Family travel destinations attractions and things to do with kids in albuquerque

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Taking kids to Albuquerque can be very educational as well as fun. Albuquerque has the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, historic attractions, Native American Centers, a zoo, an aquarium, a nature center, many outdoor activities, and the Petroglyph National Monument, which can all hold the interest of most children while teaching them a little history.

There is something about a majestic about a mountain and Sandia Mountains, in the Cibola National Forest, are no different. Take the kids for a ride on the tramway, but do not forget to bring a pair of binoculars so they can see the wildlife on the mountainside. Skiing is available during mid-December through mid-March and has a ski school for older kids, a cubby corner for kids 4-6 to learn to ski along with their own lift. Mountain biking is available in the summer with 24 miles of trails and a summer chairlift up the peak to the bike rental area.

Petroglyph National Monument, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science are all historical centers that would be enjoyable and beneficial to children. The Petroglyph National Monument has three walking trails that take the visitors on a journey back thousands of years by the stories chipped on the walls by the hunting parties of the ancients. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center contains arts and crafts from the nineteen pueblos found throughout New Mexico. Be sure to take the kids on the weekend when Indian dances are held. The center has a museum, gift shop and a restaurant. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science tells the story of New Mexico by using eight permanent displays that trace the geological, zoology, botany, and paleontology history of New Mexico from the beginning of the universe to modern day.

The Albuquerque Biological Park is a favorite of children. This is where the Albuquerque Aquarium and the Rio Grande Botanical Garden are found. The Albuquerque Aquarium sends the child on an amazing experience through the marine habitats of the saltwater species of the Gulf of Mexico. This trip is complete with a 285,000-gallon shark tank that houses many sharks as well as brightly colored reef fish and other species aquatic life found in the Gulf. In the botanical garden, take a look at native and exotic plants and watch free flying butterflies and moths enjoying their stay among them.

The Rio Grande Nature Center offers a Nature Discovery Program for children. In this program, children will learn about nature by attending a nature walk where they will collect data, then learn more about it in an indoor setting. Subjects covered include animal homes, snakes, insects, butterflies and moths, and praying mantis. While the Nature Center offers a structured program, children visiting the park do no have to take part in it. The Nature Center also offers 270 acres of cottonwood forest, wetlands, farmland and meadows. There are also nature trails and demonstration gardens.

The Rio Grande Zoo offers 64 acres of animals for kids of all ages. Native and exotic animal such as seals, sea lions, gorillas, orangutans, elephants, polar bears, giraffes, camels, tamarins, koalas, Mexican wolves, mountain lions, monkeys, jaguars, zebras and even rhinoceros are at home here. All these animals are easy to see thanks to state-of-the-art exhibit along with landscaping that creates natural habitats for each of the species in the zoo. The zoo offers free educational programs, camps and workshops.

Maybe the kids would like to be more adventurous. How about taking a mountain bike ride through the Sandia Mountains as a way to get closer to nature while burning off that extra energy that most kids seem to have? Mountain bikes are for rent at the top of the Sandia Peak. Maybe the kids would be interested in seeing the countryside from up above in a hot air balloon. Several companies specializing in hot air balloon rides are found in Albuquerque.

Albuquerque can be interesting and entertaining for kids of all ages and interests. Just allow their imagination to take over and the trip will be great.