Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return offers a mind-bending, interactive art experience that captivates children and adults alike. This immersive and fantastical exhibition, created by a collective of over 100 local artists, invites families to step into an otherworldly realm of multimedia art installations, surreal environments, and mysterious narratives. The sprawling, 20,000-square-foot space is a playground of creativity where kids can explore a Victorian house with secret passages, encounter whimsical creatures, and engage with interactive exhibits that blur the lines between art, technology, and storytelling. Each room unfolds like a chapter in a fantastical storybook, encouraging visitors to touch, play, and explore in a space where imagination knows no bounds.

Tumbleroot Pottery Pub

Santa Fe Children’s Museum

The Santa Fe Children’s Museum stands as a beacon of learning and fun for families visiting Santa Fe, offering an engaging escape into a world where education meets play. This hands-on museum is designed with the curious young mind in mind, featuring a wide array of interactive exhibits that cover everything from science and technology to art and culture. Children can delve into the mysteries of the universe at the bubble-making station, unearth ancient fossils in the outdoor archaeological sandpit, or cultivate their green thumbs in the community garden. The museum’s philosophy of learning through play is evident in every corner, encouraging kids to explore, imagine, and create in a welcoming environment. Special workshops and events, such as storytelling sessions and craft-making classes, further enrich the experience, making the Santa Fe Children’s Museum a cherished destination for families seeking a mix of educational and entertaining activities in the heart of Santa Fe.

Sky Railway

The Sky Railway, a gem in the heart of New Mexico, offers families an enchanting journey through the stunning landscapes surrounding Santa Fe. This magical train ride, designed to delight passengers of all ages, weaves through the scenic beauty of the Southwest, from the rolling hills to the breathtaking vistas that define this region.  This one is fun but not necessarily for kids, they were pushing adult drinks quite a bit. We had a good time. They have non-alcoholic drinks and they give you some snacks. We brought a deck of cards with us and played a bunch of card games. 

Santa Fe Botanical Garden

The Santa Fe Botanical Garden offers a serene and educational outing for families visiting the area, presenting a lush oasis amid the desert landscape. This enchanting garden, located on Museum Hill, is a celebration of New Mexico’s rich botanical diversity, featuring native plants, sustainable landscaping practices, and beautifully designed outdoor spaces that encourage exploration and discovery at every turn. Children and adults alike can wander through various garden areas, including the Orchard Gardens, the Meadow Garden, and the Arroyo Trails, each offering unique plantings, sculptures, and interactive elements that engage the senses. The garden not only provides a peaceful retreat into nature but also serves as a living classroom where kids can learn about local flora, pollinators, and the importance of environmental stewardship. Seasonal events, workshops, and guided tours further enrich the experience, making the Santa Fe Botanical Garden a must-visit destination for families seeking to connect with nature and learn about the ecological beauty of the Southwest.

Fly Fishing

If your child isn’t ready for the real thing you can get lessons at Land of Enchantment Guides, over at Bishop’s Lodge. They offer short intro lessons as well as full-blown excursions out to the rivers. You can attend the complimentary introduction to the art of Fly-fishing on Saturdays at 10:30 AM. Jonah was in a boot due to a track injury so we skipped fly fishing in a river and opted for the lesson where you didn’t have to get into the water. 

Bike Riding

The city’s extensive network of bike trails caters to riders of all ages and skill levels, making it an ideal destination for a cycling adventure with kids. The Dale Ball Trails, for instance, offer more than 30 miles of interconnected routes that weave through the stunning foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with options ranging from easy to challenging. For a more leisurely experience, the Santa Fe Rail Trail provides a flat and scenic path that follows the historic railroad line from downtown Santa Fe to the artsy village of Lamy, offering families a gentle ride through the high desert landscape. Along the way, numerous picnic spots and points of interest invite families to pause, enjoy the surroundings, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of local wildlife.

Hiking

Santa Fe, with its enchanting landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, offers a plethora of hiking trails that are perfect for families traveling with kids. Among the easiest and most rewarding hikes is the Dale Ball Trails, a network that caters to all levels with clearly marked paths and stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Another family favorite is the Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary, where the short, flat trails are not only easy for little legs but also brimming with wildlife sightings and educational opportunities about the local ecosystem.

For those willing to venture a bit further, the Tsankawi section of Bandelier National Monument presents a unique adventure with ancient petroglyphs, historical cave dwellings, and a relatively easy trail that loops through the rugged volcanic landscape. These hikes, with their minimal elevation gain and engaging natural features, promise an enjoyable outdoor experience for families looking to explore the beauty of Santa Fe and its surroundings.

Horseback Riding

Read Next:

Albuquerque, New Mexico Travel Guide

Alamogordo, New Mexico Travel Guide

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended but doesn’t cost you any extra. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

The post 14 Unique Things to do in Santa Fe with Kids appeared first on Mommy Travels.

With half a million people living in Albuquerque there is a lot to do. Not to mention the interesting terrain. They have the Sandia Mountains at the edge opening up completely other options like skiing, route 66 runs through town, and a rich history dating back to 1706 when it was first established as a Spanish colony. Plus, they have 280 days of sunshine year round!

Now with all that said, I’m kicking this travel guide off with restaurants instead of activities. Why? Because the food alone makes Albuquerque worth visiting.

Where to Eat in Albuquerque

There’s just nothing quite like New Mexico cuisine and Albuquerque has a seemingly endless supply of the best New Mexican cuisine in the state almost always flavored with freshly roasted green chiles.

Here are the best New Mexican restaurants in Albuquerque, plus a few others serving other types of cuisine. That’s right, Albuquerque has plenty of food options that are not New Mexican and they are good too. (And please, do not get mad at me if your favorite isn’t on the list! I certainly haven’t eaten at all the restaurants there yet!)

Tia Batty Blue’s

Tia Betty Blue’s – The breakfast taco plate here was quite simply outstanding with three blue corn tortilla tacos stuffed with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, and onions.

Mary and Tito’s

Mary & Tito’s carne adovada stuffed sopapilla Christmas style

Mary and Tito’s carne adovadas are mind blowingly good. I think I inhaled this in less than two minutes. Next time I will order it with just green chili instead of red and green. You can find Mary and Tito’s at 2711 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107.

El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina

El Pinto is more for the atmosphere than it is for the food. The food is good, but it’s not great. Plan to have dinner at this beautiful spot one of the nights you are in town. The restaurant is massive and on the weekends they have Yogaritas aka yoga with Tequila Barbie a little pig followed by a margarita!

Sadie’s

Sadie’s is considered by many locals to be the best of the best when it comes to New Mexican cuisine.

Barelas

Barelas Coffee House has fantastic New Mexican cuisine breakfast, but it is pretty heavy, so keep that in mind when ordering.

Tia B’s Waffleria

Tia B’s Waffleria is a fun place for breakfast. They have sweet and savory waffles. The waffles are made from blue corn. This is a sister restaurant to Tia Betty Blue’s. They typically have a long line, but it’s worth it.

Mas Tapas Y Vino

Mas Tapas Y Vino for lunch. They are located inside Hotel Andaluz, an adorable boutique hotel in downtown.

The Grove Cafe

The Grove Cafe is an awesome spot for lunch. If you want to eat something on the lighter side this is where you should go. They are not open for dinner.

Best Places to Grab a Drink in Albuquerque

Sister Bar

Sister Bar has a little bit of everything. Good food, awesome cocktails, live music, and an arcade. The Thai Moscow Mule is phenomenal!

Apothecary Lounge

Apothecary Lounge is a rooftop bar! Technically, it is an indoor/outdoor lounge located on the Hotel Parq Central Rooftop. This is a great spot to enjoy the sunset with an old school cocktail.

Monte Vista Firehouse

Monte Vista Firehouse isn’t somewhere I have experienced first hand, but I have had friends who have. They highly recommend it, so it of course had to be added to this list!

Ibiza Urban Lounge

Ibiza Urban Lounge is another indoor/outdoor bar, but it’s not as high up. Located at Hotel Andaluz this bar has a great atmosphere and a solid place to hang out. If this bar is too crowded you can take your drink down to the lobby aka Casbahs. This area is set up like a hangout as well and despite being a hotel lobby the vibe is cool.

High Noon Saloon

When you are in the Old Town area sightseeing and shopping, enjoy a margarita at the High Noon Saloon. The chips and salsa are complimentary. While you sip on your margarita have one of the staff members tell you about their building, it’s supposedly haunted!

Albuquerque Breweries

The beer scene in Albuquerque is excellent. And it’s only going to get better since the city re-zoned their downtown in order to support more beer making efforts. Albuquerque is now home to more than 13 breweries, including the wildly popular Marble Brewing Company.

I highly recommend stopping in at Marble Brewing and trying a Pilsner, it has a nice citrus twang to it. Other breweries worth checking out include Nexxus Brewery and Restaurant and La Cumbre Brewing Company.

Things to do in Albuquerque

Visit a Lavender Farm

Albuquerque has one of the most charming lavender farms I’ve ever seen, Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm. The farm is gorgeous and smells like heaven. You can stroll around the property, have lunch at their field to fork restaurant, and shop in their gift shop.

Visit Old Town

Old Town, founded in 1706, is so cool. Many of the buildings are well preserved, colorful Pueblo-Spanish style adobes. Just walking around the area is fun. There’s an old church, the 18th century church San Felipe de Neri, you can visit if there’s not a wedding happening. There are lots of places to shop and even individuals selling odds and ends on the sidewalk.

Go Jewelry Shopping

Albuquerque is the place to find one of kind turquoise jewelry!

Skip Maisel’s Indian Jewelry

Shopping for turquoise at Skip Maisel’s Indian Jewelry store in downtown is a must. Skip Maisel’s has affordable prices and can tell you about the Indian artist that create each piece. I get constant compliments on my turquoise ring and this is where I got it.

Old Town Farm

Old Town Farm is located 1/2 mile west of Old Town Albuquerque. The property is about 12 acres and has been in agricultural use for over 400 years. This is a great spot to bike over to during the warmer months and stop in for a cup of coffee.

The park like area behind our house features a gazebo, waterfall and small stream/pond. There is also a fountain in this area and outdoor seating for their coffee customers.

Biking

Albuquerque has 600+ miles of bike trails in and around their city. There are lots of places to rent bicycles. Two trails worth checking out the Bosque Trail and the I-40 multi-use trail.

Golf

You can essentially gold year round in Albuquerque. With more than 10 courses available, there’s always one open.

Sandia Mountains

The Sandia Tramway will take you to top where depending on the season you can mountain bike, hike, ski, or snowboard.

Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum of Albuquerque

Explora is a children’s museum full of hands on activities like water exploration, arts and crafts, bubble play and so much more.

Albuquerque Biological Park

The Albuquerque Biological Park has a zoo, an aquarium, garden, and more. Here you can see chimpanzees, cheetahs, hippopotamuses, zebras, giraffes, elephants, penguins, polar bears, sharks, otters, turtles, stingrays and more.

Escape Rooms

Oddly enough Albuquerque has quite a few escape rooms. I do not know if one is better than another. The kids and I have done this a few times and so far it’s always been fun.

Petroglyph National Monument

Petroglyph National Monument is one of the largest Petroglyph sites in North America, featuring designs and symbols carved on volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400 to 700 years ago.

Albuquerque Isotopes Baseball

Albuquerque has a minor league baseball team, the Isotopes. If you haven’t been to a minor league baseball game before you are in for a treat, they are a lot of fun.

Hinkle Family Fun Center

Here you can find  bumper cars, laser tag, paintball, and an arcade.

Breaking Bad Tour

Breaking Bad was filmed in Albuquerque and there are some tours available to take you around to see locations where it was filmed. This is a must do for a hardcore fan.

Gravity Park

Gravity Park is an indoor trampoline park. I always like to have something just in case it rains.

Albuquerque Wineries

Albuquerque has a growing wine scene where grapes prosper from the area’s high elevation and sandy soil. Must Visit Wineries include:

• • Casa Rondeña Winery
  • Gruet Winery
  • Pasando Tiempo Winery

Fun Festivals in Albuquerque

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the premier international ballooning event, powered by the perfect October climate. The 360 acre Park with 100 acres of grass and booths will be filled with balloons and concessions selling everything from traditional New Mexican food to balloon memorabilia. Every year balloon teams from around the world participate in the event. It has become one of the most photographed event in the world.

SOMOS Festival

SOMOS ABQ is a citywide festival showcasing the very best Albuquerque has to offer, including world class entertainment, food vendors & local restaurants, craft brewing, arts and culture organizations, nonprofits, technology companies, and more. Last year that had an amazing EDM DJ.

Globalquerque!

Globalquerque! is New Mexico’s Annual Celebration of World Music and Culture. It is held each September in Albuquerque at the NHCC. The event features bands from all over the world. They also have craft booths with local goods for sale. Plus, there’s wine and beer from New Mexico.

Where to Stay in Albuquerque

Like everything else in Albuquerque, there are a wide variety of hotels. You have lots of well-known chains as well as one of a kind boutique hotels.

Hotel Andaluz

Hotel Andaluz is a boutique located in downtown Albuquerque. The hotel is adorable and the rooms are huge. There’s an on-site restaurant and a nice rooftop bar. Every night I was there they had live music in the lobby. The lobby has a cool vibe and is worth hanging out in. I so enjoyed staying here and it’s so easy to recommend staying here, because they did everything right. They are part of Hilton so you can earn points here. 

Los Poblanos Historic Inn

The Los Poblanos Historic Inn is adorable. I love the property and the inn is right there in the middle of the action. I definitely recommend staying here if you get the opportunity to. I am unsure if they have rooms that would accommodate families.

Residence Inn Albuquerque Airport

The kids and I ended up almost staying at the Residence Inn Albuquerque Airport, but they were sold out and I shouldn’t have been able to make a reservation. They sent us next door to the Courtyard and covered our stay. From what I saw, it was a nice hotel and they treated us extremely well despite the circumstances.

Courtyard Albuquerque Airport

Our room at the Courtyard Albuquerque Airport was nice and spacious enough for a family of four. This was the hotel we got sent to after the place we booked was full. I was a little worried, but the worry was unfounded.

Have you been to Albuquerque? What was your favorite thing to do or place to hang out? Leave your suggestions or advice in the comments below!

The post Albuquerque, New Mexico Travel Guide appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Accommodation:

Bishops Lodge Resort has splendid rooms, all featuring a comfortable and airy setting with a Western touch to it. The rooms are well furnished with all the modern amenities one could ask for, like a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a Kiva fireplace, and a stocked mini-fridge highlighting New Mexican offerings. There’s a coffee maker that uses Nespresso capsules and a clothing steamer both of which I highly appreciated! From what I could tell all rooms have a porch as well. 

On the bar cart are some really unusual snacks that are included in your stay inside the triple terra cotta pot. 

Activities

Bishops Lodge Resort has a plethora of activities to keep you entertained during your stay like horseback riding and hiking. Take a dip in the pool or try out fishing, hiking, or horseback riding along one of the many awe-inspiring trails nearby. Or, if you prefer something less vigorous, enjoy a game of cornhole or Connect Four on the lawn.

Fitness Center

The gym was great. They even had a Peleton. The fitness center is open 24 hours a day. 

Fly Fishing

They have a fly fishing operator on site, Land of Enchantment Guides, that offers short intro lessons as well as full-blown excursions out to the rivers. You can attend the complimentary introduction to the art of Fly-fishing on Saturdays at 10:30 AM.

Pool and Hot Tub

The pool is heated and the hot tub is hot but not too hot. We enjoy both a great deal. They’ve got plenty of towels, sunscreen, and water down at the pool. During the day the pool bar offers margaritas, salads, tacos, and more. 

Dining

The resort’s restaurant, Sky Fire, offers a delectable range of southwestern cuisine that is sure to make your taste buds dance with joy. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating options, both with picturesque views of the mountain range. The bar area is decorated elegantly with warm lights and features an array of specialty cocktails and wine.

Happy hour is offered on weekdays with half of the lounge food and drink discounts from 2-5 PM. They are also open for breakfast. 

Spa

You can rejuvenate your mind and body at the resort’s spa, The Spa at Bishop’s Lodge. The spa services include massages, facials, body treatments, and even acupuncture. Treat yourself to a soothing massage by one of the skilled therapists. I can’t say more because I didn’t try the spa out. 

Resort Fee

Wondering what items are included in the $55 Resort Fee? Here’s a breakdown. 

• Transportation to Downtown Santa Fe on request: Downtown is only ten minutes away and they can run you down there or back when you need it. 
• Self parking space
• Weekly calendar of activities
• Welcome drink and farewell gift: The welcome drink is a special drink aka chlorophyll water to help you with the altitude. If you find yourself not feeling great because of the altitude they will provide you with more. 
• Bottled water & coffee refreshed daily in guestrooms
• Transportation throughout the property via golf cart: It can be fairly steep to get from the lobby up to some of the rooms so you will definitely want to utilize this service. It was super cold when we were there and they had blankets for us while we were on the golf cart.
• High speed internet in guestrooms and shared spaces
• Chromecast and streaming are available in guestrooms

Bishops Lodge Resort in Santa Fe New Mexico is an idyllic, quaint escape that promises to satisfy all senses with its scenic beauty, luxurious amenities, and personalized hospitality. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the resort offers enough activities that will keep you engaged throughout your stay. If you’re looking for a sincere bit of southwestern hospitality coupled with you-time, then Bishop’s Lodge Resort is undoubtedly the place you need. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your luxurious stay at the Bishops Lodge Resort now!

Read Next:

14 Most Instagrammable Hotels in the United States

 A Luxury Escape to Mokara Hotel & Spa San Antonio

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended but doesn’t cost you any extra. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

The post Bishops Lodge Resort in Santa Fe, New Mexico appeared first on Mommy Travels.

The area is extremely rich in history and there are many interesting things to do in and around Alamogordo. Alamogordo and the surrounding area are pretty quiet, so it is a great place to enjoy nature and relax. As an Air Force wife, I have always enjoyed staying in Alamogordo, especially because of the fantastic nature surrounding it. 

Here is my ultimate guide to Alamogordo, New Mexico. Find out about the best things to do in Alamogordo, where to eat in Alamogordo, and much more interesting info for your visit! Let’s dive right in! 

How to get to Alamogordo

The closest (bigger) airport to Alamogordo is in El Paso, Texas. It is about 85 miles (136.79 km) away from Alamogordo. There are some smaller airports in the area, like the Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport or the Las Cruces Airport, but they do not offer many connections.

When is the best time to visit Alamogordo?

Alamogordo has very nice weather year-round. The winters can be pretty cold, but luckily they are very short. For warm weather activities, I suggest visiting between May and October. From the end of May until mid-September is the hot season in Alamogordo, with roughly 86°F on average. 

July is the hottest month, with an average of 93°F. December is the coldest month, with an average daily temperature of 31°F. Luckily, there are very few rainy days in Alamogordo, with a dry season from the end of September until the end of June. This makes it a great destination to visit year-round.

Things to do in Alamogordo

The White Sands National Park

The White Sands National Park is located about 15 miles outside of Alamogordo. It is one of the most underrated national wonders of the world. The beautiful white desert in New Mexico consists of 275 square miles of gypsum sand. 

The White Sands National Park has an interesting history. The oldest human footprints have been found there, proving that humans have lived there for 23.000 years. Also, the first-ever nuclear bomb has been tested in the missile range next to the park.

There are many amazing things to do in the White Sands National Park. Join a guided tour with a park ranger and learn all about the interesting history, flora, and fauna of the park. You can hike one of the many beautiful hiking trails or even participate in a full-moon hike. 

There are three major foot trails in the park. The Interdune Boardwalk is roughly 0.3 miles long and takes you to a beautiful viewpoint. The Playa Trail is also about 0.3 miles long and leads you through the magnificent white sand dunes. More experienced hikers will love the Alkali Flat trail with roughly 4.3 miles.

Families with kids will especially love going sledding in the park. You can rent plastic sleds from the visitors center and have fun taking them down the white sand dunes. Make sure to visit the museum on your way out and learn in an interactive way all about the beautiful area. 

The New Mexico Museum of Space History

The New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo has been founded in 1976. It was dedicated to honor the pioneers of space exploration and educating future generations. It is showcasing the role New Mexico has played in the development of the US Space program. 

The facility does not only include the Space History museum but also the Space Hall of Fame, a dome theater and a planetarium, an Astronaut Memorial Garden, and the Hubbard Space Research Center. There are many different exhibitions showcased that are super interesting to see. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cloudcroft

Cloudcroft is an interesting, small mountain village, located in the Lincoln National Forest. It is located at an altitude of 8,676 ft and is a great place to visit when staying in Alamogordo. The charming little village with about 700 inhabitants has cute shops, great restaurants, and an interesting historic railroad museum.

There are many things to do in Cloudcroft, for young and old. The area around the town is famous for its hiking trails in the open forest. You can enjoy a great walk or hike and be rewarded with an amazing view of the valley and the city of Alamogordo. 

Especially in winter, taking a walk through the snow-covered mountains and enjoying a hot beverage afterward in the scenic town of Cloudcroft is magical. 

There are also several typical winter activities that you and your family can join in Cloudcroft. From ice skating to skiing and mountain tubing – Cloudcroft offers a fun activity for everyone.

Visit the World’s Largest Pistachio

Alamogordo is home to the World’s largest pistachio. It is 30 feet tall and you can find it in PistachioLAND. You can see over 12.000 pistachio trees on this farm! 

The farm stretches out over a 90-acre property. You can visit it via the orchard’s 14-passenger open-air shuttle, zooming among 12,000+ pistachio trees. You will also enjoy a view of the rolling grape vineyards on the property

The farm has a gift shop and offers wine tastings for everyone older than 21 years. Younger guests will enjoy the ice cream parlor and the free samples of various sweets. 

Alameda Park Zoo

The Alameda Park Zoo is a great place to visit in Alamogordo with kids. It was founded in 1898 and is one of the oldest zoos in the US. They have around 265 animals of 90 different species in the zoo. 

People especially love visiting the pumas, the lemurs, and the Mexican grey wolf in the zoo. The White Sands pupfish and the Hawaiian goose are also visitors’ favorites. The Educational Center offers an Eco-Ranger Junior Zookeeper program.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Toy Train Depot

The Toy Train Depot is a famous toy store and railway museum in Alamogordo. This is a great place to visit in Alamogordo with kids. 

The Toy Train Depot is featuring scale models of train locomotives, and passenger and freight cars. It is also home to America’s Park Ride Train Museum, which runs in Alameda Park. 

Trinity Site

The Trinity Site is the place where the first atomic bomb was detonated in 1945. It is a very interesting site to visit, and you can learn a lot about the history of the place. Tours are only offered twice a year and it’s about an hour and a half away. 

The White Sands Missile Range Museum

The White Sands Missile Range museum is home to a lot of historical missiles. The museum will take you back in history and teach you a lot about warfare back in the day. 

Where to Eat in Alamogordo

My favorite place to eat lunch in Alamogordo is the Plateau Espresso. The cute little café and bistro is located on a hill, so you have an amazing view of the city and the nature that lies behind it. Plus, the service is great and the food is extremely yummy. 

But this is not the only great restaurant in Alamogordo. The small city of Alamogordo has a surprising amount of great food places. My favorite dinner restaurant is Si Senor, offering delicious Mexican cuisine and great Margaritas. 

Check out the Pizza Patio, Thai Cuisine, and the Y’alls Steakhouse-Alamogordo for delicious meals in a great atmosphere. 

Where to Stay in Alamogordo

There are a couple of great hotel options for staying in Alamogordo. The Hampton Inn in Alamogordo is a great choice of hotel for your trip. It has an indoor pool and a whirlpool and the rooms are super spacious and nice. 

Another great option is the Home2 Suites by Hilton. They have an outdoor swimming pool, a spa center, and a sun terrace.

Read Next:

Albuquerque, New Mexico Travel Guide

Marfa, Texas

The post Alamogordo, New Mexico Travel Guide appeared first on Mommy Travels.

The post 11 Best Dude Ranches for Families appeared first on Mommy Travels.

The United States has many stunning outdoor locations to visit, including some great lake locales. All of these have great views, and lots to do around these lakes. You will be sure to enjoy your vacation in one of these warm destination spots.

There are so many lake locations to consider, but here are some of the best lake options in the United States.

Best Lake Vacations in the United States

Arizona

Lake Havasu

Known as a spring break destination, Lake Havasu is so much more. Whether you love the water or the desert, you can have it all in Lake Havasu.

The sun is always shining and there are over 400 miles of shoreline along the lake. There are hotels, resorts, campgrounds, and general campsites right on the lakeshore. You can also rent a houseboat.

Lake Havasu is known for its water sports. You can water ski, wakeboard, swim or go Jet Skiing. Rent a boat or bring your own to enjoy the lake. 

If you want a unique view, try a hot air balloon ride. If you prefer to stay on the ground you can join a walking tour or rent a jeep.

Massachusetts

Walden Pond

Close to Boston, The Walden Pond State Reservation is worth a visit. Technically a pond, you have 400 acres with a small beach, canoeing and swimming, too. Boats are permitted, but no gasoline engines are allowed. 

You can walk the trails around the pond and even go fishing. The area has a lot of wildlife to observe as well. There are picnic areas and canoe rentals, too.

Maine

Moosehead Lake

Moosehead Lake is Maine’s largest lake and is 30 miles long and has almost 300 miles of shoreline. In the past, this area was only known by natives, but it is becoming a great spot for nature lovers to visit.

You can go kayaking, canoeing, and fly fishing at Moosehead Lake. There is white water rafting and you can even cruise the lake on a historic steamship.

The lake is next to the mountains, so hiking trails abound. Other popular activities are mountain biking, bird watching. There are also guided ‘safaris’ to catch a glimpse of moose in the area.

The Moosehead Lake area has campgrounds, and in the nearby town of Greenville, there are hotels and cabins. There are also shops and restaurants to visit in the area.

Missouri

Table Rock Lake

Table Rock Lake is close to the activities in Branson, but far enough away to feel relaxing. With 500 miles of waterfront, you can have lots of fun. There are hotels, lakefront resorts, and campgrounds for lodging choices. You can also rent a houseboat on the lake for a different vacation experience.

You can bring your own watercraft or rent a boat. There are over 20 public boat ramps around the lake. Fun activities on the lake include paddle boarding, kayaking, boating and waterskiing, and fishing, of course! You can swim and even try scuba diving. 

New Mexico

Elephant Butte Lake

When you think of New Mexico you probably don’t think of lakes. Elephant Butte Lake is just north of Truth or Consequences and is the largest body of water in the state. There are great sandy beaches here at the lake, too.

Elephant Butte Lake has fishing, boating, camping, and beautiful scenery. Many types of watercraft are allowed on the lake, including jet skis, kayaks, sailboats and pontoons, houseboats, cruisers, and ski boats. There are 3 marinas at the lake.

Since the lake is part of a State Park, you have access to picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms. There are cabins, an RV park, and places for tent camping.

New York

Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain is the sixth-largest U.S. ake and can be accessed through both NY and Vermont, so we’ll give you info on both.

The New York side of Lake Champlain has lots to do and it’s historic. The oldest natural tourist attraction in the U.S. is Ausable Chasm, which is a gorge of the Ausable River. A mini Grand Canyon, there are lots of hiking trails in this beautiful area.

If you want to get out on the lake you can rent kayaks, powerboats, and pedal boats. Lake Champlain is considered one of the best bass fishing lakes in the U.S. 

If you like history, there are many museums in the area. You can also plan a visit to Ft. Ticonderoga. There are plenty of places to stay, from hotels to cabins.

Finger Lakes

Technically the Finger Lakes is more than one lake each with their own vibe and things to do! The Finger Lakes are gorgeous and worth a visit.

Ohio

In Ohio, it is all about Lake Erie. Between Cleveland and Toledo, there are 100 miles of shore and nice towns to stay on your vacation.

Put-In-Bay

If you want an amusement park with beaches, try Cedar Point. You can also take a ferry over to Put-In-Bay. Put-In-Bay is quaint, and you won’t see cars. Get around via bike or golf cart. You can even visit a winery here.

Kelley’s Island is quieter and you can see glacier grooves on the island. There are beautiful Victorian homes to admire or stay at one that is now an Inn. You can play on 20 miles of shorefront and take leisurely bike rides.

Explore Marblehead Lighthouse State Park. You can tour the grounds and museums for free. If you like history see Perry’s Monument.

Oregon

Crater Lake

Crater Lake in south-central Oregon is one you don’t want to miss. This is a National Park and Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S. There is a lodge and campground in the park. Klamath Falls is not too far away if you wanted to stay in town.

Crater Lake is known for having clear, deep blue water. It is simply stunning to look at. In the summer there are many activities to enjoy including boat or trolley tours, hiking, fishing, and swimming. There are also ranger talks and some evening programs for all ages. You can even take a volcano boat tour.

In the summer you will want to go along Rim Drive and see the scenic views all around the lake. There are also paths for walking or biking. The trails are usually open from July to October, depending on the weather.

Suttle Lake

Suttle Lake is tiny but also worth a visit. It’s near Sisters.

Texas

Lady Bird Lake

If you like a more urban vacation, don’t think you can’t enjoy a lake as well. Lady Bird Lake in Austin gives you the best of both worlds. Austin is a vibrant city with lots of indoor and outdoor entertainment.

While you can’t have motorized boats on Lady Bird Lake, you can enjoy rowing, canoeing, kayaking and dragon boats. There is a deep pool (Deep Eddy Pool) along the lakeshore that is great for swimming.

Surrounding Lady Bird Lake are hiking and biking trails. Zilker Park (Austin’s largest downtown park) is right next to Lady Bird Lake. You can also fish for bass, sunfish, and catfish in the lake.

Austin is a music city, and there’s lots of music and other events around the lake almost year-round.

Utah

Lake Powell

Lake Powell straddles the border of Utah and Arizona, but most of the lake is in Utah. Lake Powell is actually a reservoir on the Colorado River. Over 180 miles long and with almost 2,000 miles of shoreline, it is the second-largest man-made lake in the United States.

The crystal blue waters of Lake Powell stand in stark contrast the red rock canyon walls. There are sandy beaches and you can swim and boat. There is more water than land here, so you will want to get around by boat.

There are houseboats in some areas and lots of water fun. You can wakeboard, water ski, kayak, take a boat tour or go fishing. Some of the fish you can catch include Northern Pike, Walleye, Bass, and catfish. You can even take a dinner cruise.

One thing you don’t want to miss is the Rainbow Bridge National Monument. This is one of the largest known natural bridges in the world and is considered sacred by the many Native American tribes from this area. While you are not allowed to go under the bridge, you can view and take pictures from a distance.

Vermont

Lake Champlain Islands

In Vermont, you can visit Burlington and be near the lake. There is the wonderful Lake Champlain Islands that have 200 miles of shore to explore and enjoy. This is a quieter vacation to enjoy nature, but you are close to shops and can stay at a lovely inn.

Washington 

Lake Chelan

In north-central Washington State is the largest natural lake in the whole state. It is a narrow lake, but over 50 miles long. The lake is about 4 hours east of the Seattle area and is surrounded by mountains and vineyards.

Lake Chelan is a mecca for water lovers, as you can try jet-skiing, water skiing, kayaking, parasailing, canoeing, tubing or rowing. Parts of the lake are great for sailboats and windsurfing, too. Since the lake is crystal clear, you can also give snorkeling a try.

If you enjoy fishing and having fresh fish for meals, this area is great. You can fish for Burbot, Rainbow Trout, Chinook and Sockeye Salmon, and Smallmouth Bass.

Restaurants in the Lake Chelan Valley offer something for everyone and often include wine from the local vineyards. For a quick bite during the day there are plenty of takeout options, too.

Wisconsin

Winnebago Lake

The largest lake in Wisconsin is Winnebago Lake. This lake is 138,000 acres and a fisherman’s dream. There is open water fishing for bass and many others like Panfish, Musky, Catfish, Walleye and Sturgeon.

There are lots of opportunities for boating if that is what you like to do. With the lake being 30 miles long and 10 miles wide you have lots of room to launch and run your boat.

One of the reasons Lake Winnebago is popular is that you can drive around the lake and visit many great Wisconsin towns. Oshkosh is to the west, Appleton is on the Northside, and Fond du Lac is south.

Checkout High Cliff State Park on the Northeast shore and enjoy hiking, camping, a marina, an observation tower, picnic areas, and beaches.  Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac has picnic areas, a deer park, a playground, a marina, baseball diamonds, and boat launch ramps. You can rent canoes, bumper boats, and aqua bikes.

Have you taken a lake vacation with your family? We would love to hear about your best lake trip in the comments below!

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