19 Incredible Things to Do in Santa Fe with Kids
We just got back from an incredible family trip to Santa Fe with our four kids, ages 7–13, and let me tell you, we packed a lot into this one!
A few of my favorite moments included hiking through golden Aspen trees, wandering the streets lined with adobe-inspired architecture and the unreal sights and smells at the farmers market.
Throughout our trip, we made it our mission to discover all the best things to do in Santa Fe with kids, from hands-on museums to outdoor adventures and everything in between.
Santa Fe completely won us over, and we’re so excited to share our favorite family-friendly spots from this trip!
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1. El Rancho De Las Golondrinas
El Rancho De Las Golondrinas is a hands-on living history museum that is super engaging for kids.
This experience is set on a 500-acre ranch just outside Santa Fe and brings New Mexico’s 18th and 19th-century Spanish history to life.
Sites like this are part of what makes Santa Fe such a perfect educational destination for kids. It’s like packing a semester of history into a day, and the kids actually remember what they learned!
We arrived right at 10 a.m. so we could sign up for the guided tour, which departs at 10:30 and lasts about 1–1.5 hours. (There are limited spots available.)
Afterward, we loved exploring on our own, wandering between the different historic buildings, and discovering all the little details at our own pace.
Even if you skip the guided tour, there are guides in costume stationed around the ranch ready to share stories and answer questions.
👉 A few quick tips: wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a water bottle. The property is larger than you might think!
2. Santa Fe Farmers Market
Okay, this one really blew my mind!
I knew the Santa Fe Farmers Market is one of the biggest and best in the country, but it still completely surprised me.
The market is located at the Santa Fe Railyard and stretches both indoors and outdoors, with around 150 vendors.
We spent about 1.5 hours here, but honestly, I could have stayed all morning. The smells alone were unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
The combination of roasting hatch chilies, fresh-baked breads, incredible veggies, and flowers was absolutely unreal. I kept saying, “I wish I could bottle up this scent!”
Our kids loved discovering all the different foods and were thrilled to run into a marimba band.
👉 Make sure you keep walking past the railroad tracks to the artisan market. We got to watch a vendor spinning alpaca fur into yarn and admired so many beautiful arts, jewelry, woodworking, and more.
The Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. all year long, and Tuesdays from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. from May 6–December 23.
👉 Don’t forget to bring your own bag!
3. Stained Glass Workshop
With Santa Fe being one of the top art-producing cities in the country, it was so fun to lean into that creative energy and become Santa Fe artists ourselves!
We took a one-hour stained glass workshop, where each of us got to learn the step-by-step process of making stained glass and create our own honeycomb ornament to take home.
There are also two-hour workshops available if you want to tackle a more detailed design.
The best part? It’s perfect for beginners. Even kids as young as 10 can participate! I took my 10-year-old and 13-year-old, and they both really loved this experience.
It was such a unique way to connect with Santa Fe’s artistic side, support a local artist, and come home with a special handmade souvenir.
4. Canyon Road
Canyon Road is one of the most popular and picturesque streets in Santa Fe.
Lined with colorful adobe buildings, art galleries, sculptures, and blooming flowers, it’s the perfect place to wander in and out of galleries to your heart’s content.
Twice a year, this area features Canyon Road Paint and Sculpt, when artists whose work is featured in the galleries set up their easels right on the sidewalk to paint and sculpt in real time.
We were lucky enough to experience this during our visit, and it was such a cool glimpse into the creative process of these local artists.
Even if you’re not in town during the event, Canyon Road is still a must-visit part of Santa Fe.
Our kids were so inspired that the moment we hopped back in the car, they grabbed their crayon pouches and notebooks and started on their own works of art right away.
5. Aspen Vista Trail
Just 15–30 minutes north of downtown Santa Fe, you’ll find several great hiking trails in the mountains. After quite a bit of research, we chose to hike the Aspen Vista Trail (our second choice would have been Big Tesuque Trail).
While many of the aspen trees had already lost their leaves (we missed the peak by about a week), there were still plenty of golden trees left, and they were absolutely stunning.
Honestly, hiking this trail might have been my favorite part of our whole trip!
You can start right at the Aspen Vista Picnic Site. The trail itself is an out-and-back route just over 8 miles long, but don’t worry—you can go as far as you’d like and turn around whenever you’re ready.
The views are beautiful from the very beginning, so even a short hike is rewarding.
👉 One thing to note: The drive to the trailhead is very windy and climbs quite a bit in elevation. We had one kiddo who felt pretty miserable on the drive and didn’t make it very far on the hike. Keep this in mind if anyone in your family gets carsick or is sensitive to high altitude!
Want to see our favorite things to do with kids up close? Check out our video where you can see what each of these activities is really like! ⬇️
6. New Mexico History Museum and Palace of the Governors
Located just off the Plaza, the New Mexico History Museum shares the story of New Mexico’s past, from its Native American roots through Spanish colonization and up to modern day.
The artifacts, photos, and videos are very engaging, and our kids really took their time going through each room.
Your ticket also includes admission to the Palace of the Governors, which is part of the same complex and has been in use since 1610.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Mondays), and admission is $12 for adults, and free for kids 16 and under.
Just outside the museum, under the long covered portal of the Palace of the Governors, you’ll find Native American artists selling beautiful handmade jewelry, pottery, leather goods, and more.
Every artisan you see there is vetted and approved by the museum, and all items are handmade.
This spot is right in the heart of downtown, so it’s easy to pair with lunch or more exploring around the Plaza.
7. The Plaza
Speaking of The Plaza, this is definitely a spot you won’t want to miss. It’s really the heart of the whole city.
You can stroll around the square, pop in and out of local shops, eat at one of the nearby local restaurants, and, if you’re lucky, you might even catch a traditional Native American dance performance.
There’s metered parking along the surrounding streets, but it’s also a great area to explore on foot if you’re visiting other nearby attractions.
A few must-visit spots within walking distance of the Plaza include the New Mexico Museum of Art, the New Mexico History Museum, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.
It’s a good idea to plan some of these stops back-to-back on your itinerary since they’re all so close together.
Note: If you’re only visiting Santa Fe for one day, I would recommend spending at least half the day exploring The Plaza, since most of the town’s must-see spots are here.
8. Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (and Other Historic Churches)
There are three main historic churches near the Plaza, and they’re all well worth a visit.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is the largest and most well-known. There’s no fee to enter, and it’s open Tuesday–Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
It’s an iconic part of downtown Santa Fe and the perfect spot to pause, admire the beautiful architecture, and snap a few photos.
If you enjoy visiting the Cathedral Basilica, be sure to also stop by San Miguel Chapel—known as the oldest active church in the United States—and the Loretto Chapel, famous for its miraculous spiral staircase.
Both are uniquely beautiful are within easy walking distance of the Cathedral.
9. Santa Fe Children’s Museum
This is such a fun little spot that’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor play. Our older kids enjoyed it too, but it’s definitely geared more toward ages 2–7.
Inside, you’ll find all sorts of hands-on exhibits like car ramps, magnetic gears, floating scarves, and more.
Outside was my kids’ favorite part. There are unique play structures, climbing towers, and even a spot where you can build your own teepee.
Keep this in mind as a great kid-centered activity that works perfectly in rain or shine.
👉 Tip: It’s free from 4:00–6:00 p.m. on Thursdays!
10. New Mexico Museum of Art
This is one of my favorite buildings in all of Santa Fe! The New Mexico Museum of Art is located right across from the Palace of the Governors, right at the corner of The Plaza.
Inside, you’ll find incredible works of art by New Mexico artists, including the famous Gustave Baumann. Our kids loved both his colorful paintings and the large collection of intricate marionettes.
Don’t miss the outdoor courtyard in the center of the building—it’s quintessential New Mexico and such a beautiful spot to snap a few photos.
👉 Money saving tip: If your family is really into museums, consider the New Mexico CulturePass, which lets you visit 16 museums and historic sites across the state for just $30.
(Kids 16 and under are free at most Santa Fe museums, so you’ll likely only need to purchase passes for the adults.)
11. Santa Fe Railyard
The Railyard is one of the liveliest areas in Santa Fe and a must-visit for families. Once a historic train depot, it’s now a popular gathering spot filled with art galleries, restaurants, shops, and open green space for kids to run around.
Plus, it’s the home to the incredible Farmers Market that we already told you about!
There’s also a fun play area for kids nearby, as well as plenty of spots to grab coffee or ice cream.
The Railyard often hosts family-friendly events and art markets throughout the year, so it’s worth checking the calendar before your visit.
Tip: Parking can get busy on market days, so arrive early or take the Rail Runner train if you’re coming from Albuquerque—it stops right at the Railyard!
12. Local Restaurants
If you’re a foodie like me, you’re truly in for a treat in Santa Fe. The Southwest-inspired flavors are incorporated everywhere, from breakfasts and dinners, to drinks and desserts.
A few of my favorite spots included Tres Colores, the Shed (get the green chile queso! 🤤), and Dolina Cafe and Bakery. It was so fun letting our kids try new flavors that are unique to this region (and seeing which dishes became their favorites!).
I always love seeing what kind of food a restaurant serves before visiting, so be sure to check out what we ordered—and which restaurants had great options for kids—in our New Mexico Food Tour video! ⬇️
*Make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel if you enjoy videos like this!*
13. Ski Santa Fe
If your kids are adventurous, take a short drive from downtown where you’ll find Ski Santa Fe. This is a favorite year-round destination for both locals and visitors alike.
In the winter, it’s a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding, with slopes for all skill levels and stunning mountain views all around.
If you’re visiting in the fall, the Scenic Chairlift Rides are an incredible way to take in the golden aspen foliage from above. You can ride to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and vibrant fall colors.
We really wanted to experience the fall chairlift during our visit, but unfortunately, it had closed for the season just a week before we arrived. If you’re planning a fall trip, be sure to check the Ski Santa Fe website for opening and closing dates so you don’t miss it.
14. Kakawa Chocolate House
It was a little chilly when we visited Santa Fe, so it felt like the perfect excuse to stop by Kakawa Chocolate House for some rich, decadent drinking chocolate. 🤤
They offer an amazing variety of flavors, from sweet to spicy. The staff was so kind and patient, letting our kids sample several before deciding on their favorites.
My oldest son even went bold and tried a hot chocolate flavored with chile! If you can’t decide which to order, go for the hot chocolate tasting flight. You know you can’t go wrong with that option!
15. Pottery
For another hands-on art experience that kids are sure to love, consider creating some pottery! There are several great spots around Santa Fe to get your hands messy and make something special to take home.
One fun option is Tumbleroot Pottery Pub. We didn’t have time to fit it into our schedule, but I did pop in for a quick look while we were downtown. It’s a cute, quirky little spot where you can order a drink and buy clay by the pound.
I saw plenty of kids (even as young as three or four) having the best time creating their pottery masterpieces.
If you’re looking for something a bit more educational (and perfect for older kids or teens), check out a two-hour pottery workshop taught by a local artist. It’s beginner-friendly and even includes a chance to spin on a pottery wheel!
16. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
There’s seriously no end to the museums in Santa Fe! I honestly don’t think I’ve ever found so many all in one place.
Georgia O’Keeffe is one of New Mexico’s most famous artists, and her work is absolutely stunning. This museum features her paintings, personal artifacts, and even the oil pastels she made by hand (one of my favorite parts!).
The museum isn’t huge, so you’ll only need about 30 minutes to an hour to explore.
It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and because its one of the most popular attractions in town, tickets often sell out. You’ll want to make sure to purchase tickets online in advance.
17. Cross of the Martyrs
We didn’t make it here on our trip, but the Cross of the Martyrs lookout is high on our list for next time! It’s just minutes from downtown and offers panoramic views of Santa Fe.
From what we’ve heard, it’s especially beautiful at sunset as the sun goes down over the mountains.
18. Day Trips
Next time we visit, we definitely plan to explore more of the surrounding areas—there’s so much beauty just a short drive away! Here are a few great day trip ideas to consider:
- Bandelier National Monument – About 45 minutes from Santa Fe, this incredible site features ancient cliff dwellings you can actually climb into, along with scenic hiking trails and fascinating history.
- Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks (now called Cochiti Pueblo) – Known for its unique cone-shaped rock formations, this hike is one of the most iconic in New Mexico. It’s about 40 minutes from Santa Fe.
- Taos – Around 1.5 hours north, this artsy mountain town is full of galleries, shops, and historic sites—including the famous Taos Pueblo.
- Los Alamos – Roughly 45 minutes away, this is a great educational stop with the Bradbury Science Museum and easy access to nearby hiking trails.
Each of these would make for a fun and memorable addition to your Santa Fe itinerary!
19. The Best Tours of Santa Fe
If you’re visiting Santa Fe with older kids, these highly-rated tours offer a fun and educational way to explore the city:
- Small-Group E-Bike Adventure Tour
Hop on an electric bike and cruise through Santa Fe’s hidden gems, including the Railyard and Rio Grande River Park. This 3.5-hour tour is perfect for teens and tweens, combining history with a bit of adventure. - Santa Fe Ultimate History Walking Tour
Dive deep into Santa Fe’s rich past on this 3-hour walking tour. Visit landmarks like the Loretto Chapel and Palace of the Governors, and hear stories not found in guidebooks. - New Mexican Flavors Food Tour
Taste your way through Santa Fe’s culinary scene on this 2.5 to 3-hour walking tour. Enjoy generous samples from local eateries while learning about the city’s history and culture.
Each of these tours offers a unique perspective of Santa Fe and would be best for families with older children or teens. It’s the perfect way to learn about the city from a local.
Where We Stayed (Perfect for Kids!)
For our trip, we stayed in a vacation rental about 15–20 minutes south of downtown Santa Fe, and it was the perfect fit for our family of six.
Not only did it save us a ton of money compared to staying right in the heart of the city, but it also gave us plenty of space to relax after busy days.
The house had three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, which worked perfectly for our crew, plus a fully stocked kitchen and a coffee bar—instantly winning me over!
It was super clean and the host was incredibly friendly, even leaving a basket of snacks on the counter for us when we arrived.
Our kids loved that there were activities to keep them entertained, including board games, sports equipment, and toys.
It really felt like a home-away-from-home, and I highly recommend this vacation rental for families visiting Santa Fe.
➡️ Book the exact vacation rental we stayed in! ⬅️
Tips for Visiting Santa Fe with Kids
Visiting Santa Fe with kids is such a fun experience, but a few things can make your trip even smoother:
- Watch the altitude – Santa Fe sits at over 7,000 feet, so it’s important for everyone to stay hydrated and take it easy the first day or two if you’re coming from lower elevations. One of our kiddos struggle with this a bit, so we made sure to give him plenty of time to rest.
- Make restaurant reservations – Santa Fe has amazing food, but popular spots can have long waits, especially on weekends. Booking ahead ensures you won’t have hangry kids while waiting for a table.
- Lean into the educational experiences – This is what makes Santa Fe so unique. From museums and historic churches to artisan workshops and cultural tours, there are so many opportunities for kids to learn while having fun.
We had an amazing time in Santa Fe, and I hope this travel guide has shown you that there’s so much to do with kids in this beautiful city.
If you’d like a visual of what these family-friendly activities are like, check out our video below! 👇
