Family Fun

Guarantee some grins. Here is some certifiable Steamboat Springs fun for kids of all ages.

Sleigh Ride
Soak up Steamboat’s authentic Western atmosphere during a sunset sleigh ride – and don’t forget to listen in for local cowboy lore along the way. Real horse-power transports you to a cozy cabin, a rustic tent or a fine dining restaurant with delicious options for every age and atmosphere. Savor the beauty of a starry Colorado night with moonlit trails. See a complete list of sleigh rides in Activities starting on VG51.

Ice Skate
Discover Steamboat’s only year-round ice. Howelsen Ice Arena’s Olympic-sized rink means plenty of room to test your budding hockey skills or tempt your first twirl. Hockey and figure skate rentals available on site.
970-879-0341

Snow Tube
Steamboat Springs has two well-equipped, groomed snow tubing hills accessible and attainable for all age levels. It’s easy. No sledding experience is necessary. Ride up. Plop in your tube. Slide down. Earn your hot chocolate, a rosy cheek glow and a great laugh all the way down the hill.

Tubing Steamboat at Howelsen Hill
One-hour sessions start at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.: $25 (adults), $22 (13-17), $18 (6-12), free (5 and under). Must be 36” tall to ride solo – otherwise ride with an adult.
970-879-0740 | www.tubingsteamboat.com

Yee-Haw Hill at Saddleback Ranch
$24 for a 1.5-hour session includes free transportation to the ranch. Children 5 and under are free, and must ride with an adult.
970-879-3711 | www.saddlebackranch.net

Bowling
Step off the slopes and into a lane at the Snow Bowl for a good old-fashioned evening of bowling. Take on the pins traditionally, or request kid-friendly bumpers to help the ball steer clear of the gutters. Go parents vs. kids, or mix it up for a little family-friendly competition.
970-879-9840 | www.snowbowl.net

Ranch Visit
Experience winter on prime agricultural land along the Yampa River. The Legacy Ranch includes 132 acres of protected hay meadows and riparian habitat, plus a 1917 ranch house and a 1930s bunkhouse. Home to Yampatika’s Environmental Learning Center, enjoy the history, wildlife and snow science exhibits, plus a guided snowshoe around the ranch. Pre-registration required.
Open to the public on Saturdays |10 a.m.-noon | 970-871-9151 | www.yampatika.org

Slopeside Cheering
Dress warm, grab your cow bell and head out on the slopes for a good view of some of the world’s top emerging ski and snowboard racers. Watching races is free, from the Rocky Mountain Freestyle Moguls (Jan. 4-6) to the Telemark World Cup (Feb. 22-27), to the Jumping/Nordic Combined Western Regionals (March 15-16). Plus, there’s often a need for volunteers on race day and your efforts can even earn you free souvenirs and a lift ticket.A rundown of all Steamboat’s races is listed in Datebook (VG42-VG50).
970-879-0695 | www.sswsc.org