Can anyone suggest fun things for kids (6 yrs. and 2 1/2 yrs.) in Santa Fe and surrounding area? I'd also appreciate suggestions for local kid-friendly restaurants that Mom and Dad will also enjoy. Thanks!

To do: We'ver always enjoyed el rancho golondrinas (sp??) outside of the city. There are great museums, even a children's museum, but I haven't been there. Our kids like the Folk Museum and the Wheelwright Museum. Outside of Santa Fe is Bandalier, which is really awesome and your 6 year old would love climbing into the caves.

To eat with the kids: We like the Cowgirl Hall of Fame, Plaza Cafe, Coyote Cafe and The Shed (our kids will eat relatively hot food, The Shed has some very hot food, but delicious) and there is also a great little french bakery near the plaza. Have Fun...we love Santa Fe

My kids loved the drive up the Turquoise Trail (Hwy 14) toward Albuquerque, http://www.turquoisetrail.org There are several "ghost towns" along the approximately 50-mile trip, with a little trading post and petting zoo in Cerrillos, a neat saloon and mine at Madrid, and the Tinkertown Museum http://www.tinkertown.com/near Sandia Peak as you approach Albuquerque. Parents will enjoy the trip just as much.
You will all probably enjoy the plaza area in Santa Fe, where you can lay down a blanket and play and people watch while having an ice cream from the nearby Baskin Robbins.

Regarding restaurants, the Plaza should be kid-friendly and mom and dad will definitely enjoy. Maria's is also probably fine for kids, and they have super-fine margaritas.

Oh yeah, also Upper Crust Pizza would be good for kids, too.

Last time I was in Santa Fe was June 01, and they had artists on the sidewalk along a corner of the Plaza with easels and art supplies for kids to use. My son, then 3, had a blast. I also love Marias, and we found a pair of cowboy boots for him at a shop called Back at the Ranch.

Santa Fe has a really nice children's museum which your kids would certainly enjoy. Bandelier National Monument is fun any time of year.

When will you be in Santa Fe? El Rancho de Las Golondrinas has some fun festivals and tours starting in about May and going until October.

Lee Ann