I am beyond happy to finally be sharing my time in one of the places I love most – Colorado. We love Steamboat Springs so much that we visit nearly every year to see our family! I found my way to this incredible state twenty years ago, when I moved near Telluride right out of college. The grandeur of the San Juan Mountains, the land-sculpted red rocks and town charm were immediately captivating. When life inevitably led me to a bigger city for work, my love of Colorado never wavered.
A few years later, that family retreat would turn in an annual tradition and we come back each year to Steamboat Springs. Steamboat is not Telluride, but it still has a certain amount of charm and would be a fun place for families. Steamboat Springs Kin Ran Rand Ski Town is Not Just! So much, in fact, it actually really needs to be broken into three posts: 1.) Classic Steamboat Activities and the Yampa River (this one) 2. Mountain Time Adventures in Steamboat, Relaxation, Retail Therapy and Steamboat Springs Hot Springs .
What are classic activities you do in Steamboat? By quintessential Colorado experiences I mean everything from fishing to hiking or biking, white-water tubing and of course, the rodeo. For outdoor enthusiasts, Colorado is paradise. A fan-favorite of families with its true western charm, Steamboat Springs. Outdoor activities to do here is a list:
Summer Activities in Steamboat Springs
1. Fishing
This summer they tried fishing and loved it. Not even little kids are left out of it either, you can get them started on a few easy steps with child sized rods featuring princesses or Scooby-Doo so they too can be apart. Finally, they were casting in earnest for the first time. Fishing outfitters abound in Steamboat, and at the top of our list is Bucking Rainbow Outfitters. With their expertise, they will steer you to the top fishing spots for children — waters such as the Yampa River and Stagecoach State Park. We got the girls’ poles from Walmart; they have awesome options for kids!
2. Hiking
With many trails appropriate for all levels, Steamboat Springs is a great place to explore the terrain. Fish Creek Falls is a no-miss for families, with its picturesque 283-ft waterfall and three different hikes depending on the capabilities of your group. Not only family friendly, this spot also provides great scenery as well.
3. Rodeo Excitement
Steam boat Springs rodeo is just so much fun! Once you arrive, make sure to come early and tuck into a traditional Western BBQ feast of ribs, beans, coleslaw and corn on the cob. After you have seen enough of the festival, grab a beer and catch the bull riding on horseback from Tangirá. We have children-specific playtime where the little ones can run around in the ring as well. I have a pair of shy girls that never participate, but love to watch and so do Mimi and Grandpa!!! Many of the details and events for children can be found through this website.
4. Yampa River Fun
Our favorite place in Steamboats is the Yampa River area. It has an easy-going, friendly vibe with plenty of casual restaurants and pubs lining the gardens overlooking a river that provides zero splash for tubing rafters gliding through. Cookie Our favorites for eats are Sweet Pea, serving fresh and organic dishes off a gigantic tree-shaded deck; or Sunpies — home of tasty sandwiches with draft beer on tap as well – in its must-hang-out outdoor yard where tables sit above the river banks. There are also a number of outfitters who can rent you everything from tubes to bikes, rafts and kayaks in this section of town.
5. Biking Adventures
The Yampa River provides a scenic trail that is more suitable as it meanders through town, making an efficient environment for family bike rides. Wheels Bike Shop, also near the river by Backdoor Sports carries a good selection of rentals; kids bikes and trailers are available to enjoy the ride together.
6. Tubing Fun
People love to hop into tubes in Steamboat Springs. Grab a tube from Backdoor Sports or Blue Sky West, float down the river and take a van back to town for shrimp po-boy at Sunpies on the water. For kids, we bring ours in the tubes and have them sit on our laps but it’s up to their parent. Ages: Some rental shops allow kids as young as three (accompanied by a parent), while others say it’s best to wait until they’re at least five. We didn’t go tubing this summer because I was the only parent home that day, no husband, so it wasn’t realistic. This past summer we finally made it happen one night and had a great time! This time we took the bike path that went over a bridge on Yampa and saw all of those tubers from above. Almost as enjoyable.
Steamboat gets the blue ribbon for kids’ activities, from horseback riding to hot air ballooning and rafting. It really is a happening town and our kids just love it!
