Lenora Curtin Wetland Preserve

Leonora Curtin is the Santa Fe Botanical Garden’s 35-​acre natural wetland preserve. It is open on the weekends for tours May — October. The «hike» is easy (flat, but you are out in the sun) and the docents are very knowledgeable. They have a lot of literature available for you to view including very comprehensive guides to the plant life and birds you will spot.
There is a bird watching station, and a very huggable tree! :)
Free, but a $ 5 donation is requested. Reservations are typically not required, but there is a cost for groups of 20 or more and those require advance notice.
Portapotties in the parking lot.
Benches throughout the area, in the shade.
Leisurely, relaxing, good for kids. (NO dogs allowed)
This is quite a bit away from the Santa Fe Botanical Gardens up on Museum Hill in Santa Fe. (About a 15-​minute drive south) Although all part of the Botanical Gardens, Leonora Curtin is a separate location with different hours and a shorter visitor season.
The directions are easy enough, but it’s difficult to locate on Google maps. (Typing in the physical address will get you nothing.)
Take the La Cienega exit from the I-​25. Turn north on W Frontage Rd. It’s about a mile & ½ up Frontage Rd. Small dirt parking lot. (You’ll either see other cars or the bright blue portapotty!)