Indian Cliffs Ranch at Cattleman's Steakhouse
Indian Cliffs Ranch
Fabens, TX
915-544-3200

This 26-year-old landmark east of El Paso offers great family fun. You can see Texas longhorns, buffalo, deer, Belgian team horses and may other animals. There's also an Indian maze, movie sets, the Fort Apache playground for kids and hayrides on Sunday afternoons, plus the admission is free for steakhouse guests! After the sights, stay for dinner at the world-famous Cattleman's Steakhouse. Located 35 miles from downtown. Take I-10 east to exit 49, turn left and travel about five miles into the desert and you're there! Open daily for dinner and lunch and dinner on Sundays.

Chamizal National Memorial
800 S. San Marcial
El Paso, TX
915-534-6668

The memorial is built on land that became part of the U.S. when the Chamizal border dispute with Mexico was settled in 1963. Walk the grounds or visit the museum. Performances are held almost weekly in the theater and outside in the amphitheatre in good weather. Open daily 8-5:30.

El Paso Zoo
4001 E. Paisano
El Paso, TX 79905
915-544-1928

Newly expanded and much improved, the zoo is home to over 175 species of animals, including many endangered species, in 18 acres of natural habitat exhibits. The zoo focuses on animals of the Americas and Asia. Located in central El Paso near the intersection of Highway 54 and Paisano, take I-10 to the Paisano exit, go southwest and follow the signs to the zoo entrance. Open daily from 9:30am to late afternoon. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for kids.

Hueco Tanks State Park
915-857-1135

This area got its name from the huge basin-shaped rocks that catch and hold our less-than abundant rainfall. Drawings on cave walls date back as far as 1,500 B.C. World-class rock climbing, plus hiking, picnicking and camping. 20 miles east of El Paso on Hwy 62. Open daily 8am to dusk.

Scenic Drive
Rim Road

The best view of the city accessible by car. You can see all of El Paso and Juarez, plus some of New Mexico. From downtown, take Stanton St. north, then go right on Rim Rd.

Western Playland Amusement Park
Ascarate Park
El Paso, TX
915-772-3914

Located in Ascarate Park in El Paso, Western Playland has rides for kids of all ages. Roller coasters, water slides, trains, rides, go-carts and more in a well maintained and exceptionally clean park. This is a great place to let the kids unwind after too much time in the car! Open weekends in the spring and fall and Wednesday through Sunday in the summer. To reach the park, exit I-10 at Trowbridge and turn south, turn right on Delta and go over the bridge, then left into Ascarate Park.

Wet 'N' Wild Waterworld
I-10 at Anthony exit "0"
Anthony, TX
915-886-2222

37 acres of good, clean family fun. Wet 'N' Wild is a well-established waterpark that just keeps getting bigger and better. The park has 22 water attractions for everyone from little children to teenagers and adults. Two of the highlights are the Screamer - a six-story tall water slide that goes almost straight down and the new Wild Island Waves wave pool with simulated waves up to three feet high. The park has lots of shade trees and grassy areas, plus restaurants and locker rooms. Wet 'N' Wild is a great place to beat the El Paso heat. Located along I-10 at the Anthony exit "0". From downtown El Paso take I-10 west about 17 miles to the Anthony exit. You'll see the park on the left side of the road. Open everyday through the summer.

Wyler Aerial Tramway
1700 McKinley
El Paso, Texas 79930
915-566-6622

The newly reopened tramway offers a view of 7,000 square miles, two countries and three states from the 5,632-foot elevation at the southern edge of the Franklin Mountains. The ride takes 4.5 minutes, clibing 940 feet. The summit at Ranger Peak includes observation deck, gift shop and exhibit panels. Adults: $7, 12 and under: $4. Hours through September 3rd: Open Monday and Thursday from 12 noon-6 p.m.; Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12 noon to 9 p.m. Take Alabama to McKinley Ave. and turn toward the mountain. McKinley ends at the base of the tram. You can reach Alabama from the Fred Wilson exit off U.S. 54 (head west and Fred Wilson turns into Alabama).