The Kids Guide: Child Care, Camps, Playgrounds & Things to Do in the Yampa Valley
Child care and preschools, babysitters, playgrounds, camps and ski programs, kid-friendly places to eat, birthday parties, toy stores, libraries and the bookstore in Steamboat Springs, Hayden and South Routt, with hours, prices and what's on, each checked against a named source.
Live guide · Updated Nov. 13, 2026
Where to find child care, a sitter, a playground, a camp or a birthday party in Steamboat Springs, Hayden and South Routt, plus kid-friendly places to eat, toy stores, libraries and the bookstore, with hours, prices and what's on. Every listing names its source and the date we checked it, and we'll keep it current.
- 9 child care centers, preschools & schools
- 3 babysitting services
- 10 playgrounds
- 9 things to do
- 6 outdoor adventures
- 5 camp & after-school programs
- 6 places to eat
- 2 party services
- 3 toy stores
- 4 libraries
- 1 bookstore
Please double-check before you go. This guide is for general information only. We gather these details from the organizations themselves and other sources named in each listing, but hours, prices, openings and schedules can change without notice, and we can't guarantee every detail is accurate or up to date. Confirm before you go, and see our disclaimer.
Jump to: Child care · Babysitters · Playgrounds · Things to do · Outdoors · Camps & ski · Eat · Birthday parties · Toy stores · Libraries · Bookstores · What's on · Prices · Good to know
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What's new
- Nov. 13:
- The guide launches with 58 listings in Steamboat Springs, Hayden, Oak Creek, Yampa and North Routt.
- Howelsen Hill is scheduled to open Saturday, Nov. 28, conditions permitting. Tubing there is $40 a rider this season.
- Added: Steamboat Mountain School and a new Outdoor adventures section with snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, winter horseback rides and hot air balloon flights.
- Emerald Park's rebuilt playground is open, with a 60-foot zipline.
- Snow Bowl is closed for a fall reset through Nov. 26.
- The city's winter session of after-school care and School Days Off camps opens for registration Friday, Dec. 4 at noon.
- Yampatika's Blues Break Camp registration and scholarship applications open in mid-November.
- Light Up the Night moves to Civic Plaza by City Hall on 10th Street this year, Friday, Nov. 27 at 6 p.m.
Hayden: Totally Kids runs Hayden's early childhood center and after-school and summer programs, the Hayden Center has youth dance, sports and drama, and the library holds a preschool story hour on Wednesdays. We're still looking for kid-friendly restaurants and party options in Hayden. Know one? Email anna@yvindy.com.
Oak Creek & Yampa: The South Routt Library District runs libraries in Oak Creek and Yampa. We're still confirming preschool, playground and after-school details for South Routt.
North Routt: North Routt Community Charter School in Clark runs a licensed early childhood center. We're still confirming its hours and rates.
Comes to you: These services travel to your home, rental or party spot in and around Steamboat Springs.
Child care, preschools & schools
Licensed centers and preschools, plus Steamboat Mountain School, an independent K–12 school. Spots are scarce across Routt County, so ask about waitlists early. We list centers, not the four licensed home day cares, which are licensed under their owners' names.
Ski Town Early Learning Center
Infant through pre-K center · Around Steamboat · 1647 Mid Valley Drive
Mon.–Fri. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Infants through pre-kindergarten
- Rated Level 4 by Colorado Shines, the state's quality rating system
- Offers Universal Preschool funding for 4-year-olds
- Registration happens once a year, in April. As of its Jan. 8 update, waitlists were full for most age groups
Good to know (2)
- Formerly Heritage Park Preschool. It moved into the former Young Tracks building, which the Yampa Valley Community Foundation bought and leases to the school, the Steamboat Pilot reported
- Classes top out at 10 or 11 toddlers with three teachers, 14 preschoolers or 16 pre-K students
Call (970) 879-1976 Website Map
Source: Ski Town Early Learning's website, checked Nov. 13
Steamboat Springs School District Preschool
Public preschool for ages 3 and 4 · Around Steamboat · Soda Creek, Strawberry Park and Sleeping Giant schools
School days: Soda Creek 8:20 a.m.–3:10 p.m.; Strawberry Park 8:25 a.m.–3:15 p.m.; Sleeping Giant 8:10 a.m.–3:10 p.m.
- Two classrooms at each school, up to 15 children each, five days a week
- Children must be 3 or 4 by Oct. 1
- Tuition as of January 2026: $0 for 4-year-olds with 30 hours of Universal Preschool funding, or $965 a month with 15 hours
- 3-year-olds: $1,770 a month full time without Universal Preschool funding
Good to know (3)
- Enroll at your zoned school. Four-year-olds apply for Universal Preschool through the state first, then register with the district
- The district has a financial assistance application and limited scholarship money each year
- Questions go to Preschool Director Kim Delaney
Call (970) 871-3177 Preschool page Map
Source: Steamboat Springs School District: preschool page, checked Nov. 13
Steamboat Child Care Center
Steamboat Resort's child care center · Around Steamboat · 3001 S. Lincoln Ave.
Mon.–Fri. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (infants 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)
- Licensed year-round for ages 8 weeks to 7 years. It is not a drop-in center
- Resort and Alterra employees get priority. The community waitlist is closed because classrooms are full
- Daily tuition for community families, as of Nov. 4, 2025: $100 for infants and toddlers, $90 for preschool and pre-K
- Rated Level 4 of 5 by Colorado Shines
Good to know (2)
- Families who joined the community waitlist by November 2024 remain on it
- Children in the state's Universal Preschool program get a tuition subsidy
Call (970) 871-5006 Website Map
Source: Steamboat Resort: Steamboat Child Care Center page, checked Nov. 13
GrandKids Child Care Center
UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center's child care center · Around Steamboat · 1100 Central Park Drive, Unit B
Call for hours and openings
- Infants from 8 weeks through preschoolers, year-round
- Run by the hospital since 1981. About 95% of the children enrolled were hospital staff's when the Steamboat Pilot profiled the center for its 40th anniversary
- Hospital staff get a tuition discount, the Pilot reported
- The state licenses it for 51 children, including 10 infants and eight toddlers, and gives it a Level 4 Colorado Shines quality rating
We haven't confirmed current hours, rates or whether community families can enroll. The phone number comes from business directories.
Source: Steamboat Pilot & Today: GrandKids Child Care Center celebrates 40 years; Colorado Department of Early Childhood: licensed child care facilities report, updated Nov. 2, checked Nov. 13
Discovery Learning Center
Licensed child care center · Mountain area · 2875 Village Drive
Call for ages, hours and openings
- The state licenses it for 60 children and gives it a Level 4 Colorado Shines quality rating
Its website wouldn't load for us, so we haven't confirmed ages, hours or rates. The phone number comes from business directories.
Source: Colorado Department of Early Childhood: licensed child care facilities report, updated Nov. 2, checked Nov. 13
Kids Garden Steamboat Springs
Drop-in child care, preschool and camps · Around Steamboat · 345 Anglers Drive
Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sundays are for parties and events
- Drop-in child care for ages 1 to 12: pay by the hour with no commitment, or buy packages of 12, 24, 48 or 72 hours at a lower rate
- Preschool for ages 3 to 5, plus school-break and summer camps
- Parent's Night Out every second Saturday, 4–9 p.m., during ski season
- Birthday parties start at $250 for members and $300 for non-members, for up to 10 kids ages 1 to 12
Good to know (4)
- Families pay a $40 yearly registration fee at the first visit
- Hourly rates are on its pricing page
- Party add-ons include face painting ($100) and local pizza and juice ($8 a child)
- Summer 2026 camps took single-day bookings from $45, Kids In Town reported
Call (970) 457-4466 Website Parties Camps Map
Source: Kids Garden's website: Steamboat Springs and parties pages, checked Nov. 13
Totally Kids & Totally Tots
Early childhood center, after-school and summer programs · Hayden · 495 W. Jefferson Ave.
Call for hours
- Totally Tots Early Childhood Learning Center takes children from 8 weeks to 5 years, in infant, toddler and preschool rooms
- There is a waitlist for all rooms; join it on the Totally Tots website
- For kindergarten and up: an Extended Hours Program, Summer Day Camp and enrichment classes, plus swim lessons for all ages
- Tuition assistance and Colorado Child Care Assistance Program applications are on its site
Good to know (2)
- A nonprofit founded by Hayden residents in 1994
- Summer 2026 day camp ran 7 a.m.–5:45 p.m. for kindergarten through seventh grade at $35 a day, Kids In Town reported
Call (970) 819-9967 Totally Kids Totally Tots Map
Source: Totally Kids' and Totally Tots' websites, checked Nov. 13
North Routt Community Charter School Early Childhood Center
Licensed early childhood center · North Routt · 26999 Eagle Lane, Clark
School year: full days 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; preschool Mon.–Fri., toddlers Mon.–Thu.
- Preschool and pre-K for ages 2½ to 5, and a toddler program for 12 to 36 months
- A full day is $83 for preschool and $88 for toddlers, plus a $100 materials fee for the year
- Takes CCCAP and Universal Preschool, and offers tuition assistance for low- to mid-income families
- Licensed for 25 preschoolers and 10 toddlers, with a 4-star Colorado Shines quality rating
Good to know (3)
- Summer runs select weeks in June and July, Tuesday through Thursday, for enrolled families based on need
- Its summer 2026 program for ages 3 to 5 was $82 a day, Kids In Town reported
- To tour or enroll, email eccadmin@northrouttcharter.org
Call (970) 871-4559 Website Map
Source: North Routt Community Charter School: Early Childhood Center page; Colorado Department of Early Childhood: licensed child care facilities report, updated Nov. 2; Kids In Town: 2026 summer camp guide, checked Nov. 13
Steamboat Mountain School
Independent K–12 day and boarding school · Downtown · K–8 campus at 818 Oak St.; upper school at 42605 County Road 36
School year; contact admissions
- Kindergarten through 12th grade, with a boarding program in the upper school
- 2026-27 day tuition: $25,440 for kindergarten, $26,700 for grades 1–5, $28,950 for grade 6 and $31,500 for grades 7–8
- Flexible Tuition adjusts the price to a family's finances. The posted range for kindergarten is $14,000 to $25,440
- Programs listed on its site include Adventure, Global Studies, Strings, Winter Sports Club and College Guidance
Good to know (4)
- Upper school day tuition is $42,300 to $48,000, depending on the program. Full boarding is $68,160 to $75,225
- Enrollment deposits are $3,000 for lower school, $2,000 for middle school and $5,000 for upper school
- Its site also lists a summer camp
- Admissions: admissions@steamboatmountainschool.org
Call (970) 879-1350 Admissions Tuition Map
Source: Steamboat Mountain School's website: admissions and tuition pages, checked Nov. 13
Babysitters & nannies
Services that send a sitter to your home, condo or hotel, plus drop-in care. Interview any sitter yourself and ask about training and background checks.
Also here when you tap the Babysitters tab: Kids Garden Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Babysitting Company
Babysitters who come to you · Comes to you · Steamboat Springs and nearby
By reservation
- Sitters for newborns to teens at homes, condos, hotels and group events
- Sitters are insured and at least 18
- Locally and family owned since 2011
- Reserve ahead by phone or its online form, with the kids' ages and the date and time
Good to know (1)
- Rates are on its Prices/Policies page
Source: Steamboat Babysitting Company's website, checked Nov. 13
Nia's Babysitting
Babysitting and nanny care · Comes to you · Steamboat Springs
By reservation
- Winter 2026-27 hourly rates: $45 for one child, $50 for two, $60 and up for three or more
- All-day, date-night, overnight and emergency care in your home or rental, for newborns to teens
- Says it is certified in CPR, first aid and AED and runs background checks
- Rents baby gear such as cribs, high chairs and strollers, from $30
Good to know (1)
- Ask about local pricing and mud-season specials
Source: Nia's Babysitting's website, checked Nov. 13
Steamboat Nannies
Hourly and long-term nannies · Comes to you · Steamboat Springs area
Office: weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; weekends 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Hourly nannies and long-term nanny placements
- Book online, by phone or by email
- Sister agencies in Breckenridge and Aspen
Good to know (2)
- Rates aren't posted
- Also offers pet sitting and dog walking
Source: Steamboat Nannies' website, checked Nov. 13
Playgrounds & parks
Steamboat Springs counts 10 playgrounds across 29 park sites, and the city says its parks are free to use. Hayden's Dry Creek Park has an inclusive playground.
Little Toots Park
Playground and picnic park · Downtown · 55 12th St.
Free
- Playground, an open grassy area and a picnic shelter, a small bridge away from Bud Werner Memorial Library
- On the Yampa River Core Trail, with river access, grills and shade trees
Source: Kids In Town's playground guide, which lists the city's amenities for each park, checked Nov. 13
West Lincoln Park
Playground and springs · Downtown · 1305 Lincoln Ave.
Free
- Natural-looking play structures near the Soda Springs gazebo and the Sweetwater Spring pond
- Restrooms, a shelter, grills, picnic tables and Core Trail access, across the street from the library
Source: Kids In Town's playground guide, which lists the city's amenities for each park, checked Nov. 13
Stockbridge Park
Playground on the river · Downtown · 1505 Lincoln Ave.
Free
- Playground, picnic tables, restrooms and a drinking fountain
- River and Core Trail access, with parking
Source: Kids In Town's playground guide, which lists the city's amenities for each park, checked Nov. 13
Howelsen Park
Playground, skate park and fields · Downtown · Behind the rodeo grounds, off Howelsen Parkway
Free
- Playground and a skateboard park at the base of Howelsen Hill
- Restrooms, a shelter, grills, tennis and volleyball courts and ball fields
Source: Kids In Town's playground guide, which lists the city's amenities for each park, checked Nov. 13
Brooklyn Park
Neighborhood playground · Downtown · 115 Howelsen Parkway
Free
- The city rebuilt its oldest park in 2023 with a new playground that includes a universal swing and a slide
- Picnic tables, shade trees and an open play area
Source: Kids In Town's playground guide; City of Steamboat Springs release, via Steamboat Radio, checked Nov. 13
Emerald Park
New playground and fields · Around Steamboat · 900 Pamela Lane
Free
- The rebuilt playground is open, with two play structures for different ages, a 60-foot zipline, four slides, a two-person swing and a spinner
- A rubberized play surface, benches, tables with umbrellas and seating boulders
- Athletic fields, restrooms and a parking lot
Good to know (2)
- The city closed the old playground April 20 and held the grand opening and ribbon-cutting Sept. 30
- Fencing remains around replanted areas next to the playground, the city manager reported Oct. 20
Source: City of Steamboat Springs: Emerald Park playground project page; City Manager Report, Oct. 20, 2026, checked Nov. 13
Whistler Park
Playground and fields · Mountain area · Whistler Road
Free
- Playground, picnic areas, a soccer field and open space
- Restrooms, grills and a drinking fountain
Source: Kids In Town's playground guide, which lists the city's amenities for each park, checked Nov. 13
West Side Park
Neighborhood playground · Around Steamboat · 3030 Abbey Road
Free
- A small neighborhood playground with picnic tables and parking
Source: Kids In Town's playground guide, which lists the city's amenities for each park, checked Nov. 13
Heritage Park
Neighborhood playground · Around Steamboat · 27275 Brandon Circle
Free
- Playground, picnic tables, restrooms and soccer fields west of town
Source: Kids In Town's playground guide, which lists the city's amenities for each park, checked Nov. 13
Dry Creek Park
Inclusive playground · Hayden · 513 S. Poplar St.
Free
- An inclusive playground and fitness course, built with a $500,000 Colorado Health Foundation grant to the Town of Hayden
- Within walking distance of Hayden neighborhoods and schools, the playground's maker says
The street address comes from map listings, not the town.
Source: Colorado Health Foundation's grant listing for Dry Creek Park; Burke playgrounds: Dry Creek Park, checked Nov. 13
Things to do
Pools, ice, snow, climbing walls, a movie theater and a museum: where to take kids when the playground is under snow.
Also here when you tap the Things to do tab: Steamboat Fun and Games
Old Town Hot Springs
Hot springs pools, water slides and climbing wall · Downtown · 136 Lincoln Ave.
Mon.–Fri. 6 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sat.–Sun. 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Eight hot-springs-fed pools, water slides and a climbing wall
- Day pass: youth (3–14) $27, adults (15+) $35, 2 and under free. The water slide is $7 extra
- Parties for up to 15 guests in the pools, community room or on the climbing wall, by custom quote
- Kids camps for ages 5 to 9 in summer and over Blues Break, according to Kids In Town's camp guides
Closed for Thanksgiving: Nov. 26, 2026
Closed for Christmas: Dec. 25, 2026
Good to know (4)
- The pools close 15 minutes before the building does
- Sign the daily waiver. Ages 10–17 coming alone need a parent's waiver
- Child care on site; call for hours and ages
- Summer 2026 camp ran Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m., at $275 a week for members and $300 for guests, Kids In Town reported
Call (970) 879-1828 Website Parties Kids camp Map
Source: Old Town Hot Springs' website: home, rates and parties pages, checked Nov. 9 and 13
Howelsen Ice Arena
City ice rink · Downtown · 285 Howelsen Parkway
Public skate times vary; check the schedule
- Public skate: youth under 18 $11, adults $12, 5 and under free. Skate rental is $5
- Bumper cars on ice are $18.45 plus tax per car for a 20-minute session. Riders must be at least 3, and 42 inches tall to drive alone
- Birthday packages: $100 for up to 10 kids and two adults, $200 for up to 20 kids and four adults, with skating, rentals and a locker room for cake
Good to know (3)
- Bumper cars are booked separately from parties and sell out. Reservations open a month ahead
- Ages 3 and 4 ride bumper cars with an adult at no extra cost
- Party packages aren't offered at every session, and the city's rates page says not during the busy season, October through February. Ask before you plan
Call (970) 871-7033 Website Rates Bumper cars Party packages Map
Source: City of Steamboat Springs: ice arena rates, bumper cars and birthday pages, checked Nov. 13
Howelsen Hill Ski Area
City ski hill and Nordic trails · Downtown · 845 Howelsen Parkway
Scheduled to open Saturday, Nov. 28, conditions permitting
- Ski Free Sundays: lifts and Nordic trails are free every Sunday of the winter season. Pick up a free ticket at the ticket office
- 2026-27 lift tickets: free for kids 4 and under, $40 for youth 5 to 18 and seniors 65 and older, $55 for adults
- Cross-country skiing: 21 kilometers of Nordic trails, Steamboat Magazine reports. A Nordic day ticket is $25 for all ages
- Tubing at Tube Howelsen is not part of Ski Free Sundays
Good to know (3)
- The hill is closed Dec. 25
- Some Sundays have limited terrain for events or training
- Nordic tickets are sold at the ticket office, or online once the trails are open
Call (970) 879-8499 Ski Free Sundays Lift tickets Map
Source: City of Steamboat Springs: Ski Free Sundays and lift ticket pages; Steamboat Magazine: More Skiing....Make it Nordic, Jan. 6, 2025, checked Nov. 13
Steamboat Climbing Collective
Indoor climbing gym · Around Steamboat · 2673 Jacob Circle, Unit 300
Mon.–Thu. noon–8 p.m.; Fri. 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun. 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; closed Saturday until summer
- Day pass: kids 3–9 $13 with shoes; youth 10–17 $13, or $16 with shoes
- An upstairs kids area, plus bouldering, ropes and auto-belays
- Birthday parties are $22 a climber for two hours. A preschool party for kids turning 5 or younger is a flat $159
- After-school programs, plus school-break and summer camps. Summer 2026 camp took ages 5 to 16, Kids In Town reported
Good to know (4)
- A $110 party deposit covers the first five climbers. Preschool parties hold up to 14
- Sign the waiver online before your first visit
- Some areas close 4–5:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday for after-school programs
- Kids In Town lists a Friday Fun Day with a special kids' rate, 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Call (970) 761-2496 Website Birthdays School-break camps Map
Source: Steamboat Climbing Collective's website: home, contact and birthdays pages, checked Nov. 9 and 13
Excel Gymnastics
Gymnastics gym · Around Steamboat · 1955 Bridge Lane, Suite 1500
Call for open gym times
- Open gym for ages 1 to 5 on weekday mornings, according to Kids In Town's calendar
- Weekend birthday parties with time in the gym and party time on the balcony. The gym provides the space and the cleanup
Good to know (2)
- Parties can be structured or open play
- Parents sign a waiver before the party
Open gym times and prices aren't on the pages we checked.
Call (970) 879-3467 Website Map
Source: Excel Gymnastics' website: birthday parties page, checked Nov. 13
Wildhorse Cinema + Arts
Nonprofit movie theater · Mountain area · 655 Marketplace Plaza
Closed Mondays; showtimes are posted by Tuesday morning
- A nonprofit theater that says it keeps the arts affordable and accessible
- Kids In Town lists sensory-friendly screenings with the lights dim and the sound turned down; the next is Nov. 21
Ticket prices and private screening rentals aren't on the page we checked.
Source: Wildhorse Cinema + Arts' website, checked Nov. 13
Steamboat Springs History Museum
History museum, home of the Tread of Pioneers collection · Downtown · 800 Oak St.
Tue.–Sat. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Hands-on exhibits for children and a kids' scavenger hunt
- Admission: kids 6–11 $2, under 6 free, adults $6. Routt County residents get in free with ID
- The Tread of Pioneers Festival of Trees runs through Nov. 28
Closed for Thanksgiving: Nov. 26, 2026
Call (970) 879-2214 Chamber listing Map
Source: Steamboat Springs Chamber: history museum listing, checked Nov. 13
Snow Bowl
Bowling alley and restaurant · Around Steamboat · 2090 Snow Bowl Plaza
Wed.–Thu. 4–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 4–11 p.m.; Sun. 4–10 p.m.; closed Mon.–Tue.
- Bowling with a full-service restaurant. Kids In Town notes kids can go back and forth between eating and bowling
- Half-price bowling Thursdays and Sundays, 4–10 p.m.
Closed for a fall reset: Nov. 9–Nov. 26, 2026
Lane prices, shoe rental and party packages aren't on the page we checked.
Call (970) 879-1149 Website Map
Source: Snow Bowl's website, checked Nov. 13
Hayden Center
Town recreation center · Hayden · 495 W. Jefferson Ave.
Staffed Mon.–Fri. 6 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sat.–Sun. 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Youth dance classes, including four levels of ballet, plus youth sports and a youth drama program
- Indoor courts for basketball, volleyball and pickleball
- Guest day pass $10. Youth and family memberships are available
Good to know (2)
- Kids 11 and under need an adult on the courts
- Sign up for youth activities through the town's Hayden Center page
Call (970) 276-0500 Website Map
Source: Town of Hayden: Hayden Center page, checked Nov. 9 and 13
Outdoor adventures
Snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, winter horseback rides and hot air balloons. Most need a reservation, and several have age, height or weight rules for kids.
Also here when you tap the Outdoors tab: Howelsen Hill Ski Area
Tube Howelsen
City snow tubing hill · Downtown · Howelsen Hill, 845 Howelsen Parkway
In season: daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m., closed 2–3 p.m. for grooming; opening day not posted
- $40 a rider for a one-hour session, the same price for all ages
- Riders must be at least 36 inches tall. Every rider, including children, needs a ticket and rides in their own tube; no lap riding
- Sessions start on the hour, and the last one starts at 5 p.m.
- Reserve up to 30 days ahead, online or at the ticket office. Walk-up tickets aren't guaranteed
Good to know (5)
- Check in at least 15 minutes early; a session can't be moved for late arrivals
- Wear winter boots. Ski boots and other hard-shell boots aren't allowed, and neither are your own tubes or sleds
- Helmets are recommended, and every rider needs an online waiver
- A covered carpet lift carries riders back up the two-lane course, KMAX reported when the hill opened in 2023
- Tubing is not part of Howelsen's Ski Free Sundays
The city's page doesn't say when tubing opens this season.
Call (970) 879-8499 City tubing page Map
Source: City of Steamboat Springs: Tube Howelsen page; KMAX 94.3: tubing hill opens with a carpet ride and lights (January 2023), checked Nov. 13
Saddleback Ranch
Tubing hill, winter horseback rides and snowmobile tours · Around Steamboat · 37350 County Road 179, about 15 miles west of Steamboat Springs
Office Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; activities by reservation
- Yee-Haw tubing hill: one- or two-hour sessions for all ages
- Winter horseback rides of 1½ to 2 hours for ages 8 and up, weather permitting
- Snowmobile tours of two to three hours across the ranch's 8,000 acres
Good to know (3)
- Two hours of tubing was $45, and ages 4 and under tubed free with an adult, the Steamboat Chamber reported in 2022. Confirm when you book
- A booking partner lists a 240-pound limit for horseback riders and helmets for riders under 12
- Prices and times are on the ranch's booking page
Call (970) 879-3711 Website Map
Source: Saddleback Ranch's website; Steamboat Springs Chamber: snow tubing guide; Greetwell booking listing for the winter horseback ride, checked Nov. 13
Steamboat Ski Touring Center & Haymaker Nordic Center
Cross-country ski centers · Mountain area · 1230 Steamboat Blvd.; Haymaker is at 34855 E. U.S. Highway 40
In season: trails 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Touring Center, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at Haymaker
- The two centers have 25 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails between them
- The Touring Center has 15 kilometers and offers lessons daily, and Haymaker has 10 kilometers, Steamboat Magazine reports
- Dog passes are sold too, its website says
Trail pass and lesson prices for this winter aren't posted, and the website still showed last season's closing notice when we checked. Haymaker's phone is 970-879-9444.
Call (970) 879-8180 Website Map
Source: Steamboat Ski Touring Center and Haymaker Nordic Center's website; Steamboat Magazine: More Skiing....Make it Nordic, Jan. 6, 2025, checked Nov. 13
Steamboat Snowmobile Tours
Guided snowmobile tours · Around Steamboat · Routt National Forest; free shuttle from your lodging
Open daily in winter, 8 a.m.–10 p.m.; tours by reservation
- Guided tours through Routt National Forest on the Continental Divide, with a free shuttle from your lodging to its mountain cabin
- Drivers must be at least 16 and hold a valid driver's license, a booking listing says
- Ask about the minimum age for passengers when you book
Prices and passenger ages aren't on the pages we checked; they're on its booking page.
Call (970) 879-6500 Website Map
Source: Steamboat Snowmobile Tours' website; Adventure Collective booking listing, checked Nov. 13
Grizzle-T Dog & Sled Works
Dog sled tours · Around Steamboat · Outside Steamboat Springs; reserve by phone
By reservation
- Learn to drive your own team of Alaskan huskies, or ride in a sled a guide drives
- A booking partner lists the tour at 12.5 miles on a private trail, about two hours on the sled, from $394 a person
- Reserve by phone
Its website doesn't post prices or rules for young children. Ask about ages and weight limits when you call.
Call (970) 870-1782 Website Map
Source: Grizzle-T Dog & Sled Works' website; Greetwell booking listing, checked Nov. 13
Wild West Balloon Adventures
Hot air balloon flights · Around Steamboat · Office at 753 Dougherty Road; launch site at 36005 E. U.S. Highway 40
Morning flights, usually starting between 7 and 8 a.m., weather permitting
- Kids must be at least 6 to ride
- $295 for kids and $335 for adults
- About 45 minutes in the air; plan on 2 to 2½ hours in all
- Includes light snacks, a flight certificate and a shuttle on request
Good to know (3)
- Canceling after 6 p.m. the evening before, or the morning of the flight, means paying in full
- Flights depend on the weather
- Kids In Town's family review says children should be able to stand comfortably in the basket for about 45 minutes
Call (970) 879-9191 Website Rates Map
Source: Wild West Balloon Adventures' website: home and rates pages; Kids In Town: family hot air balloon ride, checked Nov. 13
Camps, ski programs & after school
After-school care, school's-out day camps, winter ski and snowboard programs, and who runs summer camps. Many offer scholarships.
Also here when you tap the Camps & ski tab: Kids Garden Steamboat Springs, Totally Kids & Totally Tots, Old Town Hot Springs, Steamboat Climbing Collective
Steamboat Springs Parks & Recreation
After-school care, school's-out camps and summer camps · Downtown · Programs at Soda Creek Elementary; office at 245 Howelsen Parkway
After school Mon.–Fri. 3:05–5:45 p.m.; School Days Off 8 a.m.–5:45 p.m.
- Afterschool Action for kindergarten through fifth grade: $15 a day at Soda Creek Elementary, with rides from Strawberry Park and Sleeping Giant
- School Days Off camps: $60 a day, with transportation, activities and supplies included
- Coming School Days Off: Nov. 23–24; Dec. 21–24 and 28–31; Jan. 4; Feb. 5 and 16–19; March 18, 19 and 22
- Summer camps in 2026 ran Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m., at $240 a week for kids entering kindergarten through fifth grade
Winter sign-up opens Dec. 4Registration for the winter session (Jan. 5–March 22) opens Friday, Dec. 4 at noon. It's first come, first served.
Good to know (4)
- Scholarships cover up to 50% for families who meet income guidelines. Apply before the session's registration date
- You need a current Recreation Family Record and immunization records on file
- Summer 2027 registration typically happens in late March; the city says it will announce dates this winter
- The city also runs Fun Fridays and themed camps in summer, and an inclusion program for kids with special needs
Call (970) 879-4300 School-year programs Summer programs Register Map
Source: City of Steamboat Springs: School Year Programs and Summer Programs pages, checked Nov. 13
Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club
Ski, snowboard and Nordic programs · Downtown · Howelsen Hill, 845 Howelsen Parkway
Winter programs run November to March
- Mini Meisters, for 4- and 5-year-olds new to skiing: 10 Fridays alternating alpine and cross country, Jan. 8–March 12, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., $395
- U10 Ski Meisters, ages 8 to 10: alpine, cross country and ski jumping after school at Howelsen, Nov. 30–March 8, $2,225 plus a $300 work deposit
- Steamboat Cup Series: free introductory competitions for ages 7 to 13, Wednesdays 4–6 p.m., Jan. 6–March 17
- Scholarships for local families with adjusted gross income up to $175,000
Good to know (4)
- Programs need a Howelsen Hill Alpine and Nordic season pass, which is free for ages 4 and under
- The club says Mini Meisters fills; register early. Its page gives two different age cutoffs, so confirm with the club
- Saturday add-ons for U10 include alpine at Steamboat Resort ($1,800, full Ikon pass required)
- Summer programs serve ages 6 to 18. Registration opened April 2 in 2026, Kids In Town reported
Mini Meisters U10 Ski Meisters Summer programs Map
Source: Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club: Mini Meisters and U10 Ski Meisters pages, checked Nov. 13
Steamboat Resort SnowSports School & Mountain Camp
Kids' ski lessons and summer day camp · Mountain area · 2305 Mt. Werner Circle
Kids' group lessons 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Group lessons for ages 6 and under at Mountain Camp, in groups of up to five, with drop-off 8:15–9 a.m. Kids 3 to 6 must be potty trained
- Full-day lessons for ages 7–12 and teens 13–17, lunch included
- Season-long weekend and Friday programs for kids (Little Toots, Minibusters, Trailbusters, Superbusters) start in early December
- Summer: Mountain Camp day camp for ages 5 to 16. In 2026 it was $103 a day, or $82 a day with 10 or more days
Good to know (3)
- Helmets are required through age 17, and lift access isn't included with lessons
- A parent buying a lift ticket of five or more days before the season can add a free ticket for a child 12 or under. One child's rental is free with an adult rental of five or more days
- Mountain Camp 2026 ran June 3–Aug. 14, with drop-off 7:30–9 a.m. and pick-up 4–5:30 p.m., plus a $25 family registration fee
Lesson prices aren't on the page we checked.
Kids' lessons Mountain Camp Map
Source: Steamboat Resort: lessons and Mountain Camp pages, checked Nov. 13
Boys & Girls Club of Steamboat Springs
After-school club and day camps · Downtown · 325 Eighth St.
School days 2–6 p.m.; no-school Play Days 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
- For ages 6 through eighth grade
- After school is free with a $25 annual membership
- Play Days on no-school days are $15 a day; sign up ahead
- Summer camp in 2026 was $70 a week, Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Good to know (3)
- Staff walk kids over from Soda Creek Elementary; school buses bring kids from Sleeping Giant, Strawberry Park and the middle school
- Scholarships are available for fee-based days and programs, but not the membership
- The entrance is behind the chain-link fence at Eighth and Aspen
Call (970) 871-3160 Website Map
Source: Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Colorado: Steamboat Springs club page, checked Nov. 13
Yampatika
Outdoor and nature camps · Around Steamboat · Office at 925 Weiss Drive; camps at Legacy Ranch, 35435 E. U.S. Highway 40
Camp weeks and school breaks
- Summer Camp 2027: 10 weeks for ages 5 to 11, June 7–Aug. 13
- Blues Break Camp the week of Feb. 15, 2027, with snowshoeing, snow-shelter building and animal study
- Backpacking programs for ages 12 to 14
- Need-based scholarships that weigh income, family size and special circumstances
Blues Break sign-up opensBlues Break Camp registration and scholarship applications open in mid-November.
Good to know (2)
- Register through the link on its camp page
- Scholarship guidelines are posted in English and Spanish
Source: Yampatika's website: camp programs page, checked Nov. 13
Kid-friendly places to eat
Places with a kids' menu or something to keep small hands busy. Kids' menu details come from each restaurant unless we say otherwise.
Also here when you tap the Eat tab: Snow Bowl
Johnny B. Good's Diner
1950s-style diner · Downtown · 738 Lincoln Ave.
Open daily 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Children's menu, plus malts and shakes
- Pie happy hour daily, 3–5 p.m.
- Family-style meals to go, in sizes for two to 10 people
Call (970) 870-8400 Website Map
Source: Johnny B. Good's Diner's website, checked Nov. 13
Creekside Café
Breakfast and lunch · Downtown · 131 11th St.
Open daily 7 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Has a kids' menu
- No reservations; it runs a waitlist
Call (970) 879-4925 Website Map
Source: Creekside Café's website, checked Nov. 13
Freshies
Breakfast and lunch · Around Steamboat · 145 Trafalgar Drive
Mon.–Sat. 7 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Sun. 7 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Breakfast 7–11 a.m., then lunch
- On the Steamboat Chamber's list of a local's family-friendly favorites. Kids In Town notes the open kitchen, where kids can sometimes watch the cooks
Closed for Thanksgiving: Nov. 26, 2026
Closed for Christmas: Dec. 25, 2026
Its website doesn't mention a kids' menu; ask your server.
Call (970) 879-8099 Website Map
Source: Freshies' website, checked Nov. 13
Mazzola's
Italian · Downtown · 917 Lincoln Ave.
Open daily 5–9 p.m.
- The Steamboat Chamber's family dining guide says kids get a ball of real dough to play with, which is then baked into their pizza
- Reservations are available and encouraged
The dough detail comes from a Chamber guide first published in 2014 and updated in 2022. Ask when you book. Its website gives both 4 and 5 p.m. as the opening time.
Call (970) 879-2405 Website Map
Source: Mazzola's website; Steamboat Springs Chamber: Family Dining in Steamboat Springs, checked Nov. 13
Mambo Italiano
Italian · Downtown · 521 Lincoln Ave.
Open daily from 4 p.m.
- The Steamboat Chamber's family dining guide says kids can color on the paper tablecloths and kids' meals come with an ice cream cookie sandwich
- Takes reservations
Those details come from a Chamber guide first published in 2014 and updated in 2022. Closing time isn't posted.
Call (970) 870-0500 Website Map
Source: Mambo Italiano's website; Steamboat Springs Chamber: Family Dining in Steamboat Springs, checked Nov. 13
Back Door Grill
Burgers · Downtown · 825 Oak St.
Call for hours
- The Steamboat Chamber's family dining guide credits it with a good-size kids' menu and an upstairs game room
Those details come from a Chamber guide published in 2020. Hours aren't on the restaurant's home page.
Call (970) 871-7888 Website Map
Source: Back Door Grill's website; Steamboat Springs Chamber: Casual Dining Favorites from a Local, checked Nov. 13
Birthday parties & entertainers
Party rentals and hosts. Most venues that host parties are listed under Things to do; tap the Birthday parties tab to see them all together.
Also here when you tap the Birthday parties tab: Kids Garden Steamboat Springs, Old Town Hot Springs, Howelsen Ice Arena, Steamboat Climbing Collective, Excel Gymnastics, Wildhorse Cinema + Arts, Snow Bowl, Steamboat Fun and Games
Ana's Party Rentals of Steamboat
Bounce houses and party rentals · Comes to you · 1306 Lincoln Ave., Unit E
By reservation
- Bounce houses, water slides, a mechanical bull, a dunk tank and inflatable games
- Foam machine, cotton candy and snow cone machines, and piñatas
- Tables, chairs, coolers and grills
Good to know (2)
- Prices are on its Prices page
- Book through its contact page, by phone or by email
Call (970) 761-5997 Website Map
Source: Ana's Party Rentals' website, checked Nov. 13
Paint Steamboat
Painting and craft parties · Comes to you · Steamboat Springs
By reservation
- Birthday parties, craft parties and private events led by an art teacher with more than 20 years of experience
- Request a private party through its website with your date, time and details
Good to know (2)
- Prices and group sizes aren't posted
- Public painting events are held at venues around town
Source: Paint Steamboat's website, checked Nov. 13
Toy stores
Downtown shops with toys, games, puzzles and candy.
Steamboat Fun and Games
Toys, games, candy and arcade · Downtown · 703 Lincoln Ave., Unit B106
Hours aren't posted on its website; call ahead
- Toys, board games, puzzles and candy, including LEGO, Pokémon and Catan
- An arcade in the back; reviews on its site mention skee-ball, pinball and basketball games
- Rents out the whole space for events
The street address comes from map listings.
Call (970) 761-2334 Website Map
Source: Steamboat Fun and Games' website, checked Nov. 13
Moose Mountain Trading Company
Gift shop with kids' toys · Downtown · 824 Lincoln Ave.
Call for hours
- Kids' clothes and toys, books and puzzles among its gifts and home decor
Call (970) 879-1400 Chamber listing Map
Source: Steamboat Springs Chamber: Moose Mountain Trading Company listing, checked Nov. 13
Fuzziwig's Candy Factory
Candy store with toys · Downtown · 845 Lincoln Ave.
Call for hours
- Chocolates and candy, plus toys, stuffed animals and Legos, Steamboat Magazine reports
Source: Steamboat Magazine: Take a Tour of Downtown Steamboat; Steamboat Magazine: 2024 kids gift guide, checked Nov. 13
Libraries
Four public libraries, all free, with story times most days of the week in Steamboat.
Bud Werner Memorial Library
Public library · Downtown · 1289 Lincoln Ave.
Mon.–Thu. 8 a.m.–7 p.m.; Fri. 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- A free story time or kids' program most days in the Children's Storytime Room
- Babytime, Cuentos en Español, Music and Movement, Lego Lab and Chess Club are on the weekly schedule
- Sunday Hangout for Teens and Tweens in the Teen Library
- Next to Little Toots and West Lincoln parks
Good to know (2)
- See the full weekly schedule below
- The summer reading program is for ages 0 to 17, with free books or bookstore credit as prizes
Call (970) 879-0240 Website Kids' programs Calendar Map
Source: Bud Werner Memorial Library's website: home, youth and calendar pages, checked Nov. 13
Hayden Public Library
Public library · Hayden · 201 E. Jefferson Ave.
Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; closed Sunday
- Preschool Story Hour Wednesdays at 11 a.m. for ages 1 to 5, with songs, books, a craft and a snack
- Bradley's Book Buddies pairs paid teen mentors (11–17) with younger kids (3–10) each summer
- The Bern F. Giannini Young Reader Awards, run with Off the Beaten Path Bookstore
Call (970) 276-3777 Website Children's programs Map
Source: Hayden Public Library's website: home and children's programs pages, checked Nov. 13
Oak Creek Library
Public library · Oak Creek & Yampa · 117 Main St., Oak Creek
Mon., Wed., Fri. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Tue. 1–5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; closed Thu. and Sun.
- Part of the South Routt Library District, with a summer reading program and early literacy resources
The district's site doesn't list a story time schedule; call to ask.
Call (970) 736-8371 Website Map
Source: South Routt Libraries' website: locations page, checked Nov. 13
Yampa Library
Public library · Oak Creek & Yampa · 116 Main St., Yampa
Mon.–Tue. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thu. 2–6 p.m.; Fri. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; closed Wed., Sat. and Sun.
- Part of the South Routt Library District, with a summer reading program and early literacy resources
The district's site doesn't list a story time schedule; call to ask.
Call (970) 638-4654 Website Map
Source: South Routt Libraries' website: locations page, checked Nov. 13
Bookstores
Steamboat's independent bookstore.
Off the Beaten Path Bookstore
Independent bookstore, coffeehouse and bakery · Downtown · 68 Ninth St.
Wed.–Mon. 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Tue. 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Steamboat's independent bookstore, with a coffeehouse and bakery cafe
- A partner in the Bern F. Giannini Young Reader Awards with the Hayden Public Library
Call (970) 879-6830 Website Map
Source: Off the Beaten Path's website, checked Nov. 13
Nothing matches those filters.
What's on
Family events and camp dates. This list updates itself: dates drop off once they pass.
Every week at the libraries
Free story times and kids' programs. Ages for Lego Lab, Stuffie Stories and Chess Club come from Kids In Town's calendar. Programs can skip holidays, so check the library's calendar.
- Monday
- 9:30 a.m. · Cuentos en Español, Bud Werner Memorial Library
- 10:30 a.m. · Crafty Tales (ages 2–5), Bud Werner Memorial Library
- Tuesday
- 9:30 a.m. · Music and Movement, Bud Werner Memorial Library
- 4–5 p.m. · Lego Lab (ages 6–12), Bud Werner Memorial Library
- Wednesday
- 9:30 a.m. · Stuffie Stories (ages 2–7), Bud Werner Memorial Library
- 10:30 a.m. · Story Baskets, Bud Werner Memorial Library
- 11 a.m. · Preschool Story Hour (ages 1–5), Hayden Public Library
- 4–5 p.m. · Chess Club (ages 6–12), Bud Werner Memorial Library
- Thursday
- 9:30 a.m. · Story Stretchers, Bud Werner Memorial Library
- 10:30 a.m. · Babytime (babies), Bud Werner Memorial Library
- Friday
- 10:30 a.m. · Friday Favorites (all ages), Bud Werner Memorial Library
- Saturday
- No weekly programs on our list.
- Sunday
- 10:30 a.m. · Sunday Stories (ages 1–5), Bud Werner Memorial Library
- 1–5 p.m. · Sunday Hangout for Teens and Tweens, Bud Werner Memorial Library
Closures and sign-up dates
Holiday closures and registration windows from the listings above.
Prices at a glance
A day out
Posted prices for kids. Libraries and playgrounds are free.
| Place | Kids | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town Hot Springs | $27 (ages 3–14); 2 and under free | Adults $35; water slide $7 |
| Howelsen Ice Arena public skate | $11 (under 18); 5 and under free | Skate rental $5 |
| Bumper cars on ice | $18.45 plus tax per car | 20-minute session; reservations open a month ahead |
| Howelsen Hill | Free on Sundays | Other days: $40 for ages 5–18; 4 and under free |
| Steamboat Climbing Collective | $13 (ages 3–9, shoes included) | Ages 10–17 $13, or $16 with shoes |
| Steamboat Springs History Museum | $2 (ages 6–11); under 6 free | Routt County residents free with ID |
| Hayden Center | $10 guest day pass | Kids 11 and under need an adult on the courts |
Care, camps and classes
What families pay, where it's posted.
| Program | Price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Nia's Babysitting | $45 an hour for one child | $50 for two; $60 and up for three or more |
| City Afterschool Action | $15 a day | School Days Off camps $60 a day |
| Boys & Girls Club | Free after school | With a $25 annual membership; Play Days $15 |
| School district preschool | $0–$965 a month for 4-year-olds | $1,770 a month for 3-year-olds without state funding |
| Steamboat Child Care Center | $90–$100 a day | Community rate; the community waitlist is closed |
| Winter Sports Club Mini Meisters | $395 for 10 weeks | U10 Ski Meisters $2,225 |
| Totally Kids summer camp (2026) | $35 a day | Kindergarten through seventh grade |
Birthday parties
Starting prices for the venues that post them.
| Venue | Price | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Howelsen Ice Arena | $100 or $200 | Up to 10 or 20 kids, with skating and rentals |
| Steamboat Climbing Collective | $22 a climber | Two hours; preschool party $159 flat |
| Kids Garden | From $250 members, $300 others | Up to 10 kids ages 1–12 |
| Old Town Hot Springs | Custom quote | Up to 15 guests |
| Excel Gymnastics | Not posted | Weekend parties; call |
Outdoor adventures
Posted prices; most outings need a reservation.
| Outing | Price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Wild West Balloon Adventures | $295 kids, $335 adults | Ages 6 and up |
| Grizzle-T dog sled tour | From $394 a person | Per a booking partner; call about young kids |
| Howelsen Hill Nordic trails | Free on Sundays | $25 day ticket on other days |
| Tube Howelsen | $40 a rider | One-hour session; riders must be 36 inches tall |
| Saddleback Ranch | On its booking page | Horseback rides are for ages 8 and up |
Summer camps: plan ahead
Who ran camps in 2026, and when sign-up opened
Summer 2027 details aren't posted for most camps yet. Several opened registration in January and February last year. From Kids In Town's 2026 summer camp guide, with the city, Boys & Girls Club, resort and Yampatika rows checked against their own pages. Kids In Town's guide
| Camp | Ages | In 2026 | Sign-up opened |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Steamboat Springs | Entering K–5th grade | Mon.–Thu. 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m., $240 a week | Typically late March |
| Boys & Girls Club | 6 through 8th grade | Mon.–Fri. 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m., $70 a week | April |
| Steamboat Mountain Camp | 5–16 | $103 a day; $82 with 10 or more days | Check the resort's page |
| Yampatika | 5–11 | 2027: 10 weeks, June 7–Aug. 13 | Not posted yet |
| Old Town Hot Springs | 5–9 | Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.; $275 members, $300 guests | Feb. 2 |
| Steamboat Climbing Collective | 5–16 | Full day 9 a.m.–3 p.m. or half day | Jan. 1 |
| Kids Garden | 3–12 | Several camps; single days from $45 | Jan. 15 |
| Totally Kids (Hayden) | K–7th grade | 7 a.m.–5:45 p.m., $35 a day | April 13 |
| Winter Sports Club summer programs | 6–18 | Varies by sport; scholarships | April 2 |
| Perry-Mansfield arts day camp | 5–10 | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., lunch included | Feb. 1 |
| Book Trails | 7–13 | At its Reading Ranch near Steamboat Lake | Lottery Feb. 1–5 |
| Piknik Theatre | 6–18 | 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; scholarships | Early February |
| Steamboat Creates Young at Art | 5–15 | Full or half days; scholarships | Check its site |
| STARS adaptive camps | 5–17 | For participants with disabilities | March 15 |
Good to know
Child care is tight. Start early
A First Impressions of Routt County study counted about 1,222 children age 6 and younger in the county in 2025 and 16 licensed providers actively giving care, with 647 slots when fully staffed. That leaves nearly 270 children without licensed care, the Steamboat Pilot reported. Ski Town Early Learning registers once a year, in April, and Totally Tots has a waitlist for every room.
Steamboat PilotHelp paying for care and camps
First Impressions of Routt County, the county's early childhood council, offers tuition assistance to working families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level who don't qualify for the state's child care assistance program; applications are due the 20th of each month. The school district, the city, the Winter Sports Club, the Boys & Girls Club and Yampatika all offer scholarships or financial aid. First Impressions is at 135 Sixth St., 970-870-5270.
First Impressions application · Chamber listingFree skiing for kids
Howelsen Hill's lifts and Nordic trails are free every Sunday of the winter season with a free ticket from the ticket office. At Steamboat Resort, a parent who buys a lift ticket of five or more days before the season can add a free ticket for a child 12 or under.
Ski Free Sundays · Steamboat ResortSchool's out? Here's who has camp
On no-school days, the city runs School Days Off camps ($60 a day) and the Boys & Girls Club runs Play Days ($15 a day with a $25 membership). For last February's Blues Break, the Climbing Collective, Kids Garden, Old Town Hot Springs and Yampatika also ran camps, Kids In Town reported.
City programs · Kids In TownParty performers travel
We didn't find a magician, face painter or balloon artist based in Routt County. The booking site The Bash lists performers who travel from the Front Range, including a face painter and balloon twister from Boulder, 87 miles away. Kids Garden sells face painting as a $100 party add-on.
The Bash · Kids Garden partiesEmerald Park's new playground is open
The city closed the Emerald Park playground April 20 to rebuild it and held the grand opening Sept. 30. The new one has two play structures, a 60-foot zipline, four slides and a rubberized surface. Fencing remains around replanted areas beside it, the city manager reported Oct. 20.
City project page · City Manager ReportStill checking
We're working to confirm these and will add them when we can:
Steamboat: ages, hours and openings at Discovery Learning Center and GrandKids; whether Holy Name Preschool at 514 Oak St. is operating, because it isn't in the state's current report of licensed child care facilities; Steamboat Montessori's early childhood program; Steamboat Resort's Kids' Vacation Center child care for 2026-27, and a report that kids 12 and under ski free there early this season; Excel Gymnastics' open gym times and prices; Wildhorse Cinema's ticket prices and private screenings; kids' menus at Fiesta Jalisco, Taco Cabo, Old Town Pub, The Range Food and Drink Hall, Timber & Torch and Slopeside Grill; Buddy's Hobby Hut; Sassquatch Party Rentals and Princess Ever After Events; local face painters, balloon artists and magicians; Tube Howelsen's opening day; this season's dates and prices at the Steamboat Ski Touring Center and Haymaker Nordic Center; Lake Catamount's touring center; Steamboat Resort's Haymaker sleigh ride dinners; Del's Triangle 3 Ranch and other outfitters for horseback and sleigh rides; passenger ages for snowmobile tours and dog sleds.
Hayden: the school district's preschool; Hayden Town Park and the skate park; kid-friendly places to eat and party options.
Oak Creek, Yampa and North Routt: SOROCO Preschool at Yampa; the Boys & Girls Club of South Routt; playgrounds; story times at the Oak Creek and Yampa libraries.
Left out on purpose: Celebrations at 831 Lincoln Ave., which business listings show as closed; and the county's four licensed home day cares, which are licensed under their owners' names. Search the state's child care database or call First Impressions to find them.
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Send your hours, prices, ages, sign-up link or a correction to anna@yvindy.com. Listings are free. No one pays to be in this guide.
How we built this guide
We checked each listing on Nov. 13, 2026. Most come from the organization's own website. Where a site wouldn't load or doesn't post the details, we used the state's child care license list, the Steamboat Springs Chamber, Main Street Steamboat, Steamboat Pilot & Today, Steamboat Magazine or Kids In Town's family calendar, and that listing's source line and notes say so. Playground details come from Kids In Town's guide to the city's parks. We didn't use review sites or paid listings. "Open now" uses each place's posted regular hours in Mountain time; on major holidays we show "call ahead" unless a place posts its holiday schedule. If you spot something out of date, email anna@yvindy.com.
Disclaimer
This guide is for general information only. The Yampa Valley Independent checks each listing against the sources named in it, but we don't guarantee that any listing is complete, accurate or current, and we aren't responsible for decisions made based on it. Hours, prices, openings, ages and policies change, sometimes without notice. Always double-check before you go. A listing is not an endorsement or a recommendation of any child care provider, sitter, camp or business. Check a provider's state license and inspection history, ask for references and interview anyone who will care for your child. No one pays to be in this guide.
