While there are lots of wonderful children’s books about New York City , our kids are lucky enough to live here. They don’t need to read a book to find out what it’s like to play in the street on a snowy day or run amok at the Plaza or visit the Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge. Yet there are times when flipping through a book about an iconic NYC experience can actually get local children excited for the real thing, like going to an art museum. Recently, Mommy Poppins founder Anna got her nine-year-old psyched for the Gutai exhibit at the Guggenheim by giving him Speeding Down the Spiral: An Artful Adventure, a picture book about visiting the museum that contained a catalog of its permanent collection. He pored over the images and couldn’t wait to see the works of art in person. There are other inspiring kids’ books out there about exploring NYC’s great art institutions. We’re not talking about those general enjoy-the-museum stories that take place at fictitious culture spots. These 10 titles work as primers so your kids will be excited to spend a day at the museum, be it the Met, the Guggenheim or MoMA.

Guggenheim Museum of Art Even though Speeding Down the Spiral is a picture book with a simple plot about a family chasing their out-of-control stroller through the museum, it’s not just for little kids. Sophy Naess’ illustrations capture Frank Lloyd Wright’s amazing architecture and give readers of all ages a peek at famous works by Cézanne, Chagall, Lichtenstein, Miró, Picasso and Warhol. Though out of print for many years, A. C. Hollingsworth’s 1970 picture book I’d Like the Goo-Gen-Heim was recently reissued and is the perfect introduction to the museum for young children. When a little boy’s father falls asleep in Central Park, he wanders away and is immediately intrigued by the Guggenheim’s unique construction. Inside, he’s even more enthralled by the art of Kandinsky, Léger and Rouault. I read the charming book to my daughter before our first visit there and it really enhanced our experience.

Museum of Modern Art

I’m a huge fan of the books by the hilarious author-illustrator team of Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith. The duo specializes in skewed takes on old classics like The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. They give modern art the same treatment in Seen Art?, a picture book about a boy searching for his friend Art, who ends up in the Museum of Modern Art. There, enthusiastic art lovers introduce him to celebrated works by Van Gogh, Matisse, Klee and others. It’s repetitive to be sure but gets readers young and old pumped for a day at MoMA and also sparks interesting “What is art?” conversations. Another option is to turn your visit into a fun scavenger hunt with ABC: The Museum of Modern Art New York, which illustrates the alphabet with pieces from MoMA’s collections, D is for Matisse’s Dance, etc.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met has inspired more children’s books than any other NYC museum. In fact, E.L. Konigsburg’s 1968 Newbery Medal-winning novel From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler may be the most famous kids’ book about a museum, ever. Two precocious tweens camp out in the Met for a week and end up solving an art mystery. The tome is so popular, the Met even has a family guide you can download that touches on works referenced in the book. And in case your kids are wondering, unlike a lot of other New York City museums, the Met does not allow kids to sleepover for a night, let alone a week!

For younger children, try You Can’t Take a Balloon into the Metropolitan Museum, which is illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser, the artist behind the Fancy Nancy books. It’s about a little girl who abandons her balloon outside the Met, and their separate but related adventures. The art she sees mirrors the balloon’s journey. It’s a playful introduction to the Met’s collections.

Inside the Museum: A Children’s Guide to the MMA offers a more straightforward look at the Met and its treasures. This resource is filled with info about the works, art preservation and restoration, and what it takes to keep the museum running smoothly. Meanwhile, kids obsessed with the Met’s Egyptian Art wing will appreciate Jessie Hartland’s How the Sphinx Got to the Museum, which chronicles the creation and history of the sphinx of the Pharaoh Hatshepsut and how it came to reside at the museum.

American Museum of Natural History

Granted, you probably don’t need to read a book to get the kids psyched about a trip to the Natural History Museum, but Milan Trenc’s A Night at the Museum is a cute read. Significantly different than the movie, the original picture book features just the dinosaurs coming to life, and the nightwatchman who keeps them under control, none of the other convoluted stuff. ABC Dinosaurs also focuses on the prehistoric creatures and is aimed at preschool paleontologists. The first in a series, the second book, ABC Animals featuring natural wonders from the Mammal Halls, comes out in the fall.

And an honorable mention goes to Brian Selznick’s stunning graphic novel Wonderstruck about the journeys of two deaf children a half century apart. It features pivotal scenes in the American Museum of Natural History and the Queens Museum, specifically at the latter’s famous Panorama of NYC. More illustrations than text, the book is breathtaking.

Find out about other great children’s books or read about NYC’s best kid-friendly museums.

Photos courtesy of the publishers

Here’s what our readers said about why they think cursive writing should still be taught in schools, as well as some tips on teaching kids how to write in cursive. Stay on top of other hot parenting topics with our Mommy Poppins Parenting Guide , which includes everything from types of parenting styles to parenting tips from dads .

The answer to our social media poll was an overwhelming yes! About 90% of parents said they do think kids should learn cursive writing. About 8% didn’t care, and only 2% didn’t think it was necessary anymore.

In a world that increasingly relies on technology, there’s no question that kids can—and should—learn to type on a keyboard. But after some internal chat among the Mommy Poppins team, we wanted to know: Do parents still want their kids to learn how to write in cursive?

Here’s a question we would have never thought to ask 25 years ago: Should kids learn cursive writing?

The story of cursive writing stretches back to the 17th century, when it was developed as a faster way to write by hand. Over the years, cursive has been shaped by different cultures and writing traditions. While cursive was once a standard part of education, its use has shifted for today’s kids, who primarily use computers, tablets, and devices to communicate and do school work. However, cursive text is experiencing a revival these days, with more parents and schools going back to teaching it to kids.

Cursive writing is an old-fashioned style of handwriting where the letters are connected in a smooth, flowing manner. This elegant font style is still used for more formal occasions, like invitations and cards, but with how much kids type and use devices these days, it’s really fallen out of favor. Many kids in Gen Z and Gen Alpha don’t know how to write in cursive at all.

Current School Policies About Cursive Writing

According to mycursive.com, 23 states currently require that children be taught cursive writing in school. Two of those states, New Hampshire and California, added the requirement in 2023. We find this surprising, since the recent adoption of Common Core Standards by 46 states requires that keyboarding is taught in schools. With only so many hours in a day, why are more states also adding cursive writing as a requirement?

Parents Weigh In: Why Should Kids Learn Cursive Writing?

1. Kids will need to know how to write in cursive as grown-ups so they can write their signature, and maybe for other tasks as well.

In case you were wondering, a signature does NOT need to be written in cursive to be legally binding. And with electronic signatures becoming more prevalent, not every document will need an ink-to-paper signature in the future.

However, many adults say they’d feel silly printing their name on a legal document. Some parents commented that cursive looks more professional, while other think it’s faster and more fluid for writing notes in a hurry. On the less practical side, most parents agree that it’s also prettier than printing.

2. It’s important to be able to read cursive.

Aside from being able to write in cursive, many adults have observed that kids have a hard time reading cursive. Many historical and legal documents are written in cursive, and it’s practical to be able to read them as they were initially written. Some fonts even resemble cursive, so the ability to read cursive may even be relevant to typewritten documents. Plus, don’t kids want to be able to read Grandma’s letters or their teacher’s handwritten comments on an assignment?

3. Cursive writing is easier than printing, particularly for some people with different abilities.

Being able to write without lifting pen from paper can feel smoother and faster. Some parents pointed out that cursive is easier to read and write for many kids with dyslexia and other language disabilities. It also helps develop different fine motor skills than printing.

4. Kids like learning how to write in cursive.

My daughter is currently learning cursive in her third-grade class, and she loves it. Many other parents commented that their kids are particularly interested in learning how to write in a more grown-up or fancy way. And if kids want to learn something, who are we to stop them?

5. With the increase in artificial intelligence, kids may one day need to learn how to write without a computer or device.

Remember how we used to write essay tests in little blue books filled with lined paper? It was impossible to use ChatGPT or even Google to try to prove you knew something if you didn’t actually know it. Some educators are returning to handwritten assessments to prevent copy-and-pasting of passages or outright plagiarism on exams, says a recent article in Education Week.

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Readers are overwhelmingly in support of kids learning cursive writing.

Reader Opinions: Why Cursive Writing is Still Important

“[Cursive is] incredibly important for brain development. The continuous movement [of the hand] is important as opposed to the stop and start of standard print. It’s encouraged in dyslexia programs, and many schools start teaching cursive from the beginning.”— Hannah H.M.

“My graphoanalyst hubby says it’s essential for personality development.” — Joanne R.S.

“[Cursive] looks more professional, and it just looks better on paper than plain print.” — Carla A.

“[Kids] should definitely be exposed to [cursive] because it shows up all the time in type fonts. When I was teaching high school, some of the kids couldn’t read cursive because they had never been exposed in elementary.”— Lauren G.

“There are so many interesting unknown perks to it. I have a friend that reads and writes more fluidly in cursive than in regular print due to dyslexia. But even for those without certain needs, I feel at the minimum they should be taught how to read [cursive].” — Margaret C.K.

“My son’s previous school for dyslexic kids made it mandatory because kids with language disabilities write more fluently in cursive. My son’s cursive was gorgeous. Now that he’s in a general ed school and doesn’t have to write in cursive, he struggles.” — Tara J.

“I find it strange that this is even a [topic]. I can’t imagine a world without cursive. It’s quicker and prettier! I’m so glad my children will still get taught how to write in cursive.” —Stevie S.

“I don’t care about cursive. I [just] think kids should write more, using paper and pencil. They just use laptops these days.” — Patricia S.

“It’s labor-intensive to write in print. [Cursive] should be covered in school.” — Shawnda D.

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A cursive journal is a great tool for teaching kids how to write in cursive. Photo courtesy of The Literacy Loft

Teach Your Child How to Write in Cursive

If your child’s school doesn’t teach cursive writing, or you and/or your kids just want some enrichment on learning your best cursive, we’ve put together some resources to help.

Step 1: Form a Plan

Experts recommend teaching lowercase letters first, and teaching the letters that don’t require complicated strokes early on. Try starting with a, c, e, l, and t. Then you can move on to teaching more complicated letters, uppercase letters, and how to connect letters together.

When starting to connect letters, begin with easy and common combinations like ar, ie, and nd. You can find tutorials with more information on how to teach cursive at mycursive.com, Learning Without Tears, and The Literacy Loft.

RELATED: 100 Trivia Questions for Kids – With Answers!

The Write-On Wipe-Off Lets Write in Cursive Board makes learning cursive fun. Photo courtesy of the Highlights Learning store on Amazon

Step 2: Gather Supplies

We like this Highlights Write-On, Wipe-Off Board to reduce paper usage, the Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Kids that progresses from letters to words to sentences, and these Montessori wooden tracing blocks for younger kids who want to get an early start.

If you want to improve your own cursive writing or reinforce lessons for your teen, try this adult-level cursive handwriting workbook. If you want to get creative, you can use these roller stamps to make the three lines you usually see in writing guidebooks on your own white paper at home.

Step 3: Be Consistent

Try to spend a similar amount of time each day or week learning cursive writing. Be sure to set reasonable expectations for your child based on their age and abilities. Remember, while cursive can be fun, not all adults write in cursive on a regular basis. Giving kids the opportunity to learn how to write in a new way is great for their development, motor skills, and education, even if they don’t use it every day in the future.

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Here’s your guide to visiting Mount Rushmore with kids, plus things to do nearby in Keystone and Rapid City, SD. Also check out our Midwest Family Travel Guide for more vacation ideas.

Mount Rushmore attracts more than two million visitors a year. This year, that included my family. While the landmark is the big draw for a vacation in this part of the country, it’s also just one of the many activities offered in the area. (Watch out, Branson, Missouri : South Dakota is becoming a genuine family fun center!)

There are few national landmarks as iconic as Mount Rushmore, the massive granite sculpture in Keystone, South Dakota depicting four of the country’s most beloved presidents (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln) surrounded by the majestic Black Hills and a forest of Ponderosa pine trees. The carvings may even be one of the first images that come to mind when you think of the American landscape.

Weather permitting, the grounds of Mount Rushmore are open every day of the year except Christmas Day. No surprise, the busiest months are June through August, when the park is open from 5am-11pm. If you want to avoid crowds, try arriving before 9am or after 3pm. Rangers also recommend visiting in September or October when the climate is still pleasant but the area is less busy.

Note: There is no entrance fee at Mount Rushmore, only a $10 parking charge. This gives you unlimited access to the memorial for one year from the date of purchase, should you want to return.

All in all, our family spent about three hours at Mount Rushmore, taking our time and hitting most of the sights.

How to Get to Mount Rushmore

If you’re traveling by airplane, the closest airport to Mount Rushmore is in Rapid City, about a 35-minute drive from the park. Many visitors also hit the site as part of an all-American road trip. It’s a day’s drive from Yellowstone National Park, FYI.

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Learn more about the four presidents pictured on Mount Rushmore during a hike along the Presidential Trail.

Things To Do at Mount Rushmore

Presidential Trail

Our family really enjoyed walking the Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore, an easy half-mile hike that spans the periphery of the monument and provides spectacular views of the sculpted presidents. There’s information along the way about their individual accomplishments and why they were chosen to be part of Mount Rushmore. (Fun fact: Planners originally wanted the sculpture to feature American West heroes like Lewis and Clark, but decided US presidents would probably attract more visitors.)

Note: The Presidential Trail is only partially paved, and there are over 400 small steps. The most popular spot for taking photos is at the Grand View Terrace, an unobstructed viewing area at the start of the trek.

Blackberry Trail

If you are up for a longer hike, there is a trail head across from the Mount Rushmore parking lot. The Blackberry Trail is a one-mile gravel walk that joins with the stunning Black Hills National Forest.

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See the original plaster scale model of Mount Rushmore at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center.

Sculptor’s Studio and Visitor Center

If you want to learn about Mount Rushmore’s creation, I highly recommend checking out the exhibits inside the Sculptor’s Studio and the Visitor Center. We got a kick out of seeing the original plaster scale model of Mount Rushmore in the Sculptor’s Studio, where a park ranger also gave a short talk on Gutzon Borglum, the artist behind it. Don’t worry if your kids get antsy: the presentation is somewhat informal, and guests can come and go as they please.

The Visitor Center features cool photos and artifacts from Mount Rushmore’s construction, which began in 1927 and was completed in 1941. There’s also a 14-minute film with incredible video of the endeavor. Our family was blown away to discover that no fatalities occurred during the construction, particularly because it involved so much dynamite.

Junior Ranger Program

Like other US national parks, Mount Rushmore offers a Junior Ranger program for children ages 3 and up. It’s a fun way for kids to earn a free souvenir pin. Participants are given a workbook to fill out with educational and age-appropriate material (think coloring pages for the little ones and more writing and games for older kids). After completing the book, kids are “sworn in” as junior rangers and given their one-of-a-kind badge pin.

Where to Eat at Mount Rushmore

Carver’s Cafe is the only on-site restaurant at Mount Rushmore. Known for its ice cream (including Thomas Jefferson’s original vanilla recipe), Carver’s also serves up American fare like burgers, soups, and salads. The cafe is huge, with lots of seating.

We opted to bring lunch with us, and loved eating at an outdoor table surrounded by the presidents. Note that food is not allowed in the indoor spaces at Mount Rushmore.

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Feed, pet, and even hold adorable animals at Old MacDonald’s Farm.

Things To Do Near Mount Rushmore with Kids

The greater Mount Rushmore area is becoming a family fun center, with tons of attractions for families. Here are some of the top things to do in Keystone and Rapid City, SD with kids. Note: Some of these attractions are only open seasonally, so be sure to check their websites before visiting.

If you have an animal lover in the family, be sure to visit this farm just outside Rapid City. It offers petting zoos, pony rides, and opportunities to bottle feed baby animals (so cute!).

Rushmore Tramway Adventures — Keystone

We had a blast sliding down the alpine slide, riding the chairlift, and going down the tubing hill at Rushmore Tramway Adventures, about five minutes away from Mount Rushmore.

Big Thunder Gold Mine — Keystone

This mining museum offers lots of family fun, from touring a historic gold mine to panning for gold. The mine is smooth and flat, making it easy for kids to tackle.

National Presidential Wax Museum — Keystone

This wax museum features some uncanny recreations of all 46 American leaders. History-loving kids will really enjoy it!

Rush Mountain Adventure Park — Keystone

Five miles east of Keystone is this adventure park known for its mountain roller coaster and zip line. Other fun activities include high ropes courses, 7-D interactive rides, and gem mining.

Reptile Gardens — Rapid City

Reptile Gardens has one of the largest collections of reptiles on display in the world, including giant tortoises, snakes, a giant crocodile, and more. Kids can also enjoy a playground, virtual-reality adventures, gold panning, and other activities.

Storybook Island — Rapid City

For a must-see free activity, Storybook Island is a charming outdoor park with playground equipment modeled after beloved children’s books. There are over 50 play sets and interactive exhibits, a carousel, and a train ride.

Dahl Arts Center — Rapid City

The Dahl Arts Center in downtown Rapid City has a terrific family room with activities and books for kids, plus free admission. There are also free family art classes on Saturday afternoons.

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Satisfy your sweet tooth at Armadillos Ice Cream Shoppe.

Places to Eat Near Mount Rushmore

Armadillos Ice Cream Shoppe — Rapid City

For that sweet tooth fix, hit this ice cream shop in Rapid City. Known for its “sherbet of the day,” this old-school spot has terrific soft-serve, as well as some lunch items.

Grab a coffee, bagel, or panini at Grapes & Grinds, which also offers free wine tasting. Families love playing corn hole and giant chess in the large yard and patio.

Bokujo — Rapid City

We were impressed with the delicious ramen at celebrity chef Justin Warner’s joint in downtown Rapid City. The decor inside the small restaurant is kitschy and fun, and it offers simple ramen as well as plain noodles for the kids. FYI: Wait times can be long on weekends, so go early if possible.

Family-Friendly Hotels Near Mount Rushmore

K Bar S Lodge — Keystone

This lodge gets high marks for its luxurious rustic vibe and proximity to Mount Rushmore. Some rooms even have scenic views of the monument. K Bar S Lodge also has an outdoor picnic area and a hot tub, but note that the hotel is only open April through October.

This pet-friendly hotel offers spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens, as well as a complimentary breakfast each morning. Plus, it connects to the WaTiki Indoor Water Park.

Also connected to the WaTiki Indoor Water Park, this hotel has suites with in-room kitchens as well as connecting rooms. Plus, breakfast is free!

Hotel Alex Johnson — Rapid City

Our family stayed at this historic hotel and really liked its wall of notable guests, including several US presidents. We also enjoyed walking to many downtown shops and restaurants.

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All photos by author Jackie Jones

Miles of awesome ocean beaches. Expansive bay-side beaches. Clear, fresh-water ponds. Tidal flats. Visit Wellfleet just about any time of the year, and your day is sure to include a visit to at least one of the many beaches in town. Add a surprising number of great restaurants, bike trails, hiking trails, a charming town center, and some “firsts” and “only in”s, and you’ll find yourself planning your next trip before you hit the Orleans rotary on your way home.

Here are just some of our favorite things to do in Wellfleet. Enjoy!

* A note about beach parking: While there is daily-fee parking at beaches around town, if you are staying in Wellfleet, it’s worth paying for a parking sticker (proof of stay needed), which will allow you to check out the beaches and ponds that are only available with a Wellfleet sticker.

Here are 23 top things to do with kids in Steamboat Springs, CO besides skiing, including family-friendly Steamboat Springs restaurants and hotels. Visit our Western US Family Travel Guide for even more adventures out west, from gorgeous national parks like the Grand Canyon to fun cities such as Colorado Springs .

When people think of visiting Steamboat Springs, Colorado, it’s often for one thing—skiing. And there’s no doubt that the skiing in this western mountain town is top-notch. But it turns out Steamboat Springs is not just a winter destination. There are plenty of things to do in Steamboat Springs throughout the year, from hiking to hot springs to, yes, winter activities like snowmobiling and even dogsledding.

Colorado is hiking country, so a walk in the woods is a must. Even in winter, a hike to Fish Creek Falls is perfect for the whole family— it’s about a quarter-mile hike down a gravel path leading to a great view of the lower falls. A more moderate hike will take you to picturesque views of the Upper Fish Creek Falls as well as Routt National Forest’s Long Lake .

Another option for thrill-seekers is the Uranium Mine Trail, also in Routt National Forest. It’s a moderate hike, made just a tad more than moderate by the lack of tree cover for the first half of the trail (bring sunscreen). Adventuresome families will love the mystique of clambering over old metal tracks to peer down into an abandoned uranium mine. While the entrance has been gated for safety, explorers can still use flashlights to illuminate rusted tracks, aged caution signs, and perhaps a bat or two.

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Get out of the cold and into steamy natural hot springs. Photo by the author

There is nothing quite like sitting in comfortably steamy natural hot springs while staring out at snow-capped surroundings. For convenience, Old Town Hot Springs is right in town, family-friendly, and easy to find. But for a truly magical and unforgettable experience, take a day trip to Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Book a shuttle, as no Uber or Lyft passengers are allowed entry, and the shuttle reservation acts as your pool reservation.

Once there, relish in an unforgettable two-hour soak in beautiful, unspoiled nature as you alternate between five stone masonry pools, with the uppermost pool reaching up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The bravest among you can take a cold plunge into the most frigid pool, fed by the mountain creek and therefore really, really cold. Be advised: Minors are not allowed in after dark, as clothing becomes optional after sundown.

3. Horseback Riding at Saddleback Ranch

Any cowpokes in the family? They’ll love gazing at the Sleeping Giant, Mt. Werner, and more on a horseback adventure that follows in the hoof-steps of the homesteaders who established the ranch nearly a century ago. After winter rides, you’ll enjoy warming comforts like hot chocolate or freshly baked cookies. The minimum age for riders is 8, and any child under 13 must wear a helmet (ski helmets work just fine). Note that there is no tandem riding allowed. Rides are offered every day except Sunday.

The sign out front promises “Books, Coffee, Friends”—and this independent bookstore delivers! It’s a reader’s dream with rows and rows of books, including plenty of titles about Western life and all the activities your family has been enjoying, so you can take the fun home with you. The warm, welcoming, family-run store offers a large selection of children’s books, toys, puzzles, games, art supplies, and gifts. There’s also a great café serving locally roasted Seedhouse Coffee and scrumptious pastries.

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Bison roam the fields at Lucky 8 Ranch. Photo courtesy of the ranch

5. Bison Spotting at Lucky 8 Ranch

At this family-owned ranch in Oak Creek (just a 30-minute drive from Steamboat Springs), you’ll have the unique chance to tour a home where buffalo roam, either by ATV or snowmobile (depending on the season). Lucky 8 Ranch offers The Colorado Bison Experience, an opportunity to observe and zip by the majestic animals as they graze in the shadow of the Rockies. The ranch raises over 500 bison a year, which your family can view across 20 miles of varied terrain.

Lucky 8 offers hot drinks, light snacks, and helmets, goggles, boots, and custom-designed face masks. Advance reservations are encouraged.

Though this bowling alley has been a community institution since 1977, it was reimagined in 2019 as a state-of-of-the-art bowling and event center, featuring arcade games, great live music, a large and delicious menu, and best of all, Dog Bowl! In partnership with Routt County Humane Society, Snow Bowl offers an 8,000-square-foot turfed outdoor area for dogs and their two-legged friends. On Sundays, Snow Bowl really goes to the dogs with kiddie pools, chew toys, adoption events, and more.

As for the human bowling, prices are set per lane and per hour, so you can bring up to six people and bowl for as long as you please. The lanes are closed Mondays.

Get into Steamboat’s local creative art scene at Steamboat Creates by taking an art class or joining First Friday Artwalk, a monthly exhibition held, logically, on the first Friday of the month. There’s also a Winter Carnival with snow sculptures.

Explore original artwork dedicated to the culture and heritage of the West at the Steamboat Art Museum. The Cole Verploeg Youth Gallery displays educational materials, images, art projects, and interactive exhibits for kids.

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The Bud Werner Memorial Library offers interactive programming for kids. Photo courtesy of the library

A centerpiece of the Steamboat community, this library offers activities for kids of all ages, monthly film festivals, crafts, and even a pre-bedtime evening of storytelling for young children and their plushies.

Set in a 1901 Victorian home, this museum features engaging and interactive exhibits dedicated to western heritage, Native American history, mining, outlaws, and a large firearm collection. Be sure to check out the Pioneer Kids Hands-on Discovery Exhibit, which replicates a typical Steamboat Springs child’s bedroom around 1900. In it, kids can try on pioneer clothing, play with historic toys, explore a drawer full of odd Victorian tools, and more.

You don’t have to drive far from town to find beautiful multi-use trails open throughout the year at Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area. With plenty of opportunities to see local flora and fauna—or make some great snowballs in winter—this is a beautiful place to take a walk or a scenic drive. There are plenty of horses and cows along the road to the park to satisfy even the feistiest little farmer, and it’s a simple way to refresh and reenergize—for free!

12. Steamboat Square at Steamboat Resort

If the family’s skiing, you’re going to end up at Steamboat Resort. Fortunately, this consortium of hotels, restaurants, shops, and activity venues offers plenty of non-skiing options in its lively main square at the base of the mountain. Take a scenic gondola ride to marvel at Mt. Werner, the Yampa Valley, and the majestic Rockies. In the winter, go ice skating at Skeeter’s Ice Rink—it’s free if you bring your own skates.

Hungry? You can eat at one of the many restaurants at the top of the mountain, or head back downhill to teach kids the importance of the après-ski lifestyle at Timber & Torch Grill or The Range Food & Drink Hall, offering pizza, ramen, street-style tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more.

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It’s not all about skiing at Howelson Hill.

Top Things To Do in Steamboat Springs with Kids in Winter (Besides Skiing)

13. Winter Fun at Howelsen Hill

Sure, it’s technically another ski area, but Howelsen Hill also offers a 20-foot sledding area for the kids and an Olympic-sized ice arena offering public skate, drop-in hockey, and bumper cars on ice. While reservations are not needed for most activities, you’ll definitely need one to take a spin on the bumper cars. But at less than $15 for 20 minutes, it pays for itself by the second bump. And if the family does want to go skiing, check out Ski Free Sundays.

Family-owned and operated by Iditarod musher Kris Hoffman and his wife, Grizzle-T offers the unbelievable chance for you to drive a dogsled over a 12.5-mile backcountry trail on a private ranch. While kids under 80 pounds cannot drive, they’ll love sitting in the sled to spot bald eagles, elk, or moose and take in gorgeous views of the Flat Tops, Mt. Zirkle, the Sleeping Giant, and more.

This is about a three-hour experience and it’s not cheap, but it’s worth every penny—and not just for the ride itself, but also for the concert of excited barks and howls before the trek and the substantial cuddle time with the dogs after the ride. Plus, you’ll enjoy cider, snacks, and even some schnaps. Advance reservations are highly recommended. This experience is available December through April.

Saddleback Ranch offers snowmobile adventures on its 8,000 acres of trails and open meadows. December through March, you can hop on two-passenger snowmobiles that are easy to operate, offer a surprisingly smooth ride, and use a clean fuel that produces a “no-smell” exhaust (so you won’t smell of gas when enjoying hot chocolate and cookies at ride’s end). Choose a two- or three-hour tour, either in the morning or at sunset (absolutely beautiful)! Drivers must be at least 16, and reservations are a must.

Family-Friendly Restaurants in Steamboat Springs

Locals and tourists alike flock to this downtown spot known for its cinnamon rolls the size of salad plates, fantastically filling brunch options ranging from eggs to burgers, and not-to-be-missed chili cheese grits (for those who like a little kick-start to the day).

Please do not miss Hypnotic Chicken, a local favorite that offers varying levels of spicy tenders, wings, and sandwiches, plus ciders and local brews to cool fiery mouths.

Head to this laid-back, kid-friendly steakhouse for all-you-can-eat salad and cook-your-own steak.

If your kids are craving pizza, take them to Slopeside at the base of the mountain for the best slices in town at reasonable prices. Note: Slopeside is only open in the winter.

This genuine, Americana-fueled family drugstore has been around for over 100 years, so kids and kids-at-heart will either feel nostalgia or feel like they’re in a movie as they pass the old-school jukebox to belly up to the counter and sample delicious concoctions from the old-time soda fountain. In addition to shakes and drinks, Lyon’s offers delicious sandwiches and $3 ice-cream cones for kids, as well as plenty of gift and souvenir options. It’s open until 6pm, so ruin dinner early.

Top Steamboat Springs Hotels for Families

Located just steps from the slopes, the Steamboat Grand offers cozy hotel rooms, spacious condos, and penthouses. Kids will love the 85,000-gallon, year-round heated pool, and parents will love relaxing at the day spa.

This mountain resort has a prime location in the heart of the Steamboat Base Area next to the Christie Peak Express. It offers both traditional guest rooms and villas, many of which have full kitchens and washer/dryers. From ski-in, ski-out access during the winter to summertime golf, hiking, and biking, the area’s best attractions are at your doorstep. The Sheraton also has a heated outdoor pool, a spa, and a fitness center.

Just minutes away from Steamboat Resort and Routt National Forest, WorldMark offers spacious one-, two-, or three-bedroom suites that sleep up to eight, so families have plenty of room to spread out. Every suite has a full kitchen, a washer/dryer, a fireplace, and a balcony or deck. The outdoor pool and hot tub are a fun bonus if you can pull the kids away from all the nearby activities.

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