Here are 10 things to do in Breckenridge with kids this winter (aside from skiing or snowboarding):
Breckenridge, Colorado is a fantastic destination for families with kids. There are many family activities in Breckenridge suitable for kids of all ages. In addition, the town has many restaurants and shops that cater to families, and there are a variety of lodging options that are family-friendly as well. Overall, Breckenridge is a great destination for families looking for a fun and memorable vacation.
1. Snowshoeing
If skiing isn’t your thing, try snowshoeing. Breckenridge has a variety of trails for snowshoeing and guided tours available.
- Iowa Hill Trail: This is a short, easy trail that is perfect for families with young children. It’s about a mile long and features historic mining ruins and great views of the town of Breckenridge.
- Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve: This is a slightly more challenging trail, but still doable for kids. It’s about 3 miles round trip and takes you through a beautiful wetland area where you can see wildlife like moose, elk, and birds.
- Gold Run Nordic Center: This is a great option for families who want to try snowshoeing but don’t have their own equipment. The Nordic center rents snowshoes and has trails that are suitable for all ages and skill levels.
- French Gulch Trail: This trail is a bit longer and more challenging, but older kids who are up for a little adventure will love it. It’s about 5 miles round trip and takes you through a historic mining area with great views of the surrounding mountains.
- Breckenridge Nordic Center: Like Gold Run, the Nordic center rents snowshoes and has trails suitable for all ages and skill levels. They also offer guided snowshoe tours, which can be a great way to explore the area with your kids.
2. Tubing
Take a break from skiing and go tubing at the Frisco Adventure Park. It’s a great activity for kids of all ages. This park offers tubing on a specially designed hill with multiple lanes. The park also has a beginner ski and snowboard area, as well as Nordic skiing and snowshoeing trails.
Reservations are required and they book out in advance, so plan ahead!
3. Sledding
Carter Park is a popular spot for sledding. Bring your own sled or rent one from a local shop. Also, check out the Runaway Sledding Hill on Airport Rd. There are free sleds available there for you to borrow.
4. Dog Sledding
Dog Sledding can be a thrilling and unforgettable experience for kids. There are many companies that offer a variety of tours that last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. You can just the length that suits your family best. The kids will have the opportunity to interact with the dogs and learn about mushing.
- Good Times Adventures: This company offers a variety of dog sledding experiences, including shorter rides perfect for families with young children. Their 6-mile tour takes about an hour, and you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the dogs and learn about mushing.
- Snow Caps Sled Dogs: Snow Caps offers a 2.5-mile tour that lasts around 30 minutes, making it a good option for families with very young children. You’ll get to meet the dogs, learn about the history of dog sledding, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Swan River Valley.
- Breckenridge Nordic Center: In addition to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, the Breckenridge Nordic Center also offers dog sledding tours. They offer a variety of tour lengths, from 30 minutes to 2 hours, so you can choose the one that best fits your family’s needs. The longer tours include a hot chocolate break and more time spent with the dogs.
5. Ice Skating
- Stephen C. West Ice Arena: This indoor and outdoor ice rink is a great option for families with kids. The rink is open year-round and offers public skating sessions, as well as figure skating lessons and hockey programs. Skate rentals are available on-site.
- Maggie Pond: During the winter season, the pond in the heart of Breckenridge turns into an outdoor ice rink. This is a great option for families who want to enjoy ice skating in a picturesque location. Skate rentals are available at several locations in town, and there are also several restaurants and cafes nearby where families can warm up with a hot drink and a snack.
6. Breckenridge Recreation Center
Breckenridge Recreation Center offers a variety of activities and programs for kids of all ages.
- Swimming: The Rec Center has a large indoor swimming pool with a water slide, a lazy river, and a hot tub. There’s also a smaller kids’ pool with spray features and a zero-depth entry. The Rec Center offers swim lessons for kids, as well as public swim times.
- Climbing Wall: The Rec Center has a 30-foot indoor climbing wall that is perfect for kids who love to climb. The climbing wall is open to kids of all ages and skill levels, and staff is available to provide instruction and belaying.
7. Breckenridge Troll Hunt
Breckenridge Troll Hunt: Kids will love searching for the 15-foot wooden troll that lives in Breckenridge. It’s a fun scavenger hunt that takes you through town and the surrounding area.
8. The Breckenridge Heritage Alliance
The Breckenridge Heritage Alliance offers tours and activities that teach kids about the town’s history.
The BHA manages several historic sites and museums in Breckenridge, including the:
- Barney Ford Victorian House
- the Edwin Carter Discovery Center
- the Red, White and Blue Fire Museum,
- the Summit Ski Museum.
Each of these sites offers visitors a unique glimpse into the town’s history and culture, from the stories of local pioneer Barney Ford to the development of skiing in the area.
In addition to managing these historic sites, the BHA also offers a variety of tours and programs that showcase Breckenridge’s rich history. For example, visitors can take a walking tour of the town’s historic district, explore the town’s mining heritage on a gold mine tour, or learn about Breckenridge’s ghostly past on a haunted tour.
9. Mountain Top Explorium
Mountain Top Explorium is a museum that is best catered for toddlers and younger kids. They have many different programs and some of their exhibits are:
- Mountain Top Medical Center
- Rocky Mountain Wildlife
- Creation Station
- Wonder Lab
- Tot Spot
- Kidstruction Zone
- STEM Lab
- Studio Imagination
10. Breckenridge Arts District
Breckenridge Arts District is a great place for kids to explore their creative side and try out new art forms. Here are some of the activities that kids can enjoy in the Breckenridge Arts District:
- Art Classes: The Arts District offers a variety of art classes for kids of all ages, from painting and drawing to ceramics and fiber arts. Classes are taught by experienced instructors and provide a fun and supportive environment for kids to learn new skills.
- Art Walks District hosts monthly art walks, which are a great way for kids to see a variety of art and meet local artists. Kids can ask questions about the art and learn about the creative process.
- Art Exhibitions: The Arts District hosts regular exhibitions of local and visiting artists, providing kids with the opportunity to see a wide range of art styles and techniques.
- Workshops: The Arts District also hosts occasional workshops for kids, covering topics such as mask–making, printmaking, and puppetry. These workshops provide a more in-depth experience for kids who are interested in a particular art form.
- Public Art: The Arts District is home to several pieces of public art, which kids can enjoy and learn about. The Breckenridge Mural Project, for example, features a series of large-scale murals that showcase the town’s history and culture.
No matter what family activities in Breckenridge CO you choose from, be sure to dress warmly, bring water and snacks before you go. Enjoy your family’s winter adventure in Breckenridge!
Altitude Sickness
TIP: Breckenridge elevation rises above 9,600 feet above sea level.
If this is your first time visiting Breckenridge CO and the surrounding areas, read this guide on how to prevent altitude sickness
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