New Mexico is a fantastic place to educate your kids while traveling the open road. You can explore the captivating landscapes, experience the unique culture, and see some of the state's remarkable historical sites. From the Rio Grande to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, there are plenty of educational outdoor adventures for your family.
White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park is a US park in New Mexico, encircled by the White Sands Missile Range. The park covers 145,762 acres in the Tularosa Basin, including roughly the southern half of the area of white dunes formed of gypsum crystals. White Sands is a delightful place to visit for a day or an afternoon, and there are abundant opportunities to race sleds down the dunes!
Pro Tip: Do not clean your car before your visit! If you sled or venture off the boardwalks a bit, you'll bring back a surplus of sand in your shoes, clothing, and hair. Seriously, don't even bother. I'm still finding sand in the truck one year after visiting!
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a US park tucked away in the Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico. The biggest lure of the park is the Carlsbad Caverns cave. Tourists visiting the cave can walk in via the natural entrance or descend 754 feet in an elevator from the visitor center. The elevator has no stops as it travels through solid limestone. Suppose you plan your visit from April through October. In that case, there are nightly opportunities to witness the bats in a mass exodus from the cave.
Pro Tip: Even if it's as hot as Satan's armpit outside, the cave remains humid and 56 degrees year-round. Bring a light jacket or wear long sleeves.
A Day in Roswell
Roswell, New Mexico, takes pride in their UFO history.
The Roswell Incident revolves around the 1947 recovery of metallic and rubber debris from a military balloon. Decades later, conspiracy theories contended that the rubbish was from a flying saucer that had been covered up by the United States government. In 1994, the United States Air Force issued a report identifying the crashed object as a nuclear test surveillance balloon from Project Mogul.
This incident changed Roswell forever, as the true story of what happened continues to be debunked and researched simultaneously. From several eyewitness testimonies to government cover-ups, the quarrel continues 76 years later. Will they ever get their story straight?
If science fiction or facts (you decide!) are your jam, lace up your moon boots and head to Roswell! You'll find aliens and other space-related decorations in this quirky yet adorable little town at almost every business. There are some impressive museums, attractions, and numerous funny photo opportunities for everyone.
Recycled Roadrunner
The Recycled Road Runner sculpture is at a charming rest stop outside Las Cruces. The statue assembled out of old footwear, electronics, and various pieces of junk, is 20 feet tall. Its eyes made out of Volkswagen headlights, gaze out into the Organ Mountains.
Artist Olin Calk chose a road runner because it is the state bird of New Mexico. It was built in 1993 from the items he salvaged from a landfill. Over the years, it has been "plucked" and re-feathered from "new" rejected donations from thrift stores.
The rest area has covered picnic tables, a pet area, and some bathrooms; the views from this location are stunning! If you're traveling down the I10 and need a place for a picnic or to stretch your legs for a few minutes, this unique gem is the perfect stop! If you are traveling in an RV it gets even better because it's also a free camping spot to boondock for the night!
Route 66 Attractions
The Mother Road is a great American adventure rich in history and whimsical roadside attractions worthy of a stop. It's a family-friendly trip and has a little something for everyone. It's okay if you don't have enough time to take that California trip because the New Mexico segment is packed with plenty of fun. I wrote a blog highlighting our favorite destinations along Route 66 and included helpful tips for navigating the Mother Road. Check it out 👉 here.
The Big Blue Hole
Looking for a unique natural wonder to explore? The Blue Hole of Santa Rosa is a must-visit destination for any nature enthusiast, avid diver, or sweaty tourist looking to beat the heat! It is truly a sight to behold; the water remains consistent and crisp at 62 degrees year-round. The Blue Hole of Santa Rosa, or the Blue Hole, is a circular-shaped cenote along historic Route 66. A cenote is a collapsed cavern that reveals groundwater beneath. This hole is a prime tourist attraction and swimming location making it one of the most famous scuba diving destinations in the US.
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