Kid-friendly activities in southern New Mexico
There is so much to do in our beautiful southwest desert, but sometimes the kids are just in need of something new. Maybe they are tired of the same old family outings or maybe you are in need of some family time away from the screens and school books. Our list of kid-friendly activities in southern New Mexico has something for everyone.
Get outdoors and find an adventure!
When the weather is warm, it’s always a great idea to get outside and enjoy some of the beautiful parks and natural features that make southern New Mexico unique.
Unidad Park – 1501 E. Hadley Ave. Las Cruces, NM 88001. This park is a favorite with the little ones. An incredible wooden castle fort features many obstacles, swings, climbing walls, and hiding places to keep the kids occupied for hours. Bring a picnic and make a day of it.
Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park – The park entrance is at the intersection of Fairacres Rd. and Calle del Norte. Many self-guided nature trails will lead you to discover the amazing flora and fauna native to the mesilla valley of Las Cruces, or you can join one of the ranger-led hikes. Picnic areas and a visitor center are also onsite.
White Sands National Monument – We are so lucky to have this incredible natural wonder right in our backyard! Rediscover this amazing national park and check out some of the events happening year-round.
Make a date for the museum or bookstore
Coas – In a world where bricks and mortar bookstores are few, Coas is a rare gem. There are two locations in Las Cruces (see website). Filled with movies, games, and books galore, even a reluctant reader will love getting lost in the pages of a new find at Coas.
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum – Full of local historical artifacts and displays, interactive exhibits for the kids, and live animals to enjoy. There is so much to do at the Farm & Ranch Museum! Check out their calendar for upcoming events as well.
New Mexico Museum of Space History – Moon rocks, rocket blasters, and famous astronauts! This museum is worthy of a day trip to Alamogordo to learn about the origins of our national space program. Be sure to catch a movie at the dome theater and planetarium!
Check out some of these fan favorites
Historic Town of Mesilla – Excellent food, lots of crafts, and plenty for the kids to explore! The Billy the Kid Gift Shop & Gadsden Museum are definite favorites. Visit Billy the Kid’s old jail cell while snacking on some delicious fudge. Fridays and Sundays 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, enjoy the market on the plaza which includes arts, crafts, and seasonal produce.
Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces – Downtown Las Cruces is quickly becoming a hot place to be and there is no better time to stroll the streets and see what is happening than the Wednesday and Saturday market times. There is truly something for everyone.
New Mexico State University – More than just a college campus, NMSU is truly a community resource with so many things to do for families. Many athletic events have free or reduced ticket prices for the younger set. Theater and music events are also reasonably priced. There are five museums located on campus that include art, geology, natural history, botany, and entomology. Hours are limited so please check the website carefully, but we encourage you to explore this local treasure!
Get out and explore!
There are so many amazing kid-friendly activities in southern New Mexico! Whether you make it a day trip or just need to get out for a couple of hours, we hope you enjoy all that our city and region have to offer!
Las Cruces is a wonderful place to live! Our highly experienced REALTORS are here to help you explore the city to discover your new home. Please contact us today to get started.
