Family adventures meet alpine charm in Breckenridge. Zip lines, dog sleds, mountain coasters, and horseback rides make every season an invitation to play outside together.
Breckenridge is a magnet for families looking for an outdoor getaway filled with excitement and the beauty of the natural world. From the rush of zip lines at Epic Discovery to the tranquil trails for mountain biking, this lively town is packed with activities that promise beautiful family memories.
Here's a sneak peek to whet your appetite for family fun in the mountains:
- Epic Discovery Breckenridge: Zip lines, alpine slides, and mountain views.
- Breckenridge Mountain Biking: Scenic trails for every level.
- Dog Sledding: Huskies, snow, and pure winter joy.
- Gold Runner Alpine Coaster: Twist through the pines in every season.
- Highline Railroad Park: Historic train fun and playgrounds.
- BreckConnect Gondola: Free ride with sweeping mountain views.
- Ice Skating: Rinks framed by snowy peaks.
- Horseback Riding: Gentle adventure through meadows and trails.
At Great Western Lodging, we specialize in premium, boutique-style vacation rentals, taking pride in creating a true mountain escape where comfort meets adventure.
As locals, we know Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone like the back of our hands, and our blog is packed with insider tips for your next mountain getaway. Visiting our region for the first time? Planning a ski trip? Into summer mountain thrills? We've got you covered!
In this blog post, I'll guide you through the top outdoor family activities in Breckenridge, offering experiences that are not merely activities but doorways to making lasting memories in one of Colorado's most charming locales.
Ready? Let's explore!
1. EPIC DISCOVERY BRECKENRIDGE
Soaring zip lines, sweeping chairlift views, and alpine slides.
Epic Discovery isn't your average mountain outing; it's Breckenridge at full throttle. You glide above the trees on zip lines, race your kids down the Alpine Slide, and hop on chairlifts that reveal miles of wild peaks. The trails double as outdoor classrooms, full of curious chipmunks and wildflowers, and there's always another reason to stop and laugh. Here, you and your family will have a day that leaves everyone buzzing long after you're back at the lodge.
What You'll Love
- Zip lines and chairlifts with sweeping Rocky Mountain views.
- Alpine Slide races down the slopes for everyone.
- Interactive trails that mix fun with learning about nature.
- Climbing walls and guided tours for a dose of adventure and history.
- A perfect blend of outdoor excitement and family bonding.
2. BRECKENRIDGE MOUNTAIN BIKING
Fresh air, gorgeous trails, and a good dose of adventure.
Mountain biking in Breckenridge brings families together in the best possible way: with fresh air, gorgeous trails, and a good dose of adventure. The town's scenic routes cater to all levels, from gentle riverside paths to thrilling alpine descents. With easy gear rentals and guided tours, biking here is less about stress and more about soaking in those Colorado views.
What You'll Love
- Scenic trails for every skill level, from beginners to thrill seekers.
- The Blue River Bikeway, perfect for relaxed family rides.
- The Peaks Trail offers downhill fun and incredible mountain views.
- Convenient bike rentals and guided tours customized for all ages.
- Well-maintained trails that keep the focus on fun, not logistics.
3. DOG SLEDDING
Glide across snow-covered trails pulled by a team of cute, loyal Siberian Huskies.
There's nothing more captivating than dog sledding in Breck. Glide across snow-covered trails pulled by a team of Siberian Huskies and take in the jaw-dropping Rocky Mountain views. Guides make sure everyone feels comfortable on the sled, sharing fun stories about the dogs, their training, and the history behind this Arctic-inspired adventure.
What You'll Love
- Cruising through breathtaking winter scenery with a pack of energetic huskies.
- Learning the ropes from experienced guides who make safety and fun their priority.
- Getting up close with the dogs before and after the ride.
- Sharing a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure the whole family can enjoy.
- Feeling the thrill of the ride mixed with the quiet beauty of the Rockies.
4. GOLD RUNNER ALPINE COASTER
Glide through pine forests, twisting turns, and mountain views.
Right in the heart of Breckenridge, the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster sends you gliding through pine forests, twisting turns, and mountain views that make every ride as scenic as it gets. Riders can control their own speed, so it's just as fun for cautious kids as it is for thrill seekers. Open year-round, the coaster offers a totally different kind of mountain adventure: green meadows in summer, snow-covered slopes in winter, all from the comfort of your cart.
What You'll Love
- You control the speed; cruise or zoom, your call.
- Gorgeous mountain views all along the track.
- Fun for all ages, from kids to grandparents.
- Open in every season for a new kind of mountain ride.
- Located right at Breckenridge Ski Resort, close to tons of other family activities.
5. HIGHLINE RAILROAD PARK
Train-themed slides, climbing frames, and wide-open picnic areas.
Highline Railroad Park and Playground mixes a touch of local history with plenty of room to play. Centered around the restored Engine No. 9, this family-friendly park lets kids climb aboard, ring the bell, and imagine life on the rails. With train-themed slides, climbing frames, and wide-open picnic areas, this hidden gem is great for adventure and a dose of nostalgia.
What You'll Love
- Climb aboard the historic Engine No. 9 and ring the bell like a real conductor.
- Let the kids burn energy on the train-themed playground with slides and climbing frames.
- Spread out a picnic on the grassy lawn or grab a table under the sun.
- Check out the signs around the park to learn about Breckenridge's railroad past.
- Easy to reach and close to downtown Breckenridge, perfect for a laid-back family stop.
6. BreckConnect Gondola
13-minute ride that stretches more than 7,000 feet from Main Street to Peak 8.
Hop aboard the BreckConnect Gondola and glide high above Breckenridge, where panoramic mountain views steal the show. The 13-minute ride stretches more than 7,000 feet from Main Street to Peak 8, offering a front-row seat to the beauty of the Rockies. It's not just a ride, it's a moment to pause, take in the peaks, and enjoy the magic of the mountains with the whole family.
What You'll Love
- Sweeping views of the Tenmile Range and Blue River Valley.
- Spotting wildlife like moose and marmots along the way.
- A fun, scenic way to reach Peak 8's adventure zone.
- Year-round operation, great in both sunshine and snow.
- Free to ride, family-friendly, and right in downtown Breckenridge.
7. Ice Skating
Rinks, framed by mountain peaks and snow-covered trees.
In winter, Breckenridge becomes a picture-perfect wonderland, and ice skating is one of the best ways to dive into the season. The town's rinks, framed by mountain peaks and snow-covered trees, create a charming setting for families to glide, laugh, and make memories. From lively arenas to peaceful ponds, skating here feels like a scene straight out of a winter storybook.
What You'll Love
- The Stephen C. West Ice Arena with indoor and outdoor rinks for every skill level.
- Public skating sessions, figure skating lessons, and even friendly hockey games.
- The Gold Run Nordic Center, where a frozen pond offers quiet, scenic skating under open skies.
- Easy access to skate rentals, so no need to bring your own gear.
- Cozy fire pits and hot chocolate nearby, perfect for thawing out and swapping stories after your time on the ice.
8. Horseback riding
Trade the ski slopes for mountain trails, meadows, and creeks, all at an easygoing pace.
Saddle up and take in the Rockies from a whole new perspective. Horseback riding lets families trade the ski slopes for mountain trails, meadows, and creeks, all at an easygoing pace that fits every rider's comfort level. It's a mix of fresh air, gentle adventure, and stories from local guides who know every plant, animal, and historic trail.
What You'll Love
- Scenic rides through pine forests, open valleys, and sparkling streams.
- Welcoming guides who make even first-timers feel like pros.
- Fun tidbits about Breckenridge's wildlife and mining past.
- Gentle horses that help build confidence and teamwork.
- The perfect family mix of nature, learning, and light adventure.
Other Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors with Family in Breckenridge
When you've had your fill of zip lines and gondola rides, Breckenridge still has plenty of ways to keep everyone outdoors and smiling. The town's natural beauty is the real playground, mixing calm moments, hands-on fun, and that fresh alpine air that somehow makes everything feel like an adventure.
- Go fishing on the Blue River: Cast a line together on calm waters surrounded by peaks. Local outfitters can help with licenses, gear, and guidance.
- Picnic at Carter Park: A local favorite with playgrounds, volleyball courts, and a big hill perfect for sledding in winter or running wild in summer.
- Take a scenic hike: Try the Sawmill Trail for an easy forest walk or the Sapphire Point Overlook for unbeatable lake and mountain views.
- Join a family snowshoe tour: In winter, guided snowshoe treks blend gentle exercise with stories about Breckenridge's wildlife and history.
- Visit the Breckenridge Recreation Center: Swim, climb, or enjoy the outdoor fields and paths—perfect for an active rest day.
Experience Breckenridge like never before!
At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodgings in Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone.
Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience during your trip to Colorado.