Non skiing activities with a small kid

Question

Hello all, we are coming from Texas to Frisco/Breckenridge on Jan 24th for 2-3 days. We are interested in doing activities like snow sledding, Tubing, and spending some lazy time on the snow with my kid to build snowmen. Can you guys recommend which area will be best for that? I have looked into Frisco Adventure Park and was looking for some more options in nearby cities.

We are planning to stay in the Frisco/Silverthorne area (cheaper compared to other areas) and drive to the Breckenridge/ Vail area for sightseeing/ activities. We are not that used to driving in the snow, so is it safe to drive around?

Any gondola ride recommendations in nearby cities?

Answer

For a short winter trip with a small child in the Frisco/Breckenridge area, there are several family-friendly options beyond skiing. Since you’re interested in snow play like sledding, tubing, and building snowmen, you have some excellent choices that are convenient from Frisco and Silverthorne.

Best areas for snow activities:

Frisco Adventure Park: This is a great spot for sledding and tubing with a variety of hills suitable for small kids. They also have a tubing hill with a magic carpet lift for easy rides back up.
Peak 9 Tubing Hill, Breckenridge: About a 15-minute drive from Frisco, this tubing hill is a bit more expansive and offers lift access, making it fun for little ones without too much walking uphill.
Keystone Resort Snow Fort & Tubing: About 25 minutes from Frisco, Keystone has kid-friendly tubing lanes and a large snow play area. They sometimes have snow cat rides and other organized family activities.
Local parks around Frisco/Silverthorne: Even public areas near your lodging can work for casual snow play and building snowmen if you bring your own sleds.

Other kid-friendly winter activities:

Gondola Rides: Breckenridge Gondola provides easy access to scenic views without skiing, plus there are restaurants and a small snow park at the top. Copper Mountain also has a scenic gondola ride to the top with panoramic views.
Ice skating: Frisco Adventure Park has an outdoor rink, and Breckenridge has an ice rink in the town center.
Short snowshoe walks: Easy trails around Frisco or along the Dillon Reservoir can be fun for a gentle walk in the snow and building small snowmen along the way.
Indoor fun: Some nearby towns offer indoor pools or small play areas if you need a break from cold weather.

Driving tips in winter:

Roads around Frisco, Breckenridge, and Vail are generally well maintained in January, but winter driving experience is helpful. Chains or all-wheel drive are recommended. Stick to main highways (I-70 and SR 9) and allow extra time for trips. Driving slowly and cautiously will make sightseeing safe even in snowy conditions.

In summary, staying in Frisco/Silverthorne is convenient and budget-friendly. Frisco Adventure Park is your best bet for tubing and snow play, with Breckenridge and Keystone offering excellent short excursions for gondola rides and family fun.

Non skiing activities with a small kid

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