The most up-to-date information for the Roaring Fork Valley

Summer: Anderson Ranch Arts Center offers full day art camps and half-day workshops for children throughout the summer. Available for ages 4 -17, kids are encouraged to explore their inherent creativity, experiment and have fun through making art. (970) 923-3181 or www.andersonranch.org
Winter: Anderson Ranch offers its popular series of Wednesday Workshops from fall through spring - for Mom & Tots (ages 2 - 3) from 10am - 11:15am and After School (ages 6–8) in the afternoon from 2:30pm – 4pm starting. $120.00 for a session of four classes; $35.00 per drop-in class if space is available. Call to register, (970) 923-3181 x 216. In spring, they are offering family Saturday workshops for Valentine's Day and Easter.

Aspen Art Museum offers a wide variety of fun and engaging hands-on, contemporary art-based summer workshops for children ages 4-14. Classes run from June 11 - August 17. Visit www.aspenartmuseum.org/workshops.html

Summer: Aspen Center For Environmental Studies - Kids participate in ACES’ Naturalist Field School programs all summer. Courses are fun, educational and inspirational. Hourly, daily and weekly programs are offered at Hallam Lake Nature Preserve and Rock Bottom Ranch.
Winter: Find the natural wonders of the Rocky Mountains while skiing or snowshoeing with a naturalist from ACES. Daily snowshoe walks leave from the top of Aspen and Snowmass Mountains and from the Ashcroft Ski Touring Center. Free downhill skiing tours are offered at Snowmass. Snowshoe walks and bird watching can be enjoyed at the center. Evening programs include the Potbelly Perspective Lecture Series and Naturalist Nights. Open daily, ACES is located on the 25-acre Hallam Lake Nature Preserve in the heart of Aspen.

Gourmet Girl on the Go offers hands-on cooking classes for kids - perfect for birthday parties. Their three-hour classes are limited to 12 kids and designed to give aspiring junior chefs a fun, interactive experience, filled with lots of learning opportunities. Their Junior Chef programs are designed for kids ages 7 and up. In addition to having fun - they'll be learning teamwork, math and exercising their creativity - kids love eating the creations they made. Reserve online or call them. Choose from a wide variety of kid friendly menus.

Pitkin County Library offers programs and resources for all ages. Ongoing events include story-times for children, a teen’s club, and an adult book club. Special programs, from tech classes and book signings to movie nights are offered throughout the year. Visitors may apply for a temporary library card to access books, audio-books, DVDs, music CDs, and the online reference collection as well as to use our free public computers or wireless Internet. Visit us at www.pitcolib.org for an updated calendar of events.

Stop by Rock Bottom Ranch for a day full of hands-on fun! RBR is located along the Rio Grande Trail, just outside of Basalt, along the banks of the Roaring Fork River at the end of Hooks Spur Rd. off of Willits Lane. This sustainable farm is complete with community gardens and a variety of farm animals. Stop by for a free farmyard tour offered at 11am and visit the chickens, goats, pigs and ducks. Programs are available for adults and children year round. Rock Bottom Ranch is open during the summer Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm and during the winter Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

Theatre Aspen proudly offers family-friendly programming all summer! How I Became a Pirate opens on July 10th with morning matinees and fun-filled activities right in the new lobby! Shows run Fridays and Saturdays at 10am with some extra Thursday performances (please check website). All shows are presented in the brand new Hurst Theatre, conveniently located in the heart of Rio Grande Park. Discounted group rates are offered for all shows, including special package deals that include fun activities for kids before the performance and the unveiling of our one-of-a-kind "Imagination Station," an interactive hub of creative activity! Perfect for birthday parties, youth groups, girl and boy scout troupes as well as classroom field trips. Entertainment for kids at Theatre Aspen is a treat for the imagination. Please call (970) 925-9313 or visit www.theatreaspen.org

Balloon the Rockies! with the area's only locally owned and operated ballooning company. Spectacular sunrise views of the Rocky Mountains and wildlife. A wonderful family adventure. Kids love to participate and watch the balloon inflate.

Summer: Learn to fish on beaver ponds with fishing lessons in Ashcroft. The ghost town of Ashcroft also has a resident ghost to help explore the Old West. Take a guided hike on nature trails and enjoy a kid-friendly meal at the Pine Creek Cookhouse. Rustic wagon rides are available by advance reservation. (970) 925-1044 or visit www.pinecreekcookhouse.com
Winter: Ashcroft is the premiere cross-country area in the nation with miles of groomed trails. The towering 14,000-foot peaks of the Elk Mountains surround this pristine valley. Spectacular ski terrain offers something for the whole family. Snowshoe, ski, or sleigh to the newly renovated Pine Creek Cookhouse for lunch or dinner. Reserve the Star Peak Cabin, a luxury 5 bedroom log lodge for the ultimate family overnight backcountry adventure. Reservations required, phone (970) 925-1044. Phone the King Cabin for information on rentals and lessons, (970) 925-1971.

Summer: Aspen Center For Environmental Studies - Kids participate in ACES’ Naturalist Field School programs all summer. Courses are fun, educational and inspirational. Hourly, daily and weekly programs are offered at Hallam Lake Nature Preserve and Rock Bottom Ranch.
Winter: Stop, look, listen to the natural wonders of the Rocky Mountains while skiing or snowshoeing with a naturalist from ACES. Daily snowshoe walks leave from the top of Aspen and Snowmass Mountains and from the Ashcroft Ski Touring Center. Free downhill skiing tours are offered at Snowmass. Snowshoe walks and bird watching can be enjoyed at the center. Evening programs include the Potbelly Perspective Lecture Series and Naturalist Nights. Open daily, ACES is located on the 25-acre Hallam Lake Nature Preserve in the heart of Aspen.

Aspen Dirtbike School is the place to ride. Daily classes include a dirt bike, professional instruction, safety equipment and gear and lunch or snacks. The best activity in Aspen - they teach never-ever beginners to ride and can improve your technique and form - at any riding level or ability. Ages 5 and up. Their private track is near Aspen and their pro instructors will teach you to ride safely and have fun!

The Aspen Recreation Center is fun for the whole family! There is no better way to warm up this winter than by taking a dip in the pool and lounging in the hot tub. Ice skating, a climbing tower and weight and cardio rooms are also available. Completing your trip is the ARC’s Winter Wonderland – outdoor ice skating, sledding and cross-country ski trails. Visit www.aspenrecreation.com or call (970) 544-4100 for more information. Photo by Alex Irvin.

Summer: Summer classes and programs include soccer, volleyball, basketball, intramurals, gymnastics, day camps and much more! Enjoy fitness and wellness classes in aerobics, Pilates, Tae-Bo, yoga and more at the Red Brick Gym. Youth rock climbing classes are available on our 3,200-sq.ft. climbing wall. Take a private lesson with a trained professional and experienced instructor. We also offer tots gymnastics and a tot's playhouse for indoor playtime. Public ice-skating is offered at the Aspen Ice Garden and at the Lewis Ice Arena at the Aspen Recreation Center. The Aspen Recreation Department (Red Brick) is located at 110 East Hallam Street and Aspen Street off Main Street. (970) 544-4100 ARC (Aspen Recreation Center), (970) 920-5140 Red Brick, (970) 920-4117 Lewis Ice Arena (970) 920-5141 Aspen Ice Garden
Winter: Classes and programs include soccer, volleyball, basketball, intramurals, gymnastics and Winter Holiday Day Camp! Enjoy fitness and wellness classes in aerobics, Pilates, Tae-Bo, yoga and more at the Red Brick Gym. Youth rock climbing classes are available on their 3,200-sq./ft. climbing wall. Take a private lesson with a trained professional and experienced instructor. They also offer tots gymnastics and a tot's playhouse for indoor playtime. Public ice-skating is offered at the Aspen Ice Garden and Lewis Ice Arena (Aspen Recreation Center). Aspen Recreation Department (Red Brick) is located at 110 East Hallam Street, at Aspen Street just off Main Street. (970) 544-4100 ARC (Aspen Recreation Center), (970) 920-5140 Red Brick, (970) 920-4117 Lewis Ice Arena. (970) 920-5141 Aspen Ice Garden.

Summer: Your summer recreation trailhead for Aspen and Snowmass. Aspen Sports rents cruisers bikes, kids’ bikes and trailers Specialized and Raleigh. One-way bike rentals between Aspen and Snowmass with no drop-off charge are offered. Aspen’s best selection of summer casual wear, camping equipment and shoes for all of your outdoor activities. Six summer locations: In Snowmass Village at the Snowmass Mall (970) 923-6111 and Snowmass Center (970) 923-3566. In Aspen at 408 East Cooper Avenue (970) 925-6331; in the St. Regis Hotel at 303 East Durant Avenue (970) 925-6332; Aspen Gondola Plaza inside Starbucks coffee shop. 555 E. Durant (970) 925-1360.
Winter: Aspen Sports has five locations in Aspen and three locations in Snowmass with over 3000 pairs of rental ski and snowboards. Rent and return at any location. Full service ski shop including custom boot fitting, Snowell ski/snowboard tune center, great ski wear from Marmot, Patagonia, Nils, Spyder, The North Face and many more. Group rates and multi-day rental discounts. Aspen: Gondola Plaza, Cooper Avenue Mall, St. Regis Resort, Hyatt and Sky Hotel. Come by The North Face Summit Shop, across from Aspen Sports. In Snowmass: Snowmass Mall (slopeside), Snowmass Outlet at Snowmass Center and Demo Center at Snowmass Base Village. For group information call Christian Wetsell (970) 429-3714, cwetsell@ssv.net.

Aspen Whitewater Rafting is owned and operated by longtime local guides. Their professional staff has been guiding area rivers for over 25 years. They offer amazing whitewater rafting and inflatable kayak (ducky) adventures on both the Roaring Fork and Arkansas rivers. Aspen Whitewater provides an outstanding whitewater experience for individuals, families, and groups. They run a variety of river trips from mild class II / III trips, which are perfect for families, to class IV / V adventures for those looking for more excitement. They provide top-notch service, professional guides, new equipment, delicious riverside lunches, and all the gear needed for the river. Aspen Whitewater Rafting is a member of the Aspen Adventure Collection – for all your outdoor adventure needs. www.aspenadventurecollection.com - Rafting, Climbing, Hiking, Paragliding, Fishing, Biking. Phone (866)-37-RIVER or (970) 920-3511, or visit www.aspenwhitewater.com. Photo by Arkansas valley digital imaging

One stop shopping for the Valley’s most popular activities. Whitewater Rafting; Inflatable Kayaks; Downhill/Single-track Bicycle Tours; Backcountry Jeep/Scenic Tours; Hikes;Mountain Sunset Dinners; Flyfishing; Ballooning; Horseback Riding and more. New for 2010, ask about our pirate themed raft trip for kids and families! Professionally guided tours offered daily. The largest selection of raft and outdoor adventures catering to all levels. Outstanding guides (winners of the Stars of the Summer Season Guest Service Award 2007/2009- Aspen Chamber, TOSV) and fully catered meal options. Bundle activities and save $$. The Valley’s original rafting company since 1973. Located at the base of the gondola in Aspen and on the Snowmass Village Mall. (970) 923-4544 or (800) 282-RAFT (7238), www.blazingadventures.com

Camp Aspen/Snowmass – Open daily, June 4 – August 31. Based out of the Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center, Camp Aspen/Snowmass offers a fun, dynamic environment for kids and teens. Activities include mountainboarding, camping, mountain biking, skateboarding, paintball, rafting, Rocket Camp and more! (877) 282-7736, (970) 923-1227 or www.aspensnowmass.com/camp.

For a day full of family fun, no trip to the Roaring Fork Valley is complete without a visit to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, offering a variety of exciting activities for both kids and adults. Ride the scenic tram to the top of Iron Mountain then enjoy a guided tour of ‘Glenwood Caverns & Historic Fairy Caves’ named on of the “Top 10 Family Cave Tours in the Country” Once in the park, experience the thrill of the Giant Canyon Swing as it lunches you 1300 feet over Glenwood Canyon or the new Cliffhanger Roller coaster, the highest elevation of any full-sized roller coaster in the country! There’s so much more, including Colorado’s longest Alpine Coaster, a new family roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, a high-tech laser tag arena and Colorado’s only 4D theater, with special effects that make you feel like you're actually inside the movie! There’s a great restaurant up top where you can just relax by the fire and enjoy huge views of the Colorado and Roaring Fork River Valleys. A Day Pass is available for unlimited turns on most rides and attractions! Call 800-530-1635 or go to www.glenwoodcaverns.com for park hours and other info. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is located midway between Aspen and Vail on I-70.

Glenwood Hot Springs, featuring the World’s Largest Hot Springs Pool, a three-hundred foot long swimming pool kept at 90 degrees all year long, and a therapy pool that relaxes muscles and relieves aches at 104 degree water. Bring your family and enjoy the waterslides and mini golf. Fun for kids of all ages.

The Kid’s Gym, at the Aspen Club & Spa offers an enjoyable supervised environment for the children for our guests to play in. You can enjoy a SpaAspen™ treatment in absolute relaxation while your children are cared for by responsible attendants in a fun and active play gym designed especially for children. The Aspen Club & Spa offers something for the whole family. Call for details about programs running today!

Aspen Ice Garden & Lewis Ice Arena at the ARC offer a variety of skating activities which is going to keep your child busy throuh out the whole season. The activities include public skating, skating lessons, figure skating, youth & adult hockey, group and private rink rentals, birthday parties and skating shows.

Snow Limousine offers private, customized recreational tours for kids & families. Owned and operated by Curtis & Calvin Vagneur, 4th Generation in the Roaring Fork Valley, Snow Limousine knows all of the choice spots in the Valley and has a variety of vehicles for a truely unique vacation experience. Float trips, fishing, bicycle trips, birthday parties, bowling and horseback riding are only a few of the fun activities. Large groups can be accomodated. Call them today to discuss which options are best for your family. (970) 319-5701 - cell phone

Snowmass Chapel wants to help families raise extraordinary kids. To promote that, they offer a number of different age specific youth educational experiences during their 9am worship service. They reach high school students by gathering on the slopes, around a campfire, at community service projects and through fun, social activities. Many of their programs are completely non-religious in nature and simply designed to encourage and inspire families.

The Snowmass Rodeo offers all-American entertainment in the tradition of the Old West, held every Wednesday this summer, June 13 through August 15. (No rodeo July 4.) Gates open at 5pm with a BBQ dinner by the Hickory House, children’s activities and rides, and shopping with vendors. Rodeo starts at 7pm. For more information, visit snowmassrodeo.org or call (970) 923-8898.

Winter in Snowmass is a season long, action packed adventure both on and off the slopes. From the free daily activities such as campfire sing-a-longs to the diverse 3,100 acres of massive mountain terrain, Snowmass Village boasts something for everyone. Don't miss the Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center, Sheer Bliss lift and new nightspots and restaurants. Season highlights range from holiday extravaganzas around Christmas, Mardi Gras and St. Paddy’s Day to the Colorado Free Ride Series, one of the foremost extreme skiing competitions (February and March) to weekly Friday Big Air competitions with some of the nation’s hottest athletics. Visit www.snowmassvillage.com to find out more.

Summer: Explore the backcountry with a four-wheel-drive all-terrain vehicle, or with an off-road dirtbike motorcycle or side by side. Guide yourself with maps and outlines to popular destinations such as Marble, the Frying Pan, Redstone, Woody Creek or Independence Pass for a fun family adventure. Western Adventures supplies you with all you need for a scenic tour of your choice. Private lands are also available. You can pick up the vehicles at their yard (2” ball required) or rent a truck from them. Delivery available (some restrictions apply). Weekend service available by advance reservations. Closed on Saturday and Sunday. Contact Western Adventures at (970) 923-3337 for more information and reservations. Visa and Mastercard accepted.
Winter: Western Adventures offers snowmobile tours from Lenado, north of Aspen and Snowmass, to Kobey Park, one of Colorado's most scenic areas. Kolby Park has panoramic views of all four ski areas, the Maroon Bells, Pyramid, Capital, Daly and Sopris Peaks. Tours travel on miles of groomed trails with open parks available for some free ride time with a more customized feel. Daily "go on your own" rentals are also available. Tours have U.S.F.S. approval.

Known as The Fitness Hoop Coach, Betty entertains and instructs at outdoor and indoor kid's events. From conferences and weddings, to kids parties and classes, her energy is contagious. After she performs in the crowd, she stands by to coach all the excited guests. They learn how to hoop up and then try all the fun tricks. Betty holds 2 World Records and has appeared in Aspen Magazine, Hollywood Events and on Good Morning America. Try the Kids Hoop Jam to stomp, swim, jump and soar through rock and pop music. Betty has the ultimate hoop obstacle course & relays. Try Hoop Decorating where each child receives a durable properly sized hoop to decorate with fuzzy fabrics, rainbow colored tapes and 3-D stickers. Product Cost: $10-20 each hoop

Perfect for kid’s parties, conventions, and any time you need someone to keep the kids happy and entertained so the adults can relax! Many costumed clowns and characters available! Face Painting, Balloon Animals, Magic Shows, Kid’s Bounces, Specialty and Seasonal Acts, and more. Owner is Aspen native, Tammy Baar.

Summer: Aspen’s best selection of summer casual wear, camping equipment and shoes for all of your outdoor activities for the whole family. Six summer locations: In Snowmass Village at the Snowmass Mall (970) 923-6111 and Snowmass Center (970) 923-3566. In Aspen at 408 East Cooper Avenue (970) 925-6331; in the St. Regis Hotel at 303 East Durant Avenue (970) 925-6332; Aspen Gondola Plaza inside Starbucks coffee shop. 555 E. Durant (970) 925-1360.
Winter: It has over 3000 pairs of rental ski and snowboards. Rent and return at any location. Full service ski shop including custom boot fitting, Snowell ski/snowboard tune center, great children’s and adult ski wear from Obermeyer and Spyder at our concept shops. The North Face, Kjus, Nils, Marmot, Patagonia and many more. Group rates and multi-day rental discounts. Aspen: Gondola Plaza, Cooper Avenue Mall, St. Regis, Sky Hotel, Hyatt and The North Face Summit Shop, across from Aspen Sports. In Snowmass: Snowmass Mall (slopeside), Snowmass Outlet at Snowmass Center, Demo Center at Snowmass Base Village.