The holiday rush is over, and the chilly, quiet winter has settled in its place. Occupying ourselves, and our kids, during these long, dark months can often be a challenge. We here at MomsTribute.com—a fantastic site for all a busy mom needs—know that one of our favorite ways to pass the months is planning our next getaway.

Fun in theory (and in practice!) but where to go? If you’re following along then you know we’re currently exploring a few top vacation spots for families with kids. In this blog, we’re going to look at Santa Fe, New Mexico. Grab your favorite winter beverage and let’s jump in!

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Nestled at the base of the low mountain range in northern New Mexico, Santa Fe is thriving with amazing art, history and culture. My husband and I have visited twice with our kids in tow, but both visits were short and sweet, and with a specific purpose in mind. We’ve often talked about returning to explore all that the area has to offer.

You might be wondering what’s so great about Santa Fe and the surrounding villages, pueblos, and communities. The answer is amazing adventures (think white water rafting, horseback riding, and hiking), interesting wildlife and vegetation, breathtaking natural beauty, and historic sites. And not to sound like a bad TV commercial, but—wait! There’s more! You’ll also find numerous art and cultural opportunities throughout Santa Fe which kids love and parents will certainly approve of as it's learning and loving at the same time.

Getting to Santa Fe is easy by air. When we’ve visited, we’ve flown into Albuquerque, which has a major airport and is a short thirty-minute drive from Santa Fe. Road tripping into Santa Fe is another great option, and for some, it may be more appealing because Santa Fe happens to be along the famous Route 66 pathway. It's Americana and Historic Road Trips - two categories of holiday destination you’ll want to check out and show your kids.

Day 1

Regardless of the way one arrives, we would likely spend that first day getting settled into our hotel or vacation rental. We would take it easy, and that evening we would fill the evening by finding an amazing restaurant to enjoy our first supper of the trip. Two five -star recommendations for Kid Friendly Venues are:-

• The Pink Abode at 406 Old Santa Fe Trail, which has been serving New Mexican Cajun since 1944,
• El Farol at 808 Canyon Road, where you can step into over one hundred years of classic Santa Fe history and atmosphere. If your kids can stay up til 9pm there is a flamenco dancing show with dinner on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Day 2

Now the real adventure can begin. After a leisurely morning, we would likely spend our first full day visiting Santa Fe’s authentic Native American open markets. These covered walkways and courtyards are filled with locals selling a plethora of amazing handmade items—from jewelry, beadwork, and clothing to toys, earthenware, and trinkets. Interspersed amongst the streetside stalls, you’ll find shops, restaurants, small museums, and art galleries.

These marketplaces are a true treasure, and you can find them at various locations around the city. Our favorite is the market at Santa Fe Plaza near San Migel Chapel—the oldest church in America. When we visited these marketplaces on one of our short visits, we could have spent hours more exploring. Even our daughter, who was eight at the time, enjoyed finding beautiful and unique items such as a pack of small reusable cloth bags with honey bees and hive on the front for her little treasures, and a book called "Good Night New Mexico" for little ones to discover all about their holiday region.

Day 3

We would likely spend a day exploring and finding adventure! The communities surrounding Santa Fe go back hundreds or thousands of years. Some are still functioning pueblos with native people dwelling there.

Taos is on my bucket list as one of my top spots to visit with kids. It has history, amazing landscapes, and it sits atop the Rio Grande Gorge.

If you want to explore an historic working pueblo, you’ll want to drop by the Taos Pueblos. You and your kids will be able to get a taste of days gone by for the native people. There’s also shopping and exploring to be done here. If more shopping is on your agenda, you’ll want to visit the Taos Plaza.

And if your family is on the adventurous side, you’ll want to check out the Rio Grande Gorge for white water rafting opportunities.

• The New Mexico River Adventures Company is one of many great tour companies that offer family itineraries and guides.

Day 4, The "Let Loose" Day

If you’re anything like my family, you’re going to need a day to let loose while on vacation. By day 4, my family is ready for one of those days! Santa Fe offers lots of kid friendly venues where kids can be kids. These spots include rock climbing at the Santa Fe Climbing Center or skating at Skate School. If quiet, more educational spots are more up your alley, check out the Santa Fe Children’s Museum.

Day 5

If you’ve got an extra day to spend, that’s the perfect time to wrap up any extra activities you have on your wish list. This might include restaurants, road trips, or more cultural or historic spots. No matter what you choose, there’s no doubt that your visit to Santa Fe has been a huge hit!

Remember, if you’re planning to travel with kids, we’ve got a great time management tip for you. Download the free KFV app to help you find the best spots to visit with kids in that area. You’ll be glad you did, and your trip will surely be amazing. Happy travelling!

Katie C, MomsTribute.com