With exciting outdoor activities and unforgettable sights, Red River, New Mexico is an ideal vacation destination. Stay active with day hikes and bird watching in the summer, as well as skiing and snow tubing in the winter. Get into full relaxation mode with leisurely afternoon fishing trips. Whether your kids are toddlers or teenagers, this friendly city provides plenty to do year-round. Book a stay at one of many Red River vacation rentals today. Check out the activities in Red River that will keep kids engaged and entertained.
1. Hit the Slopes
Immerse your family in Red River’s welcoming ski culture with long days on the slopes of the Red River Ski and Summer Area. Leave your car at home and walk to the lifts, which sit close to Main Street. If you have beginning skiers or boarders in the family, book a lesson with the resort’s excellent teaching staff. Local families love to ski through the lovely Moon-Star Mining Camp area; if you want to work on your skills, check out the hill’s three terrain parks, which accommodate beginners and experts.
2. Go Snow Tubing
If you’re vacationing with smaller children, head to the tubing hill at the Red River Ski and Summer Area for a less challenging downhill experience. Rent a tube and fly safely down the gentle slopes with your little ones in tow. When the snow melts, the mountain offers summer tubing. For toddlers, check out the Baby Blue hill, which offers a free mini lane for kids less than 42 inches tall. For a longer ride, hop on the Gold Chairlift and head to the top of Gold Rush Hill.
3. Explore the Treetops
Get off the ground in the summer with a trip to the Hidden Treasure Aerial Park. Cross aerial bridges, ride two different zip lines, and descend from a tall tower. The park is open to adults and children weighing at least 35 pounds; older kids can choose more challenging courses. Each session lasts 90 minutes, and you can book online in advance to guarantee a spot.
4. Take a Thrill Ride
Thrill your older kids with a ride on the Pioneer Flyer at the Red River Ski and Summer Area. The ride tows you backward up the mountain and releases you at the top for a fast, heart-pounding return trip. Along the way, the ride soars over trees and ponds. The Pioneer Flyer is open to anyone 42 inches or taller, making it a great choice for teenagers.
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5. Go Off-Roading
Explore the hills around Red River with an off-road tour. Choose from two different itineraries to see ghost towns, alpine lakes, and abandoned gold mines. If you prefer a self-guided tour, rent Jeeps and smaller off-road vehicles from local companies including Red River Mountain Adventures, Weezie’s Wild Rides, and New Mexico Adventure Company. Local trails are easy to navigate; ask your outfitter for recommendations and trail conditions.
6. Attend a Bobcat Pass Cowboy Evening
Treat your kids to a taste of the Wild West at a Bobcat Pass cowboy evening. The event starts with family-friendly activities at the Lewis family barn on top of Bobcat Pass. When dinner is ready, head inside to enjoy a home-cooked meal and a Western-themed musical performance. Cowboy evenings happen three times per week during the summer season.
7. Ride Horses
Explore the mountains on horseback with a guided trail ride. Both Bobcat Pass Wilderness Adventures and Red River Stables offer gentle horses and kid-friendly routes. One-hour rides are a good choice for complete beginners, and full-day treks provide a memorable adventure for teenagers or experienced riders. Red River Stables can also customize your ride with fishing or hiking excursions.
8. Go for a Hike
Lose yourself in the mountains around Red River on one of the area’s kid-friendly hiking trails. Start with the 2-mile Red River Nature Trail, which starts near the Platinum Lift. Follow the easy path along the river, stopping to check out the informative signs along the way. Explore the exciting foot bridges on the Columbine Trail, or find beautiful views of Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake, and Taos Peak from the Sawmill Park Trail. For teenagers and fit kids, the challenging Lost Lake Trail offers otherworldly landscapes and excellent wildlife viewing.
9. Dine on a Mountaintop
Ride the Platinum Lift from downtown Red River to the Tip Restaurant, which sits at 10,350 feet above sea level. The outdoor seating area offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, and the relaxed atmosphere is perfect for kids. If you prefer an earlier outing, enjoy lunch and live music at the Music On Top events that happen each Saturday during the summer. After your meal, explore the summit or play a round of disc golf on the 18-hole course.
10. Check out the Community House
Participate in a slew of free family activities at the popular Red River Community House. During the summer, the facility hosts four daily sessions that are open to the public. Try square dancing, go on a guided nature hike, enjoy story hour, or take a yoga class. In August, watch live performances at the Red River Dulcimer Festival, or visit in September for the Southwest Pickers Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival.
11. Fish the Red River
Pack your reels and rods for a day of fishing in the Red River. The river runs through town, so you can walk from your vacation rental to find a quiet spot. Follow the river into the mountains for excellent fly fishing, or simply cast from the shore. Kids under the age of 12 can fish without a license. For teenagers and adults, purchase licenses online at the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website, or stop at Williams Trading Post, The Starr, or Sitzmark Sports.
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