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
Explore Cedar Creek Trails in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and find current access information for this popular Lincoln National Forest recreation area. A temporary closure order currently affects designated lands, roads, and trails, while the Cedar Creek Day Use Area remains open.
Lace up your skates! The seasonal outdoor ice rink at Wingfield Park is scheduled to return November 28, 2026, for the 2026–27 winter season. Find current season dates, hours, holiday schedules, admission, skate rentals, and visitor information.
Plan a family winter getaway to Ruidoso with skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing, outdoor ice skating, sleigh rides, scenic mountain adventures, cozy lodging, local dining, shopping, and seasonal events for all ages.
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 XTERRA beyond race day in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Discover championship trails, mountain scenery, local dining, outdoor adventures, historic attractions, and unforgettable experiences throughout Lincoln County. Whether you’re competing, cheering from the sidelines, or planning a mountain getaway, DiscoverRuidoso is your guide to making the most of championship week.
Plan your Halloween weekend in Ruidoso with trick-or-treating, pumpkin activities, live entertainment, historic tours, family-friendly fun, and seasonal events throughout the area.
Find local art, jewelry, Western style, New Mexico flavors, mountain-inspired gifts, and memorable keepsakes from your Ruidoso getaway.
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.
Ruidoso Downs Race Track has announced that its Quarter Horse Racing Triple Crown Series, including the All American Futurity, along with the All American Super Select Sale and Ruidoso Downs Hall of Fame activities, will move to Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas, beginning in 2027.
Plan a scenic picnic in Ruidoso with a range of settings to choose from. From the elevated views at Monjeau Lookout to the lakeside spots at Grindstone Lake and Alto Lake, and the open green space of Wingfield Park, this guide highlights where to relax, recharge, and enjoy the outdoors—plus simple tips to make the most of your day.
Make the most of Labor Day Weekend in Ruidoso with live music, local markets, community events, mountain adventures, shopping, dining, and more. Explore what’s happening around town and start planning a long weekend in the cool mountain air of the Sierra Blanca.
There’s something about Ruidoso that keeps people coming back. Nestled in the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico, Ruidoso offers cool mountain air, scenic lakes, outdoor adventure, locally owned shops, great dining, live music, and year-round experiences. Discover why generations of visitors have made Ruidoso their favorite mountain escape.
IRONMAN 70.3 Ruidoso made its New Mexico debut July 11–12, 2026, bringing athletes, spectators, and festival energy to Ruidoso for a weekend of swimming, cycling, and running through the mountain landscape. The 2026 event has concluded; explore highlights from race weekend.
Celebrate Father’s Day weekend in Ruidoso with live music, outdoor events, local dining, mountain adventures, and family-friendly activities throughout the village. From concerts and brewery gatherings to scenic recreation and community events, Father’s Day weekend offers plenty of ways to enjoy time together in the cool mountain air of Ruidoso.
Summer in Ruidoso brings together hiking, lake recreation, family-friendly attractions, scenic drives, patio dining, live music, and time to unwind. From Grindstone Lake and Wibit Water Park to summer events and cool mountain evenings, Ruidoso offers plenty of ways to relax, explore, and enjoy a memorable summer getaway.
Alto Lake Recreation Area offers fishing, kayaking, hiking trails, picnic areas, wildlife viewing, and scenic outdoor recreation near Ruidoso in the Sierra Blanca mountains.
![FLYING J RANCH — [Under New Ownership & Redevelopment]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58c9c6e69f74567f6f50dfba/1489952330919-7WNF08FSAOB3ZD3YKRW3/Screen+Shot+2017-03-19+at+2.31.55+PM.png)
MAY 2026: The historic Flying J Ranch property in Ruidoso has been sold and is currently transitioning to new ownership and redevelopment plans. Public reporting indicates the site is expected to become Many Moons RV Ranch and Events Center. Previous Flying J Ranch performances, dining experiences, and visitor activities referenced in this article are no longer active or available at this time.
Discover the best free things to do in Ruidoso! From stargazing and wildlife watching to forest walks, playground adventures, and scenic photo ops, this mountain town offers unforgettable experiences that won’t cost a dime. Perfect for families, couples, and solo explorers looking to enjoy nature and fun on a budget.
Planning your Memorial Day weekend in Ruidoso, NM? From live music and great food to rich historical sites, there’s something for everyone. Explore our top four picks to celebrate Memorial Day in style!
Discover Family-friendly Events
Celebrate Halloween at Enchanted Vine in Alto on October 31 from 11 AM–7 PM. Dress to impress—or distress—for a Halloween costume contest, enjoy live music, themed drink specials and sweet treats, and spend the day celebrating with plenty of Enchanted Vine spirit. Costumes encouraged!
Celebrate fall at Enchanted Vine’s Pumpkin Patch in Alto, featuring pumpkins, festive photo opportunities, seasonal drinks, and crisp mountain air throughout October.
Enjoy a free Reformation Fall Festival at Grace Harvest Church featuring a hayride, games, storytelling, fall treats, sack races, s’mores, and activities centered on the history of the Reformation.
Celebrate Halloween at Kraftea Sisters with a spooky High Tea Party featuring Halloween-inspired savory bites and sweets, costumes, and cookie decorating. Saturday, October 31, at 5:00 PM. $20 adults and $5 for children under 12.
Shop for the holidays at the 39th Annual Christmas Jubilee, November 13–15, 2026, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Enjoy three days of shopping plus family activities Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5; children 12 and under and active military are free with ID. Learn more at RuidosoChristmasJubilee.com
Build, design, experiment, and discover at Transportation Family Day, a free hands-on family event exploring the history and creativity of transportation at Ruidoso’s Wingfield Heritage House Museum.
Shop from a selection of artisan makers and small businesses at A Christmas Affair, November 20 - 22, 2026, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and décor from talented local artists. Enjoy delicious treats, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun—all in a magical holiday atmosphere!
Spend Thanksgiving weekend in Ruidoso with mountain adventures, holiday dining, local shopping, seasonal events, and plenty of ways to enjoy a long weekend together.
Celebrate the holidays with Syd Masters & the Swing Riders at Many Moons RV Ranch, featuring a Western chuckwagon dinner, live Christmas music, festive ranch activities, and family fun on select dates November 27–December 30, 2026.
Ski Apache is open for skiing, weather permitting. Please check the SkiApache.comwebsite for hours and ticket information. Tickets & Passes >>
Party on the Mountain is back at Ski Apache! Join Ski Apache as they kick off the 2026-27 Winter Season with a day of food, fun, and entertainment. Enjoy gondola rides (weather permitting), live music, and more. Plus, don’t miss the last chance to get the best price on your season passes! Learn More »
Join the fun at Ruidoso’s 11th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk on November 28, 2026! The final race in the Ruidoso Run Series kicks off at 10 a.m. on the Links Trail. The first 50 runners receive a free T-shirt and the first 70 finishers earn a participation medal. In-person registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the White Mountain Recreation Complex.
Celebrate opening day at the Ruidoso Ice Skating Rink at Wingfield Park on November 28! The 2026–27 season brings outdoor skating, skate rentals and winter fun to the heart of Ruidoso.
Celebrate the holidays with Syd Masters & the Swing Riders at Many Moons RV Ranch, featuring a Western chuckwagon dinner, live Christmas music, festive ranch activities, and family fun on select dates November 27–December 30, 2026.
Celebrate the magic of the season at Christmas in the Park! Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with music, ice skating, and holiday fun. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive with Mayor Crawford for the tree lighting around 6 p.m., followed by sleigh rides, photos with Santa, and a chance for kids to receive a free toy from Ruidoso Parks & Recreation. Lights on display through January.
Celebrate the holidays with Syd Masters & the Swing Riders at Many Moons RV Ranch, featuring a Western chuckwagon dinner, live Christmas music, festive ranch activities, and family fun on select dates November 27–December 30, 2026.
Celebrate the holidays with Syd Masters & the Swing Riders at Many Moons RV Ranch, featuring a Western chuckwagon dinner, live Christmas music, festive ranch activities, and family fun on select dates November 27–December 30, 2026.
Ruidoso’s Festival of Lights Parade returns December 5, 2026, with this year’s “A Holly Dolly Christmas” theme, bringing twinkling lights, festive floats, holiday cheer, and plenty of sparkle to Midtown Ruidoso.
Celebrate the season with A Christmas Carol at Spencer Theater on December 10, 2026. Charles Dickens’ timeless tale follows Ebenezer Scrooge on an unforgettable journey through Christmases past, present, and yet to come. Filled with memorable characters and a message of generosity, compassion, and second chances, this holiday classic brings the spirit of Christmas to the stage.
Celebrate the holidays with Syd Masters & the Swing Riders at Many Moons RV Ranch, featuring a Western chuckwagon dinner, live Christmas music, festive ranch activities, and family fun on select dates November 27–December 30, 2026.
Celebrate the holidays with Syd Masters & the Swing Riders at Many Moons RV Ranch, featuring a Western chuckwagon dinner, live Christmas music, festive ranch activities, and family fun on select dates November 27–December 30, 2026.
Celebrate the holidays with Syd Masters & the Swing Riders at Many Moons RV Ranch, featuring a Western chuckwagon dinner, live Christmas music, festive ranch activities, and family fun on select dates November 27–December 30, 2026.
Celebrate the holidays with Syd Masters & the Swing Riders at Many Moons RV Ranch, featuring a Western chuckwagon dinner, live Christmas music, festive ranch activities, and family fun on select dates November 27–December 30, 2026.
Celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater, December 19–20, 2026. A cast of 70 dancers brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with spectacular sets and costumes, battling mice, toy soldiers, and dazzling Snowflake Fairies. This timeless Christmas tradition offers a magical experience for the whole family.
Celebrate the holidays with Syd Masters & the Swing Riders at Many Moons RV Ranch, featuring a Western chuckwagon dinner, live Christmas music, festive ranch activities, and family fun on select dates November 27–December 30, 2026.
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.