Albuquerque, New Mexico

While many people pass through Albuquerque on their way to Santa Fe or Taos, we think it's a great place to stop for a few days, especially when you are traveling with kids. Not only is it a good way to give yourself some recovery time between the plane flight and the long car drive, but there's lots to do that both parents and kids will enjoy.

Getting Around
Public transportation isn't great, and activities are spread out, so we recommend renting a car to get around. If you're willing to limit yourself to the old town area, however, there are enough activities to fill a day without getting in the car.

Where to Stay
We liked staying in Old Town, but since you end up getting in your car no matter what area you stay in (and since driving distances are short), the Airport area is also a good choice. There are several newly renovated hotels (and more being built) near the airport.

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Activities

Explora!

Address 1701 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 Map, Tel (505) 224-8300 Call, Hours Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 12pm-6pm, Cost Adults (12-64) $7.00; Children (1-11) $3.00 Website

This hands-on science museum is a great place to take kids during the heat of the day (or any other time when the weather isn't cooperating). Among my favorite science museums so far, the pleasant space has tons of different hands on activities and experiments that work well for ... (more)

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Address 2401 12th St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87104 Map, Tel 1-866-855-7902 Call, Hours 9-5 daily, Cost Adults $6; Kids $1 Website

We all enjoyed the overview of Pueblo arts and Pueblo life at this museum. Each of the state's 19 pueblos has created a space showing their arts and crafts. Other exhibits trace the history of the Pueblo people or aim to show how people lived.

New Mexico Ghost Tours

Address 303 Romero St. NW; Plaza Don Luis - Space # N-120; Albuquerque, NM 87104 Map, Tel (505) 246-TOUR Call, Hours 8pm nightly, Cost Adults $20.00; Ages 6-12 $10.00; 5 and under Free Website

Old Town Albuquerque is considered one of the most actively haunted areas in the country. Older kids might enjoy this spooky 90 minute lantern-lit adventure. They'll learn about ghost-hunting; phantoms, spooks and more from the professional guides

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

Address 1801 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104 Map, Tel (505) 841-2800 Call, Hours 9am-5pm daily, Cost Adults: $7; Ages 3-12: $4; Under 3 free. Extra charge for Dynatheater and Planetarium Website

Albuquerque's Natural History museum is more focused on Dinosaurs than most, so if your kids are interested in Dinosaurs, this is a great place to take them. New Mexico had its own indigenous dinosaurs, and many bones were well preserved because of the dry air. The "Dynatheater" shows movies ... (more)

Petroglyph National Monument

Address Petroglyph National Monument, New Mexico Map, Hours 8am-5pm Daily (year round), Cost $1 weekdays/$2 weekends Website

There are over 20,000 carved images in the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument. Many of them are easily recognized as animals, people, and straightforward symbols. A hike on one of the many trails in the park provides an opportunity to explore the natural landscape and to talk with your ... (more)

Rattlesnake Museum

Address 202 San Felipe NW, Suite A, Albuquerque, New Mexico Map, Tel (505) 242-6569 Call, Hours Vary seasonally, and closed during school visits, call for details, Cost Kids $2.50; Adults $3.50 Website

This small museum has a collection of rattlesnakes from around the world that is sure to be a hit if your child loves snakes. Snakes (and a few frogs and turtles) are housed in glass display cases, and there are plenty of stepstools to let young kids get up close ... (more)

Sandia Peak Tramway

Address Sandia Peak Tramway, albuquerque, nm Map, Tel 505-856-7325 Call, Cost Adults $17.50; Kids 5-12 yrs $10.00; kids under 5 free, Hours Memorial Day to Labor Day 9am-9pm daily; Labor Day to Memorial Day 9 am - 8 pm (except Tues); Tues only 5pm-8pm Website

Take a break from sightseeing (and the heat) with a tram ride and some hiking or mountain biking at the top of Sandia Peak. Our kids loved the round-trip ride, but be aware that there are no seats, so you will be responsible for holding small babies while standing up ... (more)

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Hotels

Casa De Suenos

Address 310 Rio Grande Blvd SW, Albuquerque NM 87104 Map, Tel 505-247-4560 Call, Website

This inexpensive hotel is centrally located and has some larger rooms that will accommodate families. Our kids loved exploring the extensive grounds, with their shady trees and fountains. We loved that each room was housed in an old adobe "casita" with thick walls, making us less worried about noise. We ... (more)

Hyatt Place Albuquerque Airport

Address 1400 Sunport Boulevard SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA Map, Tel 505 242 9300 Call, Website

This newly refurbished hotel is approximately midway between downtown and the airport. Rooms are large and Wi-Fi is included in all the rooms

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Restaurants

Golden Crown Panaderia (Bakery)

Address 1103 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 Map, Tel (505) 243-2424 Call, Hours Open Tue-Sat 7am-8pm; Sun 10am-8pm; Closed Mon

This locally owned bakery sells is known for it's New Mexico Green Chile Bread, and Biscochitos (the traditional cookie of New Mexico. Everything we tried was delicious (you are given a boscochito when you arrive), but I especially liked the Pumpkin Empanadas. Sandwiches and cold drinks are also available ... (more)

Monica's El Portal

Address 321 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 Map, Tel Phone: (505) 247-9625 Call, Hours Tue-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-3pm

This reliable New Mexican restaurant features typical dishes, including blue corn enchiladas, Indian tacos, and green chile stew. The regular menu is huge, and their is also a small kids menu. Staff was helpful with special requests and our food was delivered quickly. This is a favorite with locals, so ... (more)

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