FAMILY FUN
Albuquerque offers an abundance of family-oriented activities that encourage discovery and make learning fun.
Albuquerque Biological Park
The BioPark consists of three separate facilities, the Rio Grande
Zoological Park, the Albuquerque Aquarium and the Rio Grande Botanic
Garden plus Tingley Beach.
(505) 764-6200 TTY (505) 764-6297
www.cabq.gov/biopark
The ABQ BioPark - Zoo sits on more than 60 acres just blocks
from Old Town and downtown Albuquerque. The Rio Grande Zoo has become
one of the leading zoos in the nation. Modern zoo medicine,
scientifically researched diets, naturalized habitats and specialized
animal management techniques have helped transform the zoo into an oasis
for both exotic and native species. In keeping with its mission of
wildlife preservation, conservation and education, the zoo has
established captive breeding programs for a number of threatened and
endangered species. In addition to a top-notch education program and
year round classes, the zoo also offers a summer concert series.
At the ABQ BioPark - Aquarium, visitors follow the story of a
drop of water as it enters the upper Rio Grande high in the San Juan
Mountains of Colorado, past canyons, deserts and valleys of New Mexico,
Texas and Mexico, through the lower Rio Grande and finally into the Gulf
of Mexico. A 285,000 gallon shark tank with floor to ceiling viewing
windows is the home of many large Gulf sharks. An eel cave gives
visitors the opportunity to see moray eels and a tidal pool demonstrates
the effects of the tide on beaches and the animals that live just below
the surface.
The ABQ BioPark - Botanic Garden covers 36 developed acres
including a 10,000 square foot glass conservatory. The conservatory is
divided into two wings - a Desert Pavilion that displays plants from the
Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts and a Mediterranean Pavilion with plants
from Mediterranean climates around the world. The Botanic Garden is
home to several specialty gardens, an herb garden, the Spanish/Moorish
Court, a ceremonial rose garden and a demonstration garden. There is
also the award-winning Rio Grande Heritage Farm, the new Sasebo Japanese
Garden and the seasonal PNM Butterfly Pavilion featuring hundreds of
free-flying North American butterflies and moths.
ABQ BioPark - Tingley Beach features three fishing lakes, a model boating
pond and a train station with gift shop and food service. During the
summer, Tingley visitors can rent pedal boats and bicycles. Tingley
Beach is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year and is free
to the general public.
Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway & Ski Area
The
world's longest double reversible bi-cable aerial tramway, a glorious
mountain setting and a varied recreational playground come together to
make a marvelous getaway anytime of the year. The Sandia Peak Tram
travels 2.7 miles from the base of the foothills northeast of
Albuquerque to the top of the 10,378-foot Sandia Peak. From the lower
terminal, the tramcar travels suspended over rugged boulders and rocky
mountain landscapes, and the city drops beneath you as you glide over
the lush ponderosa forest. The view from Sandia Peak encompasses more
than 11,000 square miles on a clear day. The view is one of deep rugged
canyons, extinct volcanoes, distant mountains, unusual formations carved
by erosion and a sensational desert landscape. At the top of the peak
riders can enjoy a meal at the High Finance Restaurant and then ride the
tram down, ski down the other side of the mountain on snow-covered
slopes in the winter/spring seasons, or ride the primary chairlift at
Sandia Peak Ski Area in the summer and fall. (505) 856-7325
http://www.sandiapeak.com/
AMUSEMENT PARKS