Twinkle - A magical jewel box filled with treasures for baby and child, this darling store features the most amazing consignment apparel sourced from all over the world (many with tags still on!) and a beautifully curated collection of new apparel too. The owner, Michelle, is a mama of two and on our last visit, her daughter Zoe (10) helped my daughter Annie (10) choose her outfits and ring up her purchase. So fun! I shopped at Twinkle for years before I ever dreamed of being a boutique owner and have always loved the personalized service and the cozy space. Sadie (5) adores the "changing room" which is a canopy tent hanging from the ceiling with a fluffy seat inside and the lollipops at the register.

Ro + Fern - Named after her sweet dachshund, Ro and even sweeter daughter Fern, this mom owned and operated shop features looks for baby, littles, and tweens. Annie immediately went for the Iviva styles and grabbed a jumpsuit sister set by Sol Angeles which has been worn on repeat since. The edgier West Coast vibe differs so much from Bambinos, but I loved our visit and love that my big girl confidently chatted with the shop owner and found her own style. 

Carl's Pharmacy - If you ask my girls their favorite place in Aspen, they'll unequivocally and simultaneously answer "Carl's." If there was a contest to see who could pack the most merchandise into a retail space, all Aspen shops would be contenders (hello crazy real estate) but Carl's Pharmacy would win the prize. This place has everything! With two stories of wall to wall, floor to ceiling displays, you'll find whatever it is you need and so many things you don't need but want anyway. Our tradition is to create ways for the girls to earn spending money during a trip, then end it with a much anticipated visit to Carl's for treasure hunting. (It's likely why we hear no whining on hikes)! Pro-tip...grab autographed copies of the "Adventures of Fraser the Yellow Dog" series here for gift giving back home.

Emporium and Flying Circus - Right across the street from Carl's this gift shop / artist co-op is self-billed as Aspen's most unique retail experience and we agree. It's an indoor "big top" featuring 70+ local artists stocking the shelves with handmade jewelry, artisan marshmallows, vintage kids clothing, delicious smelling bath products, gourmet foods and so much more. Whatever you choose, be sure to leave with a "Fun Meter" pin and set it to maximum fun for the rest of your trip.

Pine Creek Cookhouse - This is one of my favorite spots in Aspen (it's actually just outside of Aspen in the ghost town of Ashcroft). We love doing family hikes here with the kids every summer and then everyone enjoys a delicious meal at the end. This has been a family tradition of ours since I was little and it is extra special to me because it is where my husband and I got engaged! - Emily

Crêperie du Village - A must visit in both summer and winter, the creperie feels like a swiss chalet inside and on the patio and the single table at street level has gorgeous views of Aspen mountain. It's the perfect place to enjoy  a glass of rosé with raclette, fondue & sweet & savory crêpes. It's not a "kid" restaurant but with an early summer dinner reservation you'll beat the crowd and with nutella and lemon sugar crepes, you'll have even the most selective eater cheering to return.

Jimmy's - This place is an Aspen institution with some of the best patio views in town. It's also not a "kid" place but they are absolutely kid friendly. Instead of a kid's menu, they offer steak, salmon, chicken, mac & cheese, or basically anything you request in small portions at kid's meal prices. They bring out extra cherries with the Shirley Temples and extra breadsticks (AMAZING) while you wait. Our family fave is the meatloaf, which isn't on the menu anymore but its always available on request.

Mi Chola - This is our favorite post-hike cool down spot in Aspen, conveniently located near the trail ends by Main Street. Grab a big patio table if the weather is brilliant or escape the heat or rain in a booth built for groups. Keep the littles occupied with the provided coloring sheets and crayons, lidded plastic cups they can't spill, and a kids menu with something for everyone. For yourself, order a margarita and some guac to enjoy with the chips and salsa. We've tried nearly all the margaritas on the menu and it would be impossible to pick a fave.

L'Hosteria - This fun spot has been a Tuesday night family summer tradition for at least a decade and we love sharing it now with the next generation. Be sure to snag a table outside so you can listen to the great live music. It's authentic Italian cuisine made with love.

Brunelleschis - "Bruno's" in Aspen is as kid friendly as it gets (with great food for everybody). Kids are greeted with chef hats and a ball of dough on a pan and can make their own breadsticks and top their own pizza.

Ranger Station - This Snowmass stop makes for a dinner adventure. We love to park (or get dropped off) at Snowmass Base Village and take the Skittles (a free gondola ride) up to Ranger Station. With patio seating right on the mountain the kids can run and play nearby. With happy hour everyday 3-6 its the perfect early dinner spot. Visit on Friday nights for live music or go on Thursdays in the summer during the Snowmass Free Summer Concert Series and enjoy from the sidelines. They're  known for their draft brews but we're fans of their handcrafted cocktails (Woody Creek Manhattan and Bacon Bloody Mary)!

Hallam Lake  - Tucked away just on the edge of downtown Aspen is a 25 acre nature preserve and environmental learning center. It has hiking opportunities for the youngest explorers and its "Birds of Prey" feeding times that are worth calling ahead to check on. Ask at the front desk for an activity guide with scavenger hunt and your littles can earn patches for their finds. Home to ACES (Aspen Center for Environmental Studies) this spot offers drop-off day camp opportunities for ages 4 and up. To make a family day out of it, you're perfectly positioned to add on the Rio Grande Trail with an entrance just a few hundred feet away. This paved trail runs a continuous 42 miles all the way to Glenwood Springs but you can tackle as much or as little as you want. Hike it and enjoy the rushing river views and picnic spots or rent bikes with trailers for little ones. If hiking you can choose your own adventure by veering off onto Hunter Creek Trail, which features a "StoryWalk" tour introducing children to the Bauhaus school in celebration of its 100 year anniversary and influence on Aspen.