Summer in the Colorado mountains is a family adventure to remember. We spent four days near Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Silverthorne on a summer road trip through Colorado. Our family traveled from North Idaho in our RV toy hauler, which makes camping with kids so much easier. We brought our bikes and plenty of summer gear too. Here are the highlights of the best things to do with kids in Summit County, Colorado.
Video: Kids Activities at Breckenridge & Copper Mountain
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RV Camping at Prospector Campground
We camped for several days at Prospector Campground, near Dillon Reservoir in Summit County. Our site did not have hook-ups, but we are used to dry camping with our RV’s water supply and generator. The site was spacious, set on a loop with other RV and tent sites nearby.
RV camping is empowering in this stage of family life. Once we set up, we can explore the outdoors and dive into all sorts of activities. At the end of an active day, we love coming back to our comfy RV beds. The RV also helps us keep a routine for the kids, with regular meals and bedtimes.
Walk Down to Dillon Reservoir
Once our RV was set up, we walked down to the waterfront at Dillon Reservoir. This large lake sits at the base of the mountains, with gorgeous views, especially at sunset. Our kids scrambled happily down the trail to the water.
The easy trails down to the lake were a highlight. Our kids love venturing down slopes and climbing over rocks. We spent a good while exploring and soaking in the lake views. Dillon Reservoir is a large freshwater lake in Summit County. It is a beautiful spot for boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Next time we will bring our kayaks!
Summer Activities in Breckenridge
Breckenridge is a wonderful summer destination for families. The sunny weather and crisp mountain air are big draws. In summer, the Breckenridge ski resort turns into an adventure park with a gondola, an alpine coaster, and alpine slides.
Scenic Gondola Ride
A gondola ride is a scenic way to see the mountain up close. We bought tickets for our family and boarded the enclosed gondola. Much like a ski lift, it carries you up the slope with beautiful views along the way. It is an easy activity that all ages can enjoy, and the gondola is free to ride.
Gold Runner Alpine Coaster
At the top of the mountain, we rode the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster. We had bought our tickets in advance at the base. After about a 30-minute wait, we boarded our individual coaster carts. Our kids were not tall enough to ride alone, so my husband and I took turns riding with each child.
The coaster is gravity driven, and each rider sits in their own cart. You control your speed with a hand lever connected to a brake. The track twists and turns for 2,500 feet down the mountain. Each of our kids loved the ride.
Breckenridge Alpine Slide
Breckenridge also has alpine slides at the Peak 8 base camp. Each slide runs about 2,600 feet down the mountain. The wait was an hour and a half when we visited, so we skipped it this time. We have tried alpine slides elsewhere, though. You sled down a smooth track on a small sled and control your own speed. You can ride alone or with a passenger.
Explore Downtown Breckenridge
After the resort, we headed downtown for lunch. Downtown Breckenridge has walking paths and parks that are fun to explore with kids. We browsed the local shops and picked up t-shirts for the kids.
We like to keep lunch casual and inexpensive. So we grabbed street tacos, nachos, and a to-go order of sushi. Then we ate at the Riverwalk park next to the Blue River.
My kids loved spotting cool things downtown, like this scrap-metal robot sculpture. I think it is neat when a town works unique art into its public spaces.
Find the Forest Troll
One of our favorite stops was a nearby trail with a hidden forest troll. This 15-foot wooden troll is named Isak Heartstone. You can find him along the Trollstigen Trail in Breckenridge.
The trailhead is at the southeast corner of the Stephen C. West Ice Arena parking lot, next to the Illinois Gulch Trailhead. The troll was created for the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts. He is a fun reminder to recycle and upcycle. Our kids were delighted to discover him tucked among the trees.
Summer Activities at Copper Mountain
Another day, we drove over to Copper Mountain. This ski resort is a fun summer destination too. We rode the coaster, ate lunch at the resort restaurant, and stopped for a Starbucks coffee break.
Rocky Mountain Coaster
Our kids loved the Rocky Mountain Coaster at Copper Mountain. Kiera was thrilled to be tall enough to ride by herself. We waited about 45 minutes in line. Then we climbed into little carts that carried us to the top of the track.
The carts fit an adult and one passenger, so my husband and I each rode with a child. At the top, gravity pulls the cart 5,800 feet down the mountain, at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. You slow down around the turns with a braking lever. It was so much fun that we rode it twice!
Remote Control Car Course
Between coaster rides, the kids drove remote control cars at the RC car course. Each child got a car to drive around the rugged course for 5 minutes. It is great practice for learning to steer with a hand-held controller. Each kid stood on their own platform above the course. Best of all, the RC car course is a free activity for visitors.
Copper Mountain has even more to offer. You can also try chairlift rides, bike rentals, bumper boats, and a summer ski area. We had such a relaxing family day here.
Shopping at the Silverthorne Outlets
We also enjoyed a relaxed shopping day at the nearby Silverthorne Outlets. We had a few things on our list, like back-to-school clothing and kids accessories. The outlets are a pretty place to shop. The stores are split into three sections, connected by bridges over a river. Even while shopping for shoes and sunglasses, we loved the scenic walk between stores.
So Much to Do in Summit County
Summit County is full of family fun. We biked, walked, hiked, shopped, and explored Breckenridge and Copper Mountain. Each evening, we came home to our RV at Prospector Campground. Over four days, we mixed casual outings with highlight attractions like the alpine coasters. We made wonderful memories and enjoyed a summer of mountain adventures.
Planning a Colorado trip? See our full guide to Denver with kids for more family fun in the state.
What is your favorite summer mountain activity?
Hi, I’m Katie! I’m a homeschool mom who’s traveling the world with my husband and 4 kids. We raised our family in North Idaho and currently live in Mérida, Mexico. I love Jesus, coffee, creative projects, photography, and traveling. I hope you enjoy our creative ideas and family adventures!
