Check out historic Taos Plaza, the heart of the town, for its eclectic shops and charming ambiance. The Plaza is over 300 years old and still retains its original shape. Built for defense, windows and doors faced into the plaza and the limited entrances could be barricaded.
Taos Plaza is one of only a handful of places in the country that is allowed to fly the American flag day and night. Story has it that a group of patriots guarded an American flag on the Plaza during the Civil War and because of their efforts, the Plaza was given this distinguished honor. Note also the large cross, which pays tribute to the many townspeople who died in the Bataan Death March during WWII. If you're lucky, you might catch a free outdoor summer concert or one of the many festivals held throughout the year on the Plaza grounds.
It's hard not to smell the sweet aromas wafting out of the doors of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, conveniently located right on the Plaza. Try the caramel apples, a consummate favorite which comes in several varieties and make a tasty treat that can be shared by all. Just ask the staff to slice the apple first. Then munch as you continue exploring the area.
Connecting the Plaza is Bent Street and the John Dunn Shops, a delightful pedestrian-friendly locale with some interesting stores that will appeal to kids. Stop by Op. Cit. Books, a cute bookstore with a nice selection of reads for children; G. Robinson with its stock of fascinating antique maps and charts; La Tierra Mineral Gallery, which boasts a great collection of rare minerals, fossils and carvings; and Seconds Eco Store with its unique recycled goods.
Museums are another of the town's popular attractions. History comes alive at the Kit Carson Home & Museum, where you can take a guided tour of the adobe house that Indian scout and mountain man, Kit Carson, gave to his wife Josefa Jaramillo as a wedding present in 1843. Now wonderfully restored and filled with information and artifacts of Carson's life, it's a window into the Wild West days. When you leave, make your way to the Historic Kit Carson Cemetery where Kit, his family members, and other persons of historic interest are buried.
Nearby is Kit Carson Park where kids can blow off some steam. The park also makes a pleasant picnic spot for lunch (grab some fixin's at Cid's Food Market), though there are a number of kid-friendly restaurants around Taos including Doc Martin's, Bent Street Café & Deli, and Michael's Kitchen, among others.
The Harwood Museum of Art welcomes families and admission is free to children under 12. Special family Explorer Packs contain projects for kids of all ages to assist in your visit to the galleries and special exhibits. The museum's education center also offers art workshops on painting, drawing, sculpture, and more to encourage creativity in young artists.
For all things cowboy, take the family to La Hacienda de Los Martinez, two miles south of the Plaza. It's a fortress-like trade center dating back to the early 1800s that many believe was the terminus of El Camino Real from Mexico. The Hacienda has 21 rooms that surround two courtyards. Of particular note are all the Western and military saddles, as well as a collection of cowboy gear.
The Taos Pueblo is a must-see for all visitors to the town. It's the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. For over 1,000 years, the multi-storied adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited and the Puebloan culture remains intact.
To enhance your experience, take a group tour to learn more about the history of this place, as well as the Puebloan way of life. Before you leave, stop in at one of the homes that also serve as shops selling art, jewelry, pottery and Native American food, such as the quintessential fry bread. Engage the residents with conversation. Most are very open to talking about their childhood, education, Pueblo government, and the current state of affairs.
If the kids are antsy, the ideal cure is to take them over to Twirl, a free outdoor play space in town featuring play installations, interactive exhibits, lots of shade, and picnic tables. Upstairs, the inside playroom provides free access to imagination stations, craft-making supplies, and a host of exciting activities emphasizing creativity and discovery. Voted "Best Place for Kids to Have Fun in Taos" for the past seven years, it's a guaranteed winner for families.
Outside of Taos, enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the mighty Rio Grande River from the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Park and walk across the bridge, stopping at the designated observation platforms for the best views. Sometimes you'll see hot air balloons dipping down into the river below or bighorn sheep butting heads with one another. A hot air balloon, though quite pricey, is truly a sensational experience. It's a special opportunity to get a bird's eye view of the area's dynamic and sensational terrain. Rafting the river is another option with several companies offering half and full day trips, from mild to wild.
Taos Ski Valley is a world in itself with all the adventure your family will ever need. The place is a virtual outdoor playground. Mountain bikers enjoy the terrain that skiers love during the winter. Hikers take to the trails, with paths for all levels and abilities. Bull of the Woods is a good one for families as it's relatively easy. More of a challenge is picturesque Williams Lake, which is well worth the effort to reach.
You can also "Take a Llama to Lunch" with Wild Earth Llama Adventures, a hiking experience with sure-footed llamas to carry your gear. After you're done with your adrenaline pumping fun, head back and stop in the tiny village of Arroyo Seco for some homemade ice cream at the Taos Cow. Stroll through the shops of this wee hamlet or rest along the shady river bank while enjoying your tasty treats.
If you plan to spend the night or the weekend, know there are a host of accommodations in and outside of town from quaint inns and contemporary hotels to rustic lodges and cabins. And if camping's your thing, you've come to the right place. Taos is happily surrounded by wilderness with a number of different types of campgrounds from which to choose.
* * * * * * * * * *
Love to travel? Check out our Mac Kid Travel & Adventure Reviews for dozens of destination ideas. For even more information, follow our Colorado Adventures and Family Travel Pinterest Boards and subscribe (for free) to our monthly Macaroni Kid Family Travel newsletter.
