Steamboat's Fun Things to do with Kids

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So, you plan on visiting Steamboat Springs, CO with the family this winter and are looking for things to do with kids? Or you live here and are not sure how you are going to keep your children entertained while out of school for the holidays? Here are a few suggestions for kid-friendly activities and events:

The Steamboat Mascot Stampede

When:  December 11 - 13

Where:  Gondola Square at the Steamboat Resort

What:  College mascots from around the country come to Steamboat for a weekend of friendly competition and rivalry. They are basically giant stuffed animals with dance moves, so what's not to love?!

Cost:  FREE

Ice Skate / Bumper Cars on Ice

When:  Various times. Check the December 2015 ice rink calendar here.

Where:  Howelsen Ice Arena

What:  Steamboat's Howelsen Ice Arena is the only ice skating facility in Colorado with bumper cars. Kids love it! Call ahead or check the ice rinks public skate and bumper car schedule before going.

Cost:  Varies

Lyon's Drug Store & Soda Fountain

When:  Open 7 days a week

Where:  Lyon's on 9th and Lincoln Avenue

What:  Treat your children to a kids' ice cream cone, chocolate malt or a cherry limeade at this old fashioned soda fountain. "Ice cream in the winter?", you say. "Yes", I say. Kids love ice cream any time of year.  

Cost:  Varies

Old Town Hot Springs

When:  Open 7 days a week

Where:  136 Lincoln Avenue

What:  Family friendly fun and relaxation. A variety of pools and hot springs, water slide, climbing wall and on-site childcare. This place is a no-brainer for families.

Cost:  Depends on what you do. Click here for prices.

Sledding at Saddleback Ranch

When:  Open 7 days a week during peak season

Where:  Saddleback Ranch, 15 miles west of Steamboat. Saddleback Ranch offers free transportation to tubers who tube for at least 1.5 hours.

What:  Yee-Haw Hill at Saddleback Ranch is sure to have kids hootin' and hollerin' as they tube down this groomed hill. Saddleback Ranch also offers snowmobiling for the family, horseback riding, sleigh rides and more. Not only is Saddleback Ranch geared for fun, it is also a 4th generation working cattle ranch. Experience a little of Steamboat's western heritage for yourself. 

Cost:  Varies

Story Pirates at Strings Music Pavillon

When:  Sunday, December 20 at 3:30 or 5:30pm

Where:  Strings Music Pavillon

What:  A holiday performance for the whole family. The Story Pirates celebrate creative writing by students from coast to coast in a loud, hilarious sketch comedy musical performed by professional improvisers and musicians. Both shows will feature special holiday songs and sketches dreamed up by children in Steamboat Springs.

Cost:  $15/adult, $3/juniors  Click here for more details and to purchase tickets.

Holiday Festival in Gondola Square

When:  Sunday, December 20  2:00 - 5:30pm

Where:  Base of Steamboat Ski Resort in Gondola Square

       Schedule of Festivities

2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Holiday Cookie Decorating
2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Stocking Scramble
2:15 p.m. Santa Parade on Horseback
2:30 - 5:30 p.m. Meet Santa at Santa’s Workshop
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Face Vocal Band Performance I
4:00 - 4:30 p.m. Steamboat Story Time
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Face Vocal Band Performance II
5:15 p.m. Torchlight Parade
5:25 p.m. Fireworks
5:30 p.m. Open for Night Skiing

Cost:  FREE

Kids' Vacation Center (KAC) at Steamboat Resort

When:  8:15am - 4:00pm Daily / KAC at Night when available

Where:  Kids' Vacation Center at Steamboat Resort

What:  If you just need to drop the kids off for a few hours so that you can do your own thing, the fun and enthusiastic staff at Steamboat Resort's Kids' Vacation Center are here for you. They will entertain and care for youngsters ages 6 months to 15 years old. Various on the snow programs and childcare options available.

Cost:  Varies. Check out the KAC website for details.

There is no shortage of family fun to be had here in Steamboat. Between the activities listed above, the Top 10 Winter Activities That Do Not Involve the Ski Slopes and the annual Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival happening in February 2016, you will be lucky to experience everything our community has to offer in one winter season.

Want the locals' scoop on the places to go and things to do? Check out my video, Top 10 Winter Secrets of Steamboat Springs Locals: