Summer in Breckenridge: 15 Amazing Things to Do (Plus What to Know Before You Go)

This iconic mountain town is the quintessential Colorado destination. Its year-round activities and stunningly scenic landscape is the perfect spot to create vacation memories. Summer in Breckenridge is especially magical! 

It’s often thought of as a ski town – and it is! However, a visit in the summertime means Breckenridge really comes alive. Beautiful lakes and wildflowers, a lively downtown and plenty of activities perfect for warm weather.

If you’re spending a week in Breckenridge (Breck, as the locals call it) or you’re making a stop as part of a Colorado road trip, there’s plenty of things to do and see.

Oh, and you can’t miss the Breckenridge fun park! More on that later. Here’s your guide to this lovely town in the middle of the Rocky Mountains.

Why visit Breckenridge in summer?

Before we get to the best ways to maximize your time this summer in Breckenridge, let’s talk about the pros and cons.

Summer is among the best times to visit this amazing destination if you’re looking for warm weather, sunshine and not a lot of rain to get in your way of outdoor activities.

Breckenridge average summer temperatures:

• June temps: 66/ 50
• July temps: 72 / 56
• August temps: 68 / 53

Also if you’re looking for an affordable vacation in Breckenridge, summertime is perfect! With many free or cheap outdoor activities, it’s a great time for couples, families or individuals to explore the area.

The cons to visiting Breckenridge in summer is that a lot of other people also want to see this beautiful mountain town, too! That means the pricing for accommodations can be higher, more crowds and long lines for certain activities.

Tips for enjoying summer in Breckenridge, Colorado

This beautiful mountain town is picturesque and is sure to put a smile on your face! Here are some top tips for enjoying summer in Breckenridge:

• Book your trip as far in advance as possible. This ensures the best pricing on accommodations. And don’t forget about booking activities early, too.
• Pack layers. Early mornings and evenings are cool in the mountains.
• Respect local fire restrictions. Colorado is dry and has been the home to devastating wildfires. Pay attention to county restrictions and follow directions. Common restrictions are fire pits, grills, fireworks, etc.
• Expect crowds. It’s summertime and you’re on vacation! Bring your patience and enjoy your time in Breck!

Sitting at 9,600 elevation at the town center, the air is thin but the activities are not! There’s so many things to do in Breckenridge in summer that no matter your vacation style, you’ll find as much adventure – or relaxation – as you desire.

This guide leans toward family-friendly fun with some high-adventure activities. But the nice thing about a destination like this is that you can make it your own.

Map of Breckenridge activities 

Breckenridge, Colorado is nestled in the Rocky Mountains, just 1.5 hours west of Denver along Interstate 70. And if you’re a visual person like I am, this map will help you plan your days in Breckenridge.

1. Epic Discovery at Breckenridge

One of the town’s main attractions, Epic Discovery at Breckenridge is full of adventure for any age! This ski resort in the winter turns to pure fun in the summer! Visit the Peak 8 Base Camp, where you’ll find this mountain-top fun park is quite the thrill!

Of course there’s food and drink, but the focus is all about the adventures!

Activities at Epic Discovery at Breckenridge:

• Bungee trampolines
• Ropes course
• Mini golf
• Lil’ flyer zipline
• Climbing wall
• Alpine slide (see #2 below)
• Goldrunner coaster
• Mountain biking
• Scenic chair lift

Grab tickets at the entrance of the park where you can buy al a carte rides, a bundle of 3 or all-day fun passes for each person. Visit the park website for real-time hours and pricing info.

Pro tip: the Breckenridge adventure park can get pricey. Decide how much you’ll spend during your time there and stick to it!

2. Breckenridge alpine slide

The epic Alpine slide in Breckenridge

Part of the Breckenridge adventure park, this is the perfect way to enjoy the mountain scenery. For young and old, the Breckenridge alpine slide and alpine roller coaster are thrill-inducing for anyone looking for adventure!

The Breckenridge alpine slide is not your typical slide. You’ll sit in a cart and ride down the slopes while enjoying the view. Young children can go with a parent or older kids can experience it themselves.

If you’re looking to fly down the mountain with great speed, you’ll want to try the roller coaster!

Create vacation memories on the Breckenridge alpine coaster at the Epic Discovery. It’s self-controlled so you get to determine your speed. Hop on the cart and ride down the mountain on the alpine roller coaster unlike any other!

Twist and turn your way down 2500 feet on the mountaintop. So fun!

3. Breckenridge gondola (a family favorite activity during summer in Breckenridge)

Speaking of adventure park, a fun way to get there is by taking the free Breckenridge gondola. Fun for nearly any age, the Breckenridge gondola is perfect for snow gear in the winter, but ideal for strollers, dogs and bikes in the summer. 

Soak in the beautiful views on a 13-minute ride as you raise nearly 400 feet in elevation on the BreckConnect gondola. With 360 degree views of the Rocky Mountains and the town of Breckenridge, this free attraction cannot be beat!

Of course once you get to the top you can enjoy the adventures of the Epic Discovery Fun Park, grab food, watch live music or otherwise enjoy the sights of the mountain.

Riding the Breckenridge gondola will be a highlight of your trip if you’re traveling with young kids.

4. Visit the Breckenridge Troll

Meet Isak! The Breckenridge Troll

Isak Heartstone, AKA the Breckenridge Troll is a fun, free attraction for kids and adults alike. It’s one of the most Insta-worthy attractions in Breckenridge in summer.

The troll was originally created for the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts and is now a popular tourist attraction.

See also: Breckenridge Troll Guide – Insider Tips, How to Get There & Everything You Need to Know

Located about a mile from downtown Breckenridge, getting to the troll is relatively easy. Here are specific directions to find the troll from the city of Breckenridge. 

Pro tip: the official directions will tell you to walk to the troll. However, if you’re traveling with young kids, know that it’s a steep walk uphill in high elevation and can be quite exhausting. 

I’d recommend to take the free shuttle from downtown. Alternatively, if you navigate to the Illinois Creek Trailhead, you’ll find parking near the trailhead to the troll. Then it’s just a short walk to see Isak.

You’ll probably need about an hour’s time to get to the troll, hang out and take a few photos and get back to your vehicle.

Downtown Breckenridge

Continuing this list of things to do in Breckenridge during summer, downtown is a hot spot!

Breckenridge isn’t just another ski resort town, its downtown area includes over 200 shops and 80 restaurants. Let’s explore a bit more!

5. Shop for souvenirs in Breck

If you love to shop, you have a collection from travels (like Christmas ornaments) or you simply love to buy souvenirs while you travel, this is the perfect spot for you!

Downtown Breckenridge shops include everything from jewelry to shoes, rustic home decor and even specialty chocolates. Cute boutiques and high-end brands line the streets. You’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in this cute mountain town. 

6. Sancho’s 

If you’re a fan of margaritas, tequila or tacos, you need this place in your life. Seriously.

Rita’s margs are the best we had in all of Summit County (including spots like Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne and more). When you walk in and see tequila lining the bar, you know you’re in a good spot for margaritas!

Anyway, it’s not the most kid-friendly place (they don’t even have high chairs), however for older kids and vacations without kids, this place is a must!

7. Try the local brews: Breckenridge Brewery 

Local breweries in Colorado are the best!

Let’s stick with the boozy theme. While there are 1001 breweries in Colorado (seems like it, right??), this one is a good one. The food is awesome, which is a bonus.

Breckenridge Brewery and Pub has a cool indoor and outdoor seating area. And bonus – it’s dog friendly too! From salads to burgers and of course, cold brews, this brewery is one of our favorites in Colorado.

8. Blue River Plaza

Green space at the Blue River Plaza

The Blue River Plaza is a wide open space in the center of town. It’s a very scenic area with mountains in the background and the Blue River running through it. 

The plaza is a natural gathering place, and a perfect spot for a free outdoor concert. Catch some live music by the National Repertory Orchestra and hang out by the river. Check out the event schedule for the NRO here.

If you’re traveling with littles, this area is a great pit stop from walking downtown. There’s plenty of shade for adults, too. That mountain sunshine is powerful!

Watch as your young kids climb on the slide and natural playground with such a scenic background. Plus picnic tables for takeout. It’s a perfect pit stop after a day exploring the downtown area.

9. Free museum at the Breckenridge Welcome Center 

The Breckenridge Welcome Center is in the heart of downtown. You can get advice and guides, use restrooms but my favorite part is the interactive museum. And bonus – it’s free!

During the construction of the welcome center, demolition crews discovered a 19th century log cabin, which is now part of the museum. The museum also includes info and history on the Gulch Wildlife Preserve, the Native American settlement, gold mining and much more.

Top things to do in Breckenridge

Can you believe all of this is in downtown Breck? Let’s keep going!

10. Arcade at Downstairs at Eric’s 

Classic arcade games: Downstairs at Eric’s

Wondering what to do in Breckenridge? How about a throwback to arcade games?

Pizza, beer, burgers and an arcade! This is the perfect spot for a rainy day or just to switch it up from outside adventures!

Find old-school arcade games like skiball and Donkey Kong. It’s perfect for youngsters and those young at heart. And after your games are done, be sure to grab food. Our large group loved everything we ordered, so you really can’t go wrong!

11. Gelato at I Scream Gelato (pretty much a requirement in Breckenridge in summer!)

Guyssss- I consider myself an ice cream lover. And while this isn’t technically ice cream, it’s in the same family and it’s mighty delicious!

With classic flavors like mint chip and vanilla to complex, mouth-watering flavors of raspberry cheesecake, key lime pie and Ferrero Rocher, you’ll love them all. As you’re planning your day in Breck, make sure you leave room for gelato. You won’t regret it!

12. Axe throwing

If you’re a competitor at heart and love extreme sports, then you’ll love this activity! Located in downtown Breck right next to your new favorite gelato place, grab some friends or your partner and get ready for some fun! 

Axe throwing is gaining popularity and what better way to experience it than on vacation. Reserve your spot with an axe throwing pro to win the competition and hit the bullseye! 

Book it now: axe throwing in Breckenridge 

13. Breckenridge Alpine Gardens

Breckenridge Alpine Gardens

The town center is pretty busy, yet this garden is peaceful and serene. Tucked behind the busy main street, the Alpine Gardens are simple and beautiful.

Take a stroll down the path as you transplant yourself away from the crowds and into the garden scene. The garden is situated right next to the Blue River and is very representative of what grows in this high altitude environment.

14. Take a ghost tour

Walking the streets of Breck during a ghost tour

One of the coolest things to do in summer in Breckenridge if you’re into history is take a ghost tour. It’s widely believed that Breckenridge has some paranormal activity due to its turbulent past. This is a fun way to learn about that history!

Take a glimpse into Breckenridge’s past, listening to spooky stories and seeing the old buildings in downtown Breck.

Book it now: ghostly tales of Breckenridge