Santa Fe · Santa Fe County, NM
Family things to do in Santa Fe
Scout analyzed 77 Santa Fe places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.
Places analyzed
77
Matches
24
Typical spend
$25
Typical visit
1.9 hr
Scout-verified spots
Food & Drink
Clafoutis
Clafoutis is a low-key French spot good for a casual breakfast or lunch outing, especially for baked goods. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for about an hour visit.
Nightlife
Tomasita's Santa Fe New Mexican Restaurant
Tomasita's is a lively, casual spot for New Mexican food, often paired with a visit to downtown Santa Fe. Expect to spend about an hour and $15-30 per person.
Outdoors
Santa Fe National Forest
Santa Fe National Forest is ideal for an all-day outdoor adventure, offering hiking, hunting, and fishing. Expect to spend a few hours to a full day, with costs typically for gear or a small permit if applicable.
Outdoors
Patrick Smith Park
Patrick Smith Park is suitable for a free, relaxed outdoor activity, ideal for a walk or spending time with family, typically lasting an hour or two.
Arts & Culture
Canyon Road Contemporary Art
This art gallery is good for a solo visit or with visiting family, especially if combined with exploring other galleries on Canyon Road. Expect to spend about an hour browsing, with no cost unless purchasing art.
Outdoors
Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier National Monument is suitable for a half-day to full-day outing exploring ancient settlements and scenic canyons. Expect significant walking on trails, with entrance fees ranging from $0 to $25 per vehicle.
Food & Drink
Santacafé
Santacafé is a fine dining spot perfect for a celebratory dinner or a sophisticated date night, offering New American regional fare in an historic house. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $75-150 per person.
Outdoors
Harvey Cornell Rose Park
This rose park is ideal for a peaceful, free outdoor stroll, lasting about an hour, and can be paired with a picnic or a visit to nearby attractions. It's best enjoyed in good weather.
Food & Drink
The Shed
This historic restaurant offers classic Southwestern fare and is suitable for a meal with family or a date. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $25-50 per person for a typical visit.
Outdoors
Cathedral Park
Cathedral Park is a free, short outdoor stop, ideal for a relaxed stroll before or after visiting the nearby Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, lasting around 30 minutes. It costs nothing beyond potential parking fees.
Outdoors
Las Acequias Park
Las Acequias Park is a free outdoor spot for a relaxing walk or a family picnic, easily paired with other nearby Santa Fe attractions. Expect to spend an hour or two enjoying the open space.
Food & Drink
Iconik Coffee Roasters, Lena
This cafe is a good spot for a casual morning coffee, a light lunch, or a solo work session. Expect to spend $10-25 per person and stay for about an hour.
Outdoors
SWAN Park
SWAN Park is a good free option for families or individuals looking for some fresh air and open space. Expect to spend an hour or two here, perfect as part of a longer outdoor day.
Food & Drink
Cafe Pasqual's
Cafe Pasqual's is a solid choice for a Southwestern meal, especially breakfast or dinner. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-50 per person on a flavorful experience in a historic setting.
Food & Drink
Horno Restaurant
Horno Restaurant is a good choice for a casual dinner outing, potentially paired with a walk around Santa Fe Plaza. Expect to spend 1 to 1.5 hours and around $30-60 per person for a meal and drinks.
Outdoors
General Franklin E Miles Park
This park is suitable for a free, active outing with family or pets, lasting about 1.5 hours. It's an ideal stop for some outdoor play before or after a meal.
Outdoors
White Rock Overlook
This scenic overlook is ideal for a brief stop to take in views, perfect for pairing with a drive or a short walk. Expect to spend about 30 minutes for free.
Outdoors
Santa Fe Railyard Park
Visit Santa Fe Railyard Park for a free outdoor stroll among gardens, with space for kids to play, making it a good activity to pair with lunch nearby. Plan for about 1.5 hours.
Outdoors
Ragle Park
Ragle Park is a good free option for a casual outdoor activity, suitable for families or a solo walk. Expect to spend an hour or two enjoying the open space, and it pairs well with a picnic or a stop before/after other outdoor exploration.
Outdoors
Aspen Vista Picnic Ground
Aspen Vista Picnic Ground is a good spot for a relaxed outdoor meal with scenic views, ideal for families or solo visitors. Expect a visit of 2-3 hours and minimal cost, possibly pairing with a drive or short hike.
Outdoors
Dale Ball Trails
Dale Ball Trails offer a scenic and varied network for hiking, running, or biking, suitable for a 2-3 hour outdoor adventure. It's a free activity that pairs well with a picnic or a post-hike meal in Santa Fe.
Outdoors
Hyde Memorial State Park
This state park is suitable for a half-day to full-day outdoor excursion, offering hiking and picnicking. Entry typically costs $5-$10 per vehicle. It pairs well with other outdoor activities in the Santa Fe area.
Arts & Culture
Pecos National Historical Park
Pecos National Historical Park is a free outdoor experience, ideal for a 2-3 hour visit to explore ancient ruins and scenic trails. It pairs well with a picnic or other outdoor activities in the area.
Outdoors
Frenchy's Field/Santa Fe River Trail
Frenchy's Field and the Santa Fe River Trail offer a free outdoor experience, good for a 1-2 hour walk or bike ride, especially on a sunny weekend afternoon. It pairs well with a picnic or a stop at a nearby cafe.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 56 of the 77 analyzed Santa Fe places fit family.
- 43% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 54% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Scenic, Quiet, Social, Playful, Educational.
Book ahead
Book tours and tickets in Santa Fe
Lock in the parts of the plan that sell out — tours, tastings and timed-entry tickets across Santa Fe.
See what's bookable in Santa Fe(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.
Make it a night out
Staying over in Santa Fe?
Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across Santa Fe — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.
Find places to stay in Santa Fe(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.