Kids

SUMMER CLASSES:
Our Kids summer classes are ready for viewing and registration in March for the upcoming summer. We offer week-long classes to drop-in two-hour programs for various age groups between the ages 4 and 14. To continually change our repertoire, we partner up for additional classes with other local organizations such as the Aspen Writer's Foundation and the Aspen Art Museum. To give you an idea of what we do, here is a sample of ACES signature week-long classes:

Exploring Around: ages 5-6
Children begin the week by building a fort, which serves as a home base for a week’s worth of adventure and exploration.  Natural history, art, and storytelling are mixed with plain old fun and a sprinkling of surprises. Come join us for a week full of adventure!

Discovery Kids; ages 6-7
Discover what lurks beyond the “wildlife only” signs and what makes ACES such a magical place! This new week-long class is a perfect addition to our signature exploring around classes. Forget about fort building during this week – instead you will learn to use the nature detectives’ tools, which will be the key to unlocking the mysteries of Hallam Lake. Individual discoveries and group projects round up this week of adventures – parents, don’t miss the group presentation at the end of the week.
Prerequisite – kids must be done with kindergarten to attend this class.

Wild Exploration: ages 7-8
Explorers of times past and present have something in common – insatiable thirst for adventure! Come to Hallam Lake and quench that thirst by exploring and learning about what creatures roam around this area... Young explorers will establish a base camp on the preserve to use as their point of departure into the natural world surrounding Hallam Lake and beyond. Guest appearances and field trips will spice up this already exciting week of adventure!

Nature & Art: ages 8-10
Get on board and obtain a VIP pass to visit with ACES resident and wild animals! Turn these close-up observations into amazing pieces of art during this hands-on workshop. Mornings are spent learning about a specific animals and nature facts so you can get your artistic juices flowing in the afternoon. In-depth art projects will include drawing, mixed media, silk paintings, and a special surprise – please bring a blank light-colored T-shirt for one of the art projects! This class has been very popular throughout the years, so sign up early!

ACES Adventure Week: ages 8-10
Grab your backpack, lace up your shoes, put on a naturalist hat, and experience ACES in a whole new way! Only those with a desire to explore need apply.  This class has it all, a day on Aspen Mountain learning to use a map and compass, special trips to the wild places around Aspen, learning about the local plants and animals, and finally an overnight camping expedition at the end of the week planned by YOU!  Yes, a big part of this ACES Adventure Week is learning how to plan your own outdoor expeditions for the future – be it a day hike or an overnight camping trip.  Get ready to spend the week exploring the wild places of Aspen, learn about what makes them so special, and adequately prepare for safe adventures in the mountains!
9am - 3pm at ACES the first three days, camping adventure Thursday night - details to be worked out at the beginning of the week.

Family classes - we offer a variety of Family classes at various times of year to help parents and kids share the inate love of nature. More times than not, the parents are learning from their own kids about how to just BE in nature. 

Families in Nature
Your kids are born naturalists, but are you?  Come explore alongside your own children; little people are big examples of how to be in nature.  See the outdoor surroundings with the fresh eyes, curiosity and imagination that children instinctively have.  Can you answer that classic question, 'WHY?'
We will introduce you to new tips, tools and inspiration, which will enhance your outdoor time together and nurture your child's bond with the natural world.  You will come away with ideas and resources to continue exploring and find the answers to all those great questions your kids will ask.  These classes are instructed by former ACES naturalists who, now parents themselves, are also learning from their own kids... Class titles include observations Skills, Sense of Wonder etc.

Our Summer Family classes are offered for various ages. We also offer semester long Nature & Me class in the Fall, Winter, and Spring - those are best for ages 1-3. Once kids turn 4 they leave the parents behind and join the Hallam Lake Kids drop-in classes for ages 4-5. Here is a sample schedule of these drop-in classes we offer in the summer.

SUMMER REGISTRATION

Our registration is open in March for the summer classes in that same year. Please use the navigation bar to the left to view all kids classes - place mouse over the kids classes line to choose appropriate age then follow registration instructions on each class detail page. E-mail us with any comments about classes or the registration process. 

Tuition and Scholarship Information
Tuition is listed with each class description, and full payment is required to confirm your child's space. Please register early in order to ensure your child's participation. ACES members receive discounted prices on all classes. Interested in becoming a member? Visit the Donate to ACES page now!
ACES makes a concerted effort to keep tuition affordable and also offers several partial-tuition scholarships — please download the scholarship application if you are interested.

Registration
* To register online click LOGIN button at the top and follow login directions
* To register over the phone, call:
970.925.5756 for Hallam Lake and Toklat (Aspen) classes
970.927.6760 for Rock Bottom Ranch (Basalt) classes
* To register the old-fashioned way, please download form and
Fax to: 970.925.4819 or
Mail to: ACES - NFS, 100 Puppy Smith Street, Aspen, CO 81611

We accept personal checks, Visa, and MasterCard

Refund Policy
We try our best to work with you if you need to cancel a class:
• FULL REFUND (less $20 cancellation fee) is given if the participant cancels at least two weeks prior to the start of the class
• HALF REFUND (no cancellation fee) is given if the cancellation occurs within two weeks before the start of a class
• NO REFUNDS are given for cancellation on the DAY OF THE CLASS
• In the event that ACES has to cancel a class, full refunds will be issued (no additional fees)
• There are NO REFUNDS for Hallam Lake Kids 5-punch pass - this pass is transferable.

Accommodations
For information on lodging options, call Stay Aspen Snowmass and the Aspen Chamber Resort Association at 1-800-598-2004. For campground information and reservations, contact the National Recreation Reservation Service at 1-877-444-6777.

Waivers
You will be asked to sign a waiver if your child is participating in any of our classes. If you have registered online you have agreed to our waiver terms and conditions - we will ask you to sign it in person the first time you come to ACES. One waiver is good for all classes and programs that your child takes that calendar year. Please download a waiver for minors, fill it out, sign it, and bring it with you when you come to your class.

ACES does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political affiliation, or familial status.