7 Family-Friendly Outdoor Adventures in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Note: This article was written by Zoe Baillargeon for Matador Network in a paid partnership with Tourism Santa Fe.
Santa Fe, known as The City Different, boasts world-class museums, galleries, iconic Pueblo Revival architecture, and exceptional cuisine. While many visitors arrive seeking its Southwest arts and culture scene, they often discover its stunning outdoors as a delightful surprise.
Nestled in New Mexico's high desert, Santa Fe is surrounded by pristine nature and public lands. The city itself offers lush parks and a tree-lined downtown nourished by the Santa Fe River.
From thrilling adult pursuits like whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and hiking, Santa Fe also delivers abundant kid-friendly outdoor activities. Planning a family trip? Here are seven multi-season adventures in and around Santa Fe for all ages.
1. Birdwatching in Santa Fe National Forest
Photo: Hanjo Hellmann/Shutterstock
Beyond the 80+ galleries on Santa Fe's famed Canyon Road lies the Randall Davey Audubon Center in the Santa Fe National Forest. This 135-acre bird sanctuary in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains foothills offers gentle hiking trails and rich wildlife viewing.
Explore the 1.5-mile Santa Fe Canyon Preserve loop trail to spot nearly 200 species, including hawks, terns, swallows, shorebirds, swifts, and the greater roadrunner. Download a checklist from the visitor center for family fun. Note: The visitor center is currently closed, but trails, gardens, and restrooms remain open.
2. Exploring 18th-Century Santa Fe
Photo: Bonita R. Cheshier/Shutterstock
Santa Fe's history predates the U.S. by over 150 years, offering tangible glimpses into the past. Visit El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a historic stop on the Camino Real, featuring adobe houses, a water mill, church, and 200 acres of grounds.
Self-guide or join a tour while costumed interpreters demonstrate blacksmithing, weaving, and bread baking. Encourage kids to engage—such authentic sites are rare. Note: In 2021, open June 2 to October 3; check current hours.
3. Darting Between Hoodoos and Through Slot Canyons
Photo: EB Adventure Photography/Shutterstock
About an hour from Santa Fe Plaza, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument stuns with volcanic hoodoos—towering, cone-shaped spires from ancient eruptions.
Hike the Canyon Trail through a narrow slot canyon to hilltop views, or opt for the easier 1.2-mile Cave Loop Trail. Both showcase colorful banded rock formations. Note: Currently closed due to COVID-19; reopening may require reservations—verify status.
4. Wandering the Santa Fe Botanical Garden
Photo: Tourism Santa Fe
Near Museum Hill's art institutions, the Santa Fe Botanical Garden inspires with diverse exhibits. Start in the Orchard Gardens amid flowering fruit trees, then visit the Ojos y Manos Garden for plants used in sustenance, medicine, weaving, and dyeing.
Walking paths and a bicycle trail reveal native and adapted high-desert flora, curated by local volunteers.
5. Pedaling the City Bike Paths
Photo: Mellow Velo
Santa Fe's expanding urban bike paths link neighborhoods, parks, the Santa Fe River, arroyos, and countryside—ideal for family rides.
Rent bikes from Mellow Velo near the Plaza and cruise paved, safe routes. Pause at spots like Iconik Coffee Roasters for breaks.
6. Experiencing Autumn's Golden Aspens
Photo: Dean Fikar/Shutterstock
For Western fall color, head to Aspen Vista picnic area off Hyde Park Road (Highway 475) toward Ski Santa Fe. Aspens blanket the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in gold.
Picnic then hike the Aspen Vista Trail—a forest road to Tesuque Peak. A short out-and-back immerses families in the spectacle.
7. Hitting the Slopes at 10,000+ Feet
Photo: Tourism Santa Fe
The Sangre de Cristos rise sharply east of Santa Fe, hosting Ski Santa Fe at 10,350 feet with beginner and intermediate runs for families.
Family packages bundle lessons, rentals, and lifts. Post-ski, try green chile cheeseburgers at Totemoff's Bar. Note: Season late November to early April; summer hikes also available. 
