Quick Summary:

  • The blue skies and hot sun of New Mexico are like a siren’s call for a unique vacation.
  • This wonderful state offers many opportunities for families traveling with kids, from an abundance of zoos where kids can learn about exotic animals and those they might see in the wild where they live, to children’s museums where they can experiment, ask questions, and explore.
  • New Mexico has some gorgeous natural opportunities as well, like Carlsbad Caverns or White Sands National Monument, where families can race down the sandy dunes in a sled.
  • For families coming from afar, or those who just need a quick day trip to break up the monotony or get the kids out of the house, New Mexico has a plethora of options, each of which is sure to leave kids and parents happy.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

Tinkertown Museum

© Tinkertown Museum

ABQ BioPark

© ASP Inc/stock.adobe.com

Alameda Zoo

© RbbrDckyBK/stock.adobe.com

Billy The Kid Museum

© fotoak80/stock.adobe.com

Bradbury Science Museum

© Bradbury Science Museum

Carlsbad Caverns

© reisegraf/stock.adobe.com

Carson National Forest

© Brian/stock.adobe.com

E3 Children’s Museum and Science Center

© davit85/stock.adobe.com

Explora Science Center

© Monkey Business/stock.adobe.com

International Balloon Museum

© Sir_Eagle/stock.adobe.com

International UFO Museum

© adimas/stock.adobe.com

Kit Carson Home and Museum

© Shelley/stock.adobe.com

Las Cruces Museum of Nature and Science

© Arkady Chubykin/stock.adobe.com

Las Cruces Railroad Museum

© Kelly Mercer/stock.adobe.com

National Solar Observatory

© lunamarina/stock.adobe.com

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

© atm2003/stock.adobe.com

New Mexico Museum of Space History

© roostler/stock.adobe.com

Petroglyph National Monument

© Daniel Meunier/stock.adobe.com

Santa Fe Children’s Museum

© HP_Photo/stock.adobe.com

Santa Fe Southern Railway

© robert cicchetti/stock.adobe.com

Spring River Park and Zoo

© Mary Lynn Strand/stock.adobe.com

The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture

© South12th/stock.adobe.com

Toy Train Depot

© milkovasa/stock.adobe.com

White Sands National Monument

© traveller70/stock.adobe.com

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