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
Looking for the perfect grandparent-grandchild trip? Ruidoso is a top skip-gen travel destination for outdoor adventures, cozy cabins, and creative fun. Explore scenic lakes, mountain trails, and family-friendly attractions—from skiing to storytelling by the fire. Plan your unforgettable multigenerational getaway in Ruidoso today.
Discover Halloween in Ruidoso with family-friendly events and spooky fun in the mountains. Trick-or-treat through Midtown, join costume contests, watch pumpkin rolls, or explore haunted happenings. Perfect for kids and adults, Ruidoso’s Halloween celebrations blend small-town charm with festive thrills—plan your fall getaway today.
Dust off your skates! The outdoor ice rink at Wingfield Park returns for the 2025-2026 winter season. Opening day is Saturday, November 29, 2025. A visitor Day Pass is $20, $12.00 for customers with their own skates, and a $20 season pass for Ruidoso residents. Here’s everything you need to know.
Looking for the best place to see the stars in 2026? Escape city lights and experience the breathtaking dark skies of Ruidoso. From constellations and the Milky Way to dazzling meteor showers, this mountain getaway offers unforgettable stargazing. Plan your trip around the top 2026 meteor shower dates for the ultimate night-sky adventure.
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.
Looking for the best hiking and biking trails in Ruidoso? The Grindstone Lake Trails System offers 18 miles of year-round adventure just minutes from Midtown. Explore lakeside loops, mesa climbs, and scenic ridge views—perfect for families, trail runners, and mountain bikers. Home to XTERRA events, Grindstone combines stunning landscapes with trails for every skill level.
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!
Discover Books Etcetera, Ruidoso’s only independent bookstore on Sudderth Drive. Browse new releases, regional stories, and children’s books alongside puzzles, toys, and games. A relaxed Midtown stop where families, travelers, and locals connect over good reads, thoughtful gifts, and friendly conversation.
Discover Ruidoso’s rich history at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum, a beautifully restored 1920s home. Once a family residence and business hub, it now features curated exhibits on early settlers, Native cultures, and the town’s evolution. Explore preserved rooms, uncover local traditions, and connect with the stories that shaped Ruidoso’s past and present.
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!
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.
Due to flood damage, Ruidoso Downs has suspended live racing for 2025. The All American Futurity, Derby, and Oaks will be held at Albuquerque Downs, with trials August 4–6 and finals on Labor Day, September 1. Major horse sales and select events will still take place in Ruidoso. Visit raceruidoso.com for updates.
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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.
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.
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.
During the winter holiday season, there are sleigh rides through the historic upper canyon with Grindstone Stables. No snow is required to enjoy a crisp winter evening and the holiday decorations of Ruidoso's oldest neighborhood.