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Family Fun
Albuquerque Biological Park: Aquarium and Botanic Garden
Open Tues-Sun 9am-5pm (June-Aug Sat-Sun 9am-6pm)
2601 Central Ave. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
505/764-6200
Admission charged.
Closed Mon, Jan 1, Thanksgiving, and Dec 25
The self-guided aquarium tour begins with a 9-minute film that describes the course of the Rio Grande River from its point of origin to the Gulf Coast. Next is the touch pool, where at certain times of day children can gently touch hermit crabs and starfish. Then, pass by a replica of a salt marsh, where a gentle tidal wave moves in and out, and explore the eel tank, an arched aquarium you can actually walk through. There's a colorful coral-reef exhibit, as well as the culminating show, in a 285,000-gallon shark tank, where many species of fish and 15 to 20 sand-tiger, brown, and nurse sharks swim.
Within a state-of-the-art 10,000-square-foot conservatory, is the two-part botanical garden. The lower section represents the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts, including unique species from Baja California. The larger pavilion exhibits the Mediterranean collection and includes many exotic species native to the Mediterranean climates of southern California, South Africa, Australia, and the Mediterranean Basin. Allow at least 2 hours to see both parks. There is a restaurant on the premises.
American International Rattlesnake Museum
202 San Felipe St. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
505/242-6569
Daily 10am-6pm
Admission charged.
This one-of-a-kind museum, located just off Old Town Plaza, has living specimens of common, uncommon, and very rare rattlesnakes of North, Central, and South America in naturally landscaped habitats. More than 30 species can be seen, followed by a 7-minute film on this contributor to the ecological balance of our hemisphere. Throughout the museum are rattlesnake artifacts from early American history, Native American culture, medicine, the arts, and advertising.
Explora Science Center and Children's Museum of Albuquerque
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-6pm
1701 Mountain Rd
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 224-8300
Admission Charged.
An interactive learning center. As a center for lifelong learning, Explora houses scientific exhibits for visitors of all ages on topics such as water, the Rio Grande, light and optics, biological perception, and energy. It features exhibits utilizing technology that is accessible to the public and exhibits that engage visitors in creating many forms of art.
Rio Grande Zoological Park
Hours
Daily 9am-4:30pm (6pm summer weekends)
903 10th St. SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505/764-6200
Admission charged.
Closed Jan 1, Thanksgiving, Dec 25
Seal and sea lion feeding at 10:30am and 3:30pm daily
More than 1,200 animals from 300 species live on 60 acres of riverside bosque trees among ancient cottonwoods. Open-moat exhibits with animals in their natural habitats. Major exhibits include polar bears, giraffes, sea lions (with underwater viewing), the cat walk, the bird show, and ape country, with gorillas and orangutans. The zoo has an especially fine collection of elephants, mountain lions, koalas, reptiles, and native Southwestern species. A children's petting zoo is open during the summer.. Check for times of the summer Zoo Music Concert Series.
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