With Farmington’s sunny, high-desert summers, it’s easy to see how this time of year gets toasty.
Luckily, for visitors and locals alike, there are plenty of options to cool off. We offer plenty of activities, inlcuding water parks and pools, river and lake recreation, shaded parks, and indoor museums and attractions.
Make a splash at Bisti Bay Waterpark
Located at Brookside Park, Bisti Bay is one of Farmington’s top family destinations in the summer. Some favorite features include the lazy river, water slides, and play areas for different ages, all in a Four Corners-inspired design.
Indoor swimming at the Farmington Aquatic Center
If you’re looking for an indoor swimming option, the Farmington Aquatic Center is a fantastic indoor alternative to our many outdoor activities. Here, you can escape the direct sunlight, making it an especially great option during the hottest parts of the afternoon. It also gives you a place to swim even during times when the weather is unpredictable.
Visit Farmington’s splash pads
These are particularly convenient for families with younger children. Local splash pads are also convenient for short, spontaneous outings and casual afternoon breaks, and they make it easy to combine water play with a picnic or other time at the park.
In the Farmington area, you can find water features like this at the Berg Park Splash Pad and Civic Center Splash Pad.
Float, paddle, or surf the Animas River
The Animas is one of Farmington’s most distinct places to cool off. Before heading out, remember that conditions and available activities depend on seasonal river flow.
Here are some options on Farmington’s resident river:
Paddle the Animas River Whitewater Park
Located near Animas Park and Berg Park and its splash pad, the Animas River Whitewater Park offers opportunites for tubing, kayaking, rafting, and other paddle sports. Along with the natural terrain, there are constructed water features for extra options. Lower flows are ideal for more casual tubing and paddling, while higher spring and early summer flows create stronger rapids better suited to more experienced kayakers and rafters.
Surf the Gatewave
One of Farmington’s newest recreational features, the Gatewave is a specially engineered man-made wave that brings river surfing to the Animas. Usability depends on the current river flow — you can catch up on current conditions with our live cam.
You’ll find the Gatewave behind the Farmington Museum and Visitor Center.
Book a guided river trip
If you don’t have your own equipment or are unfamiliar with the Animas or San Juan rivers, a guided outing is likely your ideal option. A guide can provide equipment, local knowledge, and greater context for both the activity and the area as you’re experiencing it.
Desert River Guides provides professional, locally guided rafting, kayaking, and scenic float trips on the river.
Before moving on from Animas River recreation, though, some important notes on safety:
River safety points
First off, always wear a properly fitted personal flotation device. Rivers can be unpredictable and even a seemingly safe area can be deceiving.For the same reason, don’t enter unfamiliar water alone.
Also be sure to:
- Wear appropriate footwear
- Follow guidance from local outfitters and recreation officials
- Check river flow and weather conditions before going out
Beyond the Animas River, some other options to beat the heat:
Head to the lake
We have a couple of lovely options for a day at the lake in the Farmington area.
Navajo Lake
Navajo Lake is a popular spot about 30 miles east of Farmington. It’s actually New Mexico’s second-largest lake and is great for swimming, kayaking and canoeing, boating, water skiing, and fishing — plus, there are overnight camping options for those who want to make a weekend out of it.
Along with campgrounds and day-use areas, you’ll find marinas and boat launches if you’re going out on the water.
Lake Farmington
Closer to town, Lake Farmington is open year-round forswimming, camping, fishing, and boating. The surrounding area also features popular trails for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Recently, new recreation areas around the lake offer even more opportunities for families.
Relax along Farmington’s shaded river parks
Berg Park, Animas Park, and the Riverside Nature Center are all clustered along the Animas River on the eastern side of the city.
Berg Park and Animas Park are wonderful spots to walk or bike along the riverside trails, picnic under tree canopies, and relax by the water — all while people-watching the kayakers and rafters.
If you want to head inside, the Riverside Nature Center is an indoor educational stop by the river where you can learn about local wildlife, the regional plants and habitats that support them, and the Animas River ecosystem as a whole.
Get out of the heat altogether
Of course, sometimes the best way to cool off is to escape the sun entirely. Farmington’s many museums can be ideal options here.
The Farmington Museum and Visitor Center offers regional, historical, artistic, and traveling exhibits, and is also a place for visitors to pick up maps, find additional trip-planning information, and learn more from our local experts.
Located right on Main Street is the Museum of Navajo Art and Culture, where you can learn about the art, history, and ongoing cultural traditions and customs.
And, for families with children, the Children’s Museum and Science Center has interactive activities and areas designed for our younger visitors!
Tips for staying safe in the Farmington heat
Especially if you’re visiting from a cooler or lower-elevation climate, keep in mind these tips in mind. Your body may take some time to acclimate to Farmington's high-desert conditions.
Make note of these:
- Carry more water than you’d expect to need — and drink it consistently throughout the day. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to start hydrating; that means you’re already late.
- Reapply sunscreen regularly. With our elevation and sun intensity, UV damage to your skin can happen quite easily here. Be sure to be proactive and apply sunscreen throughout the day.
- Wear lightweight clothing, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Plan exposed outdoor activities for the morning or evening when possible — and take regular breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned space if you think there’s any chance of overexertion.
- Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
- Wear a life jacket during river and lake activities. Every year, people across the country are seriously injured or die while participating in risky activity in lakes, rivers, and oceans while not taking the appropriate precautions. We want everyone to beat the heat, but most importantly, we want them to do so safely.
- And on that note: Check weather, park alerts, and river conditions before going out.
Bottom line
With water parks, pools, rivers and lakes, shady parks, and cool indoor attractions, Farmington and the surrounding area offer plenty of way to soak up summer while beating the heat. Whether you want to hop in the Animas right in town, head out on a drive to Navajo Lake, or stop into one of our many museums, there’s an option for you.
Altogether, visitors on a Four Corners region summer vacation can craft an itinerary that balances outdoor adventure with cool indoor breaks for the best of both worlds. We hope to see you in Farmington soon!