Family-Friendly Adventures in Albuquerque, New Mexico!

Old Town Albuquerque

Why Visit?

Welcome to Old Town Albuquerque, a charming hub that offers a blend of cultural experiences and family fun. Here’s a one-day itinerary to make the most out of your visit:

Morning: Start your day at the historic San Felipe de Neri Church, a stunning 1793 Spanish colonial building at the heart of Old Town. It"s an active church with beautifully maintained grounds — perfect for a peaceful morning stroll. Just walk around the Old Town Plaza to find it; you can"t miss its iconic adobe structure!

Mid-Morning: After exploring the church, step into the Albuquerque Museum, located just a short walk from the Plaza. This museum showcases an impressive collection of Southwestern art and history that gives a great introduction to the region. Check out the sculpture garden for some interactive fun with the kids.

Lunch: Grab lunch at one of the local eateries around the Plaza. Church Street Café offers delightful New Mexican cuisine in a historic home setting, rumored to be haunted!

Afternoon: Post-lunch, visit Explora, an interactive science center and children"s museum that’s about a 5-minute drive from Old Town. It’s packed with hands-on activities that engage kids and adults alike in science and art. You might want to spend a couple of hours here as there"s plenty to explore.

Late Afternoon: Return to Old Town and browse through the numerous shops around the plaza. Check out the Old Town Hat Shop for a quirky and memorable souvenir.

Evening: End your day with a leisurely walk to the Rattlesnake Museum. Just off the plaza, this unique museum is home to the largest collection of different species of live rattlesnakes in the world! It’s both thrilling and educational.

Old Town Albuquerque is compact and most attractions are within walking distance. For destinations like Explora, local buses or a short car ride will suffice. Enjoy your family-friendly exploration of this enchanting historic town!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Turquoise Museum

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to the Turquoise Museum

Morning: Arrival & Exploration

Start your adventure at the Turquoise Museum located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Easily accessible by car, it’s situated in the heart of the city. Parking is available onsite, so no worries about finding a spot. Begin your visit at 10 AM when the museum opens, to make the most of your day.

As you enter, grab a museum map and start your tour with the "Mine Experience," which gives a fascinating look into the life of a turquoise miner. Here, kids can marvel at the realistic mine setup and learn how turquoise is extracted.

Midday: Interactive Learning

Next, head over to the "Science of Turquoise" section. This interactive part of the museum explains why turquoise appears in different colors ranging from blue to green, and how it’s formed. This is a great opportunity for a hands-on learning experience that"s both fun and educational for children.

Lunch Break

Around noon, enjoy a lunch at the museum café, which offers kid-friendly meals and snacks. The outdoor seating allows you to enjoy the beautiful New Mexico weather.

Afternoon: Jewelry Crafting Workshop

Post lunch, join the Jewelry Crafting Workshop at 1 PM. It"s a fantastic way for the family to engage creatively and make their own turquoise jewelry. This workshop not only entertains but also educates participants about the art of jewelry making.

Late Afternoon: Treasure Hunt

Conclude your visit with the "Turquoise Treasure Hunt," specially designed for families. This interactive activity involves solving clues and finding hidden treasures around the museum, engaging kids and adults alike in the mystery and allure of turquoise.

Departure

Plan to wrap up around 3 PM, giving yourselves a leisurely pace through the museum and a full, enriching day of turquoise exploration.

Remember, each exhibit at the Turquoise Museum is an opportunity to create lasting memories and learn about this captivating gemstone that"s so integral to southwestern culture.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.