50 Things to do in Breck This Summer
Breckenridge is known for legendary winter activities—our slopes offer one of the best skiing experiences in the world—but, as the locals say, you’ll “come for the winter and stay for the summer.”
From a family-friendly day to an adrenaline-pumping biking excursion, here are 50 things to do in Breck this summer.
- Check out Epic Discovery
On an Ultimate Adventure Pass you can zoom down the Gold Runner Coaster, pan for gold, bounce in the bounce house, putt putt golf, take a scenic chairlift ride, speed down the Alpine Slide, climb the climbing wall, navigate the Mineshaft Maze, bounce on the trampoline and more! Chances are your legs will be exhausted, but you’ll have a fantastic smile on your face.
- Catch a Symphony
The National Repertory Orchestra is based in Breck and puts on some of the most incredible symphonies in Colorado. Opening night is June 12 and concerts are held a few times a week throughout summer. Check out the calendar of events.
- Give Back to the Forest
To ensure the health of our valuable forests, one percent of all resort summer activity revenue will be donated to The Nature Conservancy for forest health restoration projects here in the West. Learn More.
- Get Artsy
Explore the Breckenridge Creative Arts District and interactive festivals, such as the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts, August 9-18, 2019.
- Go Dog Sledding
Sledding typically happens in the winter, right? In Breck, our sled dogs need exercising in the summer too, so we take them for off-road scooter rides. Take a sled dog out and make a friend for life.
- Learn to Mountain Bike
Mountain biking can be intimidating, so starting off like you would skiing is a great call. Take a lesson from a mountain bike guide to hone your skills, try a new trail, or just learn what Breck can offer you.
- Try Geocaching
Like scavenger hunts? Like hiking? Geocaching is the perfect combination of both. Rent a GPS or download the Geocaching app to discover hiding spots and then use latitude/longitude and a compass to find them.
- Go to Camp
Summer camp is a bit different at 9,600 feet. With more nature to explore on Breckenridge mountain, kids can really get their imaginations going. Themes and activities for camp change daily, and multiple-day packages are available. Learn more about Breck’s Summer Day Camp.
- Speed Down a Zipline
Breckenridge’s Epic Discovery ziplines will have you flying up to 40 mph while taking in incredible views of the TenMile Range.
- Hike to Mohawk Lakes
According to locals, this hike is one of the most beautiful in the area. A fairly steep trail will take you up to old mining cabins, a historic mine and one of the most picturesque lakes in Colorado. See 8 wildflower hikes here.
- Ski
A popular spot to get some summer turns in is 4th of July Bowl over Peak 9. Join locals and ski it on the 4th of July and stake your claim in Colorado bad ass-ness.
- Race Rubber Ducks
Every Labor Day weekend, thousands of rubber ducks hit the waters of Blue River in a race to support the Summit Foundation. This year the event is on Saturday, August 31. Kids can enter their ducks and adults can learn more through the Summit Foundation.
- Go Tubing
Round up your smallest kiddos and head to the Tom’s Nugget Tubing Hill on Breckenridge mountain.
- Roast S’mores
What’s summer without a little roasted marshmallow? Head to the DoubleTree by Hilton Breckenridge daily from 4 to 5 p.m. for FREE s’more roasting on the deck. (Tip: put a Rolo in the marshmallow and then roast it for a real treat or use a Nature Valley Granola thin as your cracker!)
- Mine for Gold
Breck’s roots run deep with mining history and you’d be remiss to not experience our town the way our founders did over 150 years ago. Pan for gold at the base of Peak 8 in the Fun Park then take a mine tour at Country Boy Mine to really see it all.
- Climb Every Mountain
Scale each of Breck mountain’s four peaks. Take the Colorado Chair up to Peak 8 for a head start and remember to bring lots of water as altitude can really effect you above 12,000 feet (Peak 10’s summit is at 13,643 feet, Peak 9: 13,198 feet, Peak 8: 12,998 feet, and Peak 7: 12,677 feet).
- Eat a Crepe
One of the most popular restaurants in town isn’t actually a restaurant at all—it’s a crepe stand. In the center of town along Main Street, Crepes A La Cart offers sweet and savory concoctions fireside for a truly unique Breck bite.
- Find a Diamond Ring
It’s incredible what skiers leave behind or drop off chairlifts in the winter. Hunt for treasure underneath the chairlifts while picking up trash and see what oddities and precious metals you can find.
- Fly Fish
Colorado trout are a bit different than anywhere else, making the fly fishing in and around Breck slightly more challenging. Talk to Breckenridge Outfitters to see what’s biting where and string up that rod for an incredible day on the river.
- Have a Spa Day
Thunderstorms tend to roll through the mountains almost every day for about 30 minutes in the afternoons—giving you the perfect opportunity to spend some time at the spa. Visit the Rejuvenation Center at One Ski Hill Place for a massage or pedicure or just enjoy the flavored water in reception. Check out 7 amazing spa treatments here.
- Get Lost
Meander through the Mineshaft Maze at the base of Peak 8 to really test your navigation skills. Kids love trying to see who can get through the fastest and parents love watching the confusion from the viewing deck.
- Go Horseback Riding
Embrace your inner cowboy by saddling up to one of Breck Stables‘ many trusty horses. Trail rides are 90 minutes or can be booked over dinner.
- Attend an Arts Festival
Breck hosts a few fantastic events throughout the summer for every taste of art. Check out local and visiting artwork at Old Masonic Hall and take a piece of Breck home with you. See the event calendar.
- Go on a Cruiser Ride
Downtown Breckenridge is the perfect place to explore via cruiser bike or townie. Rent one from a variety of shops in town, including Breck Sports.
- Enjoy Happy Hour
Every local’s favorite after-work activity is happy hour, where the drinks are cheap, the views awesome and the weather perfect. Head to the T-Bar or Sevens for a few of the greatest decks and brews in town.
- Conquer a 14’er
Quandary Peak tops out at 14,265 feet and is one of Colorado’s 58 legendary 14’ers. Drive south through town to Blue River to start this hike (and do it before 5 a.m. as you’ll need to be off the mountain before 1 p.m.) for some major bragging rights.
- Go Whitewater Rafting
AVA Outfitters offers whitewater rafting on five rivers near Breckenridge. Whether you’re looking for an easy-going float trip or an adrenaline-fueled paddle-fest, the rivers and guides offer it all.
- Go Bowling
Staying at One Ski Hill Place? Guests can use the Mine Shaft Bowling Alley for free. Two lanes are decorated like an old mine shaft for a historic twist on the nostalgic sport.
- Say “Prost!” at Oktoberfest
Breck’s Oktoberfest is one of the biggest in the state as Main Street shuts down for more than two dozen food vendors, bier carts, polka music and other traditional German activities. This year’s event will be held September 6–8.
- Workout
Think you can’t get enough activity outside? Head indoors to the Breckenridge Recreation Center to workout, swim, attend a class, rock climb or run on the track. Daily admission for an adult is $15.
- Go on a Haunted Tour
Learn about our local legends, like Barney Ford and Father Dyer, as well as what their spirits might be up to now on a haunted walking tour.
- Shop
There are over 200 shops and restaurants in Breckenridge and it can be a challenge to get to them all. Be sure to stop by Breck Sports, ValleyGirl, Magical Scraps, Mountain Outfitters and more on your trip.
- Golf
They say your ball travels faster at altitude. Why not take a swing at that theory at Breckenridge Golf Club? Head to the beautiful 27-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed course and see how your game improves.
- Go Ice Skating
When hockey isn’t in session at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena on the south end of town, the public is welcome to come skate. Test your skills on our rink—one of the highest in the country.
- Take a Cooking Class
Check out the Culinary Adventure Series at Colorado Mountain College—you’ll learn how to cook something globally inspired and delicious and get to eat it right there in class.
- Take a Dip
Guests at Mountain Thunder Lodge can enjoy one of the best pools in Breckenridge. Feel like cooling off or just sitting poolside for an afternoon? Book your stay at this walk-to-town hotel.
- Stand-up Paddleboard on Maggie Pond
The newest craze in the high country is stand-up paddleboarding. Before hitting the rivers, try your balance on Maggie Pond. Demos and guided yoga classes are held every week and many shops around town rent boards.
- Learn How Bourbon is Made
The Breckenridge Distillery is one of the top bourbon-makers in the world. Take a tour of their Airport Road location to learn their secrets and dine in the new upscale restaurant.
- Go Off Road
Ride with up to seven people in Breck mountain’s open-air safari-style 4×4 vehicles for a wild tour on Peaks 8 and 7.
- Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Two companies offer hot air balloon rides that give riders views into seven counties in the area. Soar above the tallest peaks in Breckenridge as you get a new perspective on Colorado.
- Learn About Breck’s Flora and Fauna
Take a guided hiking tour at Breckenridge and you’ll learn about the history of the area, local flowers and wildlife and how different summer is from winter here.
- Paint and Create
Head to Ready Paint Fire on Main Street to see what masterpiece you can create. Reserve your spot for a canvas party and bring your own wine to embrace your inner Picasso.
- Attend Breck’s Beer Fest
On July 13 microbrewers from around the country come to Breck for sampling, dancing and admiring the views at the summer Breckenridge Beer Festival.
- Meet our Firefighters
Our heroes are our ski patrollers and firefighters. Meet them and see the Red, White, and Blue Fire Museum with a tour of the building. The Town of Breck formed their own fire department in 1881 and we have some of the original equipment on display.
- Play in an Arcade
Head to Downstairs at Eric’s for pizza, Pac-Man and prizes. With a big arcade to entertain those waiting for a table, this restaurant is a must-do in Breck.
- Dangle your Toes
Riding a chairlift without skis feels kind of funny—your feet are so free! Take a scenic chairlift ride on the Colorado SuperChair to hike to Contest Bowl, stop into the Vista Haus, or hike back down (that’s really the best way to see the views).
- Have a Bloody Mary at the T-Bar
The T-Bar‘s bloody Mary’s are legendary. You may think you’re sipping on a salad while drinking this cocktail. The views of Peak 8 on the patio are a great distraction.
- Cycle up Hoosier Pass or Swan Mountain Road
Earn your descent by hoofing it up Hoosier Pass (south of town) or Swan Mountain Road (between Breck and Keystone). These roads have been the site of the U.S. Pro Cycling Challenge and are some of the most grueling in the area.
Kayak the Blue River
Practice paddling on the Blue River, which goes straight through town. The Breck Kayak Park is 1,800 feet long and has over 15 features to test your skills.
- Tell us Your Favorite Activity
Tag your Instagram, Facebook or Twitter photos with #Breck to show off your favorite summer activities in Breckenridge. We’ll post the photos to our pages and share the love.
What do you think of our list? Did we leave anything off? Post your favorites or any tips in the comments section below.
13 Responses
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This is a solid list of fun things! I'll never run out of things to do this summer…
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What a wonderful list of fun things to do in Breckenridge this summer!
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Gotta get this place shaped up for friends Myla and Larry.
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Melissa Pinkerton Gardner
Time to plan a trip to Breck this Summer.
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bonanza
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http://www.balloonridescolorado.com Balloon the Rockies with the closest year-round mountain balloon ride with Grand Adventure Balloon Tours 970-887-1340
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Sounds like fun.
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sounds fun
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Hopefully at some point I would be able to attend the Oktoberfest! that sounds like a lot of fun. Also a buddy of mine said the rubber duck races can be a lot of fun. Agh eventually I want to do everything on this list.
-www.heavenlytimes.com
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"Little boys will love to pretend they’re actual firemen"….that's kind of sexist. Little girls aspire to be firefighters too!
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You're right – we've updated this. Thanks for the comment, Angela!
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Riding a bike to Vail, CO, and back. Or just to the pass & back.
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