Plan a Ruidoso vacation your family will love
Find inspired family vacation ideas, outdoor adventures, resorts, day trips and kid favorites for a Ruidoso vacation your family will love. Plan the best New Mexico family vacation with these fun kid-friendly trip ideas.
Discover Family Favorites in Ruidoso
2025 Season Update: Wibit Water Park Will Remain Closed This Summer
The Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake will not open for the 2025 season. While we know this is a favorite summer activity for many, current conditions have made setup and operation unfeasible this year. We appreciate your understanding and encourage visitors to explore the lake’s other outdoor recreation options, including swimming, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and more.
YesterLanes is Ruidoso’s newly renovated bowling center, offering classic lanes, an all-new arcade, casual dining at 575 Grill, and drinks at YesterPub. Formerly Ruidoso Bowling Center, it’s now the go-to spot for family fun, parties, and everyday entertainment—with a fresh look and a nostalgic twist. Same great lanes. Totally new vibe.
Discover Ruidoso's vibrant autumn with our fall foliage guide. Explore top spots like Alto Lake, Grindstone Lake, Lincoln National Forest, and Ski Run Road. Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and more amidst stunning fall colors. Visit during peak season from mid-September to late October, and don't miss local events like AspenFest and Oktoberfest.
Celebrate Father’s Day weekend in Ruidoso with live music, family fun, and exciting events! Enjoy the Ruidoso Tattoo Expo, outdoor concerts, and dancing downtown. Take the kids to Youth Fishing Day at Grindstone Lake, then head to Ruidoso Downs for a weekend of thrilling Quarter Horse racing. Wrap it up with a Brooks & Dunn tribute at Spencer Theater—June 13–15, 2025!
Famous for its sunny slopes and southern charm, Ski Apache transforms in summer with high-altitude thrills and stunning mountain views. From scenic gondola rides to outdoor adventures, there’s plenty to explore beyond the snow. Plan ahead—hours vary. Visit SkiApache.com/summer or call (575) 464-3600.
Experience the thrill of the Screaming Eagle Mountain Coaster and Tubing in Ruidoso! Ride New Mexico’s only Mountain Coaster with 5100 feet of waves, dips, and a 360-degree helix. Enjoy high-speed fun with state-of-the-art safety features. For winter excitement, try the tubing hill with magic carpet lifts and thrilling downhill rides. Perfect for family fun and adventure seekers of all ages!
Experience the thrill of axe throwing at Win Place & Show in Ruidoso! Challenge your friends, test your aim, and enjoy drinks from the bar on the lively WPS patio. Let expert guides show you the ropes and make it an unforgettable outing. Book your lane for some competitive fun by calling (575) 257-9982 or reserving online. Don’t miss this exciting addition to Ruidoso Midtown!
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend in Ruidoso with memorable meals, scenic strolls, live music, and one-of-a-kind local events. Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway or a festive family celebration, our curated calendar for May 9–11 has everything you need to make Mom feel loved.
Join the fun every Sunday at Enchanted Vine! Shop local at the Farmer’s and Craft Market from 11 AM–4 PM, enjoy live music from 2–4 PM, sip Noisy Water wine, Uncle Dick’s Hard Cider, and seasonal cocktails, and play yard games on the spacious grounds. Celebrate the season with great music, local makers, and a festive atmosphere!
IRONMAN Comes to Ruidoso! Experience the thrill as IRONMAN 70.3 debuts in New Mexico with a festival weekend of triathlon racing in Ruidoso, July 11–12, 2026. Swim, bike, and run through stunning mountain landscapes—or come cheer on the athletes and enjoy the excitement! Registration opens April 23. 2026.
Fantasy fairies hide along the pathway at Ruidoso's Two Rivers Park and Wingfield Park. Magic wands, tiny houses, and whimsical fairies add fun for the young. Visitors may be startled when walking along village park trails to see a trout jumping out of the water and riding on his back, the smallest of the fairy folk.
Planning your Memorial Day weekend in Ruidoso, NM? From live music and great food to exhilarating horse racing and rich historical sites, there’s something for everyone. Explore our top four picks to celebrate Memorial Day in style!
No trip to Ruidoso is complete without indulging in something sweet! From classic fudge and handmade chocolates to creamy ice cream and nostalgic candies, these Midtown candy shops are the perfect stop for a delicious treat.
Exploring the great outdoors in Ruidoso? AllTrails has compiled a list of the 10 best trails and routes in the region, just waiting for you to explore. Choose from an array of easy routes for day trips with the family, or check out some trails laden with historical sights. There are plenty of nature spots in and around Ruidoso to explore, with routes suitable for all skill levels.
Experience the thrill of XTERRA Ruidoso, August 15–17, 2025, in New Mexico’s scenic Sierra Blanca Mountains. This action-packed weekend features elite off-road racing, live music, family fun, and mountain-town charm. Athletes and adventurers alike can enjoy races, festivals, and trails—plus a preview of the 2026 XTERRA World Championship host city.
Discover the perfect skip-gen getaway in Ruidoso! This scenic mountain town is ideal for grandparents and grandchildren to connect through outdoor adventures, cozy cabin stays, and family-friendly fun. Plan your multigenerational escape today and create lasting memories in one of New Mexico’s most charming destinations. Start planning your Ruidoso adventure today!
Find your ideal family-friendly lodging in Ruidoso. Choose from cozy cabins, roomy vacation homes, or modern condos with features like decks, game rooms, and mountain views. Enjoy comfort, space, and amenities that make traveling with kids or a group easy—perfect for reunions, holidays, or weekend escapes.
Explore summer adventures at Lincoln National Forest in Ruidoso! Hike scenic trails, bike rugged paths, ride through lush landscapes, or simply play in nature. As the ultimate adventure getaway, Ruidoso blends relaxation and excitement, offering outdoor enthusiasts a perfect escape. Discover why Lincoln National Forest is the top destination for summer fun and exploration.
Craving something sweet in Ruidoso? From homemade pies and decadent cakes to artisan ice cream and freshly baked pastries, these top dessert spots have you covered. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick treat or a leisurely indulgence, here’s where to find the best desserts in Ruidoso.
Experience the thrill of Quarter Horse racing at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, home of the All American Futurity, the richest race in Quarter Horse history. Enjoy live racing every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day or visit The Racebook for year-round simulcast betting, great food, and drinks. Plan your visit now at RaceRuidoso.com!