Breckenridge, Colorado is widely known for its skiing and winter activities; however, if you haven’t ever considered a summer vacation in Breckenridge, Colorado, it’s time to do so! This majestic little town will capture your heart with its stunning views, family-friendly atmosphere and a multitude of events available to every age and skill level. 

Family Friendly Activities for Your Summer Vacation in Breckenridge, Colorado

When our family gets together there is typically anywhere between 15-30 people ranging in age from 2-years old to 80-years old,  so needless to say we are always on the lookout for an array of activities that are both age-appropriate and cater to different skill/adventure levels. Here are some of our favorite activities from our summer vacations in Breckenridge, Colorado! 

Whitewater Rafting – This 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/ATVing – 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 or ATVing. 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/ATV rental 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!

Golfing – 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 your group in advance as this is quite a popular course!

Hiking – Breckenridge has a wide variety of hikes ranging from easy/mellow to advanced. Whether you are looking to hike to one of the mountain peaks or take in the view of a gorgeous waterfall, you can find a hike to suit everyone in your group. For a family with young kids, start with the Sawmill hike that goes from town to the Sawmill Reservoir. This 1.5-mile walk has little elevation change (great for those coming from lower elevations), plenty of shade along the hike, and great places to set up a picnic and take in the stunning views.

Gondola Ride – This activity was definitely one of the favorites for 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 (may 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 Camp 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 that will take you from Peak 8 to Peak 9 via the Colorado Super Chair. Take in the fresh air, stunning views and grab lunch before heading back to base camp or town. Tickets can be bought at the Gondola Ride booth in town or up at Peak 8.

Mountain Top Children’s Museum – The Children’s Museum is a hands-on play center with crafts, exhibits and building activities all geared towards the young at heart! On Tuesday, Friday and Saturday night the museum host Kid’s Night Out where you can drop the kids off between 6 pm- 9 pm while you enjoy a little adult fun! (Days/Times subject to changes, especially on holiday weeks) Update: The Children’s Museum will be closing the end of March as the building they are located in is being sold. They are currently looking for a new facility. They will still run their summer camps and Kid’s Nights Out during the 2019 Summer.

Explore Main Street – Main Street has a huge variety of shops and art galleries to peruse, as well as, quite a few restaurants with outdoor seating if you are in the mood to relax and people watch. For kids, enjoy a ride on the Main Street trolley and make sure to check out the pocket parks along Main Street, especially the park that sits near the river at Blue River Plaza.

BreckCreate – Is your family interested in the arts? BreckCreate host free or low-cost classes on cool topics ranging from beginner glass blowing to beginner metal working to toddler arts and music storytelling for kids!

Breckenridge Recreation Center– If the kids just need an afternoon to play and burn energy, check out the Breckenridge Recreation Center. They have something for all ages and interest including a water slide, kids pool play area, an indoor rock climbing wall, racquetball courts, basketball courts and more.

Horseback Riding – There are multiple outfits both within and outside of Breckenridge that offer an array of horseback riding adventures. There are available options for all ages and skill levels ranging from beginners to experienced riders.

Summer Dog Sledding – Think dog sledding is only for the winter, think again! SnowCap Dog Sleds has developed a summer sledding adventure for all ages. Meet the sled dogs and go on a family adventure through the backcountry forest trails.

Breckenridge Summer Art Festival – This nationally ranked art festival is held during the 4th of July holiday week. It is located down in the Village at Breckenridge (right off of Main Street). If you are lucky enough to be in Breckenridge during that time, make sure to take the time to peruse it and enjoy the vast collection of jewelry, paintings, ceramics, glass sculptures, metal art and more! This is definitely a festival that even a non-art aficionado would enjoy!

Lodging for Your Summer Vacation in Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge has a multitude of places for rent depending on what amenities you are looking for. Whether it be a house for a large family to congregate in or a hotel with all of the amenities, you can be sure to find a place that will fit your family if you start looking far enough in advance.

For house rentals, check out Airbnb, VRBO,or a local company like Breckenridge Resort Managers.  For large groups, our family typically prefers renting a house or houses within the downtown area. It gives us a place for everyone to gather at for group meals (much easier than trying to make a dinner reservation for 20+ people) and it gives the kids a place to run and play while the parents can relax and socialize. As an added bonus, the majority of Breckenridge’s activities, restaurants, etc. are within walking distance which means no fighting traffic or trying to find parking!

For hotels, check out Residence Inn by Marriott Breckenridge, Marriotts Mountain Valley Lodge, The Village at Breckenridge, or DoubleTree by Hilton. *NOTE* We have not stayed at all of these hotels; however, the ones we haven’t stayed out we have heard good things about.

No matter what you choose to go with, START LOOKING EARLY! This is especially true for large groups or if you will be in Breckenridge during a holiday week (i.e. 4th of July) This doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find a place to stay last minute, it just means that you will not likely find a place in the location you want, with the amenities you feel are important, and that will adequately fit your family (including your fur babies). To avoid headaches and stress, make your reservations a couple of months in advance.

Helpful Tips for Your Summer Vacation in Breckenridge, Colorado

• Parking in downtown Breckenridge can be hard to come by especially on weekends or during holiday weeks (i.e. 4th of July)  When looking at places to stay, pick a location within 1/2 a mile of downtown and plan to walk-in for most events or utilize the bus service if your lodging is located on one of the bus routes.
• Elevation can be challenging to people who come from close to sea level or to those that have health issues. Give yourself time to acclimate to the elevation (i.e. don’t plan a strenuous hike for day 1). Make sure to stay hydrated, limit your alcohol intake, and if you start feeling sick, drop in on one of the local oxygen bars for a treatment. They really do help!
• Planning is everything! Book your lodging a couple of months in advance (even farther in advance for holiday weeks). If you want to participate in golf, white water rafting, jeeping, horseback riding, or guided fishing, make sure to book those adventures in advance as well!
• Bring sunscreen and a hat! It may be 70 degrees and gorgeous out, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t get sunburned. At 9,600 ft the air is thinner and you are closer to the sun, so make sure to protect your skin!
• Afternoon rain showers are not uncommon in the summer and sometimes they can turn severe. If you are going jeeping or on a hike make sure your group is prepared. Bring a jacket as the weather can change from gorgeous to windy and freezing in a matter of minutes. Check the weather before you head out and make sure you know how to seek safe shelter if caught in a storm.
• Bring a stroller if you have young kids. It is easiest to walk to most places within the town of Breckenridge. Having a stroller will not only save your back but it will give you a place to store your jackets, water bottles, etc.

I hope this information helps you plan a fun-filled summer vacation in Breckenridge, Colorado! For more information specifically related to 4th of July activities in Breckenridge, please check out my post Breckenridge Family Activities for the 4th of July Holiday.