NEW MEXICO

Albuquerque
Dance to drumbeats with American Indians, handle stone tools and weapons used by early hunters, grind corn with a stone, weave a basket, make beaded jewelry—it’s all possible at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Then head for the Albuquerque Biological Park where kids can walk through a re-created cave surrounded by moray eels, see polar bears swim underwater, wander through a cactus garden, and learn the secrets of medicinal plants. And don’t leave town without a hair-raising ride on the world’s longest aerial tramway, Sandia Peak Tram, a sky-high adventure over rugged canyon terrain.

Carlsbad Caverns
It’s been called “the Grand Canyon with a roof on it,” one of the deepest, largest, and most ornate caverns ever discovered. Three miles of paved underground paths lead you past glistening stalagmite rock formations—some six stories tall! Adventurous families may want to sign up for a two-hour flashlight tour of rugged Slaughter Canyon Cave. Phenomenal Carlsbad saves one of its most amazing shows for last—every evening at sunset hundreds of thousands of bats spiral up and out from the entrance. A ranger talk precedes their eerie exodus.

Roswell
A longhorn ranch, prairie dog town, fishing lake, and zoo-full of native and exotic animals can all be found at the Spring River Park and Zoo—the perfect place to picnic, hike, play, and meet interesting wildlife.

Santa Fe
Red pueblo architecture and brilliant blue skies make this the picture-perfect city for kids to polish their photography skills. For a great day trip head to Wildlife West Nature Park—a southwestern-style safari with mountain lions, bears, elk, a prairie dog habitat and fantastic peregrine falcon shows. Or visit Bandelier National Monument where thousands of ancient cliff dwellings fill pink mesas and canyons. Walk Main Loop Trail, and if it’s a weekend, see demonstrations of pottery and drum making, traditional dance, and more.