El Paso is one of those cities that sneaks up on you. It is at the western end of Texas and has a mix of desert landscapes, a rich cultural history, and a strong sense of community that feels both welcoming and real. This Things to Do in El Paso, TX (2026 List) shows why the city keeps drawing in tourists, families, and new residents, whether you’re planning a trip or thinking about moving there.
El Paso is a great place to go in 2026 because it has both outdoor adventure and everyday livability. The city has things to do that feel relaxed and easy to get to, like hiking in the Franklin Mountains, seeing the desert from above, and visiting historic neighborhoods. Visitors can check out museums, cultural sites, and local markets, and people who live there can enjoy a pace of life that balances work, family, and fun. The city’s unique border culture makes everything more interesting, from food and festivals to art and architecture.
El Paso has more to offer families than just attractions. When people move to a new area, they often look for neighborhoods that will help them grow over time. This often means looking at schools, parks, and other neighborhood amenities all at once. Parents with young kids will find El Paso, TX, to be a great place to live because it has good elementary schools, fun things to do with the family, and lots of outdoor space. Weekend trips to museums, nature parks, and community events go well with a routine that focuses on school.
This list for 2026 includes the best things to do in El Paso, such as outdoor activities, cultural experiences, kid-friendly attractions, and community events. El Paso has a lot of meaningful things to do that will help you feel connected to the city, whether you’re just passing through or looking into what life might be like in the long run.
Family Friendly Activities Available in El Paso TX
There are many family friendly activities available throughout the city of El Paso, Texas. The El Paso Zoo continues to be a popular attraction that features interactive exhibits and a wide variety of educational programs for children of all ages. For families looking for a more serene environment, Keystone Heritage Park is another wonderful option. This area boasts many walking trails and offers families the opportunity to explore some of the area’s early history.
In addition to these great outdoor attractions, there are also many museums throughout the city, including the El Paso Museum of History and the new La Nube Children’s Museum. Both of these museums provide children with multiple opportunities to learn through hands-on activities. The museums tend to be located near areas where a larger percentage of families reside, making them very convenient for families that are looking for easy access to Elementary Schools in El Paso, Texas.
1. Rio Bosque Birding Experience
- Date: February 22nd, 2026
- 9 a.m. – Rio Bosque Wetlands
Join us on an incredibly fun day of birding at the Rio Bosque Wetlands, located along the Rio Grande River. Led by experienced birders, participants will get an up-close view of native and migratory birds in a relaxing wetland setting. Guide – It will meet at the bridge that crosses the Riverside Canal, which can be accessed from both Americas Ave. (Loop 375) and Pan American Drive. This is a great way to start your morning for anyone interested in wildlife, photography, or just exploring the great outdoors!
2. Moonpreneur In-Person Robotics Workshop for Kids
Moonpreneur offers hands-on, face-to-face, experiential workshops geared at children between the ages of 7 and 16. With interactive elements, these workshops will teach children about robotics, artificial intelligence, coding, the Internet of Things, and game design. The interactive nature of these types of invention workshops promotes active learning and develops a child’s ability to demonstrate creativity and develop critical thinking as well as practical problem-solving skills through an experiential approach to real-life science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning. By participating in a variety of hands-on STEM projects, children will also begin to understand more about technology by working in a fun and engaging age-appropriate environment.
3. El Paso Zoo
- Located at 4001 East Paisano Dr., El Paso, TX, 79905
- Contact: 915-212-0966
When looking for a fun place for families to visit, the El Paso Zoo is one of the best options. The zoo is located on a 35-acre site and has animals from all over the globe! Among the zoo’s many attractions are the African Star Train, Hunt Family Desert Spring water feature, and the Foster Tree House Playground! The El Paso Zoo promotes both education and entertainment to all its visitors and is an excellent option for families traveling with children.
4. Starter Sourdough Bread Making Class
- Date: March 15, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
- Place: 910 E Redd Rd Ste. H, El Paso, TX 79912
- Location: Sun City Sawdust DIY Art Studio (on the West Side of El Paso)
- Ticket Price: $55.00 per person.
This workshop is a hands-on introduction to creating sourdough bread. Participants leave with two kitchen-ready loaves, a project recipe, and an active live sourdough starter. The workshop is hosted in a relaxed, creative studio space which makes it an ideal setting for those new to bread making and food enthusiasts alike. The workshop is also BYOB, so feel free to bring your favourite snacks and drink!
5. The Edge is the Centre Exhibition Walk With The Curator
- Date: February 11, 2026
- Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
- Place: UTEP, 720 Dawson Rd, El Paso, TX 79902.
Art and culture aficionados will enjoy this curator led exhibition walk located at the University of Texas at El Paso. During the walk, participants are provided with additional behind-the-scenes information about the exhibition The Edge is a Centre, including context, themes, and how the curator views the works. This is a great opportunity for anyone with a passion for contemporary art and/or academic exhibitions.
6. White Sands Balloon Festival
Location: US-70, Between Mile Markers 199 – 200, Alamogordo, New Mexico
Less than an hour from El Paso, White Sands Balloon Festival is one of the most beautiful spots in the area. This festival is located close to White Sands National Park. Hot air balloons will take to the sky and float over the desert at dawn, and then that evening, attendees can enjoy watching the hot air balloons illuminate the night sky. The combination of the natural beauty of the park and the light from the balloons makes for an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Things to Do in El Paso, TX: Outdoors Activities
Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens
Featherlake Wildlife Sanctuary
Aguirre Springs
Ascarate Park Trail
Things to Do in El Paso, TX: #arts-murals-museums
The Art of El Paso: Stories Painted on the Streets
7 Captivating Museums in El Paso, TX the Entire Family Can Enjoy
Discover La Nube: El Paso’s Newest Children’s Museum and Science Center
Things to Do in El Paso, TX: History-culture
Legacy of El Paso: The Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl
Celebrating Heritage in the Borderland: El Paso’s Mexican Cultural Legacy
The Artistic Legacy of Tom Lea
Vacation Pitstop: El Paso’s Historic Mission Trail
Hispanic Heritage Month
Education and Community Life in El Paso
In El Paso, Education is a significant part of the community. Children moving here typically look for homes that are affordable, have nearby parks, and include a reputable elementary school in their area. Community Centres, Libraries, and After School Programs help support children after they leave the classroom.
El Paso is home to many public places where families can connect, including city parks and recreation centres. These venues offer numerous opportunities for sports leagues, community gatherings, and cultural activities from when newcomers arrive.
El Paso Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, the city of El Paso hosts numerous events and festivals to celebrate its cultural heritage and community spirit. Cultural Festivals, Outdoor Concerts, Holiday Parades, and Food-Based Events create a year-round schedule of activities for families.
Community events are fun ways for visitors to experience El Paso, as well as an essential component of Life in the Community for residents, connecting neighbours in different areas of the city.
Conclusion
Things To Do in El Paso, TX – List for 2026″ outlines the reasons for the city continuing to pull both tourists and people moving to El Paso TX. With Outdoor Recreation, Cultural Richness, and Family Friendly Attractions, El Paso has some of the best Public Elementary Schools in El Paso TX, it has much more to deliver than Just Things To Do…El Paso is a place for a life long residency. If you are thinking of visiting or moving into El Paso TX in a long term capacity, you will see and feel that what you experience in El Paso TX is genuine, within reach, and grounded in your community.
Moonpreneur is on a mission to disrupt traditional education and future-proof the next generation with holistic learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is building tomorrow’s workforce by training students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, enabling entrepreneurship through experiential learning.
