Kids' Activities
Santa Fe appeals to kids as much as adults. The city has plenty of places to keep children of all ages happy, from skiing, hiking and biking trails to outdoor parks. Skateboarders can ride to their heart's content at two skateboard parks, one downtown at 302 W. De Vargas St. and the other, General Franklin E. Miles Park, at 1027 Camino Carlos Rey.
Kids flock to a popular summer storytelling series and a much-loved children's museum, which offers an exciting array of interactive exhibits and innovative activities. Learning can be fun, too, at the community college's planetarium community college's planetarium and at a living history museum devoted to Spanish Colonial life.
The links below reveal ideal places for children. But do explore other areas on our site to find great ideas for family fun in Santa Fe, including a family cooking class at the Santa Fe School of Cooking where kids learn to make tortillas, red chile sauce and other New Mexican treats.
For more innovative kid's activities, view the Santa Fe Public Library's Calendar.
Santa Fe also has several movie theaters - from large facilities with stadium seating to smaller art house screens.
Things and places that your parents may not know about
After you have done all the things adults like to do you can visit fun places for kids...Developed for and by kids - DeVargas Middle School Citizen School Apprentices - see their selected listings below or click here to download the student's PDF.
Girls Inc. of Santa Fe
301 Hillside Ave.
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-982-2042
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-982-2042
Girls Inc. has been an integral part of the Santa Fe community for over 50 years. We are the only organization in Santa Fe that provides safe, high quality, affordable childcare and powerful research-based programs that encourage girls to develop and express themselves in a safe and positive learning environment.
Santa Fe Farmers Market
1607 Paseo de Peralta
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 983-4098
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 983-4098
Farmers' Markets in the Santa Fe Railyard
Every Saturday, 8am to 1pm
Visit the Santa Fe Farmers' Market for a celebration of Northern New Mexico’s unique culture and history. In addition to great produce, baked goods, jams, and other locally grown foods, the market features crafts, herbal products, soaps, and other great gifts made from local agricultural products.
Every Saturday, 8am to 1pm
Visit the Santa Fe Farmers' Market for a celebration of Northern New Mexico’s unique culture and history. In addition to great produce, baked goods, jams, and other locally grown foods, the market features crafts, herbal products, soaps, and other great gifts made from local agricultural products.
The Market also features live music, kids activities, and special events throughout the year. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee, pastry, and breakfast burrito at our concession stand as you experience this 40 year old local institution.
Also, the Railyard Artisans Market in the Santa Fe Farmers' Market Pavilion, Every Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Also, the Railyard Artisans Market in the Santa Fe Farmers' Market Pavilion, Every Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Santa Fe Nannies
143A Avenida Ponderosa
Glorieta, NM 87535
505-507-7880
Glorieta, NM 87535
505-507-7880
Santa Fe Nannies is Northern New Mexico's Premier Nanny Agency. Serving Santa Fe, Albuquerque and surrounding areas. We provide families with experienced and loving nannies, babysitters, mother's helpers and home managers. Santa Fe Nannies is here for all your childcare needs, whether you are seeking a full-time nanny or just a babysitter for the weekend. To get started please visit our website and fill out a free Parent Registration Form.
Burning of Zozobra and Santa Fe Fiesta
Santa Fe Plaza and various venues
(505) 988-7575
(505) 988-7575
The streets are filled with joyous shouts of "Viva la Fiesta" during early September, when the oldest community event in the U.S. takes place. The week-long festivities commemorate the reoccupation of Santa Fe led by Don Diego de Vargas in 1692, a dozen years after the Pueblo Indian Revolt. The city pulls out all the stops for this annual celebration, starting with the Burning of Zozobra, the dramatic torching of a 49-foot tall marionette that groans and grimaces as he goes up in flames and fireworks at Fort Marcy Park, burning everyone's troubles from the past year. His ending marks the beginning of Fiesta, filled with music, dance, food, the beloved Children's Pet Parade, religious ceremonies and more. Blending pageantry with revelry and treasured traditions, Fiesta is a favorite time for visitors and locals alike!
Genoveva Chavez Community Center
3221 Rodeo Rd.
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 955-4022
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 955-4022
While you're away, enjoy Santa Fe's state-of-the-art recreational facility for fun, fitness and work-out activity.
Santa Fe Children's Museum
1050 Old Pecos Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 989-8359
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 989-8359
If you're a kid, or a kid-at-heart, make this museum one of your first stops for family fun. With interactive exhibits, diverse programs and an outdoor garden, this is a place where families can learn and play together.
Santa Fe Railyard
Guadalupe between Montezuma and Cerrillos Rd.
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-982-3373
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-982-3373
The Railyard is Santa Fe's new place to meet -to see friends and neighbors, shop for unique products, have a great meal, view thought-provoking art, experience live performances, or just relax and play. From the nationally renowned Farmers Market and contemporary art galleries, local Arts & Crafts Fairs, music and movies in the award-winning 10 acre Park, walkathons and community celebrations to excursion train rides and commuter rail service, there's something for everyone at The Railyard!
The Bradbury Museum
1350 Central Avenue
Los Alamos, NM 87544
505 667-4444
Los Alamos, NM 87544
505 667-4444
The Bradbury Museum in Los Alamos gives the history of the Atom Bomb, and cool science information.
Free Admission
Free Admission
El Rancho de las Golondrinas
334 Los Pinos Road
Santa Fe, NM 87507
(505) 471-2261
Santa Fe, NM 87507
(505) 471-2261
What once was a stop on the Camino Real is now a living museum that has preserved the Spanish Colonial and Territorial way of life on a 200 acre ranch just outside of Santa Fe. Docents in period dress, period buildings from around the Southwest and hands-on demonstrations make this a perfect spot for families.
New Mexico State Capitol Building
411 State Capitol
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-986-4589
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-986-4589
The New Mexico State Capitol (a.k.a. the Roundhouse), located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the seat of government of the U.S. state of New Mexico. It is unique as the only round state capitol in the United States.
The building was designed to resemble the Zia Sun Symbol when viewed from above, with four entrance wings that protrude from the main cylindrical volume. Architecturally, the Capitol is a blend of New Mexico territorial style and neoclassical influences. Above each entrance is a stone carving of the State Seal of New Mexico. The building has four levels, one of which is below ground.
Dedicated on December 8, 1966, the building was designed by W.C. Kruger and constructed by Robert E. McKee.
The building was designed to resemble the Zia Sun Symbol when viewed from above, with four entrance wings that protrude from the main cylindrical volume. Architecturally, the Capitol is a blend of New Mexico territorial style and neoclassical influences. Above each entrance is a stone carving of the State Seal of New Mexico. The building has four levels, one of which is below ground.
Dedicated on December 8, 1966, the building was designed by W.C. Kruger and constructed by Robert E. McKee.
Palace of the Governors
105 W. Palace Ave.
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 476-5100
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 476-5100
To firmly ground yourself in New Mexico's rich past, visit this museum on the Santa Fe Plaza. Built by the Spanish as a government building in 1610, the Palace remains the country's oldest continuously occupied public building. Its exhibits chronicle the history of Santa Fe as well as New Mexico and the region. American Indian artists sell their wares under its historic portal as part of the Native American Vendors Program. The New Mexico Museum of History, which is physically and thematically linked to the Palace of the Governors is now open.
Planetarium at Santa Fe Community College
6401 Richards Ave.
(505) 428-1000
(505) 428-1000
Explore the wonders of the universe at this planetarium, which offers entertaining and educational programming for all ages. Learn about Native American and Chinese sky lore, view scientific documentaries or simply sit back and marvel at all that is out there in deep space.
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
217 Johnson Street
Santa Fe, NM 87508
505-946-1000
Santa Fe, NM 87508
505-946-1000
Join the Museum’s education staff and guest artists in a family, fun hands-on learning experience. The free monthly program explores ideas and themes found in current exhibitions. Tour the Museum then create your own art.
Children ages 4-12 and their adult companions explore pertinent themes in art by looking at works on exhibit in the galleries and participating in multi-disciplinary,
Children ages 4-12 and their adult companions explore pertinent themes in art by looking at works on exhibit in the galleries and participating in multi-disciplinary,
hands-on art activities that promote critical thinking skills and creative, interdisciplinary art making. The two hour, Saturday morning sessions are once a month. Check the Museum calendar for dates.
Randall Davey Audubon Center
1800 Upper Canyon Rd.
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 983-4609
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 983-4609
Kids can explore nature to their heart's content at the Randall Davey Audubon Center, part of the National Audubon Society. The historic house belonged to Randall Davey, a celebrated modernist painter, before the National Audubon Society took ownership in 1983. With 135 acres of land, the center offers guided bird walks, two nature trails and historic home tours. Look for more than 130 species of rare and common birds as well as plenty of wildlife, butterflies, flowering plants and forests of fir and spruce trees. Stop by the on-site Nature Store, filled with toys and books for kids as well as binoculars and other birding items.
New Mexico History Museum
113 Lincoln Ave.
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-476-5200
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-476-5200
The New Mexico History Museum, opened in May 2009,is new and shows the history of Santa Fe and New Mexico for the last 400 years.
It changes the way that New Mexicans and visitors understand state history and the history of the nation. The new museum includes permanent and temporary exhibitions that span the early history of indigenous people, Spanish colonization, the Mexican Period, and travel and commerce on the legendary Santa Fe Trail.
The museum serves as the anchor of a campus that encompasses the Palace of the Governors, the Palace Press, the Fray Angelico Chavez History Library and Photo Archives.
It changes the way that New Mexicans and visitors understand state history and the history of the nation. The new museum includes permanent and temporary exhibitions that span the early history of indigenous people, Spanish colonization, the Mexican Period, and travel and commerce on the legendary Santa Fe Trail.
The museum serves as the anchor of a campus that encompasses the Palace of the Governors, the Palace Press, the Fray Angelico Chavez History Library and Photo Archives.
Museum of International Folk Art
706 Camino Lejo, On Museum Hill
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
505 476 1203
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
505 476 1203
Home to the world's largest collection of international folk art in the world, featuring Alexander Girard's Multiple Visions, A Common Bond and interactive changing exhibitions.Public programs include art activities for ages 3 to 103, performances, artist demonstrations, lectures and other activities included with Museum admission. Available for private parties, meetings and seminars with or without open galleries.
Bandelier National Monument
HCR 1, Box 1, Suite 15
Los Alamos, NM 87544
(505) 672-0343
Los Alamos, NM 87544
(505) 672-0343
Best known for mesas, sheer-walled canyons, and the ancestral Pueblo dwellings found among them, Bandelier also includes over 23,000 acres of designated Wilderness. It was named for Adolph Bandelier, a 19th-century anthropologist. Proclaimed on February 11, 1916. Acreage: 32,737, all federal. Wilderness area: 23,267
Kids 'R Special
223 N. Guadalupe #541
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-660-4564
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-660-4564
Childcare with Love and Logic
serving Hotels, Resorts and Local Residents
Professional childcare,bonded and insured
Background checks and CPR certified
serving Hotels, Resorts and Local Residents
Professional childcare,bonded and insured
Background checks and CPR certified
Heidi Loewen Porcelain
315 Johnson Street
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
505-660-4585
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
505-660-4585
Heidi Loewen has opened a warm & sunny porcelain gallery & school, down the road from the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. Once inside, you'll see her contemporary smoke fired porcelain vessels, some with gold leaf & oils. She even collaborates with the world renowned Dutch realist painter, Braldt Bralds for amazing trompe l'oeil effects.
Her unique gallery is her studio & school where she teaches private pottery wheel & sculpture lessons to students age 4 to 104! You may take class for an hour or more.
Her unique gallery is her studio & school where she teaches private pottery wheel & sculpture lessons to students age 4 to 104! You may take class for an hour or more.
There is no art or clay experience necessary.
Students may choose their favorite glaze colors & Heidi will ship your masterpieces back to you several weeks later. The class is fun and everybody is a success. Even men love Heidi's clay classes. Appointments are suggested.
Heidi taught the acclaimed Italian chef, Giada De Laurentiis to throw on her TV show, "Giada's Weekend Getaways," which highlighted fun things to do in Santa Fe. House & Garden TV will also feature Heidi Loewen teaching her porcelain miniature & large scale vessels in July 2008.
Heidi will prepare & center the clay on the wheel for students so they have the the fun of designing, shaping, & squishing their own vessels.
Loewen invites clients & designers to request special commissions to be created for homes or offices. She loves a good challenge & can easily make very large porcelain platters & sculptures. Collectors may even participate in the creation process. Choose your own color scheme. Loewen safely ships work all over the world.
Students may choose their favorite glaze colors & Heidi will ship your masterpieces back to you several weeks later. The class is fun and everybody is a success. Even men love Heidi's clay classes. Appointments are suggested.
Heidi taught the acclaimed Italian chef, Giada De Laurentiis to throw on her TV show, "Giada's Weekend Getaways," which highlighted fun things to do in Santa Fe. House & Garden TV will also feature Heidi Loewen teaching her porcelain miniature & large scale vessels in July 2008.
Heidi will prepare & center the clay on the wheel for students so they have the the fun of designing, shaping, & squishing their own vessels.
Loewen invites clients & designers to request special commissions to be created for homes or offices. She loves a good challenge & can easily make very large porcelain platters & sculptures. Collectors may even participate in the creation process. Choose your own color scheme. Loewen safely ships work all over the world.
Deborah Calkin Agency
814 Camino De Monte Rey
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
505-988-5294
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
505-988-5294
We are a nanny and domestic placement agency. Whether you are looking for a full time household employee, or are visiting Santa Fe and looking for a sitting service; we are here to provide the best domestic personnel to meet your needs. All of our candidates have been thoroughly screened by our staff, have passed criminal background checks, and reference checks with high and outstanding recommendations. Please visit our website for more information.
Las Cosas Kitchen School
181 Paseo de Peralta
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505/988-3394
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505/988-3394
Las Cosas Kitchen School offers a Kid's Summer Cooking Camp. As campers prepare lunch, discussion revolve around customs from each country and the foods the locals love. All classes are hands-on with a focus on cooking skills, tidiness and most importantly, fun! Join Chef John Vee and have fun earning your chef's hat and cooking diploma. Call for times and details.
Painted Dish
2820 Cerrillos Road
Santa Fe, NM 87507
505/920-9223
Santa Fe, NM 87507
505/920-9223
Paint your own pottery. Great for all ages, children to grandparents. Open every weekend, weekday hours are seasonal. Please call.
Pomegranate Studios
535 Cerrillos Rd.
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505/986-6164
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505/986-6164
Pomegranate Studios is an educational and presenting organization extablished in 1996. They present high quality programs from the rich artistic heritage of the Middle East as expressed throgh music, dance, poetry, visual and other art forms as they relate to America culture. Pomegranate Studios and Pomegranate SEEDs (Self-esteem, Empowerment, and Education through Dance) offer dance instruction to all levels and ages in Tribal and Oriental/Egyptian style dance. Please visit our website for our full schedule. All classes are one hour long and in a drop-in format.
Santa Fe Children
santafechildren.com
505-577-1240
505-577-1240
Santa Fe Children is a complete online resource guide for families who live in or are visiting Santa Fe. Get info on Santa Fe Schools, Local Events, Toy & Book Stores, Kid-Friendly Restaurants, Clubs & Organizations, After-school and Summer Programs, Day Trips, Sports & Fitness, Arts & Music, Clothing & Gear Stores, and more!
Santa Fe School of Cooking
116 West San Francisco Street
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505/983-4511
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505/983-4511
Celebrate the rich culinary history of the "City Different” at the Santa Fe School of Cooking, the authority on Southwestern cuisine. The School offers a variety of authentic classes and events, including demonstration and hands-on cooking classes, restaurant walking tours, family and outdoor cooking adventures to name only a few. The School has been featured in "1000 Places To See Before You Die",
listed in OK!’s Magazine (Dec. 17. 2007) as 1 of the 3 must-do’s in Santa Fe, and frequently listed by Trip Advisor as one of the Top Things To Do while visiting Santa Fe.
The School and adjacent market are located just steps from the historic Plaza.
Don’t miss all of the FUN. Visit our website at www.santafeschoolofcooking.com for more information, southwestern ingredients and products, gift baskets, and a list of our activities.
The School and adjacent market are located just steps from the historic Plaza.
Don’t miss all of the FUN. Visit our website at www.santafeschoolofcooking.com for more information, southwestern ingredients and products, gift baskets, and a list of our activities.
StoryPortrait Media
1549 Corte de la Cañada
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 660-2751
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 660-2751
StoryPortrait Media specializes in professional portrait and lifestyle documentary photography. Images are combined with first-person narrative interviews and music for a multimedia storytelling experience in personal in community history for web and print. Individuals, families, businesses and non-profits preserve and share their story.
The Candyman Strings & Things Summer Rock Camp
851 St. Michael's Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87505
505-983-5906
Santa Fe, NM 87505
505-983-5906
Established in 1969 and located in its own landmark building in Santa Fe’s historic Triangle District, the newly renovated facility features showrooms for
acoustic guitars, drums and percussion, electric guitars, amplifiers and pro sound, keyboards, and accessories and educational materials; as well as a band/orchestra instrument rental and sales counter; performance spaces; teaching and ensemble studios and a coffee shop.
acoustic guitars, drums and percussion, electric guitars, amplifiers and pro sound, keyboards, and accessories and educational materials; as well as a band/orchestra instrument rental and sales counter; performance spaces; teaching and ensemble studios and a coffee shop.
Tumbledown Studios
3214 Calle Marie, Suite A
Santa Fe, NM 87507
505/473-0926
Santa Fe, NM 87507
505/473-0926
Fun, action packed activities to keep children engaged, while parents enjoy a few moments to themselves in beautiful Santa Fe. Gymnastics builds self-esteem, encourages positive decision making, goal setting, and fosters creativitiy. Children learn to work with others and gain a sense of control over their own decisions, as well as develop the physical ability that will benefit them in any future sports-related endeavor.
Warehouse 21-Santa Fe Teen Arts Center
1614 Paseo de Peralta
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505/989-4423
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505/989-4423
In its new 16,845 sq ft facility on the Railyard supports a digital media arts lab, two performance spaces for theater and concerts, films and other productions, a gallery for the creation of art and its exhibition, and on-line radio connection, a gift area in which to sell youth made products, a fashion design studio, a recording studio, a visual arts studio, a darkroom and a local coffee bar.
W21 will enhance the development of the arts for lyoung individuals through compelling induividual, entrepreneurialand dproject based opportunities. It will be in the forefront creating a fusion of art forms-a place where technology, music, arts and design interact and merge. this shifting atmosphere will produce a creative environment driven by inspired and self-motivated people while educating the community at large on the vibrancy of the arts and Santa Fe's youth culture scene. W21 will be the hub of youth artistic culture in the heart of the revitalized Arts & Cultural District on the Railyard for generations to come.
W21 will enhance the development of the arts for lyoung individuals through compelling induividual, entrepreneurialand dproject based opportunities. It will be in the forefront creating a fusion of art forms-a place where technology, music, arts and design interact and merge. this shifting atmosphere will produce a creative environment driven by inspired and self-motivated people while educating the community at large on the vibrancy of the arts and Santa Fe's youth culture scene. W21 will be the hub of youth artistic culture in the heart of the revitalized Arts & Cultural District on the Railyard for generations to come.
Wildmaker Art & Music
1235A Siler Road
Santa Fe, NM 87507
505/795-7331
Santa Fe, NM 87507
505/795-7331
Treat your child to a creative Santa Fe experience Wildmaker offers workshops in Pop-up card and book creation, music and even acting and stand-up comedy.
Wise Fool New Mexico
2778-D Agua Fria St
Santa Fe, NM 87505
505/992-2588
Santa Fe, NM 87505
505/992-2588
Have you ever dreamed of running away to the circus? Wise Fool offers the opportunity to ignite your imagination; not to mention stretch and strengthen your body in a fun and safe atmosphere! We offer hands on experiences in circus arts for adults and kids, puppetry, mask making and more.
Storytelling at the Wheelwright
704 Camino Lejo
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(800) 607-4636/(505) 982-4636
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(800) 607-4636/(505) 982-4636
Joe Hayes has been captivating audiences at the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian for over 25 years with his Southwestern stories from Native American, Hispanic and Anglo cultures. An award-winning storyteller and author with bilingual skills, Hayes delights children and adults alike with his tales about La Llorona (the Weeping Woman), The Day It Rained Tortillas,
and dozens of other Southwestern subjects. Bring a chair or blanket and gather around the museum's tipi for a free evening of excellent entertainment.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, mid-July through mid-August.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, mid-July through mid-August.
Santa Fe Southern Railway
410 S. Guadalupe Street
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 989-8600
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 989-8600
Santa Fe Southern Railway brings you a “moving experience” - a slice of railroad history and stunning high desert vistas. Take a train ride from the century-old, mission-style Santa Fe Depot and travel to the sleepy village of Lamy and back in vintage cars ranging in age from 1919 to 1950. The Scenic Day Train operates year-round on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays,
and Sundays. From April – October, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are added. Departure times vary; call for information. Check out the Saturday night Campfire BBQ Train (departs 5:00 PM), which runs April – October. Seasonal events include a train ride with the Easter Bunny, a Halloween ghost story train, a Christmas ride with Santa and a Hanukkah train with games and stories.
