Kid-Favorites in Ruidoso

Summer or winter, kids of all ages will have plenty of family fun in Ruidoso. Many area attractions, such as hiking and skiing, are perfect for the entire family. 

PHOTO: Lincoln National Forest

A favorite family experience is biking along one of our many forest trails. 

PHOTO: Grindstone Stables

Guided trail rides at Grindstone Stables are safe for all ages and free for children under age 5 who ride with an adult. 

PHOTO: Paddle Boating at Mescalero Lake

Hop in a paddle boat and enjoy a ride around Mescalero Lake at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino.

Photo: Adventure Mountain Family Fun Center

Year-round family fun offering batting cages, glow-in-the-dar mini golf, bazooka ball, a ropes course, climbing wall, arcade games, laser maze, and kids rides

PHOTO: Ruidoso Winter Park

Experience the thrill of sliding down snow at Ruidoso Winter Park

PHOTO: Kids Summer Program

Fun-filled kid activity programs are offered on Saturdays during the summer for the children of guests at Inn of the Mountain Gods.

PHOTO: Pillow's Funtrackers

A Ruidoso tradition for more than 25 years, Funtrackers offers families a wide variety of year-round fun.

Plan the perfect family vacation with these fun kid-friendly trip ideas. 

1. Take the go-carts for a spin at Pillow's FunTrackers,

2. Pan for gold at the Flying J Ranch

3. Play a round of Disc Golf

4. Bounce, slide, climb, jump and splash on the Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake

5. Enjoy an exciting family outing at Adventure Mountain Family Fun Center, Ruidoso’s newest place for year-round fun.

6. Go for a wild ride down the water slide at the Schoolhouse Park Pool. Play the large-scale musical instrument installation at Wingfield Park. Or, head for the Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake, Ruidoso’s newest attraction.

7. Ride the paddle boats at Mescalero Lake at the Inn of the Mountain Gods, where there's also a Kids Summer Program every Saturday for the children of guests. 

8. Tennis courts and a sand volleyball court are available for year-round use at White Mountain Sports Complex.

9. Kids and families love the guided trail rides at Grindstone Stables.Their trails are safe for all ages and children under age five are welcome to ride with an adult at no extra charge.

10. In winter, the Ruidoso Winter Park is a snowy playground for sledding and tubing. Their Kidz Korral is specially designed for children under 42" tall. And now new for the summer of 2021 they’ve extended the offerings to summer tubing and family zipline experiences!

11. Family ski vacations are a tradition that can last a lifetime. Kids love the Adventure Center at Ski Apache which offers a full day of fun activities for young skiers between the ages of 4 and 12 years old. Indoor and outdoor activities with experienced professionals are available to ensure your children’s safety and comfort. 

12. Geocaching is perfect for families with children and for serious orienteer’s keen for an outdoor challenge. For some tips on how it works, read here.

For more information on the Parks and Recreation Department and what they offer, visit the Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department.