Summer in Breckenridge Colorado with kids

Breckenridge is no doubt the perfect little ski town but it is underrated for what if offers in the summer. We LOVE Breckenridge in the summer. the weather is perfect. Mostly sunny in the 70s and rarely ever over 80 degrees with little to no humidity. Don’t forget the sunscreen though! High altitude makes you more prone to sunburn. Our hotel had a plentiful supply of sunscreen available for all and we applied it multiple times during the day and still got a little burnt. Not only is the weather perfect in the summer, but Breck also offers so many outdoor activities and things to do for all ages. Breck also has a multitude of summer festivals, such as food and wine, beer festivals, and an international art festival, just to name a few!

If you are flying into Denver International Airport, Breckenridge is about an hour and 45 minutes away by car. We usually rent a car, but if you don’t want the hassle of dealing with a car, you can take the Summit Express Shuttle. This is also a great plan if traveling in the winter and you don’t want to risk driving the icy roads.

Click here to find your flight to Denver!

And now on to my list of 10 awesome things to do in Breckenridge with kids:)

1. Hike some of Breck’s many trails

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This is probably the most obvious thing to do in a mountain town and definitely a must. The beauty is endless and there is no shortage of trails varying in every skill level, from easy to climbing a 14er (one of Colorado’s peaks exceeding 14,000 feet).

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2. Bike down a mountain

There are so many mountain bike trails in and around Breckenridge that vary in all levels, from beginner to difficult and plenty of bike rental outfitters to choose from. You can even rent a bike on peak 8 and take the ski lift up, with your bike, and ride one of the trails that snakes down the mountain (pictured above). If riding on a paved trail is more of your preference, there is a scenic trail that is around 10 miles from Breckenridge to Dillon, passing by the beautiful Lake Dillon.

3. Play in the Blue River

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The Blue River flows right through the center of town and it is irresistible. You can always find kids (and adults) playing in the water in the summer. It is a tranquil and relaxing way to pass the time.

4. Peak 8 Adventure Park

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Peak 8 Adventure Park is so much for kids of all ages. There is so much to do: an alpine slide, ziplines, mini-golf, mountain coaster, and bungee trampolines are some of the things it has to offer.

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5. Whitewater rafting

There are rafting trips available for kids of all ages and skill levels at Breckenridge Whitewater Rafting. We did not raft as a family but we plan to next time! The picture above is many years before kids (we look like babies!) in Colorado. Rafting is available mostly May/June-September and it is especially nice during the earlier months when the snow is melting off the highest peaks. This makes for great rapids. Definitely wear a wet suit that is provided by the rafting company and is usually covered in the price. You might think you don’t need one in the summer, but trust me, that mountain water is cold. Also, bring sunscreen, water, and cash to tip your guide and leave your cell phone behind.

To learn more about white whitewater rafting and other Colorado adventures, click here!

6. Ride the gondola to peaks 7 and 8

The gondola is open for the summer mid-June through mid-September. It’s a quick and easy way to get from town to peaks 7 and 8 and it is FREE!! It runs daily from about 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The scenery from the gondola is gorgeous and it floats over a nature preserve. It’s also fun to look for wildlife below!

7. Explore downtown and Mainstreet

Downtown Breckenridge is so festive with restaurants, bars, breweries, shops, and patios. It is quaint and small and easy to walk. The victorian style homes and storefronts are a reminder of the town’s prior goldrush days. In the summer, the streets are lined with flowers and flower baskets. There are several playgrounds/parks scattered around, there’s the Blue River and wildflower gardens. There are many festivals happening all summer long and a farmer’s market every Sunday.

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8. Horseback riding

For older kids that can last 1.5 on horseback, Breckenridge has great opportunities for trail riding. There are opportunities for all skill levels and for groups and families. It’s another great way to experience the backcountry. On our last trip to Breck, our kids were 4 and 6 and I didn’t feel it was a good age for them since they did not have any horseriding experience. This is definitely on the list for next time!

To learn more about horseback riding and other excursions around Breck, click here!

9. Breckenridge Recreation Center

This recreation center has it all – fitness center, indoor pool with slide, indoor rock climbing wall, tennis and more! In the rare chance of bad weather, you can find plenty to do indoors here.

10. Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking

Stand-up paddleboarding or ‘SUPing’ is a nice way to experience the tranquility of nearby lakes. Lake Dillon is a great place for paddleboarding and kayaking. You can rent SUP boards or kayaks from either Dillon Marina or Frisco Marina. Also, Maggie Pond in Breck has SUP rentals and you can even take a yoga class on one – talk about tranquility! If you are feeling really adventurous you can even rent a SUP board to take down the river!

Where to Stay in Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a tourist town, so there is not a shortage of places to stay. There are numerous options from hotels to condos to entire homes to rent. We have a timeshare at the Grand Lodge on Peak 7, but it also operates as a hotel so you can book a room through them or through Airbnb (if someone is renting their time). The gondola is situated right outside the resort and it is so convenient to hop on to take you down to town. We love it because it is close to Breck but the tranquility of being on a mountain. It has pools, a spa, Sevens Restaurant and access to plenty of trails for the summer months. If you’re there for ski season, the lift is right out the back door of the resort! There are also ski rentals and lockers at the property. To look into lodging options in Breck, click here.

Hope you found this post helpful in planning your Colorado vacation!

Cheers,

Angela

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