Activities For Kids

Steamboat Springs not only offers an abundance of outdoor activities for kids but also other creative options for families that are looking for a unique vacation experience with memories to last a lifetime.

Summer Activities & Attractions

• Howler Alpine Slide
  Howelson Hill boasts Howler Alpine Slide where kids can enjoy picturesque views and controlled speeds while traveling down this high country novelty.
• Gondola
  Similarly, the Steamboat Springs Gondola offers travelers a unique view of the river valley while also offering options for hiking and mountain biking nearby.
• Rodeo & Horseback Riding
  There are also options for children to interact with reputed animals of the old west such as bulls, cows and more through the seasonal rodeo or even horseback riding through a nearby ranch or stable. Despite the ability of the rider, day trips can be customized for each individual or group.
• Biking
  Biking is also an option as many retailers throughout Steamboat offer bike rental. For a family friendly ride along the Yampa River, be sure to check out the Yampa Core Trail adjacent to the downtown area of Steamboat.
• Tread of the Pioneers Museum
  The Tread of the Pioneers Museum features numerous ranching, mining and pioneer life artifacts from Routt County.  Housed in a 1908 Queen Anne-style Victorian home, the museum also offers a comprehensive history of skiing display and a Native American Arts display.  There are many special features of the museum geared towards kids including an interactive computer exhibit, a kids scavenger hunt and more.  
• Yampa River Botanical Park
  Children can also explore the Yampa River Botanic Park and take a unique look at what types of flowers and other vegetation grows in this elevated location. Admission to the park is free and flowering is at a peak in June and July.  Because the park is close to the Yampa River, many birds nest nearby.  
• Old Town Hot Springs
  Old Town Hot Springs is a popular attraction that is open everyday except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.  The facility boasts two waterslides that are open in both the summer and winter seasons.  

Let's admit it. Kids love snow. They love to play in it, on it, around it, however they can. Fortunately, Steamboat Springs consistently receives plenty of snow, so there are a number of options for parents and children to try out.

What to do for Kids Winter Fun

• Skiing
  Strapping a couple of waxed planks onto your feet may not seem like the smartest of ideas, but it certainly is fun. If kids are just starting, putting them into ski or snowboard school will teach them proper technique while freeing the adults to have their own fun. If already avid skiers or riders, then Steamboat has plenty of options to challenge them.
• Snowmobiling
  Young children are excited to hop on the back of a snowmobile to feel the new sensation of driving over snowpack. Older children will appreciate the novelty of driving their own machine.
• Dog Sledding
  Combining a few of kids' favorite things is a guaranteed winner. Snow, dogs and sleds work together to pull the group around the winter terrain in a few hours of unique enjoyment.
• Sleigh Rides
  Take a few hours to relax with the kids. The sound of horses neighing and sleigh bells ringing will be music to the kids' ears, making them laugh and smile like they're on the Polar Express.
• Snow Tubing
  When adults go snow tubing, it reminds them of when they were young, so give your kids the same chance to build those memories from scratch. It's fun for the entire family.
• Snowshoeing
  Equipment companies realize that snowshoeing is an activity for the entire family, so kid-sized snowshoes are available for the little ones. The technique is the same as walking, which means it's a natural sport to entertain everyone from young to old.
• Ice Skating
  Gliding over frozen water is a strange sensation. Kids love the newness of that feeling: the challenge of staying up, the thrill of falling down and try to get back up again. Everyone has a good time racing around the rink, trying to start, turn and, of course, stop.
• History & Museums
  Taking kids to the historic districts and museums, such as the Tread of Pioneers Museum and the Museum of Northwest Colorado, is an opportunity to expose them to the rich history of the Steamboat Springs area.
• Scenic Drives
  Take the kids up to Rabbit Ears Pass or the Flat Tops Scenic Byway to view the winter landscape, where they can hop out, play in the snow, and get out some of the built up energy.
• Steamboat Springs Art Depot
  Art is a great way for kids to get interested in a wide variety of subjects, including painting, sculpture, or some of the many other fields. The museum hosts events designed especially for kids, so be sure to check their events calendar.