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I know—Breckenridge is a winter destination, famous for its ski resorts. So I was a bit puzzled when my brother called and wanted to know if we wanted to share a cabin during the summer season. It turned out to be a stroke of vacation planning genius.
As a mountain town nestled in the Colorado Rockies, Breckenridge stays cool even in peak summer. In the chilly mornings, we wore hoodies and cupped our hands around mugs of coffee and hot chocolate, enjoying what felt like autumn weather. Even though there was no snow to shred, the whole family stayed busy with hikes, horseback riding, gondola rides, and other adventures. Like us, prepare to change your mind about this ski town turned summer playground!
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Downtown Breckenridge
Downtown Breckenridge is small, clean, and pedestrian-friendly. The streets are lined with mountain outfitters, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and bars. There are parks and playgrounds every few blocks, like the Blue River Plaza, and views of the mountains all around.
A free shuttle with a bike rack makes stops throughout town and at a few trailheads. There are plenty of parking options, too. We recommend parking in the free South Gondola Lot, just a block over from Main Street.
The sidewalks downtown are bustling. We blended into the buzz of other visitors enjoying ice cream, poring over maps with hiking trails, or picking up one last souvenir. It’s not quiet, but everyone’s relaxed and enjoying themselves. We got the sense the town stays in holiday mode year-round.
Things To Do In Breckenridge For Kids
Country Boy Mine
When I think of Colorado, I imagine prospectors in the 1800s swinging their picks in search of gold nuggets. Families can get a taste of that with a visit to the historic Country Boy Mine, a real gold mine tour that brings Breckenridge’s mining past to life. This isn’t just “look, here’s an old mine.” Kids can actually go underground on guided tours through the tunnels, learn about the history of gold mining, and, best of all, pan for gold in the Eureka Creek. It’s a great way to mix some learning into the adventure. And who knows? Maybe you’ll strike it rich!
Horseback Riding
Colorado is emblematic of the West, and what could be more western than riding horses like the old cowboys who roamed these mountains? Admittedly, my wife and I didn’t make it in time for this activity, but my niece and nephew told us all about it! They rode the Ten Mile range with Breckenridge Stables and enjoyed every mile of the ride. The horses were gentle and friendly, and my niece’s desire for a pony of her own has never been greater.
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Epic Discovery
This was the main attraction for my niece and nephew. To reach this outdoor playground, we rode the free Breckenridge Gondola from downtown to Peak 8. On the way, the kids pressed against the glass and watched the deer and even a moose grazing on the slopes below. Once at the park, we had a family competition on the mini-golf course. After that, my brother and the kids suited up for zip-lining, while my wife and I, accompanied by Dad, headed back to the cabin to get burgers started on the grill.
Getting up there is epic enough. Photo by Marina Feropontova on Unsplash
Other popular family activities in Breckenridge are mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and the Alpine Slide on Peak 8. Sadly, there just wasn’t time to squeeze it all in!
Kid-Friendly Hikes
Breckenridge boasts some of the best hiking in the Rocky Mountains. Even coming from Utah, we were impressed. True to the state’s name, the mountains burst with color from the minerals in the rocks, the alpine vegetation, and the shadows cast by the clouds moving overhead. There’s a culture of summitting “14ers”—peaks as high as 14,000 feet. Colorado has the most of any state at 58, and there are a few near Breckenridge: Quandary Peak, Mount Blue Sky, and Grays Peak. I was tempted to try one for bragging rights, but decided to stick with the rest of the family on the moderate trails. Perhaps when the kids are teenagers.
Hoosier Pass Loop
We started with the 2.7-mile moderate loop at Hoosier Pass. The first half of the trail is a steady incline of almost 700 feet. We passed through an alpine forest to reach the bald parts of the mountain top. As we climbed, the views became wider and more spectacular. We marveled at Mt. Lincoln and North Star Mountain to the west, the placid waters of the Montgomery Reservoir in the valley between them. At the peak of the trail, we arrived at a 360-degree view of the Continental Divide, the perfect place to pause for snacks and pictures from every angle before descending the rocky path back to the trailhead.
Our troupe on the Continental Divide. Photo by Trey Erwin.
Mohawk Lake
This 6-mile out-and-back hike challenged us. Surprisingly, the kids did better than some of us adults did!
We set off mid-morning. The day was mostly sunny with temperatures rising into the high 50s and maybe even the 60s. We crossed Spruce Creek several times on little wooden bridges. When the snow melts in summer, the creek gushes to life with new cold waters. The surrounding forest was quiet and shady.
More than a trickle of snow melt. Photo by Trey Erwin.
My nephew announced that he was sure we would see a fox and a bear. Not to dampen his spirits, but I said I hoped he was wrong about the bear! We never did come across the forest’s most dangerous carnivore, but we did spot several mushrooms growing in the moss next to old tree stumps.
The first two hours of the hike were easy with few inclines, but that changed when we hit the final stretch. The trail turned steep and took us up the mountain past the tree line. Loose rocks slowed our pace. At a few junctions, we gave one another a hand as we scrambled over larger rocks and boulders. We reached Lower Mohawk Lake sweaty, a little out of breath, but proud of ourselves. The kids chased chipmunks that liked to dash between cracks in the rock. We ate our sandwich lunches looking out over the snowmelt waters of the lake. A golden retriever jumped in and happily splashed about, perhaps hunting for fish or just cooling his thick blond coat.
Made it! Photo by Trey Erwin.
Places to Eat In Breckenridge
We cooked many of our meals at our cabin, but sometimes we wandered into town for lunch or a snack. Breckenridge has no shortage of excellent dining options or snack shacks.
Downstairs at Eric’s
After our long hike to Mohawk Lake, the pizza and wings here hit the spot. I especially love a pizza parlor that’s generous with the toppings, and these guys didn’t disappoint! The fish and chips looked pretty good, too, as did the nachos. With a wide selection of beers and an arcade, Downstairs at Eric’s has something for everyone. The wait was a bit long, but worth it!
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Whiskey Star Smokehouse
We popped into the Whiskey Star Smokehouse one afternoon for pulled pork sandwiches. The servers were exceptionally friendly and chatted with us about our trip, the hikes, and other travels. The family in the booth next to us was from Texas, and I overheard them giving the brisket high praise. “Almost as good as in Texas!” one said.
I Scream Gelato
Despite the cooler temperatures, family vacation calls for an ice cream stop. I Scream Gelato hooked us up with the soft, rich, good stuff. We all got different flavors and shamelessly sampled one another’s. I don’t know who was happier—Dad or the kids.
Where to Stay in Breckenridge
Haute Haus Alma
The best part of the trip may have been the amazing cabin we rented (credit to my brother for finding it). It had a playroom downstairs with shuffleboard bowling that the kids thoroughly enjoyed and a pool table where my brother and I dusted off our shot-making from college.
Number one Breckenridge stay. Photo by Trey Erwin.
A jacuzzi sat on the ample front deck. When the sunlight began to dim in the evenings, Dad and I climbed in with my brother and the kids. We breathed in cool mountain air while our bodies stayed warm, submerged under the bubbles from the jets.
When the kids went to bed, we sat around the electric firepit on the deck, chatting for a few more hours. My wife and I took one of the cozy bedrooms on the main floor, and Dad took the other. My brother and his wife slept in the loft, and the kids claimed the bunk beds in the room off the basement. In the mornings, we awoke to natural light and views of the valley through the tall windows of the vaulted living room.
The Snowshoe Motel
Perfectly positioned on historic Main Street in downtown Frisco (a neighboring town in Summit County), the Snowshoe Motel offers a budget-friendly base for a Breckenridge mountain getaway. They offer clean, comfortable rooms with practical touches like mini-fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, and free Wi-Fi. There’s a complimentary continental breakfast to fuel up little adventurers, and the hot tub and sauna are perfect for winding down together after a full day of fun. It’s also just a few blocks from the placid waters of Lake Dillon. The Snowshoe Motel is a great value pick for families.
River Mountain Lodge
The River Mountain Lodge strikes a lovely balance between comfort and convenience. Located in the heart of town, this lodge is a short walk from Breckenridge’s shops, restaurants, free shuttle stops, and gondolas, ideal for packing in as many activities as possible. Kids will appreciate the lively lodge atmosphere, while parents will enjoy the spacious rooms and helpful staff who know how to accommodate families of all sizes and interests.
When You Go
Getting to Breckenridge From Los Angeles
The best way to get to Breckenridge from Los Angeles is by flying. There are many non-stop flights from LAX to DEN (Denver International Airport) on most domestic carriers. Direct flights take about 2.5 hours. From there, it’s a two-hour drive to Breckenridge. Most visitors rent a car.
An excellent discount site for rental cars and flights is Booking! We literally save hundreds using it.
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