Things to Do With Kids in Santa Fe New Mexico

Whether you are visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico, or you live here, you'll find some wonderful activities, events, and things to do with kids on this page.

Many of these activities are educational and fun. Others are simply fun. Find one and enjoy. And be sure to check back because we are always adding new locations.

Museums

The Santa Fe Children's Museum is always a hit with the little ones. Older kids can get quickly bored - particularly if they have been there before.

Kids of all ages - including me - enjoy Explora in Albuquerque. There are lots of other museums nearby, but I would not try to do more than one place per day. Explora can take hours.

Parks

There are many parks to choose from. Each has a unique feature.

The park at Fort Marcy is a good choice. There is plenty of shade. With a climbing structure, a nice grassy field, bathrooms available inside, and an arroyo, it is a wonderful way to let the kids get active.

Alto Park - lots of climbing and activity structures, plenty of shade, a nice field, and plenty of sidewalks for walking. In the summer, visit the Bicentennial pool next door - the only public outdoor pool in Santa Fe. Stop in or call for session times.

Hiking

Because of the high and dry climate here, hiking near water is always a hit with kids of all ages. Just be sure to bring a change of clothes. Wear shoes that are made to be in water. Also, the sun is more intense because of the altitude, so hats and/or sunscreen is recommended. Always bring plenty of water to drink and a snack. Only a few trails have restrooms near by, so you might have to "go behind a tree."

Nature is a precious thing so treat it with kindness - and teach your kids to do the same. Never damage or take anything out of the woods. Never leave any trash. If you pack it in, then pack it out.

Many people hike with their dogs and they are sometimes not on a leash. Be aware of this if you or your child(ren) are afraid of animals. Always ask the owner first before trying to pet their dog. Most owners are happy to introduce children to their pets and it makes both the child and the pet more comfortable.

Big Tesuque - my favorite trail. It is on the drive up to the Santa Fe Ski Hill. There are two trails from the parking lot. I prefer the trail on the left.

Strategy Games

Visit Gameco to participate in games of strategy. John, the owner, is great with kids. They specialize in Magic the Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000, Dungeons and Dragons, Hero Clicks, and Star Wars. They provide many games for you to play in the store. They have numerous other game and gift choices for all ages. There is a great selection of quality remote controlled vehicles including airplanes, helicopters, cars, boats, trucks, etc. Drop in sometime and you are likely to get a free demo of a remote controlled vehicle or get to participate in an on-going strategy game.

Friday - Warhammer
Saturday - Magic The Gathering
Sunday - Yu-Gi-Oh (begins at 1 p.m.)
Open Tables for other games whenever they are open

Open Tuesday through Saturday noon to 9, Sunday noon to 5. Closed on Mondays. 1829 Cerrillos Rd. - 1 block north of St. Michaels, near the Baskin Robbins. (505) 983-6037.

Art

Depending on the child's age, many enjoy seeing paintings, sculptures, pottery, etc. With the third largest art culture in the nation, Santa Fe has more than enough choices. Many of the museums and sometimes the art galleries offer hands-on art activities for children. The Santa Fe Children's Museum always has a hands-on art activity available.

Both a park and an art exhibit - Shidoni in Tesuque. We love going here. Two huge fields full of giant bronze statues. If you visit on Saturday, you can actually watch them pouring the bronze in the foundry. Call for times. If you park in the back and follow the trail through the field to the right (north), you will stumble upon a creek with a picnic table nearby. You can spend an entire afternoon here. There is a glass blowing facility right next door. They are often doing live demonstrations.

Canyon Road - one of the most famous art locations in the nation. Just stop anywhere you can find a parking place, get out and visit all the galleries you encounter. Keep going until you and the kids are too tired to continue.

Near the Plaze - there are many great galleries within walking distance of the plaza. A few favorites are along Water street.

Art is a big deal in Santa Fe. You'll find it practically everywhere you look.

Fun Day Trips

Bandolier National Monument - get education and nature in one spot. Visit the cliff dwellings, learn about the ancient culture in the visitor's center. Definitely worth a visit. In the summer, it is highly recommended that you visit in the morning. The sun is brutal in the afternoon at Bandolier. On your way back, swing through Los Alamos, get some bread and let the kids feed the ducks at the pond in the center of town.

Things You Don't Want to Miss

A sure way to see prairie dogs - visit Jackalope on Cerrillos. They have an enclosed prairie dog hill. So, you are guaranteed to see them. Because they aren't free roaming, they are bit pudgier than they would otherwise. But still, they are quite adorable. We like to take our camera and practice getting good shots. Set your camera on the "sport" setting because they move around alot. You can spot prairie dogs in many parts of Santa Fe, so be on the lookout.

Dinosaurs

We have several dinosaur attractions, so if you have a kid that likes dinosaurs, you will find much to delight them.

A wonderful source of dinosaur fun can be found just walking distance from the Plaza at Dinosaurs and More. The owner actually digs for dinosaur bones in Utah and other locations, so he has a vast array of knowledge. Call ahead and he will often set up something for the kids to see. We have taken homeschool groups to the store several times. He has great videos, all sorts of bones and ancient stones to view and feel, coloring pages and more. Tell him Takara sent you.

The Natural History Museum in Albuquerque is a great place to visit. Not only do you get to see dinosaurs, but an interactive space exploration, a great volcano exhibit, and more.

If you know of other interesting activities for kids, please send your suggestions to takara@homeschoolsantafe.com.

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Santa Fe Things to Do With Kids