Are you looking for fun things to do in Breckenridge in the summer? If so, keep reading!
Believe it or not, there are actually plenty of things to do in Breckenridge in the summer! Sure, we know Breckenridge is also known for being a winter destination – but that doesn’t mean it’s empty come summertime!
In fact, Breckenridge is a really popular location for the warmer months too, and it’s probably down to all the fun things to do in Breckenridge in the summer.
But it’s not just all the great things to do in Breckenridge in the summer to use as a reason to visit. Because summer is considered ‘off peak’ for Breckenridge, you can also get great prices on accommodation and hotels in the summer too.
So pack away your skis (you won’t need them in the summer) and get stuck into this list of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer. Trust, us, you won’t get bored!
Our favorite things to do in Breckenridge in the summer
Epic Discovery
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, why not check out Epic Discovery Fun Park?
Located at the Peak 8 Base Camp, this spot is packed with exciting activities like mini-golf, a ropes course, a zipline, a climbing wall, and an incredible alpine slide! Talk about fun things to do in Breckenridge in the summer!
Should you be pinching pennies on your vacation, we recommend grabbing entrance tickets and selecting your attractions a la carte.
You’ll still be able to experience one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, but you won’t have to shell out for a full booklet of passes.
Breckenridge Gondola
Another great option for things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, is the Gondola.
Soar above it all by taking a ride on the glorious Breckenridge Gondola! Considered one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, visitors can marvel at the immaculate vistas over the Rocky Mountains and the main town of Breckenridge.
Not only is the ride itself relaxing, but the 13-minute journey allows you to take in the best of your surroundings without moving a muscle.
Seriously, hikes may be great for the heart, but the gondola remains one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer for a reason!
When you reach the top, be sure to explore Epic Discovery Fun Park (that we’ve just mentioned!), grab a bite to eat, and just wander around aimlessly for a while.
You can enjoy the fresh mountain air and soak up the incredible atmosphere. It’s a perfect choice for fun things to do in Breckenridge in the summer.
The Breckenridge Troll
One of the weirdest and most wonderful things to do in Breckenridge in the summer is The Breckenridge Troll experience. Created for the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts in 2018, this rather bizarre-looking monument is now one of the area’s top attractions!
Getting the troll is extremely easy, as it’s only a mile or so from the downtown area, so it’s a pretty easy choice for things to do in Breckenridge in the summer. You can either take a shuttle to the troll or take a leisurely walk that’s signposted throughout.
Just a quick word of warning – the walk to the troll may be short, but the elevation gain is quite severe. So, if you have kids or elderly members in your party, we’d stick with the shuttle!
However you choose to get here, this fascinating structure remains one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer.
Blue River Plaza
Blue River Plaza is one of our favorite things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, as it often hosts live music concerts. However, it’s also a wonderful place to visit for a picnic thanks to its expansive stretches of greenery.
During a typical summer, you’ll be able to catch concerts by the National Repertory Orchestra. To make the most of the live music here, we suggest packing a bottle of wine or champagne and uncorking it as the festivities begin.
Realistically, you may as well make the most of one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, right?
When you’re done, you can have a leisurely walk around the area before turning in for the night. Talk about a perfect day! And a great option for things to do in Breckenridge in the summer.
Read more about visiting Colorado in the summer: Top 10 castles in Colorado you should visit!
Gelato @ I Scream Gelato
Next on our list of things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, it’s paying a visit to ‘I Scream gelato‘.
This place is a cult favorite amongst locals during the summer, as it offers so many incredible flavors that offer instant relief from Colorado’s intense heat.
Whether you fancy a scoop of mint chip or want to push the boat out with a ridiculously decadent Ferrero Rocher ice cream, you’re bound to agree that this is one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer once you have a coveted cone in your hands!
Visit Lake Dillon
Next on our list for fun things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, it’s Lake Dillon. Ah, Lake Dillon. Located approximately 20 minutes from the center of town, this gorgeous area boasts expansive views of glittering azure waters and mountain peaks.
Sounds good, right? Well, it’s one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, so we certainly hope so!
While you’re here, we recommend spending most of your time walking around the lake or renting a boat and taking it out on the water. The Sapphire Point Overlook offers incredible views over the lake, and you can head up the Old Dillion Reservoir Trail for an even better vantage point.
If you’ve got above-average fitness, one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer is biking across the entire area!
However you choose to explore this place, be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen and wear appropriate hiking boots! It’s one of the top things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, but make sure you take everything you need.
Go wildlife spotting
You can combine this choice for things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, with exploring or hiking. Wildlife spotting is a great option for things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, and it’s really memorable too!
There are so many amazing species local to Breckenridge, such as the red fox pictured below, and time, patience and quiet might lead you to them!
What makes this a perfect option for things to do in Breckenridge in the summer? Well, in the winter, a lot of these animals are hibernating – so you wouldn’t get a chance to spot them!
Read more about visiting Colorado in the summer: Top 10 places for free camping in Colorado
Gold Panning
Next on our list of things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, it’s gold panning. As we mentioned previously, Breckenridge is known for its mining history.
So, is it that unsurprising that a cheeky afternoon of gold panning has made it onto our list of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer?
Live as the folks from the 19th century did by grabbing a pan and sifting for gold. Sure, you may not win big, but the Lomax Placer Mine and Country Boy Mine are fascinating places to visit without the promise of gold.
Perfect for adults and children alike who have a keen interest in history, we suggest that everyone adds this activity to their list of things to do in Breckenridge in the summer.
Hike the Illinois Creek Trail
If you’re looking for things to do in Breckenridge in the summer that involve the area’s natural beauty and will get your feet moving, why not hike the Illinois Creek Trail?
Coming in at just 1.9 miles with little to no elevation, it’s an ideal hike for the whole family and is certainly one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer.
Along the way, you’ll spot the Breckenridge Troll, plenty of gorgeous trees, and Little Mountain. It’s a great choice for things to do in Breckenridge in the summer.
Read more about visiting Colorado: Top 12 places to visit in Colorado in the summer
Blue River Tubing
Allowing visitors to explore the area’s beauty at a more relaxed pace, Blue River tubing is one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer.
Perfect for cooling off on a hot summer’s day, you’ll see swathes of tourists (and locals!) hitting the water on a typical afternoon.
If you have a tube already, then great – simply head to the water and get floating! If not, there are a couple of rental shops nearby that will have you kitted out in no time. This is a classic pick for things to do in Breckenridge in the summer.
There are a few areas to launch from the riverbank, but one of the safest and easiest areas is tucked away near the Breckenridge Rec Center.
Whether you’d like to travel as a group or fly solo, tubing is one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer by a long shot!
High Line Railroad Park and Museum
If you simply can’t get enough of this town’s fascinating history, we suggest adding the High Line Railroad Park and Museum to your list of things to do in Breckenridge in the summer.
Here, you’ll learn all about the history of rail travel in this small town and how the advent of large-scale rail travel changed the USA forever.
Although there’s plenty to love about this museum, what we find most appealing is the fact that it’s entirely free. Of course, you can donate something if you like, but it’s one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer for travelers on a budget.
When you’re done exploring, we suggest allowing the kiddos to blow off some steam (pun intended!) at the on-site playground. Trust us – it’ll come in very useful when you’re trying to get them off to sleep. This is such a fun and educational choice for things to do in Breckenridge in the summer.
Star Gazing
Next on our list of things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, it’s star gazing. This is the perfect activity for people who are after a little adventure, and perhaps, a little romance.
The clear summer nights are the PERFECT time to go stargazing around Breckenridge, and it’s such a memorable and beautiful activity.
Because of the minimal light pollution in Breckenridge, this is definitely one of the top things to do in Breckenridge in the summer.
White Water Rafting
Next on our list of things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, it’s white water rafting. Ready to get that adrenaline pumping? If you answered with a resounding “YES!”, then you’ll want to sign up for white water rafting in Breckenridge.
Thanks to the fast currents on the Blue River, rafting is one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer. So, hold onto your hats (and the rest of you!) as you go careering down the 3-mile stretch of river near Breckenridge.
If Blue River doesn’t quite float your boat (or raft), then feel free to try your luck near Lake Dillon! Wherever you decide to take on the currents, you’re bound to think it’s one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer.
Read more about visiting Colorado: Top 9 scenic drives near Denver
Visit Craft Breweries
Our next suggestion for things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, is visiting some of the area’s best craft breweries. Who doesn’t love a glorious craft brew?
If you’re in the mood for an excellent pint of beer or cider, we highly recommend checking out one of Breckenridge’s many craft breweries. Hey – it is considered one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, after all!
If you’re not sure where to visit, we recommend sticking to the Breckenridge Brewery and Pub. Not only does it boast an expansive seating area that offers excellent views of your surroundings, but it serves up some seriously good burgers and nibbles too.
Regardless of whether you settle on a light IPA or an old-world Irish stout with a rich, malt flavor, you’re bound to agree that visiting this craft brewery is one of the top things to do in Breckenridge in the summer.
Seriously – who doesn’t love kicking back in the sun with an incredible brew? We certainly do. Which is why it made our list of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer.
Visit the Mohawk Lakes
Breckenridge is highly regarded for its natural beauty, so it’s no surprise that the Mohawk Lakes have made it onto our list of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer.
Boasting gorgeous fields of wildflowers, towering shading trees, and a rather impressive trail walk (it runs for just over 8. 5 miles!), it’s unsurprising that this remains one of the town’s most popular areas.
You’ll need to be aware that the hike here is steep and the altitude is high. So, if you’re coming from a low-altitude area, you’ll want to stop frequently to catch your breath.
We get that it’s tempting to power through, but one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer may quickly turn into a sour experience if you’re not careful!
Explore downtown
No list of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer would be complete without a mention of the downtown area!
This place oozes small-town charm, and you’ll be able to visit adorable boutiques and designer stores as you walk along the main street. As there are over 200 stores dotted around downtown, you’ll certainly be spoiled for choice!
If you get peckish during your travels, we recommend stopping by Rita’s Margaritas and Tacos. Considered one of the top spots to visit for great food in the area, you’ll be booking a return visit before polishing off your appetizers!
Although it’s not overly kid-friendly, it’s a wonderful choice for adults and certainly one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer!
Have a scenic picnic!
Next on our list of things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, it’s having a picnic! In the sunshine, this is definitely one of the most relaxing things to do in Breckenridge in the summer.
There are plenty of delis, stores and cafes in town to stock up – and then just head out and find somewhere amazing to sit down and enjoy the view!
Sure, it’s might not be one of the most exciting things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, but it’s lovely, peaceful and memorable too. So ticks all our boxes!
Go on a Ghost Tour
Our next suggestion for things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, is a ghost tour! Several American towns are renowned for their ghostly antics, and Breckenridge is no different!
A dedicated ghost tour is considered one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, as it teaches you plenty about the town’s somewhat spooky past.
If you didn’t know, Breckenridge was once a bustling mining town, so expect to hear scary tales about the area’s haunted buildings, tragic deaths, and paranormal activity.
The tours pass through several places of interest, and you’ll be assigned a knowledgeable guide who will fill you in on the local haunts.
Sure, this may not be for everyone, but it’s one of our favorite things to do in Breckenridge in the summer by a mile! Oh – and doing the tour in daylight makes it slightly less spooky, right?!
Book a spa hotel
Next on our list of things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, it’s booking yourself a spa day – or a stay at a spa hotel. As you can see in the photo below – there are hotels in Breckenridge with amazing outdoor pools!
These pools might not be the most ideal setting in winter – but under the summer sunshine, there’s nothing better!
So, book yourself a spa day, and enjoy some pool time at one of these amazing spa hotels. It’s a great choice for things to do in Breckenridge in the summer.
We hope this list of fun things to do in Breckenridge in the summer has given you loads of ideas!
Which of these things to do in Breckenridge in the summer will you be trying first?
