Seven Ways to Spend the Summer in Steamboat Springs

When the snow finally melts on the ski resort mountains, the fun isn’t over; it’s just the mountain’s way of shedding its winter coat to make room for summer fun.  All season resorts, like Steamboat Springs, have just as much to offer in the summer, and amp up the family-friendly offerings to keep everyone occupied. Check out these seven ways to spend the summer in Steamboat Springs.

1.Live it Up at the Coca Cola Adventure Zone

If a bunch of kids were contracted to design a play zone, the result would probably look exactly the Coca Cola Adventure Zone. Located at the base of the ski area, this is an ideal place to play for a few hours or all day.  Activities include a ropes course, slingshot bungee jump, climbing wall, bounce house, mechanical bull, human gyro, water walkerz, and sluice mining. If you are exhausted reading that list, just think how blissfully worn out the kids will be at the end of the day.  Bonus for parents: all of the activities are located in close concentration, so you can set the kids loose while you sit down and soak up the sun (and maybe some ice cream.) Tickets are available per attractions or as an all-day pass. Some height and weight restrictions apply.

2.Swoosh Down the Mountain Summer Style at the Alpine Slides

Think swooshing down the mountain is just for snowy weather? Think again!  After a scenic chairlift to the top of Howelson Hill, you climb aboard a self-controlled cart that screams down the steep face of the mountain through 2400 feet of banked turns and thrilling bumps. It’s the closest most of us will ever get to feeling the thrill of the bobsleds. Feel free to go head to head on the dual track against friends and family for the title of fastest slider on the mountain. Psssst….if you want to win the gold, the good money is on the track on the left.  Children under two are not permitted on the Howler Alpine Slides. Children between 2-6 years old must ride with an adult.

3.Hit the Hot Springs

While you won’t find any steamboats in town, you can find a couple of natural hot springs that are open to the public. The largest, and the most family friendly hot springs is the Old Town Hot Springs, located in, you guessed it, Old Town Steamboat. The multi-purpose facility includes 8 hot spring fed pools that range from 98 to 103 degrees, as well as a multipurpose pool and a lane pool. Just for the kids (and kids at heart) you will find two 230 foot twisting slides, a rock climbing wall that splashes down into the pool, a floating obstacle course, and a kiddie splash park with slides. Ample space to stretch out with deck chairs, tables, and lounge chairs means you can stay all day and soak up the sun.

~Photo Courtesy of Old Town Hot Springs~

4.Get in the Saddle at Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch

It’s one of the oldest operating outfitters in Colorado and, quite possibly, the best place to truly get that wilderness experience. One hour and two hour rides along the elk and deer trails are best suited for young riders. Along the way, an experienced guide will point out local wildlife, plants, and share folklore of the mountains and surrounding area. Children must be at least six years old to ride and able to mount the horse on their own.

5.Take a Hike to Fish Creek Falls

With 280 feet of freshly melted snow pouring over the rocks, Fish Creek Falls is easily one of the most popular attractions in the city. In particular, it is a popular location for families because it is just minutes from downtown Steamboat and the ¼ mile trail is easily accessible. In fact, the overlook trail that goes above the Falls is paved for stroller and wheelchair access, while the lower path is still wide enough (and short enough) for little ones to traverse. Fish Creek Falls has the added bonus of being a quick stop just to get out some energy or a longer stop to explore all that nature has to offer.

6.Wade in the Stream at Steamboat Village

Sometimes it’s the simple things- a shallow stream, a few big rocks, a little bit of sand. That’s exactly what you will find in running through the middle of Steamboat Village during the summer and it is a perfect (and FREE!) place for kids to play and explore. Cool mountain water runs over giant river stones, inviting kids to jump in and experiment with building a rock dam or just splash away.  Sand along the shore is the perfect place to build a little sand castle. Signature red Adirondack chairs are sprinkled throughout the stream to invite grownups to sit down, kick off their shoes and enjoy the fresh water while the kids play.

7.Stroll through the Yampa River Botanical Gardens

Another natural gem that is tucked away just a few minutes from town is the Yampa River Botanical Gardens. The six acre park is FREE to the public and offers over 40 gardens where visitors can learn about local flora and fauna. Kids will especially love exploring the Children’s Garden and hunting for the variety of sculptures that are sprinkled through the landscape. 

~Steamboat Springs hosted my stay in the city. They did not require that I express a particular viewpoint and all opinions are my own.~