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What to do for fun in El PasoEl Paso offers quite a variety of opportunities for relaxation and fun. From sporting events to museums to tourist attractions, El Paso has gone a long way toward dispelling the myth that there is nothing to here. A growing population in an improving economy demands entertainment, and local business and non-profits have filled the void. So if you're a visitor or resident looking for something to do, read on for some ideas and links to more information. Sea Lions in the desert?Home to a wide array of species native to the local Chihuahuan desert as well as non-native endangered species, the El Paso Zoo is a fun and educational diversion for individuals and families alike. You can learn more about the rare Mexican Gray Wolf, shudder at the Texas Brown Tarantula, or watch the California Sea Lions at feeding time. And like so many El Paso activities, the $5 admission is easy on the pocketbook (children under 3 are admitted free).Expand your mind...A trip to one of El Paso's local museums is a great way to spend the afternoon learning something. Interested is science, art, desert botany, or history? Then there is an El Paso Museum to satisfy your curiosity. Click on the link for a detailed list.Let the games begin...El Paso's very own professional baseball team, The Diablos , plays its regular season from May through August. Home games are played at Cohen Stadium. The general admission price is $5 with special stadium promotions (25¢ hot dogs, $1 beer) for different nights of the week.Located a few miles east of the city, El Paso Speedway Park is a local car track that hosts more 20 racing events throughout the year. Admission prices range from $5-10 for regular events. UTEP Miner athletic teams are El Paso favorites. The University of Texas at El Paso is an NCAA school, and the athletic department offers student athletes the chance to compete in university sports such as volleyball, soccer, track and field, and marksmanship. Most notable among the UTEP athletics is the Miner basketball program. The 1966 team and their coach Don Haskins were the subject of the recent film "Glory Road". UTEP ticket information coming soon... And speaking of films...Interest in independent films is an established but often overlooked segment of the local entertainment market. Hollywood releases are easy to find in the mainstream movies theaters and video stores. But you'll have to search a little harder to find the few places around town where you can take in a foreign or independent film. One such place is Fellini Art Cinema, a coffeehouse/video store in west-central El Paso. Film screenings are held regularly. Although it lacks the feel of a real theater, you can't beat the admission price (free with purchase of coffee). Call ahead to find out what's showing and when:(915) 544-5420Click on the link for information on my favorite El Paso Movie Theater. El Paso Amusement ParksWet-n-Wild Waterworld is a popular water park where locals and visitors alike can go all summer long to escape the desert heat. Located in northwest El Paso County, the park offers rides and sections for adults and children, as well as discount admission prices for children, seniors, and non-swimmers. Admission ranges from $2-18. (915) 886-2222An El Paso landmark for decades, Western Playland recently moved across the state line to Sunland Park, New Mexico. No worries, though, as Sunland Park is only a few minutes from downtown El Paso. This is the place for roller coasters, hot dogs, and bumper cars. Admission is $15 for children and $17 for adults (children under 3 admitted for free). Roll the dice...Fans of slot machines and horse races don't have to travel far from El Paso to roll the dice or bet on the ponies. Food and live music round out the fun at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. Betting is illegal in Texas, but (as mentioned in the previous paragraph) Sunland Park is on the "New Mexico side" of the city. The casino itself is only a few blocks from Doniphan Drive in west El Paso. (505) 874-5200ShoppingEl Paso has a many shops and markets scattered throughout town. Everything from antique malls and flea markets to major shopping centers are available for the shopaholic looking for a fix.The El Paso Convention and Visitors Bureau has a short list here. For locally grown produce and handmade crafts, hop over the state line to Ardovino's Desert Crossing on the weekends. Or, if you're in the mood for a daytrip, check out the Las Cruces Farmer's Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. And if it's national retailers you seek, you'll find plenty at Cielo Vista Mall on the eastside, the smaller Basset Center near Central El Paso, or Sunland Park Mall and the brand new El Paso Outlet Mall on the westside. You can follow the link to find out more about the
El Paso Outlet Mall
and many other shopping centers throughout the Southwestern U.S.
El Paso band And the Furies Say perform at Zeppelin's
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