All About Aspen With Kids: Important Information To Know

A dad and his two kids in snow gear stand in front of a sign reading "Highland Peak, 12,392" at Aspen.
Photo Courtesy: Tara Solomon Hutchinson

If you want to know all about Aspen with kids, there’s some important information you should read first. From the local currency to health information, the official language, and even babysitting services, it’s important to do proper research on your vacation destination before booking your trip. Finding all the information in one place can be tricky, though, which is why we’ve compiled a list of things to know before visiting Aspen, including important information for you to reference. Plus, stay tuned until the end, since we also include things to do in Aspen with kids and the best hotels in Aspen for families. Keep reading for all about Aspen for families!

At A Glance

Three skiers fly down Aspen Highlands on skis on a sunny day.

Before you visit Aspen with kids, you should learn the basics. Keep reading for local currency, visa information, and more information about Aspen with kids. 

Local Currency & Time

Wondering all about the Aspen local currency and how families can get the best currency exchange rates? The currency in Aspen is the United States Dollar. It is widely accepted in many parts of the country. Most credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted as well. In case you need help figuring out how much money to bring with you, use this handy Currency Converter. Aspen operates in Mountain Standard Time, in GMT -7. Click here to see Aspen’s current time.

Official Language & Visa Information

The official language in Aspen is American English. If you’re planning an extended trip to Aspen or have a non-U.S. passport, you may also need to research obtaining a VISA before your visit. To learn all about the VISA policy in Aspen for families, click here. 

Power/Standard Voltage

In Aspen, there are two associated plug types, types A and B. The standard voltage is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.

Local Weather

Knowing about the Aspen climate will be helpful before you depart. Aspen has a humid continental climate, with a cool summer and a cold winter. July is the hottest month for Aspen with an average high temperature of 79.6°, which ranks it as cooler than most places in Colorado. In Aspen, there are 3 comfortable months with high temperatures in the range of 70-85°. The most pleasant months of the year for Aspen are August, July, and June. Check the current forecast on Accuweather. If you need more help planning your Aspen vacation with kids, feel free to check out Aspen’s official tourism website for more information.

Health Information

An aerial view of the downtown area of Aspen, lit up at night, with snowy mountain slopes in the distance.

Having the correct information about health and safety is an important part of visiting Aspen with kids. If your children have allergies, might need medical attention, etc., be sure to keep this important information in mind.

Vaccinations, Health Tips, & Hospitals

Visiting Aspen with young ones? Remember to check if your child has all the correct shots and vaccines. For a complete list of the recommended vaccines and more health information on all about Aspen with kids, visit the official CDC website. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so you should also check out hospitals near your vacation destination just in case. Some accessible hospitals in Aspen include Aspen Valley Hospital, and there are nearby options like Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs. 

Emergency Services

In case of an emergency, keep these numbers handy during your trip to Aspen with kids, as this is very important information when learning all about Aspen with kids. 

Police, Fire Department, Ambulance

For emergency services in Aspen, dial 911.

Safety Issues

If you’re visiting with your kids and want to know all about your destination, you’re probably wondering: Is Aspen safe for families? The answer is yes! The crime threat in Aspen is generally considered to be on the lower side, and it is widely regarded as one of the safest cities in Colorado. Aspen is overall very safe to travel to. 

Aspen For Kids

A young baby sits on a red sled with mom and older sister nearby.
Photo Credit: Aspen Snowmass

Visiting Aspen with kids brings its own set of challenges. Keep reading for comprehensive information on babysitting services, baby gear rentals, etc.

Babysitting Services & Baby Gear Rentals

Looking for a romantic evening alone in Aspen? Luckily, you’ll find plenty of babysitting services throughout the city in your search to learn all about Aspen with kids. We suggest Aspen Babysitting & Nanny Co, Aspen Snowmass Babysitters, and Peace of Mind Babysitting. If you’ve left your baby gear at home, don’t worry! There are plenty of places to find baby gear in Aspen. Take a look at Mountain Baby Gear Rentals, Baby’s Away Aspen, Aspen Luxury Vacation Rentals, Babies Getaway, and plenty of other options. 

Transportation

Transportation is another thing to consider when vacationing in Aspen with kids. Whether you need information about car seats or all about local airlines in Aspen for families, you’ve come to the right place.

Car Seat Laws

If you plan to ride in a car during your Aspen vacation with kids, keep reading for important car seat information and all about Aspen with kids. Children under age 4 must be properly secured in a child restraint system in the rear seat. They must then ride in a booster seat until they turn 8, weigh more than 80 lbs., or are taller than 4 feet 9 inches. Violation of the child restraint law is a standard offense.

Transportation Services

Aspen offers residents, commuters, and visitors several convenient transportation options. Eight free bus routes will show you all that Aspen has to offer! Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) buses offer service between Aspen and Rifle, also connecting to the Town of Snowmass Village. CAR TO GO, Aspen’s car share program, is a convenient, cost-saving alternative to car ownership. WE-cycle, Aspen’s bike-sharing program, offers access to over 100 bicycles for short-term use in the spring, the summer, and the fall. 

Local Airlines

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is just 3 miles from the town of Aspen and 6 miles from Snowmass Village. With service from United, Delta, and American Airlines, it offers direct flights to Denver, Chicago (O’Hare), San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas / Ft. 

For more information on transportation in Aspen, click here.

Other Things to Know Before Visiting Aspen With Kids

A view of downtown Aspen covered in snow, with mountains in the background.

Searching for more tips all about Aspen with kids? Between tipping customs, important holidays, and other safety issues, there are still a few things left you should know. Keep reading to learn all about Aspen with kids!

Tipping Customs

A young boy stands on a snowy street with a view of downtown Aspen behind him, and snowy mountains in the distance.
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

Knowing all about tipping in Aspen can save families a lot of hassle. In Aspen, like many popular travel destinations, tips and gratuities are discretionary and dependent on the service quality you’ve received. Tipping throughout Aspen is very common, so expect to tip when visiting salons, spas, and other service industries. Normally the rule of 15%-20% of the total bill is the general rule. Tipping shuttle drivers, cab drivers, hotel workers, and other local employees might not always be expected, but is most certainly appreciated. 

Important Holidays

If you’re still searching for specific dates to visit Aspen, you may want to determine whether your vacation will fall on a public holiday. This can greatly diminish the number of attractions or points of interest you see, so it’s important information to know about visiting Aspen. Check out the United States National Holidays list for more information here. 

Things to Do in Aspen With Kids

Nestled in a field of yellow and green trees rests an old brown barn.
Photo Courtesy: Aspen Chamber Resort Association

Once you’ve read our Aspen important information and all about Aspen with kids, look up what to do. Winter is a popular time to visit Aspen, as families flock to its kid-friendly resorts, like Snowmass and Buttermilk. Aspen Mountain is fantastic for teens or advanced skiers who want more of a thrill. Plus, the downtown transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months, complete with cute decorations during Christmas, cozy après-ski options, and more family fun. This includes ice skating, snowmobiling, and tubing! 

In the summer, families can go white water or take advantage of the sunny weather and hike to the Maroon Bells, one of the most photographed spots in Colorado! The Crater Lake Trail, Maroon Creek Trail, and the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail all provide stunning views and aren’t too difficult for kids. More beautiful scenery awaits on the Independence Pass, a gorgeous drive that passes through the Continental Divide. For a birds-eye view over Aspen Mountain, ride the Silver Queen Gondola. Finally, no matter the season, ACES/Aspen Center for Environmental Studies/Hallam Lake is a must-do visit with kids!

Where to Stay in Aspen With Kids

The corner entrance to St. Regis Aspen Resort on a snowy night, the hotel seems to glow in the winter night.
Photo Courtesy: St. Regis Aspen Resort

Looking for the best places to stay in Aspen with kids? Once you’ve learned all about Aspen with kids, it’s time to decide on a place to stay. Families who want to stay near Aspen Mountain can book a room at the St. Regis Aspen Resort, The Little Nell, The Residences at The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, or Limelight Hotel. Families also love The Gant, the Hyatt Residence Club Grand Aspen, the Aspen Mountain Lodge, or the Tyrolean Lodge.

Through snowy trees, Viceroy Snowmass sits proudly amongst the mountains lit up at night.
Photo Courtesy: Viceroy Snowmass

Near Snowmass, families love the Viceroy Snowmass, a ski-in/ski-out hotel just a few minutes away from the mountain base. There are also plenty of condos available for rent on VRBO for families. However, if you’re looking for ski-in/ski-out access to Buttermilk, book a room at the Inn at Aspen. Or, if you need somewhere to stay near Aspen Highlands for families, consider choosing The Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands.

Book your next stay in Aspen using Hotels.com now! 

Get a discount on your next Aspen family vacation by using Expedia today! 

Happy Travels!

A family of four, all wearing colorful ski gear and skis, stands proudly on a winter landscape near Aspen.

We hope you liked this article All About Aspen With Kids: Important Information To Know! Between how to get around the city, things to do, and more important information, we’ve compiled everything your family needs to know about visiting this beautiful destination. Enjoy Aspen with your kids! 

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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The Families Love Travel Team has a zest for life and an even bigger passion for globetrotting! Comprised of real-life travel professionals, we work hard behind the scenes to provide dynamic solutions for adventuring with children. Our enthusiastic team understands the challenges that often accompany traveling with kids and is committed to making Families Love Travel an inclusive space to convey these experiences.