Colorado.com Staff Writer

<p>Sure, the slopes are a big part of what makes Colorado’s <a href="/articles/colorado-ski-resorts-snows-perfect-state">28 ski resorts</a> so popular, but there are plenty of other ways for kiddos to enjoy their time in the mountains. Here are some favorite non-skiing activities that are guaranteed to keep everyone occupied on your next winter family vacation.</p>


Beyond the Bunny Hill: Amazing Kids' Activities at Colorado Ski Resorts

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Arts and crafts at Snowmass.

Nighttime ice skating at Beaver Creek Village.

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<h2><strong>Kid-Approved Programming</strong></h2>
<p>As the powder day winds down, a fun-filled itinerary is just getting started. Ski-school activities (for ages 2.5–17) and a childcare center boasting Colorado-themed playrooms (for ages 1–4) are hallmarks of the <a href="https://aspensnowmass.com/visit/kids-programs-child-care/treehouse-kids-adventure-center">The Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center</a> at <a href="/skiing-snowboarding/aspen-snowmass">Snowmass</a>. Look to <a href="https://tellurideskiresort.com/ski-school/#CHILDREN'S%20GROUP%20LESSONS">Children's Group Lessons</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/telluride">Telluride</a> for a pint-size version of ski school (with lunch!) for kids age 3 to 14.</p>
<h2><strong>Winter Playgrounds</strong></h2>
<p>Little ones love to burn off steam outside, so what better venue to do just that than one meant especially for them? The Woodward Barn — located at <a href="/skiing-snowboarding/copper-mountain-resort">Copper Mountain</a> — is an action-sports playground featuring indoor Olympic-grade trampolines, a skate park, a pump-track zone, skate bowls and so much more.</p>
<p>If you have a future Olympic figure skater in the family, let them practice spins and jumps on the <a href="https://www.beavercreek.com/explore-the-resort/activities/summer-activities/ice-skating.aspx">ice rink</a> located in the center of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/beaver-creek">Beaver Creek Village</a>. Regular events provide endless entertainment for kids and kids at heart; or cozy up to one of the surrounding fire pits and warm up with a mug of hot chocolate. Take to the frozen 5-acre lake that anchors <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/keystone">Keystone</a>’s <a href="https://www.keystoneresort.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/winter-activities/village-and-valley-activities.aspx?page=viewall">Lakeside Village</a> for a pick-up hockey game or ice skating.</p>
<p>There’s more than one way to zoom down a snowy mountain, including a grin-inducing ride on an inflated rubber tube. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/durango/winter-activities/skiing-snowboarding/purgatory-resort">Purgatory</a>’s <a href="https://www.purgatoryresort.com/activities/tubing/">Snow Coaster Tubing Hill</a> has three lanes that are lit at night, meaning you can slip and slide into the evening. Once you make it down the banked curves and jumps of <a href="https://www.coppercolorado.com/things-to-do/activities-amenities/tubing-hill">Copper Mountain’s tubing hill</a>, a magic-carpet lift will whisk you back up to do it again! Plus, double tubes are available to rent — perfect for a parent/child pair. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/steamboat-springs">Steamboat Springs</a>' <a href="https://saddlebackranch.net/winter-activities/snow-tubing/">Yee Haw Tubing Hill</a> at Saddleback Ranch also has a sweet magic carpet, so you kids can catch their breath after laughing from the town's trademarked Champagne Powder® tickling their noses. Another hot spot for tubular amusement is <a href="https://www.winterparkresort.com/things-to-do/activities/coca-cola-tubing">Coca-Cola® Tubing</a> at <a href="/skiing-snowboarding/winter-park-resort">Winter Park</a>. After the kids get their fill, thaw out at the Hill House warming hut to sip freshly made hot cocoa.</p>
<h2><strong>Quality Time With the Fam</strong></h2>
<p>Bring everyone back together with activities that cater to families. In <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/vail">Vail</a>, hop on the Eagle Bahn gondola to access the <a href="https://www.vail.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/summer-activities/nature-center.aspx">Nature Discovery Center</a>, with its assortment of exhibits on natural history and local wildlife inside a yurt. Sign up for a free snowshoe tour (age 10 and up) that touches on winter ecology and how animals adapt in cold climes.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.aspensnowmass.com/plan-your-stay/winter-activities/ullr-nights">Ullr Nights</a> is a Snowmass winter wonderland party in honor of the Norse god of snow. On select nights, take the gondola up the mountain to Elk Camp for live music, a bonfire, snow slide, vast buffet of culinary creations and other merriment. And Purgatory Resort offers plenty of bonding opportunities with a solid lineup of <a href="https://www.purgatory.ski/events/list/">winter events</a> ranging from festivals to competitions.  </p>
<h2><strong>Want More?</strong></h2>
<p>Read up on more <a href="/articles/winter-activities-colorado-beyond-ski-slopes">off-the-slopes fun</a> across the state, get the scoop on <a href="/articles/colorado-ski-school-learn-ski-snowboard-colorado">ski and snowboard lessons</a>, and discover fun <a href="/articles/summer-fun-families-colorado-ski-resorts">summertime activities for families at Colorado ski resorts</a>.</p>


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