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Things to Do in Santa Fe with Kids
Santa Fe is a magical place for kids: a historic Plaza, a wild art experience at Meow Wolf, a museum full of toys from around the world and cliff dwellings with ladders to climb a short drive away. This guide is organized by area, with parent tips from our local guides and free picks flagged.
Our Santa Fe sweet treats tour walks the historic downtown with churros, biscochitos and more, so it's a tasty way to start a family day.
By the Underground Donut Tour team · Updated November 2026
At a glance
- Free favorites: The Santa Fe Plaza, the Railyard and its farmers market, Canyon Road galleries, the Cathedral Basilica
- Rainy day picks: Meow Wolf, Santa Fe Children's Museum, the Museum of International Folk Art
- Sweet treat: Our Santa Fe donut tour welcomes kids 2 and up, with kids' tickets from $55
Kid-friendly things to do in Santa Fe, by neighborhood
The Plaza and downtown
Santa Fe Plaza
FreeThe heart of the city, with Native artists selling jewelry under the Palace of the Governors portal.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
FreeA grand cathedral a block from the Plaza.
Parent tip: Santa Fe sits at 7,000 feet. Pack water and sunscreen, and take it easy on the first day.
The Railyard and beyond
Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return
Rainy day pickAn immersive art adventure with secret passages kids love to explore.
Santa Fe Railyard
FreeA park, the farmers market on Saturdays and trains coming in.
Museum Hill and Canyon Road
Museum of International Folk Art
Rainy day pickThousands of toys, dolls and miniature villages from around the world.
Canyon Road
FreeA street of galleries and sculptures, fun to wander.
Day trips
Bandelier National Monument
Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings with ladders to climb, about an hour away.
Ski Santa Fe
Winter skiing and snow play about 30 minutes up the mountain.
Sweet treats and kid-friendly eats
Underground Donut Tour (kids' tickets from $55, ages 2 and up). Our Churros, Biscochitos and Sweet Treats Tour walks historic downtown Santa Fe with stops for local favorites, including New Mexico's state cookie, and stories about the city along the way. Guides set the pace around your group, which makes it easy with kids.
Taste Santa Fe's best donuts on one walk
Kids 2 and up are welcome. Guides set an easy pace for little legs.
Parent tip: Let us know about allergies or dietary needs when you book, and download our free Kids' Activity Book for the trip.
Exploring on your own? Our Best Donut Shops in Santa Fe guide lists the city's best donut shops by neighborhood, and Best Holiday Donuts in Santa Fe covers the festive specials.
Sample days
Day 1: Downtown
- Morning: sweet treats tour.
- Explore the Plaza.
- Loretto Chapel.
- Canyon Road at sunset.
Day 2: Art and play
- Meow Wolf when it opens.
- Lunch at the Railyard.
- Santa Fe Children's Museum.
- Saturday: the farmers market.
Day 3: Out of town
- Bandelier National Monument.
- Picnic lunch.
- Museum of International Folk Art on the way back.
- Dinner downtown.
Santa Fe with kids by season
Holidays
- Canyon Road Farolito Walk: candles line the street on Christmas Eve.
- Holiday lights on the Plaza: the trees glow all season.
- Winter snow: skiing and sledding up the mountain.
- For seasonal treats, see Best Holiday Donuts in Santa Fe.
The rest of the year
- Spring: sunny days and fewer crowds.
- Summer: markets, festivals and afternoon thunderstorms.
- Fall: golden aspens and the smell of roasting chile.
- Winter: snowy days in the mountains and cozy museums.
Santa Fe with kids FAQ
Is the Santa Fe sweet treats tour good for kids?
Yes. Kids 2 and up are welcome, the route is an easy downtown walk, and kids' tickets start at $55.
What are free things to do in Santa Fe with kids?
The Plaza, the Railyard, Canyon Road and the Cathedral Basilica.
Is Meow Wolf good for little kids?
Yes. It's an art experience kids can climb through and explore, though it can be busy, so go early.
What's a good rainy-day plan?
Meow Wolf, the Santa Fe Children's Museum or the Museum of International Folk Art.