fun for KIDS

Crested Butte 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!

Nordic skiing

Crested Butte Nordic has cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating 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 a 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 day of it.

Dog Sledding

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

Trailhead Children’s Museum

The Trailhead Children’s Museum, at 501 Elk Ave., 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. 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, DVDs and audiobooks for the whole family. The library is housed in the original Crested Butte old 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.