Activities for Kids in Clovis, New Mexico
When we arrived at Cannon Air Force Base in 2015 there was not a lot for kiddos to do, indoors in particular. Lots of days it will be too cold, too hot or too windy to play outside so thankfully there are quite a few options now!
Hillcrest Park Zoo
Okay so this one is an obvious choice for pretty days. The zoo is only $1-$3 per person for admission so it’s one of the cheapest options you can do. It is located inside Hillcrest Park which has covered picnic tables, playgrounds, and a splash pad which is open seasonally. In October the zoo has an event called “Boo in the Zoo” where the kids walk through the zoo to do activities and get plenty of candy. Tickets are only $1 and I suggest getting there early and purchasing your ticket in advance.
In December each year, they have an event called “Zoo Lights” where they’ll adorn the zoo with Christmas lights and give you hot chocolate while you walk around. The Zoo is open Tuesday through Sunday 9 am to 4 pm. They do close for bad weather.
Kids Go Wild
Here is a great option for all the days you’ll want to be inside. Kids Go Wild is a large indoor play place with inflatables, games, giant blow up balls, and more. It’s around $5-$10 depending what day you play and age. Adults, you can join in too! Adults are welcome on any of the equipment in the big room. Be forewarned though, you will feel old, get tired out quick, and be shown up by toddlers. Don’t forget socks for everyone because you’ll have to buy a pair if you do.
Kids Go Wild changes their hours frequently so I would check their Facebook page for the most up to date info. They have special activities and are usually open on days when the kids are out of school for holidays. This is also an option for birthday parties, however it’s pretty pricey. There are tables inside so if you don’t want to play you can chill while the kids get out their energy. Free WiFi and a snack bar, you can’t go wrong here!
For more info about Kid’s Go Wild, click here.
Windrush Alpaca Farm
Talk about a really neat experience, I bet you haven’t visited an alpaca farm before. Take the kids out to Open Farm Day (which is usually the first Saturday of every month) to learn about alpacas, feed them, pet them, and shop in a store with all kinds of Alpaca goodies.
Aurora loves it, and it’s a fun and unique experience. I love my dryer balls I got from the shop, made with real Alpaca fur. Best part? To visit the farm is free for the whole family!
To find out when Open Farm Day is and for more info, click here.
Oasis State Park
Oasis is located between Clovis and Portales and is a state park which includes a man made lake, hiking trails, and campsites. It’s a great place to explore and if you’re up to it, to fish! It’s a $5 fee to enter the park. They often have “Star Parties” and “Bird Watching” events during the summer months. If you like to fish you can enter one of the fishing derbies they host. This man made lake is stocked with catfish in the winter and trout in the summer. There is a limit of two per person but kids under twelve can fish with you on an adult fishing license and take home two as well. We have eaten the fish and they aren’t bad!
For more info about Oasis State Park, click here.
Just Kiln Me Now
If I’m being honest, I suck at painting. Like everything I’ve ever painted I’ve ended up throwing away. Hence, why I’m listing this under Kids activities, but it’s for anyone and everyone! This is the only painting and pottery studio within 100 miles. Ashley the owner is a military spouse and is very sweet! She has events frequently and every Saturday she does story time for the kiddos where they get to paint something that relates to the story. On occasion she will also offer kids camp where you can drop them off and they will stay occupied with crafts while you do whatever you want. There is a large variety of things to paint and a good price range so you can get something cheaper or more extravagant. Just Kiln Me Now is open Thursday 4-8 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 8 pm, and Sunday 1-4 pm.
For more info about Just Kiln Me Now, click here.
Clovis Rock Gym
Here’s something fun to do and a workout all in one. You pay for climbing shoe rental ($3.99) and a day pass to climb ($10.99 per adult, kids free with paying adult). You can rent the place out for birthday parties and private events as well. It’s pretty strenuous but there are sections for beginners up to professionals. They have a small wall for kids and there are huge mats for safety. The rock gym is open Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm and Sundays 11 am to 8 pm. You are welcome to bring food and drink inside. There are areas to sit and free WiFi to make the most out of your day pass.
For more info on the Clovis Rock Gym, click here.
Cannon AFB Library & Clovis-Carver Library
Libraries are always a great place to take the kids for educational fun. You can check out books, play on the computer, play with board games, and more. Each library also offers weekly story time for younger kids. During the summer they offer special programming. Our summertime favorite are Andy Mason and the Dairy Farmers. Andy Mason is a children’s musician that does a private concert at each library. The Dairy Farmers bring a trailer with a cow and show the kids how they milk them.
For more info on Cannon Air Force Base Library, click here.
For more info about Clovis-Carver Public Library, click here.
Hooks Alley & Cannon Lanes
Bowling is always fun no matter what age your kids are. We started taking Aurora bowling before she could walk. There are two bowling alleys in the area, one on base and one in town called Hook’s Alley on 60/84. Cannon Bowling Alley has daily specials. We usually go on Dollar Sundays. All games and shoe rentals are only $1 per person. They also participate in the “Kids Bowl Free” program each summer. Sign your kids up and each summer they will get two free games of bowling every week day, so all you have to pay for is shoe rental.
Both bowling alleys have ramps for the smaller kids to use. You can set the ball on the ramp for them and all they have to do is push it. If you’re looking for classic, old school bowling, then Hook’s Alley in town is for you. Newly reopened and under new ownership, it is a picturesque version of the 70’s. You’ll also find the new Red Door Brewing Co inside.
For more info on Hook’s Alley, click here.
For more info on Cannon Lanes, click here.
For more info about the Kids Bowl Free Program, click here.
Katz Gymnastics & Clovis Gymnastics Academy
There are two gyms in Clovis and both are great! Besides the obvious gymnastics classes, both gyms offer open gym so your kids can go and play their heart out. Katz offers Parents Night Out once a month, which is my personal favorite. You can drop off your kids to play and eat pizza for a date night. They can stay 5-9:30 pm and it’s just $25 per kid. Both gyms have birthday party packages which we have attended and hosted and are great.
For more info on Katz Gymnastics, click here.
For more info on Clovis Gymnastics Academy, click here.
Castle Land Fun Center
Castle Land is open seasonally May through September each year. There are batting cages, go carts, bumper boats, putt putt golf, and paintball. You can rent it out for private events which is what a lot of squadrons do for family days.
For prices and more info, click here.
St. Bernard Farms
The Farm is only open seasonally September to October and two weeks in December each year, pending weather conditions. Usually the opening weekend each year is Military Appreciation so you can get in free with a military ID. Normal entry prices are $7-$10 per person depending whether you want to do the corn maze or not. Unfortunately most of the activities require tokens which cost more money. But it’s a great time for the kids and the only Farm to visit within 100 miles.
There is a hay ride to a pumpkin patch, activities like a potato sack slide and a bounce pillow, and for the adults they have a haunted house close to Halloween. Make sure you wear close toed shoes because it is dirty. Very, VERY dirty. And try to avoid going on a windy day because you’ll end up orange from the dirt. They do have a small concession stand with hot dogs, chili, Frito pie, and corn so you can grab dinner there. Do yourself a favor and get fried Oreos from the fair trailers in the front, mmmmm. If you have a kid in elementary school then they will most likely visit the farm on a field trip. Be a chaperone and go have fun for $5. They get to do all the activities and pick out a gourd.
Each December they open the farm up for about two weeks for a drive through Christmas lights display. It is $20 per car and they offer hot chocolate for purchase. The lights are tuned to a specific radio station. It only took us about ten minutes to drive through the whole thing. A lot of people said it wasn’t worth it but I say go at least once and if you don’t like it avoid it the next year. Aurora enjoyed it and it’s more lights than you can find in the neighborhoods.
For more info on St.Bernard Farms, click here.
Curry Country Fair
The fair comes once a year in August and unfortunately it’s always the first week of school. Whoever planned that obviously doesn’t have kids. It’s not a huge fair but there is plenty to do. We usually go on dollar ride night. Tickets are $1 each and rides only require one ticket instead of 3-5 per person. If your child is under a certain height then a parent is required to ride with them and you have to pay a ticket too. There are big rides and plenty of smaller kiddie rides. Lots of fair food, but the BEST is by far Little Bits donuts.
The only reason I go to the fair is for these mini donuts. They are hand made and doused in cinnamon and sugar. They do have options with toppings but the original is the best. It is locally owned but they only set up their trailer at the fairs and the rodeo. The fair has vendors and exhibitors, animals, and usually a show or two. The shows change but last year we watched a high rise dive show. Also check out the building with the entries for desserts, photography, artwork, and other items entered to win. Muffin won first place with his birthday photo shoot with Karla Spuregon Photography.
For more info on the Curry Country Fair, click here.
Finding the fun everywhere life takes us!
Love, Olivia Michelle
