Why we love it: You get to feel like a kid again—and it's a great place to bring visiting family who have children in tow.

When to go: The Summer Fun Park is open daily (9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.) through September 3, and then Friday through Sunday until September 16. 

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While relaxing at the base of Peak 8 in Breckenridge after a moderate hike, my friend Vanessa and I watched kids coming down the Alpine SuperSlide and heard their ecstatic screams. Not ready to call our day in the mountains to an end, we decided to be kids and take a ride. For $16, we rode the lift up—enjoying stunning Summit County views the entire way—and hopped on our small plastic "car."

Riders can choose from three different tracks that twist and turn for 2,600 feet. Vanessa and I started at the same time and raced down the mountain—you do have braking capability—for a two-minute (or so) ride. The wind whooshed past my face as I felt the rush of adrenaline you get when you feel as though you're going to fly out of your seat, but know you won't. Vanessa beat me to the bottom, I'll admit, but we both stood up giddy and laughing just like all the kids around us.

Getting there: Head west on I-70. Take Exit 203 toward Frisco/Breckenridge. At the traffic circle, take the CO-9 South/Summit Boulevard exit. Drive about 10 miles until you reach another traffic circle. Take the exit to Main Street. Park for free in the Gondola North lot in town; ride the BreckConnect Gondola directly to the Summer Fun Park.

—Image courtesy of Breckenridge Ski Resort