Top 10 Things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico (NM)

(Holiday hours are at end of description). Explora is an innovative learning place, part science center, part children's museum, providing fun, truly hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math for all ages, from toddlers to teens to adults. We have an early childhood learning area, including a special area for toddlers to explore. Children and adults enjoy not only our two main floors of exhibit activities, but outdoor decks with views, giant building blocks, playground patio, and gift shop filled with entertaining and educational items great for at-home or travel fun. We offer preschool, after-school, home school, and early childhood classes; winter, spring, and summer camps; teen & adult events. Near historic Old Town Albuquerque, Explora has free parking and is perfectly situated to walk to nearby park, shops, restaurants. We close Jan. 1, July 4, the week after labor day, Thanksgiving, & Dec. 25. We close at 2pm Dec. 24 & 31. Admission range $6-$10.

Up to 15,000 petroglyphs or prehistoric rock art images have been found on the West Mesa volcanic escarpment, located along a 17-mile canyon outside of Albuquerque.

Ride to new heights on North America's longest aerial tram ride. Sandia Peak Tram takes visitors 2.7 miles or 10,378 ft up the Sandia Mountains. Breath in the fresh mountain air and enjoy breathtaking views of over 11,000 square miles of New Mexico.

Re-opening April 8, 2021. See website and purchase tickets before visiting. https://indianpueblo.org/welcome IPCC was founded in 1976 and is jointly owned and operated by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. Located in the historic Albuquerque Indian School District just minutes from Downtown and Old Town Albuquerque, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a world-class museum and cultural center created to be a place where we, Pueblo people, can tell our story. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the only place in North America to host traditional Native American dances every weekend year round and also offers an exciting schedule of cultural and community activities, including rotating museum exhibits, events with Native American artists, hands-on children’s programs & art festivals. Visitors can also experience the award-winning Native Sourced, Pueblo Inspired cuisine of Pueblo Harvest and shop at the Indian Pueblo Store, a trusted destination for authentic handcrafted Native American art.

The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is the New Mexico’s only congressionally chartered museum in its field and a Smithsonian affiliate. Visitors can explore how nuclear science continues to influence our world. The museum strives to present, through permanent and changing exhibits and displays, the diverse applications of nuclear energy in the past, present and future along with the stories of the field’s pioneers. Originally known as the National Atomic Museum, it was 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.

Imagine over 500 colorful hot air balloons rising up at dawn over the New Mexico landscape… there's truly nothing like it, and the place to experience it is each October at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Spectators and balloon pilots from all over the world gather (some even camping in their RVs) to watch mass ascensions held in the mornings and night events like a 'glowdeo' held in the evening. Music stages are set up during the day and performers stroll through the festival crowds. Every year the Balloon Fiesta kicks off on the first Saturday of October and continues for nine days.

Experience the beauty and charm of Old Town Albuquerque! Founded in 1706, Old Town centers around the Plaza and San Felipe de Neri Church, built in 1793. Surrounding historic homes and buildings have been renovated into today’s shops, galleries and restaurants. Stroll the Plaza, dine at great restaurants, stay at a bed & breakfast or nearby hotels, take a bicycle or trolley tour, visit museums and shop at retail shops and galleries for handmade gifts. Hidden patios, winding brick paths, gardens and fountains await your discovery. Wrought iron benches and adobe bancos welcome you to relax in the shade or enjoy our wonderful New Mexico sunshine. Savor traditional New Mexican dishes prepared with red and green chile, great steaks, and even classic country French cuisine. Old Town is located south of Interstate 40 (take Rio Grande Blvd. at exit 157 and head south).