Family Fun in Santa Fe: A Guide for Every Season

Welcome to our playground in the high desert! For families seeking adventure, culture, and unforgettable moments, Santa Fe has it all and then some. Here, you’ll find a city surrounded by natural beauty and jam-packed with activities catering to the young and the young at heart. Our charming city promises days full of wonder, breathtaking nature, and endless learning. Whether your little ones are budding artists, aspiring adventurers, or curious explorers, they’ll never get bored here! Jump into our expansive guide to the best family-friendly activities in Santa Fe and make your next family outing or vacation truly memorable.

Start Your Adventure Here

Before we jump into specific recommendations, we suggest starting your Santa Fe adventure with the free local Tumbleweeds Magazine, your essential guide to family fun throughout the year! This magazine is bursting with ideas for arts and crafts, educational workshops, and interactive exhibitions. It’s a local treasure that keeps on giving, providing new ideas for adventure with every turn of the page. Perfect for kiddos eager to learn and parents looking for some creative fun. Copies can be found in grocery stores, public libraries, local restaurants and coffee shops, and recreation centers, among many other places!

Arts and Culture

• Wise Fool Circus Arts: Step into the magical world of Wise Fool Circus Arts and watch as your family’s imagination soars to new heights. This is where children and adults alike can marvel at jaw-dropping aerial feats and acrobatics. Perfect for parents too!

• Museum of International Folk Art: Take a fantastic journey through the world of traditional and contemporary folk art at the Museum of International Folk Art. Celebrated for its world-renowned collections, this museum offers a dynamic, interactive experience that delights and educates visitors of all ages.

• Meow Wolf: Embark on an extraordinary adventure of the senses at Meow Wolf, an immersive art installation that transports visitors of all ages into otherworldly realms. It’s a mind-bending experience where art meets interactive storytelling in the most unexpected ways. As art collective Meow Wolf’s first location, visitors flock from all over the country to discover this visual spectacle. If you're planning a visit to Meow Wolf, we have cozy, convenient vacation rentals in the Meow Wolf District that are within walking distance.

Book our Vacation Rentals near Meow Wolf

Nature and Outdoors

• Patrick Smith Park: No matter the season, Patrick Smith Park is your go-to destination for outdoor family fun adventures. Enjoy picnicking under the summer sun or sledding down snowy hills in winter. It's a year-round wonderland and ideal for quality time with the whole family - including your furry family members!

• Bandelier National Monument: Step back in time and explore the ancient landscapes of Bandelier National Monument. Perfect for family hiking adventures, this site offers a spectacular blend of history, nature, and scenic beauty. Be sure to check our blog post all about it here.

• Nambe Falls: Revel in the natural beauty of Nambe Falls, a picture-perfect destination for family picnics, easy hikes, and Instagram-worthy photo ops. The falls offer a tranquil retreat into nature and a brilliant opportunity to make core memories with the whole family.

• New Mexico Wildlife Center: Introduce your kiddos to the fascinating world of local wildlife at the New Mexico Wildlife Center. Expect an educational journey into the world of conservation, offering a closer look at the native species of New Mexico and the importance of protecting our environment.

Learning and Discovery

• Santa Fe Children’s Museum: Get ready for a day of discovery at the Santa Fe Children’s Museum. Packed to the brim with hands-on activities and educational exhibits, it’s a place where kiddos and parents can learn through play, explore their curiosities, and let their imaginations run wild.

• El Rancho de las Golondrinas: Journey through New Mexico’s past at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a living history museum that’s as educational as it is entertaining. Watch history come alive, and maybe even try your hand at some traditional crafts.

Entertainment and Shopping

• Summer Concerts and Movies: Experience the best of local culture with the Summer Concert Series on the Plaza and family-friendly movies at the Railyard. It’s the perfect way to enjoy warm summer nights filled with music, films, a picnic, and plenty of starry skies.

• Genoveva Chavez Community Center: Splash, skate, and score at the Genoveva Chavez Community Center. With swimming, ice skating, gym, and basketball facilities, it’s a place where families can stay fit and have fun together all year long.

• DeVargas Center Mall: Strike up some family fun with a visit to the DeVargas Center Mall. From bowling to high scores in the arcade, Santa Fe's first mall is a gathering place offering much more than just shopping. 

• Doodlets: Every visit to this quirky shop is an invitation to spark creativity. Doodlets is a local treasure and here you'll discover a world of fun and creative finds. Expect to find inspiring, unique gifts and artistic supplies to satisfy your family’s creative spirits.

Games Galore

If lounging by the pool, grilling up a storm on the BBQ, and cozying up with board games is more your family's speed, we have homes with all your favorite indoor and outdoor games!

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Our High Desert Playground Awaits You

Santa Fe is a city of endless possibilities, a Southwestern paradise for families seeking to enrich, entertain, and educate themselves through diverse and exciting experiences. Each of these fantastic destinations offers something unique, ensuring that every family trip is filled with memories, learning, and quality time that the kids will never forget.