Is New Mexico on your “must-see” list? If it’s not, it should be! New Mexico is a beautiful state filled with gorgeous landscapes, rich history, delicious food, fun festivals and so much more! Today, Creative Team member and New Mexico mom of two Lea Reynolds is here sharing her family’s top 3 favorite places to explore in New Mexico with kids. You’re going to want to go check these out right away!
Exploring New Mexico with kids
New Mexico, or the Land of Enchantment, is a beautiful state situated in the Southwest that many around the nation have never visited. New Mexico offers a beautiful experience full of delicious Native American and Mexican food, a rich culture, and extraordinary places to see that you just can’t experience anywhere else. If you have ever wondered what New Mexico has to offer, here are my family’s top 3 places to visit with kids in New Mexico. I will list each wonderful place to visit, what to expect, the best time of year to visit, and include a basic packing list. So let’s get to exploring the Land of Enchantment!
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
The first place on our list is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta! This event signifies the start of Autumn for us locals. Every October, our blue skies are filled with the colors of the rainbow as hundreds of hot air balloons soar through the sky. It’s the most magical time of year and kids absolutely LOVE it. The fiesta takes place at our very own Balloon Fiesta park where you can buy tickets, pitch a blanket or some chairs and watch the balloons air up and take off. Visitors come from all over the world to experience this hot air balloon site, it’s that magical!
What to expect
The balloons take off at sunrise, so this is an event that requires a very early (maybe 3:00 a.m) wake-up call. The park opens up around 4:30 a.m. and starts filling up very quickly. There is an abundance of burrito stands, coffee stands, and local vendors to explore while you’re waiting for the event to kick off.
It’s important to get there early! Parking is organized by event personnel and fills up very quickly! The early wake-up call will be worth it!
The fiesta also has a night glow event where you can view the balloons light up after sunset. The balloons do not lift off into the air, but it’s a lovely event if you can’t make the sunrise.
Pro tip: You can camp out in an RV to beat the morning traffic.
Some folks prefer to see the balloons in the sky from different places around Albuquerque. The entire city is lit up with balloons, so no matter where you are in town during the week of the fiesta, you can’t miss the beautiful view.
Best time to visit
The fiesta has a set time of year and only sticks around for a few days. It usually takes place at the beginning of October due to the weather being the perfect temperature for the balloons. Make sure to check out their website for more information on future dates.
What to pack
- Layers of clothing. Early morning temperatures are chilly so a jacket is a must, especially for kids. By the time the morning event is over, you will be shedding your layers into summer clothes. That’s New Mexico weather for ya!
- Blanket or foldable chairs. You’ll need somewhere to sit and station yourself.
- Stroller if taking babies or multiple kids. You can walk around the vast park and check out different balloon shapes, shop different local vendors, talk to the balloon pilots, etc.
- Snacks, drinks for the family.
- Camera. You’re going to want to capture all those pretty colors!
White Sands National Park
White Sands National park has been claimed to be one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. This park is comprised of miles and miles of decomposed gypsum crystals that glisten so beautifully with the sun’s light.
It is located near the White Sands Missile Range which is a historical wonder for the U.S Military. White Sands Missile Range was also one of the key locations of the Manhattan Project, which developed the first atomic bomb during World War II. But don’t worry, the national park doesn’t test bombs. It’s miles and miles of white, glistening sand that allow for a fun adventure.
What to expect
There is an entrance fee per vehicle, so make sure you have money to purchase it at the entrance to the park or bring your national parks pass.
Pets are allowed as long as they are on a leash and you pick after them.
There are small trails you can walk with your family or you can pull off on the side parking areas and walk onto the sand and explore on your own. We leave our shoes in our cars and explore the beautiful sand dunes barefoot.
You can purchase a permit to camp overnight.
Please do not take the sand or any plants from the park. Abide by leave no trace principles and make sure you take only photos and memories with you when you leave.
For more detailed information visit the White Sands website.
Best time to visit
The park is open any time of year except for major holidays. Our family loves visiting in the Spring and Fall the most. Southern New Mexico is known for its hot temperatures and summer can be very hot for a visit with small children. The sun reflects the heat off the white sands, and believe me, when I say, it’s hot, it’s very hot!
Spring and Fall have crisp temperatures that allow children to visit comfortably and not overheat. We also love visiting a few hours before sunset! Sunset at white sands is like no other! The sky turns an orange-pink color and creates a dreamy and majestic sight with the white sand.
What to pack
- Lots of water!
- Food. There are no restaurants in the park and the nearest ones are about a 20-minute drive. I recommend taking food, snacks, and drinks for the entire family.
- Toboggan for sledding down the sand dunes. They sell some at the park entrance but if you already own one, bring it along!
- Camera.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks
The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks is a National Monument located just 40 miles from Santa Fe. It’s famous for its cone-shaped rock formations. The rock formations are composed of pumice, ash, and tuff deposits from volcanic eruptions 6–7 million years ago.
What to expect
There is an entrance fee, which can be purchased at the entrance to the park. The monument area has picnic tables, restrooms, and parking areas. No dogs are allowed.
The tent rocks are on Native-American reservation land, so respecting the land and leaving no trace are common courtesies.
There are two trailheads that are rated as easy (perfect for kids), which allow you to hike through the rock formations and explore their natural beauty. Both are short hikes, but I recommend having some experience, good shoes, and packing your hiking pack. There is no stroller accessibility.
Best time to visit
As of the date of publishing (November 2021), the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is currently closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it’s usually open year-round. Again, I highly recommend exploring the area in the Spring or Fall due to cooler temperatures and less risk of heat exhaustion for kids. This hike has minimal shade and is situated in a desert area so it can get extremely hot.
Also, I do not recommend visiting in the Winter due to the snowfall creating icy paths. Half of the trail is closed in Winter as well, due to unsafe conditions caused by ice.
What to pack
- Lots of water and snacks
- Camera
- Hat/sunscreen
- Layers of clothing
- Comfortable shoes
New Mexico magic
So there you have it, the top 3 places to visit in New Mexico with kids! We hope you’ll come visit soon and see how much beauty and history our state has to offer. While you’re here, don’t forget to stop at some authentic New Mexican restaurants! Our Spanish food is like no other state’s – mixing Native American and Spanish culture for delicious food that you can’t find anywhere else. If you’re in Albuquerque, Little Anita’s, Mac’s La Sierra, and Los Quates are the best in town. Remember, when you hear the motto, red or green, it’s referring to your chili flavor. If you’re new to chili, try both!
Happy adventuring in the beautiful Land of Enchantment, I know it will be magical!
Have you ever explored New Mexico with kids?
About the author
Lea is a dedicated wife, adventurous mother, Registered Nurse, and Army veteran. She is from New Mexico and strives each and every day to get outside with her wild toddler and newborn baby girl. She and her husband Brandon both served 8 years in the Army and it was during that time their love for the outdoors and seeing the world was born. When they had their son, that passion only intensified. They love to fly fish, overland in their Jeep, hike, surf, and capture these moments on camera. Lea is a professional photographer on the side and you can always catch her with her camera in her hand. Their goal is to influence more families in their rural state of New Mexico to explore the beauty of the SW while educating them on photography tips, medical tips like First Aid, and outdoor safety and gear, etc.
You can find Lea online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wildstokefam
Website: Wild Stoke Fam
RWMC posts: Lea