Activities in Albuquerque

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 a range of ages. It is easy to spend several hours here. 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. more



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 that help kids learn about Dinosaurs and feature huge animated dinosaurs. 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 kids about how the native Americans in this area lived. 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. There is also an informative video playing. A visit doesn't necessarily take long, but if your kids are interested in snakes, the museum, and the gift shop, are sure to be a hit. 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 on the tram. more

Tours of Old Town

Address 303 Romero St. NW; Plaza Don Luis - Space # N-120; Albuquerque, NM 87104 Map, Tel (505) 246-TOUR Call, R , e , s , e , r , v , a , t , i , o , n , s ,   , R , e , q , u , i , r , e , d , ; ,   , P , r , i , v , a , t , e ,   , t , o , u , r , s ,   , a , v , a , i , l , a , b , l , e ,   , f , o , r ,   , 6 ,   , o , r ,   , m , o , r , e  Website

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

Reader Favorites

Albuquerque BioPark Zoo

Address 903 Tenth Street SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 Map, Tel (505) 768-2000 Call, Website

Founded in 1927 on 64 acres next to the Rio Grande, the ABQ BioPark Zoo offers visitors close encounters with more than 250 species of exotic and native animals. Popular species include seals and sea lions, chimpanzees, elephants, polar bears, giraffes, hippos, koalas, Mexican wolves, monkeys, jaguars, Komodo dragons and zebras. My kids loved the play structures and the exhibits. There is a train that links the gardens to the Zoo. It is a great adventure for your kids! more

Explora

Address 1701 Mountain Road NW Albuquerque, NM 87104 Map, Tel 505.224.8300 Call, Website

It's a hands on science museum with ever changing exhibits that suit every age of child. There is a toddler room which is a mother's dream. Bin after bin of things for kids to dump, pour and explore and a couch for moms and dads to relax on, plus a guy who comes in every few minutes and cleans up whatever kids are no longer playing with. For the older kids there are dozens of cool things to do, including a bike balanced on a cable that they can ride over the crowd. more

National Atomic Museum

Address 1905 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87104 Map, Website

Explores the history and science of the nuclear age, near its birthplace. Lots of hands on and educational exhibits for school aged children. Near Old Town more

Rio Grande Nature Center

Address 2901 Candelaria NW , Albuquerque, NNM Map, Website

Visitor's center that explores the wildlife, plants and history of the Rio Grande River. ~5 mile paved biking/walking trails follow the river, with amazing views of the Sandia Mts., Rio Grande Valley, and SW architecture (look for the ostrich farm). more