With Tubing, Camping, And A Playground, This New Mexico Park Is the Ultimate Family Destination
By Melissa Mahoney|Published August 14, 2023
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
What kid-friendly places or family-friendly activities do you enjoy around the state? Whether it’s a zoo or a playground, camping or hiking, this state is a fascinating destination for all sorts of adventures that can be enjoyed as a family. If you’re looking for a family destination in New Mexico, check out Villanueva State Park. With a playground plus tubing and camping, adventure awaits at this underrated state park.
Villanueva State Park is a 1,600-acre park that sits at an elevation of 6,110 feet about 60 miles southeast of Santa Fe. It was established in 1967 in the small Village of Villanueva.
With sandstone bluffs, a canyon, and the Pecos River, it's a beautiful playground for outdoor recreation. In fact, it's a popular place for swimming and tubing.
If you and your family are up for a tubing adventure, bring tubes with you. And, by law, you must have life jackets with you as well for a safe yet fun float down the Pecos River.
For those of you who are here for just a day, make sure you bring a picnic. There are plenty of spots to picnic and many are under the mature cottonwood trees the park is also known for.
If you want to spend the night, there campsites are available for both tents and RVs along the Pecos River. RVs up to 40 feet in length can be accommodated.
Villanueva State Park also has a pretty awesome playground the kiddos will love. Let them run, laugh, play, and climb as you sit on the sidelines and relax.
Whether its a day trip or an overnight getaway you're after, Villanueva State Park is a wonderful place to enjoy the great outdoors as a family. So, come and explore all it has to offer and don't forget your tubes and life jackets!
Have you ever gone tubing or camping at Villanueva State Park? What’s another family destination in New Mexico you enjoy? Let us know! To learn more about Villanueva State Park, visit the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department’s website.
Looking for another adventure you can enjoy as a family? How about a Hot Air Balloon Tour? Fly high above the New Mexico landscape on an adventure of a lifetime!
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