The Wonder of Vacationing With Grandkids
There’s something magical about taking your grandkids on vacation. It’s a chance to deepen bonds, impart wisdom, and shower your youngest family members with love. Colorado is a remarkable state for many reasons, but for grandparents like you, the unique mountainside experiences make The Centennial State the ideal place to embark on a new adventure with your grandkids.
One small town stands out as the shining jewel for family vacations in Colorado – Steamboat Springs. Surrounded by majestic mountains, vast lakes, and charming rivers, families across the USA are flocking to Steamboat Springs for the multi-generational adventure of a lifetime.
Thanks to its remarkable cowboy history, and reputation as a beginner skier’s paradise, Steamboat’s local community extends true Western hospitality to families of all ages and sizes. Whether you’ll be traveling with teenagers, or enjoying precious time with young babies, you and your grandchildren are guaranteed a vacation full of fun, laughter, and happy memories in Steamboat Springs.
Outdoor Adventures with Your Grandkids
Whilst Steamboat Springs is known as a family friendly snowsports destination, there’s much more to this town than zooming down snowy slopes. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a winter adventure with your grandkids, or soak up the summer sun, Steamboat has an array of outdoor activities perfect for your family.
- Ice skating: 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. 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.
- Horseback riding: For a taste of the Old West, your grandkids can enjoy horseback riding adventures in the sun and snow! 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.
- Mountain biking: Among Steamboat’s many nicknames in Bike Town USA®, and for good reason! With remarkable trails in every direction, the most expansive mountain biking area is Emerald Mountain. Boasting more than 4000 acres of public land, and natural surface trails through wildflower meadows and aspen groves, exploring this mountain is a must-do activity for all families.
- Hiking: Breathe in the fresh mountain air as your grandkids conquer a variety of exciting trails that range in length and difficulty. For a truly tranquil hike while your tiny adventurer snoozes in their stroller, look no further than Fish Creek Falls. This popular trail is accessible to all, with convenient wheelchair and stroller access on the Overlook Trail.
- Fishing: Anglers of all abilities will enjoy the clear visibility and steady currents available here in Steamboat Springs. The temperate lakes, creeks, and rivers are teeming with insects and fish, making it the perfect setting for a satisfying fishing experience. For high-quality equipment and expert guided fishing tours, we recommend you stop by Steamboat Flyfisher. This remarkable shop is located mere steps away from the Yampa River and stocks everything you and your grandkids need, whether you’re choosing to buy or rent your gear.
Immerse Your Grandkids in Local Culture
Steamboat’s unique ski-town and ranching-town history is a fascinating part of US history, and offers up a fun way to introduce your kids to the cultural legacy of the Old West. The local community is deeply proud of their heritage, and there are a number of child-friendly ways to help your grandkids feel part of Steamboat history.
- Steamboat Art Museum: 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.
- Tread of pioneers museum: This historic space 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.
- Rodeo: Immerse your young guests in Steamboat’s historic ranching roots, by taking them to the family-friendly rodeo event at Steamboat Pro Rodeo at Brent Romick Arena. After watching skillful professionals engage in bareback riding, team roping, and steer wrestling, the kids are invited to test out their cowboy and cowgirl skills in the Calf and Ram Scramble.
- Cattle drives: The charming Saddleback Ranch offers the perfect opportunity for kids over 10 years old to get a taste of traditional ranching methods that are still used today! Families can spend the morning assisting the ranchers as they move cattle, check for sickness, get in strays, and carry out day-to-day ranching tasks.
- Trail of Olympians: This remarkable ski trail is located on Sunshine Peak, and offers an outdoor museum-like experience for those seeking historical-immersion-on-skis. As your grandkids slalom through the aspen trees, this open air museum is dotted with large signs featuring famous Olympians from Steamboat history. You might even bump into one of the Olympians themselves who have been known to visit their signs.
- Bud Werner Memorial Library: This bustling community hub offers family-friendly events almost every day of the year. At 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays, the library hosts ‘Babytime’ which is a fantastic opportunity to nurture a special bond with the beloved baby in your life.
Events in Steamboat Your Grandkids Will Love
If there’s one thing that Steamboat locals know how to do well, it’s celebrate! All year round there are an array of full-blown community events perfect for making long-lasting memories with your grandkids.
- The Winter Carnival: The iconic festivities at the Winter Carnival are something that has to be seen to be believed. This all-age event takes place every February as a celebration of Western heritage and Steamboat’s long standing tradition of winter sports. From children skiing down a snow-covered main street – whilst being pulled by a horse – to skiers jumping through fiery hoops, you’re bound to see something you’ve never witnessed before!
- Springalicious: This annual event takes place every April, and is famous for its belly-laugh-inducing activities, including cardboard vehicle racing (for juniors and over-18s), pond-skimming championships (which is so wild it can hardly be described with words), and free music concerts.
- The Fourth of July celebrations: If you’re looking for an authentic cultural experience for your grandkids, look no further than the annual Fourth of July celebration. Patriotism meets old-school fun at this spectacular community event, with a high-energy parade followed by a ski jumping competition at Howelsen Hill. Yes, you read that correctly, ski jumping in the summertime!
- Art in the Park: This event takes place every July and is particularly family-friendly, with a variety of children’s crafts and activities available to participate in. Adults can browse the array of unique craft stalls and art vendors, and enjoy a refreshing beverage in the beer tent.
- Santa Saddles Up: Every year at this much-loved event, Santa rides on horseback into the resort from the Torian Plum Area right down the slopes into the heart of Steamboat Square. Immediately following the ride, Santa will be available on the Steamboat Stage to visit with your grandkids and take pictures!
Grandkid-Friendly Restaurants in Steamboat Springs
After a day of unforgettable family adventures with your grandkids, Steamboat Springs offers a vast array of dining experiences to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Over a hot meal and refreshing drinks, you and your youngest family members will have a blast recounting the day’s events.
- The Range Food & Drink Hall: This two-story haven of culinary delights features four diverse food vendors all under one roof. It’s the best place on the mountain for groups with differing tastes seeking a kid-pleasing après-ski spot.
- The Egg: For ample outdoor seating where your grandkids can peacefully play, look no further than this charming, family-owned restaurant. The comprehensive kids menu is just as delicious (if not, more so) than the adult’s one!
- Freshies: This popular restaurant is open seven days a week for tasty breakfasts and lunches, with a sunny patio perfect for busy toddlers to wander around.
- Winona’s Restaurant and Bakery: As a true local favorite, this family oriented establishment boasts an extensive kids breakfast and lunch menu, with delicious healthy options in small portions for babies under two.
- Après Burger Bistro: The carefully curated dinner menu incorporates local, fresh ingredients, guaranteed to fill your belly after an exhilarating day on the mountain. Children are welcomed into the restaurant with coloring sheets and crayons, ensuring that even the youngest diners experience a taste of Steamboat’s famous Western hospitality.
- Ore House at the Pine Grove: From inside a historic barn, dating back to the 1880s, you and your grandkids can enjoy a relaxed yet sophisticated Western dining experience. This restaurant is known for its welcoming staff, warm ambiance, and a salad bar that locals can’t stop talking about!
- Western BBQ: Located at the top of the Steamboat gondola is Steamboat’s original Western style BBQ restaurant. This authentic Western dining experience features an all you can eat “Family Style BBQ Buffet” and full service bar, perfect for every member of the family.
An Enchanting Vacation with Your Grandkids
With its breathtaking scenery and diverse array of activities, Steamboat Springs is the perfect place to make unforgettable memories with your grandkids. Beyond skiing, this enchanting mountain town offers everything from historic museums, to exhilarating outdoor adventures, and a packed calendar of family-friendly events.
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.
