10 Things to do in Albuquerque with Kids!

Albuquerque is one of those cities where families can easily mix fun, learning, and adventure. The city is full of activities that keep kids engaged, whether they love science, animals, art, or simply running around outdoors. Parents will find plenty of options that are simple, affordable, and enjoyable for all ages. In this guide, we’ll take you through 10 best things to do in Albuquerque with kids, explain each spot in detail, and give tips to make your family trip smooth and memorable.

1. ABQ BioPark Aquarium

Opened in 1996, ABQ BioPark Aquarium gives visitors a chance to follow the journey of water habitats from the Rio Grande all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Inside, there are freshwater tanks with fish from the Rio Grande and saltwater tanks showing sea life from the Gulf and South Pacific. One of the biggest highlights is a huge 285,000 gallon ocean tank where guests can watch sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and large fish through a wide 38‑foot viewing window. Families also enjoy walking through the coral reef tunnel, looking at jellyfish displays, and seeing tanks filled with variety of colorful fish species.

2. ABQ BioPark Zoo

Opened in 1927, ABQ BioPark Zoo is home to more than 200 species from around the world, giving families a chance to see animals from Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas in spaces designed to look like their natural homes. One of the most popular stops is the Penguin Chill exhibit, where visitors can watch king penguins and macaroni penguins swimming through underwater tunnels. The Reptile House features snakes and Komodo dragons, while the zoo also offers daily animal feedings, school programs, and special events, making it a place where kids and adults can learn and enjoy time together.

3. Sandia Peak Tramway

The Sandia Peak Tramway is one of Albuquerque’s most popular attractions, giving visitors a 15 minutes ride up the Sandia Mountains. The tram covers about 2.7 miles and reaches the summit at more than 10,000 feet. From the top, families can enjoy wide views of the city, desert, and mountains, which look especially beautiful at sunset. Tickets are available online and often sell out during busy times like holidays or the Balloon Fiesta, so planning ahead is smart. At the summit, visitors can walk around, take photos of incredible views, or stop at the TEN 3 restaurant, which is open Thursday through Monday.

4. Anderson Abruzzo Balloon Museum

Opened in 2005, Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is named after Ben Abruzzo and Maxie Anderson, two balloon pilots who became part of history when they crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1978. Inside, visitors can explore the story of ballooning from its beginnings in the 1700s all the way to modern times. Exhibits show how balloons were used for science, travel, and even in war, giving kids and adults a clear picture of their importance. One of the highlights for many visitors is the flight simulator, which lets people feel what it’s like to guide a balloon through the sky.

5. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Every October, the city celebrates Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, a nine day celebration at Balloon Fiesta Park filled with colorful hot air balloons and family fun. The festival first started in 1972 with only 13 balloons, but today it has grown into the largest hot air balloon gathering in the world, with more than 500 balloons taking part each year. Each morning, visitors watch mass ascensions as hundreds of balloons rise together into the sky. Families especially enjoy the special‑shaped balloons, which come in designs like animals, cartoon characters, and creative figures that make kids smile.

6. Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum

The Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum offers more than 250 hands‑on exhibits for kids and adults. The museum focuses on science, technology, engineering, art, and math, with simple activities like building with blocks, testing how water flows, or even riding a bike on a wire. Special areas are set aside for toddlers and teens, including X Studio, which is a creative space designed just for kids to explore ideas in their own way. Explora also runs summer camps, live workshops, and family programs throughout the year, so there’s always something new happening beyond the regular exhibits.

7. New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

Opened in 1986, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science gives families a chance to explore topics like volcanoes, outer space, dinosaurs, and the nature of New Mexico. One of the main highlights is the Hall of Ancient Life, which displays fossils from across the state, including a giant T. rex and other prehistoric animals. Visitors can walk through a model volcano, step inside an Ice Age cave, and see a living forest that shows how ecosystems change over time. The museum also has a planetarium that spark curiosity about the universe, and a DynaTheater where science films play on a large screen.

8. Tingley Beach

The Tingley Beach is a peaceful outdoor spot in Albuquerque that has gone through many changes over the years. Today, families visit the area to enjoy fishing, walking, biking, and relaxing by the water. There are three main fishing ponds, each with a different purpose: one for catch‑and‑release fly fishing, one for general fishing, and one just for kids under 12. A separate pond is set aside for model boats, where people can sail small boats across the water. Visitors also enjoy walking or biking along nearby trails, having picnics outdoors, or simply watching ducks and birds around the ponds.

9. Wheels Museum

The Wheels Museum sits inside the historic Santa Fe Railroad Shops, which were built back in 1914 to service steam locomotives. This museum tells the story of how transportation grew and changed in New Mexico and across the western United States. Families can explore exhibits that include antique cars, model trains, bicycles, a fire truck, and even a full‑size airplane. Visitors also see old tools, railroad signs, and photographs that share the history of travel in the region. A small train ride is available for both kids and adults, and a gift shop where guests can find books, toys, and souvenirs to take home.

10. Expo New Mexico State Fair

The Expo New Mexico State Fair takes place every September in Albuquerque and has been a tradition since 1938. Over the years, it has grown into one of the largest state fairs in the country, runs for 11 days and offers a mix of carnival rides, rodeo shows, food contests, and live music that families enjoy together. Guests can watch rodeo events like bull riding and barrel racing, while evenings often feature fireworks and concerts from well‑known performers. Beyond agriculture, the fair celebrates local culture with Hispanic art, Native American crafts, and traditional dances that share the state’s heritage.

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