Fun Family Vacations in New Mexico
(for "kids" of all ages)
The Ruidoso area is chock full of opportunities for
fun for young and old alike. The young and young at heart will enjoy
our parks, playgrounds, skiing, horseback riding or just hanging out
by the river. Below are some of the most popular destinations for
the younger members of the family.
KIDS KONNECTION - a large community built playground adjacent
to the White Mountain Schools at the corner of Hull and White
Mountain Drive. There are many features that will keep kids active
and amused for hours - much more here than just swings and admission
is free.
FUNTRACKERS – near the Pizza Hut on Sudderth drive. This
large amusement area features go carts in three different sizes with
their own tracks, bumper boats with water guns, miniature golf and
an arcade. New for the summer of 2006 is a human maze. Open daily
from 10am to 10pm in the summer, then 10am to 10pm on Saturdays. 101
Carrizo Canyon Rd. (505) 257-3275
SEEPING SPRINGS TROUT LAKES – no license or fishing tackle
needed. Catch a trout to eat or release just a few miles east of
Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. If fishing isn’t your thing, try the
paddleboats for some fun in the sun. (505) 378-4216
HORSEBACK RIDING STABLES – There are a variety of outfitters
in the area to get you and your family in the saddle. Choose from
shorter trail rides close to town or half day to full day adventures
into the heart of the White Mountain Wilderness. Reservations are
recommended. Elite Outfitters, 257-5379, Runnels Stables 354-2778,
Buddie’s Stables 258-4027, Cowboy’s Stables 378-8217, Grindstone
Stables 257-2241, Inn of the Mountain Gods Stables 464-5141
LINCOLN COUNTY OVERLAND STAGE CO. – Drive to mile marker
91-92 on Hwy. 380 between Capitan and Lincoln for the ride of your
life. An authentic stagecoach with horses and driver will take you
for along or short ride down a stretch of the historic Ozanne Trail.
Hear stories about the area along the way – most will be true. Open
May through October - reservations are strongly recommended by
calling 505-653-4954.
http://www.stagecoach.bz/
SKI APACHE – drive north from Ruidoso on Hwy. 48 (locally
Mechem Dr.) for 4 miles and turn left on Hwy. 532. This road winds
12 miles up the mountain to Ski Apache. In the winter kids can learn
how to ski or snowboard in group classes from the age of 7. For 4, 5
and 6 year olds a special program called Kiddie Korral teaches
skiing with some indoor time for rest. Ski season generally runs
from Thanksgiving Day through the end of March. Summertime is always
great on the mountain for a picnic or a hike. In July and August the
gondola is open for rides to the summit at 11,400 feet and the
frisbee golf course is open for play. Info: 505-464-3600 or
www.skiapache.com
BOWLING – find the Ruidoso Bowling Center at 1202 Mechem just
behind Farley’s. Besides the eight lanes for bowling you will find
pool tables, an arcade and a lounge. (Hours Mon-Thurs, 1-10pm, Fri &
Sat, 1pm-midnight, Sundays 1-9pm). Info: 258-3557
FLY’S ETC. - 2501 Sudderth, midtown at Times Square. This is
the place to talk fishing. They offer guided fly fishing trips,
accessories, lessons & much more! Info: 505-257-4968, 505-258-5011
SIERRA CINEMA – located adjacent to the Lawrence Brothers
Supermarket. This is the only local movie theater. It shows recent
releases on 3 different screens matinees and evenings. Call anytime
for show and screening time information 721 Mechem Dr. (505)
257-9444
AREA PARKS – are a great way to enjoy the outdoors in
Ruidoso. They include Two Rivers Park behind the visitor’s center on
the 700 block of Sudderth, Schoolhouse Park on the 500 block of
Sudderth near the swimming pool, Cedar Creek Day/Picnic Area is just
a mile west of the Smokey Bear Ranger Station on Cedar Creek Drive
and Mon Jeau Lookout which is surrounded by groves of aspen trees –
take Hwy. 532 (ski run rd.) 1 mile and turn right on dirt road for 4
more miles, following signs.
BICYCLE RENTALS – available at Ruidoso’s only full service
bike shop, Elevation 6784 in midtown. Different sizes of mountain
bikes may be rented by the hour or the day, helmets included. (505)
257-6784
THE HUBBARD MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN WEST – just east of the
race track in Ruidoso Downs this world class museum has a kid’s
corner to complement its displays of carriages, Indian artifacts and
many significant items from settling the West. Outside young and
older eyes as well will be amazed at the larger than life sized
bronze horse sculptures. Open daily 10-10, year-round. Info:
505-378-4142
http://www.hubbardmuseum.org/
HIKING & CAMPING – Kids love to get out in the woods. There
are hundreds of trails to explore in the Lincoln National Forest
along with many developed campsites. Ask us at Condotel about our
favorite spots or stop by the Smokey Bear Ranger Station (257-4095)
for official information and maps.
PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL – everyone loves to get wet on a hot
day. Next to the tennis courts and Schoolhouse Park on Sudderth
Drive the municipal pool is open during the summer months. A small
admission fee is required – go ahead and pay the extra for the use
of the big slide. It’s a blast. Pool is open 11:45am -4:45pm Info:
Parks & Rec, 257-5030
SKATEBOARD PARK – North Park is Ruidoso’s only skateboard
park and it is free. Located next to the fire station on White
Mountain Drive this park has a variety of ramps and rails. It is
open all year with lighting for evening riding fun.
KIDS CORRAL - Pony rides for the young ones here! The Corral
is located at Two Rivers Park near the Visitor’s center on Sudderth
Drive. Open daily in the summer and weekends the rest of the year.
Info: 505-257-7836
VIDEO & GAME RENTALS
IGA/Lawrence Bros.: 257-4014
721 Mechem, next to Sierra Mall.
Blockbuster Video: 257-5353
134 Sudderth, next to Family Dollar
Movie Gallery: 257-8127
628 Sudderth, across from Trolley Burger
WINTER PARK – No need to drive all the way up the mountain
for some big fun on the snow. With a large snowmaking capability
Ruidoso’s Winter Park offers tubing all winter. Get towed up the
hill and then come sliding down with a big grin. There is also a
Kidz Korral section for the little ones. Info: 336-7079
http://www.ruidoso.net/winterpark/
FAST FOOD CHOICES
KFC: 257-2119, 331 Sudderth
McDonald’s: 257-7547, 144 Sudderth
Mr. Burger: 258-3616, 1203 Mechem
Pizza Hut #1: 257-5161, 725 Sudderth
Pizza Hut #2: 258-3033, 1201 Mechem
Schlotsky’s Deli: 257-7811, 2812 Sudderth
Sonic Drive-In: 257-4787, 102 Sudderth
Subway: 257-7827, 148 Sudderth
Taco Bell: 257-4626, 654 Sudderth
Trolley Burger: 257-3868, 647 Sudderth
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