Nestled in the stunning Sierra Blanca Mountains, Ruidoso, New Mexico, offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, staying at The Roost in Ruidoso provides the ideal base for exploring all this enchanting destination has to offer. Here are ten family-friendly activities that will create lasting memories for visitors of all ages.
1. Adventure Mountain Family Fun Center
Your family adventure awaits at Adventure Mountain, Ruidoso’s new year-round attraction. This family-friendly theme park features a variety of exciting activities, including bumper cars, mini-golf, an arcade, and batting cages, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Kids can burn off energy while parents join in the fun, making it a perfect destination for family outings, birthday parties, or simply a day of entertainment.
In addition to the main attractions, Adventure Mountain also offers seasonal events and themed activities that keep the experience fresh and engaging throughout the year. Families can challenge each other to friendly competitions in mini-golf or see who can score the most points in the arcade. The batting cages provide a great way to practice swinging skills while enjoying some friendly competition. With its vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of activities, Adventure Mountain is the ideal place for families to create lasting memories together while enjoying a day filled with laughter and excitement.
2. Ruidoso Winter Park
Don’t let the name fool you – Ruidoso Winter Park is a year-round destination that offers a wide array of thrilling activities for all seasons. In the winter, the park transforms into a snowy paradise, providing exhilarating snow tubing adventures down its expertly designed lanes. With a Magic Carpet conveyor belt for easy uphill access, families can enjoy racing down the slopes individually or in groups, making it a fun experience for everyone. After an exciting day of tubing, visitors can warm up in one of the cozy VIP igloos, complete with hot drinks and snacks.
As summer arrives, Ruidoso Winter Park shifts gears to offer heart-pounding activities like zip-lining through the trees and riding the Screaming Eagle Mountain Coaster, New Mexico’s only mountain coaster. This thrilling ride features 5,100 feet of twists and turns, allowing riders to control their speed while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the park provides opportunities for family-friendly summer tubing, ensuring that the fun continues even in warmer weather. With its diverse range of activities and beautiful natural setting, Ruidoso Winter Park is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking to create unforgettable memories throughout the year!
3. Grindstone Lake
Cool off at Grindstone Lake, home to the exciting Wibit Water Park, a unique inflatable obstacle course that promises hours of splashing fun for the whole family. This vibrant water park features giant slides, trampolines, climbing towers, and wiggle bridges, making it an ideal spot for both kids and adults to enjoy high-energy play on the water. The Wibit Water Park operates daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the summer season, providing a perfect way to beat the heat.
In addition to the water park, Grindstone Lake offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Families can enjoy kayaking on the calm waters, where non-motorized boating is permitted year-round. Fishing is also a popular pastime at the lake, which is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and catfish, providing great opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. For those looking to relax, picnic areas are available where families can enjoy meals surrounded by nature. With its combination of thrilling water activities and serene outdoor experiences, Grindstone Lake is a fantastic destination for summer fun in Ruidoso!
4. Ski Apache
In winter, hit the slopes at Ski Apache for skiing and snowboarding across 55 trails, catering to all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, with breathtaking views of the Sierra Blanca mountains. Beginners can take lessons from expert instructors, and gear rentals are available for convenience. During summer, the resort transforms into an outdoor adventure hub, offering mountain biking on scenic trails, thrilling zip-lining on the Wind Rider ZipTour reaching speeds of 65 mph, and gondola rides to 11,500 feet for stunning panoramic views. For added excitement, visitors can tackle the rock climbing wall or enjoy a round of disc golf amidst the beautiful mountain landscape. Whether in winter or summer, Ski Apache offers unforgettable experiences for adventure seekers and families alike.
5. Two Rivers Park
Explore the scenic Two Rivers Park, a delightful destination featuring a paved trail that is perfect for little legs. Families can enjoy leisurely strolls along the beautifully landscaped pathways, which meander alongside the serene Ruidoso River. Don’t forget to grab a map and embark on the enchanting “fantasy fairy path,” a magical scavenger hunt filled with whimsical fairies, tiny houses, and hidden treasures that will delight young imaginations. The park also offers ample opportunities for picnicking, wildlife viewing, and photography, making it an ideal spot for creating lasting family memories. With its tranquil atmosphere and engaging activities, Two Rivers Park is a wonderful place to connect with nature and let your children’s creativity soar!
6. Horseback Riding, Pony Rides, and Sleigh Rides at Grindstone Stables
Saddle up for a family adventure at Grindstone Stables, where you can enjoy guided horseback rides suitable for all ages, with children under five welcome to ride with an adult at no extra charge. Families can also delight in pony rides for younger children, enchanting sleigh rides during the winter season, and opportunities for wildlife viewing along the trails. Don’t forget to capture special moments with plenty of photo opportunities amidst the stunning scenery, making for a memorable outing in the beautiful Ruidoso landscape!
7. Flying J Ranch
Step back in time at the Flying J Ranch, where kids can pan for gold and immerse themselves in the Old West experience. This unique destination offers interactive activities that engage young minds, allowing them to try their hand at gold panning, just like the prospectors of yesteryear. They can discover the thrill of finding “gold” to take home as a souvenir, creating a memorable experience that sparks their imaginations.
The adventure continues with a delicious chuck wagon supper, featuring a hearty meal reminiscent of those enjoyed by cowboys on the trail, including tender brisket or BBQ chicken, cowboy beans, baked potatoes, homemade biscuits, and spiced cake. As the evening unfolds, guests are treated to an entertaining western show performed by the Flying J Wranglers, who deliver a lively mix of traditional Western music, comedy, and impressive fiddling. With engaging storytelling and thrilling gunfight reenactments, the Flying J Ranch promises an unforgettable evening filled with joy and wonder for the whole family.
8. Pillow’s FunTrackers
Rev up the excitement at Pillow’s FunTrackers, where families can enjoy a wide array of thrilling activities designed for all ages. This premier family fun center features three go-kart tracks: the Turtle Track for younger children, the Fun Track for family-friendly racing, and the Pro Track for those seeking a high-speed challenge. Each track offers a unique experience, ensuring everyone can get in on the action. In addition to go-karting, guests can test their skills at the picturesque 18-hole mini-golf course, which is beautifully landscaped and perfect for friendly competition.
The fun doesn’t stop there! Pillow’s FunTrackers also boasts bumper boats that let families splash and spray each other while navigating the water, as well as an arcade filled with exciting games for all ages. For those looking for additional challenges, the park features a maze to explore and gemstone panning, where kids can sift through dirt to find hidden treasures. With its combination of exhilarating rides and engaging activities, Pillow’s FunTrackers is the perfect destination for families to create unforgettable memories together while enjoying a day of fun and adventure in Ruidoso.
9. Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Experience the thrill of live horse racing at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, home to the World’s Richest Quarter Horse Race, the All-American Futurity. During the summer season, families can enjoy a variety of activities, including pony rides and petting zoos, making it an ideal outing for all ages. Kids can engage with friendly animals and enjoy the excitement of riding ponies while parents cheer on their favorite horses. The vibrant atmosphere is further enhanced by special events and concerts that often coincide with race days, providing entertainment for everyone. With breathtaking views of the Sierra Blanca mountains and a family-friendly environment, Ruidoso Downs offers a memorable experience that combines the excitement of horse racing with fun activities for children.
10. Kids Konnection Playground
For a relaxing morning out, visit the Kids Konnection Playground. This expansive play area features equipment for different age groups and is located next to a large open field perfect for running, playing soccer, or having a family picnic.
After a day full of adventure, return to the comfort of The Roost in Ruidoso. This charming vacation property offers all the amenities of home with the added luxury of hotel-style services. Located just minutes from Ruidoso’s best shopping and dining districts, The Roost provides the perfect retreat for families looking to create unforgettable memories in the heart of New Mexico’s mountain paradise.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor thrills or relaxing family time, Ruidoso has something for everyone. Book your stay at The Roost Ruidoso today and start planning your family’s mountain getaway filled with excitement, natural beauty, and cherished moments.