Albuquerque, New Mexico, has so many fun activities for families with kids! If you’re from ABQ, you probably already know about some of the most popular places around town to take kiddos. The zoo, aquarium, and Explora are so much fun, but sometimes you just want to experience something a little different!
Keep reading to find out about some of the most underrated activities for families around Albuquerque:
1. Tinkertown Museum
Welcome to Tinkertown! The most interesting and curious folk art museum you will probably EVER step foot in. Tinkertown Museum was built by folk artist Ross Ward. He took over a whopping 40 years to carve, collect, and create what is now known as the Tinkertown Museum. The museum’s main attraction features Ross’ miniature wood-carved figures which were first created as part of a traveling exhibit that Ward drove to county fairs and carnivals in the ‘60s and ‘70s.
Today Tinkertown stands tall, made of over 50,000 glass bottles that create the 22-room museum. Located up on the gorgeous Sandia Crest, Tinkertown is a great place to take the kiddos for a fun day trip and is one of the most unique activities for families around!
WHERE: 121 Sandia Crest Rd, Sandia Park, NM 87047
WHEN: Open Friday-Monday from 10 am – 4 pm
ADMISSION: Adults – $6, Kids 4-17 – $3, under 4 are free
2. Rio Grande Nature Center
Get outside in nature with the kids! The Rio Grande Nature Center is not only a great place to take the kids to learn about the outdoors, it’s also ONLY $3 for the whole day. Located on the Rio Grande flyway, the park offers indoor and outdoor wildlife viewing areas that overlook beautiful ponds, a native plant garden, and a pollinator garden as well as access to the trails on the Rio Grande and Bosque. The park also hosts events and classes for the public that you can find on their website.
WHERE: 2901 Candelaria Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107
WHEN: Day Use Only
ADMISSION: $3 per day, per family
3. Petroglyph National Monument
Discover the ancient indigenous history of New Mexico! Petroglyph National Monument offers one of the biggest petroglyph sites in all of North America! This local area features amazing designs and sacred symbols carved onto the native volcanic rock. These ancient drawings were left by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400 to 700 years ago! Explore this fascinating historic national monument with the whole family (including the dog) and learn about the ancient history of our state.
WHERE: Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
WHEN: Every day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
ADMISSION: FREE, no entrance pass is required
WHAT TO KNOW:
- Dogs on leashes allowed
- Area is divided into three areas/trails to explore (Boca Negra, Rinconada and Piedras Marcadas Canyons)
- Check website before you go to know about any trail closures
- Bring water, a snack, and sunscreen
- Educational for the whole family!
4. Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum
The sky is the limit! Opened in 2005, the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum was named in honor of Albuquerque’s pioneering aeronauts Maxie Anderson and Ben Abruzzo. The Balloon Museum has since welcomed over 1 million visitors from across New Mexico, the United States, and around the world! Take the fam to explore the interesting history, science, sport, and art of hot-air ballooning.
WHERE: 9201 Balloon Museum Dr NE, ABQ, NM 87113
WHEN: 9 am – 5 pm, Tuesday – Sunday
ADMISSION: Adult – $6 ($1 discount with valid NM ID), Seniors 65+ – $4, Youth (ages 6-17) – $3, Children 5 & Under – FREE, Members – FREE
5. The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History was established in 1969 as a place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, all the way from early research of nuclear development through today’s peaceful uses of nuclear technology. Families can learn how nuclear science has influenced and continues to influence our world!
WHERE: 601 Eubank Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123
WHEN: Open daily from 9 am – 5 pm
ADMISSION: Adults 18-59 – $20, Seniors 60+ – $18, Youth 6-17 – $18, Children 5 and under – Free, Veterans – $12, Active Military (and dependents) – $12
Looking for more activities to fill your family’s summer? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer!
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ABQ Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
