It's great to have the kids on vacation with you. However, as we all know, if the kids aren't having fun, there's a good chance the parents aren't either. But, that doesn't mean the family vacation is limited in Summit County. Here are a number of activities that are great for entire families, young, old and everywhere in between.
Kid Friendly Summer Activities
- Alpine Slide
Many Breckenridge kids activities are located in the Peak 8 Fun Park, which has something for kids of all ages. One of the more popular is the Alpine Slide, which has two options, either the 2,600 foot slalom course or the large giant slalom with multiple dips. - Boating
Take your kids out on Lake Dillon for some sailing, touring or canoeing. It's a beautiful time to appreciate the views of the surrounding mountains. Another option is to rent some tubes, skis and a boat. Then, head out to Green Mountain Reservoir, where they'll enjoy some great water-sports. Don't forget the sunscreen! - Climbing
Indoor gyms and outdoor walls allow kids to explore climbing in a safe and controlled environment. Guides will be available to belay the kids and give them encouragement to climb the wall. - Fishing
Sometimes, it's the simplest activities that are the most fun. Grab a canoe or a boat from one of the marinas to head out with the family for a day on the lake. Remember that children 16 years and older need a fishing license. - Hiking
Given all the phones, hand-held games, and computer gadgets these days, it can be tough to get the kids outdoors. Take them on a hike to help interest them in the beauty of nature. - Horseback Riding
Just one of the many activities in Breckenridge for kids is horseback riding. Smaller kids just enjoy saddling up to a pony for a quick ride, while larger kids may enjoy an hour or two riding through the mountains. - Mountain Biking
One of the great things about Summit County is the amount of trails in close proximity to the towns. There are options suitable for all ages, so there's no reason not to get out for a two-wheel adventure. - Scenic Flights
Give the kids the sensation of flying through the air like a bird. Tandam paragliding, gliders or hot air balloons are a special experience not to be forgotten. - Scenic Chairlift Rides
A summer chairlift ride at Breckenridge or Keystone makes for some exciting scenery from high altitude. The kids will enjoy learning the names of the different mountain ranges and lakes within view. Also, the unique perspective will help teach some great lessons about geography and geology. - Whitewater Rafting
Rafting in Summit County doesn't have to be as intense as the movies make it out to be. There are a number of locations where whitewater rafting is appropriate for younger children, who will love the thrill of the smaller rapids.
Fun Summer Attractions for the Family
- Georgetown Railroad
Kids will love to hop onto this old narrow-gauge railroad. Whether they're watching plumes of white clouds come out from the steam engine or smelling the diesel locomotive, kids and adults will enjoy this ride. - Recreation Center
Locked inside for a rainy day? Just want to get out a bit? The Breckenridge Recreation Center houses a wide variety of workout equipment, swimming pools and other indoor activities. In addition, there are a number of soccer fields, baseball diamonds and tennis courts outside. Silverthorne also has its own recreation center: more info. - Lake Dillon
This reservoir may provide Denver with water, but it also gives Summit County kids an opportunity to learn how to sail or kayak. They can take a canoe out for a picnic or just sit on the dock and enjoy the hustle and bustle of a summer marina. - Arapaho National Forest
This wilderness area has an incredible variety of activities for kids, ranging from hiking, swimming, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and camping. Whether it's a half day hike or a longer excursion, Arapaho has the terrain for it. - Touring a Mine
Help the children appreciate the history of the area by taking them to one of the mines that are scattered about. In addition to touring the mine and explaining the inner workings and lives of the miners, most mines will teach the kids how to pan for gold, which means they may walk away with a souvenir of the trip!
Winter is no time to leave the kids at home. Make sure to bring the camera to capture all the moments of snowballs fights, snowshoe races, tubing and, of course, the skiing.
Kid Friendly Winter Activities
- Skiing
Skiing is one of the most popular activities in Summit County, and for good reason. The terrain varies from beginners' hills to expert terrain, enough to challenge the kids, and maybe even push the adults. - Ski Resorts
The four ski resorts in Summit County all have facilities to help introduce kids to the sport, or to help them take it to the next level. These year-round resorts make sure kids have fun with their parents, and take care of them for a little grown-up time as well. - Snowboarding
Kids are drawn to snowboarding like moths to light, so why fight it? The resorts have runs for the entire group and terrain parks for the kids to socialize with other snowboarders to learn some of the new moves. - Hut Ski Trips
Getting out into the backcountry doesn't mean leaving the kids behind. Cross country ski or snowshoe into one of these rustic huts, filled with some creature comforts, like a wood stove to keep you warm and heat up the hot chocolate. Just don't forget the marshmallows. - Night Skiing
Sometimes kids need a little extra time on the mountain, so why not take them out to Keystone for those extra hours? The adults can appreciate the sunset views while the kids hone their skills in the A51 terrain park. - Cross Country
Even young kids can quickly pick up the techniques needed for cross country skiing. They love the gliding motion of the flatlands and the challenge as they learn how to skate up the hills. - Snowmobiling
While the kids may not be able to drive until they're 15, riding with an adult (over 18) is still a great opportunity to have fun in the Colorado backcountry in a safe way. - Dog Sledding
This historic method of transport is a unique experience for kids. Learning how to drive a sled, or simply riding in it, will be an experience not easily be forgotten. - Sleigh Rides
Hop on a horse-drawn sleigh for either a quick tour or a full dinner affair, complete with a moonlight ride to finish the evening. - Snowbiking
Sometimes, the younger they are, the quicker they learn it. Snowbiking may be a new sport on the mountain, but that doesn't stop the kids from enjoying it just as much as the more traditional sports. - Snow Tubing
This is fun for the entire family, from the youngest to oldest. Sledding down the hill on a tube can be an exhilarating activity, especially since the lifts take you right back up to try it all over again. - Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a sport that participants, from the youngest kids to the oldest, inherently know because the technique is so similar to walking. Right foot, left foot, right up the mountainside or past icy riverbeds. - Ice Skating
What better way to bring out the rosy cheeks and smiling faces of the kids than a couple hours on the ice! Whether it's hockey, figure skating, or simply being on the ice with the entire family, don't forget to try this out while in the area.