Adventure abounds in Summit County: From ski resorts in the winter to hiking trails in the summer, we’ve got it all! But if you’ve got small kids in tow — or maybe some folks in your gang just aren’t into skiing, boarding or scaling towering peaks. Not to worry! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite family friendly activities in and around Summit County for kids and parents of all ages and stages.
Parks and Playgrounds
The Recreation Center in Breckenridge offers access to multiple sizes of play structures plus a skate park for the little shredders in your group. Inside the Breckenridge Recreation Center, kids can splash in the tropically-warm indoor pools and get wet and wild on the super fun twisty slides. The adults in the group can also enjoy access to indoor tennis courts, racquet ball facilities and full array of workout equipment. Be sure to check out multiday punch passes if you plan to visit a few times during your stay.
The Silverthorne Recreation Center is also home to play fields and fun-tastic playgrounds for kids of all sizes. Plus, the indoor pool in Silverthorne offers fun for the family with a giant water slide, kiddie splash pool and lap pools (with volleyball nets during non-lap swim times). Similar to the Breck Rec Center, Silverthorne also offers full gym facilities plus a variety of classes. Be sure to look into multiday passes for your visit!
The Frisco Adventure Park is where it’s at in the winter! The tubing hill offers multiple tubing lanes of varying lengths and terrain to amuse the wild at heart (and even the slightly timid). Reservations are required, so be sure to plan before you play. For the bigger kids, romp around in snowshoes or Nordic skis on the trails or hang out at the Day Lodge for some lunch by the fireplace.
Ice Skating
Glide across the surface of a frozen pond at North Pond Park in Silverthorne where you can BYO skates – just be sure to observe any safety signage at the pond. Indoor skating, complete with rentals, is also available in Breckenridge at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena.
Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides
Enjoy the winter wonderland from the back of a horse drawn sleigh. Cozy up in blankets as you take in the sights during this unforgettable mountain experience. Rides are available throughout the winter season in Frisco and Breckenridge. Surprise your sweetie or share the splendor with your kiddies on a dinner sleigh ride through local purveyor, Two Below Zero.
Tumble Bubbles
Giggle your way down the slope in a giant bouncy bubble! Located at the Frisco Adventure Park, Tumble Bubbles are giant, transparent “zorbs” that roll and slide around on the snow. You can even pretend to be a human bowling ball and crash into a set of larger-than-life pins!
Paint Your Own Canvas and Pottery
With studios in Breckenridge and Keystone, Ready Paint Fire offers the artist in your family a chance to get colorfully creative during your visit. Create your very own masterpiece souvenir to take home as a memento of your fun times in Summit County. Be sure to check out their calendar for workshops and painting parties during your stay!
Free Sledding at Carter Park
BYO sled or platter to Carter Park, perfectly set up for families with small kids. Restroom facilities are nearby (always a big deal), too!
Mountain Top Children’s Museum
Bring the little ones to play and explore in this awesome sensory and imaginative play space located near Main Street in Breckenridge. Mountain Top also hosts Kid’s Night Out events for kids ages 4 to 12 which includes dinner and allows the grownups a chance to get out and have a little fun of their own. Learn more about the full lineup of exhibits and events here.
What are your favorite family-friendly activities around Summit County? Enter your tips in the “Comments” section below.