AT A GLANCE
- Aspen is one of the best family summer destinations in the country — hiking, gondola rides, rafting, alpine coasters, farmers markets, free outdoor concerts, and more.
- Families need space, a full kitchen, and proximity to the action — not a hotel room with a mini fridge.
- Lift One Condominiums offers 1BR, 2BR, and 3BR condos in downtown Aspen with full kitchens, pool, and daily housekeeping.
- Two blocks from downtown, half a block from Koch Park, and steps from the Silver Queen Gondola.
- Check availability: liftone.com/availability/
Aspen With Kids Is Different Than You Think
Most families who’ve never been to Aspen assume it’s a luxury ski destination for couples and corporate retreats. They’re not entirely wrong — but they’re missing the other half of the story.
Aspen in summer is one of the most genuinely family-friendly destinations in the country. Not in a “here’s a splash pad and a soft play area” way. In a “your kids will talk about this trip for years” way.
Gondola rides to 11,000 feet. Whitewater rafting on the Roaring Fork. An alpine coaster at Snowmass. Free outdoor concerts on Fanny Hill. Farmers markets with petting zoos. Aspen Music Festival student performances in parks. Horseback riding to Maroon Bells. Hiking trails where you actually see wildlife.
The kind of trip that pulls kids away from screens not because you told them to put them down — but because there’s something better right in front of them.
And here’s the practical part: families need space. They need a kitchen for breakfast before the gondola and dinner after the hike. They need two or three bedrooms so everyone sleeps. They need a pool for the afternoon when energy levels crash. They need to be close enough to downtown to walk, but not in the middle of a noisy bar scene.
Lift One Condominiums is built for exactly this.
What to Do in Aspen With Kids (Summer 2026)
Silver Queen Gondola & Aspen Mountain
The single best introduction to Aspen for families. Board the Silver Queen Gondola in downtown Aspen and ride up to the Sundeck at 11,212 feet. The views across the Elk Mountains are unforgettable.
The Sundeck features a restaurant, hiking trails, and free guided hikes with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) throughout July. Gondola season runs weekends from late May and daily from June 21 through late September.
Family Tip: The altitude is real. Bring water, sunscreen, and allow kids a few minutes to adjust before hiking.
Lost Forest at Snowmass
Snowmass is just a 20-minute free bus ride from Lift One and home to one of Colorado’s best family adventure parks.
Lost Forest includes:
- Breathtaker Alpine Coaster
- Ziplines
- Ropes courses
- Climbing wall
- Mountain bike park access
This is easily a full-day family activity. You can Book Lost Forest Reservations Here.
Maroon Bells
The most photographed mountains in Colorado. Located 10 miles southwest of Aspen, the Maroon Bells feature towering 14,000-foot peaks reflected in Maroon Lake and surrounded by wildflowers in summer.
The easy Maroon Lake loop is suitable for most families and takes about an hour. Advance shuttle reservations are required during summer.
Whitewater Rafting
Roaring Fork River: Several Aspen outfitters offer family-friendly rafting trips with all gear included. Half-day and full-day trips are available. This isn’t a lazy river float — it’s an exciting adventure many families remember as the highlight of the trip.
Colorado River: About an hour drive from Aspen you can jump on some of the best river rafting in the state of Colorado. The Colorado River cuts through Glenwood Springs for some of the best family rafting trips you can enjoy. You can book your trip through Whitewater Rafting on the Colorado River.
Make your Glenwood Springs a full day! After river rafting spend some time at the famous Glenwood Hot Springs Pool to make it a day to remember.
Aspen Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning from mid-June through early October, the Aspen Farmers Market fills downtown with:
- Fresh local produce
- Artisan goods
- Food vendors
- Live music
- Petting zoo attractions
It’s free, easy, and perfect for a relaxed family morning. Here is a directory of Local Farmers Markets.
Aspen Recreation Center (ARC)
Perfect for rainy days or low-key afternoons.
Features include:
- Indoor pool with water slide
- Lazy river
- Rock climbing wall
- Ice rink
- Tennis courts
- Skate park
Day passes are available and the facility is easily reached via the free bus system.
Theatre Aspen
This outdoor theater company performs summer musicals, comedies, and family-friendly productions in a tent at Rio Grande Park, just two blocks from Lift One.
ACES Hallam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary
ACES offers guided wildlife walks, raptor programs, and nature education experiences just minutes from downtown Aspen.
Families often discover this becomes one of the highlights of their trip.
Horseback Riding
Several outfitters offer horseback riding adventures ranging from short rides to full-day excursions. Pony rides are available for younger children.
Horseback riding provides a unique perspective on Aspen’s spectacular mountain scenery.
The Downtown Fountain & Koch Park
The dancing fountain at Mill and Hyman is a favorite Aspen summer tradition for children.
Koch Park, located half a block from Lift One, offers open space, lawn games, and family-friendly events throughout the summer.
Free Concerts All Summer
Aspen and Snowmass offer exceptional free music programming:
- Snowmass Free Concert Series — Thursdays, 5:30–8:30pm
- Aspen Music Festival student performances throughout downtown
- Music on the Mountain — Sundays on Aspen Mountain
- Classical Saturdays on the Mountain
Where to Stay: Why Lift One Works for Families
Families have different needs than couples or solo travelers.
You need:
- ✓ Space — actual bedrooms, not a pull-out couch
- ✓ A kitchen — for breakfasts, packed lunches, and family dinners
- ✓ A pool — because kids need somewhere to play and recharge
- ✓ Location — close to downtown and on the bus line
- ✓ Housekeeping — because vacation should feel like vacation
Lift One checks every one of these boxes.
Two-Bedroom Condominiums
The sweet spot for families of 3–5. Two full bedrooms, a full kitchen, living area, private balcony, and daily housekeeping.
Three-Bedroom Condominiums
Perfect for larger families, multi-generational trips, or two families traveling together.
View Three-Bedroom Condominiums
One-Bedroom Condominiums
A great option for smaller families or couples traveling with a young child.
Property Amenities Include:
- Outdoor heated pool and hot tub
- Daily housekeeping
- Laundry facilities
- Free WiFi
- HD cable
- Wood-burning fireplace in every unit
- Ski lockers and storage
Location: 131 East Durant Avenue — two blocks from downtown Aspen, half a block from Koch Park, steps from the Silver Queen Gondola, and on the free RFTA bus route.
Call Us: 970-925-1670
Toll-Free: 800-543-8001
Email: info@liftone.com
When to Visit Aspen With Kids
Peak Family Season: Late June Through Mid-August
- Gondola operating daily
- Lost Forest fully open
- Warm daytime temperatures and cool evenings
- Farmers Market every Saturday
- Free Thursday concerts in Snowmass
- Wildflowers peak from late June through late July
Best Family Travel Windows
4th of July Week
- Parade
- Carnival
- Free concerts
- Family BBQ at Koch Park
Any Week in July
- Maximum activity options
- Peak wildflower season
- Family programming from the Aspen Music Festival
Late August
- Smaller crowds
- Excellent weather
- Lost Forest still open
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aspen a good destination for families with kids?
Yes. Aspen offers hiking, rafting, gondola rides, the Lost Forest adventure park, horseback riding, free concerts, farmers markets, and family-friendly outdoor activities throughout the summer.
What is the best place to stay in Aspen with kids?
Families benefit from having space, a kitchen, and easy access to activities. Lift One Condominiums offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos in downtown Aspen with full kitchens, a heated pool, daily housekeeping, and walkable access to many family attractions.
What age range is Aspen best for?
Aspen works well for all ages. Toddlers enjoy the fountain and farmers market, younger kids love gondola rides and horseback riding, and teens gravitate toward rafting, biking, and the Lost Forest adventure park.
How do families get around Aspen without a car?
The free RFTA bus system connects Aspen, Snowmass, all four mountains, and down-valley communities. Lift One is located directly on the route, making transportation easy.
What is the Lost Forest at Snowmass?
Lost Forest is Snowmass’s summer adventure park featuring the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, ziplines, ropes courses, climbing walls, and bike park access. It is one of the valley’s most popular family attractions.
When is the best time of year to take a family trip to Aspen?
Late June through mid-August is peak family season. The gondola is fully operational, Lost Forest is open, wildflowers are blooming, and the weather is consistently warm and sunny. The 4th of July week is especially popular because of the parade, carnival, concerts, and family events throughout town.
Updated July 2026
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