Ruidoso, New Mexico is many things to many people. A ski resort, a horse racing destination and thriving, more than anything, a large place to spend time with his family. Where you can find a fun mix of activities and events for children in southern New Mexico!

Ruidoso has a wonderful variety of activities for children of all ages. Enjoy horseback riding with four blocks of the city and another at the nearby Mescalero Apache Reservation. If it is fishing you are looking for hot spots are on the sharpening stone dam, Mescalero Reservation and the mighty Rio Ruidoso River, provided a large amount trout of good size. Just be sure and have a local fishing license, easily obtainable in the local Walmart, and Western Auto. If you do not catch anything there, head on the last track to leak Springs trout pond. In them is the team, the hole Fishin 'and you only pay 50 cents an inch so that catches no license is required. Here is the very best part … is clean for you! My daughter took the family and returned with 4 lovely 12 + inch trout everything ready for the grill.

Naturally, being in the mountains of New Mexico, there are plenty of hiking and nature. Lincoln National Forest is a start with a lot of diverse landscapes of others nearby. If you're after more urban activities, Fun Trackers Entertainment in Ruidoso has go karts, bumper boats and golf Goofy. That's just to start. Add in the history of the region and you have a dish.

Ruidoso has its own historical spots. There Dowling Mill, where Billy the Kid stayed. No Be sure to stop at the Hubbard Museum of the American West by a charming appearance in the past for all ages.

Captain, twenty is just minutes away from Ruidoso home to the only American figure with its own zip code … Smokey Bear. The Smokey Bear Historical Park is full of tips on preventing forest fires with lots of interactive display for children. There is a small theater with regular screenings, informative garden area with many types of native flora and, of course, the final resting place of old Smokey himself. Always a tear there it seems.

In Lincoln, you have only 30 minutes downtown the Lincoln County War. Characters like John Tunstall, Sheriff Bob Ollenger and, of course, that was William Bonney aka Billy the Kid. It is the bloodiest street in America … at any time … with a good selection of museums, shops and original buildings. The Classic Hotel Wortley still working in seasonal and Ellis Store, now a beautiful bed and breakfast are just examples.

In an hour south of Ruidoso is Alamogordo. Pay a visit to your zoo. Perhaps the real screen great calls from the IMAX theater. Mystified by the stars? The Space Museum is bound to captivate. Do not forget the magical charm of White Sands National Monument … everyone major reason for the 60 minutes drive.

Just 75 minutes after the infamous Roswell, home of UFO enthusiasts from all over the world. Is it a weather balloon or something else? The UFO Museum has an opinion on the matter. Check them out!

If it seems like there are plenty of things to keep children lovers area and that is because there is! Parents often worry that come to enjoy the race track or casino ask, "Is there anything for kids to do?". Of course!

Bob Huntington works in property management in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Visit his websites at http://www.weaselvideoproductions.com Bob also authors the blog Visiting Ruidoso – The Ruidoso Blog at http://www.visitruidoso.blogspot.com

Scooter Camping on a Stella and a Helix in New Mexico