The mountain town of Breckenridge in Colorado is the place to go for families looking for a holiday out of the ordinary this summer

With over 300 inches of snowfall in the winter and on average 300 days of sunshine per year, by the time the school summer holidays commence, the crystal-clear waters in Breck are a total haven for watersports and provide unforgettable views from the mountains.

From backcountry hut stays and thrilling river kayaking and rafting nearby, to breathtaking fly fishing with views to match, there are adventures for all ages and interests in Breck. Plus, with a host of new restaurants in town and a jam-packed weekend scheduled in June to celebrate all things biking, visitors may well discover that they never want to go on a standard package holiday again!

Banish boredom with Breckenridge’s summer outdoor activities
No family trip to Breck would be complete without taking part in some of the exhilarating and tranquil sports the mountain resort has to offer. While whitewater rafting has a reputation for being bracing, in Breckenridge families can also book beginner raft trips that are tailored for children as young as two years old, who can enjoy a few light splashes and calm cruising among local wildlife. Taking a water taxi across Lake Dillon, just north of the town, is another great way to absorb the views from the water and is sure to be a firm family favourite, especially when combined with lunch and a bike ride along part of the surrounding scenic 18-mile paved path.

More adventurous families will not find themselves short of things to do in Breck this summer either. For the ultimate backcountry experience, summer hut trips in Breckenridge allow families to get wholly in touch with nature and sleep out in the Rocky Mountains. With 29 huts connected by 350 miles of terrain, families can hike and bike in the sunshine all day long before bonding over board games each evening. Adrenaline junkies will not be able to resist a spot of more challenging whitewater kayaking once back in Breck, and the huge waves of the 1,800ft-long kayak park on the Blue River is the ideal place to pick up some speed. For more information on Breck’s summer activities visit http://www.gobreck.com/what-to-do/summer-activities

Relish in pedal paradise at Breck’s Bike Week(end), 23-25 June
Families who are rarely out of the cycle saddle will delight in Breckenridge’s two-day biking bonanza this June. Offering mountain and road demonstrations, bike skill clinics and guided tours for all ages, there are few summer events so well suited to Breckenridge, where the vast network of trails welcome cyclists of all abilities. Over the weekend, kids and big kids alike will love the thrill of a classic American campfire ride and the excuse to unleash ‘The Fintstones’ family potential at a bike-in movie night at the Breckenridge Arts District. For more information visit http://www.gobreck.com/events/breck-bike-week

Family feasts to fuel adventure
With so many activities to enjoy each day, family holidays in Breck demand delicious and filling food. Hitting Breckenridge just in time for the summer are Thai restaurant Bangkok Happy Bowl, which boasts the unique location of a historic re-model on Main Street, designed by local architect Janet Sutterly; French-inspired bistro Belle V, where diners can tuck into the fun sharing plates based on beloved family recipes; and Pho Real, a hub of tasty and fast Vietnamese food – perfect for hungry hikers fresh off the trail. In the mornings, the whole family will love devouring homemade pastries at Mom’s Baking Co before heading out for a day of exploring in the sunshine, and deal-seekers will love popping back at 3.30pm daily for a $4 surprise bag – perfect for that afternoon sugar dip.

For more information on Breckenridge visit www.gobreck.com

  • Images | Mountain town of Breckenridge, Colorado | © Go Breck; Family enjoying the views of Breckenridge on a summer bike ride | © Liam Doran; Mountain town of Breckenridge, Colorado | © Bob Winsett