Santa Fe Fun for Kids

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Oftentimes people think of Santa Fe as an adult-only town. And certainly, it does have its fair share of fabulous restaurants, art galleries, historical sites, and shopping that we adults should take advantage of. But Santa Fe can also be a great place to take kids. Whether you are an Albuquerque resident in need of a one-day excursion with your little ones or you are a visitor from out of town, these activities can be a great diversion for you and your kids.

Santa Fe | Albuquerque Moms Blog1. The Rail Runner

Don’t all kids love a train ride? Take the Rail Runner train from Albuquerque to Santa Fe for an inexpensive win with the kiddos. A day pass from Albuquerque to Santa Fe for adults is about $3. And kids 9 and under are free. (The fares change slightly depending on what stations you leave from and arrive at.) Also, certain days are only $1. Make sure to check the Rail Runner’s schedule for time and ticketing details.

If you’re staying in Santa Fe, take the train to Albuquerque to spend the day at the Albuquerque Bio Park, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, or Explora Children’s Museum. 

In the past, my kids and I have gone on the Rail Runner with friends. We ate lunch in Santa Fe, played at the Rail Yards Playground, and then came home. What a fun outing! If you’re traveling with kids though, make sure not to sit in the train car marked as a “Quiet Car.”

2. Santa Fe Children’s Museum

1050 Old Pecos Trail. Check Santa Fe Children’s Museum’s website for up-to-date information about admission prices and hours.

3. Meow Wolf

1352 Rufina Circle
Meow Wolf is an immersive art exhibit that visitors walk through and experience. It’s a form of non-linear storytelling that requires visitors to explore, discover, and interact with art. My children particularly loved creating their own art in the arts and craft room after experiencing the exhibit.

4. El Rancho de Las Golondrinas

334 Los Pinos Road. Adults are $6. Children 12 and under are free. Special events and festivals have different fees associated with them. The museum is closed from November-March. Check the website or call for days and hours of operation.

El Rancho de Las Golondrinas, or The Ranch of the Swallows, is a historic ranch dating from the 1700s. It now serves as a living history museum complete with authentically costumed villagers showing life on the frontier in early New Mexico. If you have an American Girl lover in your family, you don’t want to miss El Rancho de Las Golondrinas. The ranch is the inspiration for the setting of the Josefina stories.

5. Rail Yard Park

Cerrillos Road and Guadalupe Street. Free!

My kids love this park that’s right in the middle of all the Santa Fe action. It includes rock climbing structures, slides, a sandbox, water fountains, a large grassy area, and shade trees.

6. Genoveva Chavez Community Center

3221 Rodeo Road. Different activities have different fees. See website or call for details.

Genoveva Chavez Community Center is Santa Fe’s premier recreation center boasting indoor and outdoor pools and an ice skating rink along with other recreational activities.

7. Day Trips

If you are visiting Santa Fe from out of town, there are so many amazing experiences just a short drive away. Two of my favorites are Tent Rocks (Temporarily Closed) and Bandelier National Monument.

Do you have more fun ideas for kids in Santa Fe? Share in the comments!



The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ABQ Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.