Breckenridge is a mountain-town paradise. No matter the season there’s always plenty to do outdoors. Whether it’s skiing during winter and spring or hiking and biking during the summer months, visitors flock to Breck for fresh air and an active lifestyle. But there are days when it’s just too cold or too wet to be outside. Fortunately indoor activities in Breckenridge won’t disrupt your fun, and they’re worth a stop even on the brightest and warmest days. All of these recommendations are in close proximity to downtown and easy to access even in inclement weather.
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Flex Your Creative Muscle
Our absolute favorite indoor activity in Breckenridge is painting pottery at Ready, Paint, Fire. We’ve been known to stop by several times a week during our annual summer visits, especially on rainy days. We now have a veritable menagerie of unicorns, dragons, ballerinas, wizards, and other whatnots, each representing a delightful afternoon spent at the studio on Main Street. Beth, the proprietor, and her staff are always friendly and willing to help guide your creations.
Ready, Paint, Fire isn’t just a pottery studio. If your inner Picasso is calling, you can paint masterpieces on canvases using easy-to-follow instructions. Many of them are Colorado themed and make a fun souvenir. You can also create mosaics and take evening glass fusing classes. (323 N. Main Street)
Escape a Room
We are big fans of escape rooms anywhere, and our favorite in town, Escape Room Breckenridge, has several fun themed adventures to explore. We recently rescued our school pet in the new “Wizard School” room, and it was loads of fun for the adults and kids. Noodling through clues and puzzles is a fun way to escape a rainy day in Breck. (233 S. Ridge St., Suite C)
Visit a Museum
If you have to spend time indoors on vacation, why not learn a little something? Breckenridge is home to several small and well-curated museums located in or near downtown. None of them requires an entire day to explore so pop in to the nearest collection when one of those wicked mountain storms descends.
Barney Ford House Museum
The Barney Ford Victorian House Museum is a reflection of the life of Barney Ford, an escaped slave turned entrepreneur and civil rights leader. His harrowing story is told through period archives and depicts a time in Breckenridge different than some of the mining-centered exhibits in town. Spend time reading the placards around the house to appreciate 19thcentury Rocky Mountain life. (111 East Washington Avenue)
Edwin Carter Discovery Center
Breckenridge’s natural history museum, the discovery center is home to Edwin Carter’s vast array of taxidermy specimens and other treasures. The museum features many interactive exhibits and is a great detour for the entire family. (111 North Ridge Street)
Summit Ski Museum
The Summit Ski Museum traces the history of Breckenridge’s favorite pastime, skiing. Featuring equipment and archives from the 10thMountain Division, a military unit that fought on skis during WWII through the development of the Breckenridge ski resort we know today. (308-B South Main Street)
Hit the (Indoor) Ice
The Stephen C. West Ice Arena is a great place to visit any time of the year. Perfect your hockey skills, work on your triple salchow, or just free skate with your family on Breckenridge’s coolest indoor excursion. Check the website for hours and have fun out there! (0189 Boreas Pass Road)
Downstairs at Eric’s Arcade
One of Main Street’s main attractions (especially for kids) is the arcade at Downstairs at Eric’s. The bar and restaurant are always busy, and a great pit stop no matter the weather. The food at Eric’s is surprisingly tasty – try the fried pickles and soft pretzels while the kids play. The arcade was recently expanded to include a number of fun and interactive games. Want to drive a Star Wars land speeder? Challenge your kids to a basketball shoot out? There’s something for everyone downstairs! (111 South Main Street)
Bon Mot Bonus: Eric Mamula of Downstairs at Eric’s (a.k.a. THE Eric of Eric’s) is currently the Mayor of Breckenridge. Be sure to say “hello” and catch up on local politics if you see him there.
Enjoy Your Own Company
Finally, if the rain or chilly weather keeps you indoors, why not spend some time hanging out and playing games? Take some time to explore your vacation rental and snuggle up with your travel companions. We never leave home without a deck of Uno cards, some fun art supplies, and a few packable family-friendly games. Our favorites include Sequence, Jenga, and Connect 4. (Click the links to access travel-sized versions on Amazon.) Sometimes it’s a good idea to actually rest while on vacation.
Breckenridge, Colorado is an amazing place with tons to do both indoors and out. It’s easily accessible and centrally located for summer and winter excursions, and our family always loves the time we spend there. (Check out my “Road Trip Readiness” post.) So go explore and enjoy all the town has to offer!
The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I‘d love to hear about your fun vacation tips for rainy days. Please comment and share. And thank you for stopping by Being Bon Mot!