10 Steamboat Summer Activities the Whole Family Will Love
Steamboat Springs may be best known for its ski slopes, but summer here is just as unforgettable. From family-friendly events at the resort to outdoor adventures around town, Steamboat is full of one-of-a-kind experiences perfect for your next family vacation. Find unique one-time events and weekly things to do all summer long.
At the Resort
1. Coca-Cola® Movies on the Mountain — an amazing outdoor cinema experience under the stars in Steamboat Square is a don’t miss event for all ages.
2. New to Steamboat Square in 2024, the Stranahan’s® Summer Concert Series, turning Steamboat Square into an epic concert venue with beautiful views, great vibes and a diverse lineup of musical acts.
3. Sunset Happy Hour is a Steamboat tradition that occurs every Thursday and Sunday night – take the Gondola up to Thunderhead Lodge for panoramic views, live music and great food and beverage options.
4. There are plenty of activities in and around Steamboat to fill your itinerary. The Guided Hike and Lunch is an on-mountain and family friendly activity that can help you get in an invigorating hike while also connecting with the surrounding area by learning about the local flora and fauna.
5. New to mountain biking? Steamboat Bike Park is the perfect place to start. Sign the whole family up for a downhill mountain bike lesson with our expert instructors to build confidence and learn the basics, then explore beginner-friendly trails at your own pace. Or, if you’re just here for the views, enjoy a Summer Scenic Lift Ride with the family and soak in the crisp mountain air from above.
6. While the list of great family activities could go on and on, Burgess Creek Beach offers a unique experience just above Steamboat Square. Stop by and cool down after a long day of hiking or biking, or lounge in an Adirondack with a drink as your kids splash in the cool waters and make sandcastles.
Away From the Resort
7. Howelsen Hill and its base area are home to some remarkable family-friendly activities. Kids and parents alike will love the high-speed thrill of the “Howler” Alpine Slide, which includes riding a chairlift to the top of Howelsen Hill, then riding down 440 vertical feet adjacent to the ski slopes on a sled-laden slide.
8. On Friday’s and Saturday’s, the Steamboat Pro Rodeo opens to the public at 5pm with events like bull riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling and more. An assortment of food and beverage vendors are available around the grounds. This tradition has been around for over 100 years in Steamboat, and it is every bit as dynamic and exciting as it was back then.
9. For a laid-back evening stroll, peruse the shops and restaurants of downtown Steamboat Springs. From candy and ice-cream stops at Fuzziwigs, trying on cowboy hats at F.M. Light and Sons, or listening to live music on the Yampa River at Taco Cabo, there are so many fun shops to stop into and check out.
10. The best part about downtown and Howelsen Hill is that they along with the majority of the rest of town are connected by the Yampa River Core Trail, a paved multi-use trail adored by locals and guests alike. Use this trail to put a fun twist on your downtown adventures or make a day out of it and walk it’s 7.5 mile length.
Family friendly activities are plentiful around Steamboat Springs, both in the winter AND the summer. We’re really just scratching the surface here, but with this list serving as a nice jumping off point for your own family vacation, you’ll just have to come on out and experience the rest for yourself.
