Aspen is a city of festivals that begin in January with the Winterskol a great winter carnival. In June you can attend the Food and Wine Classic while in the summer you can enjoy the Aspen Music Festival.

Nearby if you'd like a diversion for a little while you can go to Ashcroft or Independence Ghost Towns. This you'll enjoy with or without the kids.

Did you know that Aspen is also a wonderful Summer vacation spot for the whole family? Well it is! To begin you can enjoy the clean mountain air while you sleep late the first day or two. They enjoy a show at the Opera House. Try a hike or a bike ride or something different like the Fairy Caves for a change of pace.

So what else can you do in the summer in Aspen you ask? Well here's a partial listing to help you get your planning ideas together:

Enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing, mountain boarding, overnight camping, arts and crafts, Hallam Lake nature preserve tours, bird watching, swimming, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, enjoy Camp Snowmass or Camp Aspen Club, enjoy the Aspen Mountain Obstacle Course, Tennis and Yoga lessons at the Gant, horseback riding, cooking classes, adventure hikes, outdoor education, climbing wall, miniature golf, mine tours, gold panning, chuck wagon parties, story time at Pitkin County Library. And last but not least try out the vapor caves or hot springs.

For all those who love art or are artistically inclined will enjoy the Aspen Art Museum. The host exhibits, art talks and gallery tours. They also offer workshops for adults and children.

Aspen has something for everyone. That is why it is one of the top family vacation areas in the country.

Anderson Arts Center which is in Snowmass, and yes that is still part of Aspen, features a place for children of all ages to give way to their creative spirit. This summer's workshops include photography, sculpture, beading, painting and mask making.

Now that we are on the subject of Snowmass how about visiting their summer's weekly rodeo? Watch as professional cowboys go up against bronco's and bulls! Plus there are plenty of activities for the kids. Like a wonderful petting zoo, mechanical bull riding and mutton busting which is sheep riding.

In the winter time don't forget to check out the area of Buttermilk. It is the home for the kids enjoyment of Crazy T'rain Park and X Games Super Pipe!

As for lodging Snowmass Club has its own kid's club and golf course! The condo's at The Gant and Aspen Square are within walking distance from downtown Aspen.

So as you can see Aspen is a great family vacation spot year round. Make sure you see everything while you are there.