A New Mexico family vacation is family time on steroids; but the pressure to plan a perfect itinerary can often feel daunting. Will everyone be happy? Will everyone be safe? Dearest human, have no fear, this blog post is here! The following six items offer a wide range of itinerary amendments that will undoubtedly create the memorable, adventurous family trip you hope for while also invoking a smile within every member of your family.

Without further delay, here is our guide to the perfect New Mexico family vacation!

1. Meow Wolf
2. White Sands National Park
3. La Fonda Inn
4. Luna Mystica
5. Aceq Restaurant
6. Carlsbad Caverns

1. Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf is an interactive art museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The museum uses music and/or video to transport audiences of all ages into a creative world of experimental storytelling. Meow Wolf’s permanent installation, House of Eternal Return (HOER), supported by George R.R. Martin (Game of Thrones creator), also features a children’s learning center, cafe/bar, and music venue. 

2. White Sands National Park 

White Sands National Park, located in Tularosa Basin, creates the world’s largest gypsum (wave-like dunes) in the world. The activities at the park include walking, camping, sledding down the dunes, and much more. Plus, if your family includes someone with a little extra fur, all furry friends are welcome at White Sands.

3. La Fonda Inn

La Fonda Inn, a member of the Historic Hotels of America, is the only hotel located on the historic Santa Fe plaza. With a four-diamond rating, and 400 years of experience, La Fonda Inn offers authentic lodging, restaurants, and no resort fees. 

4. Luna Mystica

Luna Mystica, operating out of the Mesa of Taos, is a vintage trailer hotel and campground. Each trailer contains its own deck, bathroom, bed, and kitchen. This itinerary amendment is the epitome of the intersection of modern and vintage. If you are looking to ‘glamp,’ camp, or simply stare at the famous New Mexico starry sky, then this is the place for you and your family to stay. 

5. Aceq Restaurant 

Aceq Restaurant, from 5:00-9:00 p.m. in Arroyo Seco, is a local New Mexican favorite. The menu changes daily, but the chef never fails to bring spunk and flavor. Plus, if your family has allergies or special diets, Aceq offers gluten-free pasta and the menu also has special labels indicating which dishes accommodate particular allergies or special diets. 

6. Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns is located in Eddy County. Known for its limestone caves, rock formations and hiking trails, this national park is notably good for kids. Plus, if your kids are under 15, they can get in for free! The caverns are meant to be enjoyed at your own pace, and they can be accessed by elevator and/or hiking. Lastly, if you plan to visit between late-May through October, you and your family can experience a ranger program about the Brazilian free-tailed bats that live in the Cavern and watch them emerge. 

At the very least, these six items should help alleviate at least some stress towards the delicate job of planning a family vacation itinerary. And, of course, be sure to add New Mexico River Adventures to your list of things to do. We offer rock-climbing to Rio Grande & Rio Chama rafting adventures for all ages where each adventure is guided by a knowledgable, friendly guide. We also can’t recommend New Mexico kayaking enough. Happy planning!