The Land of Enchantment has lots of fun for the young ones. From high tech to nature, it’s easy to find something to educate, enlighten and just plain entertain kids of all ages.
Sandia Peak Tramway
Rising from the hustle and bustle of Albuquerque to the 10,378-foot crest of the Sandia Mountains, a 11,000-square-mile panoramic view awaits you.
New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science
The museum has dinosaur exhibits and the planetarium offers stars and planets. What more could a kid want? There’s also the Verus Research DynaTheater. 1801 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque. nmnaturalhistory.org
Meow Wolf
House of Eternal Return in Santa Fe is a mind-bending, explorable art experience for people of all ages with more than 70 rooms of immersive art.
Los Alamos
Up on the hill, Los Alamos is full of history as well as opportunities for families to learn. The Los Alamos ScienceFest takes place from July 7-18 and features plenty of opportunities for discovery. Don’t forget the city has plenty of “Oppenheimer” events planned.
Explora!
An innovative experiential learning center located in the heart of Old Town that values curiosity, hands-on trial and error, and the agency and growth that comes with both failing and succeeding. Families and people of all ages can learn together through over 250 exhibit activities in science, technology and art.
Albuquerque International Rattlesnake Museum
An exciting and educational experience for the entire family, this animal conservation museum at 202 San Felipe St. NW, Suite A, in Albuquerque reveals the hundreds of ways that rattlesnakes and other “less desirable” animals have influenced our lives. Examples are given through artifacts, memorabilia, and a large collection of different species of live rattlesnakes. A wonderful way for your family to share in this fascinating, mysterious and misunderstood corner of the animal kingdom.
Tinkertown Museum
This whimsical museum is located on the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway in Sandia Park, on the way to the Sandia Crest. From a three-ring circus to an entire handcrafted village, the eccentric collections of Americana fill Tinkertown’s winding hallways. A guaranteed unique family outing, Tinkertown’s folk art experience is a testament to New Mexico’s creative spirit.
Hinkle Family Fun Center
Family recreation spot featuring bumper cars, laser tag, paintball, arcade and more along. Take a ride on the Bumper Boats or play one of the miniature golf courses.
Electric Playhouse
Experience a new way to play with over 16 interactive spaces. Each space contains multiple games and visualizations.
All games and experiences are intended for ages 3 and up.
Cliff’s Amusement Park
Thrill rides, family rides, Kiddyland and Watermania!
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Head underground and introduce the kids to the Hall of the Giants or the Big Room, the largest accessible limestone chamber in North America. The caves are not only beautiful and mysterious but are fascinating to tour. Stay until sunset and watch hundreds of thousands of bats emerge from the cave’s natural entrance.
UNM Duck Pond
Kids love the tranquility of the University of New Mexico’s Duck Pond, with its bridge that goes right over the water, its sloping grassy banks, its big trees
ABQ BioPark
The ultimate in kid-friendly destinations, the ABQ BioPark is comprised of four facilities: an aquarium, a botanic garden, a zoo and fishing lakes at Tingley Beach. Together they foster environmental awareness, education and stewardship. At the BioPark Zoo, the little ones can get up close to exotic animals, and at the BioPark Aquarium, they can take a look at the ecosystem along the Rio Grande. In the BioPark Botanic Garden, you will find formal and whimsical gardens designed to delight your senses, while Tingley Beach offers something for the whole family, from fishing and model boats to walking, hiking and biking.
El Rancho de las Golondrinas
Located on 200 acres in a rural farming valley just south of Santa Fe, Las Golondrinas is a living history museum dedicated to the history, heritage and culture of 18th and 19th century New Mexico. Original colonial buildings on the site date from the early 1700s.
Petroglyph National Monument
The monument on Albuquerque’s western edge protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, featuring designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400 to 700 years ago.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad New Mexico
All aboard the National Historic Landmark that moves. The longest, highest and most authentic steam railroad in North America travels 64 miles through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West. The 202
3 season runs May 27-28, then June 3 through Oct. 21, and includes regular and special excursions.
Museum of Space History
A museum and planetarium complex in Alamogordo dedicated to artifacts and displays related to space flight and the space age.
It includes the International Space Hall of Fame.
National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
Established in 1969 as an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early research of nuclear development through today’s peaceful uses of nuclear technology. Visitors can explore how nuclear science continues to influence our world. The Albuquerque museum is a Smithsonian affiliate.
White Sands National Park
Is this a beach? Is this a desert? Is this Tatooine? A sea of incredibly white sand made out of pure gypsum, where everyone’s allowed to cruise down the dunes with a sled. Visitors can also hike, camp and join in park ranger programs.
