This time of year, many people have a pretty tight budget. However, you don’t have to spend money to have fun in the Land of Enchantment. Many forms of entertainment here are free. From zoos to natural monuments, these 11 places in New Mexico let you can have a great time without breaking the bank.

1. Visit the Spring River Park and Zoo. (Roswell)

It doesn’t cost a dime to visit this 34-acre park and zoo, where you can observe animals as diverse as bison and bobcats in their habitats. Children under the age of 11 can even fish here for free. You do have to pay to ride the carousel or train ($0.50 per person). The address is 1306 E College Boulevard, Roswell. For more info.

2. Tour the New Mexico state capitol building. (Santa Fe)

Visiting our state capitol is far from a yawnfest. For one thing it’s the only round state capitol in the country - from above, you can tell that it’s actually in the shape of the Zia Sun symbol. Inside, you’ll find gorgeous stained glass and an art collection to rival that of many of museums. The Roundhouse is on the corner of Paseo de Peralta and Old Santa Fe Trail. For more info.

3. Stroll along a riverwalk.

Despite New Mexico’s notorious scarcity of water, several of our towns have riverwalks. The ones in Carlsbad and Farmington are especially scenic and peaceful.

4. Hang out on the plaza.

The plaza serves as an outdoor living space for many. People gather here to chat, go for a walk, listen to live music in the bandstand, or take in a festival or market. Here are some of New Mexico’s most picturesque plazas. (Pictured: the plaza in Socorro.) For more info.

5. Head to El Morro National Monument. (near Ramah)

There is no charge to wander through this unique national monument. Study the more than 2000 carvings on Inscription Rock then climb to the top of the mesa, where you can view the ruins of a pueblo. For more info.

6. Travel back in time at the Salinas Mission Pueblos. (near Mountainair)

The three sites that make up this national monument are free to visit. Choose from Quarai, Gran Quivira, and Abo. Alternatively, explore all of them and make a day of it. For more info.

7. Drive to a ghost town.

New Mexico has hundreds of ghost towns. Some are in pretty good condition. We’ve combined a cluster of ghost towns in the southwestern part of the state into a ghost town road trip. Other good options include Cuervo, and these compelling ghost towns.

8. Walk through a sculpture garden.

Sculpture gardens fill the courtyards on Canyon Road in Santa Fe, the grounds of El Santuario de Chimayo (in Chimayo) contain statues, and the town of Artesia is known for its bronzes. Combine several displays of public art together and you have your very own walking (or driving) tour.

9. Go to the Roswell Museum and Art Center. (Roswell)

Many museums like the Roswell Museum and Art Center don’t charge an admission fee and simply state that donations are welcome. While it’s great to donate to these institutions when you can, doing so isn’t mandatory. This art museum is located at 100 W 11th Street in Roswell.

For more info.

10. Stargaze.

New Mexico’s night skies are breathtaking and accessible to all. Outside of cities, light pollution levels are extremely low so you can admire the universe without help from a telescope.

11. Spend a day (or an afternoon) hiking.

We live in a state with so much open space that you could pick a different trail each week and never run out of new hikes. Here are some short hikes to get you started.

Where do you go when you’re short on funds but want to have a good time? Maybe we included your favorite budget-friendly spot in our past article: 20 Awesome Things You Can Do In New Mexico… Without Opening Your Wallet.