Family-Friendly Winter Activities in Steamboat Springs
When it comes to winter vacations, Steamboat Springs stands out as a favorite destination for adventure seekers and families of all ages, from babies to teenagers! Whilst Steamboat is known for its pristine slopes and long winter seasons, this charming town offers a plethora of family-friendly winter activities beyond skiing.
Whether your kids are all tuckered out from shredding the slopes, or skiing just isn’t the right choice for your family, we’re here to share with you the best winter activities in Steamboat Springs that don’t involve zooming down a snowy mountain.
Ice Skating in Steamboat Springs
Ice skating is one of the most picturesque winter activities available in Steamboat Springs, which can be enjoyed by family members of almost any age. The area offers a choice of two delightful rinks that are open to the public:
- Skeeters Ice Rink is located at the heart of the Steamboat Ski Resort, right in the middle of Steamboat Square. This charming rink is open all winter season, and is surrounded by remarkable views of Mount Werner. Skaters are welcomed onto the ice for free, if you have your own skates! Skate rentals are available for all ages, accommodating even the tiniest toes. If you’re more of a spectator than a skier, the rink’s perimeter offers seating where you can sip on a delicious hot chocolate and watch your family glide, spin, and waltz across the ice.
- Howelsen Ice Arena is an Olympic size rink offering a broad range of skating programs, from ice hockey to figure skating. Visitors can choose from a selection of classes and public drop-in sessions, suitable for children as young as four years old. Howelsen Ice Arena also offers a completely unique ice rink experience – bumper cars. Children as young as three years old, and their families, load into LED-lit bumper cars for a nostalgic fairground ride experience… but with more ice!
Winter Horseback Riding in Steamboat Springs
For a taste of the Old West, your family can enjoy horseback riding adventures in the snow! Steamboat Springs’ rich ranching history comes to life as families embark on guided horseback rides through snowy trails. There are two main providers of winter horseback riding in Steamboat, both offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for riders aged eight years old and above:
- Saddleback Ranch is a working cattle ranch located in Northern Colorado, only 17 miles from Steamboat Springs. You and your family can enjoy 8,000 acres of breathtaking ranching land, as you trek through the snow on horseback. Riders of all abilities are matched with a well-trained horse and guided through a scenic winter wonderland, with stunning views of Mount Werner and the Flat Top Mountains. Once your ride is complete, your family will be welcomed indoors to warm up with a hot chocolate and a freshly baked cookie – delicious!
- Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch is located in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area and the Routt National Forest, offering authentic Western horseback riding tours across rolling ranchland and through towering aspen forests. Each member of your family will be matched with a well-trained horse, most of whom have been raised right there on the ranch. An expert guide will lead your family on an unforgettable ride through the Colorado wilderness, perfect for riders of all abilities.
Snowmobile Tours in Steamboat Springs
For an adrenaline-pumping family adventure, hop onboard a snowmobile and explore the vast backcountry of Steamboat Springs. Zooming through snow-covered meadows and forests is a truly exhilarating way for your family to experience the beauty of Steamboat’s winter landscapes. A selection of tour operators provide family-friendly snowmobile excursions:
- Steamboat Snowmobile Tours offer guided snowmobile activities for all experience levels, and those with teenage drivers. Family members as young as three years old are invited to wrap up warm for the experience of a lifetime! Drive through snow-capped forests and open meadows, stopping for a delicious lunch on longer excursions.
- Thunderstruck Adventures offer a scenic half-day tour for adventurers of all ages. The ‘Trail Explorer’ package allows guests to explore private groomed trails and open meadows with the help of an expert guide.
- Steamboat Lake Outpost is a great choice for adventurers over five years old, looking for a thrilling yet beautiful winter experience. An expert guide will accompany your family as you wind through the Routt National Forest on beginner-friendly groomed trails. After completing your snowy excursion, stop off at the Outpost restaurant for crowd-pleasing lunch or dinner options (including a tasty kids menu).
Family-Friendly Museums in Steamboat Springs
Your family is invited to lap up Steamboat’s rich Western heritage by enjoying a trip to one of the city’s historic museums. Away from the slopes, your family can spend an afternoon learning all about what makes this charming mountain town so special.
- Tread of Pioneers Museum hosts a number of family-friendly events all year round, such as behind-the-scenes tours, and the Ute Indian Pow-Wow Dance Performance & Presentation. A favorite exhibit for families is the ‘Pioneer Kids Hands-On Discovery Exhibit’ which allows children to wear pioneer clothing, and play with historic replica toys from the turn of the 19th century.
- Steamboat Art Museum is the most family-friendly art gallery this side of the Rocky Mountains! The museum prides itself on being accessible to people of all ages and abilities, with The Cole Verploeg Youth Gallery displaying educational materials, images, art projects, and interactive exhibits geared towards children. A diverse calendar of events are available, including educational Family Nights and workshops run by professional artists.
Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs
After a day of slopeside adventures, your family can relax in one of Steamboat’s famous natural hot springs. Even in the coldest winter months, the hot springs in Steamboat Springs stay delightfully warm, perfect for resting your aching muscles.
- Old Town Hot Springs is a family-friendly hot spring facility, offering a variety of pools and amenities for all ages to enjoy. Kids can enjoy the thrill of two exciting 230-foot long water slides, which remain open during ski season. Meanwhile, parents can soak in the natural mineral hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties. Old Town Hot Springs also features a friendly child care facility where your kids can play while you enjoy a fitness class or a relaxing massage!
- Strawberry Hot Springs blends the natural beauty of the environment with the unique stone masonry of thermal pools, for an authentic hot springs experience. The pools here are extremely warm, with the coolest pool temperature reaching a toasty 102°F. A dedicated picnic area is provided for those who want to enjoy a poolside lunch, and purpose-built restrooms are available onsite for your family to use. Clothing is optional after dark, so children under 18 years old are required to leave before sundown.
Winter Family Vacations in Steamboat Springs
With its breathtaking scenery and diverse array of activities, Steamboat Springs is a true winter paradise for families. Beyond skiing, this enchanting mountain town offers everything from exhilarating snowmobile tours to relaxing natural hot springs, and a packed calendar of family-friendly events.
Steamboat Springs is earning itself a reputation for being one of the most child-friendly vacation destinations in Colorado, with mountainside adventures not limited to the winter months. In fact, Steamboat is home to iconic annual events, all-season activities, and luxurious dining experiences that visitors flock to enjoy every month of the year.
Here at The Astrid, we’re making it possible for your family to enjoy everything Steamboat has to offer all year long. We’re creating an idyllic retreat where families and guests can enjoy exceptional service, abundant opportunities for adventure, and the extraordinary beauty of the Rocky Mountains in every season. Repeat vacations to Steamboat Springs will be a hassle-free experience, thanks to your very own home-away-from-home situated at the foot of Mount Werner.
We’re breaking ground on this pioneering new project in Summer 2024, and we invite you to join us in this exciting journey. To join our community, simply provide us with your name and email address. By doing so, you’ll be invited to join our exclusive mailing list. As part of this list you’ll gain access to insider information, behind-the-scenes content, and a highly personalized email experience reserved only for members of The Astrid community.
