Ruidoso with Kids
10 Fun Things to do in Ruidoso…with Kids!
Confiscate the Phones and Tablets. They Won’t Miss Them. Promise!
“Mom! I’m bored!” Three words every parent and grandparent hates to hear when they’re on vacation. We spend a lot of time and money trying to keep the kiddos entertained, so when those words come out of their mouth, it’s discouraging. Heck, some of the toughest dads have been brought to tears by those hurtful words. We spend months planning a getaway that we just know is going to be the best vacation ever, only to be brought down to our knees by a screaming child who yells at the top of their lungs, “This is the worst vacation ever! I wanna go home!”
Next time you’re planning a vacation to Ruidoso with kids…put these ten things on your to-do list and you’re guaranteed to have a fun-filled getaway that kids of all ages will enjoy.
1. Ski Apache:
Fun for all ages! Snow skiing and snow boarding in winter. Ride the gondola during ski season and during mountain bike season. Mountain biking in spring and summer is very popular. Zip-lining (they refer to it as WindRider ZipTour) during ski season (dress warmly) and again from April through Labor Day weekend on one of the world’s longest zip lines, with parallel cables, so two can zip alongside each other. Starting at an elevation of over 11,000 feet and at speeds up to about 65 mph (yikes!). Ages 10 and up. Reservations are recommended.
2. Pillows Funtrackers Family Fun Center:
Go karts, bumper boats, mountain maze and more! Open all year weather permitting.
3. Grindstone Lake and Stables:
Horseback riding , fishing and hiking in spring, summer and early fall…sleigh rides in winter. Call for up to date hours and more info. NO SWIMMING IN THE LAKES. Fishing license required.
4. Flying J Ranch:
Pony rides, panning for gold, world famous gunfight on Main Street of the old west town of Bonita City, authentic and kid approved chuck wagon supper and so much more! Open Memorial Day through Labor Day and in October they have the Chuckwagons of the West Jamboree!
5. Ruidoso Winter Park:
The name speaks for itself! Open in winter month only. Fun for all ages! Snow tubing. Zip-lining.
6. Inn of the Mountain Gods! Apache Eagle ZipRider:
Zip-lining across the beautiful Lake Mescalero. Open all year to ages 10 and up. If you are a family of golfers, you’ll love the golf course.
7. Seeping Springs Trout Lake:
No fishing license required. Poles and bait provided and they’ll even clean your catch for ya! They have paddle boats from Memorial Day through Labor Day. We guarantee your child will catch a fish or the visit is free! Bring your RV or pitch a tent.
8. Hubbard Museum of the American West:
Now, before you pass on the idea of taking the kids to a museum because you’ve experienced a snoozefest…let me assure you…this one is NOT!
9. Ruidoso Swimming Pool and Slide:
Fun for the whole family… all summer long!
10. Last, but not least: Ruidoso treats!
Papa Bear’s ginormous cupcakes; Viva LLC ice cream parlor and old fashioned candy (spiced cocoa or coffee for the grown ups); Cornerstone Bakery & Cafe… homemade pies and cakes and yummy goodies for breakfast so Mom (or Mimi) doesn’t have to cook. Get the kiddos all sugared up and ready for another fun day in Ruidoso!
*Bonus entertainment: The wild horses of Alto (WHOA) have been around for many, many years. The horses roam in the Alto area, so keep your eyes peeled. You might get lucky, like we did, and have them come up and say hello. La Junta Guest Ranch is a great place to see the horses and other wildlife. Sit on the deck and watch them roam or walk right up to them with a handful of carrots or apples.
And there you have it. 10 things to do in Ruidoso with kids that are guaranteed to keep the family…and you…entertained. Oh, and let us know how far you get from Ruidoso, before they ask for their phones back, okay? Hopefully, they didn’t miss them…much.
—Jamye Stewart
Jamye Stewart is a freelance writer. She is a native Texan and lives in Lubbock. Jamye, and her family, have been making memories in Ruidoso for more than thirty years. The family is now three generations of Ski Apache skiers.