The Village of Ruidoso Parks & Recreation Department offers a variety of recreational services and programs for both children and adults.
Ruidoso Parks and Rec has something for everybody - year-round. Whether it’s hiking, biking, fishing, swimming or competitive sports, Ruidoso has it all. You can bike mountain trails, walk through the forest, paddle on a lake, view wildlife, fish, join a sports team, or just go out and play with family and friends.
Alto Lake remains open for fishing, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors while recovery work continues on burned slopes below the lake through the end of August 2026. Trails below the dam and the Alto Lake Disc Golf Course are temporarily closed as crews complete erosion control and landscape restoration following the South Fork Fire.
Plan your summer splash in Ruidoso! The Municipal Swimming Pool opens Memorial Day Weekend with daily public swim through August 8, while the Wibit Water Park returns to Grindstone Lake starting May 23, 2026. Enjoy family fun, pool parties, and lake recreation all summer long. Parking fees and holiday reservations apply.
Join the fun. The Village of Ruidoso Parks & Recreation Department is excited to once again offer swimming lessons to the youth of our community. Classes fill up fast. Sign up beginning April 1st! (Under the Activities & Programs tab)
Ruidoso Parks & Recreation is offering American Red Cross Lifeguard Training for ages 16+ with three session options in March, April and May 2026. Participants learn water rescue skills, CPR, and first aid while earning lifeguard certification. The $100 course fee is refunded once participants begin working as Village of Ruidoso lifeguards.
Join Ruidoso Parks & Rec for a magical full-moon evening at White Sands National Park! Enjoy hiking, stargazing, and stunning dune views. Four sessions available with limited ADA-accessible bus seating. No pets or alcohol. Bring layers, a flashlight, and your camera! Registration opens March 1, 2026, and closes the day before each session: https://secure.rec1.com/NM/villiage-of-ruidoso-nm/catalog
Chess Wizards Camp returns to the Ruidoso Public Library July 13–17 with a half-day morning session for students in Kindergarten through 8th Grade. Campers will learn chess strategy, teamwork, tournament play, and creative variations while enjoying fun activities in a welcoming environment. Online registration begins June 1 »
Join the afternoon session of Chess Wizards Camp at the Ruidoso Public Library July 13–17. Open to Kindergarten through 8th Grade students, this interactive camp teaches chess strategy, tournament play, teamwork, and creative game variations in a fun and welcoming setting.
Enjoy a FREE evening of live music at Wingfield Park as Thomas Michael Riley performs for the 2026 Cool Summer Nights Summer Music Series on Friday, July 17, from 6–8 PM. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music in the heart of Midtown Ruidoso. Hosted by the Village of Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department.
Enjoy a FREE evening of live music at Wingfield Park as Mammoth Cults perform for the 2026 Cool Summer Nights Summer Music Series on Friday, July 24, from 6–8 PM. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music in the heart of Midtown Ruidoso. Hosted by the Village of Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department.
Join Ruidoso Parks & Rec for a moonlit adventure at White Sands National Park. Walk glowing dunes, enjoy stargazing, and take in desert views under the full moon. Bring warm layers and a flashlight for the walk back. Multiple 2026 dates available. $20 per person. Registration opens March 1 at https://secure.rec1.com/NM/villiage-of-ruidoso-nm/catalog
Enjoy a FREE evening of live music at Wingfield Park as Rachel Cole & Gus Miller perform for the 2026 Cool Summer Nights Summer Music Series on Friday, July 31, from 6–8 PM. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music in the heart of Midtown Ruidoso. Hosted by the Village of Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department.
Enjoy a FREE evening of live music at Wingfield Park as CW Ayon performs for the 2026 Cool Summer Nights Summer Music Series on Friday, August 7, from 6–8 PM. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music in the heart of Midtown Ruidoso. Hosted by the Village of Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department.
Enjoy a FREE evening of live music at Wingfield Park as Los Swamp Monsters perform for the 2026 Cool Summer Nights Summer Music Series on Friday, August 14, from 6–8 PM. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music in the heart of Midtown Ruidoso. Hosted by the Village of Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department.
Enjoy a FREE evening of live music at Wingfield Park as Buddy Vargas performs for the 2026 Cool Summer Nights Summer Music Series on Friday, August 21, from 6–8 PM. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music in the heart of Midtown Ruidoso. Hosted by the Village of Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department.
The Ruidoso Grindstone Trail Runs return August 22, 2026, to Wingfield Park as one of six races in the 2026 Run Ruidoso Series. Choose from a 13.8-mile Half Marathon Heavy, 8.5-mile, 4-mile, or Kids’ Dash. This family-friendly event supports All-Season Adaptive Sports and celebrates Ruidoso’s trails and community. Register Today »
![Chess Wizards Camp at Ruidoso Public Library [Half Day Morning Session]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56f98381926173607b495fc8/1779289814343-40D0CONCAM6H61HOD0WS/chess%2Bwizards%2Bflyer.jpg)
