Q: Do you know of any discount cupons to ride the tram. I want to take my family but with all of us it will be quite pricey?
A: Admittedly, that is a tough one. I don't know of any coupons, but children under five are always free at the tram. If you have a friend with kids who is willing to help you out, here's a suggestion. Designate an adult in charge and have the other adult drive up to the top of the mountain to meet you.  
Q: I have a 4 year old and an 8 month old. I was wondering if there are any cool places to take both of them where they can play indoors (without it costing an arm and a leg) (other than ABQJUMP).
A: You have your hands full with a 4 year old and an 8 month old, so I'll try to give you the best options for you and the kids.

Both the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and the Explora Science Center offer great experiences for both those ages. Explora has a toddler/crawly room where your younger child can play with balls and books and crawl if that's happening already. It's a wonderful place for Mom to get off her feet as well. Just outside that area are some great play places for your four year old. The bubbles area always captivates, and even though it isn't technically indoors, the upstairs at Explora has a run around/building area where kids can make their own log cabin. Downstairs the 4 year old can play with a marble run while you and the baby watch the marbles run on the Rube Goldberg device. There is also a table/puzzle activity area in the back of the Optics area of Explora that are fun.

The NM Museum of Natural History has a fun hands-on room called the Naturalist Center, where both your children should be happy. There is a similar room at the Rio Grande Nature Center, where you can also sit in the observation room and watch the ducks and turtles and hummingbirds. There is a lot to see outside, but the indoor exhibits are a lot of fun, and for this age, their discovery room is perfect. Those are both good options.

And another good indoor place is the Golfernoggins on Lomas. There is a great crawly/baby and toddler area where the younger one can play while the four year old plays golf. Multiple games are at a discount, so the whole thing doesn't cost too much.

Since you are a mom of multiples (!) I have to assume you know all the tricks that go along with more than one child....which is to have a spouse or a friend along so the multiple ages can be accomodated. I wish you best of luck, and please, let us know how you fared!
Q: Hi. I was wondering about a good place to stay for a family of 10, we have 2 adults, 2 children and 6 teens so we were looking at maybe a house or condo. I appreciate any help that you can give me.
A: Although I have never booked a place to stay in Albuquerque, I have in other places, through VRBO, Vacation Rental by Owner. It is, like Trip Advisor, a good place to see what places are like via feedback from people who have stayed. There are often (though not always) pictures of the condo/home so you get an idea of what the place is like. There is also usually a calendar that shows availability, and the cost per night or week.

I know you'll enjoy your stay in Albuquerque. It has a lot to offer families and has options for teens. 
Q: I was wondering, if the new water park is more directed towards little kids or if older kids and teenagers would enjoy this place. Thanks!
A: The new water park has a lot of features that can best be described as all ages. Older kids love it, and there should be enough features to appeal to teens. The wave rider is like surfing, perfect for older kids and teens. The lazy river seems to appeal to teens who like to ride inner tubes. The basketball hoops and waterslide were both busy with older kids and teens the day I was there. In addition to the water features, there is an arcade with tons of games. When I was there, it was with a group of older boys who had a great time. According to the Radisson website, they will be opening for the summer on June 14th, at which time day passes will become available.

If you decide to go, I hope you enjoy your time!
Q: I will be travelling to ABQ in July with my daughter to visit her Air Force boyfriend. What would be the best area to stay that would be convenient to the base as well as within walking distance or easy driving to other entertainment/shopping/culture?
A: Although Kirtland Air Force Base isn't in the center of things, it's a short drive to several of the city's main areas for entertainment and shopping. You can choose to stay at one of the midtown hotels, such as the Albuquerque Marriott, which is within walking distance or a short drive to both the base and shopping at Albuquerque's Uptown shops. The Sheraton is nearby as well. Or you might decide that visiting the Old Town area is what you want to do most. Stay at the Hotel Albuquerque or Best Western Rio Grande, both of which are within walking distance of Old Town and a short drive to the base. The base is also close to the airport, where there are a large number of hotels, but which are further from the uptown and Old Town areas.

You also might try looking at our interactive lodiging map to get a good idea of where everything is in relation to the base. I hope you enjoy your visit to Albuquerque this summer! Good luck to you and your daughter.
Q: This summer i wanted to see if there are any free programs at any museums or other places for children just a few hours
A: There are lots of opportunities to take the kids to free programs this summer. I hope you can make it to several. There are concert band nights on Wednesdays and Summerfest concerts on Saturdays. 

At the Albuquerque Museum of Art & History, there are free Saturday afternoon art workshops from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., with paid admission to the museum. The kids get to work on projects related to the museum exhibits. Another museum that is free of charge completely and inspires interest in local culture and history is the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology at the University of New Mexico. Check their website for upcoming events, such as bread baking demonstrations in the horno (oven).

In the summer in Old Town, there are free activities Wednesdays through Sundays.  Each night there is local musical entertainment and fun for the kids. On Sunday afternoons in Old Town, there are gunfight re-enactments that kids love to watch.

To enjoy the great outdoors while in town, consider a drive to the Sandia Crest, a hike at Petroglyph monument or along the Foothills trail, and a bit of time at the Rio Grande Nature Center. Tingley Beach offers great fun at its fishing ponds, and kids 12 and under are not required to purchase a license. There are walking trails there along the river.

I hope your family enjoys your visit to Albuquerque!
Q: We read about the bike trail along the river. We hope to find a shop that rents bikes that has a larger choice than the 12 mountain bikes for rent at Tingley Beach. We need cruisers, kids' bikes, and a tagalong somewhere near the trail. Can you help us?
A: What a great way to spend time in Albuquerque, biking along the river! There is another option for your bike rental needs: Active Knowledge Trips & Tours, located in Nob Hill- they offer customized tours, are really easy to work with and are your best bet for finding all you are looking for.  The bike shop at Tingley opens Memorial Weekend.
Q: Our two year old grand-daughter lives near Albuquerque and we want to come to take her for the weekend. What activities would you suggest for that age group? Any particular hotels that would be good for that age?
A: For the active toddler, Albuquerque has a LOT to offer. It's a lot of fun to take young ones on the train from the zoo to Tingley Beach (you could go fishing) to the aquarium and botanic gardens. While at the gardens, be sure to take your granddaughter in to see the wonderful, magical and enormous world of the Fantasy Garden, where a dragon greets you at the door, and she can slide down the inside of a "tree." Other good options are the Natural History Museum, where she has to visit the Hands On Room, and see snakes, spiders, and lots of other objects that she can touch, smell and marvel over. Across the street is Explora, a museum dedicated to kids who love to run, explore and create. Two year olds love the Rube Goldberg device at the entryway, and can spend hours at the mable run and the pvc tube building area, where fantasy houses go up in a flash. There is a special room just for toddlers where grandparents can sit and read a story for a few minutes of quiet time.

And kids this age adore places like ABQ Jump, where they can frolic on air-filled structures that let them bounce, slide and bump through some exciting play. Taking the Sandia Tramway to the top of the mountain is fun, but you know your two year old best. Some like to ride high in the sky, and some don't until they're older. And if your granddaughter loves animals, you can make an appointment to take her to the north valley to see the alpacas. There is something completely magical about these animals, and kids are often encouraged to feed these cute, fuzzy beings. If it's a rainy day, don't rule out the indoor amusement spots. I highly recommend Golfernoggins, where kids this young can try their hand at putt putt without feeling rushed.
Q: Can we make reservations for the Sandia Tramway? We (2 adults) are coming for Balloon Fiesta 2009 and wonder whether the Tramway will be too crowded during that time. Also, is the Botanic Garden pretty in October? Thanks.
A: How wonderful that you are visiting Albuquerque during Balloon Fiesta! You've picked a marvelous time of year when Albuquerque is cool and beautiful. Enjoy seeing the wonders of the International Balloon Fiesta, and everything else Albuquerque has to offer.

You wondered if the Sandia Tramway might be too crowded during the Fiesta. Don't let the crowds deter you. The Tramway stays open an extra hour during the Fiesta, and you might consider taking one of the late night "flights" and take in dinner at the top of the tram while you're at it, or at the base of the tram at Santiago's (just be sure and make dinner reservations beforehand). Another option is to get there in the morning before the balloon festivities are over; Sandia Peak unfortunately does not accept reservations for tram flights, so that may be your best bet. The early morning hours just after Balloon Fiesta launch are most likely to be crowded, and just around sunset, so you might avoid those times.

The Botanic Gardens are beautiful year round. Although the roses are no longer in bloom, there are the Japanese Gardens and the Heritage Farm, which is a living history farm, depicting Albuquerque's agricultural roots.

During October, the Botanic Gardens features a Harvest Festival October 3 and 4th if you happen to be in town during those dates. It's a wonderful festival where you can have hand pressed apple cider, and see the farm garden's harvest. There will be docents on hand to answer questions, and old-time musicians. And the gardens will feature a "Flowers of Fall" show while you're in town. See blooming fall flowers such as chrysanthemums, and other harvest season blooms from yellow to maroon.

Have fun during your visit!
Q: We are coming to Albuquerque for a wedding this summer. We are flying in from Oregon with our three kids and I’m wondering how transportation will work for the five of us. Can we rely on the public transportation? Or should we plan on renting a car?
A: I always recommend that people rent a car when they come to Albuquerque. However Albuquerque does have a variety of public transportation options—you can catch a ride on the buses that service most parts of the city (see http://www.cabq.gov/transit for detailed schedule information), call a cab or ride the Rail Runner, a commuter rail that runs south to Belen and north to Santa Fe (www.nmrailrunner.com). Especially with a family of five, renting a car will save you a lot of time and energy and will allow you to get the most out of your trip. Safe travels! 
Q: My family is planning on visiting ABQ this summer. My kids are 15, 18 and 21, and are not too into the arts and cultural sight-seeing that my husband and I have planned. What else can I tell them there is to do when we come?
A:
Teens! Oh boy, I can’t wait! My son Noah is only 11, so I’m not quite there yet.  Don’t worry, though, Albuquerque is full of lots of great options for all ages.  I recommend one or all of the following: 
Good luck and safe travels! 

Q: What can we do to entertain three little ones under the age of five in Albuquerque?
A:
Three under the age of 5?! You are my hero! There are plenty of things to do in Albuquerque to keep your little ones busy.  I recommend going to: 
  • Explora, a great hands-on science learning center for children of all ages (www.explora.us). 
  • The Albuquerque BioPark (www.cabq.gov/biopark) which consist of the Albuquerque Aquarium, Rio Grande Botanic Garden, Rio Grande Zoo and Tingley Beach.  The park features one of the leading zoos in the nation, a 285-gallon shark tank, a 10,000 sq. ft. conservatory, a Japanese and children Fantasy Garden, a Heritage Farm, and much more.  The kinds can ride a train through the park, try fishing at Tingley Beach, or explore a garden full of six-foot tall veggies! 
  • Cliffs Amusement Park, a fantastic park that includes family rides, a kiddieland and water rides like the Water Monkeys Adventure—perfect for a hot summer day (www.cliffs.net).  
Hopefully that works to tire them out—good luck! 

Q: We have six kids and not a lot of money, but we’re hoping to drive up to ABQ for a quick trip. We are looking for cheap - free if possible – things to do when we come. Any ideas?
A: Saving money is a high priority for just about everyone these days. Luckily, Albuquerque was recently ranked as a top affordable destination by AAA so we’re a great choice for families traveling on a budget. Go to www.affordable.itsatrip.org for a fantastic resource on everything in the ABQ.  You’ll find information on affordable trip packages and suggestions for cheap/free things to do while you are here. 
Q: Can you recommend an affordable, centrally-located, family-friendly hotel? My kids love to swim so a pool is a must.
A: Hi there! Albuquerque has so many options it’s hard to recommend just one.  Go to: www.itsatrip.org/lodging to search Albuquerque’s hotels--you can sort the result by price, location and pool so you’re sure to find the right place for you and your family. 
Q: Hi! Looking for activities that are accessible and slightly quieter for two blind and autistic children aged six and three yrs! Quite a task I know!!! Willing to drive considerable distance!
A: Thanks so much for contacting us about places to visit in Albuquerque with your children. Albuquerque has a great number of places that would be fun for your kids.

A couple of places spring to mind. If you haven't made it to the Rio Grande Nature Center yet, give it a try. You'll enjoy watching (listening to) the pond from the large plate glass window indoors, where the birds and many other creatures are piped in over a mike system, and it's quite soothing. There is an interpretive center as well as a hands on activities room that will keep your kids busy. The activities room has puppets, and a lot of touching activities. Then if you care to take a walk outdoors, there is a calm nature trail that includes in a garden that smells wonderful when in season. On a nice day, it can't be beat. The center is accessible, and the pace shouldn't overwhelm the kids.

There is also a lot to be said for Explora, which is quiet when there aren't schoolgroups around, so call first to find out how busy it will be. Go early in the morning, and I suggest you call first and tell them your limitations, because the staff will have some great ideas for you. Ask for Ellen! The water labs are very fun for kids to explore and touch, and quite soothing. So are the bubbles, which are fascinating, and most kids can spend large amounts of time there; something that can be done by touch, and there is an area for cleanup. They also have a quiet room for young ones like yours, where the kids can roll balls down a bridge/hill, or sit and read a book. There is an expanded toddler area that the kids can explore to build structures or investigate natural phenomenon, such as blowing air.

And the Natural History Museum has a great interactive room that lets the kids explore hands on. It is not overwhelming as long as there aren't a lot of school groups there when you visit. The museum itself can also be soothing because the spaces are large and there are a number of hands on touching exhibits.

You also might want to try the aquarium, finding out ahead if there is a touchpool docent likely to be on hand. The creatures can be picked up and the docent explains what's going on, what creatures are there, etc. There are lots of sounds of swishing water and if you go with a docent to help guide you, you'll get a lot out of your visit.

Q: Do you know of any new just built motels in Albuquerque that have opened recently or will open soon?
A:
The hotels below are new, or have new features:
  • Hotel Andaluz
  • Hotel Parq Central
  • Albuquerque Grand Airport Hotel
  • Radisson Hotel and Water Park Albuquerque
 
For more info, check out the latest Hotel News 
Q: I've started a singing/dancing children's performing group in Alb.called Sunshine Generation and I'm looking for opportunities to perform here as a service. I'd like to get out in the community/events where a lot of families/children would be attending.
A: I had the good fortune to see the Sunshine Generation perform at the New Mexico State Fair once. The kids were enthusiastic and talented. So you are already doing some great things, and connecting with the right organizations, which will help your organization get the word out. Since you performed at the River of Lights last year, have you considered the other local seasonal attraction, the Bugg Lights? They also have groups perform at their nightly offerings. I have two other suggestions. First that you consider aligning your group with a local charity, such as Best Buddies of New Mexico or the Carrie Tingley Foundation. By setting up regular performances with these groups, you have a target audience and you can work together to cross promote. You could also contact the Albuquerque Public Schools Arts program and see if you could introduce them to what your group has to offer. If you struck a memorandum of understanding with them you might be able to provide your arts program to their students after hours and weekends while they might provide space and infrastructure. Best of luck to you and your performing students. I'm sure you'll be spreading their sunshine for years to come. Keep us posted!
Q: Where are some baby friendly places that they can safely crawl and move around at their own speed. Also, what restaurants and places that are baby and stroller friendly too? We are planning to visit March 20-25
A: Baby & Stroller Friendly Restaurant:  
If you're looking for a local restaurant that has New Mexican food and a great local atmosphere, you could try El Pinto. If the weather is fine, the outdoor patio is a fabulous place for small children, and it is a beautiful place to sit and spend some time.

For baby friendly places where kids can crawl around at their own speed, you might try the following:

For indoor options, start with Explora, where the wee ones can push marbles down tubes, wander the toddler room while you relax in a cushy chair, and build PVC tube houses. Explora is a hands on place where your children will wear themselves out. If you're looking for something special, try Albuquerque Jump, a fun place where kids can sit in an inflatable throne and run/toddle to their hearts content, within the safe confines of an inflatable world.

For outdoor exploring, you could do no better than trying the BioPark. The zoo offers ample space for little ones to run and play, and if you bring a wagon or rent one, by all means take a picnic lunch or dinner and settle down on the spacious lawn to enjoy it. There are trees and lots of other children. We spend hours there when we go. The Botanic Garden and Aquarium are close together, and again, small children can roam freely and enjoy the sights and sounds. While at the Botanic Garden, don't miss the Fantasy Garden, and be sure to stop by and feed the animals at the Heritage Farm. The BioPark offers a multiple destination ticket that is a great way to see all three places on a budget. In addition, you can opt to take the train between locations, so your kids will remember the trip for the rest of their lives. Is there any better way to transport a child?

Two other places that are fun for young ones to wander are the Rio Grande Nature Center, where kids can safely see a pond full of ducks, turtles and other creatures, from the safety of a view room. Afterwards, there are marked trails where the kids can explore. And the Coronado State Monument offers you a chance to learn about the ancient native cultures that were once here, while the kids explore with you. Step down into a kiva room or wander around the adobe village, then read about the way people once lived along the river. 
Q: what are some things to do
A: Thanks for contacting us in Albuquerque. Great question. When it comes to kids and Albuquerque, there are lots of things to do! For kids who love the outdoors and active fun, there are hikes to special places such as the Petroglyph Monument, or the trails along the Rio Grande bosque. Stop in at the Open Space visitor center first to learn why the area is so unique. Or hike along the Sandia Crest trail and see the city below. There's always Tingley Beach, too, where kids can rent a bike and take to the trails, or go fishing. Want to learn how to fish? And there are indoor places for fun too, for bowling, miniature golfing, ice skating and rock climbing.

Or there are fun indoor spaces as well for the days when kids are less active. The Albuquerque Museum has art and a sculpture garden, or visit the museums near Old Town, where Explora offers lots of hands on fun while learning about science. Blow a huge bubble or two! You won't even realize you're learning about surface tension! Or see the dinosaurs that once roamed New Mexico at the Natural History Museum. Visit the Rattlesnake Museum in Old Town, where there are more snakes under one roof than any other museum in the world. While you're there, check out Old Town, where you can see a bit of living history. Old Town is built with a square that hosts dancers and musicians some nights, and plenty of shops and even an ice cream cone or two.

If you have time to travel a bit out of town and decide to spend time at the Sandia Crest, be sure to stop by Tinkertown, a kid's paradise. It's open starting in April. Then it isn't far to visit the old mining town of Madrid, which is on the road to Santa Fe.

Depending on your interests, the time of year, and of course, the weather, you can always find something fun for kids to do in Albuquerque! 
Q: I work with high schools students in Texas and we are planning a trip to Albuquerque during July. Do you have any suggestion for us that may be free or relatively low cost for a school group?
A: Sounds like a fun trip! You'll find there are plenty of things to do in Albuquerque in July, and that being on a budget doesn't limit you that much. If you'll be traveling in your own bus, I'd suggest you take the Sandia Crest trail and drive to the top of the Sandias. The kids and guides will enjoy seeing the city with a from the "top of the world" perspective. While at the top, you can see the city through viewfinders and take a hike along the Crest trail, provided everyone wears good shoes and brings a water bottle.

And you won't want to miss seeing Old Town, where everyone can walk around and enjoy seeing the shops. On weekend nights, Old Town has music for you to enjoy. Stroll around in the afternoon and spend time listening to music and dancing from 6 - 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursdays, from 6-9 p.m. Every Friday, Old Town offers a themed Block Party, from about noon on through to about 9 p.m. On Saturdays, there will be mariachis for your listening pleasure, all day and all evening, a perfect accompaniment to the Old Town scene. On Sundays fro 1 - 9:30, enjoy theatrical gunfights and entertainment, live music and dance. Check the Old Town, New Fun website for details. 

Every summer Albuquerque puts on a wonderful and fun event called Summerfest. From 7 to 10:30 p.m., your high schoolers can enjoy the best in music, food and entertainment. Best of all for them, they can dance.

Depending on where you're from in Texas, you might want to take the kids to the Open Space Visitor Center, which has free admission, and provides interpretive exhibits about the area around the river. Then you could walk on one of the trails nearby and enjoy the woods and see the Rio Grande. From there, it's a short drive over to Corrales, which is a wonderful place to visit for small shops, a slice of pizza and a cup of cappuccino. Corrales has art galleries, and some of your students might enjoy that.

Hope that's enough to get you started on your sightseeing tour. For low cost admission venues, don't miss out on the museums near Old Town, such as Explora and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History. They both offer reduced group rates as long as you call ahead to book your tour. The Albuquerque Art Museum is also nearby. And another low cost venue which is spectacular is the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum.

Good luck, and have fun!
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