A Premier Children’s Museum
Inspired by the beauty of southern New Mexico
White Sands WonderLab is a year-round destination for children and families to explore the natural wonders of the Tularosa Basin.
White Sands WonderLab is a proposed children’s museum designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection in Alamogordo and across southern New Mexico.
Rooted in the unique landscapes, history, and culture of the Tularosa Basin, WonderLab will offer hands-on, play-based learning experiences for children, families, and visitors alike.
Scroll on to explore the WonderLab . . .
Explore, Play, Discover
Dune Discovery Lab: Augmented Reality Sand Table; Airflow Dune Modeling; Gypsum and Crystal Lab; Wind Tunnel
Hands-on Discovery
An immersive space showcases the cultural, scientific and natural assets in Alamogordo’s backyard.
Signature, place-based experiences provide meaningful connection to the region.
Desert Animals Experience: Tracks and Sounds; Terrariums; Interactive Ecology; Desert Habitats and Adaptation
Interactive exhibits spark curiosity & inspire child-powered learning.
Tularosa Basin Monsoon Simulation: Hands-on Scaled Watershed Model and Interactive Diorama; Rainfall/Flood Simulation of Alamogordo and Tularosa Basin; Experiential Learning about Drainage, Erosion and Desert Hydrology
Exploration, play and discovery come together through engaging STEM adventures.
Gordodon Kranieri Paleontology Lab: Alamogordo’s own “dinosaur”: a 300 Million-Year-Old Reptile Discovered in Otero County. Dig Pit; Fossil Reconstruction; Life-Sized Replica
The Vision
The WonderLab will be a vibrant, welcoming space where learning feels like play and every visit sparks something new.
Exhibits will be inspired by the region and designed for hands-on exploration, including:
White Sands Dune Discovery – explore the science and beauty of the gypsum dunes
Tularosa Basin Monsoon Simulation – interactive monsoon and watershed experience
Desert Wildlife & Ecosystems – discover the animals and plants of our region
Pistachio Harvest Experience – hands-on look at a local agricultural industry
Smokey Bear & Forest Health – understanding forest stewardship and fire ecology
Local Paleontology Exploration - meet Gordodon Kranieri, Alamogordo’s very own ‘dinosaur’
Creative Play & Climbing Structures – designed for imagination and movement in the Tularosa Basin
Project Status
The White Sands WonderLab is currently in the conceptual planning stages, with active efforts underway to:
secure funding and grants
identify a permanent location
build partnerships and community support
refine exhibit design and programming
Be a Part of the WonderLab
Explore, Play, Discover
Create something meaningful and uniquely Alamogordo
Lend your community support to the WonderLab
Join us in bringing it to life
