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In Breckenridge, free fun is our favorite kind of fun. Because it means tapping into natural resources unfolding across a bounty of mountains, trails, parks and rivers and playing in the fresh high country air. Breckenridge makes it easy to rely on Mother Nature (and smart city planners) for a good time. Here’s where to start on free things for families to do in Breckenridge:

Free Things for Families To Do in Breckenridge:

Parks and Playgrounds

Flowers on Blue River Plaza in Breckenridge in the summertime.
Flowers on Blue River Plaza in the summertime.

A hot spot for families, Blue River Plaza features a sandy playground near the banks of the Blue River smack dab in the center of town. Relax among riverside benches and soak up expansive TenMile mountain range views. Be sure to stop into the Welcome Center to wander through the interpretive museum and learn about Breck’s evolution from gold-mining mecca to Victorian ski village. Across the bridge, the Riverwalk Center plays host to a slew of free summer performances. Check BreckCreate for the schedule.

Take the pooch to one-acre Carter Park on High Street to run off-leash or set up a picnic under the adjacent pavilion. Tip: The trails just east of the park and tennis courts are an excellent way to burn off lunch while dipping into some of Summit County’s top hiking and biking terrain. In the winter, Carter Park is home to one of two Breckenridge sledding hills– just bring your own sled!

Next to the Breckenridge Recreation Center, Kingdom Park thrills with softball fields, two playgrounds, a soccer field, a whitewater kayak park and a skate park complete with small swoops for tykes on scooters and an 11-foot bowl for daredevil teens. Young kids love mining-inspired Prospector Park on North Main Street and the High Line Railroad Park on Boreas Pass Road where a real Engine No. 9 train and boxcars live.

Bike and Hike

Family and dog hiking in Breckenridge during the summer
Hiking is by far and away one of the most popular activities for families visiting Breckenridge.

A scenic Breckenridge must-do, rally the troops and bike the 9.5-mile paved rec path from Breckenridge to Frisco, ending at Dillon Reservoir for some lakeside playtime. Mess around on the Wellington Bike Park and Pump Track’s flow trails, berms and stomach-dropping jump features. There’s even a Strider track for your tiniest riders.

Take an easy family hike through the woods to discover rushing creeks, mining relics, wildflowers and incredible views. Explore our favorite beginner trails. For an extra adventure, skip the car and take the town bus to a hike right off the bus stop.

Town Gems

Crowd at Art District movie in Breckenridge at Breck Create
The Arts District uniquely distinguishes Breckenridge from other mountain towns.

Retro and on-trend toys, games, books, stuffed animals and more make Peak-A-Boo Toys a Main Street treasure. Complete with a large candy section and a huge selection of pet toys, this store is a must visit. Be sure to take a selfie with the famous Breck black bear outside the front door (good luck getting out of here without spending any money, though- it’s one of Colorado’s top toy stores).

Bop around the Breckenridge Arts District for an entertaining conglomeration of studios, galleries, historic landmarks and public art. Request a tour, watch artists at work and inquire about kids camps and family classes.   Catch a free concert at the AirStage or drop-into a kids-only art class.

Find the Breckenridge Troll.  Isak Heartstone is a 15-foot tall wooden troll sculpture located on the Trollstigen Trail in Breckenridge, Colorado. The newly constructed trailhead is located in the southeast corner of the Stephen C. West Ice Arena parking lot, next to Illinois Gulch Trailhead.  Originally built as a part of the annual Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (BIFA) held in August, Isak was created by the Danish artist Thomas Dambo, who is known worldwide for bringing awareness to recycling and upcycling by building great things out of trash.

Explore and Learn

Stroll through Breckenridge’s free and family-friendly museums, then peek inside Breckenridge’s storied mining and wild west past on a walking tour. The Breckenridge History offers a range of tours for next to nothing (they run around $10-$25 each; so not entirely free, but worth it), including a walk through history, Victorian tea, a ghost town tour and mining site gold panning.

You can help us preserve and protect what we love by following Leave No Trace practices during your visit.  Learn more by taking the Tree-Hugger Challenge.   Once the challenge is complete, swing by the Breckenridge Welcome Center for your free Tree-Hugger Challenge sticker.

Take a Free Ride

The Main Street Trolley in downtown Breckenridge.
The Main Street Trolley is a free transportation shuttle that services downtown Breckenridge.

In Breckenridge, the Free Ride bus system will get you around town and to popular neighborhoods without charge. Use it to get back and forth to your rental property, downtown’s shops and restaurants or just to give your sneakers a rest. For an entertaining ride, cruise Main Street on the retro Main Street Trolley. (If you ask nicely, the driver may even let you ding the bell.)

Fly high above town and up to Peak 7 and Peak 8 on the free BreckConnect Gondola. Around eight people can fit into a cabin and kids love the soaring sensation as your group is whisked up and over forested mountainsides.  Once you reach the top, relax and enjoy the views or hike to the large pile of snow that’s perfect for a summer snowball fight.

family hiking to see the Breckenridge Troll
Local’s Guide

Budget Breckenridge Getaways

Family hiking at Breckenridge during the fall
Family Friendly

Best Fall Hikes in Breckenridge

Rafting in Breckenridge
Local’s Guide

Summer Drop-in Activities For Non-Planners

family admiring Christmas lights
Family Friendly

The Complete Breckenridge Winter Family Guide

Grandfather and grandson sledding in Breckenridge
Family Friendly

Top Winter Activities to do with Grandparents

Boreas Pass
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4 Places to Stand on the Continental Divide near Breckenridge

Breck GoldRunner Coaster Ride Along
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Best Toddler Activities in Breckenridge

goldpan bar
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Nightlife Guide: Low-Key Night Out in Breckenridge

Tiki cocktails
Local’s Guide

Off The Beaten Path Bars & Restaurants in Breckenridge

Mohawk Lake Family Scenic Hike
Local’s Guide

6 Hiking Myths Debunked

Moose covered in falling snow
Local’s Guide

Breckenridge Wildlife Guide

woman helping kid paint
Family Friendly

Best Nighttime Activities for Kids in Breckenridge

Summer hikers enjoying the mountain view in Breckenridge
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26 Things for Teens to do in Breckenridge

Silhouettes of a family and dog during a sunset hike in Breckenridge
Family Friendly

Tips for Hiking with Kids in Breckenridge

Family Walking Through Town in Breckenridge
Family Friendly

Free Things for Families To Do in Breckenridge

Summer Hike with Boreas Pass Views
Local’s Guide

Hiking in Breckenridge Without A Car

RMU Beergarden and crowd in Breckenridge
Local’s Guide

Best Patios and Decks in Breckenridge

Father pulls daughter uphill in tube sled in Breckenridge
Family Friendly

Sledding in Breckenridge

Backcountry skier skiing powder in Breckenridge.
Local’s Guide

Experts Only – The Best Black Diamond Terrain in Breckenridge

Breckenridge Creative Arts people making ceramic cups at one of the Breckenridge workshops.
Family Friendly

Top Picks for a Rainy Day in Breckenridge

Three Friends chatting at the top of a ski run enjoying a sunny Breckenridge day
Family Friendly

5 Tips for Families Skiing in Breckenridge

Skiers on the ridge at Breckenridge Ski Resort.
Family Friendly

Families Learning to Ski: Tips for Beginners

Grandfather and grandson sledding in Breckenridge
Family Friendly

Top 5 Reasons To Bring Your Extended Family To Breckenridge

Breckenridge Growler from Broken Compass
Local’s Guide

Drinking in Breckenridge: A Local’s Guide

kids boarding a NordicCat
Family Friendly

Kid Approved Activities in Breckenridge

Breckenridge Date Night Guide
Go Breck!

Breckenridge Date Night Guide

Family.
Plan Your Visit

Lodging for Families in Breckenridge

Couple walking during Breck in the Spirit 2018 holiday lights
Lodging & Reservations

Breckenridge Resorts for Couples

person fly fishing near Breckenridge Colorado
Other Outdoor

First-Timer’s Guide to Fly-Fishing

beer and a gyro on a picnic table
Eat, Drink, Shop

Breckenridge Craft Beer Tour

man preparring skis on a slope
Winter/Spring

The Ultimate Breckenridge Man-Cation

two horse open sleigh
Other Outdoor

16 Snowy Things to Do if You Don’t Ski in Breckenridge

burger and fries
Eat, Drink, Shop

Budget Eats in Breckenridge

snowy mountain tops
Eat, Drink, Shop

6 Ways to Experience Breckenridge’s Small Town Charm

Indoor Rock Climbing at the Breckenridge Recreation Center.
The Town

Indoor Activities in Breckenridge

Kids underwater at the pool
Summer

Kids Summer Camps in Breckenridge

Family hiking through the wildflowers and trees in Breckenridge
Plan Your Visit

Breckenridge Summer Packing Guide

A group of friends walking their dog in downtown Breck
Go Breck!

Breckenridge in September: Fall Vacation Guide

A young boy pulling his friend on a sled over the snow
Winter/Spring

Family Spring Break Guide To Breckenridge

family standing around metal tubs with tree in background
Summer

7 Fun Things To Do In Breckenridge This Summer With Kids

A happy family hiking in Breckenridge
Summer

Best Family Vacations: Breckenridge Summer Guide

A girl and her mom hugging sled dogs during a dog sledding trip in Breckenridge
Winter/Spring

10 best winter activities for families in Breckenridge

A family standing in the snow enjoying the Breckenridge views
Experience Breckenridge

The First-Timer’s Guide to Breckenridge

A Family in Breckenridge cross country skiing and snowshoeing
Plan Your Visit

Real Tips from Real Ski Moms for your Breckenridge Trip

Breck Editorial
The Breckenridge Tourism Office works to enhance and promote the unique character and experience of Breckenridge as a world-renowned destination resort and to represent, serve and perpetuate the common interest and character of its membership and community.
Rustic Cabin Interior

Book Your Stay

Breckenridge is for embracing life’s best moments. Plan a visit to experience Breckenridge for yourself.

TRAVELING TO BRECKENRIDGE, CO

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Embrace the Spirit

BLike Breckenridge™ is a movement born of the spirit of our historic mountain town. It is a cause that connects us to each other, that we can all be a part of.