As many parents know, life with a toddler seems to involve daily adventures and entertainment. Anything to keep their little, curious minds happy and growing while keeping parents semi-sane. Fortunately for us, Steamboat has some incredible outdoor options for our little ones. One of those options is Yampa River Botanic Park, which is a gem nestled along the Yampa River.

In 1995, the Enever Family generously donated the 6-acre property with a vision to create a garden for the people of Steamboat to enjoy. Since then, the park has become a place of peace, tranquility and joy for so many local and visiting people. In 1999, Strings Music Festival and the Yampa River  Botanic Park created a partnership allowing guests to enjoy Music on the Green. This free concert series is every Thursday at 12:15 pm starting in late June through August.

Last Thursday, we enjoyed our first concert of the summer. With a concert pianist grandmother, music is in Freya’s blood. Surrounded by fellow Steamboat parents, we lounged on our blankets and enjoyed a picnic in the picturesque setting soothed by sounds of the Kamila Quartet. It was magic. Truthfully, there may have been less interest in the music than the ducks in the pond, but we were there enjoying every minute of it.

As I walked around the gardens with Freya, I was reminded of what an incredible gift this park has been to our community. I think of my husband’s late best friend Peter, the Enever’s son, and the pond in honor of his memory. The life and joy that this park brings reminds me just how blessed we are to call Steamboat home.

Find more information about the Yampa River Botanical Park here.

Wishing you a wonderful 4th of July!

Caroline Lalive Carmichael moved to Steamboat with her family in 1995 and joined the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. After one season, Caroline was named to the U.S. Ski Team and competed for 13 years, attending two Olympics. After retiring in 2009, she returned to Steamboat as a coach. She and fellow Olympian Nelson Carmichael were married in 2012 and welcomed their daughter, Freya, in 2015.