The most rewarding family vacations leave no one out. The combination of a world class ski resort, historic mountain town, and an adventure mecca means that even the biggest curmudgeon will crack a smile at some point, even if they have to take a solitary hike in the woods to avoid witnesses.
MUSEUMS
The Barney Ford House Museum honors Barney L. Ford, an escaped slave who went on to become a successful entrepeneur and a civil rights pioneer. It's located about a block off of Main Street on Washington Avenue. The museum's schedule changes seasonally, so make sure to confirm its hours before you go.
Families with children under the age of 10 should definitely make it a point to get to the Mountain Top Children's Museum during their stay. This museum provides children and their families with engaging and interactive exhibits that change regularly. The museum is open year-round but its schedule changes with the season.
GOLD MINE TOURS
The Country Boy Mine is located just a short drive east of Breckenridge. It's open during the summer and fall, but closed during the winter. The mine tour takes about 45 minutes, after which you'll learn how to pan for gold. You can also explore the mine site, make friends with the roaming burros, and slide down the 55-foot ore chute slide.
The Washington Gold and Silver Mine was one of the area's largest mines in the 1880s. Now, during the summer months you can tour the mine with an expert guide. At the end of the tour, you'll learn the intricacies involved with panning for gold and even get to try it for yourself.
CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS
At Ready Paint Fire, everyone can show off their creative talents. This studio gives you the opportunity to try your hand at painting pottery or canvas or creating mosaics. They offer a variety of workshops for adults as well as art camps for children. The studio is open daily, making it a great choice on those extra cold days.
Take the film or theatre lover in your group to the Backstage Theatre during your stay. In addition to offering periodic film screenings, the theatre also features plays throughout the year with plenty that are family-friendly. Children who would rather be on the stage will love the theatre's numerous acting and improvisation workshops.
SUMMER CAMPS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION
Youth summer camps are a good way to keep those kids busy during the summer months. With sports, outdoors, climbing, and tennis camps as well as preschool programs, there’s definitely something for everyone.
If you're looking to get the whole family active, head over to Putt and Play Junction. In addition to 18 holes of miniature golf, the attraction also has lawn games, a mini train ride, bounce houses, basketball hoops, and more. It's located at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena's outdoor rink and it's open daily during the summer starting in early June.