Last update: February 3rd, 2021 at 01:46 pm
“Just call it ‘Breck’ (not Breckenridge)”, we were quickly corrected by a local. We immediately felt at ease in this 19th century mining, turned ski town, and our trip timing could not have been better. We arrived in the middle of the annual Ullr Fest (Ullr is the Norse God of snow and the patron saint of skiers). The week long event included the crowning of the Ullr king and queen, the Ullymics, the Ullr Parade, and a massive bonfire complete with DJ. Regardless of your heritage, it seemed the perfect excuse for locals and visitors alike to make merry. Watch our short little youtube video, or just read on for our suggestions on the best family-friendly places to play, stay and eat in ‘Breck’.
Family-Friendly Activities
Family-Friendly Accommodation
Family-Friendly Dining
Getting There and Around
Things to Do with Kids in Breckenridge
Ski and Ride School – Childcare (website)
My children very much enjoyed their day at the Breckenridge Ski School. With 3 drop off options (Village, Beaver Run and Peak 8), you won’t have to go far to get them on their way. The school takes children as young as 3 years.
For those not old enough for snow school, full day childcare is available for children ages 8 weeks to 3 years, with the Peak 8 center also offering childcare for 3-5 year olds (see website).
The GoldRunner Roller Coaster (website) – slope side at base of peak 8
Winter Hours: daily 11am-4pm
Cost: single ride $16, extra passenger $7, all day pass $35, all day passenger pass $15
Note: see age and height requirements
Mountain Top Children’s Museum (website)- 605 s. park ave
Winter Hours: everyday 10am-4:30pm
Cost: adults: $5, children $7, babies 1 year and under and seniors are free
Reviews: 87% rate as very good or excellent on tripadvisor
Don’t Miss: Their Kids Night Out babysitting program.
Local Shopping with Kids
Two very nice stores for parents and kids alike, are the independently run Peek A Boo Toys (website) and Magical Scraps (website) with their Etsy-esque locally made clothes and toys. Breck is such a pretty town that they both make a great excuse to do a little village exploring.
The International Snow Sculpting Championship
If you are lucky, you can time a trip to Breck with the annual snow sculpture championships. The dates for 2018 are Jan.22nd – 29th.
Location: Riverwalk Center at 150 West Adams Avenue
For more information: see website
Still Have Energy to Burn?
The Breckenridge Recreation Center (website) has a excellent pool complex including a children’s area and water slide, while the Stephen West arena has both an indoor and outdoor rink.
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Family-Friendly Hotels in Breckenridge
For Breaking the Bank…
One Hill Place (website) – base of peak 8 (map)
Rate Class: $$$$
Highlights: slope side, 2 indoor pools, outdoor hot tub, fitness room, business center, café and lounge with lively après-ski bar, 2 movie lounges, a games room, and a two-lane bowling alley
Hotel Class: 4.5 star
Rooms: studio to 4 bdrm suites with full gourmet kitchen and fireplace
Reviews: 95% of family reviewers rate as very good or excellent on TripAdvisor
Get Rates
If you are looking for something a little more affordable, try this one:
Mountain Thunder Lodge (website) – near the gondola with Peaks 7 and 8 access (map)
Rate Class: $$$
Highlights: ski in/gondola out, outdoor pool and hot tub, free wifi, resort shuttle, kids play area, fitness room, laundry facilities, complimentary access to One Ski Hill amenities (bowling alley etc.)
Hotel Class: 3.5 star
Rooms: studio to 4 bdrm suites with full gourmet kitchen and fireplace
Reviews: 94% of family reviewers rate as very good or excellent on TripAdvisor
Get Rates
Booking.com
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Family Friendly Dining in Breckenridge
Like any good ski town, Breck has an abundance of family-friendly dining options. We actually had hard time choosing where to eat because there were so many places we wanted to try. Nonetheless, here are our suggestions.
Empire Burger (website) – burgers casual $$ – reviews (go early/late to avoid lines)
Downstairs at Eric’s – (website) – family sports bar $$ – reviews (has arcade games for kids)
The Blue River Bistro (website) – finer dining, american bistro $$$ – reviews
Crepes a la Cart – (website) – french $ – reviews
Giampietro Pizzeria (website) – italian $ – reviews
Lucha Colorado Cantina (website) – $ – reviews
Ember (website) – finer dining, american $$$ – reviews
Hearthstone (website) – american/int’l $$$ – reviews
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Getting There and Around
Breckenridge is located 2 hours from Denver. Please see driving directions, or optionally take the convenient Colorado Mountain Shuttle.
Breckenridge offers their ‘Free Bus’ town and resort service. See schedule for stops and pick up times.
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