KIDDO-FRIENDLYFUNSPOTS
Twirl
Play. Create. Explore. Twirl is a nonprofit play space and toy store with an awesome outside play area. Twirl hosts special summer camps, workshops and unique events throughout the year. This Taos favorite has been voted Best Place for Kids to Have Fun in Taos for the past seven years. In 2014, it received national recognition when CNN named Twirl one of the top 15 best spots for kids in the U.S. Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Twirl is located at 225 Camino del la Placita. Another entrance is located next to The Alley Cantina, off the northwest corner of Taos Plaza. For more information, call (575) 751-1402 or visit twirltaos.org.
Storyteller Cinema 7
For under $6, you can’t find a better entertainment deal than heading inside for a movie. Storyteller Cinema 7 is a neighborhood movie house showing first-run titles on seven screens with classic concessions and an arcade. Tickets for children ages 3 to 11 are $5.75. The theater is located at 110 Old Talpa Cañon Road off Paseo del Pueblo Sur. Call the Movie Line at (575) 751-4245 or visit storyteller7.com.
Red River Fish Hatchery
This state-owned facility is tucked away in a canyon just north of Taos. The rainbow trout-stocked fishing pond is reserved for children, seniors and the physically challenged. You can also take a self-guided tour of the hatchery’s inner workings from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Fishing is open during daylight hours 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. The daily bag and possession limits are three trout. You must supply your own fishing gear and obtain a fishing license (nonresident anglers 12 years and older). Licenses can be purchased in
Field Institute of Taos Mountain Camps
Based in Taos Ski Valley since 1996 and designed for youth entering first grade and up, the Field Institute of Taos outdoor education camps focus on active, hands-on learning experiences.
Throughout each of the two-week day camp sessions, the focus is on several different themes (archaeology, river ecology, wildlife biology, orienteering, etc.). Each theme is explored through hikes, field notes and drawings, organized activities, art projects and games. The older children’s two-week sessions include overnight camping trips. Also offered are one-week sessions that include backpacking trips, extended camping trips,
mountain bike adventures (both local and beyond) and special topics. FIT also offers custom family programming on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in Taos Ski Valley. Children will participate in a variety of games, nature crafts, challenge courses, mountain adventures and more. Reservations required (two weeks advance notice will give them time needed to make this happen). For more information, registration forms and equipment list, visit fitaos.org or email info@ fitaos.org.
Music & Movies on the Green
Gather in Kit Carson Park under the starts with free entertainment and movies starting at 6 p.m., weather permitting. Bring chairs, blankets and a picnic. Concessions available. July 10: “Little Giants.” July 24: “The Incredibles 2.” July 31: “The Goonies.” Aug. 7: “Mary Poppins Returns.” Entertainment TBA. For more information, visit taosgov.com.
Taos Youth and Family Center
Affordable activities include swimming, pool slide, rollerblading (Mon.-sat., 11 a.m.-5p.m.) and an unsupervised outdoor skateboard park (open seven days a week, dawn to dusk). The center hosts many children-centered events throughout the year. TYFC is located at 407 Paseo del Cañon East. To see the event schedule and for more information and summer pool hours, visit taosgov.com/152/ Youth-family-center or call (575) 758-4160.
Gutters
Taos at Big 5 Sporting Goods, Super Save Discount Foods, Taos Fly Shop and Walmart. To get there, take State Highway
522 north toward Questa. Turn onto State Road 515, about 2 miles south of Questa. Follow the road for about 2 miles. Because bowling is fun! This brand new facility with a modern chic design has 12 lanes rented-by the hour or per game plus a full-service restaurant. Hours are Mondaysaturday, noon to 10 p.m. and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Gutters is located east of the Taos Youth and Family Center at 520 Plaza Cañon Drive, Taos. For more information, call (575) 758-2695 or visit taosbowling.com.