Unforgettable Family Adventures in Ruidoso: Top Activities for Fun and Bonding

Looking for the ultimate family getaway? Ruidoso is your destination for fun-filled memories that last a lifetime! Whether you’re seeking outdoor thrills or family-friendly relaxation, our mountain village has it all.

Start your adventure with a spin on the go-carts at Funtrackers, or strike it rich panning for gold at the Flying J Ranch. Challenge your family to a game of Disc Golf, cool off at the Grindstone Lake Wibit Water Park, or take a wild ride down the Ruidoso Municipal Swimming Pool water slide. Prefer a more leisurely activity? Enjoy paddle boating on Mescalero Lake at the Inn of the Mountain Gods, or explore one of Ruidoso’s scenic, kid-friendly hiking trails.

Keep the excitement going with Ruidoso Parks and Recreation’s unique kids programs! Plus, the Skateboard Park, pickleball courts, and sand volleyball court ensure there’s something for every age and interest.

Create lifelong memories in Ruidoso – where family time is always an adventure!

Featured

Halloween Celebrations in Ruidoso

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.

Time Your 2026 Stargazing Trip to Ruidoso with the Year’s Best Meteor Showers

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.

Hiking and Biking Trails at Grindstone Lake: Adventure in Every Season

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.

Books Etcetera: Ruidoso’s Independent Bookstore

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.

YesterLanes – Ruidoso’s Revamped Bowling & Entertainment Center

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.

Enchanted Vine Sunday Market

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!

Ruidoso Welcomes World-Class Endurance Event and Festival Weekend

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.

2025 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Ruidoso by AllTrails

Exploring the great outdoors in Ruidoso? AllTrails has compiled a list of the 10 best trails and routes in the region, just waiting for you to explore. Choose from an array of easy routes for day trips with the family, or check out some trails laden with historical sights. There are plenty of nature spots in and around Ruidoso to explore, with routes suitable for all skill levels.

Best Dessert Spots in Ruidoso: Where to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Craving something sweet in Ruidoso? From homemade pies and decadent cakes to artisan ice cream and freshly baked pastries, these top dessert spots have you covered. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick treat or a leisurely indulgence, here’s where to find the best desserts in Ruidoso.

Best Breakfast Spots in Ruidoso: Cozy Cafés & Local Favorites

Looking for the best breakfast in Ruidoso? Whether you crave a hearty mountain-style meal, a cozy café with a fireplace, or a sunlit patio to enjoy your coffee, Ruidoso has plenty of charming spots to start your day. From classic diners to hidden gems serving homemade pastries, here’s your guide to the top breakfast restaurants in Ruidoso.

5 Powerful Reasons to Plan a Ruidoso Mountain Getaway Right Now

Escape to the mountains of Ruidoso for fresh air, star-filled skies, stunning views, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. This scenic alpine village offers the perfect year-round getaway for slow travel, relaxation, and outdoor adventure. Discover five powerful reasons to make Ruidoso your next soul-soothing vacation destination.

Planning a Ruidoso Family Getaway? Here’s How to Make It Fun and Stress-Free!

Ready for unforgettable family memories in Ruidoso? Discover the secrets to a hassle-free vacation! Learn how to keep your schedule flexible for spontaneous fun, pack like a pro, balance solo adventures with quality time, and bring the right “toys” for maximum enjoyment. Plus, get budget-friendly tips so you can splurge on experiences that matter most.

Discover Ruidoso Public Library: Your Ultimate Travel Stop

Looking for a relaxing spot during your Ruidoso vacation? Visit the Ruidoso Public Library. Whether you need free WiFi, a quiet place to work, or a chance to connect with the community, the library enhances your Ruidoso travel experience. Here are a few reasons why the municipal library deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Ruidoso Winter Park: A Winter Family Favorite

Go tubing at Ruidoso Winter Park. There are lanes for racing your friends and a Magic Carpet conveyor belt for an uphill ride. Adrenaline junkies can descend individually, in tandem — or for the fastest and longest ride, in group clusters in a giant tube. After your chilly thrill, retreat to a warming VIP Igloo to cozy up in with a hot drink and a snack.

Ruidoso Winter Activities Beyond the Ski Slopes

What to do on a Ruidoso ski vacation if you don’t ski or snowboard? Just off the ski slopes, there are galleries, restaurants, and easy access to multi-use trail systems.

Grindstone Lake: All You Need To Know

Discover everything you need to know about Grindstone Lake, one of Ruidoso's most popular recreation areas located just minutes from downtown Ruidoso.

Top Winter Experiences in Ruidoso

From downhill excitement at Ski Apache and the tubing runs of Winter Park Recreational Area to horse-drawn sleigh rides through Upper Canyon, here are some of our most popular winter activities.

Pillow’s Funtrackers: Fun for the entire family

Pillow’s Funtrackers in Ruidoso is a great place for family entertainment and family outings. At Funtrackers you'll find fun for all ages at this family-favorite Ruidoso amusement park offering 3 go-kart tracks, 18-hole mini-golf, bumper boats, a maze, and arcade games.

Ruidoso Camping Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Planning a camping trip in Ruidoso? Whether you’re tent camping, car camping, or traveling in an RV, proper preparation ensures a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience. Learn essential tips on campsite safety, wildlife awareness, fire regulations, and gear essentials before you head into the mountains. Stay prepared and make the most of your Ruidoso adventure.

Kid-Favorites in Ruidoso

Kids of all ages will have plenty of family fun in Ruidoso. Many area attractions, such as hiking, fishing, swimming, and skiing, are perfect for the entire family. Plan the perfect family vacation with these fun kid-friendly trip ideas.

Unforgettable Family Adventures in Ruidoso: Top Activities for Fun and Bonding

Discover unforgettable family adventures in Ruidoso! From go-cart racing at Funtrackers to gold panning at Flying J Ranch, there’s endless fun for all ages. Cool off at Grindstone Lake Wibit Water Park or ride paddle boats on Mescalero Lake. Enjoy kid-friendly hiking trails, archery, golf, and more. For year-round fun, visit the Skateboard Park and tennis courts. Explore Ruidoso’s family-friendly activities today!

Spend the night close to nature on a Ruidoso camping trip

Camping is not only an awesome vacation for those who love the outdoors, but it's also a great way to keep a Ruidoso vacation affordable. Learn everything you need to know to plan your Ruidoso camping trip now!

Go off-road and explore with Backcountry Attitudes on an OHV adventure tour.

Ruidoso’s first off-road adventure specialist, Backcountry Attitudes, provides 4×4 off-roading adventures through scenic wilderness and mountain terrain for a unique backcountry adventure.

Biking in Ruidoso

From street to trail, if you love to pedal, Ruidoso has you covered. With new trail development and a vast network of empty rural roads and awesome mountain trails, cycling in Ruidoso has never been better. Discover the best places to get your bike on in Ruidoso.

Scenic Gondola Rides at Ski Apache

Witness panoramic vistas from the top of Ski Apache. Look for wildlife and enjoy the cool temperatures of Sierra Blanca Peak. For extra fun, rent a mountain bike at Ski Apache, take it up the mountain on the gondola, and ride down.

Family experiences, Things to do in RuidosoKerry GladdenJune 18, 2020kids, family fun, Things to do in Ruidoso.

Unforgettable Family Adventures in Ruidoso: Top Activities for Fun and Bonding

Create lifelong memories in Ruidoso – where family time is always an adventure!

Visitor Center Update:

Find us on