Aspen Activities for Kids: Winter Edition
It’s easy to entertain kids in Aspen and Snowmass, whether you’re on or off the mountain. While skiing may dominate everyone’s winter activity list for kids, there are plenty of other amazing activities for kids. Read below for some of our favorite things to do with kids in Aspen and Snowmass.
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 it’s 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.
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 kdis 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.