Fun for Kids

Crested Butte is fun for the whole family. From terrain parks to ice skating at the Nordic Center in town, to getting creative at the Trailhead Children’s Museum, there are endless possibilities for the kids. CB is a playground for all ages, and while most activities are kid-approved, here are some extra ideas! Dig in on the action and have some fun.

Adventure

There are kid’s ski and snowboarding lessons at CBMR, as well as through Adaptive Sports Center (www.adapativesports.org) for family members with physical and/or cognitive disabilities.

Nordic skiing

Crested Butte Nordic has cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating and all in one place. CB Nordic grooms more than 50k of trails and offers instruction, equipment rentals and many events throughout the winter. 

Ice skating

Take the kids for a classic day of ice skating at Big Mine Ice Arena, adjacent to the Crested Butte Nordic Center. You can rent skates for adults and kids at the Nordic Center for a fee and be sure to check the open skate rink schedule at cbnordic.org. The use of the rink is free if you bring your own skates. 

There’s a great outdoor hockey rink in CB South, along with a neighborhood pond-style ice rink complete with fire pit at the park. Bring your skates for some old-fashioned skate time. 

Sledding at Pyramid Avenue

The hills are relatively short (by mountain standards) but wide with plenty of room to roam. You can purchase a sled at ACE Hardware. Bring a lawn chair, a thermos of hot chocolate and hand/boot warmers to make a proper outing of it.

Dog Sledding

Book a dog-sledding adventure that the kiddos will surely never forget. You might see one of the local dog-sledding operation trucks in town along Elk Avenue during your stay. 

Trailhead Children’s Museum

The Trailhead Children’s Museum has a brand new home in downtown Crested Butte at 501 Elk Avenue. A staple for local and visiting families in Gunnison County since 2009, the Trailhead offers hands-on exhibits and programs in Art, Science, Nature and Creative Play, as well as family workshops, special events, museum rentals and babysitting nights. 

Crested Butte Heritage Museum

The museum on Elk Avenue has a model train, collections and exhibits celebrating the local mining heritage and early days of extreme sports and a shiny red gondola for kids to climb in. The gift shop is a trove for toys and mementos, too! Take in some local lore and watch the kids’ eyes sparkle as they watch the train go round. 

Old Rock Library

Looking for some quiet time for the kids? The Old Rock community library has a wide variety of books, DVD and audiobooks for the whole family. Visitors can register for a library card and check out materials. The kids will love Old Rock’s storytimes during the week for babies, toddlers and big kids. The library is housed in the original Crested Butte rock schoolhouse. 

Play with clay

The Crested Butte Clay Studio is a fully equipped ceramic studio with classes and events for all kids 9+ and adults. You can book a private class for the whole family in wheel throwing or hand building. 

ArtWalks

Take a walk around town and visit the amazing collection of galleries featuring the work of dozens of local artists. Throughout the winter, the Artists of Crested Butte hosts ArtWalks one night each month. This winter’s ArtWalk dates are: December 29, January 20, February 17 and March 16.