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We all know that traveling with toddlers—whether they’re running around or still hitching a ride in your arms—is not always a walk in the park. But when you come to Snowmass with toddlers for a summer getaway, you can rest assured knowing that we’ve got all of your bases covered once you’re here! Snowmass, especially in the summer, is the place to be with your littles. Read our guide below on all of the fun you and your tiny tot can have in Snowmass.
While the Game Lounge and Selfie Den cater to slightly older kiddos, there is so much to do at The Collective with toddlers.
We all know how kids can be entertained easily and for a long time by the simplest things; things we take for granted, like transportation. Did you know that the Skittles—the brightly colored gondola connecting Snowmass Base Village and the Snowmass Mall—is free to ride? If you’re looking for a pre-naptime activity in Snowmass with toddlers, this is a great way to tire the kids out. They can watch mountain bikers ride the trails below, try to spot wildlife in the trees, or just people watch. Take laps on the Skittles and ride each different color, or just take one ride before naptime.
Another great option is riding the Elk Camp Gondola. This ride is a longer, scenic ride up to Elk Camp, where your toddler can run around on the lawn and you can enjoy lunch on the patio. On Tuesday evenings in the summer, you can take the gondola up to Elk Camp for free after 5:00pm for Sunset Tuesdays with live music and specials at Elk Camp Restaurant. If you have older children as well, they can ride the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster or explore the climbing wall and Lost Forest. Check out everything to do when you take the Elk Camp Gondola here.
There is no shortage of delicious food in Snowmass, and plenty to satisfy young palates! Whether you’re dining on the Mall or in Base Village, your kids are sure to find food they are excited to eat—and yes, that includes ice cream!
Don’t skip dessert: head to Sundae for a sweet treat with the kids after your dinner. Our personal favorite flavor is the Salted Cookies n’ Cream.
If you want a quick option for grab-and-go to take back to your lodging, Taster’s Restaurant is just what you need with pizzas, calzones, salads, and more.
This is a local favorite trail! The trail is wide, mostly shaded, and a nice and easy 2 miles. The wildflowers are often lush in the summer, while the fall boasts golden aspens. Since the trail is wide and not steep, it’s the perfect trail to do in Snowmass with toddlers because they can walk around on their own! Our favorite part about this trail is the view from the bench, where you look out across the Snowmass Creek valley toward Mount Daly.
Rim Trail South to Spiral Point, also known as the Yin Yang, is a great one for the whole family. You can let your little ones toddle as far up as they can and then can stick them in a backpack or carry them the rest of the way if they get too tired. Once you get to the top, you can catch views of Snowmass Village, down the Roaring Fork Valley, and across Snowmass Creek up to Mount Daly. This hike is a little more challenging, but doable for kids especially if you have a backpack for them to hitch a ride when they get tired.
Local tip: With minimal shade cover, this hike is best to do in the evening or early morning. Be sure to pack water and snacks!
Tom Blake is another trail that is perfect to hike in Snowmass with toddlers and kids. The first section is the steepest, but after the initial climb, it’s a meandering path through the forest, filled with lush understory (the plants that grow underneath the tree canopy) and wildflowers. You can stick your little one in a pack and hike up with them or let them walk for as much as they can and then carry them! In the fall, Tom Blake glows yellow with vibrant aspen in every direction.
Please note: This trail is also accessible to equestrians and mountain bikes, so be aware as you hike in case someone is coming downhill or a horse needs the right of way.
Check out all of Snowmass’ great trails here.
The Brush Creek Trail is a great, paved trail for the whole family. If you’re in Snowmass with toddlers, they can ride their Strider bike along the path right near Base Village, or hop on closer to Town Park. This is a great place for toddlers to build their comfort riding a bike, so that when they return to Snowmass as older kids, they are more than ready to tackle Sky Mountain Park!
For the more adventurous parent, you could place double handlebars on your bike and ride Airline or one of the many mountain biking trails in Snowmass with your toddler on your own bike.
One of the best ways to spend a day in Snowmass with toddlers is at Town Park. You can purchase a day pass for the Snowmass Recreation Center and enjoy shallow, swimmable water with little ones. Before heading to cool off at the pool, your kids can swing around on the monkey bars or climb up and down the playground at Town Park. Kids can also explore the playground at the Snowmass Chapel.
A local favorite for all ages in the summertime is the Snowmass Free Concert Series on Fanny Hill, happening Thursdays from June to August. On any given Thursday, you’ll likely find kiddos chasing each other up and down the hill, a toddler on their parents’ shoulders near the stage, or the whole family cozied up on a picnic blanket listening to the live music. If you’re here in the summer, it’s a must-do event!
In Colorado, we are proud of our Western heritage. Throughout the summer, the Snowmass Rodeo takes place on Wednesdays at the Rodeo Grounds near Town Park Station. If you bring the kids, we recommend arriving early for barbecue at 5:00pm. If you come early, you can sign your toddlers up for Mutton Bustin’, then head to the vendor area to ride the mechanical bull and visit the animals at the petting zoo.
Arguably one of the best things about Snowmass is how little you need a car to get around. From the free shuttle service within Snowmass Village to the free bus service to Aspen, you and your family can count on great public transportation to get you from Point A to Point B.