Albuquerque Aquarium: A Desert Oasis of Ocean Life

Get up-close and personal with jellyfish, sharks, and turtles at the the Albuquerque Aquarium. It’s especially refreshing in arid New Mexico to spend the day submerged in the shimmer and flow of aqua-life at their freshwater, riparian, and ocean exhibits. The aquarium's new South Pacific Gallery lets you experience live coral, seahorses, mollusks, and sea stars, as well as the psychedelic colors of a huge variety of tropical fish. The 285,000 gallon shark tank introduces you to the razor-toothed ocean denizens who’ve been around for 400 million years. The Albuquerque Aquarium is part of the Rio Grande BioPark, so you can purchase your admission separately or get a combo ticket for the zoo, botanical garden and aquarium. It's open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (and until 6 p.m. on weekends.)

Albuquerque Aquarium
2601 Central Avenue NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 764-6200

New Mexico Tea Company: A Shangri-la for Leaf-lovers

A tiny shop in Albuquerque’s Old Town, the New Mexico Tea Company a tea-lover’s haven. Here you'll find more than 150 varieties of loose-leaf tea from around the world to take home and brew. The friendly staff is a trove of knowledge about the exotic beverage, making your excursion delightful and instructive. From Earl Grey, to matte, to rooibos — if you can’t find your favorite variety here, it probably exists only in your imagination! Increase your knowledge and try new varieties at the New Mexico Tea Company's Sunday night tea tastings. Sign up for their mailing list and get a free tea sample with each order.

New Mexico Tea Company
1131 Mountain Road NW
Ste 2
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 962-2137

Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum: Fly High With the First Ballooners

Spacious skies and gentle, cool morning updrafts have long made Albuquerque a ballooning haven and home to the world’s largest annual Balloon Fiesta. Named after two local champions of the sport, the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum gives you the complete lowdown when it comes to the fascinating history of ballooning, from its inception in France in 1783 to the present day. Here you can view replicas of early balloons, participate in science experiments, and view videos of some famous flights. Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits. Hands-on workshops for kids and adults are held the second Saturdays of the month. Admission is a bargain at $4 for adults and just $2 for kids and seniors. Open Tuesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum
9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE
Albuquerque, NM 87198

Pin It on Pinterest