Famous for its rich history, vibrant art communities, and diverse landscapes, New Mexico is brimming with exceptional family adventures. You’ll find plenty of affordable options if you know where to look. From wildlife experiences to museums and caves, we have gathered 15 cheap activities you can do with your kids in New Mexico.
Visit the International Balloon Museum
The International Balloon Museum offers families a mix of fun and learning experiences. The museum features a wonderful artifact collection and exhibits showcasing the fascinating history of balloons. You’ll learn about some of the world’s most skilled balloonists and their achievements. Your kids will enjoy various interactive exhibits, including demonstrations on how balloons fly.
Go Caving in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a beautiful destination for an adventure-loving family. You can access the cave system via the natural entrance trail if you prefer a more adventurous approach, or use the elevator for easier access. Either way, you’ll enjoy your underground tour, especially when you reach the Big Room, North America’s largest accessible cave chamber. Beyond the stunning underground world, this park boasts incredible surface adventures, including hiking, participation in ranger programs, and bat viewing in the evening.
Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway
Taking the 15-minute ride in the Sandia Peak Tramway is one of the cheap family activities in New Mexico. Soaring over 10,378 feet up the Sandia Mountains, it’s the longest aerial tram in the Americas and guarantees breathtaking vistas across the scenic Rio Grande Valley. At the top, you can enjoy numerous beautiful trails, ranging from easy hikes to strenuous climbs. Sunsets are incredibly spectacular from the tramway.
Explore the New Mexico Museum of Natural History
Travel back to the early days of America’s Southwest at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History. The amazing exhibits and artifact collection provide a unique insight into the area’s prehistoric past and natural history. Among the experiences you and your family will enjoy are dinosaur exhibits, a walk through a volcano, and an edutaining experience at the Planetarium and 3D Theater.
Sled the Dunes at White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park’s gypsum sand dunes are the world’s largest and offer families a beautiful yet affordable outdoor experience. You can enjoy many activities there, from picnicking to a scenic drive along the Dunes Drive. Sledding down the dune field is a popular and enjoyable adventure. Ensure you have the right gear and are riding on a gentle, hazard-free slope. Watch out for the kids. If you don’t have your sled, you can purchase one at the park’s gift shop.
Visit Tinkertown Museum
Sandia Park’s unique combination of rich history, art, and quirky charm makes it worthwhile. It features an impressive collection of art created by the incredibly talented Ross Ward. Everything you see was created by the artist, who spent over 40 years producing what is now the Tinkertown Museum, a work of art in itself. It comprises 22 rooms designed from tens of thousands of glass bottles and other recycled items.
Catch a Concert at the Santa Fe Plaza
One of America’s oldest cities, Santa Fe, offers diverse activities and attractions for families. The Plaza, with over four centuries of fascinating history, is a must-visit destination. There are many things to do there, from shopping and dining to admiring various art. Catching a concert is a great way to have fun with your family and soak in the city’s vibrant culture. You can enjoy plenty of free concerts in the summer.
Take a Wildlife Adventure at Alameda Park Zoo
Reserve some time for an unforgettable wildlife adventure at Alameda Park Zoo in Alamogordo. Dating back to 1898, it’s one of the oldest zoos west of the Mississippi. Although it covers only 12 acres, it hosts over 200 creatures spanning more than 90 species, including the White Sands pupfish and the Hawaiian goose. It features an education center, a playground for the kids, a gift shop, and a designated picnic spot – this place may be small, but it can keep you busy and entertained for 60-90 minutes!
Spend Time in the Toy Train Depot
Another worthwhile family experience in Alamogordo is visiting the renovated Toy Train Depot from the late 1800s. If you love trains, you’ll enjoy the museum’s beautiful collection of model trains and artifacts from the 1920s and 1930s. A ride around Alameda Park is one of the most fantastic experiences the kids will love.
Explore ABQ BioPark Zoo
The diverse wildlife, educational exhibits and programs, and family-friendly activities make this Albuquerque gem a must-visit. You’ll enjoy an up-close encounter with animals from around the globe, from giraffes to lions and penguins, thriving in the zoo’s naturalistic habitats built to mimic their native environments. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the zoo’s dining options, including the Cottonwood Café, which operates year-round.
Visit Billy the Kid Museum
Billy the Kid Museum is one of the brilliant stops you’ll be glad to include on a family trip through New Mexico. Located in Fort Sumner, it’s dedicated to the life and legacy of William H. Bonney, also known as Billy the Kid, one of the most famous outlaws and gunfighters in the Wild West. There is an incredible collection of exhibits and artifacts, including a rifle he once possessed.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Eldorado National Forest
An outdoor-loving family will enjoy spending time in Eldorado National Forest. The multi-use forest offers numerous kid-friendly recreational activities. Hike to Bassi Falls, a marvelous 109-foot cascade reachable via a two-mile easy trail. Admire alpine scenery, rocks, wildflowers, and rivers before you arrive at a stunning lake along the Lake Margaret Trail. There are also many picnicking, camping, and water adventure opportunities to explore.
Visit Bradbury Science Museum
Visiting the Bradbury Science Museum is one of Los Alamos’ main highlights and an affordable experience. It provides insight into nuclear science, focusing on the Los Alamos National Laboratory’s current achievements and its beginnings during the Manhattan Project. The museum’s three galleries showcase over 40 exhibits for you to explore.
Spend Time in Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum
The Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum is often seen as a kids’ museum, but it guarantees a delightful experience for the whole family. It hosts over 250 exhibits focusing on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM), all of which are interactive. The museum admission is $11 for adults and $8 for kids.
Stroll Through Historic Taos
Located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Historic Taos is a must-visit for anyone seeking an affordable, family-friendly experience in New Mexico. It is best known for Taos Pueblo, America’s oldest continuously inhabited community. The ancient pueblo has been occupied for over a millennium and attracts tourists with its unique adobe architecture. You’ll also find many other budget-friendly activities, including the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.
