A Family Guide to Breckenridge

Families on vacation in Breckenridge have so many options for things to do outside of the slopes. Having enough activities to keep the kids engaged and enthusiastic is key. Here’s a guide to Breckenridge for families.

PLAY

Skiing and snowboarding are about as close to flying as you can get, making the sports the epitome of play. But sometimes families don’t make it out on the slopes, or if they do, don’t stay there long (looking at you, toddler melting down in the gondola line!). When it’s time for off-mountain fun here are some great options.

Mountain Top Children’s Museum

Good For: Kids ages 10 and under (children under one are free)

Need To Know: Founded in 2001, this interactive museum is located in the Village Hotel and offers winter- and summer-specific programs in addition to regular exhibits. Children explore scientific concepts, make their own art, and have plenty of space to indulge their curiosity.

Don’t Miss: Three times a week in the winter, the museum hosts “Kids Night Out.” For $40 ($25 for siblings), parents can drop the kids off for a night of fun (fee includes dinner). KNO runs every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Info: Open seven days/week, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Admission: $8 per child, $6 per adult, $1 per grandparent, Children under 1 are free

Bowling

Good For: The whole family

Need To Know: The Mine Shaft Bowling Alley is located in One Ski Hill and available to hotel guests. The two-lane alley is intimate and offers bowling shoes and balls.

Don’t Miss: Order dinner from One Ski Hill Place’s hospitality menu, and your food is delivered right to the lane.

Info: Reservations can be made one day in advance. To reserve a lane, order food, and learn more, contact the hotel’s concierge services at (970) 547-8800.

Arcade: Downstair’s at Eric’s

Good For: Elementary school kids to teenagers—and their parents.

Need to Know: With 25 arcade games, 29 flat screen TVs, 30 beers on tap, and 50 beers by the bottle, not to mention a menu loaded with comfort food faves, Downstair’s at Eric’s is where grown ups can chill out while their kids find endless amusement in the bright and energetic arcade.

Don’t Miss: Gluten free pizza and beer and eclectic wall décor.

Info: No reservations. To hack the wait, go early or put your name on the list as soon as your whole group is collected, grab a drink at the bar, and let the kids loose in the arcade. downstairsaterics.com

Water Play

Good For: The whole family

Need to Know: Whether you’re looking to swim laps, swing and jump, slide, or float, the aquatic area at the Breckenridge Recreation Center can amuse and occupy the entire family for hours.

Don’t Miss: The climbing wall and swing rope in the lap pool.

Info: breckenridgerecreation.com; Day Pass: Adult (18-59) $15; Youth (3-17) $7.50; Senior (60+) $12; Family (2 adults/2youths) $38

Paint

Good For: The whole family

Need to Know: Ready Paint Fire offers “Paint Your Own” Pottery, Canvas Painting and Mosaics are available all day every day. Glass Fusing & Slumping is offered regularly as evening workshops and at quieter times throughout the year. (Please see the calendar).

Don’t Miss: The studio offers a range of workshops each month; check the calendar for upcoming events.

Info: readypaintfireco.com/breckenridge-studio

STAY

One Ski Hill Place

A luxury hotel at the base of Peak 8, One Ski Hill Place takes the thinking out of vacationing. Expert concierges can help plan a range of adventures—from booking ski school to booking a dogsled ride, and more—and the prime on-mountain location makes it easy to come and go from the slopes. Rates start around $700. Oneskihill.rockresorts.com

 

The Bivvi

A clean and hip hostel located on the free bus route and about a 10-minute walk from town, the Bivvi limits children to 12 and older. For a family with tweens and older, this can be a bargain choice with bunk rooms that sleep six or four, rooms with queen and king beds, and several select suites. Rates start around $99. Thebivvi.com

EAT

Cheap eats don’t abound in Breckenridge, but families that hit happy hour will find discounts of up to 50 percent on food and drink. Favorite burger joints include Downstairs at Eric’s and Empire Burger; Must-eat Mexican is found at Mi Casa, and no family vacation to Breckenridge would be complete without a trip to Mountain Top Cookie Shop.

Rachel Walker lives in Boulder but skis Breckenridge as often as she can with her family, which includes two sons, ages five and seven. Follow her at @racheljowalker.