Local Area

A trip on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway transports you above deep canyons and breathtaking terrain a distance of 2.7 miles. See some of nature’s more dramatic beauty unfold before you. 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.

The Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum features a step-in balloon basket where you can take a virtual ride in a balloon gondola, exhibits on the history of ballooning, actual balloons, and balloon instruments such as altimeters and aeronautic radios. Guests can also learn about barnstorming and the popular International Balloon Fiesta held in Albuquerque every fall.

Albuquerque lies along the Rio Grande, so the Aquarium's exhibits highlight the river's life-giving journey. From its headwaters in Colorado to its final destination in the Gulf of Mexico, the river is home to a vast array of plants and creatures.

Explora is a hands-on science museum where kids can interact with exhibits. They'll spend lots of time exploring ideas, like how to change a river's flow or what works best to create a marble run. They will make giant bubbles, create animated mini movies, or ride a bike on a suspended high wire. The science is everywhere at Explora, where kids of all ages can play, learn, and have fun.

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center presents the world of 19 Indian Pueblos, with museum exhibits that take visitors on a walk through time. There are arts and crafts on display, rotating artistic exhibits, drumming, and a variety of dances. Check ahead to see if there will be bread baking demonstrations in the traditional horno oven when you plan to stop by. The Center is close to downtown Albuquerque and other local attractions.

You won't want to miss the diverse dinosaurs of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, from the one flying overhead in the atrium to the brontosaurus on the second floor. Prehistoric dinosaurs roam the halls, but there are also computer exhibits, where you can make videos, and exhibits on the exploration of space. There is even a life-sized model of the Mars rover, and kids can pan its camera to look at themselves.

At the Petroglyph National Monument, there are approximately 20,000 carved images in stone that depict animals, people, crosses, and other images. Set on the western edge of Albuquerque, a hike up the park trail teaches about the local geology, which is dotted with ancient volcanoes. Kids can explore and earn a junior ranger badge; check in at the visitor center. It's rarely if ever crowded at this attraction, and looking west across the mesas, you can see some of the oldest volcanoes.

The Rio Grande Zoo has more than 250 species of exotic and local animals. The 64-acre facility offers a good day's outing, and a large central park allows time to relax in the grass. The Cottonwood Cafe has lots of food options. Take the Thunderbird Express on a ride around the entire zoo. There are daily shows on animals and the natural world. A favorite pastime with zoo visitors is watching the zookeepers feed the animals, inquire for feeding times.

Tingley Beach has fishing, a model boat pond, and in the summer, paddle boats. Rent some bicycles and ride along the bosque (wooded) trail near the river. The Rio Line train leaves the Tingley Station daily and takes riders to the Zoo or the Aquarium and Botanic Gardens. Pick up a snack at the Tingley Cafe, or get your picture taken with the World's Largest Trout. There is no fee to access Tingley Beach, and for anyone over 12 who wants to fish, it's easy to rent gear and buy a fishing license.