Albuquerque is awash with attractions that will keep the kids happy for the entire holiday. In fact, there are so many things for little ones to do here that you may find you have to extend your holiday to fit them all in. There is a range of educational attractions such as the ever popular museums as well as theme parks, zoos and a water park. All of the attractions can be enjoyed by the entire family, so no one needs to miss out.
Beach Waterpark
Escape the heat at this water park, which features an enormous wave pool as well as numerous water slides and a long lazy river where you can float for hours. Kids will be kept entertained all day and it’s the perfect location for cooling down after a morning on the beach. Phone: +1 505 345 6066.
Cliff’s Amusement Park
Cliff's Amusement Park makes for an ideal daytrip for the whole family. The thrill rides are sure to get your adrenalin pumping, while for the younger members of the family, Kiddyland will keep them occupied for hours with its bumper cars, balloon wheel and ponies. There are water slides, family rides and the biggest rollercoaster in the whole of New Mexico. Regardless of how old you are, Cliff’s is sure to make a lasting impression and leave you begging for more. Phone: +1 505 881 9373
Explora Science Center
This is a highly imaginative and interactive science museum which can be found in the centre of town. Explora is undoubtedly dedicated to children, with exhibits which include a high-wire bicycle and a kinetic sculpture display. There are many hands-on exhibitions about science, technology and art as well as a playground and a freestanding staircase that is a huge hit with kids of all ages, as it appears to float between floors.
Website: www.explora.mus.nm.us; phone: +1 505 224 8300
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
This is Albuquerque's most popular museum, home to many fun-filled attractions. The most popular attractions here include the simulated volcano (complete with bubbling hot lava that flows beneath the glass floor), the Ice Age cave and the Evolator, a six-minute ride which uses video, sound and motion to take you through 35 million years of New Mexico's geological history. The LodeStar Science Center features an impressive planetarium, which is free with a multiple ticket. Phone: +1 505 841 2800
Rio Grande Zoo
This zoo is part of the Albuquerque Biological Park and is a giant oasis of waterfalls, woodlands and native animal habitats. Over 250 species of wildlife from around the world can be found here including giraffes, camels, polar bears, elephants, koalas and zebras. The Tropical America exhibit is a replica of a jungle rain forest and is home to toucans and spider monkeys as well as stunning orchids and other tropical plants. The zoo has set up a captive breeding programme for more than a dozen endangered species, and concerts are performed in the summer to raise much needed funds.
Website: www.cabq.gov/biopark; phone: +1 505 764 6200
Albuquerque is incredibly proud of its heritage and past achievements are kept alive by the locals. Museums are plentiful and range from national history to science museums, and rattlesnake to turquoise museums. There are also numerous churches, some of which date back to the 18th century.
Albuquerque Museum of Art and History
This modern museum houses the largest collection of Spanish-colonial artefacts in the country as well as many relics from the city’s early development. The main attraction of the colonial exhibition is a pair of life-size replicas of Spanish conquistadors in original armour. The museum's other attractions include treasure chests which are filled with pearls and gold coins; religious artefacts and early maps, some of which date back to the 15th century. There is a sculpture garden which contains 45 works by 20th century southwestern artists including Glenna Goodacre, Michael Naranjo and Luis Jiménez.
Website: www.cabq.gov/museum; phone: +1 505 243 7255
American International Rattlesnake Museum
This museum is home to the largest collection of different species of rattlesnakes in the world including extremely rare ones such as the albino western diamondback. The museum’s mission is to educate visitors on the many positive benefits of rattlesnakes and to get the public to help with the conservation of these creatures. Website: www.rattlesnakes.com; phone: +1 505 242 6569
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
This centre’s design was inspired by the prehistoric ruin, Pueblo Bonito. The museum offers information about Pueblo culture and educates visitors with a video, displays on each of the 19 pueblos and a timeline of the Pueblo people. There is a hands-on corner for young visitors, where they are able to touch pottery, jewellery, weaving tools and dried corn. There is also the chance to draw petroglyph designs and design pots. The gift shop sells a range of paintings, sculptures, jewellery, leather, rugs, beaded necklaces and other delights from the Pueblo era.
Website: www.indianpueblo.org;
phone: +1 505 843 7270, or +1 800 766 4405
National Atomic Museum
This fascinating museum examines the history of the atomic age and details how nuclear science has influenced the path of modern history. Exhibits include replicas of the bombs dropped on Japan at the end of WWII (Little Boy and Fat Man) as well as offering children’s programmes and a display on X-ray technology.
Website: www.atomicmuseum.com; phone: +1 505 245 2137
San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church
With over two centuries having past since it first opened its doors and welcomed worshippers, this church is still holding services. It was built in 1793, and replaced Albuquerque's first Catholic Church. It has been extended many times, but its adobe walls and other original features can still be seen. A small museum can be found next to the church, which displays relics such as paintings and carvings which date back to the 17th century.
Phone: +1 505 243 4628
Turquoise Museum
This small museum is dedicated to the beauty and mythology of turquoise, a semiprecious gemstone. A simulated mine shaft leads to examples from more than 60 mines from four continents. Exhibits detail how turquoise is formed and highlight its uses by Native Americans in prehistoric times. Phone: +1 505 247 8650
University Art Museum
This museum showcases New Mexico's largest collection of fine art. Paintings by old masters can be found next to works by Picasso and O'Keeffe. There are also photos and prints displayed as well as information on each artist. Phone: +1 505 277 4001
Locals of Albuquerque eat larger portions, regardless of whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner. Breakfast is taken seriously with many cafés, bistros and diners serving up delicious morning feasts such as omelettes and pancakes, pastries and all-day breakfasts. These eateries can be found dotted across the entire city. It is virtually impossible to enter a district that isn’t home to at least one café, no matter how small the district is.
Albuquerque is literally brimming with respectable places for lunch. The trendy Nob Hill district offers visitors delis and bakeries, where freshly-made sandwiches can be bought, or try one of the downtown eateries, where traditional grills are immensely popular. If you don’t have time for a sit-down meal, there are numerous fast-food dining options to choose from.
For an evening meal, Albuquerque boasts excellent restaurants. There are restaurants catering to romantic evenings, large crowds, oriental tastes and other cuisines from around the world. There is a large concentration of international restaurants in the Old Town and Nob Hill district, which include Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Japanese and Thai.
An impressive and more expensive option is to take Albuquerque's Sandia Peak Tramway to the restaurant at the summit of the peak, where it is possible to enjoy fine food as well as the breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley and the city itself.
Favourite Albuquerque dishes include: gumbo, a thick soup with seafood, chicken and vegetables, and jambalaya, a paella dish which is also made with seafood, chicken and vegetables. Much of the local cuisine has a Caribbean influence, although Asian cuisine is becoming increasingly popular and a new fusion cuisine is emerging, with typical American dishes taking on an oriental twist.
Wherever you eat in Albuquerque, you will find the prices reasonable and the food is usually of an excellent quality. The locals like to eat well and this is reflected in the amount, standard and variety of restaurants throughout the entire city.
Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico and offers a plethora of shopping opportunities. These range from designer boutiques to local craft shops and art galleries to quirky little gadget shops.
The city houses three of the largest shopping malls in New Mexico, with two of them within easy reach of each other. At these malls, you will find typical high street fashion stores as well as electronic goods, household products, eateries, jewellers and many more outlets.
If you want a unique experience, head for the Old Town Plaza. This is where the past and present become one, with narrow winding paths, famous artwork, fine jewellery, delicious food and unique specialist shops. Found beneath the Albuquerque Convention Bureau, First Plaza Galeria offers excellent restaurants, art galleries and trendy boutiques.
Albuquerque is home to some stunning woodlands and parks, which are ideal for many outdoor pursuits such as fishing, hiking and bird-watching. There is a huge array of wildlife to be found as well as abundant sporting opportunities.
If you prefer to watch rather than participate, spectator sports are very popular in the city. Friday nights virtually come to a standstill if there’s a big game on. The Isotopes, the city’s famous baseball team, have their home ground here, which is impressive in itself. If hockey or basketball are more your thing, then check out the local teams. Whatever your preferred sport, Albuquerque is sure to entertain you.
Cibola National Forest
The enormous Cibola National Forest can be found in New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma. It is within easy reach of central Albuquerque and offers an exciting daytrip for all who visit. The forest is home to many animal and bird species, and offers a wide array of recreational attractions and activities such as nature trails, children’s playgrounds, lakes for fishing, picnic spots and stunning scenery to enjoy. Phone: +1 505 346 3900
Parks and Gardens
Albuquerque is home to some stunning parks and gardens which are free to visitors and locals alike. The Los Altos Skate Park is a great place to take the kids to practice skateboarding and BMX bike riding. It is often full of local kids practicing their skills, which is great fun to watch (phone: +1 505 768 5300). The Manzano Mountains State Park can be found at the wooded foothills of the Manzano Mountains and is perfect for camping, hiking, fishing, watching wildlife, photography and cross-country skiing (phone: +1 505 847 2820). There are many more urban parks that are perfect for escaping the hectic city as well as relaxing in the sun.
Spectator sports
Many people like to throw themselves into local life when they visit Albuquerque, and one way of doing this is to support a home sporting team. There are many teams to choose from including the famous baseball team, the Isotopes; basketball legends the Thunderbirds; and the New Mexico Scorpions hockey team.
The Isotopes play at Albuquerque Isotopes Park, which is one of the best ballparks in the country and a must-see for visitors during the summer baseball season. The whole city comes to a standstill during the major games and it’s a great way to experience local culture. Choose your favourite sport and then all you need to do is decide on the team that you are going to watch.
