New Mexico is an excellent destination for families, offering a mix of unique landscapes, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. Whether your family loves exploring nature, experiencing local arts and crafts, or just relaxing by the pool at a nice resort, New Mexico will provide a memorable trip for all ages. There are many classic American landscapes to explore, and we think Albuquerque and the surrounding areas should be on your next US trip itinerary. Here is a short guide to our top tips for visiting New Mexico as a family.
Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park

This popular park is home to over 119 known caves. The Big Room is known to be one of the largest underground chambers in North America. It’s a great place to visit with kids of any age, as you can explore stalactites, stalagmites, and other limestone formations. From May to October, there’s also a Bat Flight Programme, where thousands of bats emerge from the caves at dusk. It’s a fantastic sight.
Try sand sledding at White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park is the perfect place to visit for an unusual experience. It features massive white gypsum dunes, which are unique to this part of the world. Sand sledding is a great family-friendly activity that’s fun and thrilling at the same time. You can bring or rent sleds, but make sure you visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. If you stay after sunset, you can also enjoy some incredible stargazing in the dark desert sky.
Also Check: Most Charming Small Towns in New Mexico
Visit Santa Fe Plaza and Meow Wolf

The historic Santa Fe Plaza in the capital is considered the cultural heart of New Mexico. It’s surrounded by galleries, shops, and a multitude of restaurants. Here, you’ll also find Meow Wolf, a must-see immersive art installation that combines art, storytelling, technology, and more, all set up in a fantastical space. It has permanent and temporary exhibitions, so there’s always something exciting to see. Just make sure you buy tickets in advance to avoid long wait times, then wander through the Palace of the Governors afterwards to buy handmade Native American crafts directly from local artisans.
Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway from Albuquerque

This tramway is one of the longest in the world and will take you to the top of the 10,378 foot high Sandia Peak. Here you’ll have stunning views of Albuquerque and the surrounding mountains of New Mexico. At the top, you might enjoy hiking with your family during the warmer months or skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
One top tip is to time your trip to the top so you can witness beautiful views of the sunset or sunrise. The latter is a great idea if you have kids who like to rise especially early. Make sure you dress in layers, however, as temperatures on the summit can be much cooler.
Attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

If you’re in New Mexico in October, you’re in for a real treat for the whole family. Every October, Albuquerque hosts the world’s largest hot air balloon event, with hundreds of balloons launching all at once. If you really want the full experience, make sure you arrive early in the morning, ideally before dawn. This way you’ll get a great viewing spot before the launch. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might even book a hot air balloon ride during the event.
Explore the ABQ BioPark in Albuquerque

For a typical family day out with younger kids, attend the BioPark in Albuquerque. It includes a zoo, botanic garden, aquarium, and Tingley Beach, meaning you’re unlikely to run out of things to do any time soon. The aquarium is particularly interesting, as it features exhibits of the Rio Grande ecosystem. Meanwhile the zoo is home to animals from all over the world, making it a great place to visit for animal lovers. You’ll want to spend at least a full day at the BioPark to see all of the attractions. Consider taking the Rio Line train to travel between the zoo, aquarium, and the botanic gardens.
Visit the Roswell and UFO Museum

If your family consists of science fiction fans, the Roswell and UFO Museum is a must. Roswell is famous for the alleged 1947 UFO crash with all its wild drama, and this museum offers a range of quirky experiences. The International UFO Museum and Research Center dives into the ‘history’ of the crash, UFO sightings, and more. It includes fun exhibits for fans of sci-fi and the paranormal. Beyond the museum, you may just wish to explore the whole town of Roswell, which fully embraces its alien visitor theme with UFO-inspired restaurants, shops, and street art.
New Mexico is the perfect place for a fun family holiday
As you can see, New Mexico is the ideal place to visit for a fun and action-filled family holiday. There is plenty to see beyond just the usual resorts and relaxing beach holidays. You can enjoy the many museums, animal parks, festivals, and more. Include New Mexico in a wider US tour, or just visit on its own. You certainly won’t be disappointed.