This early September, we spent a week in New Mexico, exploring the area and enjoying warm evenings. New Mexico is a beautiful destination for those who love culture, history, and outdoor activities, with its rich cultural heritage, fascinating history, and breathtaking landscapes.
The state has a lot to offer, especially if you’re traveling with kids – from learning about Native American history to exploring scenic National Parks, New Mexico has something for everyone.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top family-friendly attractions and activities you can enjoy in the Land of Enchantment!
1. Ride the Sandia Peak Tram
Ride North America’s Longest Aerial Tram Ride – Sandia Peak Tram (and the third longest in the world), located in Albuquerque. The ride takes 15 minutes going up and 15 minutes going down, reaching the 10,378-foot crest of the Sandia Mountains.
At the top, a breathtaking panoramic view of 11,000 square miles awaits. Want to see the desert skies at golden hour? Try booking the sunset time slot!
The cost of round-trip rides is $33 for Adults (13-61), $23 for kids (2-12), and $28 for young adults (13-20). Make sure to get your tickets online since they tend to sell out fast.
💡 Good to know
Things to know before your visit:
- While you will have the timed entry tickets (with a 3-hour window), you still need to wait for about 30 minutes before taking a ride.
- The temperatures drop drastically when at the top, from the low 90th (F) to the low 60th (F). It also gets pretty windy, so please dress accordingly.
- Make sure to drink plenty of water to deal with altitude.
- Strollers are permitted on the tram and the observation deck/ walkways.
Sandia Peak Tram does offer dining at the top of the mountain. A restaurant called TEN 3 offers:
- Fine Dining by reservation only, and has no kids under the age of 10 rule.
- Casual dining on a first-come, first-serve basis; the last seating is at 7 p.m. on Monday, Thu, and Sunday, and 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
2. Explore Meow Wolf
Visit Meow Wolf in Santa Fe – an immersive art exhibit that combines installations, VR, and multimedia to create a one-of-a-kind experience.
Explore a Victorian-style home, The House of Eternal Return, with more than 70 various rooms and hallways! Crawl through secret passages, play with interactive displays, climb up into a treehouse, and even get inside a washer or a fridge! Read more about visiting Meow Wolf Santa Fe here.
The cost of admission tickets for adults (13+) is $39, for kids (4-12) is $32, and the kids under 3 can enter for free.
💡 Good to know
Things to consider before your visit to Meow Wolf Santa Fe:
- Although we had timed entry tickets, we still needed to wait for about 30-40 minutes before entering.
- Consider spending at least 2 hours exploring.
- Strollers and Backpacks are NOT permitted inside. Park your stroller outside and leave your backpack in a paid locker (buy two tokens inside for $1 each).
- No outside food is allowed nor the liquids. You must empty the water bottles before entering and refill them if needed inside.
- Once exited, no reentry is allowed.
3. Visit Bandelier National Monument
At Bandelier National Monument, you’ll see the ancient cliff dwellings carved into the canyon walls of Frijoles Canyon, which the Native Americans called home. You can climb wooden ladders up to the cave dwellings once inhabited by these people and marvel at the towering volcanic canyon walls and remnants of pueblos dating back to the 1500s.
One of the highlights of visiting Bandelier is the 1.2-mile Main Loop Trail. It takes you past petroglyphs and dwellings, offering an incredible opportunity to experience the history of the area. You can let your imagination run wild picturing life in Bandelier’s cliffside homes and exploring the ruins of a civilization long ago.
💡 Good to know
The entry fee to Bandelier National Monument is $25 per vehicle and is free with your Annual National Parks Pass.
Note that if you are visiting from June 14, 2023 – Mid-October 2023, from 9 am to 3 pm, you have to take a Mandatory Shuttle Bus from White Rock Visitor Center to Frijoles Canyon Visitor Center!
4. Cross the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
When in New Mexico, make sure to drive through (and walk) the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge! The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is a stunning steel arch bridge located in Taos, New Mexico. It spans the Rio Grande Gorge, a deep and narrow canyon that is 650 feet deep and over 50 miles long.
The bridge was completed in 1965 and is the seventh-highest bridge in the United States. It offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the gorge below.
You can walk across the bridge and take in the breathtaking scenery or even hike down into the gorge for a closer look at the river.
5. Walk the streets of ancient Taos Pueblo
When visiting Taos Pueblo, you’ll get to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Native American community. The Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States.
The stunning adobe-style buildings showcase the exceptional skills of the ancient Pueblo builders. Here, you can walk around exploring or take a guided tour of the Taos Pueblo and learn about its history and culture from the local residents.
💡 Good to know
The admission fee to Taos Pueblo for adults is $25 per person, and children under 10 are free (credit cards are accepted).
The opening hours of Taos Pueblo vary depending on the day of the week:
- It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday.
- It is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
It’s important to note that Taos Pueblo may close on certain days for tribal events, such as funerals or ceremonies.
Additionally, the Taos Pueblo community offers a range of handicrafts, including jewelry, pottery, and textiles, which make excellent souvenirs. Make sure to stop by the San Geronimo Church, a stunning example of the blend of Native American and Catholic cultures.
6. Don’t miss El Santuario de Chimayo
El Santuario de Chimayo is a historic and beautiful example of Spanish Colonial architecture located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Chimayo, New Mexico.
This church is located within a short drive from Santa Fe and has been a place of worship since it was constructed in 1813.
Nowadays, El Santuario de Chimayo is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage centers in the United States and is attracting over 300,000 pilgrims of various faiths, including American Indians and Hispanics each year.
The admission to El Santuario de Chimayo is free, making it accessible to all who seek spiritual solace.
Interestingly, El Santuario de Chimayo is known for its miraculous healing powers, believed to be attributed to the earth found under the shrine. You can find holy dirt in a small hole or pit called “el pocito” inside the church. Many pilgrims take some of this holy dirt with them, believing it can cure ailments.
7. Try the local food
New Mexican cuisine is a fusion of Native American and Spanish influences. Be sure to sample some of these iconic flavors and dishes, such as green and red chile – try them smothered over enchiladas, burritos, or tamales. The flavorful roasted chiles add a unique regional spice.
Try breakfast burritos – flour tortillas stuffed with potatoes, eggs, bacon, chorizo, and, of course, chile and blue corn pancakes.
8. Stop at the Cathedral Basilica Santa Fe
When in Santa Fe, make sure to visit The Cathedral Basilica Santa Fe. The Cathedral Basilica Santa Fe is a masterpiece of architecture located in historic Santa Fe, just steps from the Santa Fe Plaza. Built in the late 19th century in the Romanesque Revival style, the Cathedral features intricate carvings, colorful stained glass windows, and an impressive marble altar.
The cathedral is open daily from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and attending mass or prayer is free.
9. Visit museums
New Mexico is home to many exciting museums that are perfect for families with children. Both Albuquerque and Santa Fe are home to interactive museums filled with hands-on exhibits designed to spark children’s curiosity and imagination:
- In Albuquerque, the Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum offer exhibits where kids can touch, build, and explore. Popular exhibits include a bubble wall, an art studio, and an illusion maze.
- The Albuquerque Museum of Art & History also has a large children’s area called ArtsReach, where kids can make art, play, dress up, and explore New Mexico’s history.
- When in Santa Fe, visit the Wheels Museum, which showcases antique cars, trains, and other vehicles that fascinate young minds.
- The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science features dinosaur skeletons and hands-on science exhibits.
- The Museum of International Folk Art is also very kid-friendly, with colorful exhibits of toys and folk art from around the world.
Bottom line
Albuquerque and Santa Fe offer a wealth of kid-friendly activities that promise to create lasting memories for your family. Whether you’re soaring above the Sandia Mountains on the Sandia Peak Tram, delving into the fantastical world of Meow Wolf, exploring the rich history of Bandelier National Monument, or savoring the flavors of local cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Don’t forget to immerse yourself in the ancient traditions of Taos Pueblo and soak up the art and culture at museums and historic sites. With its natural beauty, cultural richness, and delicious food, this corner of New Mexico offers a perfect blend of adventure and exploration for families.
