Planning a family trip? Need ideas that will keep everyone in the family happy and entertained? You’ve come to the right place!
New Mexico offers so many unique activities and attractions that all ages can enjoy. And south central New Mexico is like a giant outdoor playground, so families will have plenty of options that are social distance friendly while still keeping the kids entertained.
These are some of our favorite things to do in New Mexico with kids:
Table of Contents
- Ski Apache
- Flying J Ranch
- White Sands National Monument
- Inn of the Mountain Gods
- Mescalero Cultural Center & Museum
- Lincoln National Forest
- Pillow’s Funtrackers
- Valley of Fires Recreation Area
- Topgolf Swing Suite
- Smokey Bear Historical Park
Ski Apache
Address: 1286 Ski Run Road, Alto
Ski Apache is New Mexico’s southernmost ski area and the country’s best warm-weather ski resort. During the winter, Ski Apache offers ski and snowboard lessons for beginners, and there are plenty of wide beginner slopes for kids to enjoy.
Enjoy easy access to the top of Sierra Blanca Peak aboard the scenic gondolas, including New Mexico’s only eight-passenger gondola.
During the summer, Ski Apache’s Wind Rider ZipTour is a fan favorite and suitable for most ages. There are also several hiking trails, including beginner hiking trails that are easier for kids to enjoy.
Flying J Ranch
Address: 1028 Highway 48 North, Alto
Become a real cowboy when you visit Flying J Ranch! A family favorite for years, Flying J Ranch offers kid-friendly activities like pony rides, cattle roping, gold panning, and exploring Bonita City, an old west town right in the middle of the ranch! Visitors can even enjoy a chuckwagon supper, just like the cowboys of the old west.
White Sands National Monument
Address: 19955 US-70, Alamogordo
A truly one-of-a-kind experience, White Sands National Monument takes its name from the powdery snow-white sand that covers the park. One of the most popular activities for kids and adults alike is sledding down the white-sand dunes on plastic snow-saucers.
Other activities include scenic driving tours and hiking trails, like the Dune Life Nature Trail, which is easily accessible for most ages.
Family Fun at Inn of the Mountain Gods
Guests staying at Inn of the Mountain Gods won’t have to travel far to enjoy outdoor adventure. From fishing, boating, and paddle boarding at Lake Mescalero to hiking, biking, horseback riding, and zip-lining on the Apache Eagle Ziprider (see height and weight requirements), the entire family will find something to enjoy!
Learn more about the activities at Inn of the Mountain Gods.
Mescalero Cultural Center & Museum
Address: 181 Chiricahua Plaza, Mescalero
Visitors will learn about the Apache people of southern New Mexico, including the Mescalero, Chiricahua, and Lipan Apache people. The museum includes ancient stone Apache tools, clothing, and weapons, and a collection of baskets.
Lincoln National Forest
Known as the birthplace of the world-famous Smokey Bear, Lincoln National Park features mountain ranges that reach elevations as up to 11,580 feet! The forest is perfect for day hiking and enjoying some amazing views of south central New Mexico.
Visitors will discover many species of wildlife and plants that inhabit the forest as well. Visit during the summer and fall months for picturesque colors along the mountain slopes.
Pillow’s Funtrackers Family Fun Center
Address: 101 Carrizo Canyon Road, Ruidoso
Go-karts, miniature golf, bumper boats, oh my! Pillow’s Funtrackers offers plenty of fun and excitement for the entire family. Kids as young as 3 years old can burn rubber on the Turtle Track. The family track offers single and double cars. Other activities include the Mountain Maze, gemstone panning, an arcade, and bumper cars.
Valley of Fires Recreation Area
Address: 6158 US-380, Carrizozo
5,000 years ago, Little Black Peak erupted and flowed into the Tularosa Basin, filling the basin with molten rock. What looks like a valley of desolate rock is sprawling with a variety of plants and animals that live in the basin. The paved and fully accessible Malpais Nature Trail is the perfect start for exploring the area.
TopGolf Swing Suite
Our younger guests will have a blast at Inn of the Mountain Gods’ Topgolf Swing Suite. Featuring more than world-famous golf courses, kids will have a blast playing virtual Zombie Dodgeball, Hockey Shots, Baseball Pitching, Carnival Classic, and many more multi-sport games for all ages.
Smokey Bear historical Park
Address: 118 Smokey Bear Boulevard, Capitan
Learn more about the orphaned bear cub that would become the face of fire prevention at Smokey Bear Historical Park. This educational and pop culture attraction will delight all ages. Younger visitors can also become official rangers and earn a souvenir by enrolling in the Junior Ranger and Little Ranger programs.