This post was written in partnership with Discover Ruidoso.
If you have ever visited New Mexico, you can appreciate why it is called the Land of Enchantment. From the sea of brilliant dunes in White Sands National Parks to New Mexico’s 19 Pueblos, from the sprawling city of Albuquerque to quirky towns like Truth and Consequences, New Mexico is unlike other states. And while many visitors have heard of the mountain towns of Santa Fe or Taos, Ruidoso is more of a local gem.
Ruidoso is located in southeastern New Mexico in the Sierra Blanca mountain range, home of the Ski Apache resort and near Lincoln National Forest. The nice thing about its elevation is that Ruidoso is a perfect spot to beat the heat and enjoy the outdoors, with average summer temperatures range from the 70s to the mid-80s.
Ruidoso is a little over an hour drive to White Sands National Park, three hours southeast of Albuquerque, and just over an hour to Roswell, New Mexico. Even Carlsbad Caverns are only three hours away, so Ruidoso can be a nice home base for exploring southern New Mexico.
The area was first settled by the Mescalero Apache people, and was named by the Spanish (Rio Ruidoso means “noisy river”.) The area is green and lush with tall mountain pines — not exactly the desert landscape many associate with New Mexico. The town maintains its deep roots in Native American culture, while offering the amenities of a world-class mountain resort.
There are a lot of reasons why this off-the-beaten path destination should be on your radar (if it isn’t already.) From outdoor activities to western history to the charming village center to wildlife viewing, Ruidoso is a great place to get outside for a mountain escape. Here are some ideas of what to do in Ruidoso with kids.
Things to do in Ruidoso, New Mexico with Kids
Ride the Apache Eagle ZipRider at the Inn of the Mountain Gods
Zoom down one of the longest ziplines in North America at speeds up to 55 mph and enjoy the views of Lake Mescalero on the Apache Eagle Ziprider at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. Just remember that kids need meet the minimum height and weight requirements and closed toe shoes and reservations are required.
Enjoy a Chuckwagon Supper and Western Show
You can’t visit the American Southwest without paying some tribute to the cowboy culture. The Flying J Ranch offers a Chuckwagon Supper and Western Show six nights a week in the summer and it has been voted the #1 tourist attraction in New Mexico.
Families can enjoy the Bonita City old west town, Cindy’s Sweet Shop, a pistol shoot, pony rides, gold panning, and blacksmith shop and a chapel. Be prepared for a gunfight before dinner and an action packed show following filled with yodeling, fiddling, banjo playing and guitar picking. It helps to make a reservation before you go!
Take a horseback trail ride
Grindstone Stables offers one-hour trail rides past Grindstone Lake and to the top of Townsend Ridge, offering scenic vistas and possibly wildlife viewing. Children over five can ride their own horse and younger children can ride with an adult. Grindstone also offers carriages rides and, in the winter, sleigh rides.
Look for Wildlife
Nearby Lincoln National Forest offers plentiful opportunities for wildlife viewing including elk, deer, bald eagles and bear. Be sure to check out some of the best trails for wildlife viewing in Ruidoso.
Go Mountain Biking
Ski Apache has 5.5 miles of mountain biking trails. At a grade of 6 and 8 percent steepness, these trails travel under the majestic Sierra Blanca peak from the top of the gondola, back to the base area of Ski Apache.
Watch a Rodeo at the Smoky Bear Stampede
In July, Ruidoso is host to the nation’s largest open rodeo weekend, including four nightly rodeos, a two-day ranch rodeo, youth ranch rodeo, kid’s rough stock rodeo, cook-off, kids events, and nightly dances. With a campfire dutch oven competition, mutton bustin’, steer riding, evening rodeo, fireworks, and a dance, you won’t want to miss it.
Visit Smokey Bear Historical Park
Did you know that there was a real Smokey the Bear? It was a little bear cub that was found with burned paws after a 17,000-acre forest fire in 1950 on the Capitan Mountains near Capitan, New Mexico. After living in the National Zoo in Washington D.C. for 26 years, Smokey passed away and was returned to the Village of Capitan to be buried at what is now the Smokey Bear Historical Park.
Today, the park offers exhibits on the history of the fire prevention program, black bears, forest health, and fire safety. There is also a playground for kids with a fire tower, climbing wall, fire engine and swings.
Learn a Little History
Fort Stanton Historic Site was established in 1855 and was used in the Civil War and Indian Wars. In July, the Fort Stanton LIVE event brings war re-enactors to the Fort for demonstrations, presentations, concert and a military ball.
Take part in Old Lincoln Days
Visit Lincoln, NM (just 40 minutes away along the Billy the Kid Trail) to see the birthplace of Billy the Kid. In August, enjoy a weekend of folk pageants with re-enactors portraying Billy the Kid’s last escape and the notorious Lincoln County War. You will also find great food, live music, shopping and a parade to celebrate the Old West.
Enjoy the Small-town Shops and Galleries
Ruidoso is southern New Mexico’s #1 arts destination. Galleries abound featuring western art, bronzes, and jewelry. There is a year-round calendar of events including fine arts and photography exhibits, studio tours, and the Ruidoso Arts Festival. And don’t miss the multiple blown glass installations by Seattle artist Dale Chihuly at the Spencer Theater.
Ruidoso is a great escape with so much to do to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Note: This post was sponsored by Discover Ruidoso. All opinions are my own. Photos courtesy of Discover Ruidoso.
Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.
