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

Aspen Art Museum offers a wide variety of fun and engaging week-long art workshops inspired by contemporary art for children ages 4 and up in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, drawing, video, photography, and creative writing. Classes run from June 14 - August 20. (970) 925-8050 or 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. (970) 925-5756 or www.aspennature.org
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.

The Aspen Historical Society will host “Playing with the Past” at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum on most Wednesday mornings at 10:30 from July into mid-August. For ages 3 to 6, activities will include candle making, butter churning, ice cream making and more. $3 per child, reservations recommended, call (970) 925-3721, ext. 107 or visit www.aspenhistory.org

Aspen Music Festival and School offers free programs that provide age-appropriate musical experiences: Peanut Butter and Jam (ages 2-5), Gotta Move! (ages 2-7 with parents), and Tunes and Tales (ages 4-9). These programs will focus on a theme of stories, myths, and fairytales. For more information, contact Director of Educational Outreach, Deborah Barnekow, at (970) 205-5027 or visit www.aspenmusicfestival.com.

At Pitkin County Library programs include storyhours and more for children, book discussions for young adults, adult reading initiatives and ongoing technology lessons called eThursdays. Visitors may apply for a temporary library card giving them access to a large and current collection of books, audiobooks, DVDs and more, for children, young adults and adults. Library card holders also have FREE access to public computers, an online reference collection and wireless Internet. The Pitkin County Library is open 7 days a week, Monday- Thursday 10am-9pm, Friday & Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday noon-6pm.

Stop by Rock Bottom Ranch for a day full of hands-on fun! RBR is located 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 and visit the chickens, goats, horses, pigs and cows. Programs are available for adults and children all year round. Rock Bottom Ranch is open during the summer Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm.

Theatre Aspen brings families and theatre together with the musical The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!, based on the beloved children's book. The Big Bad Wolf has his day in court in this thrilling courtroom dram-edy with music; the young audience decides if he's guilty or innocent! Opening July 8th, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! runs Fridays and Saturdays at 10am with a special evening performance July 24th at 6:30pm. All shows are presented in the Alex Kaufman 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. 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.

Nothing says summer more than a visit to The Sweet Life. In the landmark Red Barn Building in Snowmass Base Village steps from the gondola, The Sweet Life offers the ultimate opportunity to satisfy your sweet tooth! Homemade ice cream is their signature product with over 250 flavors in regular rotation. Who needs to go camping this summer when The Sweet Life offers a menu of nine different types of S’Mores! This sweet spot also has over 120 bulk candy bins to mix and match to your heart’s content. Make sure you don’t miss their menu of cupcakes…the Red Velvet Oreo is to die for! Become a fan on FaceBook to receive specials and promotions!

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: Ashcroft Adventures – Learn to fish on beaver ponds. Fishing lessons are available. The ghost town of Ashcroft 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 by advance reservation. (970) 925-1044 or 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. 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. (970) 925-5756 or www.aspennature.org
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.

The Aspen Recreation Center is fun for the whole family! There is no better way to cool off this summer than by taking a few laps around the ice rink followed by a dip in the pool. The kids will love to feel the rush as they zoom down the two-story water slide, race through the water spray features, or take a lap around the lazy river. If that just isn’t enough visit the 32-foot, 3D climbing tower, cardio and weight rooms, tennis courts, batting cages, and more! Summer day camps are also available. Visit www.aspenrecreation.com or call (970) 544-4100 for more information.

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.

Electric powered fun for the whole family guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Snowmass Mountain Extreme tours and Aspen city historical tours are offered. Tour time 1.5 hours. Visit www.aspensegway.com or call (800) 755-0935 to reserve your tour with Aspen Segway

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 - NEW LOCATION! For group information call Adriana Lisman (970) 429-3714 or e-mail alisman@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. Phone (866)-37-RIVER or (970) 920-3511, or visit www.aspenwhitewater.com Photo by Arkansas valley digital imaging

Based at Buttermilk Mountain, Aspen Wilderness Outfitters, Ltd offers a wide range of horseback and western fun for all ages. One, two and three hour rides are offered daily. Or, start the morning off with a cowboy-style meal on a great breakfast ride! Wilderness half or full day rides explore the remote high country and include fishing if requested. Tours are also offered in the ever-popular Maroon Valley. Over night pack trips offer a full service camp out, via horseback. Pony rides are offered at Buttermilk for the little cowpokes. Go AWOL for Western Fun!

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

Open daily June 3 - September 3 and on Saturdays, June 26 - August 14. Based out of The Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center, Camp Aspen/Snowmass offers weekly, daily and hourly programs for ages 1 through teens. Activities include mountainboarding, skateboarding, mountain biking, paintball, field trips, nature tours and more. (800) 724-2066 or www.aspensnowmass.com/camp

Summer: Capitol Peak Outfitters would like to invite you on a horseback trip to some awesome wilderness areas. This summer they will offer, horseback rides, family fishing trips and overnight pack trips to their remote summer base camp. All adventures take place in Capitol Creek Valley in the heart of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness areas of the White River National Forest. Their trips are all by horseback, taking you into great mountain country with spectacular views. Catch a glimpse of the many elk, dear and black bear while enjoying nature at its best. Capitol Peak Outfitters offers family fishing on the beaver ponds of Capitol Creek with lunch. Family overnight trips are also popular. (970) 923-4402, www.capitolpeak.com.
Winter: Capitol Peak invites you to join them on a fun-filled winter sleigh ride. Take in all the spectacular views that St. Benedict’s Monastery has to offer. Hot drinks & warm blankets always accompany you. Sleigh rides: $35/ adult, $30/ children under 16. Depending on availability, rides are available at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Ride in the basins up by the pristine Monastery, enjoying great views of the Elk Mountains and Mt. Sopris. A little over half way they stop at a heated wall tent with a wood stove for hot drinks and cookies. The ride is 1 hour 15 minutes to 1½ hours. Sleigh ride & catered meal available, special pricing. John & Heather Howe.

For a full day of family fun, no trip to the Roaring Fork Valley is complete without a visit to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, with 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’ amazing Fairy Caves or experience the thrill of Colorado’s only alpine coaster as it plunges down the mountainside. The brand new Giant Canyon Swing provides an adrenaline rush as you swing out above the walls of Glenwood Canyon. Other attractions include a zipline, gemstone sluice box mining, a climbing wall, bungee trampoline, mechanical bull, giant maze and more. Inside, kids love our 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! Day passes are available for unlimited turns on all attractions plus a nominal fee to add the cave tour. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is located midway between Aspen and Vail on I-70. Photo by Norm Thompson

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 degrees. Bring your family and enjoy the waterslides and mini golf. Fun for kids of all ages.

Kidtoons Productions provides quality children’s entertainment for any event. 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.

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.

Summer: Maroon Bells Guide & Outfitters offers pony rides for kids ages 7-77 and twenty-minute horseback rides along the banks of Maroon Creek. All rides are hand led by a guide. Parents, you’ll want bring your camera for this one. Maroon Bells Guide and Outfitters. Reservations required. Call (970) 920-4677 or visit them at www.maroonbellsaspen.com
Winter: Traditionally we start our winter sleigh rides between December 15th and 18th and you may call about reservations if you know your dates and number in your party. This year we are making it even more exciting, so please visit again soon to see what we have in store for you. The reservations office is now closed for the season, but you may still call and leave a message. Phone (970) 920-4677 8am - 10pm. Messages 24/7. Open 7 days a week!

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

Summer: Snowmass Tourism offers a full season of activities, festivals and events for visitors of all ages. June 4-5, Chili Pepper and Brew Fest features International Chili Society Cook-offs, 50 microbreweries, live music with George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, The Wailers, Brett Dennen, The Kylie Hollingsworth Band. July 1-August 19, Snowmass Summer of Free Music Series - hear some of the country’s best rock, funk and Cajun music. Yoga classes and workshops July 16-18, Yoga Rocks the Mountains. August 6-8, Forty highly respected dealers participate in the Snowmass Antique Fair. August 13-15, Snowmass Culinary & Arts Festival brings foodies, wine connoisseurs, and art lovers together. The 35th Snowmass Balloon Festival September 17-19 is one of the highest-altitude balloon events in the country. www.snowmasstourism.com or call (800) SNOWMASS.
Winter: In Snowmass Village winter 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.

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!

If you ever wanted to go on a balloon ride this is the one to take. Breathtaking views of the Colorado Rockies, Aspen/Snowmass, and the wildlife of the Roaring Fork Valley await you. Flights are early but sunrise is the perfect time to spot elk, deer and the occasional bear. Flight time is 1 to 1.5 hours and the total adventure lasts approximately 3 hours. Your memories will last a lifetime with a free video of your flight! A traditional champagne toast, breakfast and presentation of commemorative flight certificate follow the flight. Operating in the Aspen area since 1984.

Summer: Western Adventures offers rental services and tours four-wheel-drive all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles. Go on your own or take a guided tour. Guided scenic tours are available on private land. You may go on your own to other popular destinations such as Marble, the Frying Pan, Redstone, Woody Creek or Independence Pass. Visa and Mastercard accepted. Call Western Adventures (970) 923-3337 for more information or reservations.
Winter: Offering 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 and feature performance machines with hand warmers. Daily "go on your own" rentals are also available. Tours have U.S.F.S. approval.

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 - NEW LOCATION!