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The Best Kid-Friendly Things to do in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe, NM can be a very family-friendly destination. It offers a variety of kid-friendly activities and attractions, such as the Santa Fe Children's Museum, the Santa Fe Southern Railway, the New Mexico History Museum, and the Santa Fe Farmers' Market. There are also numerous outdoor activities available in the surrounding area, including hiking, picnicking, and exploring the Santa Fe National Forest. It is also home to a number of family-friendly restaurants and cafes, as well as a number of accommodation options that are suitable for families, such as hotels, motels, and campgrounds.

Here are some of our favorite kid-friendly things to do in Santa Fe, NM:

  1. Visit the Santa Fe Children's Museum: This museum is designed specifically for children and features interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and a play area.

  2. Take a ride on the Santa Fe Southern Railway: This scenic railway offers train rides through the beautiful landscape of New Mexico. Kids will love the opportunity to ride on a real train.

  3. Shop at Doodlets: Without a doubt, this is my favorite store in Santa Fe. Your kids will LOVE it!

  4. Explore the New Mexico History Museum: This museum features exhibits on the history of New Mexico, including its indigenous cultures, Spanish colonial period, and Wild West history. There are also interactive exhibits and activities for kids.

  5. Go hiking or picnicking at the Santa Fe National Forest: The Santa Fe National Forest is a protected area located in northern New Mexico, United States. It covers 1,558,452 acres and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life, as well as a variety of recreational opportunities. The forest is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Jemez Mountains, and the Pecos Wilderness. This beautiful forest offers numerous trails for hiking and picnicking, as well as opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy the great outdoors.

  6. Visit the Santa Fe Farmers' Market: This market features local produce, crafts, and other products, and is a great way for kids to learn about agriculture and local culture.

  7. Play at the Santa Fe Playhouse: This theater offers a variety of plays and performances for kids, including puppet shows and musicals.

  8. Walk around downtown and through Santa Fe Square: There’s more to see on the weekends, but a trip anytime is absolutely worth it. This is a wonderful old downtown scene and is full of history and charm - I highly recommend it!

  9. Go bowling: Choose from several bowling alleys around town. Some also feature arcades, laser tag, and other activities for kids.

  10. Visit the Santa Fe Botanical Garden: This beautiful garden features a variety of plants and flowers, as well as educational programs for kids. This botanic garden features year-round beauty and is a wonderful visit any season.

  11. Learn about art at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum: This museum features the work of artist Georgia O'Keeffe, as well as art education programs for kids. This museum is a favorite of mine and though my kids do appreciate art, I would only recommend it for older kids who appreciate quiet art museums.

Santa Fe, New Mexico is a great destination for families with kids. It offers a wide range of activities and attractions that will keep the whole family entertained. From interactive museums to outdoor adventures, Santa Fe has something for everyone. Visitors can explore the city's rich cultural heritage, visit art galleries and museums, and take in the beautiful natural surroundings. With its mix of history, art, culture, and nature, Santa Fe is an ideal destination for a family vacation.

Bring Along Autio - The Perfect Road Trip Companion

Autio is the perfect road trip companion that everyone needs to have on their next trip because it offers a network of stories told by master storytellers that bring the landscape, its people, and its history alive as you pass through it. The audio vignettes are professionally edited and narrated and provide answers to questions that you might have about the places you are passing through. Story subjects include history, sports, culture, music, geology, and more. Autio offers an invitation to discover and connect with the sum of our experience, to enrich our lives with the stories of today, and inspire the great storytellers yet to come. With Autio, you can start your next journey with a richer and more meaningful experience. Download it for iOS here.


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