Taking the Kids: An outdoor adventure in Breckenridge

Families gather in the middle of town at the Breckenridge River Walk Center where kids wade in the ankle-deep Blue River as adults soak their feet after hiking or shopping. "I love all the shops, especially looking for shoes because I really like shoes," said Mary Kate Kennedy, 11, from Florida

It's not only a lot cheaper--as much as half off but it's also not nearly as crowded as in winter. "It isn't a madhouse to go eat dinner," offered Christina Klein, who typically comes with her family to ski, but opted this time for a first-time summer trip.

And then there is the weather, a big draw for those coming from the South. "We are escaping 100-degree weather," explained Brian Betz, glad not to be in Texas right now. "I love it here!"

Coloradans used to say that people came here to ski and then discovered how wonderful summer can be, especially when you might be able to snare a room for a little more than $100 a night.)

But fall is equally glorious with sunny days and fall foliage that equals New England (and I know from personal experience). (Leave the kids behind or bring a sitter along and come to Breckenridge's popular Craft Spirits Festival Oct 19 through 21.)

A tip from locals: Relax and save big time on restaurants with early Happy Hour menus. "We call it the Happiest Hour," laughed one local, the mother to a one year old. (There are scores of eateries to choose from, everything from burgers and pizza to Mexican, French, Thai and Vietnamese, and there are two dozen new ones just this year. Read more about the growing food scene at Takingthekids.com.)

You'll find kids welcome everywhere (and dogs many places). Even the popular Breckenridge Distillery, incidentally the highest distillery anywhere, welcomes kids on its tours and in its restaurant with plenty of mocktails and a new menu developed by "Top Chef" alum David Burke. (Gotta love the maple bacon served on a clothesline!) Outside, the patio is equipped with games like a ring toss, bocce ball and giant Connect Four and barbecue is served every afternoon from an onsite food truck.

Rocky Mountain Underground, a unique local ski manufacturer and hip bar, welcomes everybody to its free music offerings in its beer garden. And one of the newest restaurants in town, Sancho Tacos and Tequilas, not only promises that families can eat affordably but also that kids might be tempted to expand their palates with new-style taco recipes introduced by the restaurant's Mexican chef. "A 10-year-old ordered a duck confit and pork belly taco the other day," said manager Dallas Spencer.

Just be prepared for the strong sun and the effect of high altitude (drink lots of water. "Those are the perils, but definitely worth it," said Christina Klein, a physician from Georgia. "This is such a great place to relax."

Whether that means hanging out, hiking or biking till you drop.

Just remember the sunscreen!

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow "taking the kids" on www.twitter.com, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.)