Fun Things to Do in El Paso On Your Trip with Family
Planning a memorable family vacation? El Paso, Texas, is a hidden gem offering a vibrant mix of outdoor adventure, rich culture, historic landmarks, and family-friendly attractions. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, or interactive museums, El Paso has something for every family member to enjoy.
Planning your itinerary can be overwhelming, but websites like TricksnTravel provide helpful travel guides and insider tips to make your trip unforgettable. Their comprehensive step-by-step guide provides a detailed breakdown of the things to do in El Paso.
In this article, we’ll explore the best family-friendly activities in El Paso so you can create memorable experiences with your loved ones.
Explore Franklin Mountains State Park
Start your El Paso adventure in the great outdoors with a visit to Franklin Mountains State Park, the largest urban park in the country. Spanning over 27,000 acres, this natural playground offers hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking opportunities for families of all sizes.
Family Highlights:
- Hiking Trails: Try the Wyler Aerial Tramway Trail or the Aztec Caves Trail, both of which offer moderate difficulty and stunning panoramic views.
- Picnic Spots: Designated picnic areas are perfect for a family lunch with a view.
- Wildlife Watching: Kids will love spotting desert animals like roadrunners, lizards, and jackrabbits.
El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens
A trip with family isn’t complete without a visit to the El Paso Zoo, a 35-acre zoo with more than 220 animal species from all over the world. Featuring 3 separate regions devoted to Africa, Asia , and the Americas, it provides involved animal exhibits and many activities for children.
Must-See Attractions:
- Treehouse Playground – A huge jungle-style treehouse to climb, swing from, and explore.
- Wildlife Amphitheater: Daily animal demonstrations and educational programs.
- Endangered Species Carousel: Enjoy a ride on these handmade, hand-painted, endangered species carousel figures found at the zoo.
History at El Paso Mission Trail
A journey through time and discover the heritage of Texas on a drive along the El Paso Mission Trail. This nine-mile stretch of the route features some of the oldest missions in the U.S., from around the 1600s.
Key Sites:
- Ysleta Mission: The longest active parish in Texas.
- Socorro Mission: A beautiful adobe built historically and culturally, dating back in time.
- San Elizario Chapel is in the historic district, filled with art galleries and restaurants.
- The Mission Trail is ideal for a leisurely day trip filled with learning, photography, and delicious food from nearby restaurants.
Ride on the Wyler Aerial Tramway
For breathtaking views of the city, desert, and even parts of New Mexico and Mexico, ride the Wyler Aerial Tramway. The gondolas take you 5,632 feet above sea level to the top of Ranger Peak.
Why Families Love It:
- Breathtaking Views: 360-degree observation decks mean there’s no shortage of photo-ops.
- Interactive Displays: Discover the geology and wildlife of the Franklin Mountains.
- Suitable for All Ages: It’s a safe and comfortable ride for kids of all ages.
- There is nothing that makes the family scream more fun than an amusement park. Located just minutes from downtown, Western Playland is a seasonal park featuring over 30 rides and attractions.
Family Favorites:
- El Bandido Roller Coaster: A thrilling ride for older kids and teens.
- Kiddie Land: Safe, mini rides tailored to younger children.
- Water Rides: Cool off during the hot summer months.
Parents can kick back while kids run wild on the rides, a must-stop destination for your El Paso list.
Go to the El Paso Museum of History
Ignite your family’s imagination at the El Paso Museum of History, a kid-friendly museum that preserves the history of the community.
Highlights Include:
DIGIE Wall: A giant touchscreen digital wall with up to 1,000 photos and stories about El Paso’s history.
Rotating Exhibitions: Interactive exhibitions on immigration, railroads, and local arts.
For Children: Workshops and storytelling sessions for children.
And, of course, it’s free, so you’re learning and saving at the same time.
Hike and Picnic at Hueco Tanks
30 miles northeast of El Paso, the Hueco Tanks State Historic Site boasts a natural rock environment combined with history from Native Americans. Great park for families with a sense of adventure.
Why It’s Special:
Tours: Discover ancient rock paintings and the spiritual significance of the area.
Rock Climbing: Recommended for both new and advanced climbers.
Picnicking: Have lunch in beautiful shaded rest areas.
You need a permit to get in, so make sure you book ahead, especially during busy seasons.
Walk Around El Paso Municipal Rose Garden
For a peaceful spot of colour, be sure to make the time to stop at the El Paso Municipal Rose Garden. Featuring over 1,900 rose bushes and 300 varieties, it’s a beautiful place for a family photo session or a relaxing walk.
What to Expect:
- Seasonal Blooming: Best visited in spring and early summer.
- Benches and Paths: Great for strollers and elderly visitors.
- Butterfly Watching: Children will love spotting butterflies among the blooms.
Tour Fort Bliss and Old Ironsides Museums
If your kids are into military vehicles, helicopters, and historical artefacts, the Fort Bliss Museum is a fascinating stop. Located on the Fort Bliss military base, this museum features exhibits from 1848 to the present.
What Families Will Love:
- Tanks and Artillery: See real-life machines up close.
- Interactive Exhibits: Great for engaging children in history.
- Air Defense Artillery Museum: This nearby museum displays air defence tech and missile systems
Enjoy Some Local Eats At L & J’s Café
Nothing is more satisfying than a homegrown meal at a favourite local restaurant after a full day of exploration. L & J Café,“The Old Place by the Graveyard”, offers Tex-Mex cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
Family-Friendly Festivals and Events to Visit
- family-friendly events in El Paso year-round. So, while you’re in town, form it all out at the source by checking your local listings for:
- Sun City Craft Beer Festival (also features live music and food trucks for adults)
- Neon Desert Music Festival (family hours during the day)
- Dia de los Muertos Celebrations
- El Paso Downtown Street Festival
These events often include children’s activities, performances, and local food vendors.
Walk Through Keystone Heritage Park and Desert Botanical Gardens
Another nature gem, Keystone Heritage Park, is a 52-acre area offering wetlands, a desert garden, and archaeological ruins from one of the oldest villages in the U.S.
Why Go:
- Bird Watching: Home to over 200 species.
- Desert Discovery: Learn about native plants and desert wildlife.
- Archaeology: See remnants of a 4,000-year-old village site.
Bring your camera and binoculars for a fully immersive experience.
Conclusion
El Paso, Texas, is so much more than a border town. There’s a wealth of exciting, educational, and nature-rich experiences tailor-made for a family trip. Whether you’re out on the tramway, hiking the mountains, or walking along historical trails, and visiting beautiful museums, and plenty of other fun things to do when you’re in El Paso with family.
Whether it’s a three-day weekend or an extended vacation, El Paso’s friendly nature and multitude of attractions create long-lasting memories the whole family will enjoy. Get your trip to begin today with pro-travel tips and full itineraries from TricksnTravel, and don’t forget to bookmark their guide’s best things to do in El Paso to help you plan that ideal trip.