24 Best & Fun Things To Do In Las Cruces (NM) 

Las Cruces is the metropolitan statistical area and the second-largest city in New Mexico.

With about 118 miles away from Ruidoso, this city is riffed with lots of opportunities and great things that are sure to make every adventurous trip worthwhile.

Las Cruces also has all the amazing attractions and cozy sites that’d create enjoyable moments for the whole family.

Filled with impressive tourist attractions ranging from museums, parks, and art galleries to escape rooms, there’s no limit to how much fun you’d have in Las Cruces!

You can even ride a zip-line through the trees; you can also take time to enjoy a quiet moment kayaking or you can decide to swim every day.

In fact, this city equally presents opportunities for visitors to also enjoy tons of outdoor activities such as camping, bicycling, hiking, or horse riding.

So, are you ready for an awesome vacation to Las Cruces in New Mexico?

Here are just a few of the best attractions you can check out anytime you’re on vacation here!

Things To Do In Las Cruces

1. Old Mesilla Village, Las Cruces

Keeping yourself filled with happiness is undoubtedly the key to a happy life.

One of the best ways of creating a happy moment is certainly to explore some of the most delightful attractions while on a vacation.

If you’d love to enjoy yourself during your vacation to Las Cruces, you need to check out Old Mesilla Village!

Built in 1848, Old Mesilla Village is a historic landmark and a point of interest in the southern part of New Mexico.

Although not really large, nevertheless, the atmosphere here is that of quaint and cozy terrain with several amazing fun things.

Part of what you’d enjoy in this picturesque location includes rich American history, hiking, and perhaps if you love trailing, you’d have that enough to yourself!

Other than that, this great attraction also has different types of stores, restaurants, cafes, sweets, tea, gift shops, a bookstore, and a gallery.

That means you’d enjoy yourself and have the opportunity of getting some really nice and unique items.

Note that the admittance fee for this spot is quite affordable.

Even at that, there’s a large parking lot, and you’d not have to pay any extra payment by parking your vehicle.

Definitely, adding this fun place to your bucket list will create an exceptionally great travel experience you’d love!

Address: Calle Principal, Las Cruces, NM 88005, United States

2. Dripping Springs Natural Area

Do you love hiking and would love to check out an area that has amazing hiking facilities during your trip to this downtown city?

Whatever brings joy and happiness is worth doing! If you derive so much pleasure from hiking, you’d never be wrong to plan a vacation to Las Cruces.

Essentially, of the numerous hiking trails and facilities, Dripping Springs Natural Area is quite outstanding!

This entertaining destination offers hiking trails through rock spires & scrub with a granite-wall spring design.

With incredible hiking trails, excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, beautiful scenery, and more, this is certainly one of the most fascinating spots for any outdoor enthusiast on vacation to Las Cruces.

Interestingly, this site has over four miles of easy hiking trails, including the Dripping Springs Trail, which shows off desert scrub and is always beautiful.

There’s a parking fee of $5 while the entrance fee is about $20, which is relatively affordable.

Besides, their operation hour is Monday through Saturday, but then, it’s highly advisable you come here during the weekdays, as it’s always busy on the weekend.

Remember, life isn’t just to be endured, but to be enjoyed. Therefore, be sure to create time to check out this lovely place that has a lot of fun things to offer.

Address: 15000 Dripping Springs Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88011, United States

3. Farm And Ranch Heritage Museum

Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum is another top attraction on our list of best and most fun places worth checking out in Las Cruces.

Unlike other sites, this region is a 47-acre interactive museum that chronicles New Mexico’s 3,000-year history of ranching and farming.

As much as learning is a continual process and knowledge of the past is relevant to the prediction of the future, you’d appreciate including this place in your itinerary!

The museum boasts a wide variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits ranging from fine art shows to farm implements.

Little wonder it has been one of the top reasons why visitors are always on vacation to New Mexico since it was established in 1998.

Amazingly, this 47-acre attraction in Las Cruces also features several animals, barns, a greenhouse, and a play area for children.

There are no two ways about it, this entertaining arena has a bit of something fun for all categories of visitors.

When it’s sure it’d be fun galore, why would you exclude this destination from your bucket list?

Certainly, no good reason will justify this! Therefore, get on board and plan to check out Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum once you’re on a trip here!

Address: 4100 Dripping Springs Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88011, United States

4. Las Cruces Museum Of Nature & Science

Nothing has such power to expand the mind as the ability to investigate systematically and observe all that comes under such observations!

Undeniably, science presents an unending learning platform, even while you felt you’ve learned it all, there’s still more to be learned!

Since you’d be in Las Cruces anytime soon, if you care to learn more about science and nature, the Museum of Nature & Science is a dream come through for you.

This museum is essentially a quaint site with regionally focused natural history exhibits and lots of artifacts on local wildlife.

It’s open to tourists from Tuesday to Saturday between 10 am to 4:30 pm and the entrance fee is free.

Besides, this historic location is a typical family-friendly destination that presents opportunities for learning about the natural environment.

The essence of its establishment is summarised to create a more impressive location where visitors could learn and appreciate nature.

Obviously, this is apparently a site you’d never be unhappy checking out! Meanwhile, it’s small, but what’s available here is apparently engaging.

For instance, aside from its numerous exhibits, which are amazing, there are free cultural and historical shows which are always insightful.

The Museum of Nature & Science is invariably a total gem worth checking out whenever you’re passing through New Mexico!

Address: 411 N Downtown Mall, Las Cruces, NM 88001, United States

5. Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument

The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is a United States National Monument.

It is a large area that’s managed by the Bureau of Land Management in the United States.

Part of what this 2014 establishment has to offer visitors and tourists includes 4 miles of easy hiking trails, historic ruins, and 12 picnic sites.

Different from that, on sight, participants will enjoy free Wi-Fi, a spa tub, and a fitness center, all at inexpensive prices!

Perhaps you might be a foodie type. Obviously, nothing is wrong with that!

Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is also a great spot to eat and enjoy great American dishes.

If you care to maximize every time spent in Las Cruces, a visit here is so necessary.

Remember, there is never adequate time to enjoy what you love than doing it consistently!

So, don’t be hesitant to come and spend an hour or more on this point of interest when next you visit New Mexico.

Address: Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, Las Cruces, NM 88011, United States

6. Veterans Memorial Park, Las Cruces

Veterans Memorial Park is another wonderful place in Las Cruces.

This fun site was dedicated on May 5, 1999, by the state of New Mexico.

Precisely, fun things that await every visitor in this outstanding destination include a beautiful trailing path, hiking tracks, and impressive bicycling terrain.

The park also has a number of different memorials that can be viewed, and they always appear so amazing.

In addition, an essential feature of this park is the availability of a little garden and the gift shop that’s adjacent to the park.

While you enjoy the best moment of your life exploring this location with its series of entertaining activities, you’d not be stranded looking up and down for a gift or snacks.

In fact, there’s an equally kids playground that is suitable for kids below the age of 13.

Truly, this is a rare gem in Las Cruces, New Mexico!

What a beautiful attraction for the whole family!

Of course, it’s fun when you’re the only one, but more fun when you’re not the only one having fun!

Therefore, it’d be so meticulous of you to extend your vacation to Veterans Memorial Park if your entire family is on travels to New Mexico!

Address: 1251 N Roadrunner Pkwy, Las Cruces, NM 88011, United States

7. Las Cruces Railroad Museum

Learning is apparently a progressive development and the discovery of obvious ignorance!

As much as human lives, learning should be part of day-to-day existence.

In line with that wise assertion, will you love to learn and have some pleasurable moments during your voyage to Las Cruces?

Expectedly, you would! Therefore, Las Cruces Railroad Museum has lots of insightful things to offer.

Located in a historic Santa Railroad depot, this little but amazing location interprets the history of railroads as far as 1800.

You’d get to see ancient railroad memorabilia and the admission fee is absolutely free.

Also, this beautiful museum presents exhibits, lectures, classes, and historical documentation for visitors of all ages.

The museum’s operational hour is Tuesday to Friday between 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, while the operational hour on Saturday is between 9:00 am- 4:30 pm.

When next you’d be on travel to Las Cruces, if your itinerary is not so jam-packed, you can probably come to this location full of so many interesting artifacts and documentation.

Without a doubt, you’d leave totally satisfied with lots of positive reviews afterward!

Address: Las Cruces Railroad Museum, LA Cruces, NM, United States

8. New Mexico State University

In consonance with the popular saying by Socrates, Education is evidently the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.

As a traveler, planning an adventurous trip is far beyond jam-packing an itinerary with museums and loads of parks alone.

An adventurous trip entails visiting attractions where you’d learn, yet have lots of fun and memorable moments.

Since you’d love to do that, it behooves you to include New Mexico State University on your bucket list!

Precisely, the New Mexico State University is a public research center established on September 17, 1888.

It’s a learning arena that’s remarkably the oldest public institution of advanced education in New Mexico.

The beautiful offerings of this museum equally include an aquarium, a garden, a well-equipped library, and a football complex.

What an all-encapsulating great destination! With all forms of confidence, you’d not regret spending a couple of hours on this site.

Do note that, no admission fee. Nevertheless, you’re expected to come only when you’re having a proper means of identification and it’s only open to visitors during the weekdays.

Address: 1780 E University Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88003, United States

10. Rio Grande Vineyards And Winery

Do you know that wine is the most healthful and hygienic of all beverages?

Yes, wine isn’t only sweet but a healthy consumption!

So, will you love to have some wine for yourself during your summer trip to Las Cruces?

If you would, then ensure you visit Rio Grande Winery which is one of America’s oldest winemaking regions.

New Mexico appears like an unexpected destination to find good wine. Meanwhile, Rio Grande Vineyards and Winery will change your previous narrations!

The entire area is beautifully set with the Organ Mountains in the background and it’s always beautiful.

In fact, if at all you’d not enjoy anything more, the wine and the live music are so phenomenal and everyone would cherish it.

Alternatively, you might be willing to enjoy some cultural shows, apparently, that is also available here!

The patio has many seating options with heaters for a cool desert evening, which is considerably awesome.

Rio Grande Vineyards and Winery is overall a lovely place you’d have no iota of regret visiting during your proposed trip to Las Cruces.

Address: 5321 NM-28, Las Cruces, NM 88005, United States

11. Unidad Park, Las Cruces

For the past 20 years, Unidad Park has been a favorite tourist destination for several travelers.

It’s a green space arena that provides a fenced-in playground, sundial & picnic shelters, along with benches & trails.

If you’re unsure of where and what to do when you’re in Las Cruces, think no further. Unidad Park has quite a number of fun things you’d admire!

Just as several visitors would expect, this destination is a public park, so no admission fee.

Although donations are allowed, nevertheless, visitors are not compelled to make such a payment.

Note further that other activities available in this park include slide adventures and swings. Although not so many food trucks, however, to solve that difficulty, it’s advisable you come with some snacks.

Address: Unidad Park, Las Cruces, NM, United States

12. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park

Not all who wander are lost, the majority are just looking for something new and enjoyable.

In tandem with that, do you care to explore something thrilling while you’re in Las Cruces?

If you do, endeavor to spend about 30 minutes of your travel hours in Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park.

This entertaining spot, situated on 300 acres of land with an elevation of about 3,900 feet, is remarkably popular for birdwatching, walking, and bicycling.

Note that this attraction is a day-use-only park, so camping is not permissible.

It’s nevertheless a perfect location where you’d see a series of birds of various breeds and it’d be so pleasing to every onlooker.

Even if you’re not interested in seeing those beautiful birds, it’s never over! Obviously, it isn’t!

Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park is also a paradise for hikers and its amazing hiking trails wouldn’t do less to create some beautiful hiking experiences you’d stand to remember in years to come.

It’d be wise of every visitor willing to embark on a vacation to Las Cruces!

Do remember that the best voyage in life is those that answer questions you never thought to ask. Definitely, there’s more to be enjoyed here!

Address: 5000 Calle Del Norte, Las Cruces, NM 88005, United States

13. Rio Grande Theatre

If you love to enjoy the latest movies in a more relaxing environment, Rio Grande Theatre is a place worth visiting!

This fun house was opened on July 29, 1926, and despite its long years of existence, it has always been a great location for travelers of all ages.

Although it’s housed in less than a one-acre area of land, regardless, the fun moments available here are far beyond the structure of this location.

The audio system produces accurate sound, and the screen is large enough that no matter where you’d be sited, you’d enjoy the entire show!

Importantly, the doors of Rio Grande Theatre are open to visitors at 5:30 p.m while shows begin at 6 p.m every day.

Adults tickets cost $32 while kids pay half of what the adults pay.

If your evening is not too filled with lots of activities when next you’re in Las Cruces, a visit here will be so worthwhile!

Address: 211 N Main St, Las Cruces, NM 88001, United States

14. Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park

As a tourist, it’s better to rather have a lot of stories to tell, than a full bank account without no memorable experiences.

As much as you’d love to leave with awesome memories, a visit to Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park will suffice!

This lovely park shows all the major plants and trees that you might probably not have seen in all your previous explorations.

Besides, its fun set of trails with educational displays makes it great even for nonadults.

The layout of the entire area here is very nice, and the staff has done a wonderful job with laying out the two trails and providing great means to identify the plants and geological features.

This is quite an impressive initiative you’d cherish!

Beyond that, you’d surely enjoy the great views of the Dona Ana mountains anytime you’re on site.

And not minding how informative this attraction of Las Cruces is, it requires zero dollars as an admission fee!

Certainly, you’d enjoy every time spent here. Undoubtedly, travel is more than the viewing of sights; it is a change that is constant, insightful, and permanent in the ideas of transformation!

With this spot, you’re sure to have a lifetime blast!

Address: 56501 N Jornada Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88012, United States

Looking for something more thrilling while you’re in New Mexico? You can check out the list of fun things to do in Roswell!

15. Southern New Mexico Speedway

Do you know how enjoyable a car racing adventure could be?

Since you might not have experienced such an adventurous site, there’s the possibility of you not knowing such a fact.

Car racing adventure is one of the most memorable activities you’d surely enjoy during your trip to this city of New Mexico.

Built-in 1967 by racers for racers, Southern New Mexico Speedway offers a racing adventure that is so entertaining.

The track was built at the rear of the Dona Ana County Fairgrounds, which is an essential reason that makes it so addictive.

In fact, if you’re a newbie to this racing adventure, the tour guides who act like old friends wouldn’t let you feel lonely.

Southern New Mexico Speedway is obviously one of the most amazing and fun things that’d probably make you plan a visit over again to Las Cruces!

Imperatively, the admission fee is less than $20 and visitors are allowed in between 8 am through 5 pm all weekdays.

Address: 10263 Robert Larson Blvd, Las Cruces, NM 88007, United States

16. My Kids Cafe, Las Cruces

Children are the living messages that every parent sends to a time they’d not see!

As much as you’d want the best and most enjoyable moments for yourself during your vacation, you owe it a responsibility to give your children the best holiday experience.

Upon your arrival in Las Cruces, My Kids Cafe has what would bring a whole lot of happiness to every kid.

My Kids Cafe has a well-equipped and large playground in New Mexico where kids could play like never before.

This site is evidently a perfect flip-flop-friendly spot to fuel up in between epic adventures and some other outdoor activities.

Such a warm, inviting atmosphere and there are also plenty of snacks and drinks/coffee for all kids on sight.

We highly recommended this place to parents with little ones planning a trip to this downtown!

Address: 2217 E, Missouri Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001, United States

17. Agave Artists

Agave Artists is a welcoming art studio in the state of New Mexico.

It’s an amazing destination in Las Cruces that houses most of the notable works of art in the United States.

For instance, the amazing works of Lucie Raine, Betty Krebbs, Ken Krebbs, Gael Guyotte, and Sonya Fe are all available in this little but amazing house.

Aside from that, this four-room gallery has some renaissance painting which is not discoverable at any other art studios.

Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is a painting that is felt rather than seen!

Definitely, the level of creativity here is enough to make your trip to Las Cruces interesting and story-filled.

So, how soon are you willing to embark on a vacation to this eventful city of New Mexico?

Regardless of when it would be, you’re sure to see amazing creative works of art in this fun location that’d make this city more habitable and interesting to explore.

Address: 2250 Calle De San Albino, Las Cruces, NM 88005, United States

18. Farmers & Crafts Market Of Las Cruces

Hundreds of vendors from all neighboring states offer amazing cakes, bread, ice cream, and other goodies at the Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces.

Despite its several years of experience, still yet haven’t lost its relevancy.

If you’re in Las Cruces and you’d care to have the best ice cream or cake to yourself, worry no more. This farmer’s market has awesome offerings that’d make you stay happy all day.

In fact, if you’re uncertain of what to go for amidst the most adorable options, the sellers are quick to make recommendations for visitors.

Above all, the prices of cakes, ice cream, bread, and other offerings in this location are so affordable.

Operating essentially during the weekend and it’s advisable you leave your kids behind while coming because it’s mostly rowdy and fewer kids friendly.

Address: 221 N Main St Studio E, Las Cruces, NM 88001, United States

19. Branigan Cultural Center

Branigan Cultural Center is another beautiful museum in Las Cruces.

As distinct from other museums, this entertaining arena basically showcases artifacts that are culturally inclined.

As much as you’d love to familiarise yourself with the prevailing culture of the people of New Mexico, this is a must-stop destination for you.

Part of the numerous exhibit here is a large-scale encaustic painting by artist Catherine Eaton Skinner.

So amazing, right? Definitely, there is no apt description that can illustrate how wonderful this 1935 establishment is.

Since every visitor would agree that fun creates enthusiasm and energy, a visit here will leave you with lots of positive narrations about Las Cruces!

Address: 501 N Main St, Las Cruces, NM 88001, United States

20. Cluenundrum

Cluenundrum is the most interactive and challenging Escape Room in Las Cruces.

In this escape room, each participant is given about 60 minutes to find and solve puzzles.

The puzzles could be solved alone or with a team of friends.

Although, most scary, but then, it’s always with a beautiful and memorable end result.

Why Cluenundrum has continually received tourists because of its 1880 vintage theme design.

Other than that, this escape room has sound effects, hidden compartments, and real-time period authenticity.

If you have what it takes to escape, you need not be reluctant to check out this location anytime you’re in Las Cruces!

This is by far one of the best out-of-the-box things to do in New Mexico!

Address: 580 S Valley Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88005, United States

21. Corralitos Trail Rides

If you’re looking to go on an adventure reminiscent of delightful treasure, Corralitos Trail Rides is an appropriate site worth exploring.

Corralitos Trail Rides is located at Corralitos Ranch and it’s a location that provides tourists with the chance of exploring horseback while equally learning about the most interesting history of the ranch.

This 1000 square miles is a working ranch with tranquil terrain and the horses look so well-fed and clean.

Perhaps you might not have ridden a horse before, but that’s never an issue.

With Corralitos Trail Rides, it’s totally easy, and the horse isn’t in any way hostile to travelers.

Although, the cost of their service appears so pricey. Nevertheless, the enjoyable moment will be worth more than what you’d pay.

If you’d be on sight here, ensure you come early to beat up the crowd!

Address: 3000 Corralitos Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88005, United States

22. Vintage Wines & Cigars

Vintage Wines & Cigars in Las Cruces is a small vineyard that has been serving the best local wines to visitors and inhabitants.

This location offers amazing wines and likewise features a selection of light tapas and fine cigars.

If you’d be in New Mexico, it’d be so great to come here in order to enjoy a bottle of wine – meet old friends or make some new ones.

You could also relax on the patio with live music on weekends or possibly sit and enjoy the old blues.

Vintage wine and cigar pairing gotten here can be so amazing and create a lifetime memory for you.

Obviously, while you would be in Las Cruces, you’d not be an exception to the categories of visitors coming to enjoy themselves in this fun place!

Address: Vintage Wines & Cigars, Las Cruces, NM, United States

23. The Spot Family Entertainment Center

Just as Michael Fox rightly said, “Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.”

Thus, if you’re planning a holiday trip with your entire family, it’s your ultimate responsibility to find a perfect attraction that’d be fun for all!

If you would, The Spot Family Entertainment Center will come you your rescue!

This family entertainment sport provides roller skating for visitors of all ages.

Besides, indoor games, playgrounds, casinos, and tennis are also part of the amazing offering on spot.

It’s simply undoubtedly a place that’s suitable for the kids to enjoy wholesome fun with the safe, supervised, and friendly staff.

The life you have left is a gift; so cherish it and spend it well with your family and loved ones!

This attraction is for the whole family and it’s sure to create inclusive entertaining moments for all.

You’d not wish to miss coming here again after your first trip to this site of Las Cruces with your whole family!

Address: 170 W Picacho Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88005, United States

24. Southwest Expeditions

Do you wish to spend some time on the water catching some fun?

Southwest Expeditions offers enchantingly fun water adventure tours for visitors and tourists alike.

When it comes to kayak tours, bike rentals, and ghost tours, Southwest Expeditions is the best to the beat.

Checking out this wonderful place wouldn’t be a wrong decision if you’re on a voyage to Las Cruces.

Of course, the water is safe to navigate through and the tour guides act almost like old friends.

You’d probably wish to stay longer than you may have planned in this beautiful entertaining destination during your next trip because it’s so addictive.

So, why wouldn’t you create a space to accommodate this site in your itinerary?

Definitely, no excuse can be too good to justify the exclusion of this lovely place from your travel list!

Address: Inside the old courthouse, 251 W Amador Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88005, United States

Final Remarks

Hopefully, you wouldn’t have to wonder about what to do when you arrive in Las Cruces.

With lots of epic attractions worth checking out and memories to be made, you truly can’t go wrong with any of the attractions recommended above.

So get set for an adventurous trip and make sure you come along with your entire family.

After all, the memories you’d make with your friend is something, but the memories you’d make with your entire family is everything!

We wish you happy travels in advance.