Attractions of Interest to
Children
Ashcroft Ghost Town
Ten
miles south of Aspen Exit Highway 82 to Castle Creek Road
970
925-3721
Guided
tours June, July, August Tues-Sun at 11am and 1pm
Admission charged.
This
town offers a glimpse into “the good old days” through the remains of a once
flourishing town. The boarded up log cabins don’t look as cozy as they do in
western films.
It’s clear that they were drafty and far from energy efficient. Ashcroft is the
remains of a once booming silver mining town which once was home to 2500 people
and supported two sawmills, two newspapers, a school, and 20 saloons. It was,
at that time, larger than Aspen. It is an interesting area to explore. There
are also picnic facilities. Be sure to bring a camera.
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
100
Puppy Smith Street
970
925-5756
Mon-Sat
9-5
Admission charged
Members
free.
Inside
the ACES building, children are invited to use binoculars and watch the birds
through the large picture windows. There is also a “touch table” with
interesting objects and a room with microscopes set up for the study by visitors
of insects.
Outdoors, there is a self-guided tour to lead the participant on a step by
step hike past a golden eagle, great horned owls, beavers and interesting
vegetation. There is also a scavenger hunt checklist designed to encourage
children to interact with the environment through which they pass.
Aspen Ice Garden
233
West Hyman Avenue
970
920-5141
Daily;
hours vary seasonally. Closed mid-April through early June.
Admission charged. Skate rental extra.
Year
round skating call for schedule with daily public sessions on its rink.
Aspen
Mountain Silver Queen Gondola
At the
base of Aspen Mountain
970-925-1220
Open
part-time from late May - mid-June and September - early October.
Call
for days and hours.
Fee
charged.
The
Aspen Mountain Gondola can carry as many as 6 people for the smooth, scenic ride
to the 11,212 foot peak of the mountain in 18 minutes.
Naturalists from the Aspen Mountain Nature Center await visitors at the top for
a 45 minute guided tour along marked trails. The hike is easy, but it is
necessary to adjust to the altitude. The naturalist explains the plants, trees
and wildlife found there. The remains of a miner’s cabin built more than a
century ago are also part of the tour. The guide pays particular attention to
children and has activities for them which engage their interest. Water and
sunscreen are provided.
Aspen Center For Environmental Studies
Hallam
Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, 100 Puppy Smith St., Aspen
970/925-5756.
Children and adults alike will enjoy this wildlife sanctuary and research
center. The facility sponsors snowshoe walks with naturalist guides in winter,
and backyard-wildlife workshops that teach children to create a mini-sanctuary
in their own yard. In summer there are bird-watching hikes and Special Little
Naturalist programs for four- to seven-year-olds, which include nature walks and
arts and crafts.
Independence Ghost Town
15
miles east on SR82
970-925-3721
Guided
tours June, July, August 11am and 1pm.
Small
admission fee for tour
Remains
of the Roaring Fork Valley’s mining community. It boomed during the gold
discoveries of the 1870’s and closed up in the decline of the mines in the late
1890s.
White
River National Forest
970-925-5756
10
miles south, off State Route 82
Road
closed to all but vehicles with camping permits: 8-5
Otherwise, Open for tour buses only
Tour
leaves downtown Aspen every 20 minutes daily 9-4 mid-June-Labor Day
Combination ticket for round trip tour and Silver Queen Gondola available.
Silver
Circle Skating
433
East Durant Avenue
970-925-6360
late
October - mid April daily 10 - 10. 90 minute sessions
Admission charged. Skate rental additional
Located
in the heart of Aspen, this rink is popular with residents and visitors alike.
Skating under the lights at night.
Wagner
Park Playground
West
end of Hyman Avenue Mall in central Aspen.
Swings,
slides and a jungle gym provide a great break from shopping for the whole
family!
Wheeler-Stallard
House Museum
620 W.
Bleeker St., 970/925-3721
Small
admission fee.
Jan.-Mar. and mid-June-mid-Sept., Tues.-Fri. 1-4.
Built
in 1888. Victorian life is the focus of this museum, which displays
period memorabilia collected by the Aspen Historical Society. Of particular
interest to elementary school age children is the children’s playroom which is
furnished with games and toys of the period including an indoor croquet set.
The museum offers tours for
children: call ahead for specific times. Very small children should probably be
taken to alternative attractions during the Wheeler-Stallard House tour by the
older children in the family, as there is no touching, no running, etc.
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