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’ve got lots of different activities like water parks and pools, river and lake recreation, shaded parks, and indoor museums and attractions.
Let’s check out how to stay cool during a Four Corners summer:
Make a splash at Bisti Bay Waterpark
Located at Brookside Park, this 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 options to swim inside, the Farmington Aquatic Center is a fantastic indoor alternative to our many outdoor activities. Here, you can escape the direct sunlight, which is an especially great option during the hottest parts of the afternoon. It also gives you a place to swim even during times where the weather is unpredictable.
Visit Farmington’s splash pads
These are particularly convenient for families with younger children. Local splash pads also have the added benefit of being easy for short, serendipitous outings, casual afternoon breaks, and being a place you can 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. At the same time, before anything else, we have to remind visitors 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 the aforementioned Berg Park and its splash pad, here you can go tubing, kayaking, rafting, and do 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, this 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 River, a guided outing is likely your ideal option; local instruction can provide you with greater knowledge and context for both the activity and the area as you’re experiencing it.
Guided paddling activities are available for rafting, kayaking, and scenic floats down the river.
Before we move on from Animas recreational activities though, some important notes on safety:
Animas 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. Similarly because of this, don’t enter unfamiliar water alone.
Also be sure to:
- Have on 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 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 the city. 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 also find marinas and boat launches if you’re going out on the water.
Lake Farmington
Closer to town, Lake Farmington is open year-round with swimming, camping, fishing, and boating. The surrounding areas also are popular for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails. 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 just generally relax by the water — all while people-watching the kayakers and river surfers.
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 and the regional plants and habitats that support them, along with 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 somewhere with mellower sun, keep in mind these tips — and be aware that your body takes a while to acclimate and may be more susceptible to feeling the heat more intensely than locals.
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 skin can happen quite easily here. Be sure to be proactive and apply sunscreen throughout the day.
- Lightweight clothing, sunglasses, and a hat is equally important protection against 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. In our haste to cool off, every year across the country people get seriously injured or die participating in risky activity in lakes, rivers, and oceans and not taking the appropriate precautions. We want everyone to beat the heat, but we most importantly want them to do so safely.
- And on that note: Check weather, park alerts, and river conditions before going out.
Bottom line
With our waterparks, pools, rivers, and lakes, and shady parks and cool indoor attractions, Farmington and the surrounding area is a fantastic spot to soak up the sun and beat the heat, all at once. 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!