Families chose Breckenridge and Summit County because of all the Fall Activities for Kids! That’s right, our mountain towns don’t really slow down between summer and winter like they used to. And that’s because the mountains offer so many different opportunities to experience the great outdoors.
If you’re ready to book your Breckenridge Vacation Rental for your fall adventure, please give our team a call to help you pick your home. We offer a high-quality selection of fine mountain homes in “The Kingdom of Breckenridge.” They called it that because the town was left off the map at one time!
Waterfall Hikes
Hit the trail with a fun destination in mind and tell them a waterfall is waiting! The first two listed below are found south of Breckenridge, down by the Mt. Quandary trailhead. You can keep going on the road and look for the parking at the far end, or take your first right past the popular 14er trailhead to another parking area near a gate.
Closer to town is the Spruce Creek trailhead area, where a car with good clearance can get close to a gate, while others park low and walk up to the first Mohawk Lake. After passing a waterfall is found off to the right of the trail as it zig-zags up the mountainside.
Willow falls is found near the Town of Silverthorne and is the longer of the waterfall hikes mentioned here. After wandering through a tall forest of aspen and pine trees, the reward is a gushing waterfall with the towering craggy backsides of Buffalo mountain and Red mountain above you.
Mountain Lakes
Some kids love to find a nice beach and will fish all day long. Dillon Reservoir, aka Lake Dillon, has many places to explore the shoreline. A short trail will lead you to a historic location, the Old Dillon Reservoir. A few trails in the area offer opportunities to extend your hike. Or head across the street to Giberson Bay to toss a line in the water!
An unusual and stunning view of Lake Dillon is found at the Snake River inlet, near Keystone at the intersection of Highway 6 and Swan Mountain Road. The classic view of the lake is found on the Sapphire Point trail. You can read about that in our previous blog article by clicking here!
Some hikers arrive at the first lake and discover the trail keeps going. Another half hour to hour and you’ll arrive at a second lake. You’ll add a couple of hours to your outing, so be prepared before heading out on any mountain hike. Please take all the essentials and clothing to keep you warm when the wind blows through. It could even rain, or snow (if the conditions are right) on you, so it’s a good idea to bring along a warm hat and gloves with you.
Pro tip: Grab some hand warmers from the store and use them as needed.
- Old Dillon Reservoir
- Lake Dillon - Giberson Bay, Frisco Marina, Dillon Marina
- Mohawk Lakes
- Officer’s Gulch
- Turquoise Lake
Officer’s Gulch is found between Frisco and Copper Mountain, and a super short walk leads you to small ponds that are perfect for an afternoon of fishing. The Ten Mile Creek Canyon surrounds you as you spend your time here. Further along the road and up Highway 91 brings you to the boomtown of Leadville, Colorado. Turquoise Lake is a short drive from the historic downtown area.
In Town
When you’re back in town, head over to the dredge boat and feed the fish. Take some change for some fish food available from the machines on site. If it’s rainy, head to the video games at Downstairs at Eric’s.
Pool players can spend some time at the billiards hangout in La Cima Mall on the south end of Breck. Lucky for parent’s, the Breckenridge Brewery is close by. Kids can shoot pool and work on their bowling technique at Lakeside Bowl and Billiards.
The sweet tooth can be satisfied in the Town of Frisco at Foote’s Sweet Shoppe. Plenty of tables to sit and relax with some fresh ice cream. The best hot chocolate and whipped cream can be sipped while munching on one of the yummy baked goodness at the Cool River Coffee House, near the dredge boat mentioned above.
We know that this list will keep your family busy, so when someone asks what there is to do in the mountains, you can show them this list of all the fun Fall Activities for Kids!