Your family's guide to spring break in New Mexico
Most Ruidosans love living in the mountains, the village and historical Lincoln County, it's why most of us move to the area, but if spring fever is setting in, that may be a clue it's time to plan a trip to wake up the senses.
With the influx of visitors coming to play for spring break, it's the perfect time for residents to plan a quick and affordable getaway.
Throw a dart on a map of New Mexico and you'll likely hit on something to see. Here are a few family-friendly, one-tank gas trips you can make to create some lasting memories.
ABQ and Santa Fe too
There are a many options when headed to all points North, but try a couple you may not have considered.
Explora Science Center and Children's Museum of Albuquerque
Explora Science Center and Children's Museum of Albuquerque is part science center, children’s museum, free-choice school, grandma’s attic, grandpa’s garage, laboratory and neighborhood full of interesting people. Exhibits are designed to engage visitors of all ages.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. 1701 Mountain Rd. NW, Albuquerque. explora.us.
National Hispanic Cultural Center and Petroglyph National Monument
Besides the children's museum, there are the usual ABQ adventures like the tram, zoo, botanical gardens, aquarium and Old Town. But, not always at the top of the list, are hidden gems like the National Hispanic Cultural Center at 1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque, and the Petroglyph National Monument. The cultural center presents over 700 events and is dedicated to the preservation, promotion and advancement of Hispanic culture, arts and humanities. The petroglyphs are on a West Mesa volcanic escarpment, located along a 17-mile canyon outside of Albuquerque, with around 15,000 petroglyphs or prehistoric rock art images. The monument protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America.
Details: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque and the Petroglyph National Monument, 6510 Western Trail NW, Albuquerque. nps.gov/petr/index.htm
Wildlife West Nature Park
Head east from Albuquerque on I-40 to find Wildlife West Nature Park. According to its Facebook page, the park, just off of I-40 at 87 East Frontage Rd. in Edgewood, provides a special look into the animals and plants that are part of the ecosystems of New Mexico and the Southwestern United States. One special note, the animals are un-releasable and can no longer live in the wild. The habitats are designed to provide the best possible combination of viewing opportunities and harmonious living for its residents, and its animal enrichment programs ensure that animals are both physically and mentally healthy. The park is big enough to entertain without being overwhelming.
Details: Noon to 4 p.m. through mid-March; and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. mid-March to October. wildlifewest.org.
Sierra Blanca Brewing Company
Continue east on I-40 and you'll find the town of Moriarty and local brews at Sierra Blanca Brewing Company. It may not be as kid-friendly as the zoo, but by the time the family drives through Albuquerque, mom and dad might just need a beer. Established in Carrizozo, they moved to Moriarty several years ago. There are 14 different beers and sodas, free tours, a full service tasting room, special events and a half acre beer garden.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 1016 Industrial Rd., Moriarty. sierrablancabrewery.com.
Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return
Santa Fe may not immediately come to mind for a family-friendly road trip, but don't be quick to rule it out. Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return offers "immersive, multimedia experiences that transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of storytelling," according to its website. A collective of artists created their own universe that is combination jungle gym, haunted house, children’s museum and interactive art exhibit for audiences to explore.
Details: Times vary, closed Tuesdays. 1352 Rufina Cir, 505-395-6369, meowwolf.com.
Genoveva Chavez Community Center
Santa Fe also offers fun family time at the Genoveva Chavez Community Center, The enormous center houses an indoor pool, ice arena, gymnasium, fitness room and more. Visit chavezcenter.com for prices and hours. Santa Fe Climbing Center, 3008 Cielo Court, is Northern New Mexico’s only indoor climbing gym. It features a bouldering room and a top rope/lead climbing room with a large selection of routes for all levels of climber, including children (climbsantafe.com). Have a cultural experience with your children, most Santa Fe Museums offer special programs to excite young minds. Go to santafe.org/Visiting_Santa_Fe/Museums to learn more.
Details: Genoveva Chavez Community Center, 3221 Rodeo Rd., Santa Fe. chavezcenter.com.
Staycation
If staying close to home is more the vibe you're looking for, Southern New Mexico has plenty to offer.
Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art
Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art (roswellamoca.org), 409 East College Blvd, Roswell opened its doors in 1994. It now houses more than 400 unique photographs, paintings, prints, drawings and sculpture in its 22,000 feet of space. The museum is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Details: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 409 East College Blvd, Roswell. roswellamoca.org.
International UFO Museum And Research Center
You can't make a trip to Roswell without a visit to the International UFO Museum And Research Center at 114 North Main Street. The museum attempts to answer the question of what really happened near Roswell in July of 1947. See if you can reveal the truth.
Details: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 114 North Main Street, Roswell. roswellufomuseum.com
Bottomless Lakes State Park
Just 14 miles southeast of Roswell is Bottomless Lakes State Park. Water is treasured in New Mexico's deserts so grab a kayak or canoe to enjoy a day of fishing, picnicking, sunbathing, hiking, birding or even swimming and scuba diving in the summer. The unique lakes at the park are 17 to 90 feet deep sinkholes that are characterized by aquatic plants that create a bluish-green color and the illusion of great depth.
Details: 545 Bottomless Lakes Rd, Roswell. emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/bottomlesslakesstatepark.html
White Sands National Monument
Near Alamogordo, the White Sands in the heart of the Tularosa Basin have beckoned locals for centuries. March is the perfect time of year to plan a daytrip to the national monument to enjoy one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Pack a picnic and hike, bike, sled or just bask in the warm sun.
Details:nps.gov/WHSA/index.htm
New Mexico Museum of Space History
New Mexico Museum of Space History and New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium brings alive the history, science and technology of space and the part the state of New Mexico has played in the development of the U.S. Space Program.
Details: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, 3198 State Route 2001, Alamogordo. nmspacemuseum.org