Colorado: Aspen, Family Vacation Ideas - Hiking, Rafting and Aspen Theatre in the Park. Surrounded by breathtaking beauty this historic mining town offers families oodles of summer vacation options. Aspen known by reputation as a luxury Colorado ski resort destination makes vacationing in the summer easy. Enjoy the clear cool mountain air; sleep late; take in a play at the Opera House; hike, bike or discover the Fairy Caves with the kids. Aspen has the good stuff for families.

Summer activity choices include: mountain biking, rock climbing, mountain boarding, overnight camping, arts and crafts, Hallam Lake Nature Preserve tours, bird watching, swimming, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, Camp Snowmass, Camp Aspen Club, Aspen Mountain obstacle course, tennis lessons and yoga classes at the Gant, horseback riding, cooking classes, adventure hikes, outdoor education, climbing wall, miniature golf, Fairy Caves, mine tours, gold panning, chuck wagon parties, and story time at Pitkin County Library. Our action list provides a few check points to make your family vacation memorable.

Get back to nature. Year-round visitors to the Aspen region can experience a variety of nature science programs (designed for all ages and levels of interest) at any of the three Aspen Valley Land Trust’s Aspen Centers for Environmental Studies (ACES). During the summer months the Aspen Skiing Company, working with ACES, provides on-mountain naturalist lead walks and hikes on Aspen Mountain and Snowmass. (ACES at Hallam Lake in Aspen 100 Puppy Smith St. Aspen, CO 81611, ACES at Rock Bottom Ranch in Basalt 2001 Hooks Spur Road, Basalt, CO 81621, ACES at Toklat in Castle Creek Valley, Aspen, CO 81611) 1(970) 925-5756 (Hallam Lake), 1(970) 927-6760 (Rock Bottom Ranch), 1(970) 925-9157 or www.aspennature.org)

Take a hike. Every day in the summer months, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. walking enthusiasts should take advantage of the free 45-minutes hikes on the summit of Aspen Mountain. To get to the summit, simply hop on the gondola and enjoy the spectacular view as it carries you straight up to the summit. (Aspen Mountain Walks & Information Station) Not to be missed: With tips on wildflowers, tracking animals, observing birds, and appreciating the natural sub-alpine community, Snowmass Nature Trail Walks are not to be missed. Lead by knowledgeable naturalists, the walks last around two-hours, and a free for all-comers. Even better: Hop on the Burlingame lift and head up the mountain to the start of the beautiful and scenic trail to Sam’s Knob where you’ll met up with a naturalist for a free walk courtesy of Snowmass Village Resort Association. Also, hiking enthusiasts are invited to try out the self-guided trail at the top of Sam’s Knob. (Aspen Skiing Company at 1 (970) 925-1220 or ACES at 1 (970) 925-5756)

Embark on an adventure. If you’re looking for a thrill, then Blazing Adventures is the company for you. Offering a wide variety of fun programs and activities for families (especially those with pre-teens and teens) With thirty-two years of serving the Aspen area, Blazing Adventures offers summer and winter guided adventures including hiking, biking and jeep tours, rafting, and overnight fly-fishing trips. Naturalists and mountaineers guide daily public and private tours around local peaks, customized according to skill level, spanning from half-day to overnight excursions. Need to know: Jeep trips to Aspen Mountain, Elk Camp, Lenado, and Taylor Pass are available daily and offer visitors the opportunity to visit the high-country with knowledgeable guides and learn about the historical and cultural history of the beautiful sights. (Snowmass Village, CO 81615) 1(970) 923-4544 or www.blazingadventures.com)

Celebrate the arts. For the artistically inclined, the Aspen Art Museum is a treasure. Aside from their exhibits they host art talks and gallery tours by prominent artists and curators, artist studio and private collection tours and workshops for adults and children. Need to know: Most of the workshops meet at the Red Brick Center for the Arts in room 123. 590 N. Mill St. (590 North Mill Street, Aspen, Colorado 81611) 1(970) 925-8050 or www.aspenartmuseum.org)

The theatre’s the thing. With performances ranging from contemporary to classical, Aspen Theatre in the Park meshes national and local talent to produce more than six shows each summer, all staged in a state-of-the-art performance tent in the Rio Grande Park. Previous shows have included ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Chance’, and ‘An American Daughter’. Aspen Theatre in the Park also provides theatre training programs for children. (Rio Grande Place, 110 East Hallam Street, Suite 103 (office), Aspen, CO 81611.) 1(970) 925-9313 or www.aspenTIP.org )

Catch some air. Aspen’s free municipal skate park, the Rio Grande Skate Park, which is located off of Mill Street, is one of the premier skate parks in the country. Visitors are welcome to skate or hang out and watch the local talent. (Rio Grande Place, Aspen CO 81611. (970) 920-5140)

 Ride into the sunset. With Capitol Peak Outfitters, Inc., riders of all experience levels can enjoy a full range of horseback riding adventures from two-hour-rides to wilderness pack trips to Buck Rail Ridge, and fully guided hunting and fishing expeditions. All trips center on the remote Maroon Bells/Snowmass wilderness areas, with its 14,000 foot peaks, wildflowers, mountain lakes, and breathtaking views.(552 Count Road 110, Glenwood Springs, CO, 81601. 1(970) 923-4402 or www.capitolpeak.com)

Try on-mountain family fun. Hit the Family Zone at Snowmass for a fun way to Ski/ride with the family. The Family Zone is complete with tubing, paintball fun, campfire sing-along sessions, and storytelling in the summer, and sleigh rides, ice skating and nature tours in the winter. Of course, families are also encouraged to ski and snowboard together through the Family Zone – guaranteeing a family vacation not soon forgotten. (Snowmass Village, five miles off Colorado 82 via Brush Creek Road. 1-800-525-6200 or www.aspensnowmass.com)

Take a flight. Daredevil vacationers, even those with no prior experience, can soar over Aspen or Snowmass with a United States Hang Gliding Association certified tandem pilot. Four times a day, paragliding trips leave the launch areas, in both the summer and winter seasons. Before launching the pilot gives you a quick briefing and fastens you into a comfortable harness and then you’re off flying like a bird. Need to know: In the summer flights are scheduled at 7:00, 8:30, and 10:00 a.m. and 5 p.m. All flights include a ride up Aspen Mountain to the launch site and an average paragliding experience lasts two hours. (426 So. Spring St., Aspen, CO 81611. 1(970) 925-7625 or www.aspenparagliding.com)

Content provided by Travel Commuincations Inc. Based on site visit and research. 2009.