FAMILY ATTRACTIONS / AMUSEMENTS

Parents always have an answer to the question, “What are we going to do, today?” when they live in Metropolitan Albuquerque. World-class science and nature museums, educational centers, parks and zoos, amusement centers, or organized programs and sports leagues are just a few of the activities and adventures waiting for the younger set. Many attractions are so fascinating and artfully managed, even parents look forward to spending a few hours or the entire day in exploration and discovery.

Albuquerque Aquarium
2601 Central Avenue NW
Albuquerque 505-768-2000
www.cabq.gov/biopark/aquarium
Exhibits showcase Gulf of Mexico saltwater species from a variety of habitats including estuarine, surf zone, shallow waters, coral reefs, open ocean, and deep ocean. The 285,000-gallon ocean tank contains brown, sandtiger, blacktip and nurse sharks swimming alongside brilliantly colored reef fish, eels, and sea turtles.

Albuquerque Biological Park
903 Tenth Street SW
Albuquerque 505-768-2000
www.cabq.gov/biopark
The unique environmental museum of Albuquerque Biological Park encompasses the Albuquerque Aquarium, the Rio Grande Botanic Garden, and Tingley Beach Aquatic Park as well as the 64-acre Rio Grande Zoo to take its place as the largest complex of it kind in the entire Southwest. With its flowing fountains, bright blooms, green house, butterfly pavilion and butterfly garden, and delightful patio café, the park is a wonderful place to teach children about nature.

American International Rattlesnake Museum
202 San Felipe NW
Albuquerque 505-242-6569
www.rattlesnakes.com
Fascinating for adults and children, this exhibit is dedicated to animal conservation and preservation through education. It holds the world’s largest collection of different species of live rattlesnakes displayed in recreated natural landscapes.

Cliffs Amusement Park
4800 Osuna Road NE
Albuquerque 505-881-9373
www.cliffsamusementpark.com
Fifteen acres of amusement park rides and attractions include areas designed especially for the younger set as well as more exciting adventures to challenge those with wilder spirits.

Explora!
1701 Mountain Road NW
Albuquerque 505-224-8300
www.explora.us/en
This science and children’s museum showcases more than 250 interactive science, technology, and art exhibits. Features include a laminar flow fountain, an experiment bar, an arts and crafts area, a high-wire bike, and a robotics lab.

Hinkle Family Fun Center
12931 Indian School Road NE
Albuquerque 505-299-3100
www.hinklefamilyfuncenter.com
Enjoy a complex of attractions that include bumper boats and cars, an arcade, lazer tag, miniature golf, mini bowling lanes, “the rock,” and paintball.

Los Altos Skate Park
10140 Lomas NE
Albuquerque 505-768-5353
http://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/recreation/recreation
Albuquerque is home to the Southwest’s largest skate park, designed for BMX bikes, skateboards, and in-line skates.

McCall’s Pumpkin Patch
2 McCall Lane
Moriarty 505-832-9137
www.mccallpumpkinpatch.com
In addition to seasonal produce and autumn decorations, the farm offers family fun with hayrides, searches for the perfect pumpkin, a mining town, a pumpkin sling shot, the kids’ korral play area, the cow train, and several small mazes.