New Mexico is a state full of amazing opportunities for the whole family to have fun. Breathtaking landscapes, super-interesting kid-friendly museums, a great variety of indoor and outdoor places, and so much more to explore.
From adventurous activities surrounded by the most magical nature to fun facilities for all ages, here’s a curated list of the most popular and exciting places for kids in and around Albuquerque. Each option offers a unique experience that caters to family fun. Enjoy exploring these fantastic venues!
Top 45+ Places to Visit With Kids in Albuquerque
1
Cliff's Amusement Park
An outdoor amusement park where you will have fun for hours and hours! It features more than 23 different rides for every member of the family to have fun. Cliff-s is also home to WaterMania, an amazing water park that everyone will love, filled with fun things to do with kids!2
ABQ BioPark Aquarium
Looking for weekend plans with children in Albuquerque? Go to ABQ BioPark Aquarium. Immerse yourself in an amazing experience seeing and learning about aquatic animals like sharks, turtles, lobsters, and more! This is an amazing idea to spend the day with the family.3
Monroe's
Come to Monroe’s for a fantastic experience with family and kids! Enjoy New Mexican food, burgers, ‘’gringo’’ food, breakfast, house specialties and more! Children can try the great kids’ menu, and everyone will have a nice time!4
International Balloon Museum
Believe it or not, this is one of the premier places for kids in Albuquerque! Discover history, art, science and the sport of ballooning at the International Balloon Museum! You will find many interactive exhibitions and educational programs for the family to enjoy!5
White Sands National Monument
Planning outdoor adventures for families? Check out the White Sands National Monument. Enjoy the magical views of the gypsum sand, and see some flora and fauna of the place. You can take a stroller-friendly trail and behold the wonderful scenery.6
Alameda Park Zoo
Filled with top family-friendly attractions, the Alameda Park Zoo is a fantastic option for places to visit with kids in Albuquerque. Have a picnic, enjoy the education center, the playground, and see more than 300 animals and 90 different species! There are many audio, visual and tactical experiences for the whole family to enjoy!7
West Mesa Aquatic Center
There are plenty of fun things to do with kids at West Mesa Aquatic Center! From an Olympic pool with a movable floor to adjust for different activities to an indoor recreational pool with an amazing water slide! The whole family will have so much fun playing in the different pools or just relaxing! There’s also an outdoor pool with two water slides.8
Museum of Natural History and Science
At the Museum of Natural History and Science, kids will learn about dinosaurs, New Mexico’s wildlife, and so much more through amazing exhibits. They will also be able to visit the Planetarium and see incredible events in space and the universe! If this is not enough, the Dynatheater shows 3D educational movies for kids to enjoy while they learn something new! Both children and adults will enjoy the Museum of Natural History and Science.9
ABQ BioPark Zoo
This is one of the best places for kids in Albuquerque. The entire family will really enjoy a visit to the ABQ BioPark Zoo! You will see animals in their environment as you learn about them, thanks to the incredible exhibits! From elephants to penguins, you will find many interesting animals and see how well they are cared for!10
Cool Springz
Is there anything better than spending the day jumping on trampolines? Yes. Spend the day jumping on trampolines, playing laser tag, trying a virtual reality simulator, climbing walls and much more. There are plenty of indoor activities for children at Cool Springz!11
Tingley Beach
Tingley Beach is one of the hidden gems for families in Albuquerque. Spend a fun family day enjoying a picnic by the coast, boating and free fishing areas in the beautiful fishing ponds! There are paths for walking and running, plus amazing wildlife to watch.12
Range Cafe
This local favorite since 1992 features great options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week! The menu for kids offers many great options as well, so everyone will be happy and with a full stomach!13
Spring River Zoo
Another unique place to visit with kids near Albuquerque is the Spring River Zoo. Connect with our amazing planet right here! Learn all about the amazing animals and plants in the zoo, have hours of fun in the great attractions, and enjoy a nice family day in the open air!14
66 Diner
The entire family will love visiting this place! From amazing shakes and food to the 50’s style, a nice and different lunch or dinner is guaranteed! Don’t miss the chance to experience this place.15
Carlsbad Caverns
Carlsbad Caverns offers a wealth of outdoor adventures for families. You’ll be amazed at this astonishing place! Having these marvelous caves as a background for your memories cannot get any better! You will also be able to see some desert wildlife, flowering cactus and more!16
Explora Science Center
The Explora Science Center provides fun for all ages with many hands-on activities and exhibits. Featuring the Children’s Museums, you will find classes for children, including the robotics club, engineering and physics science club, and so much more! Every member of the family is welcome to enjoy a day and to learn something new.17
Outpost Ice Arenas
Nothing better to get into Winter’s mood than an ice-skating day! Visitors can skate on four connected rinks at once, making it the perfect place for family fun in Albuquerque. Check the skating classes schedule if you are interested in learning some tricks!18
Stone Age Climbing Gym
All guests, kids and adults, will enjoy this venue! You can choose to spend a fun day or to celebrate a party. Stone Age has tons of indoor activities for children, such as climbing classes, camps, youth climbing programs, and more!19
The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History
Interested in the story of the Atomic Age? Learn about the early research of nuclear development and the uses of nuclear technology today. Everything you need to know about the past, present and future of nuclear science is here! Enjoy the many exhibits presented, and discover something new every time you visit!20
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Discover the history, culture, and art of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. You will find thousands of artifacts and works of art, rotating exhibits, and a library with archives with books related to the 19 Pueblos and other Southwest tribes. This is truly a great place to learn about the Southwest's past!21
Rainbow Ryders
You will be living a thrilling experience with the entire family at the premier hot air balloon ride company in the Southwest! And, of course, you'd better take some pictures to remember this wonderful experience! Amazing backgrounds and breathtaking views will make this the best family experience ever! Rainbow Ryders is truly one of the hidden gems for families in Albuquerque.22
ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
Learn everything about native New Mexico plant species as you wander through breathtaking gardens and exhibits, including the Desert Conservatory, the Mediterranean Conservatory, Camino de Flores and so much more! Fall in love with New Mexico’s nature at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden!23
Petroglyph National Monument
Experience the joy of visiting one of Albuquerque's most unique places for kids! It features designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400 to 700 years ago. Spend the day with the entire family and admire this valuable record of cultural expression!24
Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
Spend a family day connecting with nature! You will see and learn about the plants and animal life of the Chihuahuan Desert region! From snakes to birds of prey and elk, you will see many amazing species! You’ll be surprised to find this as one of the hidden gems for families in Albuquerque.25
New Mexico Museum of Space History
Is your kid into space? Then the New Mexico Museum of Space History is the perfect place to visit! Kids will learn about rockets, missiles and space technology. From rocket experiments exhibitions to a mock-up of the International Space Station, there’s plenty to see and enjoy!26
Hinkle Family Fun Center
Looking for fun things to do with kids in Albuquerque? Look no further than Hinkle Family Fun Center! Enjoy mini golf, a Go-Kart track, rock climbing, laser tag, bungee jump trampolines, and so much more! If you are planning to celebrate a birthday party here, you will also have many options to choose from.27
Albuquerque Museum
Looking for an educational destination for the kids in Albuquerque? The Albuquerque Museum offers world-class exhibitions and guided tours. You can also relax at the café, admire the Sculpture Garden, and enjoy much more! It’s Albuquerque’s premier cultural institution! Although they don’t offer free things to do with kids, children under 3 years old enter for no cost.28
Tours of Old Town
Old Town was here 70 years before the United States became a country! On this walking tour, you will discover the streets of one of the oldest towns in North America and learn many interesting historical facts! Be sure to consider it when looking for places for kids in Albuquerque!29
Weck's
Every kid loves something sweet, and this is the right place to visit and try some! Delicious breakfast, lunch, and nice family moments await you and your family at Weck’s! Plus, they’re open all week long, making it a great option for weekend plans with children in Albuquerque!30
Albuquerque Institute of Music
The Albuquerque Institute of Music is another top destination for kids in Albuquerque. If they’re into music and want to participate in music programs, this is the place to be! They welcome students of all ages and experience levels.31
Wildlife West Nature Park
When looking for weekend plans with children in Albuquerque, Wildlife West Nature Park is a fantastic option. Kids love to see animals, and adults will enjoy it too! They offer outdoor activities focused on the local wildlife and flora of New Mexico and the broader Southwestern United States.32
International UFO Museum
The International UFO Museum is a unique destination for families interested in the mysteries of the universe, especially the notorious 1947 Roswell Incident. As a family-friendly attraction in Albuquerque, the museum provides an educational and entertaining experience for children and adults.33
School of Rock Albuquerque
This is a fantastic destination for kids, especially those who are into music. At the School of Rock, they can learn how to play guitar, drums, keyboard, and more. You can also enroll them in summer camps & workshops, and check for events throughout the year.34
Round1 Albuquerque
Round1 Bowling & Arcade is the ultimate entertainment destination, offering a wide variety of fun things to do with kids in Albuquerque. This venue features bowling, an arcade, karaoke, a kids' play zone, billiards, ping-pong, and pickleball, making it a perfect spot for family outings.35
Jungle Jam
Jungle Jam is perhaps one of the most fun places for kids in Albuquerque. With indoor activities like trampolines and a dedicated toddler area, the fun never ends here. Jungle Jam is an ideal spot for family outings, birthday parties, or a simple day of fun.36
Main Event Albuquerque
Looking for family-friendly attractions in Albuquerque? Look no further than Main Event! This venue offers an exciting range of activities, including state-of-the-art bowling, gravity ropes, billiards, and an expansive arcade with over 100 games. You'll want to plan a second visit soon!37
Hollywick Farms Alpacas
Planning outdoor adventures for families? Explore Hollywick Farms! This working alpaca farm is dedicated to caring for and managing these lovely animals. Learn about alpaca health, fiber, and daily farm life while enjoying unique experiences with the kids.38
Round1 Albuquerque
Round1 Entertainment in Albuquerque is a state-of-the-art facility that offers fun for the whole family!39
Chatter Paint
With interactive paint rooms and black light sessions, kids can unleash their creativity. You can also host your kids’ birthday party at Chatter Paint. The studio offers different paint packages, including paint wars with paint guns. Be sure to check it out when looking for places for kids in Albuquerque!40
Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology is an excellent educational destination for families. It features a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits, along with engaging educational programs. Best of all, admission is free, making it a fantastic option for free things to do with kids in Albuquerque!41
BUGarium
If your kids love bugs, then the BUGarium is the place to visit with them! Located at the BioPark in Albuquerque, this immersive exhibit showcases a diverse range of insects, arachnids, and other arthropods from around the world. It provides an engaging experience for all ages, so be sure to stop by.42
Elevate Trampoline Park
Elevate Trampoline Park is filled with fun things to do with kids. Featuring trampolines, a ninja course, foam pits, and dodgeball courts, this trampoline park offers an exhilarating experience for all ages. Elevate also hosts birthday parties and special events.43
Urban Air Trampoline Park
Urban Air Adventure Park is one of the best places to visit with kids in Albuquerque. With attractions like trampolines, climbing walls, ziplines, and obstacle courses, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Urban Air focuses on fun and safety, providing a thrilling experience for kids and parents alike.44
Electric Playhouse
This is definitely one of the most amazing things to do in Albuquerque with kids. The Electric Playhouse features a projection-based digital gameplay arena for all ages. It offers immersive, interactive experiences, including games that require no equipment, as well as food and dining options and events for all ages.45
The Murphy Family Splash Pad
Looking for free activities to enjoy with kids near Albuquerque? The Murphy Family Splash Pad is an ideal choice! Featuring a variety of water attractions for both children and adults, it’s the perfect way to beat the summer heat and have fun together as a family.46
Rock 101 NM
This is another of the best things to do in Albuquerque with kids who are interested in music. Rock 101 NM empowers ABQ through music and builds a community of talented and professional musicians by providing exciting and engaging opportunities for students to grow individually and as a team.47
Tinkertown Museum
This charming and whimsical destination is open from April to November, showcasing a delightful collection of handcrafted miniatures and quirky exhibits created by artist Ross Ward. While it's not free, the admission prices are incredibly affordable, making it accessible for families. Tinkertown Museum is truly one of Albuquerque's hidden gems, perfect for a fun and unique family plan!48
Sandia Peak Ski and Tramway
The Sandia Peak Tramway is one of the coolest outdoor adventures for families in Albuquerque. The tramway offers an exhilarating experience, taking visitors on a scenic ride to the crest of the Sandia Mountains. You will be amazed by the breathtaking panoramic views.49
Skidmore's Holiday Bowl
This venue promises an unforgettable experience for all. Enjoy bowling, delicious food, and entertainment all in one place! It’s one of the best bowling alleys in Albuquerque, so it's perfect for families looking for fun things to do with kids. With modern bowling lanes, an arcade, and a full-service bar, the Holiday Bowl is an ideal spot for unforgettable time with the family.Planning a fun family activity can feel overwhelming with so many options available, from trampoline parks to bowling alleys. Balancing your children’s interests with the right venue can be tricky.
However, there are plenty of exciting places to visit with kids in and around Albuquerque. With numerous amazing venues to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot that will delight both you and your children! Enjoy the adventure together!