Location: Ruidoso
Top Things to do in Ruidoso
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Top 7 Things to do Good for Kids in Ruidoso, New Mexico (NM)
Situated ideally at the center between the Lincoln National Forest to the south and the northeast and the Valley of Fires State Park to the northwest, Ruidoso is a still-sleepy mountain town despite its recent growth and popularity with tourists. The majestic Sierra Blanca towers over the city, tempting snow bunnies to the slopes of nearby Ski Apache. The race track at Ruidoso Downs and the casino at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort promise chance and adventure of a different sort.
Restaurants in Ruidoso
1. Grindstone Stables
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 183 reviews
One hour guided horseback rides for the whole family! Please call for prices and reservations.
Reviewed By charlottemF7264WW
Our family of five visited Grindstone Stables and had a great time. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. They pair you with the perfect horse for your riding experience which was ideal for my grandchildren. The route up the mountain was so scenic and beautiful. The tour guides were funny, knowledgeable, and made this an amazing experience. I will definitely be coming back here next time I’m in NM.
2. Lincoln National Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 339 reviews
This vast 1.1 million-acre forest region is comprised of separate recreational sections including Ruidoso Valley, Cloudcroft and Carlsbad, which are all located throughout the southern Rocky Mountains of New Mexico.
Reviewed By 269marykayg - Bastrop, United States
Lincoln National Forest has it all...camp sites, great trails, wonderful views. This is a great place to enjoy Nature in a pristine environment.
3. Free Spirits at Noisy Water
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
This monumental outdoor sculpture depicts eight bronze horses, each weighing 3,000-5,000 pounds, running majestically through a wild landscape.
Reviewed By localexplorernm - Bent, United States
1. Because this is not just sculptures but a beautiful garden, with benches and probably a good spot for a picnic on the grass with young kids. 2. Becase The Billy The Kid Scenic Byway Visitors Center is within walking distance. 3. Because the Hubbard Museum of the American West is also within walking distance. 4. Because the views from there are what the southwest is all about. 5. The sculptures are impressive in size and detail 5. This is a pet-friendly stop
4. Pillow's Funtrackers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By darbjustic - Albuquerque, United States
We bumped into this place on accident while visiting Ruidoso for Fall Break. A few hints and tips: Watch the opening days. Check the schedule online before going as it isn't open during the weekdays during parts of the year. Don't let the lines intimidate you. When we showed up we thought it was going to take forever to get onto the go-carts. Each ride is 5 minutes. If the line looks long, you may need to wait one (or two) times and you're on. Also, know the ride heights. There were plenty of surprised and frustrated families in line when they learned that kids until a certain height must be accompanied by an adult. We did the family go-carts and the Mountain Maze. Both were very fun. It's about $6 per activity--whatever you choose to do. The Mountain Maze took 25 minutes. They give you a card to time stamp in and out and the goal is to fine the punch cards for M A Z E throughout the maze. The Z was really hard to find! We absolutely would go again.
5. Grindstone Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By donlovestravel - Austin, United States
Hiking the trails were a delight. Lentgh of hike was about 2 hours and an easy to moderate hilke. As senoirs this is what my wife & I enjoyed.
6. Ski Apache
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 870 reviews
Ski Apache opened under the name "Sierra Blanca Ski Resort" during Christmas of 1961. Amazingly, twenty-six hundred people an hour were fast carried up the ski run crest via three T-bar lifts. In 1962, the very first mono-cable four-passenger gondola in North America was built to accommodate a greater number of skiers. And it seems just in time as twenty-five thousand skiers showed up for the second season. Since 1963, the resort has been owned and operated by the Mescalero Apache Tribe. Only two years after its official opening in 1961, Robert O. Anderson, the wealthy oil man who built and opened the slopes, sold the resort to the able hands of the Mescalero Apaches. It wasn't until the 1984-85 season that the slopes were appropriately named "Ski Apache". The wood-spired Main Lodge was designed by Victor Lundy ... Proclaimed as America's Outstanding Architect in 1958. Since the opening season of 1961, this lodge has stood statuesque, an unfailing sentry below the crest. With wood spires reflective of the surrounding pines, the Lodge mirrors the natural beauty of the Sacramento Mountains. Lundy succeeded in introducing Modernism architecture with a practical eye towards the skiers needs. Ski Apache offers world class skiing, snowboarding, sightseeing, mountain biking, and the longest zip line in the lower 48 states.
7. Grindstone Lake
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By laurieg554
The hiking is great and the lake is even better! Kayaks, canoes and paddle boards for rent. Throw a line in and catch a fish ( stocked lake!), or take a little swim! The lake is pristine!
