There's no doubt we think cities are special. But don't just take our word for it. We hope our written adventures will inspire you to hit the road with your family and experience the wonder of our favorite twinkling skylines, including the best multi-cultural mecca, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
BURRITOS, BANCOS AND PUEBLOS
Nestled in the Rio Grande Valley in the shadows of the Sandia Mountains, Albuquerque is a top destination for families looking for a rich learning vacation. The ancient city is one of the most ethnically diverse in the country, and there are plenty of chances for kids to enjoy the outdoors while exploring Spanish, Native American, Mexican and Anglo cultures. Many families begin their visit by strolling through historic Old Town, packed with sun-dried mud and straw adobe buildings, some dating back 300 years. It's a pleasant spot to enjoy take-out burritos, find a banco (bench) and soak up the city's heritage.
WHY FAMILIES LOVE IT
The new Albuquerque Biological Park, a short walk from Old Town, contains three neighboring attractions that make sightseeing a breeze. The Rio Grande Zoo features an exhibit of nocturnal creatures. At the Albuquerque Aquarium, you can watch sharks devour dinner in a 285,000-gallon tank. The Rio Grande Botanic Gardens contain thousands of plants from the Southwest and Mediterranean. For all biopark attractions, admission is $7 for adults and $3 for kids ages 3 to 12. For more information, call 505-764-6200.
FRIENDLY HOTEL
Llamas, kangaroos, camels and buffalo welcome families at the Vista Hermosa Llama Farm B&B. Small suites, located next to a nature preserve where the animals roam, are approximately $90 nightly. Call 800-339-4709.
A LOCAL FAVORITE
Loyal customers flock to Sadie's Cocinita for homemade Mexican dishes. Prices start at about $6.50 for a tamale dinner. Call 505-345-5339.
BEST MUSEUMS
Budding paleontologists will love the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, where you can see fossilized dinosaur skin and a real dinosaur egg. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for kids ages three to 11 and free for kids ages two and under. Call 505-841-2800.You'll learn lots of amazing facts about snakes as you slither through the American International Rattlesnake Museum. Dedicated to the conservation and the preservation of rattlers, the museum contains 34 different varieties and awards bravery certificates to visitors who view the exhibit. Prices are $3.50 for adults and $2.50 for visitors ages 16 and under. Call 505-242-6569.
TOP OUTDOOR FUN
At the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, you can watch Aztec Indian Pole Dancers perform acrobatics as you munch on sugar-drizzled pieces of Indian fry bread. Kids can also learn how to throw an arrow, grind corn using a mano and metate, and dress up in Native American attire. Admission is $4 for adults, $1 for kids ages four to 18, and free for kids ages three and under. Call 505-843-7270.
DON'T LEAVE TOWN WITHOUT
Visiting the Petroglyph National Monument to see more than 15,000 ancient rock drawings. Self-guided tours cost $1 per car on weekdays and $2 per car on weekends. Call 505-899-0205.
YOU COULD SPEND A WHOLE DAY
Checking out area Indian pueblos; most are within an hour's drive of Albuquerque.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-284-2282, or click here.
Diane Bair and Pamela Wright write from their office in Newburyport, Massachusetts.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated June 2005.
