Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum: Explore the Explora to Your Mind’s Delight

As the winner of the 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, there’s no question about the stellar attributes of Albuquerque's Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum. Most of Explora's exhibits are tabletop sized to suit the kids, but you don’t have to be a tot to appreciate them. You just have to have a childlike sense of wonder. Interactive exhibits will give you a hands-on experience with a wide variety of subjects. Build a dam or a maze at the water exhibit, experiment with sound, make art out of recycled materials, build a pulley system, or do a chemistry experiment. The Explora Science Center and Children's Museum is suitable for toddlers through adults. Explora is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum
1701 Mountain Road NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 224-8300

National Museum of Nuclear Science and History: Atomic Age

The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History is the place to find out everything there is to know about the Atomic Age, from the early research that led to the development of the atomic bomb to what’s going on today in nuclear research and development. Here you'll learn about nuclear pioneer Madame Curie, view 1950s Cold War-era kitsch, and stroll among vintage planes and missiles. The museum's many interactive exhibits make this a fun trip, even for those who aren’t particularly science-minded. It's a large space, so plan to allow yourself two to three hours to cover the whole thing. The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

National Museum of Nuclear Science and History
601 Eubank Street SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123
(505) 245-2137

American International Rattlesnake Museum: Scary Fun for the Whole Family

Keep your expectations small and go for the kitsch of this funky little museum and you’ll have a good time at Albuquerque's American Internaional Rattlesnake Museum. Over 100 rattlers behind glass and some nature videos in two tiny rooms isn’t exactly the Smithsonian, but hey, what do you expect for a mere $5 admission? The small scale might be just right for kids, who can wander around looking at the scary critters in a minimal amount of time. The gift shop is the focus here, with all kinds of reptile kitsch to take home, like rattlesnake mugs, plastic tarantulas, and oddball t-shirts.

American International Rattlesnake Museum
202 San Felipe St NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 242-6569

Sandia Peak Tramway: The View From the Top

Prepare for a breathtaking view if you take the Sandia Peak Tramway up to the highest point in the Sandia Mountains. At 10,378 feet, you get a gander of an 11,000 square mile panorama, including the surrounding Rio Grande Valley, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the north, some extinct volcano cones to the west, and the vast expanse of desert stretching off into the horizon. It’s the longest passenger tram in the world, at 2.7 miles. At the top, you can walk to different viewing stations, go for a hike, or grab a bite at the restaurant. Admission is $20 for adults, $17 for seniors. Kids’ prices are staggered, ranging from free to $17, depending on their age.

Sandia Peak Tramway
40 Tramway Road NE
Albuquerque, NM 87122
(505) 856-7325

Anodyne: A Hip Albuquerque Bar

As the word implies, Anodyne in Albuquerque offers relief from the gritty reality of the world at large. If you like pool, snooker, pinball and a huge selection of beer from around the world, you'll like Anodyne. It’s the spot to see youngish hipsters in their element, whether or not you want to hustle a cue. Anoydne's got a friendly vibe and a great jukebox. Settle in on one of the couches with a bottled brew or one of the local craft beers on tap. There’s also a full bar, if you prefer something stronger. It’s a chill spot and a great alternative to the downtown club scene. Go early for Anodyne's happy hour, when drinks are 50 cents off and pool is $4 an hour instead of $6.

Anodyne
409 Central Avenuve NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 244-1820

Rio Grande Zoo: Lions and Tigers and Bears, and More

A trip to Albuquerque isn’t complete unless you visit the Rio Grande Zoo. With over 200 species of animals, from elephants, to orangutans, to toucans, there’s something for everyone at this spacious, beautifully landscaped 64 acre park. The seals and sea lions are a sleek favorite as they cavort and glide in the water. Ariel, a harbor seal pup, joined the gang in April of 2011. Mornings are cooler and less crowded in the summer months. The zoo is part of the Rio Grande BioPark, which also includes the botanical garden and aquarium. Admission can be purchased separately or discounted for all three venues. The Rio Grande Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rio Grande Zoo
903 10th Street SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 764-6200

New Mexico Museum of Natural History: Time Travel Through The Eons

If your idea of a great museum is one with signs that say ‘Please Touch’, Albuquerque's New Mexico Museum of Natural History is just the place for you. Visit the museum's Time Tracks exhibit to journey through billions of years of history from the big bang that created the universe to the present era. You can also mingle with dinosaur bones, visit the cave exhibit, and walk through a volcano. Align yourself with the stars at the Planetarium and check out the museum’s new Lockheed-Martin DynaTheatre, featuring large format, enhanced 3-D films. Allow yourself at least two hours to explore all of the exhibits. The DynaTheatre and Planetarium have separate entrance fees. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except holidays.

New Mexico Museum of Natural History
1801 Mountain Rd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 841-2800

Rio Grande Botanic Garden: A Verdant Spot in Albuquerque

With 36 acres of gardens and conservatories, the Rio Grande Botanic Garden is an oasis in the desert of Albuquerque, not too far away from Broadstone Towne Center. Visit the Sasebo Japanese Garden for the elegant stone lanterns, serene koi ponds, and glittering waterfalls. At the Butterfly Pavilion, you can watch hundreds of varieties of butterflies flutter among blossoming nectar plants. The Children’s Fantasy Garden delights the kids as they enter through a rabbit hole and wander through a larger-than-life expanse of giant sculptures of bees, birds, plants, and vegetables. Check the Rio Grande Botanic Garden’s website for a list of plants in bloom in various seasons. The garden's open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — and until 6 p.m. on weekends.

Rio Grande Botanic Garden
2601 Central Avenue NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 248-8500

Buffett’s Candies: Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at this Albuquerque Favorite

Buffett’s Candies is an Albuquerque landmark known as much for its homemade sweets as for its retro 50s red and white exterior festooned with a 50-foot striped candy cane. They’ve been making candy in this spot on Central Avenue since George Buffett started the business in 1956 – and he’s still running it 55 years later. Buffett’s is treasured for their delectable pinion candy made with the nut of local trees, but their assortment of chocolate creams, toffees, brittles, and roasted nuts are also favorites. Their motto — “Our candy is made to eat, not to keep!” — states their commitment to using the freshest ingredients without preservatives. Visit their store for a trip back in time, or order online through their website to have it delivered to you in the near future!

Buffett’s Candies
7001 Lomas Boulevard NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 265-7731

Launchpad: Albuquerque’s Funky Rock Haven

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s the Launchpad! A spaceship-themed rock venue, the Launchpad has long been a staple for Albuquerque concertgoers, many of whom have some pretty outlandish memories of the place. A great sound system, a full bar, pool tables and balconies make for a great party atmosphere. The crowd changes depending on the music, which ranges from national acts to local bands, and individual singer-songwriters. Rumor has it that the Shins got their start on the Launchpad stage. If live music — be it rock, reggae, indie, blues, or heavy metal — and cheap drinks are your thing, this place just might be your new favorite spot.

Launchpad
618 Central Avenue SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 764-8887

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