Lost Forest provides an unforgettable outdoor experience, making it a must-visit destination for families looking to explore and play in Aspen’s beautiful natural surroundings.
Breathtaker Alpine Coaster
What better way to explore the mountains than racing through them on an alpine coaster? To add a bit of adrenaline to your Aspen family vacation, take a ride on the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster! Located inside the Lost Forest adventure park, this exciting ride winds through a mile of beautiful forest, offering breathtaking mountain views along the way.
You control your own speed, so you can always slow down if it feels like things are getting out of hand. Open year-round, the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster is a must-do for families and friends looking to add some fun to their stay in Aspen. Don’t miss out on this unique experience!
Aspen Dancing Fountain
The Aspen Dancing Fountain is a delightful spot for families to enjoy some fun and relaxation. Located in downtown Aspen, this interactive fountain features water jets that dance to music, providing endless entertainment for kids and adults alike.
It's a perfect place to cool off on a warm day or simply sit back and watch the water show. With its lively atmosphere and central location, the Aspen Dancing Fountain is a great stop for families with young kids.
Glenwood Caverns
Come on down to America’s only mountaintop theme park! This amusement park in nearby Glenwood Springs promises fun for the whole family in the summer here in Colorado. With a long list of thrill rides and family-friendly options attractions like the Mine Wheel (think Ferris Wheel), everyone can have a great time here!
Glenwood also has a series of underground cave tours you can venture out on. There are four cave tours to choose from, one of which is a historic fairy cave tour—your littles are sure to love it! Whether you want to take the gondola ride up the mountain (gondola rides are free in June this year) or take a ride on the Defiance Roller Coaster, Glenwood promises a fun time for all.
Start Planning Your Aspen Vacation
Get ready for your best family vacation yet in Aspen! Whether you’re looking for a pet-friendly rental, a private home rental, or a long-term rental, McCartney Properties has exactly what you need for an unforgettable vacation. Browse our available Aspen vacation rentals now and book your stay directly with us today!