Lighten Up

There are museums, and then there are "living museums" that the kids (and mom and dad) will surely find interesting. El Rancho de las Golondrinas is such a place. See attractions like original colonial buildings on this site that date back to the early 18th century as well as other buildings that have been reconstructed to reflect the style of that time period. The buildings and other items presented here tell the fascinating story of the early settlement of New Mexico. The museum is closed from November through March.

When you plan a romantic evening out, get dressed up to enjoy a date night of classic performances with The Santa Fe Opera. Even though the season is relatively short (July and August only), planning early for that special evening will definitely pay off. Purchasing your seats and making the arrangements with plenty of lead time will ensure that you not only get great seats, but you can also plan to enjoy additional amenities. You'll want to get to the venue early to enjoy a pre-performance buffet and then mingle for a while as the two of you marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the Opera House itself.

Santa Fe's highly appealing outdoor amenities are celebrated year-round at Hyde Memorial State Park. You'll find several excellent spots to enjoy a picnic or just relax as you toss the frisbee around with the kids and enjoy the scenery. There's also more fun to be had on the hiking trails that offer still another chance to get closer to the amazing natural beauty of the park. Camping is another attraction, as the park offers 350 acres of woods and meadows. Plus, the park is located just three miles south of the Santa Fe Ski area which makes it a great stop during ski season.

Loretto Line Tour Company makes exploring Santa Fe more like an adventure than a difficult chore. The tour is an excellent way to learn more about the area as well as absorbing some detailed but highly interesting history in the process. You'll dig deep and go "beyond the plaza" to some of the city's most historically and culturally rich locations. Your guides will make seeing and learning about it all even more fun than you could imagine, and by the time your tour is done, you'll possess a level of knowledge about Santa Fe that will make you appreciate the city even more.