Have you ever woken up and thought, how in the world am I going to entertain my child today? I have had many such days and wished I’d had a list like this! There’s nothing wrong with an at-home day, but sometimes getting out is what we both need to make it through the day. Here are 50 ideas of what you can try next time you need to get out!
Need some ideas for school-aged kids? → We got you!
Regular Rotation
1. Splash Pads
One of our favorites is at North Domingo Baca Park. There are so many you could go to a new one each week of the summer!
2. Parks
We get together with friends at parks on almost a weekly basis. It’s fun to check out new ones! See the ABQ Mom guide linked above!
3. Hikes
Gauge your child’s skills and go at their pace. Some kid-friendly hikes include Carlito Springs, the Rio Grande River Trail, Petroglyph National Monument, Travertine Falls, and Sandia Crest.
4. Library
The library is one of our favorite places! You can see the 18 locations and hours in the link, and explore the website to find story time and activities near you.
Zoos/Museums
5. ABQ Zoo
It’s a different experience each time you go! We prefer first thing in the morning in the summer and mid-afternoon in the winter.
6. Botanic Garden/Aquarium
From the “Bug-arium” to the trains, Heritage Farms to the shark tank, there’s plenty to keep kids entertained!
7. Explora
Bubbles, water play, building blocks, cool science experiments, a playground, and more! Toddler time is Mondays from 9:00-11:00 am.
8. Natural History Museum
Newly reopened post-renovation! Kids love dinosaurs—what better place to see them?
9. Wheels Museum
It’s free! Come check it out, especially if your child loves transportation!
10. Nuclear Science Museum
The interior could be hit or miss depending on your kid, but the cool planes outdoors are often a favorite!
11. Tinkertown
Quirky and fun, this interactive folk art museum is filled with miniature wood carvings and exhibits. We went when my daughter was three and she was enchanted!
12. Balloon Museum
Did you know the Balloon Museum has a story time for young children on Wednesdays at 9:30 and 11:00 am? When you attend, you can enter and explore the Balloon Museum for free!
Other Ways to See Animals
13. Rattlesnake Museum
It’s a great place in Old Town to learn more about rattlesnakes and teach your children what they look like in a safe environment.
14. Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
Indoor and outdoor viewing areas, along with walking trails, make this a great place to see some local animals. There are also outdoor story times every 3rd Saturday at 10:30 am!
15. UNM Duck Pond
Beautiful spot with ducks, geese, and turtles! Bring a bag of chopped lettuce or thawed frozen corn/peas and enjoy the shade.
16. Pet Stores
I took my daughter to PetSmart the other day, and we spent 20 minutes walking around! She loved seeing all the animals, especially the guinea pigs (she thought they were really funny!).
17. Scales and Shells Herpetarium
A family-owned, awesome place to interact with reptiles! For a small additional fee, you can hold snakes and lizards and feed tortoises. It’s another great place to learn and help reduce fear.
18. Wildlife West Nature Park
This is a nonprofit animal refuge in Edgewood with animals you would find in New Mexico.
Snack Time!
19. McDonald’s and Chick-Fil-A
Or any other restaurant with a play area! Great way to get a little treat/lunch and let your kids play.
20. Costco and Sam’s Club
My four-year-old has started specifically requesting that we go to Costco “only when the samples are out.” It makes shopping more fun!
21. Get Ice Cream
Mrs. Sprinkles and I Scream Ice Cream both have toys/games for kids!
22. Trader Joe’s
If your kids find the hidden wolf stuffed animal at Trader Joe’s, they can get a prize! Check with employees to make sure they participate.
Fun Kid-Centric Spaces
23. Saga Gymnastics Open Gym
Monday through Friday from 11:45-12:30, Saga has a $5 open gym for kids 5 and under.
24. Swimming Lessons
We enjoy doing swim lessons every summer through the city, but there are many options, some year-round! Check out the link to the ABQ Mom guide.
25. Kids Empire Gym
Fun indoor playground at Cottonwood Mall! You can stay all day, or you can leave and come back later.
26. Music Classes
We have loved our experience with Roots and Wings Music Together class and summer violin camp! Bounce n Boogie, New Mexico School of Music, and Rock 101 are other options.
27. Liv & Mimi’s Play Cafe
Cute indoor play space that fosters cooperative play and imagination! Specifically intended for ages 0-5.
28. Toddler Tuesday at Cottonwood Mall
First and third Tuesdays at the Cottonwood Mall from 10:30 am to 12:00 pn. There’s story time, seasonal crafts, and mini music sessions!
Get Outside!
29. Capulin Snow Play Area
We went for the first time this winter! They have a smaller hill for little kids; it was perfect for my four-year-old. Check the website to make sure there’s enough snow.
30. Sandia Peak Tramway
You can do a small hike at the top, plus check out the beautiful views.
31. Supper Rock Park
Great place for adventurous kids to climb and explore!
32. Tijeras Pueblo
Short trail through an archaeological site, with a small museum attached.
33. Tingley Beach
Fishing, model boats, waterfowl, and walking paths! Anyone over 12 needs a fishing license.
34. Plant Nurseries
My toddler loved walking around, seeing the different plants and décor! Great way to get out, especially in the spring.
35. Movies in the Park
Throughout the summer, various parks host movies. Double-check locations and movies on the website! Free event, with food trucks often on site.
36. U-Pick Farms
There are many farms and orchards in the ABQ area, so check online to see what’s in season. Go in the fall to get your green chiles roasted, too!
Ideas to Get Moving
37. Bowling
Taking young kids bowling can be a lot of fun, especially during the day when alleys are a little less busy! Skidmore’s Holiday Bowl and Silva Lanes are some of our favorites.
38. Trampoline Park
Trampoline parks such as Urban Air or Elevate are always an adventure! Check online for times for younger kids.
39. Hinkle Fun Center
Mini golfing and bumper boats are kid-friendly options, but there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy.
40. Electric Playhouse
With tons of interactive and immersive games that you play on the walls and floor, kids of all ages can have a fun experience here!
Out-of-the-Box Activities Kids Love
41. Michael’s or Hobby Lobby
My daughter often tells me Hobby Lobby is her favorite store. Craft stores usually have little seasonal kid crafts on sale!
42. Lowe’s or Home Depot
Paint swatches, garden center, lighting fixtures—so much to see! They offer monthly kid craft workshops for older kids, but younger kids can participate with parent support.
43. Tractor Supply
Chicks and ducklings and cool equipment and supplies to see!
44. Watch Airplanes at the Sunport
My daughter has loved watching the airplanes land at the airplane observation area at the Sunport. They even have a picnic table there!
45. Car Washes
When my daughter was younger, when we needed a break, we’d get a “car wash and a Diet Coke.” It was a great pre-nap activity! She still calls McDonald’s the “Diet Coke store.”
46. Elevators & Escalators
Elevators and escalators can be magical. The mall has plenty if you just need to get out of the house!
Miscellaneous Ideas
47. Rail Runner
If your child loves trains, take them on the Rail Runner! We made an outing of it a couple years ago, and it was pure magic!
48. Fire Station Tours
Great way to win parent of the year! Fill out the form online to schedule.
49. Cliff’s Amusement Park
We went for the first time last summer, and we were pleasantly surprised by the number of rides my then-three-year-old could ride! Food is pretty reasonably priced, too.
50. Movie Date
We like to wait a few weeks after the movie comes out, then catch a Tuesday morning matinee (mostly empty theater, low cost). Keep an eye out for summer movie events, too!
