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Regularly washing your car is a huge part of keeping it looking like new. If you don't have the time or space to clean it at home, you can swing through a car wash and have it done! In El Paso, there are many car washes where you can bring your car to get it cleaned and detailed. Keep your Acura clean at these El Paso car washes. Magic Touch Car Wash Magic Touch Car Wash on S. Mesa Hills Dr. offers four levels of cleaning. These start with the bronze wash that includes a foam bath, spot-free rinse, and turbo dry. The silver wash adds wheel cleaning, carnauba wax, and a clear coat polish, and the gold wash adds a tire shine and hand-wiped wheels. For the ultimate wash, the platinum starts with the gold services and adds weather-x and extras including vacuuming the inside, a wipe down for the dash and console and cleaning the side windows. more The Spot Car Wash & More The Spot Car Wash will clean your car from top to bottom, inside and out. The staff will deep clean the vehicle no matter how dirty it gets, and if you find they miss something, you can bring it back, and they will gladly clean it. The Spot offers weekly specials, and you can also bring your car in for oil changes, state inspections, and full detailing. A full detail starts at just $60 and includes the engine bay along with a shampoo for the seats and the carpet. Mr. Car Wash Head to Mr. Car Wash to make your vehicle shine. This center makes all their own products and formulates them for the area where you live and drive. Choose from the list of services, including exterior only, full serve, and express detail. Become a member of the Unlimited Wash Club for member benefits including washes as often as you want, exclusive member-only lanes, and convenient monthly billing. As a member, you also have access to exclusive discounts on upgraded services. RSJ Mobile Car Wash RSJ Mobile Car Wash is a full-service wash that offers full detailing. The staff at this business is friendly and willing to take the time to let you know exactly what they did for your vehicle. Services include carpet cleaning, engine cleaning, vacuuming, waxing, and window cleaning. You can also request a hand wash, a towel dry, and tire and wheel cleaning. This place wants to make sure you are happy with their work and will ask you to inspect the car before they hand it back over to you. If you find something they missed, they will gladly take care of it for you. You'll find RSJ Mobile Car Wash on Myrtle Ave right in El Paso. Whether you want a quick wash to get the dirt off the outside of your vehicle, or you want a full detailing service, you can get it done right in El Paso. Image via KOMUnews | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

Taco night can be any night in El Paso! With a wide variety of taco varieties offered around the city, this Texas town has some of the best options in Texas. Mexican restaurants are on every corner in El Paso, so finding your favorite place to get tacos can be a challenge. Check out these places that serve up the best and celebrate taco night! Tacoholics Tacoholics on N Zaragoza has a large selection of tacos, and they are all delicious. You can build your own taco starting with the meat, then choose a corn or flour tortilla, then add the extras. Choose from Korean BBQ sauce, shaved slaw, and Asian Vinaigrette, or get cilantro, onions, and homemade chorizo. You could try queso fresco and grilled onions. If you're feeding a crowd, the taco feast is enough for five and comes with meat, onions, cilantro, queso fresco, grilled onions, three different salsas, lime wedges, and tortillas – enough to feed the whole crew! more Tacotote - Bassett Tacotote serves their tacos on freshly made tortillas, and they come filled with meat grilled in just the right amount of seasoning. The shrimp tacos are out of this world, and the pastor tacos are also fantastic! Some of the other menu items worth trying are the sirloin steak and beef fajita tacos, as well as the adobado pork. The salsa to go with your tacos always tastes fresh, and the Mexican rice is some of the best you'll find in the area. El Taquito El Taquito serves up a full menu of Mexican food made from scratch, including the tacos. The Buche tacos are something you don't find on every menu and are a must at El Taquito. These are a pig stomach mixed with Mexican sausage, and they come cooked to perfection. The El Pastor taco is also delicious, filled with juicy, flavorful meat in warm tortillas. If you prefer chicken tacos, these are a great choice - you can get it with avocado and cheese on the side, and there are two different hot sauces on the tables if you want extra spice. Rivas Taco Shop Stop by Rivas Taco Shop for quick tacos on the go. The rolled tacos with cheese and guacamole are always a good choice, along with the fish taco. You can get just a simple beef taco or even four mini ones. The carne asada comes with guacamole and pico de gallo, and the shrimp taco comes with spicy sauce, lettuce, and pico de gallo. Make sure to try the rolled tacos too. You can get these with cheese, guacamole, lettuce, and pico de gallo. They come in servings of three, five, and up to twelve if you're hungry! Rivas also serves enchiladas, tostadas, and quesadillas too. If you need a quick lunch or dinner, call ahead and it will be ready when you get there! Try these taco places in the El Paso area for great Mexican food. Whether you prefer beef, chicken, pork, or fish, you’ll find something to satisfy your taco craving! Image via cogdogblog | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

Whether you're in the mood to chill out after work or commemorate a special occasion with friends, there's no better way to celebrate than with a good cocktail! Luckily - there's a lot of great places for cocktails in El Paso! Let's explore some of those spots and what they have to offer. Tabla Tabla has an extensive drink menu featuring craft cocktails, beer, and wine. You'll find classics like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Pimm's Cup, in addition to innovative drinks such as the Paper Plane and Deep Blue Sea. Tabla also serves up a variety of small plates perfect for sharing. Dishes like baked goat cheese, roasted quail, and pork belly wraps perfectly complement any cocktail. Don't forget to try the bread pudding for dessert! more Eloise Eloise was inspired by the European cafe scene and provides a cozy and casual atmosphere for sharing cocktails and conversation with friends. Their signature cocktail is the Mexican Martini. The menu also features favorites like mojitos, margaritas, and delicious house sangria. Eloise has become very popular with the after-work crowd thanks to great happy hour specials. If you're in the mood for a bite to eat, the granny smith guacamole, shishito peppers, and ajo turkey dip are highly recommended. Mesa Street Grill At Mesa Street Grill you'll find old favorites on the cocktail menu, such as margaritas, Manhattans, and negronis, but you might also find a new favorite during your visit. Don't miss out on trying innovative and refreshing craft cocktails like the Victoria's Secret or the Watermelon Diablo. If you're counting calories, Mesa offers a skinny margarita and a skinny colada. There's also a great selection of beer and wine. Delicious bar snacks include a meat and cheese board, crab and artichoke dip, and rib-eye tacos. GeoGeske GeoGeske, known by the locals as G2, allows you to enjoy a variety of specialty cocktails while enjoying music from local DJs in a sleek, yet relaxing lounge setting. If you love a good martini, you'll find several varieties on the G2 menu including the Strawberry Fields, the Lavender-tini, and the Blue Lemon Drop. Other cocktails on the menu include the Gin Basil Snap, Tequila Al Fresco, and the Chambord Kamikaze. You'll also find a great selection of beer, wine, and happy hour specials. G2 serves up delicious, globally-inspired bars snacks such as potstickers, margarita fries, and queso passero. The Sushi Place While this cool hangout is called The Sushi Place, it could also be known as The Drink Place, based on its extensive cocktail menu. If you're in the mood for something tropical, try the Mai Tai or the Blue Hawaiian. Martinis include the Lemon Drop and Apple Martini. Go beyond the basic margarita with a mango or tamarind flavored beverage. There are also a variety of sake-based cocktails on the menu. These are just some of the places around El Paso where you can enjoy the perfect cocktail. No matter which one you choose, you're sure to have a great time! Image via Thales | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

Summer is going by quickly. It's not too soon to plan ahead for autumn events in El Paso, especially if you're looking for great seats or early bird pricing. Check out these six fall festivals, concerts, parties, and more. You may love them so much they become yearly traditions. Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta As part of the Celebration of our Mountains program, the 15th annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta will be held Sept. 28 at the Tom Mays Unit of Franklin Mountains State Park, about 18 miles from El Paso. The event will feature guided hikes, educational exhibits, guest speakers, demonstrations, and outdoor activities in a beautiful setting. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the state park, which is sponsoring the event along with the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition. The event celebrates the natural wonders of the Chihuahua Desert and Franklin Mountains State Park. more Three Wizards Board Game Convention If you and your family love board games, you'll want to head to the Three Wizards Board Game Convention for three days of fun. The convention is Oct. 11-13 from 2-5 p.m. each day at the Nations Tobin Recreation Center. It's meant for both newcomers and veteran gamers. More than 400 tabletop games will be on hand to play, or you can bring your own. Among the festivities will be tournaments, special guests, vendors, an escape room, panels, and more. Way Out West Country Fest Midland will be the headline country band for the fourth annual Way Out West Country Fest, scheduled for Oct. 12 at Southwest University Park. In addition to a slate of country singers and groups, the festival will feature outdoor dancing, food and retail vendors, a chili challenge, a margarita contest, and more. The party starts at 5 p.m. 'Swan Lake' By the Russian Ballet Theatre The Russian Ballet Theatre will present Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" Oct. 15  at 7 p.m. at Abraham Chavez Theatre. Choreographer Nadezhda Kalinina is working with the ballet's oldest St. Petersburg version and adding her own vision. The performance will feature hand-painted sets and 150 handmade costumes designed by Sergei Novikov. The ballet company has partnered with PLUS1, which brings artists and causes together, and ticket sales will also help support El Paso-area public schools. Boo at the Zoo Families can enjoy Halloween with Boo at the Zoo Oct. 26 and 27 at the El Paso Zoo. More than 16,000 visitors are expected. Festivities will include trick-or-treat stations, games and activities, animal encounters, and much more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Blue Man Group If you've never seen the Blue Man Group live, give it a shot for a unique brand of fun. This group's current show is hailed by the New York Times as "One of the most delightful performance pieces ever staged." Performances are Nov. 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Theatre. These are just a few of the exciting events scheduled this autumn in El Paso. Be sure to stop by Fox Acura of El Paso to find the perfect family vehicle, then get out and enjoy yourself this fall with family and friends! Image via aafromaa | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

Whether you're out for an anniversary dinner or simply having a romantic evening, you're going to want to find the right restaurant. We've put together this list of classy, romantic restaurants in El Paso that we think you're going to love. Thyme Matters Trust your date night to Thyme Matters. Indoors, you'll feel the ambiance of the romantic lighting and the scent of fresh flowers. Outdoors on the patio, you'll have the lovely view of the Franklin Mountains. Share a plate of hummus with kalamata and manzanilla olives for your appetizer, or go for the baked brie. The restaurant offers several elegant entrees, including Chilean sea bass and filet mignon. Pick two that you both like so you can get close and share. The drinks at Thyme Matters feature fresh ingredients. Wine and beer are also available. more Thyme Matters is at 5857 N. Mesa St. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday and  11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Cafe Italia An Italian restaurant is the stereotypical romantic option, and Cafe Italia doesn't disappoint. The dishes, many of them cooked in the handmade wood-fired brick oven, are rustic yet elegant. The house salad is exquisite with organic greens, pear, Parmigiano reggiano, cherry tomatoes, walnuts, and house vinaigrette. If you want antipasti, enjoy the Pane Rustico, featuring prosciutto, salami, pear, goat cheese, roasted walnuts, Kalamata olives, and honey. For the entree, try the linguine and shrimp or another sumptuous dish. This is a bring-your-own-wine restaurant, so choose your favorite and sip a glass or two. Cafe Italia has two locations, one in East El Paso at 2204 Joe Battle Blvd. No. 101 and one in West El Paso at 6705 N. Mesa. The two locations have slightly different menus. Hours are 5-10 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday in East El Paso. In West El Paso, hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday. Tabla Tabla specializes in European cuisine and craft cocktails and features small and mid-sized plates. These plates are designed to be shared, so you can create the perfect meal for the two of you. You could choose a cold plate of pears, pecans, goat cheese, and honey balsamic vinaigrette; gnocchi with ham, shrimp, piquillo peppers, and parmesan from the tapas menu; and, for dessert, bread pudding featuring maple pear. Try a signature cocktail or order wine or beer. Tabla is at 115 S. Durango St., Suite D. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Pot Au Feu Pot Au Feu combines classic French techniques with flavors of the world in an elegant setting designed to make you feel you're anywhere but home. Try the Nicoise salad or the fattoush for a divine salad course. The beef bourguignon and the rosemary and prosciutto pasta both offer rich flavors for the main course. The restaurant is at 307 E. Franklin Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Try one or more of these romantic spots for a lovely meal with your partner. We hope you have the perfect date night! Image via jimg944 | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

When you're in El Paso, Texas, you'll need a quality hotel to stay in. While many people think of hotels as somewhere you stay on vacation, having a summer staycation close to home is another fun activity to do. Here are the top three El Paso hotels to stay at. Hampton Inn & Suites El Paso West At Hampton Inn & Suites El Paso West, you'll have a relaxing staycation no matter how long your stay is. Enjoy access to the pool whether the kids need to get out their energy or you feel like lounging around. There's also a fitness room if you want to keep up your routine while you're away from home. Breakfast is free each morning and has oatmeal and specialty waffles. If you do need to get work done when you're there, a business center and two meeting rooms are available. more You can choose from one king bed or two queen beds depending on how big your party is. When you're ready to relax, turn on the TV to watch cable and premium channels from your bed. If you feel like leaving the hotel, Hueco Tanks State Historical Park is nearby where you can rock climb or look at ancient cave paintings. There are also many restaurants nearby. A free shuttle is available for certain El Paso attractions. Radisson Hotel El Paso Airport The Radisson Hotel El Paso Airport wants guests to find more of a work/life balance, which makes this the perfect place for a vacation. When it gets hot in El Paso, you'll appreciate the hotel's air conditioning while you watch your flat-screen TV. You'll be able to stay connected with free WiFi. There is no extra charge to park your car there so you can check out some nearby attractions such as the Old Fort Bliss replica or Evergreen Historical Cemetery. There are also many nearby restaurants such as Red Lobster or Landry's Seafood House. Suites and family rooms are available for larger parties so you don't have to worry about feeling too crowded. A restaurant and bar are on-site for the days you don't feel like leaving to get a meal. You can also enjoy the spa and fitness center in your free time. Hotel Indigo El Paso Downtown When you're looking for a chic place to stay, Hotel Indigo El Paso is where you'll want to book a room. Located in the middle of bustling downtown El Paso, there is a blend of American and Mexican culture found throughout the hotel. Each morning you'll enjoy locally grown and roasted coffee and be able to take a dip in the outdoor pool on the fifth floor. You'll also enjoy beautiful views of the desert sunset with the windows that stretch from the floor to the ceiling. Nearby attractions include the Rio Grande and the Franklin Mountains. You have plenty of options to choose from when you need a staycation in El Paso, Texas. From hotels that are close to attractions and restaurants to ones with pools or spas, it's easy to find the perfect place to stay! Image via Abel Cheung | Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

When you're in El Paso, Texas, there are plenty of activities to participate in. From indoor skydiving to mountain biking, here are three El Paso attractions that will get your adrenaline pumping! Indoor Skydiving Those who like adventure will love indoor skydiving. At iFLY, those as young as three years old can experience what skydiving is like in a safe environment. There is no age limit, and even those past 100 years have flown. You'll first attend an orientation with your group to discuss what you'll be doing and go over safety tips. The instructor will then give you a helmet and flight suit and then you'll be on your way. more Each person has their turn in the skydiving tunnel where the instructor will be with you to help you "fly" and show you tricks you can do to change your experience. You can purchase as many flights as you want if you enjoy it. iFly is a great place for friends to go as well as large groups such as birthday party or work events. Hot Air Balloon To see a view of El Paso, you'll have to go up in the sky for a hot air balloon ride. This is the perfect way to see the entire city while having a thrilling ride. Families are welcome and it's also a great place to impress your date. Flights take place all throughout the year as long as the weather is good. You'll want to make sure to bring your camera to capture everything you see so you can show your friends and family later. Franklin Mountains State Park Franklin Mountains State Park is a beautiful place to enjoy nature. There are plenty of adventurous activities to do here, such as hiking or mountain biking. There are over 27,000 acres to explore on 100 miles of trails. The terrain is rugged desert in the high-desert mountain, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Some people visit for the day, while many decide to camp overnight. There are five RV sites or 14 tent sites to choose from, but be aware there isn't any electricity or water. Reservations are made by calling the park in advance. There is a small park store if you need to purchase select items. Those who want a little more adventure can go rock climbing at Sneed's Cory or McKelligon Canyon. You'll need to bring your own gear and have knowledge of how to climb. Kids will enjoy the ranger-led programs such as bike rides, arts and crafts, and hikes in the park. There is a $5 entrance fee to get in the park and children under five are free. If you have a large group, contact the park ahead of time to get a group rate. The busiest seasons are spring, summer, and fall, so plan ahead if you plan to go there during this time. El Paso has plenty of things to do when you're in town, whether you want to enjoy nature or take a scenic hot air balloon ride! Image via Paul J Everett | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

Upscale dining is more than just food. It's an experience, an atmosphere that sets the tone for your entire meal. Perhaps you're more comfortable eating at an Applebee's, but with one taste of freshly prepared cuisine in a fancy five-star restaurant, you might just find you like some of the finer things in life. Whether you're rekindling the flame, going on a first date, or celebrating a special occasion, here are some of the top upscale dining restaurants in El Paso. Anson Eleven Nestled in the heart of downtown El Paso, Anson Eleven is two restaurants in one. The first is a bistro that serves up a delicious power lunch. The other is a fine-dining component that will blow your taste buds away. To start your culinary expedition, try some interesting fusion foods such as octopus confit tacos or artichoke tortellini. Move on to a main such as New Zealand lamb, barbacoa raviolini, or Alaskan sea cod. Pair each dish with one of more than 250 wines from across the world for an appetizing global food tour. Located at 303 N. Oregon Street, Anson Eleven is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Cafe Central With an innovative menu steeped in 100-year-old recipes and traditions, Cafe Central offers an atmosphere and dining experience you won't find anywhere else. Pulling influences from food around the globe, Cafe Central begins with appetizers like baked escargot in herb butter, Dungeness crab cakes, and beef carpaccio. Once your palate has awoken, choose a main from the three sections of the menu appropriately titled Sea, Land, and Air. Pancetta-wrapped scallops, grilled Angus tenderloin, and roasted half chicken are all meticulously prepared and crafted. For something foreign and exciting, go with the quail pibil. This quail comes stuffed with black beans and mofongo — Puerto Rico's national dish — for a taste of the Caribbean you'll love. Cafe Central is located at 109 N. Oregon Street. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Mesa Street Grill Strip-mall dining is often a flip of the coin, but once you've eaten at Mesa Street Grille, you'll wonder why you ever doubted. The dominating menu selection here is steak. Each USDA prime steak is hand-cut and aged for 28 days to seal in the flavor. Try the amazingly tender 8-ounce prime filet, the expertly seared 14-ounce Delmonico rib-eye, or delicious steak tartare. You can find Mesa Street Grill at 3800 N. Mesa St. Ste. D1. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday. You might not know which fork is for oysters or why you need a chilled salad fork, but chances are these utensils will make your upscale dining experience all the more enjoyable. For one day, you can live like royalty. Image via wuestenigel | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

It's no surprise that the beautiful terrain and warm weather of El Paso make it a popular golf destination. Hit the greens this weekend and check out a few of the best golf courses in the El Paso, Texas, area. Vista Hills Country Club The Vista Hills Country Club is one of the most challenging golf courses in East El Paso. This 18-hole course was designed by Bruce Devlin and Robert von Hagge and is open to the public. It's a beautiful place to spend the day with mountain and desert views and lots of trees that offer shade throughout the course. Take advantage of the practice facilities, including a driving range and a chipping and putting area. Golf lessons are available so you can sharpen your golf skills. more The Vista Hills Country Club is known for much more than its exceptional golf amenities. It's also an excellent space for weddings, parties, or business meetings. The Vista Hills Bar and Grill is a great spot to grab a quick bite or sit down and relax after your golf game. On a hot day, you can sit poolside or take a refreshing dip. Use of the pool is free for members and $5 daily for guests. Make sure you sign up for the newsletter to keep an eye on upcoming events at the club. Butterfield Trail Golf Club The Butterfield Trail golf club is a 72-par course that was designed by award-winning golf designer Tom Fazio. Each hole offers a unique view and challenge due to the changes in elevation. The course is good for players of all skill levels and has five separate sets of tees.  In honoring the historic nature of the land, each hole is named after an area on the Butterfield Overland Mail Company route that operated from 1858 to 1861. Make sure you check out the pro shop for top brand golf equipment and apparel. The clubhouse has plenty of food and beverages available. To warm up for your game, get some practice shots in at the driving range, chipping and pitching area, and putting green. You can sign up for group, private, and semi-private lessons with one of the on-site golf instructors. Butterfield Trail Golf Club is also a great place to hold an event, with its mountainous backdrop. Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course The beautiful Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course, designed by Ken Dye and Jeffrey Brauer, is at the bottom of the Franklin Mountains in the Chihuahuan Desert. The course has a championship layout with numerous penalties, making it the perfect challenge for more advanced golfers. Painted Dunes also has a course for footgolf, which is a unique combination of golf and soccer. Players attempt to kick a soccer ball into one of the course holes. Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course also hosts multiple tournaments throughout the year. Just a few of the upcoming events include the For The Love of Golf Tournament and the Smeltertown Open. Whether you're new to golf or are looking for a challenge, you're sure to find it in El Paso. With beautiful views and unique choices, you'll have a great time at these local golf courses. Image via wuestenigel | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

Summer is just around the corner. Now is the time to plan your summer entertainment, and each of these El Paso, Texas, destinations are worth checking out. Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site What better way is there to celebrate the summer season than with a visit to one of the most historical and interesting sites in the entire El Paso area? The rock hills of Hueco Tanks State Park were once an important source of water and shelter, dating back almost 10,000 years. Today, you can hike through the park and learn more about its unique history. You can also rock climb, bird watch, or enjoy a picnic on a spot overlooking the park. more Keep in mind that in order to preserve the area, entrance to Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site is limited to 70 people per day. The park requires that you watch an orientation video before entering the park for a self-guided tour. You can also sign up for a guided tour, but you must make reservations at least a week in advance. El Paso Zoo The El Paso Zoo is a popular family attraction. With entertainment, education, and excitement for all ages, it's worth checking out. The African Star Train takes you on a guided trail ride through the giraffe and zebra area. The Hunt Family Endangered Species Carousel features 30 hand-painted carousel animals and excitement for children and adults alike. Grab a bite to eat at one of the on-site restaurants, including the Passport Cafe and the Beastro Kiosk. You can also purchase a souvenir to remember your zoo experience at the Safari Outfitters Gift Shop. Be sure to check out the summer schedule of special events such as Brew at the Zoo and Feasts with Beasts. Franklin Mountains State Park Franklin Mountains State Park is the perfect destination for summertime adventures. The park overlooks the Rio Grande and the Paso del Norte. Explore the 27,000 acres of the park by foot or bike. You can also sign up for a guided biking experience. In addition to the mountains, you will also get the chance to view pictographs and petroglyphs from as far back as 12,000 years ago. Spend the night at the state park by reserving one of the 14 tent camping sites. Improve your rock climbing skill at the McKelligon Canyon or Sneed's Cory. El Paso Museum of Art Take a break from the Texas heat this summer at the El Paso Museum of Art. The museum was founded in 1959 to accommodate a large donation of artworks given to the city by the Samuel Kress Foundation. Today, the center also has art classrooms for both children and adults. You can stroll around the center and view exhibits such as Ideas Unwrapped and Bach's Lunch Jr. Become a member of the museum for discounts on art classes. Members will also receive 20 percent discounts at the on-site museum store and special invitations to the Member's Choice annual event. Spend this summer exploring the best El Paso has to offer. Throw on your hiking shoes, interact with the wildlife, or take an art class —El Paso has it all! Image via Marco Nürnberger | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

El Paso, Texas, offers plenty of exciting things for everyone to enjoy, especially children. Whether you live in the area or you're just visiting, if you're planning a day of fun, everyone will have a great time when you check out some of these best kid-friendly activities. El Paso Zoo A day at the El Paso Zoo is always an exciting adventure. The zoo is home to over 220 species of animals. It's divided into three major areas: Animals of the Americas, Animals of Africa, and Animals of Asia. In the Animals of the Americas exhibit, you can see Mexican wolves, spider monkeys, American alligators, and Galapagos tortoises. Head to the Animals of Africa exhibit to see lions, giraffes, and zebras. In the Animals of Asia exhibit, you can spot tigers, elephants, and orangutans. more Franklin Mountains State Park If you're interested in spending some time outside with your kids, Franklin Mountains State Park is the perfect destination. If you want to do some hiking, you'll find over 100 miles of trails that wind through the 24,247-acre park. Kids can also become Junior Rangers by picking up an activity booklet and borrowing an explorer pack for all the tools they need to learn more about the plants and animals in the park. The park also offers opportunities for camping, rock climbing, and mountain biking. El Paso Museum of Archaeology At the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, you can learn about 14,000 years of history in the El Paso area. View the dioramas depicting the everyday life of Native Americans in the region from the Ice Age to the 20th century. You can also explore artifacts from the different cultures in the area, including ceramics, stone tools, baskets, and textiles. When you're done touring inside the museum, head outside to explore the 15-acre Chihuahuan Desert Garden and Nature Trails. Western Playland Amusement Park When you're looking for some thrills, travel 7 miles outside of El Paso to Sunland Park, New Mexico, to find Western Playland Amusement Park. It offers rides that every member of the family can enjoy. Young children will have fun on the carousel, helicopters, train, and Red Baron airplanes. If you love roller coasters, make sure you hop on the Himalaya, Hurricane, and Bandido. Plus, everyone can cool down with a trip on the Tsunami water ride. Hueco Tanks State Historic Site Another interesting spot in El Paso to learn more about the history of the area is the Hueco Tanks State Historic Site. For thousands of years, people came to this area for the rainwater that pooled in the natural rock basins, or huecos. Today, you can take self-guided and guided tours to discover more about the area's natural and cultural history. You can also view some of the pictographs and petroglyphs left by the early hunter-gatherers of the region. Whether you and your children are interested in fun and games or learning about history, you know everyone will have a good time when you plan a day at one of these top kid-friendly destinations around El Paso. Image via VisitElPaso | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

El Paso has a long and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. If you're interested in learning more about this history, you'll find several amazing attractions around the city that will give you an up-close look. Explore El Paso's captivating history when you check out these top historic sites around the city. El Paso Mission Trail The El Paso Mission Trail stretches 9 miles through the city and takes you past three beautiful and historic missions. Stop one on the trail is the Ysleta Mission, which was founded in 1660 and is the oldest active mission in the state. Next up you can visit the Socorro Mission, which was founded in 1680. The last mission you'll visit on the trail is the San Elceario Mission. Along with the missions, the trail is also home to museums, art galleries, landmarks, and restaurants. more Magoffin Home State Historic Site The Magoffin Home was built in 1875 for pioneer and politician Joseph Magoffin and his wife, Octavia. This multicultural family played an active role in U.S. expansion in the El Paso area. Magoffin used his substantial landholdings in the region to help bring utilities, railroads, and new businesses to El Paso. Today you can tour the 19-room Magoffin Home State Historic Site to learn more about the family's history and view some of the original home furnishings. Hueco Tanks State Historic Site Thanks to the pictographs and petroglyphs left on the rocks by early hunter-gatherers from Native American tribes who once lived in the region, we know that people have been visiting the Hueco Tanks State Historic Site area for thousands of years. They came to this special desert sanctuary because the rock basins, or huecos, create natural pools of precious water. Today, you can take one of the guided or self-guided tours through this protected area to learn more about the people who once lived here and the interesting geology of the area. El Paso Museum of History If you're looking for one place where you can explore the culture and rich history of El Paso, the El Paso Museum of History is the place to go. Here you'll find a variety of exhibits that look at 400 years of the region's history. One of the most popular exhibits at the museum is the Wall of Giants, which is an annual display that honors an icon who has impacted the city. You'll also find exhibits that explore the development of El Paso from a frontier town to a booming city. Concordia Cemetery Concordia Cemetery is a burial ground in El Paso with over 60,000 graves, including several infamous gunslingers and American frontier lawmen. As you tour the cemetery, stop by the grave of notorious gunslinger John Wesley Hardin, who was one of the most dangerous gunmen in Texas. You can also visit the area in the cemetery set aside for Buffalo Soldiers. As you visit these historic sites in El Paso, you'll have an excellent opportunity to learn more about the history of this beautiful city and its people. Image via VisitElPaso | Licensed under CC BY 2.0