Looking for things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico? Growing up in New Mexico I honestly didn’t think I would still be here. I grew up in a small town south of Albuquerque, but I did live in Albuquerque for several years, and we still visit several times a year. Yes, I’m a New Mexico blogger born and raised. I’ve tried to move away, but I came back to visit and ended up meeting my husband. New Mexico is an awesome place to visit, and I enjoy living in New Mexico, just not a huge fan of southern New Mexico, lol.
If you’re planning on visiting there is defiantly things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico whether you’re into spending time in the city or heading for the mountains.
10 Things To Do In Albuquerque, New Mexico
There is plenty of fun things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico and surrounding areas for the whole family. Here are 10 things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico that we think you’re going to enjoy.
1) Take a ride in a hot air balloon
Yes, while you’re in Albuquerque, New Mexico why not take a hot air balloon right at Rainbow Ryders, who have been in business for more than 30 years. You’ll enjoy flying with some of the best equipment and if you’re a little-scared ask about their safety record that reflects what a great team is behind Rainbow Ryders.
If you’re lucky or plan accordingly, you can catch Albuquerque, New Mexico’s Ballon Fiesta. It looks amazing in the early morning hours before the balloons take off and there’s even a balloon glow at night.
2) Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
If you enjoy learning about culture then, you may want to consider visiting the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center where you’ll find entertainment year around.
3) Sandia Peak Tramway
Ride on the world longest aerial tram at an amazing 2.6 miles. It’s almost a 20-minute ride where you’ll be gliding above the Sandia Wilderness getting the best of the view of New Mexico. Oh, and once you reach the top of the mountain be sure and look around.
4) Hinkle Family Fun
Go Carts, Bumper Cars, Miniature Gold and more. If you’re looking for a place to let loose and help the kids burn, some energy Hinkle Family Fun is a great option.
5) 360 Lounge Route 66 Casino Hotel
This is a great place to relax for a cocktail with your friends, and if you’re up for gambling, everything is accessible.
6) Explore
Traveling with kids who love science? Explore is a great place for kids to learn about electronics, robots, water dynamics and more.
7) American International Rattlesnake Museum
Learn about the rattlesnake and reptiles from all over the world. You will have the opportunity to get up close and personal. Don’t worry, it’s in a safe environment.
8) Albuquerque Ghost Walk
It’s a spooky 90-minute walk, which travels over 1 miles through the darker side of Albuquerque.
9) Old Town
While you’re there, walk through Albuquerque’s Old Town and check out the winding brick paths, balconies, gardens, hidden parties and more. If you like to shop, you will also have access to excellent shops and be sure to try the awesome New Mexican food.
10) Rio Grande Zoo
With more than 1,000 animals like elephants, seals, cheetahs, and more the Rio Grande Zoo is a great place to take the family. They offer special programs for kids and adults, like animal’s shoes, storytelling, summer concerts, and more. Be sure to call before you visit because they have different activities with the seasons. You might want to plan for an all-day event, so you don’t miss the aquarium and Biological Gardens.
If you’re looking for things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico doesn’t think this list is everything. There is much more and some excellent hotels to stay, like Choice Hotels.
I recently stayed at Choice Hotels in Albuquerque, NM and was extremely impressed with the rooms and more importantly the service. If you follow me, you know how valuable the service is.
The Comfort Inn in Albuquerque, NM is near The University of New Mexico, Journal Center Corporation business park, Rio Rancho, and plenty of great shopping centers, malls, and restaurants. However, I loved the fact that it wasn’t smack dab in the middle of town. We got two different rooms – 1 for my husband and I and one for the kids. We got a room right next to one another, my sister stayed with the kids, and we allowed our oldest daughter to bring along a friend. Poor girls are 16 and got stuck in a room with all the kids,
We got two different rooms – 1 for my husband and I and one for the kids. We got a room right next to one another, my sister stayed with the kids, and we allowed our oldest daughter to bring along a friend. Poor girls are 16 and got stuck in a room with all the kids, lol. They had a blast staying up late with their Aunt Lorena.
Our room had a king sized bed that was super comfy, and pillows to match. I didn’t even use my pillow that I brought along because I normally can’t stand hotel pillows, but Comfort Suites has great pillows to match the bed and super clean room.
I’m going to talk about the shower because it’s always a hit or miss with me. Normally, I get the shower that STINKS, either the water comes out so light I can’t rinse my hair properly, or to hard it feels like pins on my skin. Not only was the bathroom clean and nice, but the shower worked like a champ!
I also loved that it had a little living room type area that was separate from the bedroom. Whether the kids were in the same room or not, I was glad to have the extra space because as soon as they woke up they were in our room. My sister and the older girls also liked the separate living room area because they were able to stay up and watch TV without waking up the little ones.
We received access to their indoor heated pool and hot tub, exercise room, FREE coffee (much-needed when traveling with kids), free wireless internet access (much-needed when working after everyone goes to bed), and an awesome free morning breakfast. The breakfast was full of hot options as well as cereal for kids like my daughter Catie, lol. While everyone else was having eggs, waffles, meat, or fresh fruit she was eating her cereal lol.
The rooms were fabulous included refrigerators, coffee makers, microwaves, and AC and USB outlets. There was also a business center for anyone needing access. The staff went out of their way, our rooms were super nice, and we left 100% happy with our stay. I without a doubt recommend Comfort Suites in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Choice Hotels. I’ve always been happy with Choice Hotel chains I have stayed with in the past; it’s typically one of the first places we try to book a room.
If you didn’t already know hotels like Comfort In, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Roadway Inn, Econo Lodge, and others are all part of Choice Hotels. We recently stayed at Comfort Suites near the Sandia Casino in Albuquerque, NM and both my husband and I were 100% happy with not only our stay but the service we received. I was also excited to learn this particular hotel is pet-friendly. I knew I should have looked before I left, Skittles would have had a blast going on a mini-vacation with us.
If you’re looking for things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico does your research there is plenty of adventures to be had!
