Visiting Los Alamos, New Mexico with Kids

Los Alamos, New Mexico, is a wonderful place to visit with kids as long as you know where to seek out entertainment. The Family Strengths Network, public library, and Bradbury Science Museum are all fantastic places to visit with kids. They each have facilities and programs tailored specifically to children. Los Alamos also has a large selection of outdoor parks-perfect for burning off a bit of extra energy.

Family Strengths Network

FSN is a non-profit organization in Los Alamos dedicated to helping families. The facility is located in the Pueblo complex and consists of a resource library, toy lending library, classroom, snack area, sitting area, and play area. FSN welcomes locals and visitors alike to join in their programs and open play time. The facility is open to the public from 9 AM to 1 PM Tuesday through Friday with regular events posted on their calendar.

FSN is particularly good for parents with younger children and toddlers. Equipped with a large play structure and shelves upon shelves of toys, this family-oriented organization thrives on active children. So, enjoy a free cup of coffee and read a useful book while your child dives into the action.

Mesa Public Library

Los Alamos has an amazing public library compared to the size and population of the town. This modern library has free internet and wireless access along with a selection of more than 170,000 books, magazines, and movies. The entire basement area is dedicated to children and teens, which makes it an ideal location to visit with your kids.

If you have toddlers or preschoolers, be sure to drop into the music and movement and story time sessions held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Of course, a small play area for little ones is set up to enjoy any time along with free puzzles behind the check-out desk.

Bradbury Science Museum

Although this science museum is not specifically for kids, it is very likely that they will enjoy it. Centered on the making of Los Alamos and current scientific happenings at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, Bradbury Museum has numerous interactive exhibits to play with and enjoy, such as model atomic bombs, hands-on brain-teasers, and live demonstrations. There is even a separate room ideal for little kids; blocks, books, a xylophone, and ball toss make this area perfect for play. Admission to the museum is free and the hours are accommodating: Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM-5 PM, and Sunday-Monday 1PM-5PM.

Parks

Los Alamos often has clear, beautiful weather making it a great place for outdoor play. A fantastic park in Los Alamos is located across the parking lot from the Los Alamos Animal Shelter. This is a combination park and free putt-putt course. The park has traditional swings and play equipment along with a large pumpkin carriage. In order to play putt-putt, you will need to bring your own balls and clubs, but it is well worth it as the course is new and well-maintained.

Other parks of note are Urban Park in Los Alamos and Rocket Park in White Rock. Urban is centrally located in Los Alamos and has a large grassy area for sports play. Urban also has tennis courts, swings, and slides. Rocket Park is located across the street from the grocery store in the suburb White Rock. It has a large, colorful climbing and slide structure, swings, and a small rocket ship.

Overall, Los Alamos is a family-friendly town with a variety of activities tailored to children. The best part about these activities is that they are all free. Enjoy your visit to Los Alamos with your kids!

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