Bringing the kids along? The whole family is sure to find entertainment at countless family-friendly attractions in New Mexico. For family fun, let Choice Hotels® help you find the perfect attraction for your next family adventure.
In Northwest Region
Seven Springs State Hatchery
Cuba, NM 87013
505-476-8000
Has your child ever asked you where fish come from? Well, we’re sure a visit to the Seven Springs State Hatchery will be a fascinating one to be remembered by all. See New Mexico’s official hatchery for Rio Grande cutthroat trout, which were once a staple of the American Indian diet and continue to contribute to our culinary culture.
In Northeast Region
IT’Z
Albuquerque, NM 87109
4595 San Mateo Boulevard
505-883-3677
Experience New Mexico through the eyes of a child at IT’Z, which is the perfect family destination in New Mexico. All needs are taken care of, and the family will enjoy a day of careless fun at this popular family destination, where pizza and pasta await you in four themed dining rooms. After dinner, a plethora of over 150 video games in a huge arcade will tempt kids and adults alike.
Mora National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center
Mora, NM 87732
One mile north of Mora, on Hwy 434
505-387-6022
At the Mora National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center, kids vacationing to New Mexico will receive ample opportunity to find out exactly where fish species make their fresh starts. At the hatchery, concerned scientists are busy breeding some of the most endangered species of fish in the world, and the technology here is almost as astounding as the animal life which makes its claim to existence within the walls of the hatchery.
Rock Lake State Hatchery
Santa Rosa, NM 88435
505-472-3690
At the Rock Lake State Hatchery, guests will be afforded the exciting chance to see millions of fish in their natural habitats, swimming about and causing delight for both children and adults. See the scores of walleye roe, some of the world’s most beautiful and interesting fish, which were gathered at several area lakes and now convene at the hatchery.
In North Central Region
Frank Dempsey
Sandia Park, NM 87047
Located at Double Eagle Airport
505-845-3224
Frank Dempsey knows how to entertain the whole family; his expertise has been honed for years as he’s provided unique family entertainment to residents and visitors of New Mexico alike. So unique, in fact, that you’ll find yourself flying high in the air in a winged vehicle called a “trike.” Introductory tours are given to excited guests, who’ll find themselves soaring over Balloons and into the Rio Puerco valley, where many stunning vistas await you back on earth.
Shakespeare SantaFe
Santa Fe, NM 87505
1704-B Llano Street #120
800-700-3732
So you’ve come to Santa Fe, a bustling city in the heart of New Mexico, and now the whole family wants a little cultural fun that will both entertain the mind and inspire the spirit. Shakespeare SantaFe offers just that, with programs ranging from serious Shakespeare to shows geared specifically for kids. Outrageous characters are brought to life with the active talents of this company.
Red River State Hatchery
Red River, NM 87558
800-348-6400
Guests traveling to New Mexico will want to make a stop-off at the Red River State Hatchery, where scores of some of the most interesting aquatic creatures in the world await eager eyes and interests. Cited as the most-visited hatchery in the state, the hatchery provides guests opportunities to hand-feed fish at the show pond, enjoy a pre-packed picnic lunch on a beautiful picnic grounds, and just admire the fact that over 400,000 fish swim within the hatchery’s walls.
In Central Region
Working Classroom
212, Gold SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-242-9267
See one of the largest collections of talents on your visit to New Mexico in the city of Albuquerque, where Working Classroom has gathered the talents of young artists and thespians and enlisted them beneath the tutelage of some of the country’s top creative minds. The result will delight the whole family, with young artists performing a variety of family-friendly theatre, some of it penned by the actors themselves.
The Wild Wild West
6 Corbin Road
Los Lunas, NM 87031
505-865-5918
Want to see what the Wild West was really like? Well, now you’ll be afforded the opportunity, in this once-in-a-lifetime destination in the heart of New Mexico. Experience the world through the eyes of a pioneering buckaroo: be witness to performance gunfights, cowboys, rodeos, and more. Be warned, though, that you might find this life so exciting you’ll have a hard time coming back to modern-day society.
Rio Grande Botanic Garden
2601 Central NW
Albuquerque, NM 87101
505-764-6200
The natural beauty of the Rio Grande Botanic Garden is something you won’t want to miss out on when you visit New Mexico’s bustling Albuquerque, which contains all the trappings of a world-class city. Certainly among those trappings is the garden, which you’ll want to devote a day’s time to exploring with the family. From xeric species taken straight from the desert to three walled gardens with Old World fountains, and even a Children’s Fantasy Garden, there’s something for the whole family at the Rio Grande Botanic Gardens.
In Southwest Region
Gila Rangers Cowboy Action Shooting Club
Located in the Mimbres Valley off NM35
Silver City, NM 88062
505-388-2531
The days of the Wild West have come alive again with the Gila Rangers Cowboy Action Shooting Club, where you’ll find a host of entertaining guys and gals historically clad in cowboy outfits. Talking the talk and walking the walk, these interesting folks are known to host Cowboy Action Shooting events and matches. Of course, all the action is simulated, safe, and most of all, fun for the entire family.
Glenwood State Fish Hatchery
Glenwood, NM 88039
505-539-2491
Where else can you go to learn about the diverse array of freshwater life which graces New Mexico’s streams, ponds and rivers? At the Glenwood State Fish Hatchery, the whole family will be delighted by a day learning about the processes used to breed and preserve various freshwater species of fish, and afterwards will want to find a cozy spot at the hatchery’s picnic grounds to enjoy a delicious home-packed meal.
In Southeast Region
26th Annual Smokey Bear Fun Run
Capitan, NM 88316
505-354-7021
A perfect event for the athletic family, this 2-mile run is held in the honor of the most well-known proponent for the prevention of forest fires: Smokey the Bear. Bring the family and test your lung capacity as you pit your legs against the pavement in a display of athletic bravado, and be wowed by the generous offerings that runners are slated to receive, including t-shirts, hats, and bandanas, along with numerous Smokey Bear memorabilia.
Alameda Park Zoo
11th and White Sands Boulevard
Alamogordo, NM 88310
505-439-4290
The Alameda Park Zoo in Alamogordo, NM not only boasts a unique collection of over 90 species and 300 animals in total; the zoo also has the privilege of being the oldest zoo in the southwest. Established in 1898, the zoo features exotic and Southwestern animals, including lions and cougars, bison, and a beautiful diversity of bird life. A children’s playground serves as the perfect spot for a midday respite.
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
On the northwest edge of Carlsbad off US 285
Carlsbad, NM 88221
505-887-5516
At the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, guests will be treated to an interesting day of learning about the region’s natural history. Live exhibits abound at this indoor/outdoor museum, where more than 40 animal species represent the native population of the area. After viewing the museum and zoo’s offerings, amble off on a 1.3-mile-long self-guided tour, where you’ll experience the outdoors of New Mexico through sand dunes and wooded mountainous areas.
