The sound of ice cream trucks and the laughter of children can be heard on every corner – school is out, and summer is finally here! It is no secret that every student waits for the summer season to take a break from the books and enjoy long, warm, lazy days.
Despite looking forward to summer, you may find yourself wanting to cool down when the temperatures rise. If you’re in the Las Cruces area, you’re in luck! Here are seven summer fun locations to help you stay cool and refreshed.
Fun in the Water
Metro Verde Splash Pad and Park
7125 Metro Park St.
The Metro Verde Splash Pad and Park is located on Metro Park Street at Villeta Avenue near Monte Vista Elementary School. The park is known for its water-based activities such as the splash pad, which includes water streamers, water fountains, and sprays. This location is perfect for children, but adults can join in, too. The park has a playground where your kiddos can dry off while having fun. This city park is wheelchair accessible and there’s plenty of parking. If you’re looking for a free water park where you can cool down, visit Metro Verde!
Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center
1401 E. Hadley Ave.
Want to take a dip but don’t want to deal with the sunshine and heat? Visit the Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center! With its multiple indoor pools and water play area plus exercise equipment on the second floor, the aquatic center will not only refresh you but help keep you fit during the summer. Family swimming lessons, aqua fitness classes, and a variety of other classes for all ages are available for your summertime fitness needs. Pools are open to all ages with proper supervision and discounts are available for seniors and children. You can even reserve a party room. For more information, click here. Check out the Laabs, East Mesa Bataan Memorial, and Frenger pools, too!
Plaza Splash Pad
101 E. Organ Ave.
If you want to cool off while downtown, visit the Plaza Splash Pad. This location offers a splash pad area for children, but adults are welcome to play! Located in the heart of downtown Las Cruces, you can enjoy the splash pad on the Plaza de Las Cruces after grabbing a bite at restaurants on Main Street, visiting the Branigan Cultural Center and the Las Cruces Museum of Art, or while you’re shopping at the Farmers and Crafts Market or other venues. Fun, food, and friendly shops — downtown Las Cruces offers lots of summertime activities!
Wet ‘N’ Wild Waterworld
8804 S. Desert Blvd., Anthony, Texas
If you’ve never been to Wet ‘N’ Wild, this summer make a trip to Anthony, Texas, to see what it’s all about! With activities ranging from water slides to swimming pools, this water park is perfect for a family outing or a casual date. Wet ‘N’ Wild is mostly known for its crazy curvy slides and wave simulator. The park offers tubing for all ages, and you can bring your own tube or use one of theirs. There is a special section just for kids and an eating area for your entire family with charcoal grills and picnic tables. A sand volleyball court invites you to play while you take a break from the water.
Ticket types range from seasonal passes to daily passes, and VIP parking is yours for an additional cost. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase while you beat the heat. Don’t forget your sunscreen! For more information, visit wetnwildwaterworld.com.
Cool Treats
The Paleta Bar
2750 Mall Dr. Suite 240
Looking for a sweet treat? You can visit The Paleta Bar and enjoy your own ice pop creation. With lots of flavors and fruits to choose from, the sky’s the limit when creating your own paleta dream!
Paletas are Mexican ice pops made with ingredients like pureed fruit, nuts, herbs, and spices. Not only are paletas delicious, but they can be healthy as well. The Paleta Bar offers a tasty fresh fruit base made with sweet cream and milk. Whatever else is added is entirely up to you. Premium dips and toppings are also included to enhance your ice pop creation. The Paleta Bar includes popular combinations such as Almond Joy, Strawberry Cheesecake, Oreo Lovers, and more. If your lifestyle revolves around fitness, they have a protein ice pop option as well as dairy-free pops! For more information, visit thepaletabar.com.
Paleteria La Reyna Michoacana
870 E. Madrid Ave.
Looking for a place to get delicious fresh snacks? Paleteria La Reyna on Madrid Avenue can satisfy those cravings. Perfect for a summertime date or an outing with the family, Paleteria La Reyna offers custom recipes that turn ordinary snacks into exceptional fresh treats. Try tasty salty snacks ranging from elotes (Mexican corn), nachos, and papas lokas (crazy potatoes) or maybe sweet snacks like slush puppies, fresh fruit, flavored shaved ice, ice cream, smoothies, and more! Paleteria La Reyna also offers daily specials such as Taco Tuesday and Combo Thursday. In a hurry? Paleteria La Reyna has a double drive-thru to get your snacks on the go.
Caliche’s Frozen Custard
131 Roadrunner Pkwy. and 590 S. Valley Dr.
Who doesn’t love Caliche’s? If you need variety to satisfy a hungry crowd, Caliche’s is here to help! With a menu ranging from hot dogs, sandwiches, and nachos to New Mexico’s finest frozen custard, smoothies, shakes, malts, floats, old-fashioned sodas, and fresh lemonade, you can’t go wrong. Frozen custard options include the famous Green Chile Sundae, The Gizmo, The Mango Dango, Very Berry Sundae, the Grasshopper Sundae, and so much more. Be sure to take your four-legged friend along, because Caliche’s offers free pup cones when you buy yourself a treat!
Get easy recipes to make cool treats at home here!
Story by Melissa Luna
Photography by Cheryl Fallstead and courtesy
Originally published in Neighbors magazine | 2022
Posted by LasCruces.com
