Las Cruces and the surrounding areas are never short on things to do with and for our kids. There’s family fun to be had everywhere. But sometimes we just need a place for our kids to land, where they can grow and explore without us. We asked our Las Crucens to recommend their favorite hot spots for kiddos, and here’s a few of the most popular kid-centered destinations around town.

Always remember to reach out to our city museums, the Park and Recreation Department, the Doña Ana Arts Council, and other outlets for activities that are specific to each season throughout the year.

 

Sunshine District is found within Yucca Council in Las Cruces, NM. We support our volunteers and families in the Boy Scouts of America program.

Sunshine District, Yucca Council

(915) 772-2292 

At Girl Scouts, your child will prepare for a lifetime of leadership, success, and adventure in a safe, no-limits place designed for and by girls.

225 E. Idaho Ave., Ste. 9

(575) 526-2532

 

Whether it’s painting, sculpture, literature, cinema, music, theater, agriculture, or animal husbandry, Las Cruces hosts lots of options throughout the city. Check out these gems and reach out to fellow moms, dads, aunties, and grandparents for even more local tips.

This is a nonprofit makerspace that connects people with the tools, training, and community to make practically anything. This community organization is committed to fostering economic development, furthering education, supporting the arts, protecting the environment, strengthening social connections, and advancing science and technology in Doña Ana County. Tools and space include 3D printers, CNC machines, top-notch software, a wood shop, a bicycle shop, a textile lab, a multimedia room for photography and audio recording, an electronics lab, a kids' room, and more. Cruces Creatives offer a ton of classes for kids through the summer and some during the academic year as well. 

Our Doña Ana County 4-H program provides a creative and supportive environment in which culturally diverse youth and adults can reach their full potential. Our local county program works to develop life skills to help young people become self-directed, productive citizens. 4-H is so much more than just the typical Ag and shooting sports, there are hundreds of projects from STEM, electronics, coding, rocketry, public speaking, woodworking, baking, cake decorating, art and crafts … you name it, there is probably a project out there. Contact the Doña Ana County 4-H office to learn which clubs have openings. Registration for new families is in April.

The LCYO and Choirs seeks to promote music as part of the cultural development in Las Cruces and the border region. Inspired by the philosophy of El Sistema, LCYO and Choirs envisions social change through music that reaches young people with the fewest resources and the greatest need in its culturally rich communities. Let your child’s voice be heard and music fostered by this wonderful community organization.

 

This theatre group has evolved over the past 20 years and produces four mainstage productions per year fed by three separate age group theatre classes. Expanded offerings include an all-inclusive film immersion class. Students learn every aspect of filmmaking and ultimately produce a short film at the culmination of the class. All of their mainstage productions are held at the Rio Grande Theatre in the Plaza. 

(575) 571-1413 

 

Celebrating more than 50 years of service to our community, the Doña Ana Arts Council proudly serves Las Cruces and Doña Ana County with art events, festivals, education, support, and advocacy. DAAC works to ensure that the arts are an integral part of education, economic growth, and community development in southern NM. DAAC works in partnership with community groups, local, state, and national governmental agencies, and other nonprofit arts organizations to meet the arts and cultural needs of our region through a diversity of initiatives and services. Want to spark your child’s interest in the arts? Look no further.

250 W. Amador Ave.

(575) 523-6403

Inspire your child’s life with dance. Teach them confidence, strength, coordination, and fun. The Verdi Academy of Dance offers professional dance training to the very highest standards in a caring environment. Each student receives an exceptionally high level of individual instruction ensuring that their talents are developed to their maximum potential.

519 E. Boutz Rd.

575-522-3147

The City of Las Cruces has developed a rich slate of sporting activities for our little athletes. Each program focuses on the health, wellness, and safety of each participant. Check out the City’s website for a rich list. Whether it’s basketball, cheer, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, flag football or even open gym, there’s something for everyone. Check them out at las-cruces.org/1620/Youth-Athletics. In the meantime, here are some local favorites!

With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, golf is always an option in the area, and there’s no better way to teach our kids discipline and control than to put them on the golf course. There are some wonderful golf programs for kids. Check out these great options:

The PGA Jr. League follows a team-based format; there is no individual scoring. The two-player scramble format allows for all participants to feel connected with the team. Strong play is rewarded, while a poor shot does not lose the hole. The NMSU PGA Jr. League will accommodate your child’s instructional needs in addition to rules seminars, etiquette, and playing opportunities which will be designed around the specific needs of each junior.

 

Red Hawk offers Jr. LPGA programs that meet once a week throughout the year. The Red Hawk Minors is a developmental PGA Jr. League for players who are relatively new to the game (0-3 years of experience). Players will be rostered onto teams based on experience and age, and coached by PGA professionals, associates, and students. Players will learn the basics of the swing and the game through group instruction and on-course competitions (three-hole matches). Players are responsible for having their own equipment but can request equipment if need be. 

PGA Jr. League is a fun and exciting introduction to competitive golf. The PGA Jr. League players receive coaching and guidance from multiple award-winning PGA professionals and associates. Kids of all skill levels learn and play the game, wear numbered jerseys, and compete on teams with friends in a two-person scramble format that encourages mentorship and builds confidence. Practice sessions are available on Wednesday or Friday evenings depending on team assignments. Regular matches (held within the league) normally occur on Sunday evening. 

(575) 888-4020

Welcome to the Concrete Jungle! Rough-built concrete skate park with banked bowls, ledges, stairs, and rails. Call the Parks and Recreation Department for hours and other details.

151 N. Walnut St.

(575) 541-2550

The City of Las Cruces offers all kinds of options for free swim days at the many city pools. You can always check with the Parks and Recreation Department for details. Here’s a couple that our locals recommend to you!

If you’re looking to cool the kids down during the summer heat and warm temperatures, check out the interactive fountain at Plaza de Las Cruces. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. starting in mid-June. It’s a blast for everyone. An added plus is that the Las Cruces Farmers’ and Crafts Market is located adjacent to the plaza. 

101 N. Main St.

This indoor, year-round aquatic complex with several types of pools, exercise equipment, and classes is a great place for the entire family to land for all things water. With 5,000 square feet of water surface area, the aquatic center includes a recreational pool with water slide and play features, a 25-meter lap pool, a lazy river and plenty of room to add recreational facilities in the future.

1401 E. Hadley Ave.

(575) 541-2782

SRTS is a program that encourages students to walk or ride their bikes safely to school. Here in Las Cruces, we have a strong and very active program. We are known for our walks to school and bike/ped education. Each elementary school has its own Walking School Bus or participates in the program. Our local SRTS program was launched in 2006 and fosters safe and healthy behaviors that benefit families and increase the number of children who actively commute to and from school. This program is funded in part by the Federal Transportation Bill and aims to create a healthier, safer, cleaner, and more livable community that links students, parents, schools, and community members to one another. Educational activities include teaching pedestrians, bicyclists, and traffic safety, and creating awareness of health and environmental benefits. Encouragement strategies are about having fun; they generate excitement and interest in walking and bicycling. Specific events include Learn to Ride clinics, Family Bike Fiesta, and monthly family rides on weekends. Each of these ongoing activities provide ways for parents and children to discover, or rediscover, that walking and bicycling are doable and a lot of fun. We are grateful for our local law enforcement partnerships as well as our infrastructure and engineering partnerships with the city and county to build safer access to schools.

 

Hats off to resident, Jose Solis, for starting this wonderful biking group for everyone in the area to enjoy. This is a group of people who enjoy every second of mountain biking. They primarily ride in our hometown of Las Cruces. Occasionally they get the opportunity to ride new places and meet new people. Grab a bike; see you out there.