Winter in Colorado Things to do in Summit County with Kids

Winter things to do in Summit County Colorado with Kids (besides Skiing)

Family Travel with Kids and Colorado

I’ve done my fair share of traveling lately and I have to say my adopted home state of Colorado still takes my breath away. Colorado is a great place to take the kids regardless of the time of year but each season offers different experiences and activities. Spring brings wildflowers. Summer is the time for hiking, biking, camping and just exploring the beautiful landscapes. Fall in Colorado announces itself with bursts of brilliant colors, amazing drives and of course football. Winter in Colorado – well it’s just magical – with scenes that seem like they’re taken directly out of a snow globe. If you’re searching for a winter wonderland for kids and family travel, Colorado (and especially Summit County) should be the top of your list.

Winter in Summit County with Kids – Getting There

One of my favorite parts about Summit County Colorado (besides the views) is how easy it is to visit with kids and to get around the towns. This is snow country. There are times (although not that common) that the roads can be closed getting in to the mountains. If you’re coming in from Denver and don’t want to chance driving in the snow there are several options for transportation in to the mountains. Most of these are private vans or buses and I find the cost to reasonable. Once you’re in the cities you will not need your car. If you want to drive I do recommend getting an awd car. The drive from Denver is normally about 2 hours. In the height of ski season that can be doubled so have patience.

If you are planning a day trip from Denver, leave early and stay late. Generally with traffic patterns you will get back to town at the same time regardless if you leave at 3 or wait until 6. For more information on traffic patterns visit the CDOT website or download the app.

Once you’re in the main resort areas of Summit County then take the bus transportation. It’s fairly easy to figure out and will get you most places that you want to go. I also enjoy just walking around and exploring.

If you’re not use to the altitude, consider staying overnight in Denver or even staying an extra day in Denver. It may take some adjustment to get use to the thinner air. Younger kids can have more problems than older kids and adults. Altitude Sickness can ruin a vacation. I would use more caution when taking kids under age 2 – maybe even waiting until the kids are a little older.

The Cities of Summit County

There are many wonderful choices for a great winter family vacation in Colorado. Several cities are right along I-70 with more choices less than 20 minutes off the main road. Idaho Springs, Georgetown, and Loveland can make good stops. For overnight options with the best skiing I recommend Breckenridge, Keystone, or Copper Mountain. Vail (in Eagle County) is also just a little farther down the road. If you’re less inclined to ski consider Frisco or Dillon for more affordable options.

Idaho Springs

Sometimes we will stop in Idaho Springs for food (Bojangles has great pizza and is a locals favorite) and to stretch our legs. Idaho Springs is a very cute town. There are candy/ice cream shops and the downtown is fun to wander around. If you want to get a closer look at the waterfall – it’s a really easy walk.

Georgetown

Georgetown is also a great stop. We almost always stop at the rest stop/welcome center in Georgetown but the city is cute as well – especially during their Christmas Festival in early December. Georgetown also has a wonderful little railroad that has hosts a Polar Express Themed trip around Christmas. It’s great. Even if you don’t make the Christmas train the views and experience of riding the train in the winter make enjoyable family memories. Also consider stopping by the lake. At times it’s full of ice fishing and other times they set up driving courses. It can be a lot of fun watching the cars skid around the lake.

Loveland

This is the closest ski resort to Denver. It’s not as fancy as the other resorts but can be a great place for young ones to learn to ski with more affordable pricing. I mention it here because of Loveland Pass. Loveland pass is a very scenic (and can be steep) mountain road that bypasses the tunnel. I do not recommend this drive when the weather is bad or if you have a fear of heights. If the weather is good, you’re comfortable driving in the snow and you want some spectacular views – go for it. The road will pass through Arapahoe Basin and Keystone before ending at scenic Lake Dillon.

Frisco/ Dillon

These two towns sit side by side just off of I-70. Lake Dillon is a beautiful stop. If the lake has frozen enough you may be able to watch kite boarding. Frisco has a wonderful little downtown that is fun to roam. It also is home to a winter adventure park. Many areas have easy bus access to help limit driving. There is also an outlet mall and plenty of restaurants.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge has everything you could ask for in a winter wonderland mountain town. Breckenridge started as a Victorian Mining village and the city continues to celebrate its roots and keep its charm. It’s also not short of modern amenities. The ski resort is huge and can be pricey. Also expect to pay $20 per day to park if you don’t have free parking at your lodging. I try to take the buses as much as I can. This city has a ton of stuff to do.

Keystone

This is a very family friendly ski town and resort about 15 minutes from Breckenridge. It’s divided in to two main areas. For families I recommend staying in River Run Village. It’s a great village setting with lots of activities for kids including Kidtopia. My only complaint about Keystone is that there is not a great area to sit and watch skiing (one of my favorite things to do). From River Run Village you need to take a gondala up to go skiing or a bus to the Mountain House Ski Area. The mountain house ski area is one of my favorite places for the little ones to learn to ski. Under age 5 is free. I generally will wear my snow boots and just follow the little ones up and down the magic carpet. Keystone has a lot of options for the non-skier as well.

Copper Mountain

This ski resort is just down the road. It’s known to be family friendly with a mountain that is naturally divided into beginner, intermediate and more advanced areas.

Skiing in Summit County with Kids

There are a lot of tricks to skiing comfortably with kids and this article does not have time to go through them all. The easiest (and most expensive) is to book lessons within the resort. All of the resorts have great options. You can get discounts by booking ahead or booking for multiple days. Also be sure to add in the cost of rentals and lift tickets (sometimes included in class prices). I do recommend lessons if it’s in budget.

If you just want to try a very beginner area with less up front cost, you can get a very basic lesson through Frisco’s Adventure Center for a much better price. If you have super young kids than consider the beginner magic carpet at Keystone (under age 5).

So what if you don’t ski? Skiing is a lot of fun but it’s also not easy and it’s expensive. If you want a cheaper and lower stress vacation try the activities below instead. You’re family is sure to have a blast.

My Favorite Kids Activities that have Nothing to do With Skiing

Dog Sledding

Good Times Adventures is located down Tiger Road near both between Breckenridge, Keystone and Frisco. We’ve been twice and both times we had an absolutely fabulous experience. It’s one of the few dog sledding companies where you are allowed to drive the dogs. Basically about 6 people load up in a sled pulled by a snowmobile and you take turns driving and riding in the dogsled. My daughter was 4 when we first went and is was so much fun. The area is so beautiful and the dogs are just great. They just love to run. If you have one activity to splurge on with a family – pick this one (and it will still be cheaper than skiing).

Keystones Snow Cat

The Keystone Snow Cat Tour is the way to acclimate yourself with the mountain. This is a large heated snow cat that takes you in the back country of the resort and in to the deep snow. I love this experience for newbies that otherwise would not be able to get off the main drag. It’s low stress too. As long as you can make it to the gondola and walk about 100 feet you can do this tour.

Mountain Top Children’s Museum (recently closed 🙁 )

We almost always make a stop at this compact kids museum in the heart of Breckenridge. It may be small but my kids can play here for hours. There is a dress up area, building area, fishing station, are station and others. The Mountain Top Children’s Museum makes such a great stop to get out of the cold and let the kids explore and recharge their imagination.

Ice Skating

There are several places for ice skating in the area. I like the small ring at the river run resort in Keystone. It’s strategically located next to a playground and has easy access if you are staying at River Run. You can also ice skate indoors at the Stephen C West Ice Arena. Keystone Lake is another outdoor choice and it can be beautiful.

Sledding in Breckenridge

Breckenridge has a free sledding hill just north of the elementary school and it’s super fun. There are no magic carpets here. You’ll need good ole leg power and bring your own sleds. You should be able to pick some up in nearby stores or gas stations.

Keystone’s Kids Parade

The Keystone kids parade starts at River Run Resort and is a Saturday tradition for my kids. All of the kids pile in to a float or golf cart and are escorted through the village. There is music and dancing. The parade ends at the River Run ice rink where the kids are rewarded with cookies (and we buy hot chocolate). This is such a fun experience for kids especially after a long day of skiing or playing in the snow.

Snow Playgrounds

Keystone has areas set up where the kids can play in the snow. There is a larger one at the top of the gondola and sometimes smaller ones as well. Most have slides and places to climb. I just love these snow playgrounds.

Classic Playgrounds

All of the resorts also have traditional playgrounds. Keystone has one near the River Run Ice Rink and at the base of the River Run Gondola. Breckenridge has a nice playground near the indoor ice rink and a smaller area in the middle of downtown. Just make sure the kids are wearing their snow gear.

Sleigh Rides

This is the classic winter wonderland activity. Some tours include dinner while others include a hot chocolate and a s’mores break. Other offer just a scenic option. Regardless you’re sure to get cuddly with the family and may be get in some great jingle bell singing.

Snow Mobiles

Also available from Good Times Tours? I haven’t been yet but I’m sure it’s beautiful and would be wonderful for those a little more adventurous. Summit County gets prettier the farther out in nature you can get.

Tubing

Available at Frisco Adventure Park and Copper Mountain.

Ice Castle

The ice castles are not a yearly event and they can be in different locations each year. If you’re lucky enough to be in town when one is built they can be a lot of fun to explore.

Snow Sculptures

Every winter Breckenridge hosts the International Snow Sculptures Championship. These creations are amazing and worth a look.

Hiking/ Snow Shoes

Just because it’s winter does not mean you can’t hike. For trail conditions and recommendations I would start with a stop at a nearby Welcome Center.

Cross Country Skiing

If downhill is not your thing but you still want to get on skis in Breckenridge and in Frisco can teach you how. They also rent trailers if you have a little one in tow.

S’mores and Sitting around the Fire

There are many fire pit locations at the resorts. River Run has a great one. Many of the condos and house rentals will have access to fire pits and smores too. A trip to the mountains is not complete without some time sitting around a fire.

Kidtopia

Be sure to check out Keystone’s website for Kidtopia events. There is always something fun happening for the kids to enjoy.

Go Swimming!

I know this sounds strange but my kids Love to swim in the winter. Some of the resorts have indoor/outdoor pools – my kids favorite. They just love jumping out, making snow angels and jumping back in. You can also check out the Breckenridge Recreation Center.

Eric’s Downstairs

Downstairs at Eric’s restaurant is a must during our ski trips. It’s located in a basement in downtown Breckenridge. It’s busy to try to go early or on off times. They do have a nice app that will text you so you can explore while you wait but I tend to get grumpy when I’m hungry so we try to beat the rush. The food is hardy and is just right after a long day of skiing. There is also an arcade that helps pass the time while your food is getting ready.

Watch the Fireworks

Keystone has fireworks Saturday night. Keystone also has night skiing if you’re more adventurous.

Ride the Gondala and Get Hot Chocolate at the top

This is totally free (except for the hot chocolate and parking) but it’s one of my favorite things to do in Breckenridge. Take the Gondala to the top, grab a hot chocolate (or beer) and just watch all the activity.

Walking Around Town

Breckenridge has a lovely downtown that’s great to explore. There is shopping and lots to see. Frisco also has a nice downtown area.

Get Crepes

Breckenridge has a wonderful small crepe shop along main street. Keystone has one not to far from the Gondalo base. They are both delicious.

Get lost at the Lost Cajun and pick up some Beads

I just love this small but very cute restaurant in Frisco and it reminds me of home.

Take a Scenic Drive

There are several choices of great drives including Loveland Pass. Pick a direction and go for it.

Regardless if you consider yourself a ski bunny or it’s your fist family trip to the mountains. You’re sure to find something fun to do in a Summit County Colorado Winter Vacation.

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