New Mexico

Taos, an hour and a half north of Santa Fe, offers lots of fun for families in summertime: from rafting, to hot-air ballooning in a river gorge, to exploring the unique Taos Pueblo.

The photogenic town of Santa Fe -- know for its beautiful adobe style and its mix of Anglo, Hispanic, and Native American cultures-- is a strikingly beautiful city to explore. At Christmas-time, these three traditions come together for a unique festive season. Santa Fe has family-friendly events throughout December.

This resort-- on 500 acres of the Santa Ana Pueblo's reservation, 30 minutes from Albuquerque, 40 minutes from Santa Fe-- highlights native culture in special family activities and at the Camp Hyatt kids' club. Learn about native customs, go horse-riding, and still get resort-style perks (--golf, spa, yoga, etc.)

Many ideas for what's fun to visit in Albuquerque: Old Town ghost tours, and Rattlesnake Museum; Native American pueblos; outdoor outings; aquarium, Nature Center, and more.

With hot-air balloons galore, this colorful annual New Mexico event in October has to be a major kid-pleaser.

Tours (self-guided, and guided), slides, and lots of background info, at th official web site for this New Mexico attraction.

Day train rides, evening trains, lots of special events, many geared to kids...