new mexico family trip

17 Fun Things to Do in New Mexico with Kids — Best Family Friendly Attractions!

By: Author Violet Baker

Posted on Published: October 9, 2020  - Last updated: November 3, 2023

Get ready to take your family on an exhilarating journey that combines the charm of the Southwest with the intrigue of a 70s sci-fi wonderland.

As a local of New Mexico, I’ve experienced the thrill of unearthing the state’s quirky rock formations, shimmering dunes, and, yes, the unexpected pleasure of UFO spotting. 

New Mexico is a playground of discovery, with every corner offering an unforgettable adventure. 

As you step into the state, you’re stepping into a fascinating past and igniting your children’s curiosity with lessons of yesteryears that come alive in the most extraordinary ways.

Prepare to elevate this journey with a memorable hot-air balloon ride.

When it comes to fun things to do in New Mexico with kids, we take the fun to new heights. 

Ready for a breathtaking moment?

This guide, enriched with my local expertise and firsthand experiences, is for all science geeks and history buffs in the family. 

So, grab your crew, fasten those seat belts, and let’s make some epic memories.

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Fun Things To Do In New Mexico With Kids Compared 

If you’re looking for the ultimate family fun in New Mexico, you have to check out my top picks below.

I’ve poured my soul and personal stories into this guide to ensure your family gets the most genuine and electrifying experiences.

Editor’s Choice

Rio Grande Valley Hot Air Balloon Ride — Albuquerque

Soar through the skies of Rio Grande Valley on a hot-air balloon with your family and watch the sun set behind the mountains or rise up the clouds.

• Age Compatibility: Tweens (10-12 years old)
• Educational Value: 2/5
• Fun Factor: 5/5
• Accessibility: 3/5
• Affordability: 2/5

#2nd Best Choice

Wander New Mexico Food Tour 

This tour is not your typical food tour. It’s more like a culinary adventure that takes you to some of the best restaurants and bars in the historic Plaza neighborhood.

• Age Compatibility: Teenagers (13-17 years)
• Educational Value: 4/5
• Fun Factor: 4/5
• Accessibility: 4/5
• Affordability: 3/5

#3rd Best Choice

The Ghost Tour of Old Town

It’s a thrilling adventure that will take you to the dark side of the city’s oldest and most haunted places.

• Educational Value: 3/5
• Affordability: 4/5

Here are 17 fun activities in New Mexico with kids.

1. Rio Grande Valley Hot Air Balloon Ride — Albuquerque (Editor’s Choice)

5601 Eagle Rock Ave NE Albuquerque NM 87113 (505) 823-1111 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• Unique experience: Hot air balloon rides offer a memorable and unique experience for kids, allowing them to see the world from a different perspective.
• Stunning views: The Rio Grande Valley offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, allowing kids to appreciate the beauty of New Mexico’s natural scenery.
• Weather dependence: Hot air balloon rides are weather-dependent, and adverse weather conditions may lead to cancellations or rescheduling.
• Fear of heights: Some children may be afraid of heights, and the experience of being high up in the balloon’s basket might cause anxiety or fear in some kids.

What You’ll Experience

You can guarantee your loved ones an unforgettable experience with Rainbow Ryders.

The adventure begins at Rainbow Ryders’ Albuquerque office, just a short drive away from the best family hotels in New Mexico .

For an hour, an FAA-licensed pilot will navigate the balloon and answer any questions you might have in mind about Rio Grande Valley.

After landing, the adventure ends with a celebratory toast, a flight certificate, and a balloon flight pin.

Recommended Ages

This unique aeronautical experience is perfect for children ages 5 and up.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites Albuquerque

Related: Restaurants: Albuquerque

2. Wander New Mexico Food Tour 

417 E Palace Ave #10 Santa Fe, NM 87501 (505) 395-0552 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Cultural exploration: The food tour introduces kids to the diverse culinary traditions of New Mexico, providing a chance to learn about the region’s culture and history.
• Interactive learning: Kids can actively participate in the tour, trying different foods and engaging with local chefs and vendors.
• Picky eaters: Some children might be picky eaters and may not be willing to try new foods, which could limit their enjoyment of the tour.
• Walking and duration: There might be a significant amount of walking involved, which could be tiring for younger kids with limited patience or endurance.

Looking for a delicious and fun way to experience the culture and history of Santa Fe?

You can’t go wrong with the Wander New Mexico Food Tour – Downtown Plaza ‘Sip & Savor.’ 

Trust me, I’ve done it, and it was one of the highlights of my trip.

This tour is not your typical food tour. 

It’s more like a culinary adventure that takes you to some of the best restaurants and bars in the historic Plaza neighborhood. 

You’ll get to sample local specialties like green chile cheeseburgers, blue corn enchiladas, and chocolate elixirs.

Plus, you’ll discover new and exciting flavors from innovative chefs and mixologists. 

You’ll also learn about the fascinating stories and traditions behind the food and drink and how they reflect the diverse influences of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo cultures.

This delicious activity is perfect for all ages, from young children to seasoned adults. 

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites Roswell

3. The Ghost Tour of Old Town

Plaza don Luis, 303, 120 Romero St NW Albuquerque, NM 87104 (505) 246-8687 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Thrilling adventure: Older kids who enjoy spooky stories and mysteries may find the ghost tour entertaining and thrilling as they explore the haunted history of Old Town.
• Engaging and educational: The tour might be an engaging way for kids to learn about local legends, folklore, and historical events associated with the area.
• Scary for some kids: The ghost tour may be too frightening for sensitive or younger children, potentially leading to nightmares or anxieties.
• Nighttime activity: As the tour often takes place at night, it could disrupt the kids’ sleep schedules or create logistical challenges for families with younger children.

If you’re looking for a fun and spooky way to experience the history and culture of Albuquerque, you can’t miss the Ghost Tour of Old Town. 

It’s not your typical sightseeing tour.

My kids and I have been on this tour ourselves, and I can tell you it’s not for the faint of heart. 

You’ll hear chilling stories of ghost sightings, murders, mysteries, and legends that will make your skin crawl. 

At the same time, you’ll learn about the Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American influences that shaped the city and its people. 

You’ll also see some evidence of paranormal activity the guides and previous guests captured. 

You might even encounter a ghost yourself if you’re lucky—or unlucky.

This activity may be too scary for young kiddos, but your teens will enjoy the tour’s thrill and mystery.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder

4. Santa Fe Scavenger Hunt — Santa Fe

491 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 692-0644 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

This activity is a great learning experience for teenagers and kids alike.

Using smartphones, you get to explore the best spots in Santa Fe while you solve riddles and complete quests or challenges.

For two to three hours, this scavenger hunt takes you through art murals, churches, the town square, and Santa Fe’s famous historic hotel.

With Santa Fe being the state’s capital, you’ll also pass by New Mexico’s best family resorts during the tour.

Your phone has to be fully charged for this!

The Santa Fe scavenger hunt is a perfect family activity for kids ages 7 and up.

Grandma and Grandpa may have to rest once in a while as the hunt covers 2.5 miles of walking.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Casa de Tres Lunas/House of Three Moons

Related: Places to Eat in Santa Fe, NM

5. Elephant Butte Reservoir — Sierra

101 Highway 195, Elephant Butte Sierra, NM 87901 (575) 744-5421 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

While it is true that New Mexico does not have much water due to being a landlocked state, it has picturesque lakes that can offer you the best of both worlds.

Everyone’s favorite among the best family beaches in New Mexico is the Elephant Butte Reservoir.

Considered to be undoubtedly the best one in New Mexico, this reservoir has more than 200 miles of shoreline.

Elephant Butte Reservoir was originally constructed to control floods and provide irrigation but is now beloved by families for the water recreational activities one can enjoy here — from swimming and waterskiing to boating and fishing.

Located at the Elephant Butte State Park, family-friendly places to visit in the 40,000-acre area are endless and can be enjoyed by kids, teens, parents, and grandparents alike.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Inn & Suites Truth Or Consequences

6. House of Eternal Return — Santa Fe

1352 Rufina Circle Santa Fe, NM 87507 (505) 395-6369 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Staying at Santa Fe?

The House of Eternal Return is one of the best kid-friendly places to go near you.

Get lost in a strange Victorian manor with Wonderland-ish and retrofuturistic attractions inside.

Created by a group of 135 artists, the House of Eternal Return is a real-life storybook that you can interact with.

Piece together clues and solve the disappearance of the family who formerly lived there.

Here, you won’t run out of ideas for things to do with kids when it’s raining.

This wormhole-riddled playhouse offers endless possibilities for vacations with children of all ages.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Inn of Santa Fe

Related: Best Things to Do in New Mexico

7. Carlsbad Caverns National Park — Carlsbad

727 Carlsbad Caverns Highway Carlsbad, NM 88220 (575) 785-2232 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Learn all about the New Mexico terrain in this national park with your family.

We’re talking about sand, rocky scenery, desert plants, and a world-famous cave.

In this adventure, you’ll plunge yourselves into a new world deep beneath the earth in one of the most-renowned New Mexico attractions for families.

Wonderful surprises like a mineral green lake and a colony of bats are hidden deep within the caverns.

Discovered by a 16-year-old and his friend in 1898, the caverns feature chambers and formations such as the Big Room, King’s Palace, Queen’s Chamber, Witch’s Finger, Fairyland, Temple of the Sun, Rock of Ages, and many others — all named by the two teens.

Toddlers and even babies are permitted in the cave as long as parents use baby backpacks instead of strollers.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Carlsbad

Related: Best Weekend Getaways in New Mexico

8. Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt — Albuquerque

1919 Old Town Road NW Albuquerque, NM 87104 (805) 603-5620 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Take a tour down Old Town through a three-hour scavenger hunt.

Like Santa Fe’s scavenger hunt, you’ll be guided by your smartphone as you discover gardens, art and science museums, historical buildings, and churches, all while piecing clues together and completing challenges!

Tour together at your own pace.

Take photos or grab a bite whenever you want as the smartphone guide gives you the freedom to determine your family’s pace.

This exciting scavenger hunt around Old Town is best for children ages 7 and up.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Albuquerque Crowne Plaza

9. White Sands National Park — Alamogordo

19955 Highway 70 West Alamogordo, NM 88310 (575) 479-6124 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Is this a beach? Is this a desert?

Is this Tatooine?

This sea of incredibly white sand is made out of pure gypsum, and everyone’s allowed to cruise down the dunes with a sled.

Visitors can also hike, camp, and join in park ranger programs.

While you’re there, you can take a garden tour, have a picnic, or visit the park’s reserve where a variety of unique plants and animals can be found.

This miraculous natural wonder can be explored by children and adults of all ages.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Alamogordo

10. Roswell UFO Spacewalk — Roswell

116 E 2nd St Roswell, NM 88201 (505) 627-6868 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Running out of ideas for things to do in New Mexico with toddlers?

Take them to a blacklight adventure on a spaceship, out into space, through a wormhole, to an alien planet and a cave of mutants, and then back to Earth.

The fascination for aliens in New Mexico never ends!

This exciting gallery also features robots, aliens, space jewelry, and space lamps.

It’s a quirky science adventure your family will never forget.

The Roswell UFO Spacewalk is an out-of-this-world adventure for kids of all ages!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western El Rancho Palacio

11. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

500 Terrace Ave Chama, NM 87520 (888) 286-2737 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Do the kids have a fascination for old-fashioned trains?

Cumbres & Toltec offers you an authentic steam-powered railroad ride through Colorado and New Mexico.

Lunch is included!

Listen to the centuries-old steam whistle as the train whisks you away through canyons, meadows, and deserts.

You’ll particularly enjoy the scenery during the fall.

This ride has been voted by USA Today as the nation’s most scenic train for three years now.

Which is just one of the reasons why we have this on our list of fun things to do in New Mexico with kids.

This 64-mile day trip can be enjoyed by youngsters of all ages.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Chama Trails Inn

12. Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Navajo Service Route 14 Nageezi, NM 87037 (505) 786-7014 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

We’ve shown you futuristic destinations.

This time, let’s visit the distant past of New Mexico.

Home to thousands of people between 850 to 1250 AD, Chaco features huge ancient structures, most of which were built to capture the sun and moon cycles.

You can explore the national park through guided tours, hiking, biking, camping, and night sky programs.

The entire area is especially fascinating at night.

The glittering night sky makes you understand why the ancient inhabitants were so inspired by astronomy in their architecture.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a glimpse to an ancient world that can be enjoyed by adults and kids of all ages.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Super 8 by Wyndham Bloomfield

13. Bandelier National Monument

New Mexico (505) 672-3861 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you’re looking for more New Mexico kids activities, Bandelier National Monument should be on your itinerary.

Older kids will get a thrill from climbing nearly vertical ladders to reach the Alcove House, an elevated cave with a killer view.

But don’t worry if you’ve got younger kids or aren’t a fan of heights.

The monument also features reconstructed cavetes, accessible via shorter ladders, perfect for little adventurers.

While you’re there, don’t miss the petroglyphs that tell tales as old as time.

This monument is ideal for kids aged 6 and up and is considered one of the most educational kid friendly things to do in New Mexico.

Younger kids can explore the lower-level cavetes, while older ones will enjoy the challenge of climbing to the Alcove House.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Inn & Suites Los Alamos

14. El Morro National Monument

NM-53 Ramah, NM 87321 (505) 783-4226 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

For those searching for fascinating things to do with kids, New Mexico offers this magnificent monument.

El Morro National Monument is like an open-air museum featuring over 2,000 inscriptions on sandstone bluffs.

From ancient petroglyphs to Spanish poetry, it’s a fascinating blend of history and art for families.

The visitor center provides free laminated guides that translate some of the inscriptions.

Imagine reading messages left by travelers from centuries ago.

The trails are family-friendly, and the inscriptions offer a unique way to engage kids in history and language.

This is best for kids aged 7 and up who can appreciate the historical and artistic aspects.

Younger kids might enjoy the easy trails and the adventure of discovery.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Inn at Halona

15. Petroglyph National Monument

Western Trail NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 (505) 899-0205 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Take a hike and let the kids discover ancient doodles on rocks. 

With thousands of petroglyphs to see, it’s like an outdoor gallery that’s both educational and fun.

The trails are manageable for most ages and the sunset views?

Absolutely Instagram-worthy for the parents.

Exploring this place is great for all ages, making it one of the fun things to do in New Mexico for kids.

The trails are manageable for younger kids, and older ones will enjoy deciphering the petroglyphs.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn & Suites Albuquerque West

16. Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum of Albuquerque

1701 Mountain Rd NW Albuquerque, NM 87104 (505) 600-6072 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

When it comes to indoor kids activities New Mexico offers, look no further than the Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum of Albuquerque.

Think of it as a playground for the brain.

Kids can get hands-on with science experiments, interactive exhibits, and even a water play area.

It’s not just for the kids, though; parents will find themselves engrossed in the activities too.

It’s learning disguised as play, and it works brilliantly.

This museum is perfect for kids aged 3 to 12. 

There’s something for every age group, making it a versatile family outing.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Albuquerque Historic Old Town, an IHG Hotel

17. Rodeo De Santa Fe

3237 Rodeo Rd Santa Fe, NM 87507 (505) 471-4300 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Get ready for some wild fun.

Rodeo De Santa Fe is an early summer extravaganza featuring traditional rodeo events, a parade, and hilarious kids’ activities like “mutton bustin'” and calf scrambles.

Kids can try “mutton bustin’,” where they ride a sheep or join a calf scramble for prizes.

It’s not just about the animals; there’s a parade and plenty of food stalls to keep everyone happy.

It’s a taste of the Old West with a side of family fun, making it a top choice in your search for “thrilling things to do with kids near me” in Santa Fe.

This rodeo is ideal for kids aged 4 and up.

The younger ones will get a kick out of the animal events, while older kids and parents can enjoy the rodeo and parade.

Activity Guide 

Comparing attractions: which one is right for you.

Each journey in New Mexico offers a unique blend of excitement and charm that will make your heart sing. 

Drifting in a hot air balloon over the Rio Grande Valley was a serenade to the soul. 

The majesty of the scenery unfurling below was a heart-throbbing blend of nature’s artistry. 

The anticipation as we ascended, the tranquility aloft—it felt like pure poetry. 

Then came the Wander New Mexico Food Tour, a gastronomic adventure. 

Each stop was a love letter to New Mexico’s culinary prowess, brimming with history, culture, and mouth-watering flavor. 

An eclectic mix of spices danced on my tongue, each dish painting an edible portrait of the state’s diversity.

The Ghost Tour of Old Town, though, was a completely different kind of thrill. 

The tales of spectral sightings whispered under the soft, eerie glow of lantern light sent delightful shivers down my spine. 

The past came alive, whispering its age-old tales in the cobbled lanes.

So, what’s the best attraction for you? 

Well, it all depends on what song you want your heart to sing. 

A symphony of beauty? Go for the balloon ride. 

A salsa of flavors? The food tour’s your gig. 

Or maybe a ballad of history and mystery? Then the Ghost Tour is your tune. 

But remember, each attraction offers its unique melody that’s quintessentially New Mexico.

How I Picked The Activities

As a New Mexico resident, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing these activities firsthand, immersing myself in the magic of this captivating state. 

But my exploration didn’t stop there. 

I delved into extensive research and sought the insights of fellow locals and enthusiastic travelers, discovering hidden gems and must-see attractions that resonated with families. 

Living in the state has given me a deep appreciation for the diverse wonders of New Mexico, and I’m thrilled to share these unforgettable adventures with you.

Our Rating Method 

I rate these activities based on the following criteria: 

• Age Compatibility: I use this criterion to assess the ideal age range for each attraction. Is this activity suitable for toddlers, preschoolers, or young children? Will teenagers and tweens enjoy this attraction? I ask myself these questions whenever I assess age compatibility. 
• Educational Value: This is used to evaluate the educational benefits that the activity offers. Does the activity provide learning opportunities to children? Does it teach them lessons in science and history? I ask myself these important questions when rating the activity’s educational value. 
• Fun Factor: This measures the level of excitement, engagement, and enjoyment that the activity offers. Is it engaging and enjoyable for kids? Will it create memorable and positive experiences for families? These questions are important whenever I rate the activity’s fun factor. 
• Accessibility: This measures how accessible the activity is for families. Is it wheelchair accessible? Is it easily accessible by public transportation? Does it have ample parking space? I consider these factors when evaluating the accessibility of every activity. 
• Affordability: This assesses the value of money provided by the activity. Are the admission fees reasonable? Does it offer deals or discounts for families? I use these questions to evaluate the affordability of every attraction. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some outdoor activities for kids in new mexico.

New Mexico offers a plethora of exciting outdoor activities for kids to enjoy. They can embark on family-friendly hikes in stunning national parks like Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands, where they can marvel at breathtaking landscapes and discover unique geological formations. Additionally, kids can explore botanical gardens and nature reserves, go on adventurous picnics by picturesque lakes, or indulge in fun-filled camping trips under the starry New Mexico skies.

What Unique Cultural Experiences Can Kids Have In New Mexico?

New Mexico is a treasure trove of unique cultural experiences that can leave a lasting impression on kids. They can immerse themselves in the vibrant Native American culture by visiting ancient pueblos like Taos Pueblo, where they can witness traditional dances, interact with local artisans, and learn about centuries-old customs and traditions. Kids can also explore world-class museums, such as the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and the Albuquerque Museum, offering interactive exhibits that showcase the state’s rich history, art, and diverse cultural heritage.

Are There Any Kid-Friendly Events Or Festivals In New Mexico?

Absolutely. New Mexico hosts numerous kid-friendly events and festivals throughout the year, creating unforgettable family experiences. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a highlight, where kids can marvel at hundreds of colorful hot air balloons filling the sky. Additionally, events like the Santa Fe Children’s Festival and the Las Cruces Country Music Festival offer a delightful blend of entertainment, music, and family-oriented activities, ensuring that kids of all ages have a blast.

Can Kids Explore Historical Sites In New Mexico?

Yes, New Mexico is steeped in history, and kids can explore fascinating historical sites that transport them back in time. They can visit the impressive Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to witness the well-preserved adobe dwellings and learn about the rich Native American history. Another remarkable site is the Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe, where kids can delve into the state’s Spanish colonial past through engaging exhibits and storytelling. Exploring these historical landmarks provides an educational and eye-opening experience for young minds.

Fun Things to Do in New Mexico with Kids: Reddit User Recommendations

Visiting new Mexico by u/charliewbrooks in NewMexico

Conclusion 

Life in New Mexico, my sweet home, is an extraordinary adventure filled with heart-warming fun for the family. 

We’ve unearthed majestic landscapes, savored an eclectic gastronomic journey, and let our hearts skip a beat in eerie, historic lanes. 

Trust me when I say that among all the fun things to do in New Mexico with kids, our top choice, the Rio Grande Valley Hot Air Balloon Ride in Albuquerque, is a can’t-miss adventure. 

This unforgettable flight will elevate your family’s spirit and create shared memories to treasure forever. 

So, pack your sense of wonder and experience the incredible charm and diversity of New Mexico.

8 Great Things To Do In New Mexico With Kids

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New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, offers so many wonderful experiences for families. They run the gamut from historical to cultural to outdoor exploration and beyond. We were fortunate to visit New Mexico three times as we criss-crossed America during our “gap years” and on our massive Southwest road trip.

Especially in these crazy times, it’s a great place to do: there are so many amazing outdoor activities in New Mexico! Read on for some of my top picks for the best things to do in New Mexico with kids.

Books To Read Before You Visit New Mexico With Kids

Explore santa fe, hike petroglyph national monument, wonder at hot air balloon fiesta, sled through white sands national park, experience historic taos, enjoy new mexican food, trek through carlsbad caverns, climb into bandelier national monument, mapping the best things to do in new mexico with kids.

We always love to add relevant stories to our rotation before visiting a new place! It really anchors our kids and makes our explorations meaningful to (and fun for) them. Check out these kids books set in New Mexico before your trip:

There’s so much to love about a visit to Santa Fe. Even within the central Santa Fe Plaza (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) you’ll get a taste of the unique blend that gives New Mexico its identity. Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the United States, and the nation’s second-oldest city after St. Augustine, Florida.

The region was originally inhabited by the Native communities of the Southwest, including the Puebloan peoples who had lived there for several thousand years. They were subsequently joined by Spanish Catholic missionaries in the late 16th century and just a few years later construction began on the Plaza we see today, following the common layout of the time with a church on one side of the Plaza and the seat of government on another.

Downtown Santa Fe’s centerpiece for history and culture buffs is the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (pictured above), though the church standing today is only about 150 years old and stands on the site of a church destroyed during the Pueblo revolt in the 17th century.

Our kids appreciated a brief visit inside the Cathedral to look around, but they really enjoyed strolling the Plaza itself. It remains the hub of Santa Fe, with tons of restaurants, boutiques, galleries and sweet shops. There are often cultural festivals and fairs on the Plaza (we stumbled into a wonderful one and got glimpses of amazing traditional clothing and dances). Stop in at one of the excellent New Mexican restaurants on the Plaza for lunch in the peaceful but lively atmosphere.

Pro tip: Make the most of your time driving around New Mexico with the free RoadTrippers app . It helps you plan your route and shows you tons of unique stops along the way. Get $5 off RoadTrippers Plus with coupon BTR5QTP .

Santa Fe is often recommended for adults due to it’s artsy reputation. Our kids really enjoyed the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum , which is walkable from the Plaza. You can easily spend an hour or two exploring different periods of O’Keeffe’s work, and our kids loved having their own watercolor supplies to emulate her style ( this paint set and this book have come all over the world with us).

If you have more time in Santa Fe, consider a visit to El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a living history museum that showcases New Mexican life and culture in the early 18th century. Read more about it here.

For those seeking a more modern experience, Meow Wolf is a popular choice. It’s hard to describe exactly, but the basic idea is an immersive modern art experience. There are lots of neon and black lights, loud music, mirrors, and maze-like corridors. It’s not for everyone and my son (then 5.5) and I couldn’t get out fast enough, but other people absolutely love it. YMMV but check it out here and decide if it’s right for your family; kids who get over-stimulated may do better elsewhere. Children four and under are free, but strollers aren’t permitted inside to make sure you bring a carrier if your little one can’t walk the whole time. Tickets for adults are $25 each.

I recommend staying close to the Plaza to maximize convenience in Santa Fe. Check out the best places to stay in Santa Fe with kids . You’ll find plenty of options for any budget!

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Right above the city of Albuquerque , you’ll find a true national treasure: Petroglyph National Monument . It’s one of the largest petroglyph sites on this continent despite its remarkably easy access.

Pop quiz: What is a petroglyph? A petroglyph is a carving in the surface of a rock. By contrast, a pictograph is a painting on the surface of a rock.

Start your exploration of these centuries old works in the visitors center, where the park movie explains their origins and the process the local community went through to preserve the site in the face of development pressure. You can also pick up a junior ranger book to provide more context for your visit.

There are several trails of varying lengths and difficulties that you can explore, and all have really impressive petroglyphs. Even the hardest trails were manageable for our 4 year old and some of the easiest can be accessed with a jogging stroller. Admission to Petroglyph National Monument is free .

The good news is that Albuquerque offers plenty of affordable places to stay for families. Check out this amazing family-friendly vacation rental or these centrally-located hotels for all budgets:

• Econo Lodge Old Town ($)
• Nativo Lodge ($)
• Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn ($$)
• Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town ($$)
• Hotel Chaco ($$$)
• Hotel Andaluz Albuquerque ($$$)

Read more: Can’t-Miss Things To Do In Albuquerque With Kids

Thanks to Dalya of Sweet Little Journey

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world and is possibly the busiest time of year in Albuquerque. If you plan to come see this spectacle be sure to plan far ahead since accommodation gets booked out far in advance!

The fiesta lasts a full week and is packed with various events and activities for families and hot air balloon lovers. Each day includes a mass ascension, when all the balloons are launched up into the air at the same time while spectators walk through the football field taking in the beautiful sights. Throughout the day, visitors are able to take rides on various balloons, watch a chainsaw carving competition, spot skydivers, and walk around the field looking for fun shaped balloons.

Each evening the balloons get lit from within and glow like ornaments in the dark. The pilots of each hot air balloon fire their burners and put on a full spectacle, sometimes synchronizing their glow to music or to other balloons.

Finally, don’t miss out on the Special Shapes Rodeo, which is arguably the most spectacular event of the whole week. This event showcases all the special shaped hot air balloons in the festival. Past year’s shapes included Star Wars characters, various animals, famous cartoon characters and more.

Hotel prices usually shoot up during this week since this has become a famous international event. Make sure to book well in advance and consider local vacation rentals for your stay. The Hot Air Balloon Fiesta has its own dedicated park named after the event, so you’ll want to find accommodation close to Balloon Fiesta Park in order to avoid long drive times and traffic jams.

White Sands National Park is one of the most unique places in America, let alone New Mexico. It is the world’s largest gypsum dune field and visiting is an incredible experience.

Unlike typical quartz dunes, the gypsum dunes in White Sands are cool (even cold) to the touch and often feel damp. The most fun way for kids to explore White Sands is by buying (or renting) a sled and wax and gliding down the dunes… over and over and over again.

There’s also an excellent junior ranger program that helps kids understand the areas geological origins, wildlife and conservation needs. You can take a well-marked nature walk on a boardwalk to learn more about the park’s ecosystem and catch the excellent park movie in the visitors center.

Pro tip: Pick up a National Parks annual pass as you explore the Southwest to save on admission fees

White Sands National Park is located in the southeast corner of New Mexico near the town of Alamogordo; the closest large city is Las Cruces. Check out these great places to stay in Las Cruces (which we chose for its road trip convenience and solid food options) and convenient places to stay in Alamogordo .

Read more: Planning your visit to White Sands National Park

Thanks to Eileen of Families Go!

Taos is a worthwhile stop on  any road trip through New Mexico  for its authentic Native American and New Mexican culture, not to mention good local food.

Start your visit at the  Taos Pueblo , a UNESCO world heritage site where some members of the area’s pueblo tribes still live. A guided tour will fill you on how the pueblo homes are built, the tribe’s history and their life and culture today.

Visit the  Hacienda de los Martinez  to learn about the life of a well-off Mexican trader in the 1800s. Kids like visiting the Hacienda because it tells the story of the family and hands-on activities include a room with dress-up clothes and period toys.

Make sure to visit the  Rio Grande Gorge Bridge , with its dizzying heights and amazing views of the gorge and surrounding dessert. Further down the road you can take a peek at the bizarre and creative homes in the off-the-grid  Earthship Biotecture  community.

It’s not hard to find good southwestern food in town, but there are two places you can’t miss. For breakfast, head to  Michael’s Kitchen  for chile-cheese croissants and cardamom doughnuts (along with more typical doughnuts and pastries for the kids).  For dinner you can’t beat  Orlando’s , a small restaurant filled with colorful Mexican knick-knacks. If the roomy outdoor patio is closed for bad weather be prepared to wait for a table; both locals and tourists flock here for inexpensive made-from scratch enchiladas, chiles rellenos, tamales and desserts.

If a pool is essential to your visit consider the upscale  El Monte Sagrada hotel a few minutes outside of town. In town, opt for the  Historic Taos Inn . Our room had a traditional kiva fireplace, two bathrooms and a side room with a pull-out couch for kids.

You can’t go to New Mexico without eating up a storm. New Mexican food isn’t for the faint of heart – think chiles, fried breads and tortillas, and lots of meat, cheese and eggs.

But New Mexican food isn’t just about the food per se . It’s also about the state’s fascinating, and sometimes devastating, history that saw the melding of so many cultures. It is distinctive in the region, incorporating the agricultural traditions of New Mexico’s Native communities and later Spanish influences.

If I could short-list a few items you need to eat on your visit, I’d start with these:

• Something with green chile – I’d vote for enchiladas, but a burger or huevos rancheros will work too.
• Sopapillas – I grew up eating these puffy fried pastries at our local New Mexican restaurant, and you’d better not eat them without honey.
• Blue corn tortillas or chips – Blue corn hails from northern New Mexico and was an important part of the diet for Native communities long before the Spanish came along.
• Calabacitas – This one’s for the vegetarians out there! I love this chopped squash side dish, which you can sometimes get in tacos or enchiladas as well. Much like corn, squash is a uniquely North American food and Native communities in the region refined its cultivation over thousands of years.

I’m not a food photographer by any means, but this meal in Albuquerque was pretty much perfect in my book:

I definitely recommend reading this article before your trip for some important background about New Mexican food. And if it’s got you salivating for some chiles rellenos, treat yourself to this cookbook for great recipes, fascinating history and drool-worthy photos.

Thanks to Preethi of Local Passport Family

One of our favorite stops in New Mexico with kids is Carlsbad Caverns National Park . Whether you explore on your own or as part of a Ranger-guided program, there’s plenty to explore at this New Mexico highlight.

To enter the caverns, be sure to reserve tickets in advance during busy times so that you can catch the elevator down. Admission is included with your National Parks annual pass .

I highly recommend arriving a couple hours before your entry time. That way, you’ll have a chance to check out the visitors center and complete the Junior Ranger booklets with kids. Everyone will enjoy the experience so much more if you learn about some of the fascinating history and natural features beforehand!

While at Carlsbad, don’t miss the Big Room chamber, which is the largest in North America. At about 1.25 miles (average time to walk it is 1.5 hours), it’s perfect for even families with young children. (There’s also a shortcut with a total distance of just over half a mile if you need a shorter route!) There’s also the 1.25 mile Natural Entrance Trail, which is fun and also a workout. With just over 750 feet of elevation gain in a short period, it’s the equivalent of climbing a 75-story building!

In addition to the caverns themselves, there are also above-ground hiking trails, incredible ranger-led bat programs, and night sky programs. There’s something for every interest.

While visiting Carlsbad Caverns with kids, I recommend staying in either hotels in Carlsbad , about half an hour away, or hotels in El Paso, TX if you want a bigger city and don’t mind a bit of a drive (about 2 hours).

Read more: Best gifts for National Park lovers

Thanks to Tavia of Big Brave Nomad

Bandolier National Monument is one of the most underrated National Monuments in my opinion. Bandolier National Monument is home to 33,000 acres of rugged but beautiful canyon and mesa country as well as evidence of a human presence here going back over 11,000 years.  Petroglyphs, dwellings carved into the soft rock cliffs, and standing masonry walls pay tribute to the early days of a culture that still survives in the surrounding communities.

People of all ages will enjoy the first half of Pueblo Loop Trail that take visitors into actual Ancestral Pueblo cave dwellings – at the half way point you can choose to continue on to Alcove House or turn back to the visitor center.  For families with older children or adults only, Alcove House is definitely worth the journey up 4 wooden ladders and into a home that once housed approximately 25 Ancestral Pueblo people. 

For your visit, bring a picnic and enjoy a meal at one of the many picnic benches.  You can either print a park map in advance or you can purchase one for $2 at the visitor center. Bandolier National Monument offers a free shuttle bus from the White Rock visitor center in town or you can drive your own vehicle into the park.  However, there is limited in-park parking. (The shuttle is closed due to COVID for the 2020 season).

We chose to stay at the RV Park at White Rock Visitor Center for the convenience of hopping on the shuttle and close proximity to the grocery story and coffee shop.  However, the National Monument does offer 2 campgrounds inside the park and the towns of White Rock and Los Alamos have several hotel choices – click here to see the best options .

The park fee for Bandolier National Monument is $25 per day per vehicle or you can purchase an American the Beautiful Annual Pass for unlimited entry into National Park Sites across the United States.

Use this map to help you build your family’s New Mexico road trip itinerary:

If you’re interested in extending your family trip to New Mexico into other Southwest destinations, consider these options:

• Best things to do in Albuquerque with kids
• White Sands National Park visitors guide
• 7 Fun Things To Do With Kids On A Texas Family Vacation
• Big Bend National Park visitors guide
• Things to do in Big Bend National Park
• 8 Fun Things To Do In Austin With Kids
• The Ultimate Weekend in Dallas Itinerary: 2 Days of Texas Fun!
• Best things to do in Arizona with kids
• Saguaro National Park visitors guide
• 7 Fun Things To Do In Tucson With Kids – Choices For All Ages
• Things to do in Phoenix and Scottsdale with kids
• Where To Stay In Scottsdale With Kids
• Fun things to do in Flagstaff with kids
• Where to stay in Flagstaff with kids
• 12 Can’t-Miss Things To Do In Colorado With Kids
• Rocky Mountain National Park with Kids: 2 Perfect Days
• 5 Best Family Ski Resorts in Colorado
• 13 Awesome Things To Do In Utah With Kids
• How to Spend One Day in Bryce Canyon With Kids
• 7 Unique Things To Do In Capitol Reef National Park

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12 EPIC Things to Do in New Mexico with Kids

• Post author By Melissa
• 4 Comments on 12 EPIC Things to Do in New Mexico with Kids

New Mexico is one of the most underrated states in the USA. It is one of only a few states that has a true distinguishing identity.

From the food to the architecture, there is a uniqueness to New Mexico that many other states simply lack. And for those visiting New Mexico with kids, you’ll find no shortage of interesting things to do.

This travel guide to the best things to do in New Mexico with kids details the top 12 places to visit in New Mexico and things to do in this incredible, family-friendly state in the southwest USA. 

About New Mexico

New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment. If you are looking for a cultural experience in the United States, the American Southwest – particularly New Mexico – is where you will find it.

To appreciate many of the best things to do in New Mexico with kids – you first need to understand a little bit about the state’s past.

New Mexico has a rich and deep Native American history that has influenced almost every aspect of the state.

The Pueblo Indians were the original settlers of New Mexico, long before it was a state and before the USA was even a country.

Then came Spanish explorers who settled in New Mexico in the 16th century. They brought their own culture, food, and way of life.

Although it probably wasn’t a popular union at the time, these two cultural influences have shaped New Mexico into what it is today.

New Mexican Cuisine

The fusion of the Indigenous and Spanish cultures is very apparent in the state’s traditional cuisine. New Mexico is known for a very unique type of Latin-style food prepared with hatch green chile peppers.

If you happen to find it on the menu, order enchiladas “Christmas style”. They are served stacked, not rolled, and are smothered in red sauce on one side of the plate and green sauce on the other side. You can also order your enchiladas with a fried egg on top. 

Indian squaw bread, also known as Navajo fry bread, is also a popular food choice that is somewhat specific to New Mexico.

Additionally, foods like chile rellenos (stuffed chiles), blue corn tortilla chips, and posole are all popular dishes in New Mexico.

New Mexico Architecture

The Native American history hasn’t just inspired the delicious food, the architecture and décor you will find in many parts of New Mexico is also different from what you may find elsewhere.

Adobe, or mud brick, is a common building material found throughout the southwest and especially in New Mexico.

Hanging on the outside of many of the adobe buildings, whether homes or storefronts, you’ll commonly see chile ristras. 

I’m not sure how these strands of large dried chiles became so popular in New Mexico, but they are practically synonymous with the state.

Top 12 things to do in New Mexico with kids

Although the architecture and cuisine are quite unique, there are a lot of things to do in New Mexico besides eating delicious, authentic food and looking at cool buildings.

Those visiting New Mexico with kids will enjoy exploring the varying landscapes across the state. From mountains to deserts, to caves, and sand dunes, New Mexico has a little bit of everything.

If you are planning a New Mexico family vacation, here are the top 12 best things to do in New Mexico with kids.

Go sand boarding at White Sands National Park

White Sands is one of the most recently added national parks in the United States National Park system.

Designated a national park in 2019, White Sands is beautiful and picturesque. Spanning 275 square miles, the park consists of white sand dunes composed of gypsum crystals. 

It is the largest field of sand dunes of its kind on earth .

If the Sahara desert and the beaches of the Bahamas had a love child, it would be White Sands National Park . Imagine white sand stretching for miles forming gentle, rolling dunes as far as the eye could see.

Although somewhat remote, there are plenty of things to do in and around White Sands National Park .

I recommend packing a picnic lunch and bringing a sled. Adults and kids alike will have a blast sledding down the hills of pristine white sand.

Unlike normal sand, the gypsum sand that makes up White Sands National Park never gets hot, so you can walk on it barefooted even in the heat of the New Mexico summer. However, two of the most important things to pack when you visit White Sands are water and sunscreen.

In summer, temperatures here often reach highs around 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). The sun reflects off the sand and can cause sunburns, even if you are not visiting during the peak summer months.

Where to stay near White Sands National Park

Holiday Inn Express and Suites – Alamogordo, NM

Tour New Mexico’s Underworld at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

When it comes to caves, Carlsbad Caverns may be the most impressive and beautiful system of underground caverns in North America. In my opinion, it is one of the top natural wonders in the United States .

It was discovered in the late 1800s and named a national park in 1930. It is also one of only two caves in the United States that is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site . 

Today, more than 400,000 people visit the caverns each year.

There are lots of things to do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park , but exploring its cave system that gives the park its name is the highlight of any itinerary. There several named rooms in the cave that visitors can explore. One of the most popular is known as The Hall of the Giants or Big Room.

The Big Room is the largest chamber inside Carlsbad Caverns, and the largest accessible limestone chamber in North America . The caves are not only beautiful and mysterious but are fascinating to tour.

Stay until sunset and you’ll get to watch hundreds of thousands of bats emerge from the cave’s natural entrance and spiral into the night sky. The national park is home to 17 different species of bats.

If you plan to visit both White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns during your family vacation to New Mexico, be sure to buy an America the Beautiful National Park Pass – which will cover admission to both national parks.

Where to stay near Carlsbad Caverns

Home2 Suites by Hilton

Learn about Aliens in Roswell

Fun fact, I actually lived in Roswell , New Mexico for more than a decade. Known by conspiracy theorists as the town where the aliens landed in 1947, Roswell has become a bit of a tourist site over the years.

Growing up in Roswell I always knew of the supposed alien spaceship crash, but no one made anything of it. It definitely didn’t define the town the way it does now.

Fast forward a few years and a few alien movies later, Roswell has become the Mecca for all the fanatical alien believers around the world.

Drive down Main Street in the small town and everything from the local McDonald’s to the street lamps are alien themed.

If you plan to visit Roswell, New Mexico take the time to tour the Alien Museum and learn about the history of the town’s mysterious alien sighting.

Where to stay in Roswell

Holiday Inn Express and Suites

Admire the landscape at Bisti / De-Na-Zin Badlands

After you’ve visited Roswell and your kids are convinced aliens exist, take them to B isti / De-Na-Zin Badlands , outside of Farmington, New Mexico. The landscape of this area will make them feel like they’re in an alien land. 

The unique rock formations look other-worldly. The wilderness area is free to enter and offers some really great and picturesque desert hikes.

Beware, there are no marked trails so know where you are going and don’t get lost!

Although the Bisti Badlands are barren lands now, at one point in time this area was a coastal swamp, which helps explain the unique formations of peaks and valleys.

Where to stay near Bisti Badlands

Home2 Suites by Hilton in Farmington

Explore Cliff Dwellings at Bandelier National Monument

There is no place better than New Mexico in the entire US to learn about the original, indigenous people of the Americas. Native American culture is deeply entwined in the state’s history.

At Bandelier National Monument , just outside Los Alamos, one of the best small towns in the US , you’ll find evidence of human settlement that dates back 11,000 years when the Pueblo Indians built cliff dwellings to survive.

Visitors to Bandelier National Monument can even climb ladders to explore some of the cave-like homes built into the limestone cliffs.

I first visited Bandelier National Monument as a child growing up in New Mexico. I was fascinated by the well-preserved glimpse of life long before modern times. Now, as a mother myself, I see this as a valuable place to teach my own child about our country’s history and its original people.

When visiting New Mexico with kids, one of the best things to do is to show them the history and culture that make the state so unique.

Where to stay near Bandelier National Monument

Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Los Alamos Entrada Park

Relax in the Mountain Town of Ruidoso

Ruidoso is a picturesque mountain town that you will find to be significantly less crowded than most resort towns.

In winter, skiers and snowboarders will enjoy the small but adequate ski mountain, Ski Apache . It is a wonderful and gentle mountain resort to teach young children how to ski .

And in summer, hikers and mountain bikers will find no shortage of trails to explore. In the midtown area, you’ll find unique shops carrying everything from turquoise jewelry to souvenirs and Native American artwork.

I spent many summers and winters in Ruidoso as a child and have so many fond memories of this beautiful, small town. It is truly one of the best places to visit in New Mexico for families.

Where to stay in Ruidoso

Ruidoso River Resort Condos

Discover Old Town Albuquerque and it’s many family-friendly museums

Albuquerque is one of the greatest cities in New Mexico to visit with children. I’d recommend spending a few days in Albuquerque with kids. 

To get a good feel for the city, start out with a visit to Old Town Albuquerque .

This historic area of Albuquerque features narrow streets lined with adobe buildings. A variety of great shops and cafes run by local artisans and restaurateurs make Old Town a great place to shop locally and support small businesses.

This area is also a great place to sample authentic New Mexico cuisine.

You can take a self-guided walking tour, or for a more cultural experience, book a guided walking tour .

For an extra unique experience, you can take the popular Ghost Tour of Old Town . On the tour, you’ll learn about the legends, folklore, and ghost stories that have become a part of the area’s 300+ year haunted history. 

There are plenty of things to do in Albuquerque with kids to keep the family entertained for a few days.

Kids will love the BioPark zoo and aquarium, the Natural History Museum , and Explora Science Museum. All of these are within a short drive from Old Town.

Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride

If you visit New Mexico during early-October, you’ll get an extra special treat, because each year Albuquerque hosts the largest hot air balloon festival in the world !

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is one of the most incredible things to experience in New Mexico.

Unfortunately, it’s only 9 days long, so you have to plan your trip accordingly if you want to witness hundreds of hot air balloons take to the skies. 

However, even if you aren’t visiting during the festival, you can book a sunrise hot air balloon ride any time of year. 

Take a Ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway

Just outside of Albuquerque, a trip up the scenic Sandia Peak Tramway is a must.

The longest tramway in the United States , the Sandia Peak Tramway runs 2.7 miles and takes roughly 10-15 minutes to get to the top.

The views from inside the tram, as well as from the top of the mountain range are beautiful. Enjoy a nice lunch at the top, or simply hike around and explore on a nice day.

Where to stay in Albuquerque

• El Vado Motel
• Hotel Albuquerque

Explore the Charming City of Santa Fe

A trip to New Mexico with kids wouldn’t be complete without visiting the state capital of Santa Fe . Santa Fe is a great spring break destination for families and gives you a true sense of the state.

The former Spanish settlement maintains much of its original charm and history, while also embodying a quirky artist vibe . As a first-time visitor to Santa Fe, you’ll want to head to the plaza and walk through the surrounding streets.

Take time to dip into some of the many art galleries in the area, and of course enjoy a traditional New Mexican meal made with hatch green chiles. 

For an extra unique experience, book a 3-hour interactive scavenger hunt that combines Amazing Race -type family fun with sightseeing!

If visiting New Mexico with kids, the immersive Meow Wolf installation is also a must-visit! Meow Wolf has other locations in Denver , Las Vegas, and Grapevine, Texas – located between Dallas and Fort Worth .

Where to stay in Santa Fe

The Inn of Five Graces

Tour the Taos Pueblo

The Taos Pueblo is commonly believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States. The multi-story adobe complex is home to about 150 Pueblo Indians and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors to the Taos Pueblo can tour the community, learn about life at the Pueblo, and witness tribal events like ceremonial dances and feasts. It is one of the best cultural experiences in New Mexico !

If visiting New Mexico in winter, Taos is also home to one of the best ski resorts in New Mexico.

Where to stay in Taos

El Monte Sagrado Resort and Spa

Marvel at 3,000-year-old petroglyphs

Petroglyph National Monument is an archaeological treasure that bears witness to the rich cultural heritage of the American Southwest. 

This remarkable site, spanning over 17 miles on the outskirts of Albuquerque, is home to thousands of ancient petroglyphs etched into volcanic rock by Indigenous peoples and early Spanish settlers. 

These intricate carvings and symbols, some dating back over 3,000 years, offer a window into the spiritual beliefs, daily life, and artistic expressions of those who once inhabited this arid landscape.

Visitors to Petroglyph National Monument can explore its numerous hiking trails and witness the enduring mysteries of the Southwest’s ancient cultures.

Map of the Best Things to Do in New Mexico with Kids

New Mexico is a big state. You can plan one big road trip across New Mexico or see different parts of the state on different trips. For example, you can fit parts of Northern New Mexico into a southwest USA road trip . 

Alternatively, you can add parts of southeastern New Mexico to a West Texas road trip . 

Either way, it’s good to have an idea of where each of these best things to do in New Mexico with kids is located and the distance and travel time between them.

Why you should visit New Mexico with kids

New Mexico is a fascinating state for kids. It is a place where children will not only learn about – but learn to love – history, culture, and geography.

Exploring New Mexico with kids is a great way for families to turn a road trip into an adventure. From artsy urban areas to barren badlands and even aliens, New Mexico is a must for anyone wanting to experience something different!

Have you visited New Mexico with kids – or without? What are your favorite places to visit on New Mexico family vacations? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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4 comments on “12 EPIC Things to Do in New Mexico with Kids”

We were just in Albuquerque/Santa Fe. Meow Wolf in Santa Fe is definitely a plus (and Explora) if visiting with kids. I would definitely skip the natural history museum next time.

New Mexico sounds amazing for families. We’ve only visited the Pacific North West Coast of the States but the southern half is on our to-do list and I’d love to add New Mexico to that. It seems there’s a lot on offer for families!

I love New Mexico; it truly is a magical place; like most of the Southwest. I still haven’t made it to White Sands NM, but have visited Bandelier, Santa Fe and drove through the Bisti Badlands plenty of times to appreciate their beauty at different times of the day. My favorite place on your list is Taos Pueblo; we’ve toured the village, but there were no ceremonies going on when we were there. We love visiting Chaco; not really a mecca for kids, though ours enjoy it (or so we hope), but I love the remoteness and history there.

Born and raised in Albuquerque. I have taken my kids back many times. You hit a lot of highlights. The one thing I would add is the Balloon Fiesta. Definite bucket list item especially with kids! They have such amazement in their eyes as you walk through the balloons. There is no replicating the sights and sounds of the fiesta.

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18 Best Places to Visit in New Mexico, According to Locals

Come to see historic small towns, scenic hiking trails, the "Grand Canyon of New Mexico," and more.

For a true taste of the American Southwest, consider a trip to New Mexico. Spanning approximately 121,000 square miles, the state is famous for its rich Indigenous history, vast landscapes (from towering dunes to subterranean caves), amazing archaeological sites, national landmarks (cliff dwellings, well-preserved adobe buildings, and centuries-old churches, to name a few), and an incredible arts and culture scene. It’s no surprise, then, that New Mexico is nicknamed the Land of Enchantment.

To narrow down the state’s best attractions, we reached out to local experts for their top recommendations. Without further ado, here are the best places to visit in New Mexico, from sprawling national parks to tiny towns and everything in between.

White Sands National Park

Mary Robnett/Travel + Leisure

Spanning 275 square miles, White Sands National Park is the world’s largest gypsum dune field, and it looks and feels like an entirely different planet . The wave-like, powder-white sand dunes resemble mounds of snow, and visitors can hike or sled down them any time of year. It’s also worth noting the park is home to a handful of white-hued animals — which have changed to a lighter color over time to adapt to the environment — including mice, lizards, crickets, spiders, and moths. 

Couse-Sharp Historic Site

Visit New Mexico

Angelisa Murray, CEO of guided tour operator Heritage Inspirations in Taos, describes the Couse-Sharp Historic Site as a “true gem” and “one of [her] favorite museums.” Here, you’ll find the former homes and art studios of Taos Society of Artists (TSA) founding members Joseph Sharp and E.I. Couse. “Our guests can see the actual moccasins and pottery that Couse painted in his paintings ... and journey back in time to get a real feel of Taos in the early 1900s,” says Murray.

“ Abiquiú is one of my favorite small towns to take our guests,” says Murray. The town, which was settled by the Spanish in the mid-18th century, looks and feels like it was plucked out of a classic Western, and visitors may even recognize it from fan-favorite flicks like Indiana Jones . However, it’s also famous for being the home of renowned American artist Georgia O'Keeffe. Don’t leave without visiting the O’Keeffe Home and Studio and Ghost Ranch (the artist’s summer home, about 20 minutes northwest). Murray also recommends popping into the state’s first general store, Bodes , which “offers an otherworldly experience for the intrepid traveler,” according to Murray.

Bandelier National Monument

JHVEPhoto/Getty Images

Known for its magnificent mesas, canyons, and ancestral Pueblo dwellings, this national monument spans more than 33,000 acres of rugged landscape, making it a must-visit for history buffs and nature lovers alike. The 1.4-mile Pueblo Loop Trail winds through various archaeological sites and is a popular hike. If you’re looking for more thrills, hop on one of the ladders along the route to climb into small human-carved alcoves. Alternatively, experienced hikers may opt to tackle the challenging Frijoles Canyon and Rim Trail (eight miles one way). Keep in mind those who wish to visit Frijoles Canyon and the Pueblo Loop Trail will be required to take a shuttle, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily (mid-June through mid-October).

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

The Washington Post via Getty Images

For a first-hand look at Pueblo culture, head to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque. Spanning more than 80 acres, the center is owned and operated by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. On-site offerings include a museum, exhibition galleries, murals from Pueblo artists, and the Indian Pueblo Kitchen , which serves freshly prepared Native American cuisine. Don’t leave without stocking up on some souvenirs, including Native American artwork and a wide selection of traditional and contemporary crafts, jewelry, pottery, rugs, and more. Pro tip: Check the events calendar for a schedule of the latest programming.

Santuario de Chimayo

Diana Robinson Photography/Getty Images

Marama Nengel, chef concierge at Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection , recommends taking an afternoon trip to Santuario de Chimayó , about 27 miles from Santa Fe. According to Nengel, thousands visit this picturesque adobe church — now a National Historic Landmark — each year. It’s best known for its holy dirt, which is believed to have healing properties. Per Nengel, no trip here is complete without a visit to the Centinela Traditional Arts gallery to see eight generations of Trujillo weavers. Finally, when hunger calls, tuck into some Southwestern fare at Rancho de Chimayó .

Puye Cliff Dwellings

CampPhoto/Getty Images

Located in Los Alamos, this National Historic Landmark was once home to 1,500 Pueblo Indians. It’s no surprise, then, that the site boasts some stunning Pueblo architecture and well-preserved cliff and cave dwellings. The panoramic valley views are an incredible added bonus. It’s worth noting that guided tours are available Monday to Thursday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Santa Fe Plaza

benedek/Getty Images

Santa Fe Plaza is both a beloved tourist attraction and a popular gathering place for locals. This National Historic Landmark, established by the Spanish in the early 17th century, is renowned for its Spanish Pueblo architecture. The bustling location hosts a slew of events throughout the year, including the Traditional Spanish Market in the summer months. Come holiday season, the square gets decked out in twinkling lights, making it even more magical. In recent years, the area surrounding the Plaza has evolved into a buzzy hot spot with dozens of eclectic restaurants, shops, museums, and hotels.

El Rancho de Las Golondrinas

Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

El Rancho de Las Golondrinas (“The Ranch of the Swallows”) is a historic ranch-turned-living history museum near downtown Santa Fe, though its rural surroundings make it feel worlds away, What’s more, a visit to this 200-acre site, which is dotted with striking adobe buildings, feels like a step back in time to New Mexico in the 1800s. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the ranch served as an official rest stop for travelers on El Camino Real, which stretched from Mexico City to Santa Fe. Note the site is closed for general admission between November and March.

Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway

grandriver/Getty Images

The 65-mile Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway — named for the precious stone the Pueblo mined here centuries earlier — links Santa Fe and Albuquerque. As such, it makes for an excellent day trip from either city. The historic route winds through old mining and ghost towns such as Madrid , Golden , and Los Cerrillos . Carve out some time to stop at Casa Grande Trading Post , Cowgirl Red , and Tinkertown Museum , as well as Sandia Peak Tramway to soak up the postcard-worthy views from up high.

Sangre de Cristo Mountains

Daniela Duncan/Getty Images

According to Hans Loehr, adventure center architect at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe , the Sangre de Cristo Mountains offer something for everyone, including scenic trails for hikers of all experience levels. Additionally, he tells Travel + Leisure , "Guests can enjoy exploring forests of aspen, ponderosa, and pinyon-juniper and meadows filled with colorful wildflowers, relaxing near alpine lakes, bagging some high mountain peaks, and pausing to take in breathtaking views from ridgetops and mountain summits.”

Rio Grande Gorge

Stretching nearly 50 miles, the magnificent, 800-foot-deep Rio Grande Gorge is considered the Grand Canyon of New Mexico. Soak in sweeping views of the rugged landscape from the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge , which, at 650 feet above the ground, is one of the country’s highest bridges. It’s also a popular spot for hiking.

Courtesy of Meow Wolf

Sontanna Sanchez, a concierge at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, recommends visiting Meow Wolf for a unique and immersive art experience. The kaleidoscopic “House of Eternal Return” features “more than 70 rooms, taking participants on a macrocosmic adventure only found in Santa Fe,” says Sanchez. All in all, the playful exhibit is sure to delight art lovers of all ages.

San Miguel Chapel

Michael Warren/Getty Images

Located along the Old Santa Fe Trail in Santa Fe’s Barrio de Analco Historic District , this Spanish colonial mission church is considered the oldest in the United States. While initially constructed in 1610, it has since been rebuilt twice (most recently in 1710). In terms of design, prepare to be dazzled by the adobe architecture; the interiors are equally spectacular with centuries-old wooden beams and the 750-plus-pound San Jose bell, which has its own fascinating history.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

milehightraveler/Getty Images

This national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in the southern part of the state. The enchanting attraction is home to nearly 120 caves. Travelers can easily spend the entire day exploring these captivating caverns, admiring the mystical stalagmites and stalactites, and spotting wildlife like bats and cougars. Don’t miss the Big Room, North America’s largest single cave chamber by volume. The 1.25-mile trail is a relatively easy 90-minute trek.

Old Town Albuquerque

Alex Potemkin/Getty Images

With its narrow winding streets and adobe architecture, Old Town Albuquerque oozes small-town charm. While lots has changed since its 1706 establishment, this dynamic destination has remained the city's heart. Despite its tiny 10-block radius, Old Town is packed with more than 150 independent restaurants and boutiques. It also hosts more than 40 events annually, including a car show, live music performances, and the world-famous Balloon Fiesta Week .

Taos Downtown Historic District

Despite its small size, Taos packs in plenty of charm and character. What’s more, this storied mountain town is renowned for its many galleries , scenic hiking trails, and, in the winter, world-class skiing. At the center of town is the Downtown Historic District , where you’ll find the 1796-era Taos Plaza. Here, locals and visitors alike gather to listen to live music and attend farmers markets and other events, including dozens of art-forward programming. An abundance of shops and galleries can also be found within easy walking distance. When it's time to refuel, head to one of the nearby cafes and restaurants . 

Taos Pueblo

Kathleen Messmer/Travel + Leisure

About three miles northwest of Taos Plaza lies the Taos Pueblo , which is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. The Pueblo has been inhabited for more than a millennium, and many of the adobe structures appear the same as when the Spanish first arrived in New Mexico in the 1500s. Hlauuma (north house) and Hlaukwima (south house) are the location's most famous buildings, and they’re considered the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the country.

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Best places to visit in new mexico.

New Mexico offers visitors an authentic taste of the American Southwest. With its melting pot of cultures, archaeological sites and stunning landscapes , New Mexico has more than earned its Land of Enchantment moniker. To help you decide where you should go on vacation in this diverse state, U.S. News compiled a list of the best places to visit in New Mexico using factors like culture, accessibility and attractions. Have a favorite destination? Vote for your top spot below to help determine next year's ranking.

Albuquerque

Gila cliff dwellings national monument, white sands national park, carlsbad caverns national park, silver city, petroglyph national monument.

Known as "The City Different," Santa Fe showcases a mix of Hispanic, Anglo and Native American cultures. This artistic capital city features 250-plus art galleries, more than 100 of which you'll find lining Canyon Road. Additionally, Santa Fe is home to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, where you can see hundreds of the renowned artist's works, and the New Mexico Museum of Art, which was the state's first building dedicated to art. When you need to satiate your appetite, get a taste of Santa Fe's fantastic food, including international bites and dishes made with red and green chiles, a New Mexico trademark.

Taos' "Soul of the Southwest" nickname can be attributed to the town's rich cultural heritage. Taos Pueblo embodies Taos' early history with 1,000-year-old adobe homes, while various museums in town reflect its Spanish influence and arts scene. With its location at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos also offers ample opportunities to enjoy summer activities like rock climbing, ballooning and even llama trekking. Meanwhile, winter is when Taos' highly regarded ski destinations – Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire Resort, Red River Ski & Summer Area and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort – welcome skiers in droves.

Albuquerque's proximity to the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande make it a popular base for outdoorsy weekend getaways . Bike the Paseo del Bosque Trail, or hike La Luz Trail to the top of Sandia Peak before riding the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway back down to the city. After breaking a sweat, learn more about the city's culture and history at Old Town Albuquerque institutions like the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Albuquerque Museum. For an extra memorable New Mexico experience, arrive in early October to see hundreds of colorful balloons take flight during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument in southwest New Mexico offers a glimpse into the lives and culture of the Mogollon people, who made their homes in its caves in the late 1200s. During your visit, you can tour the cliff dwellings and learn more about the site's former residents at its visitor center. You can also go hiking, bird-watching and fishing in the surrounding Gila National Forest. The area is home to several hot springs, so remember to bring a bathing suit with you. Keep in mind, this region does not have cell phone reception, so prepare to go off the grid.

White Sands may be one of America's newest national parks, but it has drawn travelers for decades with its otherworldly landscape. Nestled in the Tularosa Basin, the park features more than 73,000 acres of white gypsum sand, making it the world's largest gypsum dune field. Visitors can sled down the wave-like dunes or explore the park on foot, by horse, by bike or by car. Note that Dunes Drive (the park's scenic thoroughfare) occasionally closes when missile tests occur at the park's missile range.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park's network of 100-plus caves delights visitors with its fascinating rock formations. Travelers can take their time exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site's caves via two self-guided trails or discover other areas on a ranger-led tour. To observe this southern New Mexico park's resident bats, visit between May and October to watch them exit the cavern during the free evening Bat Flight Program. The warmer months are also an excellent time to stargaze during a night hike or ranger-guided night sky program. (Note: Due to flood damage sustained in 2022, several roads and trails are closed.)

Named for its prior life as a silver mining town, Silver City still retains some of its former charm in its central Historic District, which features Victorian-, Queen Anne- and Italianate-style buildings. Here, history buffs can learn about the town's ties to legendary 19th-century figures like Billy the Kid and Geronimo at the Silver City Museum, and art lovers can pop into galleries or admire Silver City's 50-plus murals. Meanwhile, outdoorsy types can hike part of the Continental Divide Trail and trek the paths in boulder-filled City of Rocks State Park 33 miles southeast.

With the peaks of the Organ Mountains looming in the background, Las Cruces' Main Street charms visitors with its coffee shops, bookstores, local restaurants and nostalgic theaters. Attractions like the Museum of Nature & Science and the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum appeal to culture hounds, while shoppers can peruse stalls at the renowned Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces. Beyond the city center, this southern New Mexico city's desert-meets-mountain landscape and ample sunshine allow for year-round outdoor activities, including hiking and biking, horseback riding and excursions to nearby White Sands National Park.

Outdoor adventures top the list of things to do in Farmington. Situated in the Four Corners region (where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah meet), Farmington is a confluence for three rivers and is surrounded by wide-open spaces for fly-fishing, golfing, kayaking, mountain biking and driving off-road vehicles. What's more, the town is just more than an hour's drive from must-visit wonders like the Chaco Culture National Historical Park and the badlands of the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area. In town, visitors can partake in local festivals and learn more about the Native American tribes that have long called the area home.

Petroglyph National Monument contains more than 25,000 carved images from the area's early Pueblo people and Spanish settlers, making it one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. Because the property offers so much to see, start your visit at the information center to learn more about the monument and its available activities. Then, take a short drive to one of three areas – Boca Negra Canyon, Rinconada Canyon or Piedras Marcadas Canyon – to hike to various petroglyphs. Be careful where you step, though, as the monument is home to several kinds of snakes, including venomous rattlesnakes.

Located on historic Route 66, the small town of Gallup attracts visitors seeking authentic cultural exploration and natural splendor. With trading posts selling jewelry, art, dolls and clothing made by Native American artisans; events like the Summer Indigenous Dance & Arts; and exhibits at the Gallup Culture Center, Gallup prides itself as being the "Gateway to Native America." Red Rock Park, a 640-acre park featuring awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs, is another reason to visit. Beyond its trails and scenic views, the park is also home to a rodeo arena, a museum with Native American artifacts and a balloon rally held every December.

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Bandelier National Monument

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15 Amazing Things to Do in New Mexico on a Road Trip

Bucket List Sites on a New Mexico Road Trip with Kids!

New Mexico is an incredible state to take a family road trip! It is simply bursting with hidden gems and amazing things to do with kids! Here your family can climb ladders into ancient cliff dwellings, explore insanely large & gorgeous caverns, hike magnificent slot canyons, slide down pure white sand dunes and so much more!

The state of New Mexico seriously impressed our family and I would love to share with you our favorite sites!

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1. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Hidden beneath the surface of the Chihuahuan Desert in southeastern New Mexico lies one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, Carlsbad Caverns! 

 Explore this unearthly, underground world and marvel at its overwhelming beauty. Self-guided tours let you wander through Carlsbad at your own pace and you can even choose where you’d like to start. We started at the Natural Entrance, which took us on a steep, yet fun, descent down into the earth. But you can also choose to ride the elevator straight down and begin your tour in the enormous “Big Room.” This is a true highlight. “The Big Room” is the Largest Single Cave Chamber by Volume in all of North America and it’s Incredible! (6 Football Fields can comfortably fit into “The Big Room,” with room to spare!)

Carlsbad Caverns is truly an amazing sight and we think it should definitely be on anyone’s list of top things to do in New Mexico!

(See below for more reasons to visit Carlsbad)

Covid Update:  Reservations are required prior to arrival. To enter this cave you will need a timed ticket for your self-guided tour. (As of Fall 2022)

Discover the Hidden World of Carlsbad Caverns

Great Books for Kids Before Visiting Carlsbad Caverns:

This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please Read Our  Disclosure Policy . As always, I only share products with you that I use and love for my family. Thank you for supporting 10 Traveling Feet.

2. White Sands National Park

Discover an incredible place that is unlike anywhere else in the world! Sand that is whiter than white, dunes as far as your eye can see and more fun than you could ever imagine! 

This is White Sands National Park.  Here, spectacular white gypsum dunes spread out over 275 square miles of southern New Mexico creating the Largest Gypsum Dunefield in the World!

Our family had a blast running, jumping and sledding down its pure white slopes and we think your family will love it too! White Sands is so incredibly unique and we definitely think it should be on every list of top things to do in New Mexico with kids.

5 Tips For Having a Blast at White Sands National Park

3. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

When I first saw pictures of Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, I knew I had to go see and hike in this amazing site in New Mexico myself!

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks is an extremely impressive slot canyon, with spectacular rock formations and bizarre cone shaped “tent rocks” that line this fantastic trail.

Our family absolutely loved hiking here and Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks quickly became our favorite trail in all of New Mexico!

We highly recommend this hike!

Covid Update: As of Fall 2022, this monument remains closed.

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks (Our Favorite Hike in New Mexico)

4. Taos Pueblo

When I first discovered that there was a community in the U. S. that has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years, I knew that I had to visit. This is the Native American community of Taos Pueblo in Northern New Mexico.

The Tiwa-speaking Puebloan Native Americans have been living in the Taos Valley at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range long before Christopher Columbus ever stepped foot in North America. Ancient ruins show that their presence has been here for more than 1,000 years, making Taos Pueblo one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States!

Here our family learned all about how their ancient structures were made, how they cook food without electricity and where they get water for their village. (They have no running water.) Taos Pueblo is a great learning opportunity for kids and is definitely one of the top things to do in New Mexico with kids.

Covid Update: As of Fall 2022, This is now open Thursday-Sundays. It will be closed for winter though.

Taos Pueblo, New Mexico (1,000 Years of Tradition)

Great Kid’s Books on SW Native American Culture

5. Bandelier National Monument

Journey back in time, at Bandelier National Monument, to when the Ancestral Pueblo people lived here in the Frijoles Canyon of New Mexico. 

Discover their ancient ruins. Climb into their age-old dwellings. And witness their petroglyph and pictograph images that were created so long ago.

Kids will love imagining what life was like for these Native Americans as they climb in and out of these ancient dwellings! 

Update: A free shuttle is required until October 19, 2022 to access Bandelier between 9am-3pm. Check Bandelier’s Website for more information.

5 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Bandelier National Monument, NM

6. The Bat Flight Program at Carlsbad Caverns

Each night from April through October approximately 400,000 Brazilian free-tailed bats swarm out of the Natural Entrance of Carlsbad Caverns at sunset to search for food. Carlsbad Caverns Bat Flight Program is a completely separate activity from exploring the cave and this is why it got its own spot on our top 15 favorite activities for families in New Mexico. (Side Note: No Pictures are allowed as the bats fly out.)

This is an incredible sight and one that should not be missed!

7. Route 66 Sings!

On Route 66, located just east of Albuquerque, there is a quarter-mile stretch of road that actually sings “America the Beautiful” thanks to a well-engineered rumble strip between mile markers 4 and 5. Just drive at 45 miles per hour through this section and the highway will actually sing this song for you! It’s pretty amazing! 

To find this fun attraction on Google maps, look for “Musical Highway, America the Beautiful.” To hear the music, drive Eastbound, at 45mph, and place your tires on the rumble strip that is more in the road than way off to the side.

When we visited, we didn’t find good signage as to where the musical rumble strip started, so definitely keep your eyes pealed for any changes in the road when you start to get near. This is such a fun experience!

Must-Have Gear for a New Mexico Road Trip

A Sunshade for Your Vehicle

A Great Sun Hat

This is the Tilley Sun Hat that both my husband & I love! (I have the navy blue one.)

A Water Bottle

(A Must in New Mexico)

This 32 OZ Nalgene Bottle, BPA-Free, is our favorite! It comes in a ton of colors, is easy to clean, you can easily see how much you’ve drank (and how much your kids have drank), and it’s made from 50% recycled plastic!

Dri-Fit Shirts

These are our favorite Dri-Fit shirt for kids! This shirt comes in 24 different colors and honestly, they are the best fitting dri-fit shirts we’ve come across. And being from Florida, our kids wear these shirts practically year-round! They are absolutely perfect for staying comfortable on hot days.

New Mexico Sights on Our Bucket List

With limited vacation time, like our family has, there’s no way a person can see everything that they want to or do everything that’s amazing in each state. This is why I wanted to add a section for the sights that are on our own family’s bucket list for our next road trip to New Mexico. 

Please let me know in the comments section at the bottom if you have been to any of the sites below and what you thought about them. Also, if there are any sites you love that are not listed here, let me know. I would love to hear about them!

8. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Climb aboard a coal-fired steam engine for a 64 mile trip across the high desert and journey through steep canyons as your train crosses back and forth over the Colorado and New Mexico boarder. Choose your train car (from deluxe to budget) and dine on a buffet lunch while you ride. A luxury motor coach chauffeurs you back to your starting point at the end of your ride. 

This sounds like an incredible journey to me.

9. Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Surrounded by the Gila National Forest, explore the area containing dwellings from the Mogollon Indians who lived here in the 13th century.

Wander through their dwellings, enter various caves and see the pictographs the Mogollon Indians made here so long ago.

This looks really impressive.

10. Chaco Culture National Historic Park

Explore the massive buildings of the Ancestral Puebloan people on a self-guided 9 mile drive through Chaco Culture National Historic Park.

Chaco Canyon was the center of the ancestral Puebloan culture from AD 850 to 1200 and it is the largest excavation site of prehistoric ruins in North America.

11. Petroglyph National Monument

Up to 15,000 petroglyphs or prehistoric rock art images have been found on the West Mesa volcanic escarpment, located along a 17 mile canyon outside of Albuquerque.

This is one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. Carvings range from 400 to 700 years ago.

12. Capulin Volcanic National Monument

Hike a 1 mile loop around the rim of a volcano and even down into it’s crater at Capulin Volcanic National Monument!

13. Plaza Blanca

An impressive geologic formation in Abiquiu, NM where beautiful white sandstone cliffs give breathtaking views.

14. Aztec Ruins National Monument

Amazing Aztec ruins where visitors can enter the only reconstructed kiva in the Southwest United States.

15. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

If you are lucky enough to visit Albuquerque in October, you should check out their incredible 9 day balloon fiesta where hundreds of balloons take to the sky. 

I think this event would be amazing!

Great Kid’s Books for a New Mexico Road Trip

POPULAR TOURS IN NEW MEXICO

I hope you have enjoyed this New Mexico road trip bucket list for Families.  Please let me know in the comments section below what sites you love the most in New Mexico with kids.

I would love to hear about them!

Have a Great Road Trip to New Mexico with Your Traveling Feet!

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You Also May Like:

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Traveling with Kids & Looking for Great Books?

• 100 Fantastic American History Books for Kids (Elementary to Tweens)
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©10 Traveling Feet – 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc) is strictly prohibited.

Welcome to 10 Traveling Feet! My name is Jenny and we are a family of five that loves to explore & learn about our incredible world! Discover our favorite sites, top hikes, fantastic hidden gems and helpful travel tips for Your Next Adventure! Let's Find Your "Traveling Feet!"

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25 Best Things to Do in New Mexico with Kids

• 1. Tinkertown Museum

121 Sandia Crest Rd, Sandia Park, NM 87047, Phone: 505-281-5233

• 2. ABQ BioPark

903 10th St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, Phone: 505-764-6200

• 3. Alameda Zoo

1021 N White Sands Blvd, Alamogordo, NM 88310, Phone: 575-439-4290

• 4. Billy The Kid Museum

1435 Sumner Ave, Fort Sumner, NM 88119, Phone: 575-355-2380

• 5. Bradbury Science Museum

1350 Central Ave, Los Alamos, NM 87544, Phone: 505-667-4444

• 6. Carlsbad Caverns

The caves are open for people of any age, but due to the uneven floor and steep grade of the caves, strollers are prohibited and wheelchairs are only permitted in certain portions of the caves.

• 7. Carson National Forest

There, everyone can enjoy a scenic hike, go for an exhilarating bike ride, or enjoy a night under the stars as they camp in their tent and roast marshmallows over a fire.

• 8. E3 Children’s Museum and Science Center

302 N Orchard Ave, Farmington, NM 87401, Phone: 505-599-1425

• 9. Explora Science Center

1701 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, Phone: 505-224-8300

• 10. International Balloon Museum

International Balloon Museum , 9201 Balloon Museum Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113

• 11. International UFO Museum

114 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88203, 575-625-9495, Phone: 505-476-1200

• 12. Kit Carson Home and Museum

Kit Carson Home and Museum , 113 Kit Carson Rd, Taos, NM 87571, Phone: 575-758-4082

• 13. Las Cruces Museum of Nature and Science

411 N Downtown Mall, Las Cruces, NM 88001, Phone: 575-522-3120

• 14. Las Cruces Railroad Museum

351 N Mesilla St #2567, Las Cruces, NM 88005, Phone: 575-528-3444

• 15. National Solar Observatory

3004 Telescope Loop, Sunspot, NM 88349, Phone: 575-434-7000

• 16. New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

1801 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, Phone: 505-841-2800

• 17. New Mexico Museum of Space History

3198 State Rte 2001, Alamogordo, NM 88310, Phone: 575-437-2840

• 18. Petroglyph National Monument

Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120, Phone: 505-899-0205

• 19. Santa Fe Children’s Museum

1050 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87505, Phone: 505-989-8359

• 20. Santa Fe Southern Railway

430 W Manhattan Ave A, Santa Fe, NM 87501, Phone: 505-989-8600

• 21. Spring River Park and Zoo

1306 E College Blvd, Roswell, NM 88201, Phone: 575-624-6760

• 22. The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture

710 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505, Phone: 505-476-1269

• 23. Toy Train Depot

1991 N White Sands Blvd, Alamogordo, NM 88310, Phone: 575-437-2855

• 24. White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument is a section of the northern Chihuahuan Desert in the southern region of the state. This incredibly beautiful desert is a true wonder of the world, with 275 square miles of pristine, snow-white sand. The sand is formed from gypsum, which is where it gets its unique color, and standing in the middle of this massive desert of white sand is like standing in hot snow, a sensation that is both fascinating and a little unnerving. Families can visit the dunes and even bring a sled, which they can use to ride back down to the bottom in an exhilarating rush of fun.

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Southern New Mexico Road Trip With Kids -Family-Friendly Off The Beaten Path Itinerary

Southern New Mexico Road Trip With Kids

Before our first visit to New Mexico, we thought the state’s nickname – The Land Of Enchantment – was simply a figure of speech. However, by the end of our very first day in the state, we were thoroughly convinced that the nickname was actually a gross understatement.

@forsomethingmore Replying to @punker76 I genuinely love southern NM. It is so beautiful and has so much to offer. It’s okay if you think it’s crap, we’ve loved every minute of our time there. Happy Holidays! #southernnm #newmexico #newmexicotrue #newmexicohype #southwest #southwestroadtrip #usa_tiktok #traveltiktok ♬ original sound – 💔

So, if you choose to embark on a Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, or even without, we’re confident you’ll experience countless unforgettable landscapes and unique geological sites, cultural riches, and culinary delights (from affordable and classic hole-in-the-wall eateries that have stood the test of time) in this highly underrated part of the American Southwest.

Below is our ultimate Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary. Our proposed route is a counterclockwise loop that starts and ends in Las Cruces, so if you’re flying to New Mexico, you can book a round-trip flight into and out of the Las Cruces International Airport (LRU).

Table of Contents

Who This Road Trip Itinerary Is For

We’ve created this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary with outdoorsy, active, and thrifty families in mind. So, many of the accommodations we mention are the super affordable New Mexico State Park campgrounds, RV parks, or free campsites in the beautiful outdoors!

Many of the things to do are ones that require you to move your body a bit. However, if you’re not as eager to commune with nature as we are, there too are countless hotels, motels, AirBnBs, etc. in all of the places we cover, so don’t fret if you’re not the camping or RVing type. And don’t worry, not everything we recommend will make you get your sweat on.

Also, if you’re in love with New Mexico and wish to move here, explore career opportunities in New Mexico and start a new life chapter.

How Long Will The Itinerary Take?

If you want to experience all we’ve listed below, and do so without too much dawdling or relaxing, it’ll likely take you 3-4 weeks. However, below we don’t provide recommended times for any of the destinations, as we firmly believe that you ought to experience any or all of these things at a pace and to an extent that you find comfortable and satisfying.

When Is The Best Time To Do This Road Trip?

The answer to this question depends on what type of weather you prefer. We don’t care for scorching heat, so we completed this road trip in the cooler months (November and December). However, if you don’t like the cold, or rather we should say the mild cold of Southern New Mexico, it’ll be best for you to avoid the winter months.

Below are some annual weather data for Las Cruces, and if you head to timeanddate.com you can explore other locations on your own. To navigate to the type of chart you see below, after you’ve typed in the city of your choice, click on the Climate (Averages) tab.

Customize To Your Heart’s Content

If you’re not keen to follow our proposed route below, no sweat. More broadly, our itinerary is a menu of options for what Southern New Mexico has to offer. And, since we’ve long ago learned the Aristotelian-inspired adage of “the more we experience, the more we know we haven’t experienced,” if you’ve embarked on a Southern New Mexico road trip with kids (or without), and you think there are items we ought to add to our itinerary, please leave us a comment below , and thank you in advance for your suggestions!

Our Road Trip Map

If you’d like to see geographically all the experiences we’ve included in our Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, you can scroll down to the bottom of this post , and you’ll find everything neatly on a Google Map.

Please Remember Safety First

Most of the things to do in this itinerary in some way shape or form require you to move your body in the great outdoors of Southern New Mexico. If you’ve never been to a desert environment, the most simple way to put it is, the environment is just about as dangerous as it is beautiful.

The best way to stay safe along this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids is to do a bit of reading/learning before you head to each site to generally know what to look out for.

The following list is NOT exhaustive in terms of what you should consider in order to stay safe out in the desert, but it’s a pretty good start. Combine this list with your own research of each site’s unique safety considerations, and you and your family will be able to have a safe, fun, and memorable road trip.

Medical Kits and Protection 

When planning a trip with children, it’s essential to have medical kits with specific items catering to their needs. For example, protective  face masks designed for children  offer effective protection against dust, smog, pollutants, and pathogens. Equipping your little ones with these masks not only prevents health issues but also shields them from desert winds and sand, enhancing their comfort and security during the trip.

It might seem like a no-brainer, but we highly suggest you check the local weather report before setting out for the various adventure we include in this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids. This is one of the easiest ways to make sure you’ll be prepared and thus have a safe and fun time!

Dehydration

This one is simple. Drink ample water, and maybe even bring a bit more than you think you need. We never regret carrying a bit more water than we need, and we ALWAYS regret bringing too little. Also, if you’re going to be RVing on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, consider buying a water filter , and that way you’ll be sure you’re drinking safe, clean, and tasty water the entire time.

The best way to prevent sunburn is to wear long clothing. If you’re not willing to cover up with clothes, at least apply suncream, and reapply it throughout the day. Remember to wear sunglasses too.

Cacti/Prickly Things

We constantly stay VERY close to our two sons when we’re in the desert so that if they trip or stumble we might have a chance to grab them before they fall onto a cactus or something else prickly. The last thing we want is for them to get stuck by any one of the countless cacti that are endemic to Southern New Mexico.

@forsomethingmore We love the desert! BUT, I would be lying if I said i’m completely comfortable in the desert with the kids. The more you do something though, the better it gets. One tip for hiking in the desert: Bring an Ace comb. It gets those chollos out very well! Also, always teach your kids what to be aware of in the desert. Shockingly, they have only gotten spines in them once. 🩹 What do you think about hiking in the desert with kids? #deserthiking #hikingwithtoddlers #arizonahiking #hikearizona #organpipecactus ♬ original sound – Britts Fits | Small Biz

TIP : A simple ACE Pocket Comb is one of the best tools for removing large prickers. For the small ones, we recommend a pair of precision tweezers . As far as it’s possible, don’t try to remove the prickers with your fingers, as they’ll likely come out of the first person and right into your fingers!

Snakes/Scorpions/Venomous Other Things

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The ShySkis | Family Travel (@forsomethingmore)

There is a lot that goes into snake safety , however, the general rules we follow are:

• Never approach a snake.
• Move slowly, and always look where you’re stepping.
• Don’t put any part of your body under/in a spot where you can’t see what’s there. For example, don’t put your foot under a bush (snakes like to hang out in bushes), don’t walk through tall grass, and don’t stick your fingers in any holes, etc. as snakes often live in those holes.
• Step on rocks/logs, NOT over them. Often snakes like to hike under these items, so stepping over them is riskier.
• If you leave your shoes out at night, carefully shake them out in the morning.
• Don’t touch snakes AT ALL. Even once they’re dead, they can still inject venom.
• If you hear a rattler/snake, stay still. Once you know where it is, SLOWLY back away.

And, in the unfortunate event that you do get bit by a snake or other venomous critter:

• Try not to move.
• Wash the bite with soap/water.
• Take off jewelry, etc. that might restrict swelling.
• Immobilize the affected area.
• If possible, keep the bite below the heart.
• Transport the victim to the nearest medical facility ASAP.
• If you can safely ID the snake/critter, do so.

Mountain Lions

The basic idea behind mountain lion safety is:

• Never adventure alone. If you’re hiking with kids, keep them close to you, and better yet, put one adult at the front of the hiking group, put the kids in the middle, and put another adult at the back.

If you do encounter a mountain lion, the basic idea is:

• DO NOT APPROACH a mountain lion
• Convince it that you are NOT prey and that you might be dangerous
• Do all you can do to appear large, i.e. raise your arms, hiking poles, branches, etc. over your head, fan out your jacket, etc.
• DO NOT RUN, as this may stimulate their chasing instinct.

If you are attacked by a mountain lion:

• Fight back with whatever you have.
• Protect your neck, as this is what they usually attack.
• Try to remain standing, as this will keep your neck farthest from the animal.

Getting Lost

Last but certainly not least, many of the things to do on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary will take you off-grid and far beyond reliable phone service.

We recommend you always have a good reliable map with you, and that it be usable even when you have no phone service. We almost exclusively use GuruMaps for offline navigation for this purpose, and we HIGHLY recommend you do too.

Safety Gear

We know that this section on safety isn’t the most pleasant, but we feel it’s better to go over it here so that you’ll be best equipped to have a safe Southern New Mexico road trip experience.

Last but not least, aside from our day hiking gear when we’re in bear country and even moose and mountain lion country, we carry bear spray . There is a bit of debate on the efficacy of bear spray , so we suggest you do your own research and decide if carrying a can or two is right for you.

Here’s Our Itinerary

And now, without further ado…Here’s our Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary!

With a population of just over 100,000 spread over about 77 square miles, Las Cruces certainly isn’t too densely populated or bustling (just for reference sake Manhatten, NY has 1.6 million people cramped into just about 23 square miles), but it is indeed the second largest city in New Mexico.

Starting your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids in Las Cruces means that right at your fingertips you’ll have access to both the great outdoors as well as the perks that come with being in a sprawling yet relaxed city.

Things To Do In Las Cruces

Organ mountains-desert peaks national monument .

The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument includes the Organ Mountains, the Desert Peaks, the Potrillo Mountains, and the Doña Ana Mountains. We only checked out the Organ Mountains, so suffice it to say, we’re eager to come back to this spectacular spot.

Dripping Springs Natural Area

The Dripping Springs Natural Area is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) parcel on the western side of the majestic Organ Mountains and is a mere 10 miles east of Las Cruces. It’s ripe for some easy and family-friendly hiking, wildlife viewing, and more broadly a quick and spectacular escape into nature just minutes away from downtown Las Cruces. We definitely think Dripping Springs deserves a spot on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary.

Also, there are a number of free campsites along one of the roads that lead to the Dripping Springs Natural Area, so if you’re keen on some camping, you’ll be in luck!

Pine Tree Loop Trail

The 4.1 mi (6.6 km) Pine Tree loop trail is an intermediate/advanced route, but it’s one of our favorite hikes in our entire Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary.

Tucked just about as close up to the Organ Mountains as you can get (without having to do any rock climbing), this trail takes you up close and personal with the Needles, the most iconic peaks in the Organ Mountains.

If you and your family are new to hiking, maybe skip this one, but if you’re semi-experienced and/or are up for a bit of a challenge, hike on. We also suggest you look at our day hike packing guide to see the gear we bring to ensure we have fun, safe, and memorable family hikes!

The Pine Tree Loop trailhead is located within the Aguirre Springs Campground , a scenic and affordable place to stay on the very far outskirts of Las Cruces.

Kilbourne Hole Volcanic Crater National Natural Landmark

The Kilbourne Hole Volcanic Crater is estimated to be between 24,000 and 100,000 years old and is a rockhound’s paradise!

The distinctive minerals in this area are the result of the volcanic explosion that formed the crater, and while many of the minerals in and around the crater are merely dull brown or black on the outside, inside they are commonly comprised of shimmering green/olive and yellow glass-like granules.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument

If you’re looking for an easy and family-friendly hike that also is rich in natural history, you’ll definitely want to check out Prehistoric Trackways National Monument .

Located in the Robledo Mountains, the monument is chock full of fossilized footprints from many creatures that were alive before the dinosaurs. That means the tracks you’ll get to check out are approximately 280 million years old! Who wouldn’t want to check this out on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids?

We hiked the Ridgeline Trail to the Discovery Trail , and it was a very family-friendly route the entire way.

Slot Canyon Hike

This slot canyon hike is an off-the-beaten-path gem of Las Cruces. What we found unique about this slot canyon, as compared to others we’ve hiked throughout the southwest, is that you’ll be able to hike up and out of the slot and onto the plateau behind it. On most others we’ve hiked, the slot eventually narrows to the point that it’s impassable.

The trailhead is more or less unmarked. Look for the gate and the part where you can duck around it. Then, you’ll essentially follow the trail south and then southwest. The trail isn’t marked, although there are some cairns, so if you’re not comfortable finding the trail on your own, maybe save this one until your orienteering skills are a bit more up to snuff.

Last but not least, we suggest you do NOT attempt to hike this slot canyon if there has been recent rain or if any is forecasted. While it didn’t flood while we were there, it’s almost undoubtedly prone to flash floods during rain events.

Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park

Believe it or not, in the dry desert environment of southern New Mexico, in the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park , you can actually hike through some wetlands! The water here also makes the park a fantastic spot for birding.

The gentle nature trails here and the extremely kid-friendly visitor center (there were many things the kids were able to touch and do) made Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park a perfect morning adventure for all of us.

Las Cruces Farmers And Crafts Market

Over the course of our travels, we’ve been to a number of farmers and crafts markets, and usually, they’re nice, but nothing to write home about.

The Las Cruces Farmers And Crafts Market IS one that we think is worth writing home about. Put more simply, we’re certain it’s one of the best, if not the best , we’ve ever been to. If you’re into this type of thing, you won’t want to miss this market on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

The market spans 7 city blocks and has vendors selling a wide variety of foods, produce, and crafts most of which are right from the local community. It usually happens on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 AM until noon in Downtown Las Cruces on Main St., starting from Bowman Ave all the way up to the Main St. Roundabout, but check the website for the most up-to-date details.

Where To Stay In Las Cruces

Again, as the second largest city in New Mexico, there are plenty of places to stay in Las Cruces . The following two are the ones we recommend.

Hacienda RV Resort

If you’re RVing on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, the Hacienda RV Resort is a clean, well-maintained, and centrally located RV park in the area. They have a hot tub too that was piping hot, but they strictly enforce their policy that you must be 21+ to go in it.

Baylor Canyon Road – Free Camping/Boondocking

Another option for staying in the Las Cruces area, with or without an RV, is camping over on the eastern side of Baylor Canyon Road .

Generally speaking, it’s free to camp on public lands (BLM land and National Forests mostly) for 14 days, sometimes more, and that goes for both tent camping or even parking your RV. As an aside, the term “boondocking” means parking your RV somewhere off-grid.

What’s most appealing about this spot, aside from its price (again, it’s free!) is that it’s set right at the foot of the Organ Mountains, so the aesthetic of this area can’t be beaten! Also, it’s right next to the Dripping Springs Natural Area , so if you do camp here, you could easily be the first one into that area on any given day!

Aguirre Springs Campground

If being right at the foot of the Organ Mountains isn’t immersive enough for you, at the Aguirre Springs Campground, you can camp in the Organ Mountains themselves.

Usually, you’d have to hike to the type of spot the campground is set in, but in this case, you can drive right up, and the views from this campsite are SPECTACULAR let alone those you get from the Pine Tree Loop Trail which leaves right from the campground.

NOTE : If you are RVing here, and if your trailer is longer than 23 feet, the BLM does NOT recommend you attempt to tow up here. Their reason is two-fold. First, the road getting up there has narrow and sharp curves, and even more so, the campsites up there (except for two) are VERY small.

As a matter of fact, we were able to tow our 28-foot travel trailer up there, and we were lucky enough to get a spot big enough for our rig.

If you’re coming here at peak season and/or you have a trailer that is pushing the recommended size limits, we HIGHLY recommend you unhitch your rig at the bottom of the road, drive up, see if there are spaces available that will work for you (all are first come first served), and then make a decision from there.

An Old Classic Las Cruces Eatery

Day’s hamburgers.

Day’s Hamburgers has been serving Las Cruces since 1932, so when we found this hole-in-the-wall eatery, we knew it must be good.

Upon the first bite of our burgers, our suspicions were confirmed. Be warned, however, the prices here are VERY affordable, and the burgers are massive, so if you’re prone to overeating, take a deep breath before you order.

For our family of four, with enough food to make our bellies ache a little bit, the total bill was about US$25. Not bad if you ask us. And, since it’s located right near the Farmers Market , if you didn’t find anything to feast on there, you almost certainly will here. On your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, make sure to stop here!

Alamogordo is a great jumping-off place for many spectacular sites in Southern New Mexico. From the blindingly white gypsum dunes at White Sand Dunes National Monument to the much lesser know Dog Canyon Trail in the Oliver Lee Memorial State park, and even to the highly engaging and family-friendly Space History Museum, Alamogordo definitely deserves a spot on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary.

Things To Do In Alamogordo

White sands national park.

Although not designated as a national park until 2019, the spectacular and undulating gypsum dunes have certainly been recognized as spectacular for a long time. In fact, in 1933 President Herbert Hoover designated the white sand dunes as a national monument, so suffice it to say, these dunes are an old classic and with good reason.

Whether you decide to hike through the dunes, take a scenic drive through the park, or even just bring a sled (yes, we mean a snow sled) and enjoy making laps up and down a single dune, you’ll definitely want to check out this spectacular and unique part of Southern New Mexico.

NOTE : If you are able to avoid a high-wind day when you visit White Sand Dunes National Park, you’ll likely have the best experience. However, if you’re not able to avoid a windy day, we recommend you bring some ski goggles , and maybe even a lightweight balaclava , and then get out there and have a blast!

Also, from time to time the park is closed because the nearby missile range is actively running missile tests. So, check the White Sand Dunes National Park website for the most current closure information.

Heart Of The Desert Pistachios And Wines

If you like pistachios, you’ll want to check out Heart of the Desert Pistachios And Wines . Set on over 300 acres, this farm is the largest and oldest pistachio farm in New Mexico.

Formerly known as “Eagle Ranch,” until Budweiser sued them for copyright infringement, this family-owned operation offers free tours daily (check their website for the most up-to-date tour info).

If you do decide to take the tour, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the entire pistachio farming process from how they grow on the trees all the way to how they make their delicious pistachio ice cream and the myriad other pistachio treats in their gift shop.

Oliver Lee Memorial State Park

We can’t highly enough recommend Oliver Lee Memorial State Park as both a place to camp (see below), and also a place to hike during your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids experience. While there are only two established trails in Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, there is also ample space to bushwhack and take in the beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert.

Dog Canyon Trail

The most rugged of the two trails is the Dog Canyon Trail. By all measures, this is a challenging trail, even in the cooler months. It’s 10 miles (16 km) round trip, so pace yourself.

However…

The steep ascent right from the trailhead will almost immediately afford you spectacular views, so even if you just want to hike a bit of it, we highly recommend you do so.

Once the trail mellows out a bit in the middle section, the views are still stunning.

If you have the skill and the right day hiking gear , you’ll be able to make it all the way to the top of Dog Canyon.

Riparian Nature Trail

If you’re not keen on such an intense route, the riparian nature trail is too well worth checking out. Be careful here, however, as there is a good bit of poison ivy that grows along the small river that often flows through Dog Canyon year-round.

New Mexico Museum Of Space History

If your kids are as fascinated by outer space as ours are, you’ll definitely want to add the New Mexico Museum Of Space History to your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary.

Briefly, at the museum kids get to dress in kid-sized space suits, man the controls of a few simulators, look at and even climb on some old spacecraft, and play on a fun spaceship-themed playground.

Toy Train Depot

If your kids like trains, you’ll want to set aside some time to experience the Toy Train Depot . They’ll not only get to learn about how the railroads that now run through Alamogordo were integral to the city’s development, but they’ll also get to take a ride on a nearly mile-long mini-train that circles around the park.

Check Out Cloudcroft

New Mexico is a place of stark contrasts, and you’ll be able to experience one quite easily if you take a drive up to Cloudcroft. Starting down in Alamogordo, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of the Southern New Mexico desert.

But…In a mere 25 miles (40 km), and about 4,500 ft (1,400 m) of elevation gain, you’ll be smack dab in the middle of a quaint mountain village and the Lincoln National Forest. Up in Cloudcroft, you’ll be surrounded by various conifers including Engelmann Spruce, Ponderosa Pine, Pinyon Pines, and Junipers.

The drive itself is worth it during your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, and once you’re up in Cloudcroft there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and of course outdoor adventures that you can enjoy.

Where To Stay In Alamogordo 

You’ll have an abundance of places to stay in Alamogordo, New Mexico . So to help you cut through the chatter, the following two are ones we recommend.

Camping in Oliver Lee Memorial State Park

Camping/RVing at Oliver Lee is a no-brainer if you’re eager to be near all that Alamagordo has to offer, you’re a thrifty traveler, and you’re okay with having the breathtakingly-beautiful Dog Canyon right in your backyard.

At the time of writing, an electric site is $14/night and a non-electric site is $10/night, the typical standard for New Mexico state park campgrounds. There is potable water available as well as bathrooms and hot showers. What more could you want?

Dog Canyon Dispersed Campground (Right Outside Oliver Lee)

If you’re really looking for affordable accommodation on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids (or even without them), you can camp/boondock for free right outside Oliver Lee Memorial State Park at the Dog Canyon Dispersed Campground .

NOTE : The rangers at Oliver Lee are quite vigilant regarding folks stealing water from the spigot at the park’s entrance, so if you do choose to camp in Dog Canyon, make sure to bring all the water you’ll need.

An Old Classic Alamogordo Eatery

Hi-d-ho drive-in.

First opened in 1952, the Hi-D-Ho Drive-In has become a mainstay of the Alamogordo food scene. If you’re SUPER hungry, try their Tiger Burger, and make sure to add green chili. Or, if you’re not hungry enough to eat a cow, you could easily split the Tiger between two people. Don’t overlook their chili cheese fries, and whatever you order, make sure to try their refreshing limeade!

While Carlsbad, New Mexico in and of itself isn’t a”must-see place,” it’s again a fantastic jumping-off point for many spots we’d consider bucket list travel items.

From the Living Desert Nature Park to the countless sites you’ll see in the depths of Carlsbad Caverns National Park (as well as the lesser-know and equally as fantastic hiking above the caverns), as well as the majestic and towering peaks of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, in these spots alone, you could spend a lifetime.

However, still within reach of Carlsbad is the Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Areas, as well as a gorgeous and off-the-beaten-path canyon rim road located within the Lincoln National Forest. Truthfully, you could easily post up in Carlsbad and not get bored for a long long time on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

Things To Do In Carlsbad

Living desert zoo and gardens state park.

Of all the experiences on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary that has a fee associated with it, the Living Desert Zoo And Gardens State Park , which is essentially a zoo and native New Mexico plant garden, might be the best value experience of them all. It’s also SUPER kid friendly, highly educational, and very engaging. If you leave this experience without having learned a TON about New Mexico’s native flora and fauna, we’ll eat our hiking shoes.

At the time of writing, admission costs those who are 13+ $5, those who are 7-12 $3, and kiddos 6 a whopping $0.

We easily spent half a day here, and that was with two toddlers. If you have kids who are old enough to read the myriad informational signs on their own (or who have the patience to listen to you read them), you could easily spend an entire day here.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns was designated as a national monument in 1923 and then as a national park in 1930, so these fascinating and approximately 265 million-year-old caverns have been only folks’ radar for quite a while, and with good reason.

With over 145 miles (233 km) of passages and the current deepest know point at just about 1,600 feet down (489 m), descending into this one-of-a-kind cave is unlike any other caving experience we’ve ever had.

We walked down the extremely steep and dimly lit 1.25 mi (2 km) paved trail into the caverns, but if you’d prefer to skip that bit, there is an elevator that you can ride down.

If you come here on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids in the fall, you’ll be able to view the multi-million bat exodus from the cave that happens at dusk almost every evening.

And, no matter the time of year you visit on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, don’t forget to do some hiking in the often-forgotten, but still spectacular, above-ground portion of the park. We hiked the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail , but there are many others to choose from.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Technically, Guadalupe Mountains National Park shouldn’t be on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary since it’s just over the border into Texas.

Since it’s just about 50 miles south of Carlsbad, and a mere 30 miles south of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, we’d feel remiss in not mentioning it when (a) you’ll be so close and (b) when it’s a jaw-droppingly-spectacular and undeniably bucket list-worthy place!

If you approach from Carlsbad, NM, you’ll easily notice these 260 million-year-old fossilized reef mountains that sharply rise an impressive 3000 feet (1000 meters) above the Chihuahuan Desert and certainly Guadalupe Peak – the highest point in Texas – that comes in at an impressive 8,751 ft (2,667 m) above sea level.

Given the over 80 miles of trails that weave throughout the park, we could have spent a lifetime exploring this area, so plan accordingly. Many of the trails in Guadalupe are intermediate/advanced, but one we found family-friendly was the Smith Spring Trail.

NOTE : Unlike many other national parks, Guadalupe does not have any scenic drives, and the only road going into the park is a jeep trail. There are a few parts of the park that are wheelchair accessible , but by far, Guadalupe is accessible only via hiking/walking/horseback.

Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area

If you happen to embark on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids in the summertime, Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area is a place you simply shouldn’t miss.

Given that it’s a desert oasis, if indeed it is warm while you’re here, you’ll be able to take a dip in the waterfall’s pools, enjoy a picnic in one of the many shaded picnic areas, and of course, hike some of the trails in the area too.

This place is popular, so try your best to arrive early. And, even if you’re not here in swimming-friendly weather, the falls are still worth seeing and the hiking around the area is great too!

Lincoln National Forest

There are 134 national forests in the United States. And while Lincoln National Forest is number 70 in terms of size, it’s still a whopping 1.1 million acres! (As an aside, the largest is Tongas National Forest in Alaska coming in at 16 million acres, and the smallest is the Tuskeegee National Forest in Alabama at 11,000 acres.)

In any case, there are TONS of things to do in Lincoln National Forest, so we’ll just cover one of our favorite spots – 5 Points Vista on Guadalupe Ridge Road.

Guadalupe Ridge Road – 5 Points Vista

The drive to Five Points Vista will take you through some beautiful pine forests, and then right along the rim of Dog Canyon on Guadalupe Ridge Road . The road is approximately 1500 feet (460 meters) above the canyon floor and is right on the canyon’s edge. Drive carefully here folks!

If you do nothing other than drive out here and take in the expansive view of the canyon and beyond, you’ll certainly have a memorable experience on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids. It’s certainly not as grand as the Grand Canyon, but it’s still breathtaking.

If you decide to do some bushwhacking in this area, as we did, we’re certain it’ll add yet another layer to this lovely experience.

Where To Stay In Carlsbad

Of the many places to stay in Carlsbad, New Mexico , below are a few we recommend.

Bud’s Place

Bud’s Place is a no-frills RV park in Carlsbad, New Mexico. It’s affordable, clean, well maintained, and centrally located for experiencing all Carlsbad has to offer. We enjoyed our stay here, and we’d recommend it to folks who like having a full hookup for their RV during their Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

Boondocking/Camping South Of Carlsbad

If you’re open to camping, there are MANY free campsites along Route 62, heading south out of Carlsbad just south of the turn-off for Carlsbad Caverns National Park. All of this is BLM land, and again, you’re allowed to camp there for 14 days at a time.

One of our favorite RVing and camping apps is FreeRoam ( iOS , Android ), and it’ll certainly help you find a free or affordable spot to camp!

An Old Classic Carlsbad Eatery

La Patrona serves classic Mexican food at affordable prices, and you’ll pass right by it on your way to/from Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

The place was packed when we came here at lunchtime, and we quickly found out why. Their burritos were excellent, and their tacos were too, so it’s no wonder they’ve been selling their delicious food since 2013!

While many might claim that Roswell wouldn’t be very well known had the Roswell Indecent of 1947 not occurred, we beg to differ.

At a glance, Roswell, New Mexico, albeit somewhat of a remote place, is an unusual destination that is certainly worthy of a visit.

In addition to the many alien-themed attractions and museums, there is a robust artist community here as well as one-of-a-kind geologic sites that are protected within both a wildlife refuge and a state park.

Things To Do In Roswell

Bitter lake national wildlife refuge.

Way back in 1935 this place was known as the “Carlsbad Bird Refuge.” However, given how unique and valuable this area is, a short two years later in 1937 it gained National Wildlife Refuge status.

At the refuge, New Mexico’s Southern Plains meet the Chihuahuan Desert, and it’s this intersection that makes it a biologically diverse and important wetland in the larger Pecos River watershed.

Although right off the bat it may look like a boring uninteresting landscape, if you take some time to have a closer look, you’ll quickly realize that the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a veritable oasis in the otherwise parched New Mexico landscape. On your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, you’ll definitely want to make a stop here.

Bottomless Lakes State Park

Again, if you’ve chosen to experience this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids during the summertime, you’ll want to make a stop at Bottomless Lakes State Park.

The system of 9 lakes here, which get successively deeper, is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer’s day! You can swim in Lea Lake, so pack accordingly.

And believe it or not, in addition to the hiking, mountain biking, and boating here, folks actually SCUBA dive into these lakes to view the endangered Pecos pupfish, turtles, and even schools of Mexican tetra.

Roswell Museum And Art Center

The mission of the museum is that “The Roswell Museum inspires discovery and creativity along with a cultural understanding of the American Southwest and the greater community.”

In other words, if you’d like to see some brilliant southwest art, as well as historical southwest artifacts spanning the 16th to the 20th century, you’ll want to save some time for this.

International UFO Museum

Do UFOs really exist? One of the best ways to begin answering that question is by taking a trip to the International UFO Museum & Research Center at Roswell, New Mexico. It was created to share information with the world about the 1947 Roswell Incident. However, now the entire place not only covers the Roswell Incident but is oriented around gathering, preserving, and sharing everything and anything related to UFOs and related phenomena.

Spring River Park And Zoo

If you indeed embark on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, visiting a zoo is a no-brainer. When you explore the Spring River Zoo, located within the Spring River Park, you’ll enjoy a lovely park equipped with playground equipment and a lovely zoo. Pack a picnic lunch, and you’ll not have to worry about heading home early.

Where To Stay In Roswell

There are lots of places to stay in Roswell, New Mexico . The following two are the ones we recommend, but there are certainly a number of great options.

Trailer Village RV Park

If you’re experiencing this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids in an RV, and you’re eager to be on-grid for a bit, the Trailer Village RV Park seldom leaves anyone disappointed. Family-owned and operated, a stay here will not only support the local economy, but it’ll also give you front-row access to all that Roswell has to offer.

Alamo Road BLM Land

If you’d prefer the price of free for your Rowell accommodation, the good ol’ BLM comes to the rescue yet again! Head east out of Roswell to Alamo Road (located just east of Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge), and you’ll have plenty of free dispersed campsites to choose from!

Old Classic Roswell Eateries

Cowboy cafe.

For homestyle cooking and homemade pies at a true hole-in-the-wall eatery, head over to the Cowboy Cafe. Their delicious creations, their generous portions, and their fair prices make this a great stop if you’re hungry on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids. Don’t forget to save some room for their award-winning pies and desserts!

Martin’s Capitol Cafe

For yet another hole-in-the-wall dining experience where you’ll be able to sample New Mexico classics at an affordable price, head over to Martin’s Capitol Cafe.

Of their many recommended dishes, their chili Rellenos and sopapillas are must try. And of course, since you’re in New Mexico, you’ll want to taste the most classic dish in the state, a big blow of piping hot Green Chili.

(If you fall in love with Green Chili as much as we have, you’ll want to make some time to eat your way through the Green Chili capital of the world , conveniently located in the great state of New Mexico!)

If you’re keen to see some snow in the wintertime or escape the heat of the New Mexico summer on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, head up into the mountains, and check out Ruidoso.

At 6,900 feet (2,100 meters) above sea level, and a year-round average high temperature of 65 F (18 C) you’ll be in a noticeably different, and considerably more temperate environment than you’ll experience in the desert of Roswell.

Things To Do In Ruidoso

Grindstone lake recreation area.

The International Mountain Biking Association designed this beautiful spot, so it’s ripe for some great riding. But don’t worry if you don’t bike.

Within the recreation area, you can also hike and even horseback ride on the 18+ miles of trails. In addition, there is a fantastic frisbee golf course and even watercraft rentals.

Care for some fishing? Bring your rod and reel to try to land some of the stocked rainbow trout, catfish, and even smallmouth bass. But don’t forget, if you’re over 12 years old, you’ll need to purchase a New Mexico fishing license .

Ruidoso Winter Park

In spite of the name, there is plenty to do at the Ruidoso Winter Park year-round. In the winter months, you can enjoy snow tubing to your heart’s content. In the summer months, you’ll still be able to tube down the grassy hills (there is a special slick plastic surface they lay down) as well as a zip-line and even fly down the mountain on their mountain coaster, so consider checking this out during your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

For skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer, Ski Apache is the go-to spot in Southern New Mexico. With rentals available too, you can travel light and still enjoy some time on the slopes. Make sure to check the trail conditions before heading here, as you’ll want to get the most bang for your buck.

Where To Stay In Ruidoso

There are many places to stay in Ruidoso . From cozy mountain cabins to more traditional hotels, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. The following two are what we recommend, but again, there are a number of great choices to fit your own particular preferences.

Little Creek RV Park

Located about 10 minutes outside Ruidoso, the large, pull-through, full hook-up RV sites and the forested Sacramento Mountains that surround the park make this a great option for both short-term and even long-term stays. If you do want to stay for more than a few days, ask about weekly or even monthly pricing, as you’ll score increasingly better deals.

Free Camping/Boondocking In The Lincoln National Forest

Ruidoso is more or less surrounded by the Lincoln National Forest, so that means, there are plenty of free camping/boondocking spots. Again, if you check out FreeRoam ( iOS , Android ), you’ll be off to the races in finding a free spot to camp.

Cedar Creek Campground

If you prefer a few facilities, consider the Cedar Creek Campground . While they only offer group sites, at the time of writing, the non-electric group site here is US$25/night, and even an electric site starts at US$60/night. So, if you’re caravaning on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, you’ll easily be able to get the cost down on this already affordable option.

An Old Classic Ruidoso Eatery

For a delicious but no-frills taco experience, check out Ole Taco. At this small, family-owned, and very affordable restaurant, in addition to their tacos, their enchiladas, chimichangas as well as rice and beans are items you ought to try!

Hall Of Flame Burgers

Sometimes we get a hankering for a burger. If that happens to you while you’re in Ruidoso, head on over to Hall Of Flame Burgers. And of course, since you’re in New Mexico, and you’d be missing out if you don’t eat Green Chili at every moment possible (just joking) make sure to try their Hatch Burger!

Carrizozo 

While Carrizozo isn’t a bustling metropolis, and in fact is actually quite a tiny town, it still deserves mention on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary as it’s home to Valley Of Fires Recreation Area and is quite nearby to the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, both places that each deserve a day, or maybe two, of exploring.

Things To Do In Carrizozo

Valley of fires recreation area.

Not to be confused with Valley Of Fire State Park in Nevada , Valley Of Fires Recreation Area in New Mexico is regarded among many experts as one of the youngest lava flows in the continental Unites States. The Malpais Lava Flow is literally right next to the Valley Of Fires Recreation Area (you can walk from the recreation area to the lava flow in about 30 seconds) and is definitely worth checking out. You can also camp here, as you’ll see below.

This approximately 5,000-year-old lava flow, which of course has now hardened into what looks like basaltic-fudge-ripples, is a place where you can get up close and personal with this geologic event. We definitely think Valley of Fires is worth some time on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

More specifically, the BLM has built an approximately 1 mi (1.6 km) paved boardwalk – The Malpais Nature Trail – that will allow you to circumnavigate the lava field itself. The numbered stations along the route will help you gain an in-depth understanding of this unique and scenic spot.

Three Rivers Petroglyph Site

The Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is one of the only places in the American Southwest that has exclusively been protected due to the presence and concentration of petroglyphs. With glyphs that are dated from 400 to 1450 AD, you’ll be able to see first-hand some of the symbology of the Jornada Mogollon people that carved these long ago.

It’s also one of the few places in the American Southwest where you can literally walk amongst the approximately 21,000 glyphs that blanket this approximately 50 acres of New Mexico’s Chihuahuan Desert. During your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, we suggest you set aside at least a half-day to check out this stunning site.

Petroglyphs vs. Hieroglyphs

As an aside, don’t confuse petroglyphs with hieroglyphs. To oversimplify, petroglyphs are images carved into rocks that represent the advanced religions, cultures, and societies that surrounded this area. Hieroglyphs on the other hand are most commonly associated with Egyptian culture and are a collection of pictures that often represent words and form the basis of a complex writing system. Distilled, petroglyphs are stand-alone symbols, and hieroglyphs are pictures that represent words and are used as the basis of a writing system.

Where To Stay In Carrizozo

There are not too many places to stay in Carrizozo if you’re looking for a hotel, so we recommend you camp while you’re in this area.

We stayed at Valley Of Fires for a handful of nights, and we were very pleased with our stay. As a BLM recreation area, the price was right (as it typically is in BLM, Forest Service, and National Recreation Areas), the facilities were well maintained, and the location was perfect for exploring both the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site and of course the Valley Of Fires.

Unfortunately, there aren’t too many free camping/boondocking spots in/around Carrizozo.

An Old Classic Carrizozo Eatery

Four winds restaurant.

Serving authentic Mexican food as well as some classic American diner food since the 1940s, the Four Winds Restaurant has certainly proven it serves tasty foods worth trying. Hopefully, while you’re dining on one of their many delicious dishes (such as the Chiles Relleno Plate) the restaurant won’t be destroyed by an airplane crash as was the case in the 1950s when the entire place had to be rebuilt.

Truth Or Consequences

If you’re wondering about the name, so were we. However, we soon discovered that back in the 1940s, TV producer Ralph Edwards emceed a game show called Truth or Consequences , and he set out to find a town that would change its name to match his show. While only a few municipalities actually applied, tiny Hot Springs, New Mexico was chosen, and the name has forever since been changed.

In brief, Truth Or Consequences is most well known for its hot springs and the nearby Elephant Butte Lake State Park, but it’s also home to a quirky retro movie theatre as well as the New Mexico Old Time Fiddlers Playhouse.

NOTE : Most of the hot springs only allow children 12 years and older, so if you’re doing this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids who are under that age, they’ll unfortunately not be able to take a dip.

Things To Do In Truth Or Consequences

Various hot spring pools.

There are many hot springs to enjoy in Truth Or Consequences. Each bath house has its own style and vibe, so consider a hot spring hop to get a feel for a few! The Riverbend Hot Springs explicitly allows for kids 12+, so it’ll be a good choice if you’re traveling with older kids. It’s also a treat of a place to stay, and we’ll go into that below.

Elephant Butte Lake State Park

If you’re looking for a beach experience in the middle of otherwise hot and dry New Mexico, you’ll want to check out Elephant Butte Lake State Park – New Mexico’s largest state park and largest reservoir.

With just about 36,000 acres of the reservoir to explore, if you like boating, fishing, camping, relaxing on a sandy beach, hiking or simply connecting with nature, you’ll definitely want to spend some time at Elephant Butte.

Random fact: North Dakota’s Lake Sakakawea – another one of our favorite spots – is 300,000 acres! So if large freshwater bodies and all they offer for recreation is your thing, you should definitely consider a trip to North Dakota!

El Cortez Movie Theater

While an old-fashioned movie night likely isn’t going to be an appealing experience for folks with little kids, if you’re doing this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids who can sit through an entire movie, you’ll want to consider catching a movie at the 1930s style El Cortez Movie Theatre.

New Mexico Old Time Fiddlers Playhouse

If you like to move and groove, and if you happen to be in Truth Or Consequences on a Saturday night between 7 and 9 PM, you should definitely check out the dance that the New Mexico Old Time Fiddlers Playhouse hosts.

Where To Stay In Truth Or Consequences

There are a number of places to stay in Truth Or Consequences . From high-end accommodations to more affordable options and even some super affordable New Mexico state park camping , you’ll have many choices of where to stay.

Elephant Butte State Park

At the time of writing, across the state of New Mexico, a tent site costs US$8/night, a site with water and electricity costs US$14/night, and a site with water, electricity and sewer costs US$18/night. Pretty sweet deal, huh? And, if you purchase a New Mexico State Park annual pass , those prices drop a bit.

Riverbend Hot Springs

While the Riverbend Hot Springs is quite a bit more expensive than the other accommodations we’ve included in this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary, it’s appealing for a few reasons. First, it allows kids 12+ to enjoy the on-site hot springs, and second, the price of your room/RV site includes access to their hot spring pools. Nevertheless, if you are traveling on the cheap, this will be a bit of a splurge.

An Old Classic Truth Or Consequences Eatery

Johnny b’s restaurant.

Although Jonny B’s Restaurant is a bit younger than A&B (it opened in 2015), it’s quickly become a local favorite. Any of their breakfast selections are rave-worthy, but they also make a mean chicken fried steak and even a Philly Cheesesteak that’s worth mentioning. And again, with prices that won’t hurt your wallet too much, you’ll be able to afford to eat here again and again.

A&B Drive-In

Serving the fine folks of Truth Or Consequences since 1994, if you’re in the market for a burger or Mexican food, and you’re also looking for amazing value, you’ll definitely want to grab a bite at A&B Drive-In. Renowned for its green chili cheeseburger, and also well-known for its chimichangas and fried mushrooms, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

While we normally go to a place because it has a balance between outdoorsy and active things to do as well as a cultural value and of course culinary spots too, for us, and for many others, Hatch, New Mexico is mostly about the food scene.

More pointedly, Hatch, New Mexico is the Mecca of Green Chili, and nearly the entire town revolves around both this dish and cultivating Sandilla Chilis , which they traditionally use in the dish. Make sure to save some time to check out Hatch on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

In a sentence, Green Chili is a soup made from a base of Sandilla Chilis (commonly known as “Hatch Green Chilis”) and pork shoulder. It’s cooked low and slow, so by the time you take your first bite, the shoulder will be buttery soft, the chili base will only be mildly spicy, and the slight hint of cumin and garlic will underscore all the other flavors in your mouth.

It’s common to put some shredded cheddar cheese, raw diced white onion, and minced cilantro on top of Green Chili. It’s typical to eat this dish by using a small piece of a fresh and warm flour tortilla as a little spoon and then doing your best to not drip on your shirt. It’s our bet that by the time you get to the bottom of your bowl, you’ll be feverishly craving your next one – or at the least, that’s been our experience.

Things To Do In Hatch

Hatch chili festival.

The Hatch Chili Festival happens every year in the fall right around the beginning of September. If you’re a Green Chili fanatic like we are, you might consider planning to do this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids in consideration of being able to attend this festival. Check the website for the most up-to-date information on the festival schedule.

West Hall Street – Buy Some Chilis

All around Hatch there are shops that sell dried and sometimes fresh fire-roasted chilis. In any case, walking along West Hall Street (the main street that cuts through Hatch’s “downtown”) you’ll see plenty of shops to choose from.

Village Market And Other Unique Grocery Stores

The grocery stores in Hatch sell lots of local chilis and chili products. You can stock up here if you’re not planning to return for a while. Or, if you come to love the Green Chili in Hatch so much that you plan to move to the area, you obviously won’t need to stock up. In particular, we like to browse through the Village Market. Therein you’ll also find great deals on high-quality cuts of meat.

Do A Self-Guided Green Chili Tour

Every person or restaurant that makes Green Chili has their own version of the recipe. Some are thicker than others. Some are spicier than others. Some include kidney beans. Others wouldn’t dare adulterate the delicate flavor of the Sandilla Chili with a bean, and the variations go on and on.

We suggest you head to a handful of different restaurants in town during your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, nearly all of which serve Green Chili, and try a few to figure out which recipe you like best. And, if you hit on something you think is really great, leave us a comment below , as we’re always keen to try new places!

Caballo Lake State Park

If after you’ve stuffed yourself on Green Chili you need to walk it all off a bit, consider checking out Caballo Lake State Park. Just about 30 miles north of Hatch, and set against the stunning Caballo Mountains, you can enjoy a full range of watersports, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, birding, biking, and of course, even some picnicking on take-out Green Chili from Hatch.

Where To Stay In Hatch

There are not too many places to stay in Hatch itself, but Caballo Lake State Park is nearby.

If you’ve made it this far in this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary, you know we LOVE the New Mexico State Park system. The parks themselves are always interesting and unique places to visit, and the campsites are always clean, well-maintained, and GREAT value. Caballo Lake State Park is no exception. So, if you need multiple days to fully sample the Green Chili in Hatch, we recommend you stay here.

Old Classic Hatch Eateries

B & e burritos.

One of the places we keep coming back to in Hatch is B&E burritos . Owners Willie and Esther have been serving their no-frills yet delicious Green-Chili-based fare since 1978. That’s a whole lot of Green Chili! At any restaurant in Hatch, we recommend you order an unadulterated bowl of Green Chili in order to truly taste the restaurant’s unique recipe. The same goes here for B&E. What you’ll find at B&E is that their Green Chili is quite thick, almost like a stew. And if you still have room after your purist bowl, we recommend you try their Green Chili burrito, as well as their fantastic rice and refried beans.

Valley Cafe

Opened in 2006, Valley Cafe also serves a bunch of delicious Green Chili based dishes. We recommend you go here because (a) their Green Chilis is fantastic, but also because (b) their recipe is quite different than B&E’s and serves as a tasty point of comparison. The Green Chili here is a bit thinner than B&E’s – almost like a soup – but is delicious in its own right. And again, if you have room after your bowl, consider trying their Green Chili Cheese Enchiladas.

Deming holds a special place in our hearts. It’s the place we began to hit our stride when we first transitioned into our full-time RVing lifestyle, and it’s also home to our favorite RV park in the country, or at least our favorite so far . And in addition to the sentimental value that Deming has to us, Deming is ideally located to access three bucket-list worthy state parks, a fascinating local history museum as well as a number of excellent sites for desert-rockhounding. Definitely make sure to stop in Deming for a while on your own Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

Things To Do In Deming

Rockhound state park.

Set in the jagged and craggy Little Florida Mountains, Rockhound State Park is ripe for hiking, wildflower identification, rockhounding (of course), and even some serene camping.

It’s a pretty small state park, but its beauty is abundant in just about every nook and cranny of the park. On the Thunderegg Trail it’s possible to find thundereggs , and on the Jasper Trail, surprise surprise, you’ll be likely to find a whole load of Jasper .

In addition to how geologically fascinating this area is, scenically it’s just stunning. The hiking terrain here isn’t super challenging, so we recommend you go here to luxuriate in the breathtaking beauty of this special area, and maybe even pack a picnic lunch too!

Spring Canyon Recreation Area

Also part of Rockhound State Park is the Spring Canyon Recreation Area . Here you’ll find a number of scenic picnic areas all of which have grills, so you could come here merely for a memorable cookout.

However, if you’re like us, when you see rugged mountains like the Little Florida’s, all you can think about is hiking.

There are two trails to choose from.

Spring Canyon Trail

One option is the rugged and steep Spring Canyon Trail. Not surprisingly, this approximately 1 mi (1.6 km) trail heads nearly straight uphill to the spring, so if you’re a beginner hiker, this trail is going to be a real challenge.

In any case, the trail weaves up the Spring Canyon the whole time, so don’t forget to turn around to see the spectacular views behind you.

Unfortunately, the spring itself isn’t much to look at, but if you have a trail filter , you’ll be able to safely drink some of this fresh mountain water.

Lover’s Leap Trail

The second option is the approximately 2.5 mi (4 km) round trip Lover’s Leap Trail. If you’re an intermediate/advanced hiker, and you only have time to hike one of the two trails in the Spring Canyon Recreation Area, we recommend you hike this one during your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

In essence, you’ll be snaking your way up Lover’s Leap Canyon, but instead of terminating at the relatively non-scenic Spring Canyon spring, this trail ends with expansive panoramic views of the entire Mimbres Valley .

City Of Rocks State Park

If you’re journeying on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids, and especially if your kids are 3+, you should make sure to save some time for City Of Rocks State Park.

Located about halfway between Silver City and Deming, you could do this en route to Silver City. In short, City Of Rocks is a 35 million-year-old volcanic rock column jungle gym, and it’ll keep your kiddos engaged for hours since the gentle bouldering options here are seemingly endless.

In addition to all the family-friendly bouldering, you’ll be able to do here, you can also camp here ( see below ), bike, hike, view wildlife, and at night do some fantastic stargazing! A no-brainer place to experience on your own Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

Make sure to check out the visitors center too, as there’s a good bit of hands-on stuff for kids, and also a number of free publications that provide interesting information about the area.

Deming Luna Mimbres Museum

One of the best ways to learn about Deming’s local history is to visit the Deming Luna Mimbres Museum. Dedicated to sharing the day-to-day lives of the people of Deming as well as those living in the larger Mimbres Valley, this non-profit museum is certainly worth a visit. In addition, admission is on a donation-only basis and supports the continuance of this valuable public resource.

Rockhounding

If you’ve never heard the term “rockhounding,” don’t worry, neither had we before we visited New Mexico. All it means is rock collecting. In any case, you can basically pick any random patch of desert in the Deming area (just make sure you’re not on private property), and in a matter of moments, we’ll almost guarantee you’ll find rocks that you’ll consider to be keepers. We think you’ll really love doing this on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

Some of our favorite rockhounding spots are spot 1, spot 2, and spot 3. In those spots keep an eye out for ruby red jasper, translucent orange carnelian, and even some translucent green or purple fluorite!

NOTE : It’s quite likely you’ll need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to access these spots. If there’s been any recent rain, the roads leading to these spots might be rutted out to the point where only a Jeep/high-clearance vehicle can safely pass.

Use your best judgment in accessing these spots, and if they seem too intense for your vehicle, TURN BACK. It won’t be fun to get your vehicle stuck in the middle of the desert, and it could be quite dangerous too.

If you didn’t already read our section on how to stay safe on this Southern New Mexico road trip, we suggest you take a moment to do so now.

Also, the phone service in the three spots we mentioned above is questionable at best, so if you haven’t already done so, we recommend you download the GuruMaps for offline navigation app.

Where To Stay In Deming

While there are a number of places to stay in Deming , if you’ve made it this far in our Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary, you’ll well know we LOVE our free boondocking/camping sites as well as the New Mexico State Parks. Below are a few of our favorite places to stay in/around Deming.

Hidden Valley Ranch RV Resort

Technically only a 55+ RV Park, we hesitate a bit to include this on our Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary, as we were lucky to be allowed to stay here. But…to make a long story short, the first time we stayed here, not realizing the 55+ detail, we booked over the phone, told them there would be 4-people in our party, and only once we had arrived at the office to check in did they realize (a) we are not over 55 and (b) that two of the people in our party were our kids! Taking a bit of pity on us, they allowed us to say, and ever since, we’ve been welcomed back.

If you’re over 55, we HIGHLY recommend you stay here. This remote desert RV park is scenic, affordable, and feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere, yet, you’ll have all the comforts of a full-hookup RV park.

If you’re under 55 we suggest you give them a call and see if they might allow you to do a short-term stay on a bit of a trial basis, and the same goes if you have very young kids.

The owners, Shannon and Jolene, told us their main concern is that the long-term residents have in the past been disturbed by kids running all over the park on their own. So, if your kids are too young to be left unattended, you’ll likely have a better chance of being allowed to stay here. If you have tweens/teens, it’s likely they won’t grant you an exception.

Again, as a New Mexico State Park, the price here to camp is certainly affordable, and the bathrooms as well as hot showers certainly add to the value of this experience. In addition, the campsites at City Of Rocks State Park are literally nestled in between the massive volcanic rock columns that are the main feature of this park, so camping here is quite a unique experience whether you’re on an extended Southern New Mexico road trip with kids or even just out for a weekend.

NOTE : If you’re bringing your RV here, make sure to check the length of the site you’re reserving. Some are quite small, and the largest is around 40 feet in length.

Another great place to stay in the Deming area is Rockhound State Park . By camping here, you’ll be able to watch sunsets and sunrises while being fully immersed in the Little Florida Mountains, and if you do choose to camp here, you’ll be able to be the first one on the hiking trails both here and at the nearby Spring Canyon Recreation Area.

Old Classic Deming Eateries

Tacos mirasol.

It’s no surprise that you’ll be able to tuck into some delicious tacos at Tacos Mirasol in Deming, and you’ll be able to do so at a very affordable price. We suggest you try the carne asada tacos, any of their burritos, and their carne asada tortas too!

3 Questions Coffee Shop And Living Harvest Bakery

We’ve put the Three Questions Cafe And Living Harvest Bakery in the Deming section, but it’s actually a place you’ll most conveniently be able to enjoy if you take a bit of a roundabout route to Silver City , as it’s located in San Lorenzo, NM. In any case, it’s well worth a visit on your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

The quaint family-owned and operated bakery has been in operation since 1996, and the cafe has been open since 2012.

Even though it’s a bit of a detour if you’re starting in Deming and heading to Silver City, we think it’s worth mentioning because the food and baked goods here are EXCELLENT (we highly recommend the cinnamon rolls), and because every Tuesday through Saturday from 7 AM-Noon the owner Amy puts out a large breakfast buffet, and the price is whatever you are able to donate. So, you can have a tasty meal, support a local business and then make your way to Silver City!

Silver City

We thought we’d make the last stop on this Southern New Mexico road trip with kids an action-packed one, as Silver City, New Mexico, gateway to the Gila (pronounced HEE-luh ) Wilderness is chock full of memorable and engaging experiences.

From casually strolling through the historic downtown to appreciate this mining town’s earlier days (it’s still home to the largest pit mines in the world) to enjoying a number of family-friendly hikes that are just minutes from town, you’ll have plenty to experience.

Further, there are other hikes and historic sites (Billy The Kid spent much of his childhood in Silver City) that are a bit more far-flung, and of course, there are a number of local and affordable eateries you’ll not want to miss.

In sum, you’ll have no trouble filling your days here, and in fact, you may have to save some of these experiences for the next time you visit Silver City.

Things To Do In Silver City

Boston hill open space.

Taking a hike or mountain bike ride in the family-friendly Boston Hill Open Space , which used to be an old mine, is a great way to kick off your time in Silver City.

The hill is right in the backyard of the downtown, so you’ll get a great view of the city and beyond. There are a number of ways to access the hill, so choose the one you find most convenient. We started from the Cooper Street Trailhead , but there is also the Cheyenne Street Trailhead , and the Spring Street Trailhead to name a few.

If you can get up here for sunset, it’s certainly an experience you’ll always remember from your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

Dragonfly Loop Trail

Another family-friendly and scenic hike is the 3.3 mi (5.3 km) Dragonfly Loop trail that begins right off Elias Road. Keep an eye out for the petroglyphs about 2 miles from the trailhead, and if you’re here in the spring/early summer, keep an eye out for the many dragonflies that are endemic to this area. As an aside, you can also bike and ride horses on this trail.

If you’re keen to get your sweat on a bit and also experience some breathtaking and expansive views, consider hiking to the top of Gomez Peak. Starting from the Gomez Peak Day Use Area you’ll take the Pinion-Loop Trail to the Angel-Loop Trail to the Gomez Peak Trail.

Continental Divide Trail

In the course of your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids you’ll certainly not have time to hike the entire 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail, but since it goes right through Silver City, why not do a small section hike? It’s scenic, easy terrain, and could inspire you and your family to try a thru-hike someday !

Historic Downtown And Riverwalk

The entire historic downtown of Silver City is well worth a good stroll. The eclectic collection of shops ranges from outdoor gear shops to thrift stores, to the interestingly stocked Silver City Food Co-op (which carries our favorite granola bars – Taos Bakes ), and many more.

The two main streets we suggest you wander down are North Bullard Street and North Texas Street. And once you’ve had enough of those, we recommend you stroll along the river walk that parallels both of those on the east. And make sure to read the mural along the riverwalk, as it’ll teach you a good bit about the city’s history.

If after all this walking and window shopping you’ve worked up an appetite, there are a number of great spots to eat right in the historic downtown, as well as others that are a bit off the main drag.

Stroll Around Western New Mexico University Campus

Another good place for a stroll is in and around the Western New Mexico University Campus, and in particular their small but beautiful gardens. And who knows, maybe you’ll like this quaint public university so much that you’ll consider applying to one of its many programs!

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

While the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is a 90-minute drive from Silver City, if you have even the slightest interest in archelogy and first-hand experiences of ancient cultures, we HIGHLY recommend you set aside some time to check out this spectacular site during your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids. (As an aside, if you find the drive a bit too much for a day trip from Silver City, consider staying at the Gila Hot Spring Ranch , a fantastic accommodation located about 10 minutes from the national monument.)

In short, a very long time ago groups of nomads took shelter in the many caves located high above the Gila River. And, while most of these folks were simply passing through, and thus were in the area on a temporary basis, in the late 1200s the Mogollon people (Southern Ancestral Pueblo), who had agricultural tendencies, posted up here for nearly 100 years.

During that time they constructed rooms up on the cliffs, made pottery, and raised nearly two generations of children. Then, in about 1300 they moved on due to a suspected drought. What they left behind, is what you’ll be able to experience today.

Gila Hot Springs

If you choose to venture to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, you’ll be right near some excellent hot springs. If you’re not planning to spend the night in the area , the Gila Hot Springs Campground offers day passes to its hot springs. Who wouldn’t like a nice hot spring soak during their Southern New Mexico road trip with kids?

Gila Catwalk Recreation Area

If you have decided to head all the way up to the Cliff Dwellings, you won’t want to miss the Gila Catwalk Recreation Area. This 0.5 mi (0.8 km) bridge has been built right into the wall of the Whitewater Canyon, so it’ll allow you to get up close and personal with this beautiful natural feature. As an aside, it’s handicapped-accessible, so it’s certainly something everyone can enjoy.

Where To Stay In Silver City

There are a plethora of places to stay in Silver City , so you’ll have many options to choose from.

Rose Valley RV Ranch

The Rose Val ley RV Ranch offers both RV spots as well as casitas (little cabins), so even if you’re not doing this Southern New Mexico road trip in an RV, you could certainly enjoy a stay here.

The park is just about a 6-minute drive from the historic downtown, so you’ll have easy access to that area at a fraction of the price of staying right downtown.

The entire park is tastefully full of trees and shrubs, so each site has quite a bit of privacy. The facilities are clean and well-maintained and even include a 0.5 mi (0.8 km) nature trail.

Gila Hot Springs Ranch

The Gila Hot Springs Ranch is not located in Silver City, but we wanted to include it because it’s near the Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument, and if you do choose to stay in that area, we thought this would help.

This small family-owned and operated ranch has an on-site hot spring jacuzzi, RV sites, tent sites, and even a few self-catered apartments.

NOTE : If you do decide to stay here, make sure you stock up on all your groceries/supplies in Silver City, as there aren’t many options up in this area.

Old Classic Silver City Eateries

Adobe springs cafe .

If you chat with the locals in Silver City, they’ll likely tell you to try the tasty creations at the Adobe Springs Cafe . Given that it’s been serving the Silver City community for just about 25 years, we were eager to try what the locals have been loving for all that time. Of the many items to try, including their huevos rancheros and fried zucchini, if you have a titanic appetite, we recommend the El Fuego burger.

Diane’s Bakery And Deli

If you’re looking for something you can eat while you walk around the historic downtown , consider grabbing a sandwich and maybe even a cookie or two from Diane’s Bakery And Deli during your Southern New Mexico road trip with kids.

Fidencio’s Mexican Food

Located about 5-minutes away from the historic downtown area, Fidencio’s Mexican Food has been serving the folks of Silver City for over 30 years, so you can rest assured what they have to offer is delicious.

This no-frills burrito shack certainly did not disappoint us in both taste and value. We recommend the California burrito, but we’ve also heard that the carne asada burrito (if they haven’t sold out by the time you get there) is also a must-eat item! As an aside, the only seating here is outdoors and under a small carport-type thing, so if it’s chilly or wet, plan accordingly.

Grinder Mill

Care for some no-nonsense Mexican food, check out the Grinder Mill . Located right near the university , you could stroll around campus, and then eat here. Best known for its Menudo, chili, and tamales, this hole-in-the-wall eatery has been serving the university students and staff for ages, so you know it’ll be good!

Our Itinerary Route Map

Conclusion – Southern New Mexico Road Trip With Kids

If you’ve made it this far in our Southern New Mexico road trip with kids itinerary, we say, “Congratulations!” We realize that there is a TON of information in this itinerary, but again, we’re always aware that the more we experience, the more we know we haven’t experienced.

As we continue to explore Southern New Mexico, we’ll update this accordingly. And more importantly, if you have suggestions for what we might add to this guide (or maybe even subtract), leave us a comment below, and in the meantime, happy road-tripping!

+++BEFORE using this information, please read our Legal Disclaimer.+++

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The Best of New Mexico

A tour through New Mexico is one of our favorite road trips in the country, and this 10-day loop starting and ending in Albuquerque will hit many of the state’s top attractions.

Make sure to check the status of the states, regions, and establishments in which you’re planning to visit prior to travel. Many regions continue to see high infection rates and deaths, while many states and counties remain under varying stay-at-home orders. Those traveling from areas with high rates of Covid-19 should consider avoiding travel for now in order to reduce spread.

At A Glance

You’ll be amazed by the diverse natural wonders in New Mexico, from underground caves to volcano-formed calderas, from odd rock formations to mineral-rich, natural hot springs. “Surf” down glistening white sand dunes. ... Read More

History and culture are also rich here, as you visit important sites like the Gila Cliff Dwellings and the Bandelier National Monument. This road trip offers a variety of experiences, from fine foodie dining to quirky diners, and it pays special attention to New Mexico’s art offerings. Immerse yourself in Georgia O’Keeffe’s artwork, gallery hop in Santa Fe and find inspiration around every corner. Read Less

Explore All Road Trips

Albuquerque to Roswell

Roswell to Ruidoso

Ruidoso to Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns to Las Cruces

Las Cruces to Gila Cliff Dwellings

Gila Cliff Dwellings to Truth or Consequences

Truth or Consequences to Santa Fe

Santa Fe to Bandelier National Monument

Bandelier National Monument to Taos

Taos to Albuquerque

The itinerary.

Albuquerque to Roswell, New Mexico

Town: The Blue Hole of Santa Rosa is a natural wonder that seems to appear like a mirage in the New Mexico desert. This crystal-clear blue natural swimming pool is shockingly deep, boasting mysterious underground caves.

Eat & Drink: Get a taste of the historic Route 66 at the Silver Moon Cafe , an old-school joint founded in the ’50s that feels like a step back in time.

Nature: If New Mexico’s dry conditions have you craving more water in Santa Rosa, head to the Santa Rosa Lake State Park. Here, you can go swimming, water skiing and boating; camp overnight if you want to extend the trip.

Do: Roswell, New Mexico, boasts its own zoo, a museum of contemporary art and another art museum that centers on Southwestern work, but really, this city is famous for a supposed UFO crash here in the ’40s. Learn more about it and tickle your supernatural curiosity at the International UFO Museum and Research Center and the UFO Spacewalk museum.

Eat & Drink: Farley’s Pub , a local chain, is adorned with sci-fi decor (such as posters and a wall of supernatural “heads”) and serves casual wood-fired pizza, burgers and ribs. The real draw here is the novelty more than the culinary expertise.

Stay: Skip the chains and stay in a stunning, local B&B. The Clary Sage Bed and Breakfast , in a 1914 California Mission-style mansion, is an elegant escape, while still being walking distance to downtown and dozens of restaurants.

Breakfast: Beyond breakfast at the Clary Sage, the Cowboy Cafe plays into the town’s extraterrestrial reputation with the Alien Omelette: ham, cheese and green chili, smothered in “Roswell Sauce” and topped with a sunny-side up egg.

Roswell to Ruidoso, New Mexico

Town: White Sands is named for its jaw-dropping (you guessed it) white sand dunes, comprised of shimmering, rare white gypsum — the world’s biggest gypsum dunefield. Hike through the dunes, go sand sledding on special saucers or take photos of this majestic site in an eight-mile scenic drive.

Eat & Drink: There are no restaurants in the national park, but nearby Alamogordo is home to authentic and filling Mexican food at CJ’s Si Senor Restaurant . It doesn’t get much better than a mid-day marg after surfing the sand dunes.

Do: Ruidoso, New Mexico, is an outdoor-lover’s paradise, with the nearby Ski Apache resort and Lincoln National Forest, packed with trails and waterfalls. History comes to life here, too, with 19th-century buildings and an old church.

Eat & Drink: Casa Blanca Restaurant and Bar is known for its mouthwatering fried green chili strips and red chile enchiladas. This local gem has roots back in the ’50s, when it started out of a private residence.

Stay: Immerse yourself in the mountain life by staying in a cabin; the area has many to choose from. The luxurious Ruidoso Mountain View Cabins stand out for their views and location in the heart of the city, while still maintaining peace and privacy.

Breakfast: For giant portions in an intimate spot with a patio overlooking the river, locals love Tina’s Cafe . We’re talking a cinnamon roll with bacon crumbles and maple icing, breakfast tacos stuffed with eggs and a green chile chicken puff pastry with green chile cream sauce.

Ruidoso to Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

Do: The Carlsbad Caverns National Park will awe you with more than 119 caves lined with stalactites; when the sun goes down, you can see thousands of bats fly back into the caves. This is part of one of the best-preserved, exposed fossil reefs in the world, dating back to the Permian age.

Eat & Drink: The Yellow Brix Restaurant in Carlsbad serves fresh food all day (from sandwiches to salmon, prime rib and margarita chicken) in a historic yellow-brick house built in the ’20s.

Stay: You can’t stay in the park, so most visitors make Carlsbad (20 miles away) their home base. Stay in Fiddler’s Inn , a country-style, family-run guesthouse in a century-old home (complete with a lovely garden and hot tub).

Breakfast: Breakfast is included in your stay at the Fiddler’s Inn.

Carlsbad Caverns to Las Cruces, New Mexico

Detour: El Paso is a quick, 10-minute detour; this unique city is the intersection of two different countries (U.S. and Mexico) and three states (Texas, New Mexico and Chihuahua). Visit the Mission Ysleta church, established in 1681 by Spanish refugees.

Do: Las Cruces has jaw-dropping scenery, a rich culture, history and outdoor adventure. Don’t miss the Branigan Cultural Center , with a fascinating history display and rotating exhibits, housed in a 1935 Pueblo Revival building.

Eat & Drink: Enjoy craft beer with a view over the Mesilla Valley at the Pecan Grill and Brewery in Las Cruces. For dinner, try steak, chicken or a burger grilled over pecan wood; in New Mexico style, always smother in green chile.

Stay: The Aguirre Spring Campground, perched high in the Organ Mountains, is the place to crash in Las Cruces. Campers get views of the Tularosa Basin and White Sands National Monument.

Breakfast: Start the day with coconut French toast, pound cake French toast, cinnamon apple pecan croissant French toast, a cinnamon roll pancake or another unique dish on the patio at The Shed of Las Cruces. This from-scratch menu always surprises.

Las Cruces to Gila Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico

Photo Op: Stop in Mimbres, New Mexico, near mile marker 4, to visit a world-famous archaeological site. Explore 1,000-year-old ruins of the Mimbres people at the Mimbres Culture Heritage Site , as well as 19-century buildings.

Do: The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument , in the Gila National Forest, are mysterious, ancient Mogollon caves high above the canyon floor dating back to the late 1200s and early 1300s. See artifacts, hike around the monument and learn about the Mogollon, wilderness and region in the museum.

Eat & Drink: Enjoy farm-to-table fare on the patio at Revel in nearby Silver City, New Mexico. The casual restaurant is right downtown and serves from-scratch comfort food with locally sourced ingredients, like a braised pork belly sandwich with red chile peanut sauce or the Gila River Ranch lamb ragu.

Stay: You can find a handful of lodging near the national forest, but a fun choice is to stay at the rustic Gila Hot Springs and Campground in Silver City. Relax in the natural hot springs, surrounded by the Gila Wilderness, just four miles from the national monument.

Breakfast: Diane’s Restaurant , a small bakery run by an award-winning chef, features more than 20 different types of bread, European pastries and more.

Gila Cliff Dwellings to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

Town: Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is famous for the dramatic migration of sandhill cranes in the fall. These 30,000 acres between the Chupadera and San Pascual mountains are an important stop for all kinds of other birds year-round, too.

Do: Truth or Consequences is home to naturally occurring, mineral-filled hot springs pools, filled from an ancient rift in the Rio Grande. These thermal springs are some of the most mineral-rich in the country and are touted for their health benefits (not to mention a soothing break on a long road trip).

Eat & Drink: Accentuate your healthy stop with fresh Asian-fusion food at Latitude 33 . In addition to various salads (look for the Thai BBQ salad), the menu spans curry, spring rolls and vegan burgers.

Stay: The Sierra Grande Lodge and Spa stands out for offering a full-service spa built above geothermal springs; a private indoor and outdoor hot springs; locally crafted, organic skin care in each room; and optional adventurous experiences, like a hot air balloon ride or day trips.

Breakfast: The lodge’s hot breakfast is included in your stay.

Truth or Consequences to Santa Fe, New Mexico

Do: Santa Fe is an art and culture paradise. Stroll through the historic downtown and central plaza and take time to pop into the many art galleries, museums (don’t miss the New Mexico Museum of Art ) and creative shops lining crooked streets and between historical landmarks.

Eat & Drink: Santa Fe’s foodie scene is as great as its art offerings, but a classic is The Shed in an ancient adobe building downtown and a local fave since the 1950s. You must try the locally grown red chile on enchiladas with a (strong) marg.

Stay: The Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi is ideally located right on the Plaza (assuming you want to be in the heart of the action). This high-end, boutique hotel features incredible artwork throughout and top-notch service.

Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast rellenos on the patio at the Tune-Up Cafe and brunch on the weekends.

Santa Fe to Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico

Town: The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is a unique series of cone-shaped rock formations (that you could say resemble tents, hence the name) formed by volcanic eruptions 6 to 7 million years ago.

Detour: The Valles Caldera is another natural wonder caused by a volcanic eruption. This one’s a 13-mile wide circular depression in the Jemez Mountains.

Do: At the Bandelier National Monument , see the preserved homes of Ancestral Puebloans. A hike along the main loop should take about an hour and a half, and you can add on additional trails for a deeper immersion in the history and scenery.

Eat & Drink: Fill up with a farm-to-table dish, like a bacon-wrapped filet or artisan salad, at a local favorite, the Blue Window Bistro in nearby Los Alamos. Don’t let its unpretentious location in a shopping center fool you; Blue Window has been successful for more than 40 years for a reason.

Stay: While there’s no lodging in the national monument, the North Road Inn in Los Alamos is about 15 miles away. This small and simple bed-and-breakfast has been locally run for nearly two decades.

Breakfast: A made-to-order breakfast made with local produce comes with your stay at the inn.

Bandelier National Monument to Taos, New Mexico

Town: Abiquiu is where you can tour the former home and studio of artist Georgia O’Keeffe . Then visit the Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Center, where you can take additional O’Keeffe tours across the landscape she painted when she visited here.

Shops: Find all things O’Keeffe (and more) at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Store .

Do: Taos provides a slow and scenic escape bursting with art, outdoor activities and nature (and skiing in the winter). While here, pay tribute to the Taos Pueblo, the biggest group of multistory pueblo dwellings in the country.

Eat & Drink: Enjoy a charming meal at Love Apple , a farm-to-table restaurant housed in a former chapel. Tables are limited, but if you can land one, order the sweet-corn tamales with red-chile mole.

Stay: This B&B is a bit out of the action, but you’ll appreciate the peaceful atmosphere at the Adobe and Pines Inn . The details here add up: Native American artifacts, mountain views, a historic adobe building, kiva fireplaces and stunning gardens.

Breakfast: The Farmhouse Cafe and Bakery serves tasty huevos rancheros and freshly baked cinnamon rolls with a spectacular view.

Taos to Albuquerque, New Mexico

Do: Albuquerque is adventure-packed, from the Rio Grande to vibrant art galleries. One surprise is the Turquoise Museum , where you can see some of the world’s rarest pieces of turquoise and learn all about the stone—in a mysterious Gothic castle that seems so out of place in this Southwestern city.

Eat & Drink: The Standard Diner is an old gas station on Route 66 converted into a modern diner. Comfort food is king here, from the bacon-wrapped meatloaf to the cabinet of pies.

Stay: A newer gem in Albuquerque is the chic and luxurious Hotel Chaco right in Old Town, with a rooftop restaurant and bar, outdoor pool and spacious rooms. It’s located across from the new, hip Sawmill District, New Mexico’s first food hall.

Breakfast: The Grove Cafe and Market is all about supporting local farmers and products. Try avocado toast outside on the enclosed patio in this colorful, popular restaurant.

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Would there be any concerns with a low clearance vehicle doing this road trip (any rough dirt roads?)?

• Homeroom Travel

7 Days in New Mexico: A Perfect One Week Itinerary

• May 19, 2021

New Mexico is a hidden gem of the Southwest and a great place to take a road trip. Full of hiking, outdoor wonders, and Native American sacred sites, you can easily spend 7 days in New Mexico. This one week New Mexico itinerary will stop you at some of the best sites and cities in New Mexico. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no cost to you!

TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best New Mexico hotels here !

Table of Contents

History of New Mexico

The first known people who lived in New Mexico were the Paleo Indians and the Pueblo People. From 1540-1542, the Spanish began exploring the area. The capital of Santa Fe was founded in 1610. The Mexican War of Independence in 1821 brought about the independence of New Mexico and grew to a population of over 25,000 people. 

In 1846, the Mexican-American War and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo brought New Mexico into the United States as a territory. However, New Mexico was not admitted into the United States as a state until 1912, when it became the 47th state. 

Best Time to Visit New Mexico

The best time to spend 7 days in New Mexico is in October when the balloon fiesta takes place. The weather is also perfect then. Summers in New Mexico can be quite hot, so I would not visit during that time. Also keep in mind that winters can be a bit chilly, so do not visit in the winter months if you do not like the cold. 

How to Get to New Mexico

Albuquerque contains the largest airport in New Mexico and is the most convenient to fly into. You can get flights into Albuquerque from many major cities all over the United States. Flights from Los Angeles can sometimes be found for under $200 round trip. You will need a rental car to get around when spending one week in New Mexico. Opt to rent a car from Autoslash to find the best price. 

7 Day New Mexico Itinerary

Day 1: home to albuquerque to alamogordo, new mexico.

Drive Time: 3 hours, 6 minutes

Hotel: Hampton Inn Alamogordo

To start your 7 days in New Mexico, fly into Albuquerque and pick up your rental car. If possible, I recommend that you fly in the night before and spend the night in Albuquerque.This way, you can spend the morning exploring what Albuquerque has to offer before heading to Alamogordo. 

If visiting in October, make sure to check out the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. This annual event will be the highlight of your 7 days in New Mexico. You will need to arrive at the fiesta grounds very early in the morning before dawn. Once sunrise begins, the sky will fill with balloons lifting off. There are usually about 500 balloons part of the fiesta each year. It costs $10 to attend this event. 

Afterwards, head to Sandia Peak to take the tram up to the top of the peak (about 10,378 feet). If you are lucky, you will still see balloons flying over Albuquerque. Spend some time wandering around the top before heading back down. 

Finally, depart Albuquerque for Alamorgordo. This is about a 3 hour drive. Along the way, make sure to take a rest stop at PistachioLand, home of the World’s Largest Pistachio. 

Day 2: White Sands National Park to Carlsbad, New Mexico

Drive Time: 3 hours, 17 minutes

Costs: $25/car or free with the America the Beautiful Pass

Hotel: Home2Suites Carlsbad

Today, spend the day exploring White Sands National Park . It will take 17 minutes to drive from Alamogordo to White Sands. White Sands National Park is composed of 145,762 acres of white sand made of gypsum crystals, thus giving it its white appearance. It became a National Monument in 1933, and a National Park in 2019. You can’t miss a stop here when spending 7 days in New Mexico. 

Start the day by hiking the Alkali Flats Trail, a 5-mile loop trail up and down the white sand dunes. Note that this is a very strenuous hike and it will be a workout! Make sure to bring plenty of water and dress appropriately. This is also the best place in the park for pictures. 

If a 5 mile hike is not your jam, you can opt to hike the 1-mile Dune Life Nature Trail instead. In this hike, you only have to climb two sand dunes. You could also opt to take the 2-mile Backcountry Camping Trail as well. 

After spending the morning hiking, grab a sled to sled down some of the infinite amount of sand dunes in the park. You can bring your own or buy one from the Visitor’s Center upon arrival. 

Then, head out to the Interdune Boardwalk for some more glimpses of the sand dunes before heading on a 3-hour drive to Carlsbad, New Mexico.  

Day 3: Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Drive Time: 25 minutes each way

Costs: $15/person or free for 4 people with the America the Beautiful Pass. 

Today, head to Carlsbad Caverns National Park , another unique National Park and a perfect addition to 7 days in New Mexico. These caverns were discovered in 1898 when a young teenager stumbled upon the caverns. It became a National Monument in 1923 and a National Park in 1930. About 400,000 people visit this park a year. 

Visitors can opt to take an elevator into the caverns, or hike the 1.25 mile Natural Entrance inside. I highly recommend hiking the Natural Entrance as you will see more of the caverns this way as well as walk into the cool entrance. 

A series of switchbacks takes you 750 feet into the cave known as Devil’s Den. From there, you will pass by a series of features such as Devil’s Spring, Green Lake Overlook, the Boneyard, and Iceberg Rock. Finally, you will arrive in the Big Room, the main feature of the Caverns. 

The Big Room is a 8.2 acre room with tons of natural features and the largest room of the caverns. The 1.25-mile Big Room Route loop takes you past features such as the Bottomless Pit, Giant Dome, Rock of Ages, and the Painted Grotto.

In the evenings from mid-May to October, make sure to catch the Bat Flight program where you can watch the bats fly into the night out of the cave. 

If you have extra time after the caverns or want to spend another day in Carlsbad, you can head to Guadalupe Mountains National Park . This park is located about 30 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Western Texas and is a great addition to 7 days in New Mexico.

Day 4: Carlsbad to Roswell to Santa Fe, New Mexico

Drive Time: 4.5 hours

Costs: $15 for museums

Hotel: Hampton Inn, Santa Fe South

Today, head from Carlsbad to Santa Fe. Along the way stop in the kitchy alien town of Roswell , a unique stop when spending 7 days in New Mexico. It will take about an hour and 15 minutes to get to Roswell from Carlsbad. Start the day by stopping at the “Welcome to Roswell” sign as you drive into the city. This will be your first sign of alien life. 

Next, grab some coffee from Stellar Coffee Company to kick start your morning. Take a stroll around downtown as you enjoy your beverage. Keep an eye out for aliens! Then, head to the UFO museum to learn about the history of aliens. This museum costs $5 and will take you about an hour to walk through. 

After the UFO museum, head to Pecos Flavors Winery and Bistro for lunch. Here you can try some local wines or brews while grabbing a delicious and inexpensive meal. Then stop at the “Flying Saucer” McDonalds to check out a McDonalds that is like a spaceship. 

This afternoon, opt to visit one of the local art museums. The Roswell Museum and Art Center focuses on Southwest art and history. It costs $10 to get in and you will spend an hour or two wandering through the exhibits. The other option in the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art. This museum is free to get into. It contains 12 galleries and 500 pieces of art. 

If you have time, you can also opt to visit the Roswell Spacewalk, an immersive art exhibit that makes you feel as if you are walking through space. Nearby is also the Bottomless Lakes State Park where you can hike, kayak, canoe, swim, or just relax on the shores of the lake. 

Once you have spent the day in Roswell, continue driving to Santa Fe. It will take about three hours to drive from Roswell to Santa Fe.

Day 5: Santa Fe

Drive Time: Local Driving

Costs: $17-$25 and up

Today, spend the day exploring Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico. This city is a must add to a 7 day New Mexico itinerary. Although not as large as Albuquerque, there are still plenty of things to keep you busy for the day or more. Start your morning with a visit to the Loretto Chapel ($5 admission). This chapel is known for its infamous helix spiral staircase. 

Then, head over to Santa Fe Plaza to grab some lunch at one of the multitude of restaurants in the area. The Santa Fe Plaza is also popular for its historical and traditional-style buildings. It was once the gathering place of town and known as the “heart of Santa Fe.”

After lunch, opt to visit one of the many museums in Santa Fe. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the Museum of International Folk Art are two of the more popular choices. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum ($20 admission) is dedicated to the life of Georgia O’Keeffe and showcases some of her works. The Museum of International Folk Art ($12 admission) showcases various textiles, ceramics, and carvings from all over the world. 

Later, head to Canyon Road to check out the various architectural features and art galleries. This area is known as the arts district of Santa Fe. There are also a ton of dinner options in this area as well. 

Day 6: Santa Fe to Albuquerque, New Mexico 

Drive Time: 2-3 hours

Costs: $16-$25

Hotel: Hampton Inn Albuquerque Airport

A must when spending 7 days in New Mexico is a visit to a pueblo town. Today, opt to visit Taos or Acoma Pueblo.

If you opt to visit Taos Pueblo ($16/person), it is an hour and a half drive north of Santa Fe. Taos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited pueblos in the United States. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site. The Taos pueblo consists of 95,000 acres of tribal land and most of the area is kept pretty private. It is considered a very sacred and spiritual area to the Tiwa Native Americans. 

Acoma Pueblo is a 2 hour drive west of Santa Fe. It costs $25 to visit. This pueblo is made up of four villages: Sky City, Acomita, Anzac, and McCarthy. Visitors are able to wander around the pueblo area and see the various types of dwellings. There are also little shops with handcrafted goods. After your visit, you can also opt to walk down the cliffside. 

When visiting the pueblos, please remember to be respectful to the local residents and follow any rules. These areas are considered very special and sacred areas to the Native American groups. 

If you have more time, you can also opt to add in a trip to Mesa Verde National Park and the Four Corners monument. It is a 4-4.5 hour drive to Mesa Verde, so plan on having to add in a day or two to your trip.  

Day 7: Albuquerque

Drive Time: Local driving

Today, spend another day exploring the cheap things to do in Albuquerque . Start your day with breakfast at The Shop. This delicious American breakfast palace will keep you full and ensure you are fueled for the morning. Then head to Petroglyph National Monument. 

Petroglyph National Monument is the perfect place to spend a morning. This park is popular due to its 24,000 preserved petroglyphs carved by the Pueblo people. There are four sites you can visit: Boca Negra Canyon, Rinconada Canyon, Piedras Marcadas Canyon, and the Volcanic Day Use trails. I recommend the Piedras Marcadas Canyon trail. This 1.5-mile trail takes you past a ton of Petroglyphs and it is a relatively flat and easy hike. 

After viewing the Petroglyphs, head to Old Town Albuquerque. This is a great area to explore and grab a bite to eat. The main plaza has a ton of shops and restaurants. Then, head to one of the local wineries for wine tasting! I recommend Casa Rodena as it only costs $10 for a tasting and they have delicious wines. 

Finally, end your 7 days in New Mexico with dinner at Campo. Although a bit pricey, it is worth the splurge. It is located on a farm and many of the ingredients come from the farm or other local sources. They have a nice bar at the restaurant with tons of great cocktails. Make sure not to miss the charcuterie board. 

Day 8: Fly home from Albuquerque

Today, fly home from Albuquerque, or you can opt to fly home the evening of day 7. If you have more than 7 days in New Mexico, you should spend more time in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. You can also opt to pair it with one week in Arizona or head to Colorado. Mesa Verde National Park is only a 4 hour drive from Albuquerque.

Shaka Guide

Shaka Guide is a GPS self-guided audio tour that you can download to your phone. Currently, they have one for several of the National Parks. They provide great background information about the area. The best part is you do not need the internet to use them.

Interested in other road trip ideas?

Head to Arizona for some other amazing road trips. If you have even more time than 7 days in New Mexico, opt to head to California for a week or head to Utah to visit Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks.

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5 thoughts on “7 Days in New Mexico: A Perfect One Week Itinerary”

We have yet to explore New Mexico, but it looks like there is so much to do! The balloon fest is on our “list,” though I would love to visit the sand dunes as well!

Hi Francesca! We followed your route in New Mexico and had an amazing time. You pin pointed the most exciting places! We added a day in Taos and visited the historical plaza, the Earthships, and the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Thank you!

Yay! So glad you were able to use it and had the best time. Taos sounds like a great addition!

This looks like a fascinating trip! If you start with the balloon festival, do they send up balloons every day of the week, or only on certain days? Thank you.

During the fiesta time they have the balloons up every day! They will list it on the website which days you can buy tickets.

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Traveling around New Mexico is an opportunity to explore one of America’s most unique destinations. The connection to the land is clear, and kid-friendly activities abound, like whooshing down white sand dunes or hiking through aspen forests. This Southwestern state also retains a great deal of its indigenous culture, and children love the chance to experience this in a hands-on way, whether through art lessons, dance and folklore performances or bread-baking classes. New Mexico is one of the best locations in the world to try out a hot air balloon ride; indeed, this makes a fitting finale to a New Mexico vacation. We can recommend kid-friendly accommodations throughout the state, like well-located, family-oriented resorts and intimate luxury hotels that pamper beyond expectations.

Experience the Best of New Mexico with Kids

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Santa Fe, New Mexico: Family Travel Guide

What to do in Santa Fe

Santa Fe might be known for its many decidedly grown-up experiences like hearty, chile-laden cuisine and intriguing art galleries, but this bustling southwest city has plenty of activities kids will love as well, like climbing gyms, art classes and chocolate shops.

Where to go in Santa Fe

Parents and kids at the Museum of International Folk Art should head right to the whimsical Girard Wing, which is filled with toys, masks, textiles, dolls and figurines. Fun fact: With 100,000-plus items, the collection is so large that only a small percentage of it can be displayed at once. At the Santa Fe Climbing Center , families can begin with a climb in the gym and move on to a guided excursion amid the desert's cliffs and canyons. An easy drive from downtown, the Santa Fe Canyon Preserve , a former hydroelectric area, is home to birds, deer, bears and beavers. The loop walk is fairly short (1.5 miles) and flat, and offers views of the nearby foothills as it weaves past wildflowers and the remains of a Victorian-era dam.

Where to stay in Santa Fe

The Old Santa Fe Inn is just four blocks from the plaza and offers several styles of room configurations, including ones with two queen beds as well as deluxe suites, which have a separate bedroom and a sleeper sofa in the living room. The fireplaces in the suites are done in the traditional kiva (beehive-shaped) style, but are gas-powered so they're simple to light. The 500-plus-square-foot suites at the Villas de Santa Fe feel like mini apartments, with kitchens and separate bedrooms. Although the hotel is set in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, which gives it a relaxed vibe, downtown is just a short drive away (the hotel has a free shuttle). When they're not out exploring, guests can use the pool, two hot tubs, gym, game room and communal grills.

Where to eat in Santa Fe

The Shed has been serving Santa Fe diners since 1953 and has won dozens of culinary awards and accolades, including one from the distinguished James Beard Foundation, who named it "an American classic of timeless appeal." Its red chile enchiladas are its claim to fame, and the kids' menu is packed with locally inspired choices like tacos, burritos and quesadillas. At the Plaza Cafe Southside , the menu warns, "We cannot be responsible for chile that is too hot," and offers the chance to taste it first or order it on the side. Burgers (including the plant-based Impossible Burger), salads and sandwiches are available, but it's the breakfast menu that will win kids' hearts, with choices like blue corn pancakes with cinnamon syrup, or challah French toast with maple-mascarpone frosting.

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20 Charming Towns and Cities in New Mexico

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A member of the Southwest’s Four Corners states, New Mexico is one of the most captivating states in the United States. New Mexico is as historic a state as you’re ever likely to come across and features canyons, deserts, plains and mountains that were inhabited by people as early as 23,000 B.C. The cities in New Mexico are as delightful to explore as the state’s natural landscapes. 

Albuquerque is the state’s most populous city and its cultural and economic heartbeat, with tons of Spanish, Hispanic and Native American influences to experience all around the city. The state’s capital, Santa Fe, is the oldest state capital in the United States and is home to outstanding examples of adobe architecture and a vibrant arts scene. From the mysterious skies of Roswell to the ski slopes of Taos, New Mexico never ceases to amaze travellers with its raw beauty, melting pot of cultures and prehistoric past that can be experienced throughout America’s fifth-largest state.

1- Albuquerque

2- santa fe, 5- corrales, 7- farmington, 8- santa rosa, 9- alamogordo, 10- carlsbad, 11- las cruces, 13- los alamos, 14- silver city, 15- rio rancho, 16- ruidoso, 17- truth or consequences, 18- las vegas, 20- tucumcari, cities in new mexico.

20 New Mexico Cities To Discover

The largest city in New Mexico and very much the cultural and economic epicentre of the state, Albuquerque is a vibrant city that treats travellers to a healthy mix of old and new attractions, landmarks and architecture.

Albuquerque was founded back in 1706 by then Nuevo México governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdés, who promptly named the newly established city in honour of the Viceroy of New Spain, the Duke of Albuquerque.

Albuquerque is surrounded by some of the most unique natural features in the Southwest, which travellers can seamlessly discover and experience thanks to the La Luz and Paseo del Bosque nature trails.

Old Town Albuquerque is the city’s historic centre, with attractions such as the Albuquerque Museum and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center great places to stop by if you want to learn more about the region’s storied past.

One of the city’s biggest spectacles is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place every October and attracts hundreds of brightly decorated hot air balloons to the skies above downtown Albuquerque. 

• Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise
• The Ghost Tour of Old Town – New Mexico’s oldest Ghost Walk – Since 2001

Stay at: Hotel Chaco

Santa Fe is the legislative capital of New Mexico and a real melting pot of culture and history.

This city is nestled in the southernmost tip of the Rocky Mountains and is both the oldest and most elevated state capital in the United States, making Santa Fe one of the most unique cities in New Mexico to visit. 

Founded in 1610, the city was shaped by Anglo, Native American and Hispanic influences and is today renowned for its artistic edge and distinct Spanish-Mexican architecture.

Santa Fe is surrounded by more than 1.5 million acres (607,028 ha) of untouched Rio Grande Valley forest, making it a fine city for nature enthusiasts.

Unmissable Santa Fe attractions and landmarks include the New Mexico State Capitol, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture.

• New Mexican Flavors Food Tour of the Santa Fe Plaza
• Santa Fe Revisited

Stay at: Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi

Roswell has been the centre of mysterious happenings and UFO sightings in New Mexico ever since the famous Roswell incident of 1947, a now infamous event in alien pop culture highlighted by the apparent crashing of a UFO.

The city fully embraces its otherworldly claim to fame with attractions such as the International UFO Museum & Research Center and the annual UFO Festival.

Apart from being a hotbed for sightings of the paranormal, Roswell is also a major hub for contemporary arts and is home to mesmerising outdoor attractions such as the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Bottomless Lakes State Park.

Whether you’re stopping by to see UFOs first-hand or to soak up the culture of one of New Mexico’s smaller cities, Roswell is a fascinating destination to visit and an authentic slice of New Mexico. 

Stay at: Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Roswell

Tucked away between the foothills of the scenic Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico, Taos is the state’s unofficial skiing capital during winter and one of the state’s most influential cultural and artistic hubs.

Taos has long been regarded as one of the best places to live in New Mexico, thanks to the city’s plethora of attractions, the diverse array of shops and restaurants, and stunning natural landscapes.

The city’s compact downtown area features several superb examples of adobe architecture, with the historic Taos Pueblo situated just outside downtown. 

There is also no shortage of striking gorges, desert terrain and mountain peaks to hike and climb around the city, so be sure to add Taos to your New Mexico itinerary. 

Top tour: Taos Walking Tour.

Stay at: Adobe and Pines Inn

Corrales is a vibrant mid-sized New Mexico city just north of downtown Albuquerque that offers visitors access to two of the state’s most significant metro areas, picturesque natural landscapes and some of the state’s best dining options.

The city is deeply rooted in agriculture, with several award-winning wineries dotting Corrales’ surrounding hills and valleys.

Corrales also hosts various fun events and festivals throughout the year, including the Scarecrow Festival, the Starlight Parade and the Harvest Festival.

With tons to do and experience inside and outside downtown Corrales, it’s easy to see why the city is rated as one of the best places to live and travel to in New Mexico, making it a great addition to any New Mexico itinerary.

Stay at: Morning Star

For more about New Mexico, also read:

• 21 Landmarks In New Mexico
• 20 New Mexico Beaches
• 18 New Mexico National Parks
• 20 Things To Do In Roswell NM
• 20 Things To Do In Las Cruces
• 20 Things To Do In Carlsbad NM
• 20 New Mexico Cities
• 20 State Parks in New Mexico
• 20 Things To Do In Albuquerque
• 15 Things New Mexico Is Famous For

The former home of renowned local artist Georgia O’Keeffe from 1949 until she died in 1986, Abiquiú is among the most scenic and storied places New Mexico has to offer.

Abiquiú is roughly 53 miles (85 km) north of Santa Fe and has served as the setting for countless Hollywood films, including Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Red Dawn, City Slickers and Cowboys & Aliens.

Abiquiú, meaning “wild chokecherry place” in Tewa, is home to several interesting attractions, including the Georgia O’Keeffe House Museum, the Echo Amphitheater, Abiquiú Lake and the historic Penitente Morada, making it a Southwest city that’s worth visiting.

Stay at: The Grand Hacienda Estate

As the gateway to the famous Four Corners monument and New Mexico’s Navajo Nation, Farmington in northwest New Mexico is renowned for its important archaeological sites and striking natural beauty.

The city sits at the confluence of the La Plata, San Juan and Animas Rivers and was first settled during the 7th century by the native Anasazi people.

Farmington has a laid-back atmosphere and several family-friendly attractions, Farmington is perfect for nature enthusiasts and urban explorers, with tons of fascinating places to discover at every turn.

Check out Farmington’s Salmon Ruins, the Chaco Culture National Historical Park and the Farmington Museum to get the most out of your trip to this charming city in New Mexico’s Four Corners region.

Stay at: Casa Blanca Inn and Suites

Considered the unofficial scuba diving capital of the Southwest, Santa Rosa is a fascinating mid-sized city situated in New Mexico’s east-central region along the historic US Route 66.

The Spanish settled in Santa Rosa in 1865, the first European-American settlement in the region.

Santa Rosa is home to the popular Blue Hole, an 81-foot deep (25 m) artesian spring that’s perfect for year-round diving and swimming thanks to its consistently warm temperature, which never dips below 62 °F (17°C).

Home to countless quirky Route 66 roadside attractions and a charming historic district, Santa Rosa is a favourite destination among many visiting New Mexico for the first time, thanks to its accessibility and proximity to Amarillo and Albuquerque.

Stay at: La Quinta by Wyndham Santa Rosa

Situated in the high desert landscapes of the Sacramento Mountains in New Mexico’s south, Alamogordo treats travellers to everything from towering sand dunes to stunning examples of Pueblo Revival-style and adobe Pueblo architecture.

Alamogordo was first inhabited as far back as 11,000 years ago, with traces of Folsom and Clovis cultures found in and around the city.

Among Alamogordo’s most visited attractions are the perplexing dunes of White Sands National Park, which features white gypsum dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Apart from its world-class outdoor attractions and ancient history, the city is also home to family-friendly attractions, such as the Museum of Space History and the Alameda Park Zoo, making it a fun city to discover.

Stay at: White Sands Retreat

Home to the scenic Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the Lincoln National Forest and the Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad in southeast New Mexico is a nature lover’s dream destination.

Carlsbad was a significant potash mining hub during the early 20th century, with the city experiencing an economic boom since the early 2000s thanks to Carlsbad’s reputation as a petroleum and natural gas hub.

The city lies near the Texas state border and is situated less than three hours from large Texan cities such as El Paso and Lubbock.

With so much to see and do around this prosperous mid-sized New Mexico city, it’s well worth stopping at the next time you’re travelling through America’s Southwest. 

Download the Carlsbad Crusade Scavenger Hunt . 

Stay at: Carlsbad Retreat

Bordered by the Chihuahuan Desert to the south and the White Sands National Park dunes to the east, Las Cruces is a deeply historic New Mexico city shaped over centuries by Native American, European and Hispanic influences.

Las Cruces is among the largest cities in the state and is situated just 46 miles (74 km) from El Paso and the Mexican border, allowing travellers to experience two US states and America’s southern neighbour from one convenient location.

The city features plenty of amazing attractions to keep you busy and entertained, including the unique campus of New Mexico State University, the nearby Organ Mountains and a vibrant nightlife scene, making Las Cruces one of the state’s must-visit cities.

Download the Las Cruces Crusade Scavenger Hunt.

Stay at: Sleek, Modern Designer home 3

Gallup is a mesmerising city in New Mexico’s red-rocked northwest region that’s as entrenched in Native American cultures and traditions as any city you’re likely to come across in the United States.

Bordering the lands of the Hopi, Navajo and Zuni Native American tribes, Gallup is a central cultural and economic hub for the region’s native population.

It is the largest city between Albuquerque and Flagstaff, Arizona.

This New Mexico city is an incredibly significant hub for Native American art.

Over 70% of the world’s authentic Native American art can be traced back to Gallup and the surrounding area.

Gallup is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with over 30 miles (48 km) of scenic nature trails to traverse in and around the city.

Gallup also regularly hosts fun events and festivals, such as the Second Street Arts Festival and the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial, so be sure to plan a visit to this truly unique American city for a once-in-a-lifetime New Mexico experience.

Stay at: Comfort Suites Gallup East Route 66 and I-40

Tucked between some of the Southwest’s most picturesque mountains, forests and valleys, Los Alamos in northern New Mexico is the state’s technology and research capital.

Los Alamos is sandwiched between the Valles Caldera National Preserve and the Rio Grande River, boosting the city’s reputation as one of the best places to live in New Mexico.

The city has many attractions, including the Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, the Bandelier National Monument, the Los Alamos History Museum and the free-to-visit Bradbury Science Museum.

Nicknamed ‘Atomic City’, Los Alamos was where the first atomic bomb was developed and is just 33 miles (53 km) from downtown Santa Fe, making it one of New Mexico’s most exciting cities.

Download the Los Alamos Scavenger Hunt .

Stay at: Holiday Inn Express and Suites Los Alamos Entrada Park

Silver City in southwest New Mexico is a charming mid-sized city that combines its storied past as an important mining town with its scenic natural surroundings to create one of the most exciting destinations to visit in New Mexico.

The city was established on a Spanish settlement titled “La Ciénega de San Vicente” in 1870.

Silver City’s name stems from the region’s large silver, gold and copper deposits.

Downtown Silver City is renowned for its many Victorian and Queen Anne-style buildings and architecture, which now house the city’s liveliest bars, restaurants and cafes.

Silver City is also a popular destination to explore the nearby Gila National Forest and its stunning hiking trails, dramatic cliffs and thundering waterfalls make it a great option to add to any New Mexico itinerary.

Stay at: Heart and Wings Retreat Center

Situated just 12 miles (19 km) north of downtown Albuquerque, Rio Rancho is a large cosmopolitan city conveniently located near New Mexico’s best and most popular art galleries, museums, national parks and important archaeological sites.

The city forms part of the larger Albuquerque metro area and is among the fastest-growing urban hubs in the state.

Rio Rancho has many unique attractions and landmarks to explore, with the most popular being the nearby Petroglyph National Monument, the Coronado Historic Site and the Santa Ana Star Center.

Stay at: New Mexico Style Home

A favourite destination among hikers and wildlife enthusiasts, Ruidoso in south-central New Mexico treats travellers to more than 1 million acres (404,686 ha) of unspoilt wilderness and designated forests around the city’s charming downtown area.

The city lies nestled between the beautiful Sierra Blanca Mountains and is among New Mexico’s most popular ski resorts during winter.

During the summer, Ruidoso becomes an equestrian epicentre when the annual All-American Futurity arrives at the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, treating travellers to one of the biggest horse racing spectacles in the United States.

There’s also the nearby Lincoln National Forest and the historic Fort Stanton to discover just outside Ruidoso, where travellers interact with the region’s natural landscapes and Wild West past.

Download this Rad Ruidoso Scavenger Hunt .

Stay at: Gonzales Cozy Little Bear Cabin

Formerly known as ‘Hot Springs’ when the city was established in 1916, Truth or Consequences has been a popular hot springs and resort town since the early 1900s.

The city was renamed after residents voluntarily voted to change the name, with ‘Truth or Consequences’ being declared the winner after a radio quiz show was launched to help find the town a new name.

Today, bathhouses, spas and resorts can be found dotted throughout the city, as well as several other interesting attractions, including the Geronimo Springs Museum and Veterans Memorial Park, making it one of New Mexico’s most exciting cities to visit.

Top tour: Macabre Tours of Truth or Consequences in New Mexico .

Stay at: Casita De Agua Encanto

The unofficial gateway to New Mexico’s Santa Fe National Forest, the city of Las Vegas (not to be confused with Las Vegas in Nevada) in the state’s north-central region is a destination steeped in Wild West tales, Hollywood notoriety and historical landmarks.

Las Vegas has served as the setting for dozens of well-known films and TV series, including Paul, Criminal Minds and House of Cards, and the city was also the former residence of actor Patrick Swayze.

Las Vegas is a must-visit city for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs and is conveniently situated near the attractions and landmarks of downtown Taos and Santa Fe.

Stay at: Historic Plaza Hotel

Raton is a historic mid-sized city in northeast New Mexico’s scenic Sangre de Cristo Mountains that was established in 1879 when the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway decided to set up a railroad, mining and ranching hub for the region.

The city sits just 6 miles (10 km) from the Colorado state border and roughly 85 miles (137 km) from the Texas state border, making Raton a convenient destination to explore the lands beyond New Mexico’s borders.

Raton has numerous attractions and landmarks to keep you busy and entertained during your stay, including the Sugarite Canyon State Park, the Old Pass Gallery and the annual Gate City Music Festival.

With plenty to do and see in and around the city, Raton’s a fun New Mexico city to stop by that’s well worth checking out the next time you’re travelling around the state.

Stay at: The Carriage House

Established in 1901 as a construction camp for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, the small city of Tucumcari is situated along the historic Route 66 in eastern New Mexico.

Tucumcari lies 59 miles (95 km) from Santa Rosa and roughly 115 miles (185 km) from downtown Amarillo, making it a very accessible city to discover.

The city is home to several notable landmarks and interesting roadside attractions left over from Route 66’s heyday, such as the Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum and the Blue Swallow Hotel, making Tucumcari a popular destination for road trippers.

Stay at: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Tucumcari

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Cowboys Hall of Famer Larry Allen dies at 52

Memorial service arrangements and details will be announced soon, by nbcdfw staff • published june 3, 2024 • updated on june 3, 2024 at 7:05 pm.

Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame offensive lineman Larry Allen died suddenly Sunday while on vacation in Mexico with his family, the team says. He was 52.

"The Jones family and the Cowboys extend their deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Allen family and grieve along with the many other friends and Cowboys teammates that also loved Larry," the team said.

In a statement released Monday morning , the Cowboys said Allen was "known for his great athleticism and incredible strength, was one of the most respected, accomplished offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL."

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Allen, who played in the NFL for 12 seasons, mostly with the Cowboys, was a member of both the team's Ring of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"His versatility and dependability were also signature parts of his career," the Cowboys said. "Through that, he continued to serve as inspiration for many other players, defining what it meant to be a great teammate, competitor and winner," the team said in a statement Monday. "He was deeply loved and cared for by his wife, Janelle – whom he referred to as his heart and soul – his daughters Jayla and Loriana and son, Larry III."

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Throughout his legendary NFL career, Allen was an 11-time Pro Bowler and six-time first-team All-Pro. He played in Dallas for 12 years, winning a Super Bowl with the team in 1996, before a brief two-year stay with the San Francisco 49ers in 2006-2007. Allen was signed to a one-day contract before the 2008 season so that he could retire as a member of the Dallas Cowboys.

Allen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013. Of his induction, team owner Jerry Jones said he was a fierce player and one of the very best to ever step on the field.

“Larry is one of the greatest players in Cowboys history, and arguably the very best guard to ever play the game,” Jones said in a statement in 2013. “He was obviously a special talent, but the fierceness and tenacity that he brought to the field separated him from the rest of the pack. I have never been more proud of anyone who has reached the Pro Football Hall Fame. Larry Allen represents the best of the very best.”

Allen was a first-ballot Hall of Famer and a member of both the 1990s and 2000s All-Decade teams.

"The National Football League is filled with gifted athletes, but only a rare few have combined the size, brute strength, speed and agility of Larry Allen," Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said in a statement. "What he could do as an offensive lineman often defied logic and comprehension. In a six-season span, he was named All-Pro every year, and one of those seasons came when the Cowboys needed him to step in at tackle. He could literally beat the will out of his opponents, with many quitting midgame or not dressing at all rather than face him, but that was only on the field. Off it, he was a quiet, gentle giant. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Janelle; daughters, Jayla and Loriana; and son, Larry III."

Memorial service arrangements and details will be announced in the near future.

ALLEN RETIRED TO A QUIET LIFE IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AFTER RETIRING FROM THE NFL

By Schuyler Dixon | The Associated Press

The former Sonoma State lineman was drafted in the second round by the Cowboys in 1994 — the year before the last of the franchise's five Super Bowl titles — Allen once bench-pressed 700 pounds while dumbfounded teammates watched, then mobbed him.

Allen was feared enough among his peers that notorious trash-talker John Randle of the Minnesota Vikings decided to keep to himself when he faced the Cowboys, so as to avoid making Allen mad.

“He never said nothin’,” Nate Newton, one of Allen’s mentors on Dallas’ offensive line, told The Associated Press for its Hall of Fame story on Allen 11 years ago. “Every now and then you’d hear him utter a cuss word or hear him laugh that old funny laugh he had.”

Allen entered the Hall of Fame about a year after his mother died, knowing her presence would have helped him get through a speech after a career spent trying to avoid the spotlight.

“I miss her,” Allen said before going into the hall. “Whenever I’d get nervous or had a big game and got nervous, I’d give her a call, and she’d start making me laugh.”

The Cowboys were coming off consecutive Super Bowl wins when they drafted Allen. He was surrounded by Pro Bowl offensive linemen but didn’t take long to get noticed, eventually making 11 Pro Bowls himself.

Late in his rookie season, Allen saved a touchdown by running down Darion Conner when it looked like the New Orleans linebacker only had Troy Aikman to beat down the sideline. Most of the rest of his career was defined by power — first as a tackle, where the Cowboys figured he would be a mainstay, and ultimately as a guard.

“The National Football League is filled with gifted athletes, but only a rare few have combined the size, brute strength, speed and agility of Larry Allen,” the Hall of Fame said in a statement. “What he could do as an offensive lineman often defied logic and comprehension.”

Allen spent his final two seasons closer to home with the San Francisco 49ers. Then, true to his personality as a player, Allen retired to a quiet life in Northern California with his wife and three kids.

“He was deeply loved and cared for by his wife, Janelle — whom he referred to as his heart and soul — his daughters Jayla and Loriana and son, Larry III,” the Cowboys said.

Allen was playing at Butte College when his coach at Sonoma State, Frank Scalercio, discovered him at the junior college where the lineman landed after attending four high schools in the Los Angeles area in part because his mom moved him around to keep him away from gangs.

Then an assistant for Sonoma, Scalercio was recruiting another player when he saw Allen throw an opponent to the ground for the first time.

“I kinda forgot about the guy I was actually recruiting,” Scalercio said.

Allen ended up at tiny Sonoma, a Division II school, because his academic progress wasn’t fast enough to get him to Division I, where he probably belonged.

“He could literally beat the will out of his opponents, with many quitting midgame or not dressing at all rather than face him, but that was only on the field,” the Hall of Fame said. “Off it, he was a quiet, gentle giant.”

In retirement, Allen showed up at Sonoma basketball games — the football program was dropped a couple of years after Allen left — and happily signed autographs and posed for pictures.

“He’s even bigger now than he ever was on campus,” Tim Burrell, a friend of Allen’s, said in 2013. “Everybody loves him.”

REACTION TO LARRY ALLEN'S DEATH

Just received the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved teammate Larry Allen. He was a HOF offensive lineman that dominated opponents regardless of the position played. Off the field, he was a gentle giant that loved his family. Rest in Peace LA💔🙏🏼 — Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) June 3, 2024

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Emmitt Smith (@emmittsmith22)

The NFL family is deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Famer, Super Bowl Champion and Cowboys legend, Larry Allen. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. 💙 pic.twitter.com/PnOl5O829J — NFL (@NFL) June 3, 2024

Here is Larry Allen bench pressing 700 pounds. It’s a moment that is still talked about in the halls of the Dallas Cowboys. #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/nuTidXD0TY — Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) June 3, 2024

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Ride the Historic Rails of New Mexico

If you're looking for a new vacation experience for the whole family, get out of the car and hop onto the train. .

Everyone can ride the rails in New Mexico. (Tip: Remember to always have your ticket on hand for the conductor.) Step back into a simpler time of the Old West with our locomotives, and see striking views of the vast and contrasting landscape. Or if you just want to get from Point A to B, we have that too. From historic railways to a 21st Century commuter train, New Mexico offers a plethora of destinations for rail fans.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

NORTH CENTRAL

To visit the C&TSRR, head to the village of Chama, 107 miles north of Santa Fe off U.S. 84. The railway was constructed in 1880 as part of the Rio Grande's San Juan Extension to climb the high mountain passages to the silver mining district in southwestern Colorado. Today it operates as one of the United State's highest railroads, reaching an elevation of more than 10,000 feet as it chugs though the Cumbres Pass. It's also the longest narrow gauge railway. The rails are only three feet apart, as opposed to the standard gauge of more than four feet. And the scenery is spectacular. Once the track veers away from U.S. 84, there's little evidence of modern civilization, giving you the impression you're seeing the landscape just as it was in the Old West.

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express also departs from the Santa Fe Depot, from which it travels south through Albuquerque to the end of its line in Belén. The Rail Runner began offering commuter train service in 2006 and completed its route along the heavily traveled central corridor in 2008. With a style reminiscent of the Super Chief trains that once toured the southwest, the trains boast double-decker seating where passengers can take in views of the Río Grande and Native American reservations while zipping along at a 21st-Century pace. Just hop aboard at one of the train's dozen stations (you'll buy your ticket on board) and get ready for adventure. Please note that while the train offers regular service, you should consult the schedule when planning your excursion.

The New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society (NMSL&RHS) is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization preserving the history of New Mexico’s railway. NMSL&RHS recently restored an Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe 2926, 4-8-4 steam locomotive that was originally built in 1944 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. The 2926 locomotive is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is recognized by the state’s legislature as the Official Steam Locomotive of New Mexico.

The NMSL&RHS restoration site is open to the public for free tours (weather permitting) every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Large group tours can be made by appointment any day.

One of New Mexico's 13 original Harvey Houses can be found in Belén just south of Albuquerque.

From 1908 to 1939 Belén's Harvey House Dining Room offered hearty fare and good service at reasonable prices to travelers heading into the Wild West. Today, the historic building houses the Harvey House Museum, which preserves Santa Fe Railway and Fred Harvey organization memorabilia. Visit the famous Harvey Girls' dormitories and the Belén Model Railroad Club's creations. Belén is located 30 miles south of Albuquerque off I-25. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Image Courtesy Palace of the Governors Archive

In March 8, 1881, in Deming, a silver spike joined the Southern Pacific Railroad to the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway, creating the second transcontinental railway. Although there's relatively little to see where this monumental collision was marked, the town of Deming owes its existence to the railway. Named after Mary Deming Crocker, wife of a railroad tycoon, Deming was officially founded after the meeting of the two railways. A Harvey House quickly followed, and part of that original building still stands next to the town's Amtrak depot today.