Farmington’s year-round attractions support health, access and community

Farmington’s network of parks, trails, museums and family venues offers year-round options that matter for public health, community connection and equitable access to recreation. From wetlands boardwalks to downtown art, these resources provide low-cost ways for residents to stay active, learn and gather.

The Farmington Museum & Visitor Center serves as a hub to plan outings, pick up maps and learn about rotating exhibits and events. For nature-based outings, the Riverside Nature Center at Animas Park features wetland boardwalks, observation points for birding and wildlife viewing, and interpretive exhibits about the local riparian ecosystem, along with educational programming geared to children and families. The Animas Riverwalk Trails and Berg Park offer paved and packed-dirt trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, scenic viewpoints, river access and a seasonal splash pad fountain at Berg Park that draws families in warmer months.

Lake Farmington provides seasonal recreation including swimming, boating and the annual Dave and Friends Polar Plunge fundraiser, though residents should confirm seasonal hours and any fees before visiting. Indoor options for hands-on learning include the E3 Children’s Museum & Science Center and the Farmington Museum, both offering STEAM programming, rotating exhibits and family-focused events. San Juan College adds arts and performance offerings through venues such as the Henderson Fine Arts Center, with affordable ticketing and community programming that broadens cultural access. Downtown public art, the Art in the Heart rotating sculpture program and murals along Main Street round out an urban arts landscape.

These assets are more than amenities; they are public health infrastructure. Over 50 parks across the city, including picnic shelters and sports facilities, create everyday opportunities for physical activity, stress reduction and outdoor socializing. Wetlands and river access support environmental education and mental health benefits tied to nature contact. But seasonal hours, admission fees and transportation barriers can limit access for older residents, families with young children and low-income households.

Practical considerations make visits safer and more inclusive: bring water and sun protection for outdoor trips, check event and facility hours because programming and access can change with seasons, and use the Riverwalk map to select routes suitable for strollers or longer loops. Attention to trail surface and gradients helps caregivers and mobility-limited residents plan outings that match their needs.

Community investment and policies that prioritize park maintenance, ADA access, affordable programming and multilingual outreach will determine whether these resources deliver equitable health benefits. Our two cents? Pack water, sunscreen and a map, choose a stroller-friendly Riverwalk route, and call ahead when in doubt — then go with the flow and let Farmington’s parks and programs do some of the heavy lifting for your family’s health and well-being.