Steamboat Spring, CO, known as “Ski Town, U.S.A” because of it’s unique champagne powder and home to more USA Olympic skiers than anywhere else. What many don’t realize it is also wonderful for summer family fun.
There are daily non-stop flights from Denver. Shuttle service is also available from DEN. Or take the three to four hour drive from Denver, but warning – it can be scary!
Summer temperatures range 45 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with little rain. The days are warm and dry, but cool in the shade. You may require a light sweater in the evening.
Within an hour drive from town you can find amazing family friendly hiking. Most hikes are suitable for older children. Hiking to the 280 feet waterfall at Fish Creek Falls is great for younger kids. A hike up the face of the ski mountain (not for children) to have lunch at the top of the gondola is worth the effort. The views of the surrounding area and downtown are spectacular. Don’t worry, you can take the gondola down, free. Not into hiking? Ride the gondola up throughout most of the summer.
Howelsen Hill was the original skiing location for Steamboat Springs. Summers you will find hopeful Olympians practicing winter ski jumping on the astroturf. It also offers hikes to great views of the ski mountain and downtown. Want to take the easy way down? Then hop on the alpine slide, kids love it!
Gondola Square, at the mountain base, offers family activities allowing children to play while parents take in the beautiful mountain scenery.
The downtown offers impressive boutiques, art galleries, and a weekend farmers market. Also popular is the Old Town Hot Springs, serving the community for over 100 years. In addition to the eight hot soaking pools, they offer waterslides, aquatic climbing walls, an eight lane lap pool, massages, childcare, and anything related to fitness activities.
If you are looking for something more bucolic, just outside of town are the hot springs at Strawberry Park. Swim suits are optional at night for adult only time.
Dining in Steamboat is family friendly with multiple options from fine to very casual. You can also visit Papa Murphy’s Pizza, pick the toppings you want and bake it yourself at home. Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory is favorite with both young and old. For a small town 1950’s experience, try a “real” old-fashioned ice cream soda from Lyon’s Drugs.
The Yampa River runs right through town. During spring its a great place to watch the kayakers work the rapids from the mountain runoff. Summer offers exhilarating fly fishing and tubing. There is also a flat 7.5 mile paved path along the river, great for biking in the summer or running year round. Along the Yampa are the the beautiful Botanical Gardens, a “must see” during summer months and where there are often free concerts.
During July is the hot air balloon rodeo. Perfect for photographers since the usually bright blue sky is dotted with beautiful colored balloons. Hot air balloon rides are available year round and it’s a fantastic way to see the valley.
Additional summer things to do are horse back riding, camping, or golfing at one of the three fantastic mountain golf courses. Steamboat is also part of the Pro Rodeo Series circuit, which makes a fun night for the entire family.
Take the time to get to know Steamboat Springs in the summer, you won’t be disappointed! If you are interested in booking a fantastic family vacation, please call Rhonda.
