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El Paso, Texas, might not be a travel destination you had at the top of your list, but after looking for activities there for families on the go, I’m impressed! There are tons of free things to do in El Paso, from learning about history to exploring the great outdoors. There are also sobering opportunities to learn more about Pueblo heritage history as well as the Holocaust.
25 Free Things to Do in El Paso
Play outside at White Spur Park
If you’re trying to burn off some energy with your kids, this park has fun areas to play for kids of all ages.
See Fort Bliss and the Old Ironsides Museum
This museum showcases the history of Fort Bliss as well as America’s first armored tank division.
Stroll around San Jacinto Plaza
This open air area in downtown El Paso is perfect for getting some fresh air or having a picnic.
Visit the El Paso Museum of Art
Check the website for upcoming exhibitions and events.
See the inside of St. Patrick Cathedral
This historic cathedral has mass daily, during which you can see the beautiful interior.
Visit the El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center
Learn about this sobering time in our world’s history at this local museum.
See the Star on the Mountain at night
You’ll want to wait until dark, but if you drive to Franklin Mountain you can see the largest man made illuminated star!
Explore the National Border Patrol Museum
Learn about the history of the U.S. border patrol.
Hike the Thousand Steps Trail
This is a difficult hike with some high altitudes, about 1.5 miles long, but it could be a great workout!
Smell the flowers at the Municipal Rose Garden
There are nearly 1,500 rose bushes here featuring more than 400 different varieties of roses!
Learn history at the Chamizal National Memorial
This national park site commemorates the settlement of a hundred year border dispute between the US and Mexico. Note: Some parts of the memorial may be closed due to COVID.
Walk through the Downtown Artist and Farmers Market
You’ll obviously need to pay to buy something, but there’s no charge for window shopping!
Visit the International Museum of Art
Check the website for upcoming exhibits and events!
Explore the Ho Baron Sculpture Garden
Ho Baron is a local artist who specializes in surrealist art. He allows public viewing of his garden during daytime hours.
Visit Concordia Cemetery
Explore this historic cemetery, with the earliest grave from the 1850s.
Learn history at the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Museum
This museum seeks to educate about the history of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo people.
Read a book at the El Paso Public Library
While there may be some limitations due to COVID, some locations are allowing you to come inside and find a book!
Wander around Franklin Mountains State Park
This state park has beautiful views and lots of trails to hike.
Take your pup to Westside Dog Park
There’s plenty of space for your furry friends to run around at this park.
Visit Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
Hike, picnic, and look for birds at this beautiful park.
Take a walking tour
There are lots of walking tours and driving tours available, depending on where you are in the El Paso area.
Visit the El Paso Museum of History
This museum features the history of El Paso and southern Texas.
Take a campus tour at UT-El Paso
Even if you’re not a prospective student, you can still get a tour of the University of Texas at El Paso.
Drive El Paso’s Scenic Drive and Overlook
If you’re not in the mood to walk, consider this driving tour through the scenic views of the El Paso area.
Visit Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
This park is known for the variety of birds that live there as well as other kinds of wildlife.
Are you from El Paso? Anything I missed? Let us know in the comments!
Headed elsewhere in Texas? See my list of 25 free things to do in Dallas Fort Worth!
