10 Fun and Free Family Activities in Steamboat Springs 

Fun doesn’t need to cost a cent with a playground like Steamboat Springs. Spend a morning, an afternoon or a whole day entertaining the family without breaking the bank.

1. Take advantage of free casting classes at West Lincoln Park, sponsored by Steamboat Flyfisher, on Saturdays at 5 p.m.
2. Hike Emerald Mountain leaving from Blackmere Road all the way to the quarry for incredible views of Steamboat and the Yampa Valley. Climb Mount Werner later in the day to watch the sun setting over town.
3. Play volleyball, tennis and skateboard at Howelsen Park.
4. Paddle in the Yampa River and soak in the run off from the Hot Springs in natural pools just before Rabbit Ears Motel as you head into town.
5. Experience Steamboat’s heritage from ranching to skiing by watching the Fourth of July Parade. Head over to Howelsen Hill to witness ski jumpers including past and present Olympians compete in the Jumpin’ Jammin’ contest. Come back when night falls for an incredible firework extravaganza.
6. Check out: free talks, movie nights, seminars, and kids workshops at Bud Werner Memorial Library.
7. Learn from a local naturalist at Yampatika about flora, fauna, birds, wildlife and archaeology on a free weekly-guided hike. www.yampatika.org
8. Spend an evening strolling through downtown Steamboat visiting an eclectic mix of venues during first Friday Artwalk. Meet local artists; sip wine and snack on appetizers that are served at a variety of locations.
9. Enjoy live music every Thursday afternoon in the Yampa River Botanic Gardens. Music on the Green is run by Strings Music Festival. Programing changes weekly. Music starts at noon and typically runs for one hour. Spend time strolling through the gardens before and after.
10. Hike and bike to your hearts content on acres of trails from mellow pathways to adrenaline fueled climbs. www.biketownusa.com

The air is cooler, the crowds are gone and the sun continues to shine. It’s early fall and one of our favorite times of the year here in Steamboat Springs. We thought we’d share five great reasons to head for the mountains and share our Indian summer.

1. Hiking through Aspen groves as their quaking leaves turn from green to gold.  Three Island Lake in the Zirkel Wilderness is number one on our locals list for combining scenery, mixed terrain and the sound of water from the streams that meander by. After Clark turn right onto Seedhouse Road, past Seedhouse Campground on NFSR 443 and continue approximately 3 miles to trailhead on left side of road. Turn right at intersection of trail #1163 and follow to lake in Mount Zirkel Wilderness.
2. Biking trails starting only one block from town will keep even the seasoned adrenaline seeker fueled for a day. Emerald Mountain offers 24 miles of designated recreational space will trails clearly marked for all biking abilities. Downtown a trail map on www.steamboatsprings.net. If riding your wheels over dirt isn’t your thing, then make sure you swing through town for the 9^th Annual Mustache Ride in aid of the Humane Society. Hop on and off your cruiser bike through downtown Steamboat from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Mustaches are not optional). http://www.ssmustacheride.com
3. Fishing close to town at Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area at any time of day in fall will not disappoint. Only a couple miles south of town off CR14, two miles of public access waters with large cut banks and deep holes is home to some big trout.
4. Explore the Yampa Valley behind the wheel with a scenic drive or two. Pass fields of gold travelling past Routt County ranchlands out towards Clark and Columbine, making sure to stop in at the Clark store for a morning coffee or afternoon tea. Take a picnic and head up Rabbit Ears pass where the valley below will unfold like an autumnal tapestry on your descent back to town.
5. Fall shopping and dinning deals abound during fall in the valley. Grab a bargain on last year’s ski and board gear; pick up shoes at a steal or home décor for a snip. Kick back with half price cocktails and plates all over town. By favorite our own favorite is Café Diva on the mountain, where Sunday night is date night for $30 a person. The food is sublime and you’ll eat like a king for a third of the price.