Free Family-Friendly Fun in Farmington
Looking for fun ways to spend time with your family in Farmington? Whether you're a local planning a weekend adventure or an out-of-town guest, Farmington offers a range of family-friendly experiences that are engaging, enriching, and easy to explore. From vibrant festivals and hands-on science exhibits to outdoor explorations and seasonal celebrations, this list highlights some of the best ways to make lasting memories with your family.
Riverside Nature Center
Explore the local flora and fauna by visiting the Riverside Nature Center. Stop in and ask for a bag of bird feed and take to the trails. The Animas River Walk Trail system is bustling with wildlife amidst giant Cottonwoods, creating a spacious oasis in the heart of Farmington.
Summer Terrace Concert Series
Spend summer Saturday evenings at the Farmington Museum, alongside the Animas River. Live local music fills the air from 6 to 7:30 pm, perfect for dancing, relaxing, and enjoying the evening. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets for a music-filled night under the sky. Summer Terrace Concert Series is an alcohol- and drug-free event and local favorite.
Riverfest
Kick off summer on Memorial Day weekend with this festive celebration along the river. Riverfest includes live music, art, a fun run, food vendors, and many activities for kids. The events stretch from Berg Park to Animas Park, offering a full day of free outdoor entertainment.
E3 Children’s Museum & Science Center
Curious minds will love the hands-on exhibits and programs at the E3 Children’s Museum. From interactive science activities in the Main Gallery to Tots Turf, a play space for kids five and under, there's plenty to engage young learners in a fun environment.
San Juan Radio Control Club at RC Park
Spend a weekend morning at the RC Park and watch remote control aircraft take flight. The club offers a friendly space for experienced flyers and first-time visitors. The park is open every day during daylight hours, with peak flying times on Saturdays. You can learn about the club’s Flight School if your kids are eager to try flying.
Art in the Heart
Take a self-guided walking tour through downtown to discover 18 unique sculptures created by artists from the Four Corners region. These pieces, on display through May 2026, engage kids with art while strolling the historic city center.
Freedom Days
Farmington’s Freedom Days, this multi-day celebration around the fourth of July includes free events families will love. From fireworks and the electric light parade, this local tradition is full of opportunities to celebrate together.
Aztec Ruins National Monument
Step into the ancient world of the Ancestral Puebloans at this awe-inspiring archaeological site. Kids can explore the Great Kiva, walk through centuries-old rooms, and take part in the Junior Ranger program, earning a wooden badge by completing a free activity booklet.
Disc Golf
With courses throughout parks and natural areas, disc golf is a fun, free activity for families of all ages. Whether playing casually or challenging yourselves on a tougher course, it’s a great way to be active and enjoy the outdoors.
Totah Festival
Experience the craftsmanship and traditions of regional Native American artists at this annual cultural celebration. From an art market and Navajo rug auction to dance exhibitions and a powwow, the festival offers an enriching look at local culture.
Four Corners Balloon Rally
This three-day event features vibrant hot air balloons soaring over the city in the morning and glowing at night. Visitors can walk through the launch site at Lake Farmington or volunteer to help with launches. With music, vendors, and plenty of photo opportunities, this is an unforgettable experience that’s free to enjoy.
Riverglo
In December, Riverglo transforms the Animas River trails in Berg Park into a glowing holiday wonderland. Hundreds of luminarias light the river walk, while live caroling, hot chocolate, festive lights, and family-friendly performances add to the magical atmosphere.
Low-Cost Family Activities in Farmington
Bisti Bay Waterpark
Make a splash at this unique water park featuring a lazy river, water slides, and more. With large slides, an in-pool playground, and spray features, there’s fun for all ages. The park also offers party pavilions, an on-site food truck, and three lap lanes. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Farmington Lake
Farmington Lake is perfect for outdoor lovers, offering year-round fishing and camping, and seasonal boating and swimming. It’s also home to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. Bird watching is popular, with frequent sightings of hummingbirds, eagles, and herons. A daily fee is collected for access, but it’s well worth it.
Salmon Ruins
Discover the cultural museum, Heritage Park, and archaeological tours at Salmon Ruins. This hidden gem offers a fascinating look into history, from ancient Puebloan ruins to early pioneers. It’s perfect for history buffs and those curious about the past.
Connie Mack World Series
Don’t miss this thrilling amateur baseball tournament, one of the best in the U.S. The Connie Mack World Series runs from July 25 through August 2, 2025, and attracts talented players, scouts, and fans from all over the country.
Minimal to Moderate Cost Adventures
Escapology
Test your problem-solving skills at Farmington’s premium escape game experience. Located in the Animas Valley Mall, Escapology challenges families to work together to solve puzzles and unlock clues to escape the game room. It’s a great way to have fun and bond. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
Fly High Trampoline Park
This family-friendly trampoline park features a launchpad foam pit, trampoline basketball court, dodgeball court, zip lines, parkour park, ninja warrior course, airbags, and more. Fly High Trampoline Park is the perfect place for active families to have fun together.
Desert River Guides
Float the Animas and San Juan rivers with Desert River Guides for an affordable and safe family cool down! Desert River Guides offers guided river floats from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. They also offer SUP and kayak rentals at Lake Farmington for additional options to cool off while enjoying the beautiful New Mexico sunshine.
Try a New Treat
Trying new foods is a great way to make family memories. After your adventures, treat yourselves to something unique. From refreshing drinks to customizable frozen yogurt and mochi donuts, here are some local spots offering delicious treats:
Aspen Leaf
Aspen Leaf is a self-serve frozen yogurt shop offering a wide variety of flavors and toppings. Whether you prefer sweet, tart, gluten-free, or dairy-free options, you can customize your treat to your liking.
Glazed
Glazed offers fresh, daily-made glazed mochi donuts in unique flavors. As the area’s only Asian Fusion drive-thru, it also serves a variety of exciting menu items to satisfy your cravings.
Kool Treats
This locally owned shop specializes in Agua Frescas, Mangonadas, Dulce Enchilados with handcrafted chamoy sauce, Kool Energizers, shaved ice, Elotes, and their famous funnel cakes. Everything is made fresh daily from scratch.
Plan Your Family Adventure in Farmington
No matter when you visit, Farmington is ready to welcome your family with events and experiences that entertain, inspire, and connect you to the culture and natural beauty of northwest New Mexico. Bring your walking shoes, your sense of adventure, and your curiosity, we’ll take care of the rest.