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National Parks / Natural World in El Paso, TX
The birthplace of America’s Southwest, El Paso is a melting pot of West Texas, Old Mexico and New Mexico.
Sure, kids will be immersed in culture and history, as well as incredible landscapes and all this should be embraced during any visit. But the the city is also great for just having just…a ton of FUN! Shall we begin?
Adventure Zone is the largest arcade in the city. Ascarate Lake has over 400 acres for families to play golf or softball, and take trips out onto the lake.
For those creative families there are activities like Funtastic Punch, where kids can learn through interactive play. Wet ’N’ Wild Waterworld is an oasis in the desert. Rockin' Jump Trampoline Park is the city’s first indoor trampoline park, and Speedway Park is THE place to be if you like nights filled with adrenaline and excitement!
And that’s not even close to everything!
There are so many fun things to do in El Paso. Museums, thrills, creativity, science, nature and wildlife…you won’t have any problems creating your ultimate family day out in this city.
Planning your Trip to El Paso
El Paso, Texas is the largest American City on the Mexican border. Situated on the left bank of the Rio Grande. This city is packed full of many amazing attractions for kids. El Paso is full of cultural attractions, distinctive landscapes, and fun places to visit.
El Paso Museum of Art, the State Historic State, Mission Trail, and Magoffin Home are just a few of the exciting places to visit in El Paso, Texas.
Carry on reading for a more detailed list of the top attractions for the kids and cool family-friendly places to visit.
Take the kids to El Paso Zoo
The El Paso zoo houses many different species of animals from all over the world and is beautifully nestled on 35 acres of picturesque nature.
The zoo offers the little ones to see a variety of habitats including animals from Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Get up and close with the eagles, sea lions, and monkeys as well as many other creatures. The zoo also offers families plenty of entertainment including an all-year-round splash play area, a tree playground, and animal performances.
See a musical at the Plaza Theatre
The Plaza Theatre is a proud member of El Paso’s theatrical past. Built in 1930 and restored in 2006 to its former splendour, here you can enjoy lots of live performances and tourist attractions.
El Paso Plaza Theatre is one of the most well-known places to visit in the city because of its history and architecture.
Visit Hueco Tanks State Historic Park
Located 30 miles to the Northeast of downtown El Paso, this old historic site resembles a cluster of rocky hills in the middle of the Texan desert.
Here you can find ancient cave paintings and enjoy the enormous rock formations and the natural basins that collect rainwater.
Head to the Franklin Mountain State Park
The skyline of El Paso exhibits the most magnificent view of the Franklin Mountains. Families that enjoy the great outdoors will love the Franklin Mountains. With over 27,000 acres spanning over 100 miles, this landmark is an idyllic place to visit for families that love to hike, cycle, and even rock climb!
El Paso, Mexico is full of amazing neighbourhoods. The city of El Paso will cater to all of your family’s needs. With a great mix of modern architecture, fantastic attractions, beautiful scenery and so much to do with the kids, the city of El Paso makes the perfect destination for families to visit on vacation.
The neighbourhoods of El Paso are all so unique they contribute to the lively city vibe. Listed below are some of the best neighbourhoods to visit with kids in El Paso, Texas.
Last Plazas Arts District
Las Plazas Arts District is the main centre of El Paso for history, art, and recreation. If you’re a family that loves history and visiting art galleries and museums then this district is definitely worth a visit. Spend your days learning about the history of El Paso and how the city was formally laid out right after the Texas Revolution.
After a day spent learning why not swing by the San Jacinto Plaza where the little ones can enjoy the splash park and the built-in chess tables. This is a perfect place for families looking to recharge.
El Centro
El Centro is El Paso’s original shopping district and sits right on the border. El Centro acts like the main hub of downtown activity for both American and Mexican locals and has done for the last 150 years. Today you can find many open-air markets and wonderful shops and restaurants to keep the family entertained.
There are over 300 different stores in El Centro selling everything from cowboy boots, quinceañeran dresses, and costume jewellery.
Union Plaza
Union Plaza comes alive at night. With plenty of street entertainment, craft beers on tap, funky boutiques, and hip restaurants make this neighbourhood a fun place to visit with the family if you’re looking for some fun and good vibes!
Sunset Heights
Sunset Heights is better known for its significant architecture and vibrant coffee shops, funky boutiques and lots of fabulous museums to visit. Stop by the El Paso Holocaust Museum located on the East Side where you can learn about the holocaust survivor Henry Kellen who founded the museum in 1994 to educate the public and the awful experiences of the Jewish during WW11.
El Paso is known for its fun and vibrancy. El Paso caters to families with kids of all ages. To get the very best out of your vacation it's worth doing some research on what hotel to stay in. Luckily enough we have done this for you and have listed our top three hotels.
Stanton House
Stanton House offers a boutique vibe and would suit a family that enjoys relaxing stays and funky décor. Hosting its very own in-house restaurant offering fusion takes on traditional dishes.
The rooms are all individually decorated and feature abstract and funky art, no two pieces are the same! Rooms start at $180 and cater to families with kids of an older age.
Hotel Indigo
Hotel Indigo is set between two historic buildings and caters well to families that enjoy art and history. The rooms feature everything you desire for a comfortable stay. Lush bedding and floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the magnificent views of downtown El Paso.
The hotel also features a swimming pool with one of the best views when the sun sets. The rooftop features a wonderful firepit where families can sit back and relax.
Aloft
Located in the old Art Deco O, T Basset Tower is the Aloft, Marriott. This hotel offers families everything they need for a perfect vacation. Fold-down cots, extra bedding, onsite restaurant, and 89 wonderfully decorated rooms two of which are penthouses suites.
If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious then the Aloft hotel is the perfect place to stay.
El Paso, Texas offers all-year-round sunshine and mild temperatures. Winter offers relatively mild temperatures, making El Paso a glorious time to visit at any anytime during the year.
If you’re looking to get outdoors to hike in the Franklin Mountains or try rock climbing at Hueco Tanks State Park the best time to visit is Spring and the months during the fall season.
Springtime tends to be the best time to visit El Paso. Temperatures tend to be in the upper 80s and never really drop below 68 Fahrenheit.
Hotels and attractions tend to be cheaper during Spring and you can avoid the crowds
El Paso is located on the border of Mexico and Mexico. This heavily influences authentic cuisine. If you’re a family that loves your food, you’re guaranteed to have your taste buds satisfied.
Listed below are some of the best recommendations to try in El Paso, Texas.
Menudo at Good Luck Café
Menudo is a staple in many Mexican households. This traditional red pepper soup is made with a beef stomach. A favourite with the locals you can try this dish at the Good Luck Café which has been voted the best restaurant to serve Menudo.
Paletas de Crema
This is a real treat for the little ones and a local favourite for Mexicans. Paletas de Crema
is a vibrant dessert consisting of a creamy popsicle infused with real fruit juices. They’re easy affordable and wonderful to keep the little ones’ palates cool and hydrated during the warmer months.
Gorditas at Jj’s
A typical gordita is a pastry filled with cheese, meat, and occasionally lettuce. Normally served with rice, tomatoes, and beans to complement the flavours this Mexican breakfast is popular with kids of all ages! Simple yet delicious.
Tamales at Gussie’s Bakery
Tamales are a delicious Mexican snack filled with an assortment of flavours. Easily stored and is great to take on picnics. You can have any combination of meat and vegetables.
Gussies serves the very best Tamales. One of our favourites is the chicken tamale with green chilli sauce.
