Located at 1513 meters above sea level, a city was founded in New Mexico popular enough to be known as Albuquerque. The population is 545,852 makes it the largest city of New Mexico. This city is the most happening city in New Mexico. Every season begins with new sunshine in Albuquerque. While planning for things to do in Albuquerque, have you chosen what kind of activities you want to do? If not here is a list.
12 Recreational things to do in Albuquerque for every age group
1 Cliff’s Amusement Park
If you want to add thrill to your vacation then this amusement park goes way up to the number one place on any list. Whether you are a teenager or an adult or kid, this place has something for all; start from water fun. Most family tours start from water fun at Cliff.
Guaranteed fun is waiting for you. With 23 rides that are even made easier by splitting into family rides, thrill rides, and Kiddieland. You can’t ask for anything more, but we would want to give you more; you are going to experience 3 top Roller Coasters of the world.
Visiting Hours: 12 pm to 7 pm
Charges: Depends upon the rides, Expected $ 200 for four adults and three children.
2 Sandia Peak Tramway Skiing
The longest Tramway of the world is at Albuquerque, the very first thing to do in Albuquerque is getting the world’s best view at Sandia Peak. It features an observation deck for tourists that allows you to absorb the wholeness of Albuquerque.
The most recommended option for all those travelers visiting during summer, try skiing. Sandia’s peak has quite great facilities to ski or take a ski ride with professionals. The peak is 10378 feet above land.
Visiting Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m
Charges: $15 for kids ages 5 – 12 and free for kids under 4 years, $25 round-trip for adults, $20 for students ages 13 – 20
3 Explore Wildlife at Rio Grande Zoo
The zoo is situated on a vast 32 acres of land. You can interact with thousands of animals, more specifically any animal. From fishes to zebras, you are about to see all of it. The location of each animal It is worth watching.
While you need to keep in mind that zoo hours are really strict and you can’t afford to stay longer. You can enjoy the whole in about 3-4 hours so be sure to come early. You are going to watch over thousands of animals and various exhibitions are held every month.
Visiting Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Charges: Child (ages 2-11): $17.95, Adults $14.50-$22, Senior (ages 65+): $17.95
4 Explore Fishing
Once known for swimming and now converted to a fishing destination which is perfect for every fishing lover, Tingley beach. Yes a beach, you can pack your beach stuff too. But this destination is more suitable for fishing activity. The water is a mix of various ponds.
Well, why only fishing? The good news is it is even open for paddle boating, hiking trails, and much more fun. Not only for adults, but even kids can also participate in fishing escorted by an adult. Have a nice lunch after being tired from catching fish at various restaurants available nearby.
Visiting Hours: Morning till Night, no exact timings
Charges: free of cost, equipment are charged
5 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Be A Part of Incredible Fun
Watching thousands of balloons in the sky and being a part of abundant activities at the same place is not something you can experience anytime. This opportunity you get once in your life and that for a short period every year.
This is an international fest and you can expect it to be present for the whole year. If you are planning a vacation somewhere different between April to October then you can visit the Balloon Museum. It is one of the second-best things to do in Albuquerque.
Visiting Hours: Morning 6:00 am to evening 8:00 pm (Most of the shows)
Charges: $15.00 per person per session
Visit the website to know further details and book online.
6 Hinkle Family Fun Center: Hotspot For Thrilling Adventure
Hinkle Family Fun Center is a real hotspot of Albuquerque, why? We would want you to just imagine what you want to experience and you are going to get it here. Book the best tours because you may not believe but this destination takes the whole crowd during peak seasons.
A list of things to do in Albuquerque at Hinkle Family Fun Center is
- XD Dark Ride
- Miniature golf courses
- Laser tag
- Game Rooms
- Rafting
- Octopus game
- Jackpot
- Shooting
- Go-karting
- Hot air balloons
- Rock climbing
- Field trips
- Waterfun
- Bungee Jump Trampoline
- Various others
Now you can answer yourself about the incredible experience of Hinkle Family Fun Center.
Visiting Hours: 10 am to 9 pm
Charges: $ 8 entry fees, activities charged extra
7 Enjoy Ghost Tours of Old Town
Albuquerque has some of the oldest and mysterious tales, every heritage website has a unique story with itself. You can book a guided tour to be comfortable and easy to stroll through various locations.
Also, various flexible tours are offered, you can choose your dates and time. If you are with friends then it is too good as the tour is not recommended for faint-hearted people.
Visiting Hours: mostly tours start in the evening and take 2-3 hours or you can choose some specific time.
Charges: expected prices start from $ 38 per person
8 Unique Food at Pueblo Bread
Bread is the unique food available at Albuquerque, just not in words but the variety of bread available at Albuquerque shows its uniqueness. While tasting this bread you can tell that they are fresh from the oven.
You must know that Pueblo Harvest is the name of the destination that serves this kind of bread so that you can find it easily. Also, these are popular in every area near Albuquerque.
Visiting Hours: 9 am to 10 pm
Charges: expected prices are $ 50 per person
9 Learn or Have Fun at Explora
Explora is all about exploring more and knowing that there is no limit for exploring new and interesting things. They encourage you to experiment or just enjoy things that they have to offer. The best part of this destination is they regularly held various student workshops or tours or events.
You can create a soap bubble or start a competition for creating the biggest soap bubbles. A lot more interesting things are yet to explore such as flying model planes. It would be a great evening fun for kids and youngsters.
Visiting Hours: 12 am to 6 pm
Charges: Children (under 1) free, Children 1-11 $6, Seniors 65+ $7, Adults 12-64 $10.
10 Visit The New Mexico State Fair
Being in the United States makes it a must to be able to visit a State Fair. These are actually a big deal. You can explore multiple stuff from thrilling swings to animal shows to art galleries to shops and much more. You are going to love it.
While being a part of the Mexico state fair needs you to plan a vacation during September. Locals really enjoy and being a hot spot gets the fair really crowded. If you are planning to avoid the crowd then you must visit in the first few days.
Visiting Hours: 8 am to 5 pm
Charges: Admissions fees are $ 10 for adults and $ 7 for kids. Rides are charged extra.
11 Albuquerque Isotopes for Sports Fans
While reading Isotopes seems like science stuff, it has nothing to do with science. Albuquerque Isotopes is a popular baseball team, minor league. The team plays in The lab, not a scientists lab; Isotopes park is called The Lab.
It was once known as the Albuquerque Museum which after renovation found a new team and surely a new name. You can get a ticket for the game, worth watching 13279 fans at the same time. It will be a cheerful evening. While you must know that the stadium is 5300 feet above sea level.
Visiting Hours: usually in the evening, specifically depends on the game
Charges: Expected charges are between $ 12 to $ 40 per person. It depends on pre-booking or same day booking and the club/box/reserves/berm level of seats.
12 Ready For Mountain Biking
You must have already experienced biking at various other destinations, at Albuquerque you are going to go on a bike and tour around the whole city. From hills to mountains to local cities, every corner has one of the hiking trails. Booking a biking tour is great fun with various strangers and making new friends.
Some of you may discover peaceful places around the city while on a bike. You must know that Albuquerque is known as the top three cities for biking, the most featured places are open to bike; that makes it worth it. Embudo Canyon Open Space and Four hills Open space are the best places to bike.
Visiting Hours: timings are relatable to the tours you choose
Charges: expected prices start from $ 40 per person
5 Nightlife destinations that you can’t miss
Are you a party lover? Albuquerque is going to be your second love, the nightlife offers various unique experiences. You just need to know what you love to do most and there you go.
1 Kimo Theatre
Booking a show at Kimo Theatre is one such task that you should not forget while being at Albuquerque. The shows are unique and most of them are admired for life. You may or may not find the time for anything else but Kimo theatre will definitely attract you.
It presents various kinds of shows from ballet performances to movie screenings to dramas to theatre plays to concerts, you name it; every such thing that is interesting is here. Also, the historic drama is one such highlight that takes out the real glow of the Kimo Theatre.
Visiting Hours: Depends upon the shows
Charges: Every show is charged differently
2 Watch Unique at Guild Cinema
Want to spend a movie night with your partner or enjoy with your family, book a show at the Guild Cinema. This cinema is the best service and provides great facilities. You can book tickets even on vacation.
You must know that the Guild cinema offers affordable rates and a movie night with popcorn and cold drinks may be something you need from your daily hustle.
Visiting Hours: 9 am to 10 pm
Charges: Prices are expected at $ 44 and above
3 Enjoy a Murder Mystery Show
Are you a thriller fan? If not then after watching this show you will be. The suspense that makes a place in your mind and creates utter curiosity is encouraged at the Murder Mystery Show. While you may think that it is not for kids.
These shows open different corners of your brain, even the little ones take it seriously. Once you watch a show, it becomes difficult not to think about it; you sink so deep into the mystery that you can forget anything. Book a show or just take a peek which is enough to attract any tourist.
Visiting Hours: 3 pm to 10 pm
Charges: varies according to different shows
4 Live Music at Kiva Auditorium
You may listen to music every now and then, follow various singers online; dream to meet them. It is time that you get a live performance and listens to those performances with your bare eyes. Albuquerque gets you that experience.
Kiva Auditorium is the one place where we can recommend you to visit. If even once you get to watch the show, the amazing thrill between thousands of people; you will love it. Book a show online and get a discount.
Visiting Hours: varies during every show
Charges: expected between $ 40 per person and above
5 Night Experience at Route 66 Casino Hotel
Planning a vacation at Albuquerque and not playing casino cant be one of the things to ignore. The casino is the best experience at Albuquerque being at Route 66 makes it more special. This route is really famous for its location.
Now you are getting a chance to visit two things at once here. You are visiting a perfect road trip location and a casino. Here you can enjoy the best part of the nightlife. Locals are even found enjoying during weekends.
Visiting Hours: 9 am to 10 pm
Charges: varies for every customer
8 Powerful things to do in Albuquerque that will unravel the history
1 Unser Museum
The old history of racing is completely relieved at the Unser Museum. The first thing after entering the museum you get is a guided tour that displays about the Unser family. The award-winning racing cars are a luxury to experience and here you can get a chance standing behind the wheel as if you are racing.
You can go through the trophy center of the museum that displays the sequence of years. From the earliest years of racing to the modern tech, you get to admire every part of it. While admiring the antiques, you can imagine them racing on the track.
Visiting Hours: 10 am to 4 pm
Charges: $ 6 for adults and children under age 16 are free from entry charge
2 Botanical Gardens at ABQ BioPark
The park is a huge area that has various things to offer but the most scenic part of the ABQ Biopark is its Botanical Gardens. The kind of abundance which is found among the species of flowers is exceptionally incredible. The whole park is surrounded by various floral gardens.
You can talk on a long walk and watch the sunset while sitting in between of this incredible landscape or have a picnic with your kids. You can watch various tourists hiking the trails or biking in the gardens; why not try yourself? It is quite a view.
Visiting Hours: 9 am to 5 pm daily, 9 am to 6 pm on weekends
Charges: $14.50 per person
3 Petroglyph National Monument
First of all, you would wonder what a Petroglyph is? It is a carved image on the rocks. These can be boring to some while thinking, looking them personally gives a different thought. You may not have discovered such kinds of carvings somewhere else.
At 5000 feet above, the highest peak is one such destination that gives a satisfying view. This monument holds 12000 years of history if you want to understand those carvings; then you must know these hold great things. The visitor center is open to such tourists who want to add a touch of facts.
Visiting Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Charges: Free (parking is charged extra)
4 Maxwell Museum Of Anthropology
The best exploration of any traveler is about yourself, the science that studies mankind is known as Anthropology. The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology is known as the finest museum in the United States.
It is the first museum of Albuquerque, which was founded in 1932. What will you explore here? You will learn about the various cultures, featuring southwest as the specific culture. Also, know about the richness of human life.
Visiting Hours: Museum is closed on Sunday and Monday, from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Charges: No admission fee is charged.
5 National Hispanic Cultural Center
As the name suggests, the National Hispanic Cultural Center promotes the Spanish side of Mexico. Wanted to learn Spanish? Watch a play at the Hispanic Cultural Center. Or be a part of Spain while being in Mexico. You must be ready to live in a new aspect of Mexico.
The Museum is one such location where most of New Mexico’s people are living today. You may call it the most lively city in Mexico. Numerous programs are regularly held at the museum so apart from history, admire the variety of styles.
Planning for a program then pre-book to reserve your seat as it gets really packed during peak seasons.
Visiting Hours: 10 am to 5 pm, it is closed on Monday.
Charges: Free for tourists under the age of 17, $6 for Adults (17+).
6 San Felipe De Neri Church
Presenting you 17th century Albuquerque by way of San Felipe De Neri Church. This church provides more than worshipping by the people of Albuquerque. They have various meetings at the church. Apart from these important things, you can explore the fun part of the church.
The regular teachings from the church have made its place as a convent and a school. Admirable architecture and interiors are the highlights, visitors spend hours here. It is worthwhile to visit especially if you are planning a visit to Old Town. Learn to find inner peace or just sit quietly here for some time.
Visiting Hours: From 8 am till Sunset, everyday
Charges: free
7 American International Rattlesnake Museum
This museum is more related to history and a lot more related to thrilling adventure; then why is it a historic location? It presents you the oldest habitat of snakes available; not for those with faint-hearted. Stay away from snake phobics.
While the total safety is assured but if you can’t even look at a snake then this destination can be skipped. You must know many tourists have cured their phobias at this very museum. Don’t miss out on the gift shop and have maybe a fake snake to scare your friends or as a memorial of your vacation.
Visiting Hours: 1 pm to 5 pm
Charges: admission fees – USD 5 per person
8 Holocaust And Intolerance Museum Of New Mexico
This museum has shown how one can take action against the social evils of society, that too while being sophisticated. The specific issues that we’re focused on are bullying in culture and genocides around the world.
Various exhibitions and educational tours are regularly held at museums that until this day have not stopped its initiative. You are going to experience some very serious issues and these play an important role in the history of Albuquerque.
Visiting Hours: It is closed on Monday, Tuesday to Sunday 11 am to 3:30 pm
Charges: Depends on various tours
8 things to spend a relaxing time
1 Be at Peace in the Stables at Tamaya
Sitting on a horse and roaming on the trails around the city feels like a luxurious royal task. You can peacefully enjoy the top view that assures amazing landscapes and scenic beauty. The quiet water and petroglyph museum is along the way.
The horses were rescued through the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program, these are well cared for in the stables of Tamaya. The professional guide describes the tales of Albuquerque during the journey.
Visiting Hours: everyday
Contact: (505) 867-1234
2 Quiet Waters
Water fun can be explored to the next level at Albuquerque by enjoying multiple activities. You can save on this destination by booking package deals. Quiet Waters is best known for the quality services provided.
You can choose from various activities that are paddleboarding, rafting, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and camping. You can get guided tours and quality equipment for self-guided tours. Book a trip online to get various offers and customized tours.
Visiting Hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Charges: Expected tours start at $ 34 per person
3 Therapy Massage at Sara
While exploring multiple adventures from the start of your vacation calls for a day devoted for yourself, this day should charge your body with freshness; Spa is something that never lets you down. The perfect destination that we can recommend you is at Sara’s therapy home.
You may not want to return while going to this destination needs to book a tour as you will not like to wait for hours. The service has been reviewed and experienced by 7 out of every 10 tourists. They all give heads up.
Visiting Hours: NA (varies according to your bookings)
Charges: NA ( varies as per the number of hours)
4 Albuquerque Aquarium
The peaceful view of the water and abundant marine life species is worth a hundred times any expensive activity. You can admire the floating species and let your kids interact with them closely at Albuquerque aquarium. The main species of the aquarium are stingrays and sea turtles.
While enjoying abundant species, we don’t want you to miss out on some highlights; a tank named jellies. It gets the limelight of aquariums. The next best thing is the large tank that includes six species of sharks that will give you chills.
Visiting Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Charges: children under 2 years are free, children (3-12) $6-$8, Adults $14.50-$22, seniors (65+) $7.50- $12
5 Isleta Amphitheater
The outdoor fun has become an evolving experience through Isleta Amphitheatre. Through its introduction in 2000, the theatre had made the city wildly popular; experiencing thousands of people in one place is one of the highlights.
The Amphitheatre was once named as Mesa del Sol Amphitheatre. Its capacity is 15000 people per show and continuously changing performers have made it the top destination. Want to avoid the crowd? Be the first one to book and avoid peak seasons.
Want to know more about the incredible music experience then visit here.
Visiting Hours: NA (Varies according to show)
Charges: NA (Varies according to show)
6 Grab a Bite at Golden Crown Panaderia
While doing all those relaxing things to do in Albuquerque demands a treat to your body. The treat will let you know the abundant flavors of the food served in an old way. It is a popular dining attraction from tourists and locals as well. The local vendors are found usually to create food.
You have one more reason to visit Golden Crown Panaderia, the ingredients are produced according to the mix of traditional and modern methods. They produce and create unique food that may not be found in other restaurants. Most specifically avant-garde technology is used for production. Biscochitos are the personal favorite and recommended ones.
Visiting Hours: 7 am to 8 pm Monday to Saturday, 7 am to 10 pm Sunday
Charges: NA ( varies according to your order)
7 Taste New At Rio Bravo Brewing Company
New and beer do not go altogether, but why Rio. The brewing Company is an adjective for new? Being the newly opened place with modern interiors and drinks made it worth a visit. If a brewery is not enough so you must know that it is a pub too.
The brewery is a lot more than any regular one, you can get to play various pub games. These are fun while holding a drink and relaxing after a long day. With great interiors comes big TV and sophisticated seating arrangements. You will find it at 2nd St NW.
Visiting Hours: 11 am to 10 pm
Charges: rates are applied according to your preferable order
8 Stroll Down the Old Town
Whatever museum you visit or the grand art galleries, the ideal look at the history of Albuquerque is incomplete without the Old Town Center. It is an exceptional destination to know about locals and their past.
You can explore a lot from the candy lady’s store to photographers gallery to the old and tall buildings. Plan your visit according to the whole vacation period, you would require a few hours to spend here. Various kinds of tours are available online so you need to choose wisely.
Visiting Hours: you can visit anytime, morning to afternoons is the perfect time to check out the place.
Charges: one of the budgeted destinations, no charges
Conclusion
What more can you expect from a vacation? Albuquerque has given the mind-blowing experience to each of the tourists. The recreational activities for kids, glorious history, mysterious fun and a lot more that you can’t wait for.
Here is a TIP# Choose at least 4-5 activities from each variety of fun, you are bound to stumble upon a great budget and even you can cut cost.
Which activities did you love most? Have you been to Albuquerque? What are the best things to do in Albuquerque?
If you want us any part to be written in detail then do let us know.
Do you want details about any specific part? Ready to solve your doubts, share your experiences in the comments sections
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