Best Things to Do with Kids in Aspen in Winter—Skiing, Sledding & More
Snowmass Luminescence is one of the many family-friendly activities in Snowmass Village.
Aspen and Snowmass are genuinely excellent for families in winter — and not just for skiing. Whether you’re staying for a long weekend or a full week, there’s enough to keep kids of all ages occupied on and off the mountain. We’ve spent multiple winters here with kids and these are the activities we keep coming back to, from the best beginner slopes to free ice skating and one of the best sleigh ride lunches in Colorado.
Skiing Buttermilk is a family favorite.
SKIING/SNOWBOARDING
The obvious top choice for kids in the winter is to hit the slopes. The two best mountains for skiing with kids are Buttermilk and Snowmass mountain. We love Buttermilk for its laid-back vibe and easy access. It’s also free to park, and both restaurants, The Cliffhouse and the Main Lodge, are great for kids. You can also walk to one of our favorite restaurants for kids, Home Team BBQ from the base.
Snowmass Mountain is wonderful mountain because there are two beginner slopes for kids, Meadows and Fanny Hill. Tree House is also a great place for kids to learn with their own private magic carpet.
SLEDDING
Sledding is a fun, inexpensive activity for kids of all ages. The fastest sledding hill is behind the Aspen Rec Center, and is usually better suited for older kids. There is also great sledding at the Snowmass Golf Course. If you want a more organized tubing program, you can pay to go up the Snowmass Gondola. The perk about tubing is the magic carpet that takes you back up the hill, no trudging your sled uphill is required.
Waiting to take a horse-drawn sleigh to Pine Creek Cookhouse. One of our favorite winter activities with kids.
SLEIGH RIDE
Taking a horse-drawn sleigh up Castle Creek Valley to have lunch at Pine Creek Cookhouse is one of the most pleasant ways to spend an afternoon in Aspen. While not specifically catered towards kids, the restaurant has a great kids menu.
POOLS/HOT TUBS
Aspen Rec Center has a great indoor pool for those chilly days with a lazy river. Older kids can also take advantage of the huge water slide. Snowmass Rec Center also has a beautiful heated outdoor pool and hot tubs.
Finally, the W Hotel has a rooftop pool that is open to the public to enjoy the amazing views of Ajax. While the crowd can get a little more adult during apres, most of the time is is completely appropriate for kids as well.
ICE SKATING
In Aspen, the best place to skate is the rink outside CP Burger. You can also rent skates there. The Snowmass Ice Rink located in Base village not only has free ice skating, the rentals are also free.
SNOWMASS GAME LOUNGE
While you’re in Base Village, check out the game lounge underneath Mawita’s restaurant/Snowmass Collective. It’s fun and colorful with a huge ballpit and arcade games. Checks the boxes for all ages of kids.
ASPEN ART MUSEUM
This free museum in the heart of downtown is always a great place to take the kids for an inside activity. They also have a rotating list of free kids classes, usually held on Saturday mornings.
Where to Stay in Aspen with Kids
For families, the best areas to base yourself are downtown Aspen (walkable to the Art Museum, CP Burger ice rink, and easy access to Buttermilk) or Snowmass Base Village (ski-in/ski-out, ice rink, game lounge, and pool all within walking distance). Snowmass is the better choice if your priority is keeping young kids on the mountain — everything is easier when you can ski in and out without a car. Downtown Aspen suits families with older kids who want more dining and shopping variety. The Little Nell is the best ski-in/ski-out luxury option in Aspen, while The Viceroy in Snowmass is the top family-friendly choice in Base Village. Read our Aspen travel Guide here. And our Snowmass Village Family Travel guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aspen good for kids?
Yes — Aspen and Snowmass are excellent for families in winter. Beyond skiing, there’s free ice skating, sledding, pools, the Aspen Art Museum, and the Snowmass Game Lounge. The area is compact and manageable, and the ski schools at both Buttermilk and Snowmass are well-regarded for young beginners.
What is the best ski mountain in Aspen for kids?
Buttermilk is the best mountain for young and beginner skiers — laid-back atmosphere, easy parking, and two good on-mountain restaurants. Snowmass is the better choice for families with kids at mixed ability levels, with dedicated beginner areas (Meadows and Fanny Hill) and the Tree House learning center.
Are there free things to do with kids in Aspen?
Yes. The Aspen Art Museum is free and offers free Saturday morning kids classes. Ice skating and rentals at the Snowmass Ice Rink in Base Village are also completely free. The Snowmass Game Lounge is low cost and great for all ages.
What is Pine Creek Cookhouse?
Pine Creek Cookhouse is a backcountry restaurant in Castle Creek Valley accessible by horse-drawn sleigh in winter. It’s one of the most unique dining experiences in Aspen — you ride up through the snowy valley and have lunch with panoramic mountain views. Reservations are required and it books up quickly.
Is the W Hotel pool open to non-guests in Aspen?
Yes — the W Aspen’s rooftop pool is open to the public, making it a great option for families who want an outdoor pool experience with views of Ajax Mountain without needing to be hotel guests.