Summer Aspen with toddlers was AWESOME. Our family had so much fun on our little road trip and it was extra special because we brought our 13 year old Sheltie too! I can’t wait to come back to Aspen and see more… especially when my kiddos can bike the trails! This blog post outlines the top 5 spots we hit while in Aspen during the summer (and plan to come back to)!
1. Aspen Snowmass Peak
Visiting the Aspen Snowmass Peak hits the top spot on this list for me. The peak offers so many exciting activities and beautiful views. It’s a great spot to spend a day hanging out with littles.
One important thing to note about gondola rides in the summer at Aspen. If you’re staying the in the area, I recommend purchasing the “3 day sightseeing” pass. A single ride option costs $35. The sightseeing pass allows you to go on any of the 2 gondolas in the area for the next three days. If you plan on going up the gondola more than once, the 3 day pass is your best option. Advance tickets are not necessary, but you can purchase them Here.
Breathtaker
My favorite experience at the Snowmass peak (and the whole trip) was riding the breathtaker with my son. He’s really into trains and was absolutely thrilled to ride this “rollercoaster” through the mountains.
The Breathtaker requires that all riders meet the 38” height requirement. My 3.5yr old just barely reached that mark, so it’s not suited for little toddlers but fits perfectly for an older transportation obsessed toddler. For the record, I started to get nervous before and during the ride but my 3 year old did not show the slightest bit of fear. I won’t forget our first “coaster” at the Snowmass peak!
Other Activities
Snowmass has an immense amount of structured activities in addition to the breathtaker. Not everything is fit for littles, but it is very easy to spend a full day at the Snowmass peak with fun for all. Some activities we would have liked to try include a ropes course, rock climbing, and a ball race course. We were cut short by nap time, but will have to come back!
2. Aspen Peak
While the Snowmass peak has more structured things to do, the Aspen peak has an incredible view and just more space. Once you get to the top, get your family photo! There is a little bit less structured activities to do at the peak, but its fun to get a little more space and relaxation time.
Truck sandbox
Outside of eating and taking in the views, we spent most of our time at the truck sandbox. Technically both peaks have the truck sandbox, but with fewer distractions/activities at this peak, we spent more time at this one! As a parent, it was a great opportunity to sit back and get some relaxation time in the cool weather of the peak while my kiddos were very occupied by truck toys.
3. Play at Herron Park
Herron park is an absolutely beautiful little playground nestled near near the rio grande trail and the Roaring Fork River. The park itself is gorgeously made. Montessori inspired with lots of natural material and room for imagination within kiddos. Moms and dads can enjoy the river sounds, beautiful views, and shady trees while kids have fun!
4. Hike Maroon Bells
I wrote all about hiking Maroon Bells here. Hiking with toddlers can be hit and miss, but Maroon Bells offers great easy options for bringing your toddlers on the most beautiful hike in Aspen. Book your parking as soon as you know you’re headed to Aspen! Maroon Bells amazed us with its beauty!
5. CP Burger and Putt Putt
Multiple rounds of putt putt are now under our 3 year old’s belt. As mentioned in the eating in Aspen post, CP burger was a big hit for us during our visit! If we are only going to one restaurant on that list, CP burger is it.
Next Time in Aspen
We loved visiting Aspen with our toddlers SO MUCH. We can’t wait to come back. While we would have loved to bike the Rio Grande Trail, we ran out of time on this visit. On our next visit, we will bike the downhill version of the trail based on recommendations from those that frequently visit the area! We’re working on getting our three year old into biking. Please send over all the recommendations in the comments! See ya again soon, Aspen!