Don't Spend a Dime - 8 Things to do for Free
05/12/2025 03:06PM ● By Sophie Dingle
1. Head to a free concert. There are many options for free music in Steamboat Springs all summer long. The Steamboat Free Summer Concert series begins in June and offers a handful of free concerts through Labor Day weekend. The concerts take place outside, at Howelsen Hill, so pack a blanket or chairs and some extra layers for when the sun goes down. Visit keepinitfree.com for the schedule. Snow Bowl also hosts a free summer concert series. The grand opening event, “Waking the Giant™,” is on Sunday, May 25, from 2-8 p.m., featuring four bands. Twenty three free shows will run May 25-Sept. 28. Visit snowbowlsteamboat.com for the lineup.
2. Visit a museum. Did you know thatSteamboat Art Museum offers free admission? This summer’s exhibit is “The Art of Printmaking: Process and Passion,” which runs from Saturday, May 31-Sunday, Aug. 31.
3. Stop and smell the flowers at the Yampa River Botanic Park. This park is located next to the Yampa River on six acres of land that features over 60 gardens, shady spots, ponds and artwork. Take a self-guided tour, and, if you have kids in tow, stop by the children’s garden to pick up an activity book.
4. Take a hike. Steamboat Springs has no shortage of hiking trails. One favorite is Spring Creek – at the beginning, it’s flat enough for kids or hearty strollers, and the trail winds by the rushing creek. And, bonus for dogs: a pond for cooling off in post-hike.
5. First Friday Artwalk. On the first Friday of every month, downtown museums, galleries and other alternative venues open their doors for visitors to browse their collections and exhibits. Many stops offer wine and live music as well. For a list of artwalk stops, visit www.steamboatcreates.org.
6. Splash at the beach. Burgess Creek Beach, located at the base of Steamboat Resort, is the perfect spot to cool off after a hike or mountain bike ride. Pull up a chair and let the kiddos splash in the water and play in the sand.
7. Go on a walking tour. The Tread of Pioneers Museum offers several walking tours, depending on your interest. Try the Olympic Heritage Tour which takes participants around Howelsen Hill, or the Downtown Historical Tour to learn about the history of downtown Steamboat. For more information, visit www.treadofpioneers.org.
8. Bike on the Core Trail. If you brought bikes, or want to rent them, hop on and take a ride down the Yampa River Core Trail. It follows the river, allowing for plenty of stops to watch people fishing or tubers drifting by. The trail is paved and is easy for new riders (and also goes by a few playgrounds!). Ride the whole 7 1/2 miles or cut off when the gang is tired.
2. Visit a museum. Did you know thatSteamboat Art Museum offers free admission? This summer’s exhibit is “The Art of Printmaking: Process and Passion,” which runs from Saturday, May 31-Sunday, Aug. 31.
3. Stop and smell the flowers at the Yampa River Botanic Park. This park is located next to the Yampa River on six acres of land that features over 60 gardens, shady spots, ponds and artwork. Take a self-guided tour, and, if you have kids in tow, stop by the children’s garden to pick up an activity book.
4. Take a hike. Steamboat Springs has no shortage of hiking trails. One favorite is Spring Creek – at the beginning, it’s flat enough for kids or hearty strollers, and the trail winds by the rushing creek. And, bonus for dogs: a pond for cooling off in post-hike.
5. First Friday Artwalk. On the first Friday of every month, downtown museums, galleries and other alternative venues open their doors for visitors to browse their collections and exhibits. Many stops offer wine and live music as well. For a list of artwalk stops, visit www.steamboatcreates.org.
6. Splash at the beach. Burgess Creek Beach, located at the base of Steamboat Resort, is the perfect spot to cool off after a hike or mountain bike ride. Pull up a chair and let the kiddos splash in the water and play in the sand.
7. Go on a walking tour. The Tread of Pioneers Museum offers several walking tours, depending on your interest. Try the Olympic Heritage Tour which takes participants around Howelsen Hill, or the Downtown Historical Tour to learn about the history of downtown Steamboat. For more information, visit www.treadofpioneers.org.
8. Bike on the Core Trail. If you brought bikes, or want to rent them, hop on and take a ride down the Yampa River Core Trail. It follows the river, allowing for plenty of stops to watch people fishing or tubers drifting by. The trail is paved and is easy for new riders (and also goes by a few playgrounds!). Ride the whole 7 1/2 miles or cut off when the gang is tired.