18 (Completely) Free Things to Do with Kids Around Albuquerque

Family fun doesn’t have to be expensive! Here are 18 free things to do with kids in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. 

1. Library clubs and events

You probably know most library locations have kid play areas and story times, but they also have a boatload of clubs, events, and other activities, from Lego clubs to cooking clubs to line dancing lessons. All completely free! Check out the library website for a calendar of events near you.

2. Visit a museum for free

Multiple local museums are fee-free for kids, but did you know adults can get in free too? Borrow free museum passes from your neighborhood library location to visit various local sites at no cost! Passes are available to Explora, the Natural History Museum, the Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, local pools, and more.

Many museums also have free days or evenings for New Mexico residents, including:

• Santa Fe Children’s Museum – Thursdays, 4-6 p.m.
• Albuquerque Museum – Sundays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and first Wednesday of the month
• National Hispanic Heritage Center – always free for ages 16 & under, and free first Sunday of each month
• Las Golondrinas – always free for ages 12 & under and for military. Free for New Mexico residents on Wednesdays from June to October

3. Georgia O’Keefe Museum family day

The second Sunday of each month, the Georgia O’Keefe Museum in Santa Fe hosts a free family day with crafts, activities, and a story time. The museum also has a print-out scavenger hunt for young visitors to help them connect with the famed painter’s work. We spent well over an hour here one family day in May, and all of us (from the toddler to adults) had the best time!

4. Old Town events

Old Town Albuquerque hosts so many amazing, free festivals and cultural events throughout the year! From a winter Luminaria Walk to a spring car show to the city’s annual birthday celebration, there is something exciting for everyone. Check out the Old Town calendar to see what events are coming up next.

5. Color Wheel Toys

Most Saturdays throughout the year, Color Wheel Toys offers a fun, free activity or craft for kids. The whimsical store’s patio is also a kid’s dream—with a ball run, magnets, sensory bin, and more for kids to play with for free. Several toys are available to play with inside, too! We often spend an hour here just exploring all the free activities.

6. Watch a free movie

Multiple places around the city offer free movies throughout the year. In summer, check out Movies in the Park. The Rail Yards market often hosts free movies, and several libraries around town do as well.

7. Earn a free bike

Kids (and adults) can earn a free, refurbished bike through the Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center’s Earn-a-Bike program. Participants must attend a bicycle safety class on the West Mesa to receive the bike and helmet.

The class is held most Mondays at 4 p.m. for about two hours. Online registration opens on the first Monday of each month at 10 a.m. (unless that day is a holiday, then registration opens the first Tuesday) and spots fill very quickly. For more information, call 505-224-6668.

8. Visit local national monuments

Several nearby national monuments offer free admission! You don’t even have to leave Albuquerque to check out Petroglyph National Monument. If you’re looking for an adventure farther out, Salinas Pueblo Missions and El Morro and El Malpaís national monuments make great day trips.

9. Fish Tingley Beach

Kids 11 and younger can fish Tingley Beach without a fishing license. Tingley even has a children’s pond for anglers 12 and younger.

10. Attend a free Lobo game

Kids 12 and younger can get in free to Lobo football games, though adults have to purchase a ticket. But several other University of New Mexico sports are completely free! Check out baseball, softball, soccer, swimming, tennis, and more—no ticket needed.

11. Join a Pokemon club or board game night

Several local Albuquerque game stores offer free board game nights, Pokemon leagues, and more! Check out Ettin Games in the Northeast, Old Town Hobbies & Games, and Duke City Games locations around town.

12. ABQ Art Walk

Each month, galleries and businesses downtown open their doors for the Albuquerque Artwork. Walk block to block to explore exhibits, pop-ups, and live performances.

13. Attend a free concert

Albuquerque Concert Band, an all-volunteer musician ensemble, hosts free concerts year-round across town. Check out their calendar to catch their next performances.

14. Explore the Bosque as a family

The Bosque’s cottonwood forest on the banks of the Rio Grande is the ultimate place to walk, bike, and explore for free. Plus, each month, the city holds a free Family Nature Club event, with a family-friendly hike, storytelling, and hands-on learning. Pre-register online. 

15. Craft art together

OffCenter Arts downtown hosts free open studio hours for all ages, with materials to paint, draw, collage, make jewelry, and more! The studio also offers several classes, from quilting to drawing to writing, on a sliding fee scale, from free to supporter-level pricing.

16. Cool off in a splash pads

Visit one of the city’s splash pads in summer for free, kid-friendly fun.

17. Free fun at the park

Parks and playgrounds are amazing (free!) places for kids to run, climb, and get wiggles out. Plus, during the summer, many parks around town host free events. Check out an ABQ Mom Park Hop or attend a free storytime with Albuquerque Public Schools teachers. 

18. Cruise bike parks & trails

Albuquerque has miles of amazing bike paths and trails, as well as several bike parks. Check out North Valley Bike Park, the Phil Chacon Park pump track, and the Los Altos park BMX Track.