Ruidoso is an exceptional host to kid-friendly activities that will keep them entertained, whether you are on a family vacation or reside in the picturesque village. So, what are some Ruidoso venues designed specifically to meet the needs, interests, and safety of children?
Adventure Mountain
A family-favorite destination is Adventure Mountain on Mechem Drive, offering a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. They boast classic experiences such as bumper cars,
batting cages, miniature golf, a climbing wall, a ropes course, a mirror maze, and arcade games.
If you are looking for something a bit different, Bazooka Ball takes place in a blacklight arena and is a cross between laser tag and paintball. Players shoot two-inch Nerf balls out of a modified paintball gun. Don’t worry, parents, players are required to wear a face mask and a protective vest throughout the course of the game.
All the activities at this establishment are affordable and individually priced. Their concessions rotate seasonally and include gourmet coffee and hot chocolate in the winter and shaved ice in the summer!
Information at adventuremountainnm.com
Kids Konnection Playground
This is a great stop for the littles! This community-built playground at 659 Hull Road is open from sunrise to dusk and features all-star equipment and wooden walkways asking to be explored. Situated right next to a massive playing field that is open and lush, kiddos can play to their hearts’ content.
You’ll see the park filled with a mix of locals and tourists. Even adults are drawn to play on the beautiful swing set on the outer edge of the playground! Several tables are located in a shaded area, a perfect place to take a short break. Public bathrooms are only a few feet away.
Ruidoso Escape Rooms
Since the inception of the classic game of Clue, created by a British board game designer in 1943, the idea of being able to solve a mystery and attain gumshoe status has been enticing! An escape room provides patrons a unique opportunity to delve into another world and satisfy the need for the feelings of accomplishment and curiosity. In an escape room, you and your team work together (typically within a designated time constraint) to uncover clues, solve puzzles, and ultimately exit the game to be considered a winner.
This is perfect for a family outing and, in fact, Ruidoso Escape Rooms offers children ages 10 and under free admission with the purchase of two adult tickets at $25 per person (can’t beat that!).
Visit their website for information on the rooms available as well as the story behind the “mission” for each room and details such as the duration, number of participants needed, and difficulty level. Whether you make it out or not, this exciting group experience is sure to make you feel like a winner!
Information at escaperoomsruidoso.com
Ruidoso Winter Park
Don’t let the name deceive you . . . Ruidoso Winter Park claims the title of New Mexico’s only summer tubing hill, offering year-round adventures! This unexpected treasure is in Alto, New Mexico, five miles north of the village of Ruidoso. 
Curious how they manage to be open year-round? Base Area Manager Kay Sims shares, “With our state-of-the-art snowmaking system, we offer winter fun even when there is no natural snow. We also have summer tubing, so we operate year-round. I believe people enjoy having an outdoor option for fun and excitement.”
In addition to tubing adventures, they offer a zip line and combination attraction packages. Opening soon is the Screaming Eagle Mountain Coaster, the only one of its kind in New Mexico!
Riders (for all activities) must wear shoes that have a solid back (no flip-flops, Crocs, etc.). Pets are welcome in the park; however, your pooch is not allowed on the tubing hill and must be kept on a leash. Folks in your party who are just observing can watch from the courtyard without having to pay an entry fee. A concession stand with multiple food options is available, but patrons are also allowed to bring their own food and beverages into the park.
Kay reveals to us that, “Ruidoso’s Winter Park has something fun for all ages. This season we are celebrating our 25th anniversary, and we will be celebrating with specials and giveaways throughout the season!”
Information at ruidosowinterpark.com
Pillow’s Funtrackers
If you drive by Pillow’s Funtrackers, a quick glimpse of the go-kart track and bumper boats floating in the dazzling blue pool lets your kids know the coolest place in the world is right over the fence. Even adults know there is something magical here. Located off Sudderth Drive on Carrizo Canyon Road, Pillow’s has been in business for more than 20 years.
Pillow’s Funtrackers is home to three go-kart tracks, an 18-hole miniature golf course, a mountain maze, bumper boats, spin zone bumper cars, and, during the summer, an area in which you can become a prospector panning for gemstones.
Perhaps their neatest new feature is the Arkadia Virtual Reality area. This exclusive experience allows six players to strap on virtual reality gear, select the game they want to play by reviewing the stunning screens overheard, and play simultaneously! This sure seems to be an ideal place for a day trip or even as a location to host a party. Their special party room is accessed through the arcade and is available to be reserved for any type of event you wish.
Information at funtrackers-ruidoso.net/
With our incredibly fast-paced lifestyles, remember that spending quality time together as a family strengthens the emotional bonds between members and adds skills to the family toolbox such as adaptability, teamwork, respect, communication, and conflict resolution. Most importantly, it is tons of fun!
Search for Fairies and Trolls
At Wingfield Park (300 Center St.) and Two Rivers Park (100 Robin Rd.), you and the kids can search for the homes of fairies and trolls, hidden on trees throughout the parks. There are downloadable maps to help you find them or you can watch for clues along the way. Be sure to look down low: fairies and trolls aren’t very big! Open the door of the home to meet the resident.
Wingfield Park is also home to a beautiful garden, a large gazebo, a playground, walking path, a disc golf course, and hosts the Saturday morning Wingfield Park Market June through October from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Two Rivers Park offers 27 acres of open space and a 1.25-mile paved trail along the Ruidoso River, plus picnic tables, grills, benches, and a gazebo, plus some lovely sculpture art.
Story and photos by Desiree Bustamantes • Additional photos courtesy
Posted by Ruidoso.com
