Santa Fe has more to offer children than many people realize. Kids can go to a museum designed especially for them, to a roller rink, two skateboard parks, a planetarium or various sports programs. A multitude of interesting activities will keep your children entertained in Santa Fe.
(For all phone numbers, use 505 area code)
The Santa Fe Children’s Museum 1050 Old Pecos Trail 989.8359
Offers dozens of fascinating, hands-on art and science exhibits and activities such as creating bubbles, making adobe bricks, harvesting vegetables, creating sculpture from found objects, playing with snakes and face-painting. There’s also a technical-climbing wall, an outdoor garden and permanent exhibits that appeal to children of all ages (including grown-ups). Hours are Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., September through May. Additional hours during the summer. Admission is $3 for children under 12 and $3 for older kids and adults. Visit www.santafechildrensmuseum.org.
The Rockin’ Rollers Event Arena 2915 Agua Fria St. 473.7755
Santa Fe’s only roller rink, offers public skating sessions, private-party accommodations and skating lessons as well as skate rentals. The public skate times include a variety of games such as limbo and karaoke events. The rink hosts teen dances and concerts with local and touring bands as well as disc jockeys. The rink also has a concession area. In-line skates are permitted. Call for open hours and cost of admission.
Skateboard Parks
The city’s popular skateboard parks are at 302 W. DeVargas St., in DeVargas Park and at Franklin Miles Park, 1027 Camino Carlos Rey. Each features outdoor, split-level ramps perfect for skateboard diehards. There are picnic tables nearby, as well as climbing structures for youngsters. For more information on park regulations, contact Parks and Recreation at 955.2100.
The Planetarium at Santa Fe Richards Drive 428.1777
At Santa Fe Community College ext. 6
Provides evening and weekend programs that offer a magical foray into the night sky for kids and adults alike. Open hours and programs vary tremendously per season, so call for activity updates. There are concerts and lectures available as well. See the Planetarium online at www.santafe.cc.nm.us/planetarium.
Warehouse 21 1614 Paseo de Peralta 989.4423
Offers teenagers a variety of workshops in the performing arts, media arts, visual and literary arts, music and dance, such as photography, flamenco dance, music recording and radio announcing. Special events are held year-round. Classes are either free or $5. Visit www.warehouse21.org.
Summer Programs
The City of Santa Fe offers two summer programs for children, one for ages 6-12 and one for teens ages 13-19. Both programs are inexpensive or free, and run from mid-June through early august. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Program activities include sports, games, drama, arts and crafts, swimming, storytelling, field trips, computer classes, dance and exercise classes. Registration is held on one day only, in mid-May, and space is limited. Many parents begin waiting in line the night before registration, so be prepared for long lines and dress accordingly. Additionally, the city offers programs for youth in golf, tennis, archery, gymnastics and cheerleading. For more information, call the Santa Fe Community Services, 955.6568.
Soccer, Football and Baseball
Programs in soccer, football and baseball are also popular:
Little League baseball has several levels:
For the Metro League, call Danette Garcia, 473.3725
For the American League, call Anita Jenks, 471.7688
For the National League, call Danny Romero, 699.0100
For the Amateur league, call Tony Chavez, 466.7543
To join Santa Fe Children’s Football League for kids ages 6-13, contact Eddie Webb at 989.4593.
For soccer activities, call Northern New Mexico Soccer club President, Brian Brigham, 982.1777. Capitol Soccer club has a selection-by-trial process; call 982.6186.
Contact The New Mexican at 984.0363 for a comprehensive guide to summer activities for kids.
