As the seasons change from fall to winter, there remains no shortage of family activities in Steamboat. While the jewel of our town is the Steamboat Ski Area, it’s always great to have a day off from the mountain and explore the other incredible offerings in Steamboat Springs.

Naturally, there are multiple outdoor activities all year round, particularly in the fall and winter. For the more adventurous families, Wild West Balloon Adventures will take you up at dawn to see the most picturesque views of the valley every day of the year. A long-time Steamboat company, this is an experience that can’t be beat (unless someone in the family had a fear of heights). If you’d rather be the pilot, then head north to the Steamboat Lake Outpost. Choose private or group guided tours for snowshoeing, ice fishing, or snowmobiling. The Polaris snowmobiles come in two-seaters so children as young as five years old can ride along and your teen waiting to prove their driving skills can take the wheel once they are over 16 with their license. Thunderstruck Adventures, another popular snowmobile guiding service, offers a similar family-friendly experience on their Electrified Trails tour - the machines are quiet and the private pasture loop is groomed. Even better, their head-to-toe guarantee makes sure everyone will be properly outfitted for the day outside. Want to move a little slower? Yampatika, an environmental education organization, can take you on guided snowshoe tours over the winter season including on popular hiking trails Uranium Mine and Emerald Mountain, as well as their special Moonlight Snowshoe Tour. If you’re more of an I’ll-do-it-myself family, stop in Ski Haus to pick up some rental snowshoes for the day and have at it.

Want to connect with some furry friends? For those millennial parents who grew up with Iron Will or Balto, jump on the runners at Snow Buddy or Grizzle-T sled dogs, where they will teach you how to mush your own team (or just ride for fun if you’d rather). The CR Summit Horseback Riding Club is open to visitors and locals alike, and this fall continues to offer the “My First Pony” experience for aspiring riders ages 4-13 to learn the ins and outs of a safe, fun ride. If your family wants a group lesson, select the Adventure Package to improve your skills together. If you’re ready to get out on the trail and connect to the valley’s ranching heritage, you might consider a quick ride west to Saddleback Ranch. Saddleback offers trail riding (ages 8 and up) all year round as well as snow tubing in the winter. If you’d rather see a horse than be on a horse, turn your attention to the Haymaker Golf Course - once the snow flies, the golf course is transformed into a winter wonderland. Enjoy a sleigh ride pulled by a pair of majestic horses before having a delicious dinner.

Some days are just too cold or windy and you may want to do something inside and without four layers of clothes! On those days, head to the city’s ice sheet at Howelsen Ice Arena, locally referred to as Howie’s Dome. The public skate (just show up) and bumper cars on ice (reservations required) are a big win for family members of all ages - parents included, all year round. Steamboat Climbing Collective is open to all ages with multiple adult and youth programs, as well as the option for a private lesson, or just enjoy the open gym as a family. There are various bouldering and top rope areas, including a kids' climbing area complete with a slide. Or head west to the Snowbowl, a gastropub masquerading as a bowling alley, or perhaps the other way around, and throw a few strikes before dinner.

Looking up to soak up a little culture? Get your hands on the local performing arts scene, which includes the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra’s, Strings Music Festival’s all-ages programs, and Steamboat Dance Theatre’s annual community show in late March that is the perfect way to engage all family members. Stroll into Steamboat Art Museum or Pine Moon Gallery on the First Friday Art Walk, a popular way for adults to have a glass of free wine and for kids to enjoy a great walk downtown with lots to see and explore. Perhaps you might pick out some new artwork for your family to take home.

No matter who you are and what your children like to do, there’s something for you in the Yampa Valley. We can guarantee you’ll have memories that last a lifetime - and your children’s lifetimes! - when you commit to being together. We can’t wait to meet you.