Top Kid-Friendly Activities In Albuquerque

Recognized for its natural beauty and abundance of things to do, the city of Albuquerque is a great place to raise a family. Its new and established neighborhoods offer that sought-after suburban tranquility, as well as close proximity to schools and parks.

Ever-expanding in development and growing in population, Albuquerque families have plenty of options when it comes to local activities. From popular events and festivals, such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, or the various indoor and outdoor attractions, you can the kids can explore and discover the city after school, on weekends, and during the summer break. Here is our list of the top kid-friendly activities in Albuquerque!

The Albuquerque Zoo

Officially named the ABQ BioPark Zoo, this attraction is located just south of the downtown area, along the Rio Grande. Home to a wide variety of animals and separated into different regions, kids of all ages love to spend the day here. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm. 

Guests are first greeted by beautiful gazebos, gift shops, and a pond with flamingos. From there, you are free to roam around the park. The ABQ BioPark Zoo is divided into the Africa, Australia, Americas, Carnivores, Central Parq, Ape Walk, and Asian Elephants sections, and features animals such as penguins, lions, gorillas, hippos, lemurs, and so many more. 

The zoo also has an amphitheater for shows and live music, and offers stroller and wheelchair rentals.

Explora Science Center and Children's Museum of Albuquerque

While the city has a number of exciting museums, historic landmarks, and galleries, curious kids will likely enjoy the Explora Science Center and Children's Museum of Albuquerque the most. Located in the Old Town district, Explora has both indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits—over 250 in total. 

Visitors are encouraged to learn, play, and discover with activities in the STEM and arts fields, introducing concepts such as gravity, electricity, and light. There is also a toddler area (with early opening times for toddlers on Mondays), and Explora also hosts summer camps and programs throughout the year. And while you’re in the area, you may also want to check out the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and the Science/Planetarium & Astronomy Center.

Cliff’s Amusement Park

As an alternative to some of the more laid-back attractions, Cliff’s Amusement Park offers more thrilling activities. Although smaller in size than some of the theme parks across the country that visitors might be accustomed to, this is a great, local option for both younger and older kids.

The park has a mixture of rides—from flying swings and bumper cars (for the younger ones or perhaps the less adventurous!), to roller coasters and water rides. Of course, there are also games, food, and activities. As the years have gone by, the park has added larger rides targeted at older visitors (as opposed to very young kids), such as roller coasters and other thrill rides. However, Cliff’s Amusement Park remains a popular attraction, especially the water park during the warmer months. 

Assorted Outdoor Activities 

Albuquerque is well-known for its parks, green spaces, and hiking trails. Neighborhoods, as well, feature small community parks and playgrounds for the kids—for when they want some outside time, but don’t want to go too far. 

While hiking along the many trails are a popular pastime, they are not always suitable for young children or strollers, so these options are better for older kids. For passionate hikers, the trails at Petroglyph National Monument and those amongst the Sandia foothills are exceptional.

For those who want to stay within the city, the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park has easier trails that take visitors down along the river. There is also a Visitors Center and picnic areas for outdoor lunches. Tingley Beach is another popular favorite that those of all ages can enjoy. Although there are also hiking trails here, this destination is most known as being a downtown Albuquerque escape for duck-viewing. Other highlights in this part of the city include the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden and the ABQ BioPark Aquarium.

Searching for your dream home in Albuquerque or the surrounding area? Contact a real estate expert at Premier Realty Partners for more information about the market and neighborhoods, and to begin your home search.