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New Mexico isn’t called the Land of Enchantment for nothing. It is full of wide open spaces and tons of natural beauty. But, when you’re traveling with kids, you need something more to do than just gaze at beautiful landscapes! Luckily, New Mexico has plenty for the kids too! Here are 5 of the most fun and unique things to do with kids in New Mexico!
#1: White Sands National Park
First up on my list of the top things to do with kids in New Mexico is White Sands National Park.
White Sands consists of 275 miles that have been covered in dune after dune of white gypsum sand. You won’t believe your eyes when you leave the desert behind and enter this park. Everywhere you look, it appears that the sand has been replaced with snow!
Your kids will love sledding down the dunes in shorts and t-shirts, while you enjoy walking across the soft powder like sand without burning your feet!
You will find this out-of-this-world playground in the southeastern corner of the state. It sits about an hour outside of Las Cruces and a short 15 miles from Alamogordo.
#2: Meow Wolf
If your trip to New Mexico has you in the northern part of the state, then definitely take time to visit Meow Wolf in Santa Fe!
This interactive art installation is unlike any art gallery you’ve ever experienced! Meow Wolf is more of an Alice-in-Wonderland type adventure than an art museum.
Here, you are encouraged to explore the nooks and crannies and touch everything. The more you test the boundaries of conventional wisdom, the more doors you will open to fantasy worlds beyond your wildest dreams!
Kids will love checking out every part of this unique and quirky exhibition. And you may find your inner child come to life in ways you didn’t know were possible!
Meow Wolf is definitely one of my favorite things to do with kids in New Mexico!
For tickets, head to Meow Wolf’s website.
#3: City of Rocks State Park
If your kids prefer exploring the natural world outside, then City of Rocks State Park is the perfect place to go on your trip to New Mexico.
This state park in the southern part of the state is full of large boulders stacked on top of each other in crazy formations. It makes for one amazing playground for kids who love to climb in, on, and under things.
If your kids are anything like mine, they will love spending hours playing in this hidden gem.
#4: The Catwalk
The Catwalk National Recreation Trail is part of the Gila National Forest in southwest New Mexico. You can find the Catwalk just outside of Glenwood, New Mexico. It is off the beaten path and perfect to spend a day enjoying nature with your whole family.
The two mile out and back trail is pretty easy to navigate, making it perfect for all ages. It takes most people about an hour to complete.
A large portion of the trail is over elevated metal catwalk pathways that hang from the cliff walls. The path takes you over and next to a cool mountain stream which makes for gorgeous views.
Kids will love splashing in the stream and peeking down at it from the elevated catwalks.
There are picnic tables, bathrooms, and plenty of shade here so you can make an entire day out of your time at this beautiful spot.
#5: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Last on my list of the best things to do with kids in New Mexico is Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This underground wonderland will inspire awe in everyone young and old.
Head to the Natural Entrance Trail to wind your way down 1.25 miles into the depths of the cave. This paved, but steep, trail will take about an hour to complete. From there explore the Big Room Trail, which is also about 1.25 miles long, but luckily it is flat. This will take about an hour and a half to walk.
Throughout your time in the caverns, you will see amazing natural creations all around you. Your kids will be fascinated by this world they never knew existed!
While in the caverns, you can stop for lunch and a souvenir in the underground snack bar and gift shop. When you are finished (or if you don’t want to hike down the Natural Entrance Trail), you can take the elevator to the top.
If your family is more adventurous, you can take a guided tour through some of the other caverns, which are a bit more difficult to navigate.
Regardless of which trails you choose to explore, you can bet your family will remember their time underground here for years to come!
Conclusion
New Mexico is a fascinating place to visit. The above are some of the very best things to do with kids in New Mexico. I hope you enjoy your trip to this amazing state!
For more on visiting New Mexico, see my posts on the Gila Cliff Dwellings, where to eat in Silver City, and things to do in Silver City.
Happy travels!
P.S. Need help finding the best places to go on your family vacations? My Ultimate USA Bucket List for Families will instantly give you 60 of the best vacation destinations for families in the United States! Get it for FREE in the box below and start planning your next trip today! Plus, as a bonus, you will receive my weekly email newsletter full of family trip tips and inspiration!
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