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Over the last 15 years, it has become a family tradition to celebrate the 4th of July in one of the many quaint and majestic Colorado mountain towns. Taking the week or weekend away up in the mountains give us the chance to relax, spend time with family, enjoy nature and take a break from the swelting heat that July often brings. Although we have spent quite a few 4th of Julys in various mountain towns throughout Colorado, Breckenridge has solidified itself as one of our favorite 4th of July destinations. It has something to offer for every age group, including family-friendly activities, an active main street, an extensive art festival, wonderful jeeping trails, and tons of planned events throughout the holiday week!

Breckenridge 4th of July Activities

Breckenridge has a full schedule of events!  Activities range from a 4th of July Parade to a beer garden to an interactive drum circle to live music and fireworks. Everyone should be able to find something to get them in a festive mood! This list is by no means comprehensive as they add to it each year!

• Independence Day 10k Run – 10K run starts at 7 am. This race usually sells out by mid to late June. 
• Firecracker 50 Mountain Bike – Mountain bike race starts at 9:30 on Main Street and winds through 50 miles of beautiful trails.  
•  4th of July Garden Party – Garden party sponsored by the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance at the Barney Ford House Museum  (think coffee, mimosas, breakfast and a view of the parade)
• Main Street Parade – Starts at 10 am and last approximately two hours. Arrive a little bit early to get a great spot to view the parade. This is a definite must for kids!
• Family Fun Zone – Bounce houses, massive trampoline and more located at the Blue River Plaza. Each activity requires a wristband/tickets.
• Drum Circle – An free interactive drum circle that encourages both kid and adult participation. Located on Main Street.
• Kids Water Activities – The fire department host an old-time water fight on Main Street for kids to participate in. All of the local kids wear their swimsuit down to the festivities as they know they will get soaked!
• Live Music – The music is located down by the river on a grassy hill. Bring a blanket and relax with a cold beer or margarita while watching the kids play in the low flow river. Don’t forget their swimsuits!
• National Repertory Orchestra performance – Patriotic concert at the Riverwalk Center that takes place prior to the fireworks (reserved seating tickets required) 
• Breckenridge Creative Arts’ Street Arts Festival – A celebration of street, pavement and graffiti arts. Chalk art contest, beer garden, arts and crafts for kids, live music, games and art exhibitions
• Fireworks – Typically the fireworks start around 9:45 pm. If the fire danger is high, the fireworks will be canceled for the safety of the community and the environment. 

Breckenridge Family Friendly Activities

Breckenridge has a great mixture of events sure to entertain all age levels. On the 4th of July, there are events scheduled from sunrise until well after sunset. For the rest of the week, you can indulge in as much adventure or relaxation as you want!

Our family is large and ranges in age from 2-years old to 80-years old. We are always on the lookout for an array of activities that are age appropriate and cater to different skill/adventure levels. Here are some of our favorites!

• Whitewater Rafting – TThis is by far one of our groups’ favorite activities.  This past summer we had 17 people ranging in age from 23 to 80 join us on this adventure. We opted to go with AVA Rafting due to their reputation and guide experience. We were not disappointed!  In order to go whitewater rafting, you do have to travel outside of Breckenridge. The distance and location are determined by the river chosen and the class level of rapids. There is a lower age limit for younger kids depending upon the class of rapids chosen.
• Jeeping – If you want to get out of the city and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds this great little town, there is no better way to do it than with a day of jeeping. Make sure to book your Jeeps in advance (a couple of months is best) to ensure that you get the style of Jeep (2-door, 4-door, etc) you want as they will book up quickly. Keep in mind that there is always a possibility of an afternoon rain shower (or hail if you adventure quiet far up into the mountains). If you are unfamiliar with the trails, don’t fret! The jeeping companies can provide you with trail maps or you can book a guided trail tour. Pack a lunch and drinks and make a day of it!
• Breckenridge Art Festival – Located down in the Village at Breckenridge (right off of Main Street), is an amazing display of art that even the non-art aficionado will appreciate. Take the time to peruse it and enjoy the vast collection of jewelry, paintings, ceramics, glass sculptures, metal art and more! The festival is typically open from 10 am-6 pm in the few days following the 4th of July.
• Golf – If you are an avid golfer and enjoy mountain views, check out The Breckenridge Golf Club. This beautiful course has panoramic views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Don’t be surprised if you find wildlife (red fox, elk, moose, and more) on the course! Make sure to book in your group in advance as this is quite a popular course! 
• Gondola Ride – This activity was definitely one of the favorites of the younger members in our group! The Breck Connect Gondola that takes you up to Peak 8 is free during the summer months. It is typically open from 9 am – 6 pm, pending weather (will close due to lightning for safety reasons). Enjoy the views as you ride up to Peak 8 where you can enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants at the Breckenridge Ski Resort or check out the Epic Discovery Camp for kids.
• Epic Discovery Camp –  Zip lining, mountain biking, alpine slide, hikes, Alpineer Challenger Course, tubing, mini golf and more. Epic Discovery has a variety of activities for kids and families based on their age and skill level.
• Lift and Lunch – Want to enjoy the views of three of Colorado’s famous 14er’s and grab lunch at Peak 9? Grab tickets for the Lunch and Lift! The Colorado Super Chair will take you from Peak 8 to Peak 9. On your way up to Peak 9, take in the fresh air and stunning views. Once up there, make sure to walk around and grab lunch before heading back to base camp or town.

I hope this information helps you plan a fun-filled 4th of July vacation in Breckenridge! For more information on activities, lodging, and helpful tips check out my Ultimate Guide to a Family Summer Vacation in Breckenridge, Colorado.