Las Cruces offers a variety of programs just for teens. Whether you’re looking to create, explore, learn, or just hang out with friends. Below you’ll find all free and low-cost programs, grouped by age range so you can easily find what fits. All programs are offered by the City of Las Cruces departments.
FREE PROGRAMS
Teen Tuesday: The Night Owls
Location: Museum of Nature & Science
Address: 411 N. Main St.
Dates: Tuesdays
Times: 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Details: Tired of the usual? Join the Night Owls, a weekly drop-in for teens who want to build, create, experiment, and explore. Plus, there’s free pizza.
Registration: No
Special Teen Tuesday: Lunar New Year
Location: Museum of Nature & Science
Address: 411 N. Main St.
Date: Tuesday, February 17
Time: 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Details: Celebrate Lunar New Year during a special Teen Tuesday night with themed activities.
Registration: No
Teen Connection (Ongoing)
Location: Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center
Address: 304 W. Bell Ave.
Schedule:
- Afterschool: Mon–Fri, 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- School Breaks: Mon–Fri, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Details: Free structured program with tutoring, recreation, food, and field trips.
Grades: 6–12
Registration: First-come, first-served. Click here to register.
3D Printing Class
Location: Cruces Creatives
Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays (Ends April 30th)
Times: 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Registration: No
Teen Hangout Nights
Location: Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center
Dates: February 20, March 27, April 17
Times: 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Details: Free late-night hangouts for teens to socialize, relax, and have fun in a safe space.
Registration: No
Spring Break Camp
Location: Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center
Dates: March 16–20 (Monday–Friday)
Times: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Details: Spring break camp for teens featuring activities, games, and social time.
Registration: LasCruces.gov/Play
Chess Club
Location: Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center
Dates: Every Wednesday
Times: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Registration: No
Library Teen Programs
Location: Teen Room, Branigan Library
Details: Free, recurring programs for teens. All activities take place in the Teen Room.
Registration: No
Teen Perler Beads
Dates: February 2, March 2, April 6
Time: 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Teen Bracelets
Dates: January 10, February 14, March 14, April 11
Time: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Teen Video Games
Dates: January 21, February 18, March 18, April 15
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Teen: Little Love Charms (Craft)
Date: February 11
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Details: Create and decorate air-dry clay charms in fun shapes to share or keep.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Location: Thomas Branigan Memorial Library – Teen Room
Dates: Thursdays
Time: 5:00-7:30 p.m.
Details: Make some new friends and go on exciting adventures, while playing Dungeons & Dragons at your local Library! Whether it’s your first time playing a role-playing game or you’re a seasoned adventurer, we invite all teens to participate.
Ages: 13-17
Registration: No
LOW COST PROGRAMS
Teen’s Build-A-Board Workshop
Location: Museum of Art, Studio A
Date: Friday, March 20
Time: 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Details: Design, paint, and assemble your own custom skateboard from start to finish. All materials provided.
Registration: Register here
Fee: $25
Kids Drawing & Painting (Ages 10-13)
Location: Museum of Art, Studio A
Date: 6 Classes starting March 21
Days: Saturdays
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Details: Explore drawing and painting techniques while learning about color, value, proportion, and line.
Registration: Register here
Fee: $50
Kids Clay (Ages 10-13)
Location: Museum of Art, Ceramics Studio
Date: 6 Classes starting March 21
Days: Saturdays
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Details: Students will learn about clay and ceramics while being led by the instructor to create artworks such as ice cream bowls, whistles, jewelry boxes, and more.
Registration: Register here
Fee: $50
Teen Ceramics (Ages 13-17)
Location: Museum of Art, Ceramics Studio
Date: 6 Classes starting March 19
Days: Thursdays
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Registration: Register here
Fee: $60
