Aspen With Kids: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide (Plus What to Pack)
- , by Tina Mangan
- 7 min reading time
Aspen isn't just a world-famous ski destination... it's one of the most magical places to visit with children year-round. From snow-covered mountains and cozy cafés in the winter to wildflower hikes and outdoor adventures in the summer, Aspen offers unforgettable family memories in every season.
Whether you're planning your first family vacation to Aspen or returning for another mountain escape, packing thoughtfully can make traveling with little ones much easier.
Here's everything you need to know before your trip.
Why Families Love Family Friendly Aspen
Aspen is a family-friendly town in Colorado's Rocky Mountains that combines luxury with adventure, making it ideal for parents traveling with young children. A trip to Aspen with kids feels both exciting and easygoing, with Aspen Mountain rising right above town and gentle adventures waiting in every direction.
If you visit Aspen for the great outdoors, it's easy to explore simple, kid friendly experiences that work for the whole family and still feel relaxed and fun. Some family favorites include:
- Ski lessons for beginners through the Aspen Snowmass ski school, with options by ages
- Riding the Silver Queen Gondola up Aspen Mountain for on mountain activities
- Exploring downtown Aspen, filled with boutiques, cafés, and seasonal events with live music
- Ice skating during the winter months
- A summer hike near a lake, including favorite hikes around maroon bells lake and other alpine lakes
- Parks and playgrounds with incredible mountain views, plus easy spots to ride bikes near town
- Hot chocolate by the fire after a day outdoors or an indoor stop at the recreation center
No matter the season, Aspen has a slower pace, family friendly energy, and plenty of fun activities and adventure activities, from scenic trails through aspen groves to easy outings for young kids, that make it simple to enjoy quality time together.
Because Aspen Snowmass spans four mountains, families can mix gentle beginner terrain on Aspen Mountain with wide-open runs elsewhere, all within a short drive of town. That variety is a big part of what makes Aspen with kids so easy to love.
A Snowy or Rainy Day? Head to the Aspen Recreation Center
When mountain weather turns or little legs need a break, the Aspen Recreation Center is a family lifesaver. Kids can splash in the leisure pool, float along the lazy river, and zip down the water slides, while older children often gravitate toward the indoor climbing wall.
The climbing wall is a wonderful way to burn energy on a snowy afternoon, and the lazy river gives toddlers a calmer place to play at their own pace. Many families build a stop at the Aspen Recreation Center into every trip, since the climbing wall and the lazy river together keep every age happily entertained under one roof.
Summer in Aspen With Kids
When the snow melts, Aspen with kids turns into a playground of trails, rivers, and wildflowers. Families can wade along the Roaring Fork River, spend a morning learning to ride at Snowmass Bike Park, or lace up for the classic hike from Maroon Bells Lake toward Crater Lake.
The trail to Crater Lake is one of the most beautiful in the area, rewarding little hikers with a shimmering alpine view at the end. The calm shallows of the Roaring Fork River nearby are perfect for splashing on a warm day, and Snowmass Bike Park has beginner-friendly zones so even young riders can join in the fun.
What to Pack for Aspen With Kids
Mountain weather can change quickly, and Aspen is family-friendly enough for the whole family, so layering is key.
Your packing list should include:
- Warm jackets
- Base layers
- Hats and gloves
- Waterproof snow gear (during winter)
- Comfortable sneakers or snow boots
- Swimsuits for hotel pools, hot tubs, and the Aspen Recreation Center, where families can enjoy swimming in a leisure pool with water slides and a lazy river
- Favorite books and travel activities
- Soft bamboo pajamas for cozy evenings
If you plan to hike with young kids, pack sun protection, extra water, and a carrier, and always check trail distance and elevation gain before you go, especially on longer routes like the trail to Crater Lake.
For little ones of different ages, it also helps to bring a stroller for easy walks, especially around Maroon Bells Lake Trail, which is stroller-friendly and easy.
After long days spent exploring the mountains, nothing feels better than changing into breathable pajamas that keep little ones comfortable all night long.
Don't Forget the Basically SoHo Downtown Aspen Collection
Every great family adventure deserves pajamas that become part of the memories.
Inspired by Aspen's mountain charm, the Basically SoHo Aspen Collection captures the cozy feeling of a winter getaway with timeless prints that children love.
Made from buttery-soft premium bamboo viscose, our pajamas are designed to be:
- Breathable and temperature regulating
- Incredibly soft for sensitive skin
- Stretchy for comfortable sleep and play
- Perfect for packing thanks to their lightweight fabric
Whether you're waking up in a luxury ski lodge, relaxing by the fireplace, or enjoying slow vacation mornings together, our Aspen Collection keeps little travelers cozy from bedtime through breakfast.
Tips for Traveling to Aspen With Toddlers: Aspen Mountain Gondola Edition
Traveling with young children is easier with a little planning.
Here are a few parent-approved tips:
- Book morning ski lessons when children have the most energy.
- Plan downtime every afternoon.
- Always carry snacks and water.
- Dress kids in layers so they're comfortable indoors and outside.
- Pack one extra outfit and pajamas in your carry-on in case of travel delays.
- Bring a favorite stuffed animal to make bedtime feel familiar.
On slower days, an afternoon strolling downtown Aspen, browsing shops and catching live music, pairs perfectly with a ride to the top of Aspen Mountain.
Create Traditions They'll Remember
Some of the sweetest vacation memories happen after the adventures are over. Families visiting Aspen can also use the free RFTA bus system to get around town with kids, which makes it easier to plan family friendly days without overloading young kids.
Reading books together, watching the snow fall outside the window, and snuggling into matching bamboo pajamas become the moments children remember long after the trip ends. Balancing bigger outings with smaller, fun breaks helps the whole family enjoy the trip, especially when winter events or spots with live music are part of the plan.
At Basically SoHo, we believe travel inspires childhood. That's why every collection celebrates beautiful destinations around the world, so your family's adventures continue long after you've returned home.
