Living in Albuquerque is made for kids and kids at heart. From stunning tram rides and remarkable natural beauty to ancient Pueblo culture and hands-on fun at Explora, this city is one of the best cities not just to visit with kids, but to live 365 beautiful Arizona days a year. Scroll through to see our favorite family attractions in Albuquerque and then check out our events calendar for even more fun.
photo: Explora Science Center via yelp
Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum of Albuquerque
Explora is an innovative learning place, part science center, part children’s museum, providing fun, truly hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art and math for all ages. There’s an early childhood learning area, including a special area for toddlers to explore. Children and adults enjoy the two main floors of exhibit activities and outdoor decks with views, giant building blocks and playground patio.
1701 Mountain Rd NW
Albuquerque, NM
Online: explora.us
Unser Racing Museum
The Unser Racing Museum is a multi-dimensional museum experience utilizing modern technologies to educate and immerse the visitor in the exciting world of racing. Take a guided tour and learn about the Unser family history, then explore on your own, seeing and interacting with racing history as it happened. The museum spans the early days of racing from Pikes Peak and Indianapolis to the latest technology, including a racing simulator that puts you in the driver’s seat, and interactive kiosks for young and old to learn more about racing in a fun, educational environment.
1776 Montano Rd. NW
Albuquerque, NM
Online: unserracingmuseum.com
photo: Philip M. via yelp
Sandia Peak Tramway
The world’s longest aerial tram ride takes visitors 2.7 miles up for epic views of the valley below. At sunset the desert skies produce a spectacular array of color and your vantage point from the observation deck atop 10,378-foot Sandia Peak in the Cibola National Forest affords an 11,000 square-mile panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley and the Land of Enchantment.
30 Tramway Rd NE
Albuquerque, NM
Online: sandiapeak.com
Elena Gallegos Park
Visitors to Elena Gallegos Picnic Area and Albert G. Simms Park enjoy many activities below the backdrop of the Sandia Mountains, which were named for their pink colors at sunset. “Sandia” is Spanish for “watermelon.”
Off Simms Park Road
Albuquerque, NM
Online: cabq.gov
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is the New Mexico’s only congressionally-chartered museum in its field and a Smithsonian affiliate. Visitors can explore how nuclear science continues to influence our world. The museum strives to present, through permanent and changing exhibits and displays, the diverse applications of nuclear energy in the past, present and future along with the stories of the field’s pioneers.
601 Eubank Blvd SE
Albuquerque, NM
Online: nuclearmuseum.org
ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
Explore more than 1.5 miles of paths through formal and whimsical gardens designed to delight your senses.
2601 Central Ave. NW
Albuquerque, NM
Online: cabq.gov
photo: Susy G. via yelp
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Owned and run by the 19 Indian Pueblos of New Mexico, this important center showcases the history of the Pueblo people through ancient artifacts, dance demonstrations and art exhibits.
2401 12th St. NW
Albuquerque, NM
Online: indianpueblo.org
Albuquerque Museum
The city’s rich heritage is the focus at this museum, which features exhibits depicting the art, history and culture of the Southwest.
2000 Mountain Rd NW
Albuquerque, NM
Online: albuquerquemuseum.org
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
Visitors explore the origins and geological history of the American Southwest through vivid displays including dinosaur models, ice-age cave replicas, a naturalist center and a walk-through volcano.
1801 Mountain Rd. NW
Albuquerque, NM
Online: nmnaturalhistory.org
The Best Upcoming Events for Kids in Albuquerque
If you’re looking for events and activities, don’t miss our local Albuquerque events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms.
—Kate Loweth
