Fresh mountain air, history, the arts, outdoor adventure, and amazing food—you can expect this (and more) when you visit Breckenridge, CO with your kids. From paved biking trails to exhilarating mountainside fun, a children’s museum, and even an authentic gold mine, there’s no end to the fun at any time of year. We scoped out this lively mountain town and found the best things to do in Breckenridge with kids.
1. Enjoy historic Main Street and downtown Breckenridge.
This charming historic districts has plenty of modern-day perks and interests to keep the kids interested. Wander into Peek-a-Boo Toys, a speciality shop filled with toys and games, and stock up on sweets at Fuzzywigs Candy Factory. Rub the replica gold nugget for good luck at Prospector Park, check out the free history exhibit at the Welcome Center, blow off steam at the Blue River Lawn, and find the toddler sandbox and play area at the Blue River Plaza. Don’t leave without getting a cookie sandwich from Mountain Top Cookie Shop!
2. Experience Country Boy Mine.
This now-shuttered gold mine is a short distance from the heart of Breckenridge, and it’s something you won’t forget. You’ll walk almost 1,000 feet into the heart of the mine and learn what it was like for miners in the 19th century. There is also a chance to pan for gold, pet the donkeys, go on a treasure hunt, and try the extreme sledding course in the winter. There’s also a fun gift store at Country Boy Mine filled with gems, fun toys, and historic books about the history of mining in Colorado.
3. Go hiking.
All those mountains you ski in the winter? There are trails all over them, and in the summer, it’s one of the best ways to soak in the mountain air, wildflowers, waterfalls, and lakes. Some of the best hikes for families include the Sallie Barber Mine Trail, Blue River Trail, and the Fairy Forest Sawmill Reservoir Trail.
Related: 17 Incredible Fall Hikes You Should Do at Least Once
4. Eat at one of the many restaurants in town.
There is no end to the options for dining in Breckenridge. One of our favorite spots is Tin Plate Pizza. Located in an old mining cabin in the historic district, this spot is steeped in history. Home to the town’s gold assayer, Tin Plate is where Colorado’s largest gold nugget, colloquially named “Tom’s Baby,” was cleaned and weighed at 13.5 pounds in 1887. Go for the meatballs to start and then choose from a dozen pizza options like our favorite, the elote pizza that’s topped with corn, roasted poblano peppers and goat cheese.
Downstairs at Eric’s has a great menu, 27 arcade games, and a laid-back vibe. Breckenridge Brewery has fantastic apps for kids (think giant pretzels), a relaxed space, and great beers for the parents. Crepes a la Cart is well worth the wait in line, The Blue Moose is your best bet for breakfasts, and the Kenosha Steak House has one of the best decks in town, cornhole, and room to run.
5. Stay at the Grand Colorado on Peak 8 for the ultimate vacation experience.
Whether you’re there to ski or snowboard, or if you prefer the mountain town in the summer months, the Grand Colorado has everything you need, plus more. The resort has multi-bedroom suites with full kitchens, so you can opt to eat in (be sure to grab groceries at the store outside of town, as there aren’t many grocery options in town) your apartment. You can book your stay here.
The Grand Colorado on Peak 8 has an escape room, lawn games like giant chess, shuffleboard, Nintendo and Wii rentals, two indoor/outdoor pools, splash pads for little kids, an arcade room with everything from air hockey to pinball, a free little library, and five private movie theaters you can reserve at the front desk upon arrival. You’ll see kids having fun everywhere: the lobby, the water zone, and outside. When staying at the Grand Colorado, you’ll have direct access to Peak 8 and the BreckConnect gondola.
If you want to dine at The Grand Colorado at Peak 8, Robbie’s Tavern is perfect for burgers, sandwiches, a fantastic Philly cheesesteak, and other upscale pub fare. It’s also a great spot to watch snow enthusiasts in the winter and the outdoor fun of Epic Discovery in the summer months. Ullr Café is where you’ll find coffee, baked goods (try the sausage roll), and a fun happy hour at the end of the day.
6. Spend the day at Epic Discovery.
Epic Discovery is the place for summer guests to enjoy ropes courses, panning for gems, a bungee trampoline, a bounce house, an alpine slide, a rock climbing wall, mini golf, and much more. If you aren’t staying near Peak 8, you can ride the gondola from town up to the mountainside for a day of fun. Epic Discovery is open from late June to Labor Day daily from 10:00 am – 5:30 pm, and the BreckConnect gondola is open daily from 9:30 am – 5:00 pm.
7. Enjoy the art scene.
From a downtown full of sculptures to live theater performances, Breckenridge is full of ways to explore the arts. We loved discovering these points of interest along Main Street as well as tracking down the famed Breckenridge Troll in a nearby park. Named Isak Heartstone, this 15-foot tall wooden troll sculpture is located on the Trollstigen Trail next to Illinois Gulch Trailhead. You can walk here from Main Street to check out this massive sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, who is known worldwide for bringing awareness to recycling and upcycling by building great things out of trash.
Another one of the best things to do in Breckenridge with kids is to catch a show at the Riverwalk Center, where live music and other events happen weekly (most are all-ages appropriate!). In August, you can enjoy the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts, when dozens of art events are held in parks, on trails, and in cultural venues.
Bonus: you can even explore the area’s public art using the self-guided audio tour.
8. Visit the Mountain Top Explorium.
If you’re looking for a indoor things to do in Breckenridge with kids, then Mountain Top Explorium is the place! Kids will love the Mountain Top Medical Center exhibit, where they can check X-rays, rescue skiers stranded on a slope, review vitals, and be first responders! Another fun pretend play area is the Wonder Lab, where kids can write their names on a glow-in-the-dark board, their shadows, and create a design on a giant Lite Brite.
Other exhibits include the Rocky Mountain Wildlife exhibit, the Tot Spot, and the Kidstruction Zone. They offer a summer day camp and guided astronomy sessions are coming soon.
9. Ride bikes along the Blue River Bikeway.
The Blue River Bikeway runs through the heart of town. The paved path is perfect for families who want to enjoy the mountain views. If you have toddlers or young kids, be aware that part of the path is on an incline, so you might benefit from renting a bike with a seat attachment. Don’t forget to pack lots of snacks and water and stopping at the playground at mile 3 is a must.
All throughout town, you can find ski shops that double as bike rental shops during the warm months like Elevation Cycles. Book a guided tour of the mountain bike trails with Colorado Adventure Guides to increase your skills or try something you’ve never done before. It’s a great way to view the area from a different vantage point and explore as a family.
Keep in mind that Breckenridge’s elevation can hit you hard when you arrive. Be sure to hydrate for a few days before you arrive, as well as while you are in Breckenridge. And, reapply sunscreen when you are out and about.
—with additional reporting by Kate Loweth
This trip was paid for by Grand Colorado, but all opinions here belong to the writer.
