White Sands National Park with kids

White Sands National Park is one of the most unique national parks in the United States. This park covers a wide area of white sand dunes composed of gypsum. Yes, it’s not actually sand but gypsum. This gypsum dunefield is the largest of its kind on earth. Gypsum is a natural mineral found all over the world used in many day to day products like toothpaste, wallboard and even food. Once known as the national monument it was made a National Park in the year 2019. White Sands National park is also home to thousands of species of animals.

Where is White Sands National Park?

White Sands National park is located in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The closest airport is El Paso,TX which is about 85 miles south of Alamogordo,NM which would take about 1.5 hrs to drive from El Paso,TX. We took a road trip from Austin,Texas and stayed in Alamogordo,NM. It takes about 15 minutes to drive to the park from the city center. You can read all about the stops along the way from Austin,TX to Alamogordo,NM in this post.

When is the best time to visit?

You can visit White Sands National park at any time of the year. Summer is the peak tourist season and also the temperature can get really high.If you are visiting in summer make sure you get to the park early in the day to avoid the scorching hot sun. Spring and fall are the best times to visit. However, be sure to check for wind advisory before you go since heavy winds can hinder some of your travel plans. Check out things to know before you go section below.

Things to do in White Sands National Park with kids

Visit the park visitor center

Don’t forget to visit the visitor center and learn about the history and geography of the land. If your child has a National park passport book they could get their stamp here at the visitor center. Be sure to check the visitor center hours as it is different the the park opening time.

Become a Junior ranger

While you are at the visitor center, you can collect a Junior Ranger program activity book and take it with you as you explore the park. Once you have completed the necessary activities in the book you can head back to the visitor center before you leave the park and take the Junior Ranger pledge and collect your badges.

Hiking

Hiking is one of must do things whenever you visit any National Parks. While white Sands National Park doesn’t have as many hikes as other national parks it still has some great ones to do with kids.

Here are some of the hikes that you can do with kids:

• Interdune Boardwalk Trail – A 0.4 mile wheelchair accessible trail on the boardwalk that is great for seeing plants and wildlife. They have so much information along the way that the kids can read.
• Playa Trail – An easy 0.5 mile trail with outdoor exhibits along the way.
• Dune Life Nature Trail – A 1 mile self guided loop hike that goes over two steep dunes. While the hike is easy but requires a lot of strength to climb over the sand dunes. Since this is a loop, you have the option to turn back at any point of your hike. You can also find animal tracks along the way.

Drive along the Dunes Drive

Dunes drive is an 8 mile scenic drive in the park from the visitor center to the heart of the gypsum dunes.It takes about 45 minutes for the round trip(16 miles) but add more if you would like to stop at any point to take in the view or enjoy some time sledding down the dunes.

Sledding down the sand dunes

Did you know that the white gypsum that looks like snow can also be sledded on? That is so fun, right ?right? Sledding is allowed in the park in the loop portion of the Dunes drive where there is no vegetation.You can bring your own sled or buy the sled at the visitor center/gift store. Saucer style sled works best.

Explore the sand & look for animal tracks

This was my 3 year old’s favorite thing to do in the park. We got to see a few animal tracks along the way on our hike.

Hike with a ranger

There are ranger lead programs in the park which can be a great opportunity to learn more about the geological wonder. Since some of these walks are in the evening and requires a lot of walking it is a good fit for families with older kids and not best suitable for toddlers.

What to pack for your trip to White Sands?

Sunglasses : The glare from the sand on a sunny day is fierce. So, definitely pack some sunglasses for you and your family.

Water: Do carry lot of water with you at all times. You can carry insulated water bottles while hiking. We love the Kleen Kanteen water bottles. There is a water fountain at the visitor center if you need to refill your bottles.

Lunch/snacks: Do pack a lunch for everyone if you are planning on exploring the park for an entire day if not pack plenty of snacks. There is absolutely no food available in the park (except for a few snacks at the visitor center).

Sun Protection: Have sunscreen and have sun hats for added protection on a hot sunny day. Neck gaiters like this one are also recommended on a windy day.

Sleds: You can carry a sled if you already own one and road tripping to White Sands.

Clothing & shoes: Wear comfortable clothing that can be comfortable for the sun and sand.I recommend wearing active wear. Be sure to pack an extra layer for cooler months. Although, closed shoes are recommended keep in mind that a lot of sand gets into the shoes. Sandals are great too.

Camera : While you can uses your phone to take beautiful pictures (you can read How to take beautiful pictures on your iPhone) or if you want something more than that definitely invest in an entry level DSLR like the Nikon 3200. You won’t regret!

Things to know before you go

1. White Sands National Park is close to the White Sands Missile range. They conduct missile testing often and the road leading to the Dunes drive will be closed for the duration of the testing. Check the National park website (here) a couple of weeks before you go to see if there are any scheduled park closures. Also, be prepared for unscheduled park closures that can put your itinerary off the rail.
2. Be sure to go to the visitor center and get all the park related information, collect your Junior ranger booklets and learn about the history of the park with a short movie.The visitor center opens later than the park opening hours.
3. Please do pack lunch/snacks as there are no restaurants within national park and going out to the city center for lunch is time consuming and there might be a long question a the park entrance while returning.
4. The gift shop adjacent to the visor center sells sleds for around 25 USD and you can return it back to get a tiny portion of the amount paid back in the form of store credit( around 5 USD) which can be used to purchase something at the gift store. They also have used sleds for a lesser price but the availability is not always guaranteed.
5. Don’t forget to go back to the visitor center on your way out to collect the Junior Ranger badge and buy some souvenirs from the trip.

Where to stay?

I recommend booking your hotel in Alamogordo, New Mexico. There are plenty of food and stay options. These hotels in Alamogordo are the closest hotel to White Sands and has a laid back atmosphere, atmosphere, hence great for families.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamogordo – 100 Kerry Ave, Alamogordo, NM 88310

Hampton Inn Alamogordo -1295 Hamilton Rd, Alamogordo, NM 88310

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Alamogordo – 300 Panorama Blvd, Alamogordo, NM 88310

What else can you do around White Sands National Park with kids?

The Museum of Space History- 3198 State Rte 2001, Alamogordo, NM 88310

McGinn’s PistachioLand-World’s Largest Pistachio -7320 Hwy 54 70, Alamogordo, NM 88310

Toy Train Depot-1991 N White Sands Blvd, Alamogordo, NM 88310