Sights in Albuquerque
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Albuquerque Biopark
- Albuquerque, USA
- Sights › Zoo
Adults will get as much out of the Albuquerque BioPark as children. When the weather is nice, and you’re traveling with family, the place is especially appealing for the combo ticket to three kid-friendly attractions: a zoo, an aquarium and a botanic gardens. It’s a good-value way to stay entertained all day. Set on 60 shady acres along the Rio Grande, the park’s Rio Grande Zoo is home to more than 250 species. There’s a lot going on here: sea-lion feedings take place daily at 10:30am and 3:30pm, camel rides are offered in the spring and summer, and an entertaining summertime bird show happens at 11:30am and 2pm Wednesday through Sunday. Meanwhile the Albuquerque …
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Rio Grande Zoo
Set on 60 shady acres along the Rio Grande, the Rio Grande Zoo is home to more than 250 species. There's a lot going on here: sea lion feedings take place daily at 10:30 and 15:30; camel rides are offered in the spring and summer; and an entertaining summertime bird show happens at 11:30 and 14:00 Wednesday through Sunday. The summertime series Zoo Music (adult/child around US$10/around US$5; h19:00 Fri Jun-Aug) is also quite popular.
Next door is the Albuquerque Aquarium which boasts a 285,000-gallon shark tank. This is particularly well-loved, which isn't surprising given the state's desert environment.
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Petroglyph National Monument
More than 20,000 rock etchings are found inside the Petroglyph National Monument northwest of town. Stop by the visitor center to determine which of three viewing trails - in different sections of the park - best suits your schedule and hiking ability. Boca Negra, which has petroglyphs dating back 3000 years, works well if you're short on time. Note: smash-and-grab thefts have been reported at some trailhead parking lots, so don't leave valuables in your vehicle. Head west on I-40 across the Rio Grande and take exit 154 north.
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¡Explora! Children's Museum
The gung-ho ¡Explora! Children's Museum will captivate your kiddies for hours. From the lofty high-wire bike to the leaping waters to the arts-and-crafts workshop, there's a hands-on exhibit for every type of child (don't miss the elevator). Not traveling with kids? Check the website to see if you're in town for the popular 'Adult Night.' Typically hosted by an acclaimed local scientist, it's become one of the hottest tickets in town.
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New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science
The teen-friendly New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science features an Evolator (evolution elevator), which transports visitors through 38 million years of New Mexico's geologic and evolutionary history. The new Space Frontiers exhibit highlights the state's contribution to space exploration, from ancient Chaco observatories to an impressive, full-scale replica of the Mars Rover.
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Hinkle Family Fun Center
If the weather is not cooperating and you need to burn off some of your little one’s energy, visit the Hinkle Family Fun Center, which keeps little ones of all ages amused with bumper cars, laser tag, mini-golf and a huge ‘jungle play area’ where kids can crawl and climb and slide around. Check online for almost constant promotions.
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Tingley Beach
Tingley Beach is connected to the aquarium and botanic gardens. This beloved open space includes fishing ponds stocked with rainbow trout, a children's pond and trails. You'll need a fishing license but fortunately they are sold onsite at the gift shop. A little train connects the zoo, aquarium/botanic gardens and Tingley Beach; it runs approximately every half-hour.
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National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
Exhibits examine the Manhattan Project, the history of arms control and the use of nuclear energy as an alternative energy source. Docents here are retired military, and they're very knowledgeable about the exhibits. Take a moment to read the provocative and soul-searching comments in the visitors' journal beside the Hiroshima and Nagasaki display.
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Rattlesnake Museum
You may want to tiptoe past the fangs, scales and rattling tails that inhabit the informative - but slightly unnerving - Rattlesnake Museum southeast of the plaza. From eastern diamondbacks to canebrakes, you won't find more species of rattlesnakes coiled anywhere else in the world. Get a 'certificate of bravery' with admission.
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University of New Mexico
There are 13 museums and galleries, along with loads of public art, packed onto the grounds of the University of New Mexico. This adobe wonderland is also home to a performing arts center and the Tamarind Institute, which helped to save the art of lithography from extinction in the 1960s and ’70s.
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Rio Grande Nature Center & State Park
A 270-acre cottonwood forest (called the bosque), the Rio Grande Nature Center & State Park runs along the river and has short interpretive nature trails, a discovery room perfect for kids, wetlands that attract migrating birds and exhibits about bosque plants, animals and geology. Trails are handicap accessible.
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Rio Grande Botanic Gardens
On the flora side, visit the Rio Grande Botanic Gardens and wander through the 10,000-sq-ft glass conservatory filled to the brim with Mediterranean and desert fauna. Special gardens events include the walk-through show 'River of Lights' (late Nov-Dec) and a Butterfly Pavilion (May-Sep).
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Albuquerque Museum of Art & History
Conquistador armor and weaponry are highlights at the Albuquerque Museum of Art & History where visitors can study the city's tricultural Native American, Hispanic and Anglo past. Works by New Mexico artists also featured.
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Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Operated by New Mexico's 19 pueblos, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a must for anyone visiting pueblos. The museum traces the development of Pueblo cultures, exhibits customs and crafts, and features changing exhibits.
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National Hispanic Cultural Center
In the historic Barelas neighborhood, the National Hispanic Cultural Center is a center for Hispanic visual, performing and literary arts. It has three galleries and the nation’s premier Hispanic genealogy library.
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Cliff’s Amusement Park
When the kids have had enough learning (or they’re hot), Cliff’s Amusement Park is a great reward. The park has about 25 rides, including a rollercoaster, the Water Monkey, a play area and other traditional favorites.
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Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
Maxwell Museum of Anthropology will satisfy the cultural anthropologist in you, so make a bee-line for permanent exhibits on people of the southwest and on ancestors, but do check out traveling exhibits and activities for children.
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New Mexico Holocaust & Intolerance Museum
The New Mexico Holocaust & Intolerance Museum emphasizes WWII exhibits, but there are plenty of powerful ones documenting genocides worldwide – from close-to-home Acoma to all-too-familiar Armenia.
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Casa Rondeña
There’s a surprising amount of fine wine being made in these hills. Casa Rondeña only gives tours during its July Lavender Festival and charges $3 for tastings.
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San Felipe de Neri Church
San Felipe de Neri Church dates from 1793 and is Old Town’s most famous photo op. Mass is given daily at 7am; Sunday Mass is at 7am, 10:15am and noon.
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Turquoise Museum
At the Turquoise Museum visitors get an enlightening crash course in determining the value of stones – from high quality to fakes.
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Gruet Winery
There’s a surprising amount of fine wine being made in these hills. Gruet Winery gives daily tours at 2pm and free tastings.
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