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8 Things for Families to Do in Los Alamos, NM

Discover activities and adventures for the whole family to enjoy.

By Jessica Walker Boehm on June 29, 2016

Pajarito Mountain Ski Area in Los Alamos, NM
Los Alamos / Photo by Leslie Bucklin

Los Alamos is packed with family-friendly destinations and activities, so entertaining kids of all ages is never a problem. Here are eight fun options for families in Los Alamos:

1. Los Alamos County Ice Rink

Lace up your skates at the Los Alamos County Ice Rink, which is New Mexico’s only refrigerated, NHL-regulation, outdoor ice rink. In addition to ice skating, the rink offers youth ice hockey programs, and it hosts holiday events like Luminaria Skate on Christmas Eve. The rink is only open from November to February each year, so plan accordingly.

2. Bradbury Science Museum

Both educational and entertaining, downtown Los Alamos’ Bradbury Science Museum is a perfect place to spend an afternoon. The museum has approximately 40 interactive exhibits that give visitors the opportunity to learn more about the Los Alamos National Laboratory, and it offers programming for the entire community. Open daily, Bradbury Science Museum draws nearly 80,000 visitors annually.

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3. Pajarito Mountain Ski Area

The whole family can get active at Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, which is known as one of the state’s most unspoiled ski destinations. It has trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, and during warm-weather months, it’s a favorite place to enjoy hiking and mountain biking. Another bonus: TripAdvisor.com reviewers rave about Pajarito Mountain’s short lift lines, affordable prices, clean facilities and helpful staff.

4. Los Alamos Nature Center

Located just outside of the city’s downtown area, Los Alamos Nature Center can keep kids occupied for hours with its demonstration gardens, mud kitchen, nature play area and planetarium. Plus, the center has a viewing room where guests can catch a glimpse of a variety of birds and small critters, such as salamanders and tree frogs. Los Alamos Nature Center also hosts summer camps, planetarium shows, kid-centered hikes and family-friendly movie nights.

Why Los Alamos is an Outdoor Recreation Haven

5. Reel Deal Theater

Looking for an easy, stress-free way to entertain the kids (and yourself)? See a movie at the Reel Deal Theater, a family-owned, independent venue that offers reduced ticket prices, making an often-costly outing far more affordable. During the summer, the theater shows kid-friendly flicks on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. as part of its Summer at the Movies series.

6. Larry R. Walkup Aquatic Center

Make a splash at the Larry R. Walkup Aquatic Center, an indoor facility that includes both a main pool and a therapy pool. The center hosts Wacky Wednesday each week, where kids can play on an inflatable obstacle course in the water and watch family-friendly movies in the lobby – and everyone enjoys discounted admission. The facility also offers swimming and scuba diving lessons, plus water fitness classes for all ages.

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7. North Mesa Disc Golf Course

Grab a Frisbee and play a round or two at the nine-basket North Mesa Disc Golf Course, a challenging track with natural elements like trees, shrubs and the rugged Bayo Canyon to consider as you compete. Admission is just $5, and the park includes picnic facilities, a playground and volleyball pit.

8. Bandelier National Monument

There’s plenty to explore at Bandelier National Monument, covering more than 33,000 acres and home to over 70 trails. During warm-weather months, the destination is ideal for hiking, camping and birding, but in the winter, it draws cross-country skiers and snowshoers. History buffs, you’ll want to check out the ancient caves where the area’s early inhabitants lived more than 10,000 years ago.

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