Things To Do In Breckenridge During The Summer
The snow has melted in Breckenridge and the skis are packed for the summer. Its time to get out the mountain bike, and hiking shoes and explore this scenic mining town during the summer months. July is the perfect time to take in the areas history, enjoy the abundant outdoor activities, do a little shopping and enjoy a local brew. Bring a sweater, the nights can be wonderfully cool. Here are five things to do in Breckenridge, CO this summer.
1. Participate in a Festival For the patriotic, there is the July 4th celebration with a zany float filled parade and splashing in the fire hose on Main Street. Athletic types will enjoy Breck Bike Week. Our family enjoyed the annual Poker Ride. My older kids were skeptical they could complete the 10 mile mountain bike trail, but were quite proud of themselves when they did. My 8 year old and I stuck to the Go Fish ride. Perhaps I should have been embarrassed when the 3 year old on the strider bike zoomed past me. For adults, Breckenridge Beer Festival offers tastes of local micro-brews all in one place. Our favorite HOSS Rye Lager from the Great Divide Brewing Company.
Barney Ford House Museum
Barney Ford House Museum
The Barney Ford House Museum, sometimes called the Barney Ford Victorian House, is among the historic things to do in Breckenridge.
The home-style museum is dedicated to the story of Barney L. Ford, a man born into slavery in South Carolina.
His mother taught him to read and encouraged him to find a way to be free.
At the age of 17, after his mothers passing, Ford escaped and found a free life with the Underground Railroad.
Eventually, Ford and his wife wound up in Nicaragua, where they opened a restaurant and hotel.
Their success in business here made them able to move once more, and in 1860, they arrived in Colorado.
They had hoped to find gold and get rich.
While this dream didnt come to fruition, they continued using their business sense.
They opened a barbershop, then another hotel and restaurant.
Ford became a highly successful entrepreneur.
He was also a respected civil rights leader and activist, and today, he is an honored part of local history.
The Barney Ford House Museum is built in his own Victorian-style home.
Each room is dedicated to a different point of Fords life and is filled with artwork and antiques.
The elegant home museum is among the places to visit that history buffs shouldnt miss.
Address: 111 East Washington Ave, Breckenridge, CO 80424, United States
Bike The Vail Pass Bike Path
For a burly day trip that will get your calves burning, bike from Breckenridge to the top of Vail Pass. Youll wander through plenty of amazing mountain scenery with options to stop at Dillion, Frisco, and Copper Mountain along the way.
Many locals see this ride as a rite of passage but be warned, the constant uphill gets steeper as you get closer to the pass.
The best part? Riding downhill all the way back to Breck!
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Hike Or Bike The Peaks Trail
Between Breckenridge and Frisco is the 15.3 mile Peaks Trail with stunning scenery, especially during summer and fall.
If you start in Breck the entire trail is all downhill and will take about 4.5 hours walking.
You can also bike this trail during the warmer months, or enjoy some snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Theres a free shuttle between Frisco and Breck, so you dont have to hike the trail back unless you want to.
Just take the Breck Free Bus back to town.
High Line Railroad Park And Museum
Near the ice rink is the fun spot perfect for young children and train enthusiasts. Youll learn about the history of the railroad in Breckenridge, and how it changed the trajectory of the town forever.
The High Line Railroad Park and Museum is free . Walk around the old fashioned train, read the signage and hang out at the playground for a bit.
This is a great spot to stop for any train lover young or old!
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Main Street With Kids In Breckenridge Colorado
Main Street Breckenridge is super cute! Its such a fun, picturesque slice of mountain town. Youll definitely want to spend time walking, biking or scooting around. While in the winter, youll be cozying up with cocoa indoors, Main Street Breckenridge really shines in the summer when kids can roam outside!
Explore Historic Downtown Breckenridge
Explore the historic district in Breckenridge town at leisure throughout your visit. The district was originally a mining district and has preserved the historic Breckenridge town.
Besides the historic district, you can explore the historic Main Street, shop at locally-owned shops and buy locally sourced souvenirs. Remember to pack your own shopping bag, or pick one up at the Breckenridge Welcome Center.
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Visit Leadville An Old Mining Town
Leadville is a former silver mining town just under an hour away from Breckenridge. Mining started here in 1859. Now there are several preserved mines and museums in the area, and the main street is full of interesting vintage shops, beautiful Victorian architecture, and several restaurants. My favorite place to visit was the legendary Silver Dollar Saloon that has been around since 1879. We stopped in some lunch and whiskey.
If you love history, there are also several museums in Leadville you can visit like the National Mining Hall of Fame, the Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin, and the Heritage Museum.
Things To Do This Summer:
1. Eat and shop along historic Main Street- dont forget to BYOB .
2. Catch the sunset from the best views in Breckenridge.
3. Get your weeks worth of veggies and check out craft vendors at the Sunday Farmers Market at the Main Street Station.
4. Stroll along Main Street while sipping wine at the Breckenridge Wine Classic .
8. Play a round at the worlds only town-owned 27-hole Jack Nicolaus designed golf course.
9. Take a guided history tour to learn about Breckenridges local mining past.
10. Drink ice-cold Rocky Mountain water from a reusable waterbottle.
11. Hit the trails on an ATV tour.
12. Grab some steamy churros at Mimi & Pin.
14. Put on a swimsuit and enjoy a pool with a view.
15. Hit the Rec Center for indoor rock climbing or water slide.
16. Provide a helping hand in the upkeep of fragile habitats, open spaces, and trail systems by volunteering with The Friends of Breckenridge Trails.
17. Watch as fall leaves start to change colors mid-September .
18. Climb a lesser-known 12er or 13er to escape the 14er crowds. Choose from mountains such as Peak 9, Crystal Peak, Wheeler Mountain, Peak 10, Pacific Peak, and more.
19. Catch a pop-up concert from Breck Music AirStage a 1975 Airstream converted into a mobile concert venue.
21. Watch a play at the Breckenridge Backstage Theater.
22. Solve a mystery at one of Breckenridges escape rooms. Views themes at Escape Room at Mountain Time Escape Room and Escape Room Breckenridge.
28. Find your zen in a yoga class.
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Where To Stay With Kids In Breckenridge Colorado
Before we talk about things to do in the summer with your kids in Breckenridge, lets figure out where to stay! We have done a few different things. When we traveled with our whole family, we rented a home on the mountain so that everyone would have plenty of space. We were close to Epic Discovery Park and able to walk to the Gondola and head to town without needing a car!
You can search on AirBNB, Home Away or VRBO. We recommend staying on Peak 8 for the benefits I mentioned!
When I travel with just my kids, I love staying right in town to be close to all the actions. We stay at the in Breckenridge because we love the pool and its nice and close!
How To Get Around Breckenridge With Kids
There are several ways to get around Breckenridge with kids walk, bike, drive, public transportation and hotel transportation.
Breckenridge has a free bus service at 15 or 30 minutes intervals depending on the route. Some hotels offer free shuttle rides depending on where you want to go. Another great way to get around is to walk.
We were able to walk and bike to about 80% of the places we wanted to get to which was perfect.
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Backpack The Colorado Trail
For a taste of the trail without the commitment of a thru-hike, backpack Segment 6 of the Colorado Trail. Running 33 miles from Kenosha Pass to Gold Hill, this is the longest segment of the Colorado Trail and features beautiful mountain passes and great campsites to stop along the way. Not to mention, this segment is one of the most scenic backpacking routes in Colorado.
Local Tip: Youll need to shuttle cars from Kenosha Pass to Breckenridge. If youre on a thru-hike, the shuttle bus stops right near the trailhead for quick access into Breck.
- Duration: 3 days
- Cost: Free
Enjoy Happy Hour On The Blue River
There are so many amazing restaurants in Breckenridge, but taking the family can put a dent in your budget. Thankfully many of the best restaurants also have incredible happy hours. Bonus, folks coming from the East Coast are ready to eat early anyway! Check out our list of the best happy hours in Breck.
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Best Things To Do In Summer In Breckenridge
Sitting at 9,600 elevation at the town center, the air is thin but the activities are not! Theres so many things to do in Breckenridge in summer that no matter your vacation style, youll find as much adventure or relaxation as you desire.
This guide leans toward family-friendly fun with some high-adventure activities. But the nice thing about a destination like this is that you can make it your own.
Epic Discovery Park Breckenridges Summer Adventure
The last thing we absolutely must recommend is spending a day at Epic Discovery Park! In the summer, Peak 8 transforms from a ski resort to an adventure park that is one of the best summer attractions for kids in Breckenridge. Spend a morning or a full day zip-lining, mountain biking, riding alpine slides, alpine coasters, tubing and more!
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Grab A Pint At A Local Brewery
When youre ready to wind down from a day of adventure, visit a local brewery for some après beer. Breckenridge Brewery has a full pub menu to go along with a variety of beers, hard seltzers, and nitro cocktails. Broken Compass has two taprooms in Breckenridge, one on the main street and the original on the north end of town, pouring a range of pints from a pilsner to a coconut porter.
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Cost: Varies
Take A Breckenridge Walking Tour
Get an overview of the towns history through a tour with the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance. Their tours showcase establishments that date back to the 19th century. More than 200 buildings in Breck are on the National Register of Historic Places. One example is the Gold Pan Saloon with the longest-standing liquor license west of the Mississippi River. The 90-minute tour goes rain or shine and covers the 6-block area of downtown Breck. While the tour makes occasional stops with places to sit, you will be standing most of the time. If you take the tour a second time, youll see new things and hear different stories because each guide may take a slightly different route.
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Visit The Mohawk Lakes
Breckenridge is highly regarded for its natural beauty, so its no surprise that the Mohawk Lakes have made it onto our list of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer.
Boasting gorgeous fields of wildflowers, towering shading trees, and a rather impressive trail walk , its unsurprising that this remains one of the towns most popular areas.
Youll need to be aware that the hike here is steep and the altitude is high. So, if youre coming from a low-altitude area, youll want to stop frequently to catch your breath.
We get that its tempting to power through, but one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer may quickly turn into a sour experience if youre not careful!
Cheer On A Rubber Ducky
If youve never seen thousands of bright yellow rubber ducks floating down a river, mark your calendar for Labor Day weekend and head to Breckenridge. A tradition for over 30 years, the Great Rubber Duck Race features more than 10,000 rubber ducks floating down the Blue River competing for prizes as the fastest duck in the water. It really is a sight you have to see to believe!
- Duration: 1 hour
- Cost: $5 per duck or free to watch
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Start Planning Your Trip To Breckenridge
Breckenridge is the perfect destination.
You can visit in winter for skiing and sledding opportunities.
You can visit in the summer to raft down rivers and hike in the mountain trails.
And you can come any time of year to tour historic sites and learn about this towns Wild West years.
Regardless of when you decide to stop in, youre sure to enjoy an enriching and exciting holiday!
Happy travels.
Summer In Breckenridge: 30 Amazing Things To Do
Posted on February 17, 2022
This iconic mountain town is the quintessential Colorado destination. Its year-round activities and stunning scenic landscape is the perfect spot to create vacation memories. Summer in Breckenridge is especially magical!
This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my disclosures.
Its often thought of as a ski town and it is! However, a visit in the summertime means Breckenridge really comes alive. Beautiful lakes and wildflowers, a lively downtown and plenty of activities perfect for warm weather.
If youre spending a week in Breckenridge or youre making a stop as part of a Colorado road trip, theres plenty of things to do and see.
Oh, and you cant miss the Breckenridge fun park! More on that later. Heres your guide to this lovely town in the middle of the Rocky Mountains.
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Summer In Breckenridge: What To Do Where To Eat And Where To Stay
The picturesque ski town of Breckenridge, Colorado may be known for its winter season, but with over 300 days of sunshine per year, it is the perfect place for a summer vacation. A relatively small town steeped in gold rush history, youll find the locals more than welcoming to tourists, and by the end of your stay you will feel right at home. In fact, you wont be surprised to meet many locals who came to Breck, and never left. It has that small-town charm that is rare these days.
Breckenridge boasts an endless list of activities that allows for a choose-your-own-adventure style itinerary year-round. Breckenridge is widely known as a winter skiing and snowboarding destination, but if you havent been here in the summer, you are missing out, says Austyn Dineen, public relations director for Breckenridge Tourism Office, who has lived in Breck for over 12 years. Offering an escape from the midwest heat, the region is typically a mild 70 degrees with low humidity in the summer season, making it perfect for outdoor adventures in every direction, Dineen adds.
From hiking and biking to dining and shopping, heres what to do, where to stay and what you should know before you book that summer getaway.
Spend The Afternoon In Frisco
Known more to locals than tourists, Frisco is a local hot spot thats located right at the waters edge. Theres a lot to do in Frisco, from enjoying the charming main street to climbing the famous Mount Royal.
The marina offers plenty of water sports. And if youre into road biking, Frisco is a great spot to try biking along the paved path to Vail. You can even bike from Breck to Frisco, or take the bus.
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What To Pack For A Trip To Breckenridge With Kids
We visited Breckenridge in July, and the weather was moderate, not too hot or too cold. Most people were in shorts and shirts, but we were really cold and wore our jackets throughout the trip.
Make sure to pack layers as well as pants. This is very important as the mornings and evenings get cold. I packed dresses and shorts but it was too cold to wear them so we wore pants throughout our trip.
Watch The Lighting Of Breckenridge
The first weekend of December marks the transformation of Breckenridge into a magical holiday winterland.
Youll get a chance to meet Santa, participate in a snowman building contest, run in the Race of the Santas, and finish out the evening with the Lighting of Breckenridge.
This is a family-friendly experience for everyone, even pets. Bring your festive Fido for a holiday dog parade.
The event starts on December 4, 2021 and lasts throughout the weekend.
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Take A Free Gondola Ride
The Breckenridge Gondola is free and goes from downtown to the top of Peak 8. Its almost like taking the monorail at Disney World, and best of all its free!
The entire ride to the top takes 13 minutes and offers amazing views of the Tenmile Range, the town of Breckenridge, and Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve down below. Keep your eyes out for wildlife, especially moose and bald eagles.
Once at the top, you can enjoy the views, enjoy a meal at a Peak 8 restaurant, go for a hike, go mountain biking, or play on the attractions at Peak 8 Base Camp.
Vail is just down the road. Here are 17 fun things to do in Vail in the summer.
