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8 Free (or Nearly Free)
Things To Do

 #1 Thing To Do

Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market

Location pin iconDowntown Main Street | Clock icon tealSaturdays 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

  • Spans 7 city blocks in the heart of downtown, year-round

  • Features local produce, handmade goods, crafts & more

  • Enjoy live music & street performances

  • Smaller version on Wednesdays on Plaza de Las Cruces

#2 Thing To Do

Historic Mesilla

Location pin icon  South, neighboring Las Cruces

Mesilla Plaza

  • Charming town with adobe buildings, red chile ristras, and Southwest charm

  • Explore historic plaza, shops, art galleries, restaurants & wineries

  • Rich history dating back to 1848, with ties to Mexican and U.S. history

#3 Thing To Do

Downtown Museums

Ticket icon Free Admission

  • Museum of Art – Rotating exhibits from regional and national artists

  • Branigan Cultural Center – Local history, heritage, and cultural exhibits

  • Museum of Nature & Science – Dinosaurs, astronomy, desert wildlife

  • Railroad Museum – Train history and model railways

Copy of museum teens

#4 Thing To Do

NM Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum

Location pin icon 4100 Dripping Springs Road | Clock icon teal Open Monday-Saturday

New Mexico Farm Ranch

  • 47-acre ranch experience with livestock corrals, gardens, and interactive exhibits

  • Watch blacksmithing, quilting, and cow milking

  • Indoor & outdoor exhibits for all ages

  • Admission ranges from FREE to $7 depending on age, membership and other classifications. For updated pricing, check out the museum's official site here!

#5 Thing To Do

Outdoor Fun for Families

Location pin icon Plaza de Las Cruces Splashpad

  • Free and open in summer months

  • A fun way for kids to cool off downtown

  • Other Splashpads and Public Pools to check out here!

Mira Kids in Splash Pad

#6 Thing To Do

Hiking & Outdoor Recreating

Location pin icon Various locations

Group Hike Dripping Springs

  • Explore local hiking trails around Las Cruces for a fun and active day out.

  • Dripping Springs Natural Area: Over four miles of easy hiking trails with scenic views—perfect for beginners and families.

  • Slot Canyon: Known for its winding pathways and surreal rock formations; a great choice for adventurous hikers.

  • Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park: Offers peaceful trails and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

  • Outdoor Safety is Important: Reference our Desert Explorer Prep Guide for more staying safe on your desert hike.

#7 Thing To Do

Music & Movies in the Park

Clock icon teal Summer Months
Music icon Music

  • Free weekly concerts by local/regional artists, May-August

  • Starts with Mayor’s Jazz Fest (Memorial Day Weekend)

Movie icon Movies

  • Free family movies Saturdays at dusk 

  • Held at former Amador LIVE venue, June-August

 

Movies-at-the-Park-4-e1558024281271

#8 Thing to Do

Annual Events

Location pin icon Various locations

Mira 2025 17

  • Family-friendly, free events year-round in Las Cruces
  • Annual highlights include: mira! Las Cruces Festival,  Fourth of July Electric Light Parade, wine festivals, cultural events and our famous New Year's Chile Drop.
  • Check our Annual Events page for details.