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
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.
Library Teen Programs
Location: Teen Room, Branigan Library
Details: Free, recurring programs for teens. All activities take place in the Teen Room.
Registration: No
Monthly Programs:
Teen Perler Beads
Dates: Every first Monday of the month | July 6, Aug. 3, Sept. 7
Time: 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Teen Bracelets & More
Dates: Every second Saturday of the Month | Aug. 8, Sept. 12, Oct. 10
Time: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Teen Video Game Club
Dates: Every third Wednesday of the month
Times:
- For dates May 20 & June 17: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- For dates July 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 16: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Location: Thomas Branigan Memorial Library – Teen Room
Dates: Thursdays
Time: 5–7:30 p.m.
Details: Make new friends and go on adventures while playing Dungeons & Dragons at the library. Whether it’s your first time playing a role-playing game or you’re a seasoned adventurer, all teens are welcome to participate.
Ages: 13–17
Registration: No
Fall Leaves: Ceramic Dish Glazing Workshop
Location: Museum of Art – Ceramics Studio
Date: Oct. 3
Time: 2–4 p.m.
Details: Decorate ceramic leaf-shaped dishes using glazes provided by the museum. Participants can take their dishes home after they have been fired. All supplies are provided.
Ages: 13+
Registration: Yes. Registration closes Sept. 26. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Ceramic Pumpkins: A Workshop in Two Sessions
Location: Museum of Art – Ceramics Studio
Dates: Oct. 10 and Oct. 17
Time: 2–4 p.m.
Details: This workshop meets two Saturdays in a row. During the first session, participants will add details to a ceramic pumpkin decoration. During the second session, participants will glaze their bisque-fired piece. All supplies are provided.
Ages: 13+
Registration: Yes. Registration closes Oct. 3. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Grief Café
Location: Branigan Cultural Center
Dates: Oct. 20, Nov. 17 and Dec. 15
Time: 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Details: Grief Café is a welcoming gathering space where people can talk openly about grief, loss and the challenges that come with them. Participants are invited to share their experiences, listen to others and connect in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. This program is not therapy or a clinical support group and does not provide counseling or advice.
Ages: 13+
Registration: No
Bauble Ornament Painting
Location: Museum of Art – Studio B
Date: Nov. 7
Time: 2–4 p.m.
Details: Use acrylic paints to decorate a holiday ornament as a gift or to keep for yourself. Ornaments will be provided.
Ages: 13+
Registration: Yes. Registration closes Oct. 31. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Supplies: Painting supplies can be purchased at the gift shop or brought from home.
Winter Decorations: Snowflake Glazing Workshop
Location: Museum of Art – Ceramics Studio
Date: Nov. 14
Time: 2–4 p.m.
Details: Decorate ceramic snowflakes using glazes provided by the museum. Participants can take their decorations home after they have been fired. All supplies are provided.
Ages: 13+
Registration: Yes. Registration closes Nov. 7. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Foundations & Futures: Printmaking Workshop
Location: Museum of Art
Date: Dec. 5
Time: 1–4 p.m.
Details: Create your own prints inspired by the Declaration/Declaración exhibition at the Museum of Art.
Ages: 13+
Registration: Yes. Space is limited. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Painting Party with Cristina
Location: Museum of Art – Studio B
Date: Dec. 12
Time: 2–4 p.m.
Details: Follow Cristina’s step-by-step instructions to recreate a reference image with acrylic paints. Bring a friend and enjoy an afternoon of painting, music and conversation.
Ages: 13+
Registration: Yes. Registration closes Dec. 5. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Supplies: Painting supplies must be purchased at the gift shop or brought from home.
Cyanotype Printmaking
Location: Museum of Art – Studio B
Date: Dec. 19
Time: 10 a.m.–noon
Details: Learn about the historic cyanotype reproduction process and create your own pieces of art. All supplies are provided.
Ages: 13+
Registration: Yes. Registration closes Dec. 12. Contact [email protected] for more information.
