Interdune Boardwalk, White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

ACTIVITIES: Hiking, sandboarding (sledding), camping LENGTH OF HIKE: 0.4 mile OUT AND BACK OR LOOP: Out and back DIFFICULTY OF TERRAIN: Easy ELEVATION GAIN: No PARKING FEE/PASS: $3/person TOILETS: Yes CHANGING TABLE: No NURSING BENCHES: Yes DOGS ALLOWED: Yes BIKES/HORSES/MOTORS ON TRAIL: No CELL RECEPTION: Yes DRINKING WATER AVAILABLE: No POTENTIAL CHILD OR BABY HAZARDS: Dehydration from heat GEAR SUGGESTIONS: Hats, sunscreen, water, sunglasses White Sands is a place where you can sit and contemplate life or you can forget about it completely as you wander through the otherworldly white sand landscape. Vast sand mountains that seem to go on forever make White Sands National Monument appear as if it is a place out of a dream. With 275 acres, this is the largest gypsum dune field in the world, which makes it truly worthy of being on your national monument “bucket list.” You can spend hours exploring the dunes or just bring a bucket, shovel, and some toy dump trucks and let your toddler sit in the sand because what little kid doesn’t find happiness in a giant  neverlittle kid doesn’t find happiness in a giant neverending sandbox? For bigger kids (and parents), there’s nothing more fun than rolling down sand dunes. The Visitor Center rents out round plastic saucer-like sleds ($16 with $5 back when you return) that you can use to slide down the dunes. To get speed, you will need to climb the steeper hills, so this may not be as easy with a toddler in tow. What kind of wildlife can you expect in this area? Look for lizards, beetles,  rattlesnakes, and roadrunners roaming through the area. Also, keep an eye out for crickets, mice, and moths that, like many of the critters and crawlers in this area, have turned lighter shades to mimic the white sands and hide from predators. Wander along the boardwalk for the easy new-walker option, which will provide stability. Then head out onto the trail through the sand and consider hiking barefoot to feel the surprisingly cool gypsum sand under your feet. Remember, when walking in the sand, it takes double the exertion, so little walkers might get tired fast; be prepared to carry them. Bring a lot of extra water because it’s drier than you think. And don’t forget sunglasses, even for babies, as the sun reflects from the white sand up into your eyes. Like much of New Mexico, it can be hot and exposed midsummer, so midday will be hot. Consider visiting in late September when the higher elevation (over 4,000 feet) and later season means a cooler climate. Mid- to late afternoon, the heat subsides and the sand actually gets quite cool to the touch. Another reason for a later hike: The sunsets are spectacular! Want to try backcountry camping? You can do it here but will need to hike at least a mile to get to the permitted primitive camping. Overnighters are probably better suited for families with older kids or those experienced at camping with babies because there are no facilities or shelter in the open desert. But if you do choose to venture out, you will most likely be alone—a rarity at many national parks and monuments. INSIDER’S TIP Hit up the local Walmart on the way in and purchase a plastic sled saucer to slide the hills if you don’t want to rent one on site.