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These enjoyable issues to do in Albuquerque with youngsters will enchant your loved ones. New Mexico’s Official State Nickname is Land of Enchantment and after visiting Albuquerque, you will note why! Travelers usually overlook this New Mexican metropolis in favor of fancier, and considerably smaller, Santa Fe. That’s a disgrace as a result of Albuquerque has a lot coronary heart and many fascinating points of interest, too. If you are searching for a trip in a singular panorama with a pleasant vibe and memorable experiences, then check out these 30 enchanting household issues to do in Albuquerque!
1. Attend a scorching air balloon competition.
One of the primary issues that involves thoughts if you consider Albuquerque might be scorching air ballooning. The world’s greatest scorching air balloon competition takes place right here each October over the course of 9 days. Over 500 scorching air balloons float above town throughout Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, a lot to the awe of spectators beneath.
If your Albuquerque household trip takes place throughout this well-known fiesta, then make sure to reserve your Albuquerque lodge far prematurely as a result of they do e book up!
2. Go scorching air ballooning.
For those that wish to fly away in a scorching air balloon basket like Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz, there are a number of ballooning corporations within the Albuquerque space. I’ve been fortunate sufficient to go hot-air ballooning and may attest that it’s concurrently an thrilling and peaceable journey.
With Albuquerque’s lovely pure panorama, it is probably the greatest locations for a scorching air balloon journey. Intrigued? Book your scorching air balloon flight in Albuquerque now!
3. Visit the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum.
Ballooning fanatics could take pleasure in a go to to Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum. Go right here to study the historical past of scorching air ballooning. Even for those who do not embark on a balloon journey, you possibly can snap a photograph that appears such as you’ve floated above Albuquerque’s southwestern panorama at this museum.
4. Decide: Red or inexperienced chile?
Red or inexperienced? That’s New Mexico’s Official State Question. This refers to their beloved Hatch chiles, grown in Hatch, New Mexico. The inexperienced ones are picked earlier than they ripen. The pink ones are roasted or hung to dry after which made into chile powder.
You’ll discover Hatch chiles on practically each menu in Albuquerque. If you wish to style a little bit of each, then order your enchiladas “Christmas-style,” which come topped with each pink and inexperienced chile sauces.
5. Look for ristras.
See the dried chile peppers above? When hung collectively like this, they type a ristra. Make a recreation of it and have your youngsters rely what number of ristras they will discover whereas exploring Albuquerque!
You’ll discover ristras all throughout the state. They make a distinctly New Mexican ornament. Along with pinto beans, chiles share the designation of being New Mexico’s Official State Vegetables.
6. Experience flamenco on the National Institute of Flamenco.
New Mexico is taken into account the middle for flamenco within the U.S. In reality, the University of New Mexico is the one college within the nation to supply a minor in flamenco. This passionate Spanish artwork type is made up of three elements that work harmoniously collectively: guitar taking part in, music, and dance.
Every June the National Institute of Flamenco hosts the Flamenco Festival. It options performances by world-renowned flamenco artists. Festival-goers may also attend newbie, intermediate, and superior flamenco workshops. Kids get in on the enjoyable with flamenco youth camps for all ranges, too.
No matter if you go to Albuquerque, you possibly can expertise this fascinating artwork type. The National Institute of Flamenco provides stage performances and lessons year-round.
7. Take a dance class at Casa Flamenca.
Participating in a flamenco class at Casa Flamenca was probably the most significant and memorable factor I did in New Mexico. I assumed I went to this non-profit studio for a dance lesson, however I got here away with a lot extra.
The group’s director, Valeria Montes’ assured actions and phrases echo inside me nonetheless. “It’s about being present. That’s where you get your power. With flamenco and in life, when you make a mistake, forget about it, and move on.”
After our dance class, we requested Montes to carry out a flamenco dance for us. Watch the video beneath to see her spectacular impromptu efficiency.
8. Attend a flamenco tablao.
For an intimate expertise, contemplate attending a category or tablao at Casa Flamenca. During a tablao, there isn’t a stage or separation from the viewers. Viewers sit in a circle surrounding the performers and actually really feel part of the motion.
As Montes explains, “You become a part of the performance. You feel every note. Every heartbeat. You dance vicariously through the dancer.”
Children are welcome to attend lessons or early tablao performances at Casa Flamenca. It’s positively an expertise your loved ones will lengthy bear in mind.
If you have an interest in flamenco, then you’ll want to examine visiting the birthplace of this artform — Seville, Spain with youngsters.
9. Shop Old Town Albuquerque.
Old Town Albuquerque was based in 1706. This walkable space is made up of 10 sq. blocks of outdated adobe buildings. It encompasses over 100 outlets, a lot of eating places, and 5 museums. You’re certain to search out fascinating souvenirs right here together with Southwestern pottery and work, turquoise jewellery, and my youngsters’ favourite — dreamcatchers.
Albuquerque’s Old Town house to the oldest still-standing constructing within the metropolis, San Felipe de Neri Church. It’s constituted of adobe mud bricks..
10. Look for the Virgen de Guadalupe Tree.
While exploring Old Town Albuquerque, inform your youngsters to be looking out for the Virgen de Guadalupe Tree (also referred to as the Cottonwood Madonna). An picture of the Virgin Mary has been carved into the tree trunk and painted.
This distinctive sculpture is situated in entrance of San Felipe de Neri Church. If you are not paying shut consideration, then you might simply miss this considerably hidden determine.
11. Sign up for an Albuquerque strolling tour.
Get extra out of your Albuquerque household trip with a strolling tour of downtown. You’ll study concerning the metropolis’s architectural treasures and iconic spots at a tempo appropriate for the entire household. Tours are supplied in English and Spanish.
Sound enjoyable? Sign up for a two-hour Gems of Albuquerque Guided Family Walking Tour with our trusted companion, GetYourGuide.
12. Go on an Albuquerque Scavenger hunt.
For a enjoyable and distinctive strategy to discover historic Old Town, e book a three-hour Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt. You’ll discover sculpture gardens, museums, parks, church buildings, and different fascinating sights.
Go at a leisurely tempo, or race one other group to the end. It’s as much as you!
13. Take the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway.
The Sandia Mountains present a surprising backdrop in Albuquerque. Sandia means watermelon in Spanish and this mountain vary was so-named as a result of the mountain turns a rosy hue at sundown.
You can entry the highest of Sandia Peak by way of the Sandia Peak Tramway for epic views of Albuquerque and past. The 15-minute journey delivers you to a phenomenal new panorama crammed with limestone rock, pine bushes, and different evergreen vegetation. There’s additionally an fascinating present store on the high that includes New Mexican jewellery, decor, and souvenirs.
14. Ski or snowboard on Sandia Peak.
Sandia Peak is only a 25-minute drive from Albuquerque. In winter, this snowy wonderland provides thrilling winter sports activities choices. Trails for all ranges will please skiers and snowboarders.
Group and personal classes can be found for ages 4+. Cubby Corner gives classes particularly for children aged 4-6. Kids youthful than 4 can take part in non-public classes. Plus, little ones simply is perhaps greeted on the slopes by Cubby the Bear mascot.
15. Go snowshoeing with MST Adventures.
If snowshoeing is extra your velocity, then lease gear or e book a guided tour by way of MST Adventures. During my Albuquerque vacation, I launched into a difficult five-mile trek throughout which we climbed 1,000 toes over the course of 4 hours.
This sport is an effective way to get your coronary heart pumping on the slopes and burn off a few of these scrumptious chile dishes. Kids are welcome to take part and guides alter the tour size and problem as wanted.
16. Cool off on Sandia Peak in summer season.
In summer season, heading to Sandia Peak is among the finest methods escape the warmth of town of Albuquerque. Temperatures will be 15 to 30 levels cooler than Albuquerque so gown accordingly. Hiking and mountain biking beckon New Mexicans and guests to discover the Cibola National Forest. Pack a picnic or take pleasure in lunch with a powerful view at Ten 3 Restaurant on the high of Sandia Peak.
17. Pedal by way of Albuquerque by bike.
Ride by way of town on two wheels with Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals. You’ll find out about Albuquerque whereas spending some fantastic time outside and getting train.
Bike riders of all ages and skills are welcome. They even have bike trailers for tiny tots.
Routes Bicycle Tours and Rentals Options
- Scenic (alongside the Rio Grande River or exploring Albuquerque’s city artwork scene)
- Gourmet (exploring breweries, wineries, tacos, or chiles)
- Specialty (Breaking Bad, Balloon Fiesta, Lights & Luminarias, or Haunted)
- Self-guided
18. Search for road artwork.
Albuquerque bursts with colourful road artwork. In reality, one p.c of town’s development funds have to be put into public artworks.
You’ll see loads of murals and different public artworks throughout an ABQ Trolley Tour. For a self-guided tour, MurosABQ.com gives an inventory of murals with their places.
19. Watch the animals on the ABQ BioPark Zoo.
The Albuquerque Biological Park (ABQ BioPark) contains 4 nice points of interest that households love: a zoo, an aquarium, a botanic backyard, and a collection of ponds at Tingley Beach. There are two narrow-gauge trains on the BioPark, one among which chugs by way of the zoo. Catch the Rio Line to journey between the zoo and aquarium/botanic backyard.
Originally generally known as the Rio Grande Zoo, the 64-acre ABQ BioPark Zoo options creatures from all over the world. View such animals as giraffes, lions, polar bears, koalas, and Mexican grey wolves. An onsite carousel will please younger youngsters, too.
If you’ve got an area zoo membership, then make sure to ask about their reciprocity coverage for a possible low cost on the already reasonably priced entrance charge.
20. Explore the ocean on the ABQ BioPark Aquarium.
Highlights of the Albuquerque Aquarium embrace shark tanks, a stingray pool, and my favourite — a river otter exhibit. Of course, you will see all types of different fish and marine life like sea turtles on the ABQ BioPark Aquarium, too. Check the Aquarium Theater marquee to study which instructional film is exhibiting on the day of your go to.
21. Stop to odor the flowers on the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden.
The ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden is replete with vegetation and flowers. Also generally known as the Rio Grande Botanic Garden for its location subsequent to the Rio Grande River, these fairly gardens unfold throughout 36 acres. Look for a duck-filled pond, a butterfly and bee exhibit, two greenhouses, and a playful youngsters’s backyard. During my winter go to, the outside botanical gardens had been slightly sparse-looking, however two indoor greenhouses are crammed with flowers year-round.
Young youngsters particularly love the Railroad Garden at this botanical backyard. It options all types of miniature choo choos using the rails by way of tiny cities and scenic shows. Ask youngsters to search out Thomas the Tank Engine!
22. Connect with the pure world at Tingley Beach.
Head to Tingley Beach for strolling and biking paths, pedal boat leases, and fishing enjoyable. Entrance to Tingley Beach is free to the general public. It could look refreshing however there isn’t a swimming at Tingley Beach.
Tingley Beach is a superb spot for fishing collectively as a household. Children’s Pond is only for anglers aged 12 and youthful. Be certain to buy a fishing license prematurely!
Kids will certainly wish to sail a model-sized yacht on Model Boat Pond. You can convey your personal boat or purchase tokens inside Tingley Beach Station to borrow one.
Families will see all types of geese and different wild birds at Tingley Beach. You are welcome to feed them, however you need to achieve this away from the water to keep away from polluting the ponds. It’s additionally vital to notice that bread shouldn’t be wholesome for birds. Instead, strive feeding them oats, frozen peas or corn, chopped lettuce, or halved grapes.
23. Visit the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.
Looking for the very best issues to do in Albuquerque with youngsters on a scorching or wet day? Parents shall be happy to search out a number of kid-friendly museums.
Dinosaur lovers and would-be astronauts will love the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. Explore interactive displays in paleontology, geoscience and the volcanoes of New Mexico, bioscience, and area science in addition to particular momentary displays at this Albuquerque establishment. A full-dome planetarium is to not be missed.
24. Learn by way of play at Explora Center and Children’s Museum.
Through interactive experiments and play, Explora Science Center is the place to go to find out about STEAM (science, expertise, engineering, artwork, and math). Find over 250 hands-on everlasting displays and enjoyable actions for your complete household. All ages will take pleasure in studying by way of play about such phenomena as gravity, water, electrical energy, and bubbles!
25. See rattlesnakes on the American National Rattlesnake Museum.
Do your youngsters love all issues scaly and slithery? Take them to the American National Rattlesnake Museum, the place they’re going to see the world’s largest assortment of dwell rattlesnakes. In reality, this small museum situated in Old Town Albuquerque is house to greater than 30 completely different sorts of rattlers plus different creatures like scorpions, turtles, and lizards.
26. Discover Hispanic folklore on the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
Families excited about Hispanic artwork, tradition, and humanities ought to head to the National Hispanic Cultural Center. The everlasting assortment contains over 3,000 items of artwork from all over the world. The heart’s 20-acre campus options three theaters, a geneology heart, a library, and extra centered on presenting the works of Hispanic, Chicano and Latinx communities.
Even for those who do not wish to discover the entire heart, swing by to try Mundos de Mestizaje. This dramatic 4,000-foot concave fresco is painted inside the Torreón (a round constructing). Entrance is free on Saturdays and Sundays to see the fresco that depicts hundreds of years of Hispanic historical past.
27. Enjoy rides and video games at Cliff’s Amusement Park.
Please the youngsters with a day at Cliff’s Amusement Park. It’s open April by way of September with various hours. This theme park options thrill rides, a Kiddyland for younger youngsters, and carnival video games.
For adrenaline junkies, Cliff’s New Mexico Rattler curler coaster is nearly 3,000 toes lengthy and features a 100-foot underground tunnel. The spinning Falling Star is one other favourite amongst thrill seekers. Classic rides like bumper automobiles, a Tilt-A-Whirl, and The Big Flush log journey additionally please parkgoers. In complete, there are greater than 50 rides at Cliff’s Amusement Park.
Watermania
With excessive temperatures within the low 90’s Fahrenheit in summer season in Albuquerque, households love to chill off on the reasonably priced and enjoyable Watermania. Cliff Amusement Park’s on-site waterpark contains thrilling waterslides and fountains for giant youngsters and youngsters. Meanwhile, a mellow Lil’ Squirts splash pad with shallow waters entertains toddlers and younger youngsters.
28. Play at Hinkle Fun Center.
For a year-round nice time with youngsters and youths, head to Hinkle Fun Center. Attractions embrace go-karts, miniature golf, bumper automobiles, laser tag, mountain climbing, an XD Dark Ride, and a bungee trampoline. Arcade lovers will respect over 125 video games together with basic and state-of-the-art video games in addition to redemption video games with carnival prizes. Bumper boats are a success within the summertime, too.
29. Eat farm-to-table delicacies.
Albuquerque’s farm-to-table meals and restaurant scene would possibly shock you. From fashionable eating places to craft breweries and natural chocolatiers — you will discover all of it on this New Mexican metropolis. Learn about freshly baked pastries, home made honey, pasture-raised eggs and different goodies in my article all about Albuquerque’s farm-to-table delicacies.
30. Spend the night time someplace distinctive in Albuquerque.
Sure, you might e book a keep in a regular lodge. But why not select a terrific place that is as distinctive as Albuquerque itself? Each of the next three fascinating lodging choices provides its personal vibe, certain to please completely different households’ tastes.
Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
The darling Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm is about on 25 acres. This lodge consists of fifty visitor rooms, two of that are “family” rooms with bunk beds for teenagers. Plus, the heated outside saltwater pool will please youngsters in summertime.
The farm is house to chickens, peacocks, guinea hens, three alpacas, and a pleasant orange cat named Mouse. Plus, their farm-to-table restaurant attracts foodie vacationers and locals.
El Vado Motel
I’m not often a motel fan, however the historical past, convivial vibe, and hip decor at El Vado Motel make it the exception. Opened in 1937, El Vado was one of many first motels on the legendary Route 66. It was closed for 13 years however has been completely refurbished and reopened. El Vado Motel is situated proper throughout the road from the ABQ BioPark Aquarium and Zoo and provides an outside pool open throughout hotter months.
The on-site El Vado Tap Room boasts craft beers to entice vacationers and locals alike. There are a handful of independently owned informal eateries and boutique outlets right here that lure crowds, too, particularly on weekend evenings. For breakfast, head to the on-site Zendo Coffee for a scorching beverage and baked deal with. (Their gluten-free Butter Beer Donut will delight any Harry Potter fan!)
Hotel Andaluz
The aesthetic at Hotel Andaluz is an intriguing mix of Southwestern and Moroccan. This Gold Leed Certified property was inbuilt 1939 in downtown Albuquerque and was Conrad Hilton’s fourth lodge. In reality, he stayed right here together with his second spouse, Zsa Zsa Gabor, the night time earlier than their marriage ceremony.
Look for native paintings held on the second stage, which is on the market and altered out quarterly. Two unique everlasting murals stay as effectively — a map of New Mexico and a powerful portray of Native American dancers.
The location in downtown Albuquerque is tremendous handy for a household trip. And though there isn’t a pool onsite, visitor have entry to an indoor pool at a healthclub subsequent door.
Even for those who’re not staying at Hotel Andaluz, make sure to cease by for drinks or a meal. Parents shall be impressed by views of the Sandia Mountains from the swanky rooftop bar, Ibiza. Meanwhile, MÁS – Tapas and Vino is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Every tapa I attempted (and I attempted many!) made my tastebuds do a cheerful dance.
Why Visit Albuquerque with Kids
Every time I go to a vacation spot, I contemplate whether or not I might dwell there. Truly, I might see myself shifting to New Mexico’s largest metropolis. Albuquerque could be very reasonably priced and New Mexican delicacies is loopy scrumptious. There are clearly plenty of enjoyable issues to do in Albuquerque, too.
The excessive desert local weather fits my style. It’s not too scorching and never too chilly. And it is simple to flee to the Sandia Mountains for a change of surroundings.
Most spectacular is the New Mexican sense of tradition and satisfaction. Albuquerque positively doesn’t really feel like each different metropolis within the U.S. I would dare to say, it is enchanting.
Explore More of the American Southwest
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Adventurous households may even take pleasure in discovering America’s greatest ghost city — Jerome, Arizona.
Learn what there may be to do in Park City, Utah with youngsters past the slopes.
Take off on an incredible Southwest highway journey to Las Vegas and nationwide parks in Utah and Arizona.
Save These Family Things to Do in Albuquerque
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Which of those high issues to do in Albuquerque with youngsters appeals most to you? Let us know your questions and feedback beneath!
A Note from The Travel Mama: Visit Albuquerque hosted my go to. I didn’t obtain any financial compensation associated to this weblog put up. All opinions are mine, as all the time.
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