Family-Friendly Restaurants in Aspen

Anytime you take a stroll around downtown Aspen, you’ll find families strolling beside you. Children of all ages accompany their parents to the shops, the Wheeler Opera House fountain, the Aspen Mountain gondola, and into restaurants. And many children are known to need a little extra space when dining, as well as fare that suits their less sophisticated tastes.

 

In case you, too, are bringing your children to Aspen for vacation, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite kid-friendly Aspen restaurants that young eaters are sure to enjoy.

At the 520 Grill, you’ll find child-friendly (the owner is also a father!) hot dogs plus mac and cheese. For more adventurous children with eager palates or a healthy bent, you might want to try the tender bison burger with sweet potato fries.

CP Burger is a great choice for bright, clean, kid-friendly dining due to its simple menu (burgers, fries, and milkshakes), convenient location (across from the Rubey Park bus station and in front of Aspen Mountain), and additional activities right outside their door (mini golf in the summer; ice skating in the winter). There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and parents can calm their nerves with the specialty spiked shakes while their children play some mini-golf or ice skate.

Brunelleschi's Dome Pizza styles itself as “the best gourmet family-friendly restaurant in Aspen.” They’ve got make-your-own pizzas just for the youngsters (chef’s hats included!), as well as mac and cheese, plus delicious, kid-friendly make-your-own pasta. Come for the food and keep your children occupied while you watch sports on multiple big screens.

The spacious and well-lit Limelight Hotel is a full-on family hangout spot. They’re well-known for their hand-tossed pizzas, which tend to satisfy most young diners. Plus, the Limelight offers live music, games, and plenty of space to move when the little ones become restless.

Each of the four ski mountains in the Aspen Snowmass Resort provide family-friendly establishments on the mountains themselves. At Aspen Mountain, take the kids by Bonnie’s for the famous apple strudel. At Aspen Highlands, there’s plenty of room for families to cozy up to the fireplace at the Merry Go Round restaurant. Buttermilk boasts Bumps at the bottom of the mountain and the Cliffhouse at the top. Both offer cafeteria service and many child-approved menu items. If you head just a few minutes downvalley to Snowmass, the Elk Camp Restaurant and Ullrhof are our favorites. Or, adjacent to the Fanny Hill run, both Snowmass Base Village and the Snowmass Mall are full of family-friendly options (be sure to stay for free Snowmass S’mores on winter afternoons).

Whether it’s summer or winter, no one in the family will want to miss the homemade gelato (garnished with a tiny cookie) at Aspen’s downtown staple of 40 years, Paradise Bakery. If you’re not able to handle lactose, there are cookies, muffins, croissants, brownies, and more ready for you behind the counter glass. Everything in the bakery is made from scratch and baked fresh every day. Treat yourselves.

While visiting the Pine Creek Cookhouse takes a bit more planning due to its location up the Castle Creek valley, it’s an experience that will delight most children (and adults!). In the winter, your family can ride in a horse-drawn sleigh and arrive at a cozy log cabin for a gourmet lunch or dinner. Should anyone be wary of horses, you can visit the Cookhouse in winter via skis or snowshoes and in the summer via car as well. While its food may be on the more elegant or adventurous side, the Cookhouse also offers basic children’s favorites such as grilled cheese and chicken tenders.

Prospect advertises “elevated, yet always approachable American bistro” dining at the iconic Hotel Jerome on Main Street. To accommodate the entire family and make the dining experience as seamlessly child-friendly as possible, they thoughtfully provide sippy cups, high chairs, and a full children’s menu.

Whether your youngsters are hungry for breakfast or lunch, Poppycock’s will welcome them with enthusiasm. Poppycock’s Café has transformed from a local creperie to a lively (and kid-friendly) hot spot. Be sure to try their famous Oatmeal Buttermilk Pancakes!

Would you like a local to choose your restaurants, make your reservations and/or arrange transportation for you? These are all complimentary services for our valued Aspen Square guests!  Simply contact our Concierge for assistance in planning your child-friendly restaurant meals while you’re staying with us in Aspen. Call 970-925-1000 x3515 or email concierge@aspensquarehotel.com.