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.
End-of-School Year Teen Dance
Location: Amador Live
Date: May 15, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Details:
Celebrate the end of the school year at this dance event open to the public. Teens in grades 6 through 12 must present a valid student ID or a photo/screenshot of their parent or guardian’s Vue account for entry.
SUMMER CAMPS
Museums Teen Summer Camp
Details: These teen partial-day camps allow participants to build their own Dobsonian telescope during the first session and a skateboard during the second through hands-on STEM activities and guided instruction. Campers will explore the mechanics of building tools while developing problem-solving skills and learning how to use their finished product.
Fee: $25 per session
Registration: Required. Register at https://bit.ly/LCMuseumsRegistration (closes one week before each session). For more information, email SRichard@LasCruces.gov.
Build a Dobsonian Telescope to Take Home (Ages 11–17)
Location: Railroad Museum
Date: Tuesday, June 9 – Friday, June 12
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Details:
Participants will build and take home their own Dobsonian telescope while learning the fundamentals of optics and engineering.
Fee: $25
Registration: Required (see above)
Build a Skateboard to Use (Ages 13–19)
Location: Museum of Art
Date: Tuesday, July 7 – Friday, July 24
Time: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Details:
Participants will design and build their own skateboard while learning about materials, construction, and mechanics.
Fee: $25
Registration: Required (see above)
Teen Connection (Summer Edition)
Location: Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center and East Mesa Recreation Center
Schedule (During the LCPS Summer Schedule):
- 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.
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
Teen Connection (Ongoing)
Location: Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center
Address: 304 W. Bell Ave.
Schedule (During the LCPS 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: April 24
Times: 6:30 – 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
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: Every first Monday of the month
Time: 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Teen Bracelets
Dates: Every second Saturday of the month
Time: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Teen Video Games
Dates: Every third Wednesday of the month
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Teen DIY Stitch on The Art! (Ages 12 – 18)
Dates: June 10
Time: 3:00 – 4:45 p.m.
Teen DIY Aesthetic Bookmarks! (Ages 12 – 18)
Dates: July 8
Time: 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
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
Nothing here right now, but check out “Middle School (10-13)” or check back later for more!
Kids Simple Printmaking (Ages 10-13)
Location: Museum of Art, Studio A
Date: 6 Classes starting May 9
Days: Saturdays
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Details: Join our kids’ printmaking class where young artists discover the excitement of creating bold, imaginative prints using kid-friendly tools and techniques. It’s a hands-on, creative experience that encourages experimentation, self-expression, and confidence through art.
Fee: $50
Register by May 2: Register here
Kids Clay (Ages 10-13)
Location: Museum of Art, Ceramics Studio
Date: 6 Classes starting May 9
Days: Saturdays
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 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.
Fee: $50.00
Register by May 2: Register here
Kids Simple Bookmaking (Ages 10-13)
Location: Museum of Art, Studio B
Date: 6 Classes starting May 9
Days: Saturdays
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 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.
Fee: $50.00
Register by May 2: Register here
Nothing here right now, but check out “Middle School (10-13)” or check back later for more!
