milliebest

Last year our family of 8 ( including three children - 11, 9, 6.) vacationed in Alaska. This year we are going to Santa Fe in late July to the second week in August. We were thinking of flying into Albuquerque and go straight to Mesa Verde . We were planning on staying there two nights and also visiting Durango and Four Corners and then making our way back to Santa Fe. We would like to rent an Airbnb in Santa Fe but I was trying to see if there was enough to do by staying in one place and doing day trips or if we should plan more overnight excursions. Since we are at the beginning planning stage, I am open to suggestions and would appreciate them.

jayne1973

How much time were you thinking for Santa Fe?

fmpden

Regardless of what you decide you need to make your reservations for M Verde NOW -- this afternoon. You may have to plan your trip around the reservations you can get for MV.

Bitter

couple recent threads that might help.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-1012-yo.cfm?9

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-1012-yo.cfm?9

jlub

It sounds like you have about 2 weeks? Personally, we love staying at rentals (we've always used VRBO, same thing), and depending on your interests, I'd recommend looking for one in the Durango area. If you have 2 weeks you could spend 1 in Santa Fe and 1 in Durango. If you / your kids are outdoorsy I contend you'll find a lot to do and see in Southwest CO. Two major mountain passes, Wolf Creek to the east and Red Mountain to the north from Durango have spectacular driving (Million Dollar Highway) and hiking. DO NOT miss the western slope peaches from the roadside stands. In Santa Fe, if you're a foodie, you'll find some of the best southwestern cuisine restaurants.

Michael

Day trips we did from Santa Fe: Taos and Bandelier national Monument.

To whet your appetite: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...984070940/show

emalloy

I also recommend Bandelier NM. If you click my name you can scroll down to TRs we have taken in the area, several starting from Albuquerque, most recently the 2013 trip.

ElendilPickle

IMO Santa Fe doesn't offer much for kids in your family's age range, but I'll also recommend a day trip to Taos and one to Bandelier.

You may also enjoy visiting Meow Wolf. Depending on how deeply you want to explore, it could take several hours. Mr. Pickle and I spent three hours there in January and found it very entertaining. www.meowwolf.com

Albuquerque has a lot more for children, including a really good zoo.

Lee Ann

milliebest

If we stay in Santa Fe are there any places to take the kids swimming if it is hot? I was also looking into some kids cooking classes or pottery classes.

ElendilPickle

There are city pools, or you could make sure to reserve a hotel with a pool.

Lee Ann