Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Breckenridge is one of the most popular destinations for family vacations. Boasting spectacular landscapes, scenic trails, endless family-friendly outdoor activities, and a captivating downtown, this Colorado gem offers all kinds of fun no matter the age.
Planning a family trip to the Rockies? With this blog, we’ve got you covered with the best things to do with your family in Breckenridge.
At Ski Country Resorts, we have a curated collection of homes and condos to inspire your next Breckenridge stay. We're confident that our guests will have the best time enjoying the extra space, privacy, and all the great amenities of our vacation rentals.
Let’s get into family fun in the Rockies!
TLDR:
Breckenridge Ski Resort: Often considered Colorado’s best ski resort, this is the go-to place for family-friendly skiing in Breckenridge.
Sawmill Creek Trail: This easy trail is perfect for kids and parents to enjoy nature together.
Ghostly Tales Tour: Experience the spooky side of town with a ghost tour.
BreckConnect Gondola: Admire spectacular mountain views while riding this free gondola.
Country Boy Mine: Travel back in time and learn about the gold rush era at this iconic mine.
Seasonal Events: Explore the busy schedule of family-friendly events in Breckenridge.
Breckenridge Recreation Center: This is the go-to place to stay active and healthy in town.
Biking & Whitewater Rafting: These two activities are unbeatable when traveling with family.
Stephen C. West Ice Arena: Engage in ice skating all year round at this local favorite spot.
1. Hit the slopes at Breckenridge Ski Resort
When it comes to family fun in Colorado, Breckenridge Ski Resort will always top every vacation bucket list. Often considered Colorado’s best ski resort, its 2,900 acres and five peaks are a top-notch playground for sports lovers and families looking to create unforgettable moments together.
Looking forward to reaching the slopes? Breckenridge has got you covered, from easygoing runs for the newbies to heart-pounding descents for the adrenaline junkies. If it’s your first time skiing, there’s an amazing beginner area that makes learning to ski feel like a breeze. Breckenridge Ski Resort also features stellar restaurants where you can recharge your energy by indulging in mouthwatering culinary creations — all just a stone’s throw from the charming downtown Breckenridge.
The fun activities don’t come to a halt when the snow is gone, though. During the summer months, the resort is a great destination for hiking and mountain biking.
Extra tip: Speaking of views, another unmissable attraction is riding the Imperial Express Superchair, the tallest chairlift in North America. In operation from mid-December through early April, you’ll get breathtaking views of the town of Breckenridge and the surrounding mountains.
2. Enjoy the charming views and easy paths through Sawmill Creek Trail
If you have kids in tow, Sawmill Creek Trail is one of the best family-friendly spots in Breckenridge. It offers a great opportunity for the little ones to embrace the city's pristine nature. Conveniently located close to town, this easy-to-follow and short trail is suitable for people of all ages, thanks to its shaded paths and gentle elevation gain.
You may think that just because the trail is short, the views and natural beauty are limited. On the contrary, along the mountainside route, you can see a beautiful stream, small waterfalls, wildflowers, and charming vistas.
Extra tip: Since this is an easy trail, it’s a great opportunity to take family photos with the pristine natural surroundings of Breckenridge as a backdrop. Also, for wildlife watching, consider visiting in the morning. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a moose.
3. Experience the spooky side of Breckenridge with a Ghostly Tales Tour
Ghost tours are a unique way to experience Breckenridge. They have been a popular attraction among families for years, especially those traveling with older kids.
The original ghost tour in town is Breckenridge Ghost Tours Ghostly Tales, offering one-of-a-kind experiences taking you to lesser-known sides of local history. They have a team of highly knowledgeable and friendly tour guides that will guide you back in time to the Wild West past and the Gold Rush era.
You’ll also learn about the inhabitants of haunted homes and spine-chilling tales of ghosts that, as they believe, still wander around the town. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, the ghost tour is a must and will give you a different perspective on the history of Breckenridge.
4. Enjoy Uninterrupted Mountain views riding the BreckConnect Gondola
One of Breckenridge's top outdoor adventures for families is the BreckConnect Gondola. The 13-minute ride features breathtaking mountain views, including the towering Quandary Peak at a lofty 14,265 feet.
The gondola is very popular with skiers and snowboarders during winter. However, summer months see lots of people going up to admire the stunning views—they’re worth the trip alone. On your way down, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife; this is also a great place to spot moose.
And guess what? BreckConnect Gondola is free!
5. Learn about the Gold Rush Era at Country Boy Mine
Just a short drive from downtown Breckenridge is Country Boy Mine. Dating back to the gold rush era, this is one of Summit County's oldest and most famous mines, offering underground tours that make for an excellent family activity.
The tours will teach you about the area’s mining heritage and highlight the mine's importance during the gold rush era as a significant source of gold and silver, along with its contribution of high-quality lead and zinc during both World Wars.
Beyond the tours, you also have the chance to try your hand at gold panning and get a dose of adrenaline with extreme sledding and snow tubing. This is a go-to place if you’re looking for an activity that blends education and adventure in Breckenridge.
6. Enjoy the buzzing calendar of family-friendly events
Events during Spring
WAVE: Light + Water + Sound
WAVE: Light + Water + Sound is an annual event in which downtown Breckenridge hosts local and internationally acclaimed artists who transform the Blue River Plaza into a beautiful open-air art gallery.
From late May to early June, Blue River Plaza displays a stunning selection of sculptures, fostering visitors' imagination and creativity, and offering unique backgrounds for family photos. The artworks focus on the themes of light, water, or sound, and most often combine all three elements, creating an immersive and sensorial experience.
During the event, you can also enjoy performances, light shows, film screenings, and many other interactive installations. The event is free for anyone who wants to join, and it’s a great way to infuse your family trip with artsy vibes and magical experiences.
Events during Summer
Breckenridge International Festival of Arts
Summer is also a great time for art lovers to visit Breckenridge. Even if you aren't into art, you’ll certainly enjoy the sights and artsy atmosphere that fill the town. Spanning 10 days in mid-August, the festival features incredible exhibitions and performances all around Breckenridge.
Not only galleries and cultural venues exhibit works of art, but public parks and trails also showcase the creativity of local and international artists. The Mix Trail, for instance, displays fantastic and immersive art installations along the hiking paths. Previous editions included a violinist serenading from the heights of a tree—a great addition to a family-friendly hike. What’s more, BIFA also features live music performances, workshops, and film screenings.
Events during Fall
Breckenridge Oktoberfest
Breckenridge Oktoberfest is one of the most anticipated events in the entire state of Colorado. This 3-day celebration, held every September, features all the fun that comes with the traditional German festival. Although savoring great beer plays a huge role in the festival, there are several attractions for the entire family to enjoy.
Taking place along the historic Main Street, visitors can enjoy live music and tons of German delicacies such as pretzels, schnitzel, sauerkraut, potato salad, apfelstrudel, and much more. Kids especially like seeing people in traditional German costumes and having fun in designated areas with activities like face painting.
Events during Winter
International Snow Sculpture Championships
One of the best winter events in Colorado, the International Snow Sculpture Championships happen every January when artists from all over transform a massive 12-foot-tall, 20-ton block of snow into incredible sculptures along West Adams Avenue near the Riverwalk Center.
Visitors are invited to see the artists in action, and the result is nothing less than jaw-dropping. The final pieces are illuminated with lights, adding to the magical winter atmosphere in Breckenridge.
7. Keep active and healthy at Breckenridge Recreation Center
For families who want to stay hyperactive even during vacations, Breckenridge Recreation Center offers a myriad of classes, activities, and amenities that will keep everyone entertained and healthy.
From an indoor running track, circuit weights, and indoor tennis courts to hot tubs, a sauna, a lap pool with a hydraulic lift, and much more, there’s no shortage of amenities for exercising and relaxing.
A hit among kids is the center’s leisure pool with a water slide, vortex, and kiddie fountain. The little ones also have a blast challenging themselves on the rock climbing and bouldering walls. Check their website for class programs and the schedule for kids' activities.
8. Biking & Whitewater Rafting — Two of the Top Family-friendly Activities in Breckenridge
Two of the most popular family-friendly activities in Breckenridge include biking and whitewater rafting. There are several easy biking trails that everyone in your family can enjoy. Some of the best spots featuring paved paths and trails suitable for families include Wellington Bike Park, Blue River Rec Path, and Breckenridge Town Trail System.
For a more adrenaline-filled experience, whitewater rafting is a must-try. Thanks to the proximity to the Blue River, Arkansas River, and Colorado River, you’ll find several rafting opportunities catered to different levels.
The best of it all is the incredible scenery that you and your family will get to experience while engaging in this thrilling activity. While in two, keep your eyes open for the rafting companies and outfitters. Some of the best are AVA Rafting & Zipline, Breckenridge Whitewater Rafting, and Performance Tours Rafting.
9. Have fun ice skating at Stephen C. West Ice Arena
At Stephen C. West Arena, you and your family can enjoy ice sports all year round. Featuring ice skating and hockey sessions for people of all ages, this is a place you should definitely include in your Breckenridge bucket list.
Indoor ice skating is available all year round. From September to March, you can engage in the activity outdoors, immersing yourself in the snowy winter. The center also hosts Disco Skate Nights, where everyone can skate under the lights of the disco ball and participate in fun games to win prizes.
How can you make your trip to Breckenridge, CO even better?
While in town, make the best of your Breckenridge experience by staying in one of our curated collection of homes and condos.
Ski Country Resorts' properties are all in great central locations. Each condo and home we manage is fully furnished and equipped with cooking and cleaning appliances and great amenities for the most comfortable stay.
Whether you're looking for a central base from which to explore the beautiful sights of Breckenridge or a home away from home while you're on business or working remotely, we welcome you to browse our large selection of rentals to find the one that fits your needs perfectly.
Happy travels!
