On the farthest southeast of New Mexico you can go is the small desert town of Carlsbad. Though small it is well known for its spectacular caverns that delve deep underground into the wonders beneath the earth’s surface. However, this city has much more to offer families seeking an unforgettable adventure beyond the renowned Carlsbad Caverns.
From outdoor excursions to educational experiences, Carlsbad beckons families with its assortment of family-friendly activities which promise to create lasting memories. Here is a list of the diverse and captivating attractions that make Carlsbad a perfect destination for families in search of both natural wonders and engaging recreational opportunities.
So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the hidden gems of Carlsbad, where every moment is a chance to bond, learn, and cherish the beauty of the desert landscape.
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Fun Things To Do In Carlsbad, New Mexico With Kids:
Lake Carlsbad Beach Park
If you are visiting Carlsbad, New Mexico in the summer there is one thing you very well need to be aware of….it is HOT!! SO HOT!! Due to this insane heat there are 2 things that you are going to want to be dreaming of all day, ice cream and swimming. Well Lake Carlsbad Beach Park is the perfect spot for at least one of those.
This small park is as close to a beach as you can get in east New Mexico. There is a sandy beachside adjacent to the turquoise blue water of the Lake Carlsbad River. The water is smooth with no waves or rapids and is the perfect place for some water play for kids. Or at least a fun day of building sand castles.
There is even a shaded picnic area for kids to relax while the kids play in the water. I will warn you though, water in this part of the country tends to be a little bit smelly so prepare to leave reeking of stinky water! Worth it though for the relief from the heat and the fun you will experience.
Location: 708 Park Dr, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Hours: Open 24 hrs
Admission: FREE
Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park
What would make state parks and zoos even more fun, if you combine the two together and make a zoo state park! Carlsbad has one of New Mexico’s most unique state parks as you walk through nature with exhibits of local animals.
Hike around the desert and admire the local plant life including a wide variety of cactus. Throughout the hike stop to admire the animals that make New Mexico the land of enchantment. There are all sorts of snakes and birds. Wolves, elk, bison, javelinas, and so many other animals to see. Any activity that involves animals is a win with kids!
Location: 1504 Skyline Rd, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Hours: Everyday 9am-5pm
Admission: $5 ages 13+, $3 ages 7-12, FREE ages 6 and under
Balzano Family Vineyard & Pumpkin Patch
If you were to ask my kids what their favorite thing to do in Carlsbad was, it would be the pumpkin patch. I know, its crazy that this little desert town can grow anything, but the Balzano family has built a large vineyard/pumpkin patch despite the odds. Throughout the year this vineyard hosts all sorts of events.
Last year for instances they put on a princess tea party for little kids! So cute! Our favorite event though is in the fall when the pumpkin patch opens up! Whether its panning for gold, pig races, rubber duck races, bouncy houses, or pumpkin sling shooting; this pumpkin patch has it all!
Our main reason for loving this pumpkin patch so much though is the animals! There is such a large variety of farm animals on this farm and it was so fun to pet them. We even got to cuddle baby goats when we visited!
Location: 5230 7 Rivers Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Hours: Thurs-Sun 12pm-6pm,
Sitting Bull Falls
If you are really looking for something cool to do in Carlsbad, then you HAVE to visit Sitting Bull Falls. My kids favorite thing to do in Carlsbad may be the pumpkin patch, but mine is most certainly visiting this waterfall. I know, Carlsbad has a waterfall, who knew!?
Despite the predominately flat terrain that makes up Carlsbad there are mountain like areas the closer you get to the caverns. Just on the northern side of the well known Carlsbad Caverns is a canyon like area with a tall waterfall.
This hidden oasis is such a visual treat to find in the middle of this barren desert. The waterfall is so tall and the water is so clear! Before you ask, YES, you can swim!! That is one of the best parts of this waterfall. Not only can you admire this gorgeous waterfall, you can jump right in. Short hike, tall waterfall, and so much fun!
Location:
Hours: Mon-Sun 9:30am-3:30pm
Admission: $10 a vehicle
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
The obvious reason for visiting Carlsbad, New Mexico is to visit the amazing national park with the most incredible caves you will ever see. I’m serious, I have been to so many caves in my lifetime and this one takes the cake!
As you hike down into the giant hole in the ground and go deeper and deeper, you travel into another world! Incredible rock formations and large halls of decorative stalactites and stalagmites, this cave will blow your mind!
I know this article is about things to do in Carlsbad other than the caverns, but you can not skip this! Whether on a solo trip or with kids, this is an incredible experience! Carlsbad may look like it doesn’t have much to offer, but this small town in the middle of nowhere New Mexico is one of the reason New Mexico is called the ‘Land of Enchantment.’
Other Fun Things To Do Nearby:
Find all the painted boots on the Pecos Boot Trail
Hike McKittrick Canyon at Guadalupe National Park
Slide down the sand dunes at Monahan’s Sandhill State Park
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