10 Steamboat Summer Activities the Whole Family Will Love
Published May 2025
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
Away From the Resort
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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
- 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.
- New to Steamboat Square in 2024, the Stranahan’s® Summer Concert Series turns Steamboat Square into an epic concert venue with beautiful views, great vibes, and a diverse lineup of musical acts.
- 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.
- There are plenty of activities in and around Steamboat to fill your itinerary. The Guided Hike and Lunch is an on-mountain, family-friendly activity that lets you enjoy an invigorating hike while learning about local flora and fauna.
- 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 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.
- While the list of great family activities could go on and on, Burgess Creek Beach offers a unique experience just above Steamboat Square. Cool down after a long day or relax while kids play in the water.
Away From the Resort
- Howelsen Hill and its base area are home to remarkable family-friendly activities. Kids and parents alike will love the high-speed thrill of the “Howler” Alpine Slide, which includes a chairlift ride up followed by a 440-vertical-foot descent on a sled track.
- On Fridays and Saturdays, the Steamboat Pro Rodeo opens to the public at 5 PM with events like bull riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, and more. With food, drinks, and over 100 years of tradition, it remains one of Steamboat’s most exciting experiences.
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- For a laid-back evening stroll, peruse the shops and restaurants of downtown Steamboat Springs. From candy and ice cream stops at Fuzziwig’s, trying on cowboy hats at F.M. Light & Sons, or listening to live music along the Yampa River at Taco Cabo, there are plenty of fun places to explore.
- The best part about downtown and Howelsen Hill is that they, along with much of the rest of town, are connected by the Yampa River Core Trail, a paved multi-use path loved by locals and visitors alike. Use it to add a fun twist to your downtown adventures or make a day of it and explore its full 7.5-mile length.
Family-friendly activities are plentiful around Steamboat Springs, both in the winter and the summer. We’re just scratching the surface here, but with this list as a starting point for your own family vacation, you’ll have plenty more to discover when you visit.
Start Planning Your Trip
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