Albuquerque Biopark

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 Aquarium boasts a 285,000-gallon shark tank. On the flora side, visit the Rio Grande Botanic Gardens and let the kids marvel at 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 November to December) and a Butterfly Pavilion from May to September.