10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Albuquerque with Kids

Albuquerque is a city that blends adventure, culture, and hands-on learning, making it the perfect destination for families. Whether your kids love exploring the outdoors, discovering science, or experiencing history firsthand, there’s no shortage of activities to keep them entertained. From hiking alongside ancient petroglyphs to riding the world’s longest aerial tramway, here’s your guide to the best kid-friendly experiences in Albuquerque.

The ABQ BioPark is a one-stop destination for animal lovers. This expansive park features a zoo, an aquarium, and a botanic garden, giving families an entire day’s worth of activities. At the zoo, kids can marvel at giraffes, elephants, and polar bears, while the aquarium offers close-up encounters with sharks and stingrays. The botanic garden is a hidden gem, featuring a fantasy garden with oversized plants and whimsical sculptures that feel straight out of a storybook. Watching your child’s face light up as they see a penguin waddle by or a butterfly land on their shoulder is the kind of vacation memory that lasts a lifetime.

For an unforgettable view of Albuquerque and the surrounding Sandia Mountains, take a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway. This aerial tram ascends 10,378 feet, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Once at the top, families can hike along scenic trails, take photos at the lookout points, or enjoy a meal at Ten 3, a restaurant perched at the summit. Standing on the mountain peak, with the whole city stretched out below, feels like stepping into a painting—except this masterpiece is real, and you’re right in the middle of it.

Step into the past at Petroglyph National Monument, where families can see over 25,000 petroglyphs carved into volcanic rock by Native Americans and early Spanish settlers. The Piedras Marcadas Canyon trail is an ideal choice for kids, offering a short, relatively easy hike with plenty of rock carvings to spot along the way. Each symbol tells a story from centuries ago, and imagining what they might mean can turn the hike into a fun, interactive history lesson for the whole family.

If your kids love to touch, build, and experiment, Explora! is the perfect place to spend a few hours. This interactive science museum features over 250 hands-on exhibits, letting visitors explore everything from bubble physics to light and sound experiments. It transforms science into one giant playground, keeping kids (and parents) fully engaged. Whether they’re launching paper rockets or experimenting with electricity, the best part is seeing them light up with curiosity as they discover how the world works.

One of the most relaxing things to do in Albuquerque with kids is an outdoor adventure, so be sure to check out the Paseo del Bosque Trail, a 16-mile path that follows the Rio Grande. The Alameda Open Space area is a great spot to walk, bike, or have a picnic while enjoying views of the cottonwood forest and local wildlife. It’s an easy and peaceful way to connect with nature. When the sun begins to set, the light reflecting off the river creates a golden glow, making it the perfect moment to pause, breathe, and take it all in with your family.

Dinosaur enthusiasts will love the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science. It features full-scale dinosaur skeletons, interactive exhibits on volcanoes and prehistoric creatures, and a planetarium where visitors can learn about space and astronomy. It’s an engaging experience for curious minds. As you walk past towering fossils and life-sized T. rex replicas, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped into a prehistoric world where giants once roamed the very ground beneath your feet.

Sometimes, kids just need to run, jump, and play, and Hinkle Fun Center is the perfect place to do just that. This entertainment complex offers go-karts, laser tag, miniature golf, and an arcade packed with exciting games. Whether your family enjoys classic amusement park-style rides or more modern virtual reality experiences, there’s no shortage of action here. The laughter and friendly competition that fill the air make this an excellent place to let kids be kids while parents enjoy a well-earned break.

Albuquerque is known for its hot air balloon culture, and if you visit in October, you’ll experience the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, where hundreds of colorful balloons take to the sky at sunrise. If you’re visiting another time of year, the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum offers an inside look at the history and science of ballooning. Watching a sea of balloons lift off at dawn, painting the sky with every color imaginable, is a breathtaking sight that feels almost magical—like something straight out of a dream.

For a high-energy indoor activity, Urban Air Adventure Park offers a thrilling escape. This isn’t just a trampoline park—kids can race across an obstacle course, climb towering walls, and soar through the air on a zipline-style Sky Rider. It’s an adrenaline-filled experience that’s perfect for burning off extra energy. With music pumping and kids bounding across different attractions, it’s the kind of place where laughter is nonstop and even the most restless little adventurers stay entertained for hours.

No visit to Albuquerque is complete without a stroll through Old Town. Adobe buildings, charming shops, and cultural attractions fill the historic district, making it a great spot for families. Kids will love exploring the winding alleyways, watching street performers, and stopping by the Rattlesnake Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of live rattlesnakes.
The area showcases its local cuisine, offering must-try blue corn pancakes and biscochitos, New Mexico’s official state cookie. Wandering through Old Town feels like stepping into another era, where the sounds of Spanish guitars drift through the air and the scent of fresh tortillas lingers around every corner.

Albuquerque offers a perfect blend of adventure, history, and hands-on learning, making it an ideal destination for families. Hiking through ancient petroglyphs, riding the tramway, and watching hot air balloons fill the sky create unforgettable memories.

Looking for a comfortable place to stay? Consider booking a family-friendly vacation rental at Santuario Grande—conveniently located near Albuquerque’s top attractions!