More of this Feature • Part 1: Old Town, Native American

Related Resources • Albuquerque Travel Planner • Albuquerque All-Suite Hotels

Elsewhere on the Web • Roadside New Mexico

Active Albuquerque

With little rain and high temperatures ranging from July's low 90s to January's upper 40s, Albuquerque offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Bring plenty of sunscreen and water, and remember you're at 5,314 feet and may tire more quickly than you do at home.

• Sandia Peak - Kids routinely pronounce the Sandia Peak Tram "cool," and they aren't just referring to the cooler temperatures at the summit. Go for a hike, ride a mountain bike or ski down the wintry slopes.
• Balloon rides - If you'd rather take a hot air balloon ride than watch them at the annual festival, Albuquerque's balloonists offer daily rides.
• Rent a Bicycle - Take a pedal down historic Route 66 on a bicycle rented from Old Town Bicycles.

Nature in Albuquerque

Budding paleontologists, zoologists and anyone else who likes animals and nature can indulge their interests in Albuquerque.

• Rio Grande Zoo - Talk to the animals, or watch them in natural habitats and animal encounter shows.
• Albuquerque Aquarium - You'll get a refreshing respite from Albuquerque's dry climate just from looking at all the water. The same kids who earned a certificate from the Rattlesnake Museum will enjoy the moray eel tunnel and shark tank.
• Rio Grande Nature Center - Take a hike through three acres of ponds, marshes and partly wooded areas along the Rio Grande River.

Don't forget about the nature-oriented Old Town attractions: the Rattlesnake Museum and Museum of Natural History and Science.

Annual Events

• Kodak International Balloon Fiesta - Grab a crayon and start drawing balloons! Kids especially enjoy the unusually-shaped balloons that look like everything from Snoopy to an octopus at the balloon fiesta, held every October.

Practicalities

Albuquerque spreads over 163 square miles. You'll need a car to get around, but with two interstate highways running through town, getting around is easy. The historic 1930s motels along Route 66 may be more appealing to adults than youngsters, but there are plenty of more modern accommodations in the area. Pick something along either of the I-40 or I-25 for easy access.

Kid-Friendly Albuquerque Dining

Try to get even the picky eaters to pretend they're native New Mexicans by slurping up an agua fresca (a fresh fruit drink) or horchata (milky-looking cinnamon-flavored rice drink) and filling puffy deep-fried sopaipillas with honey. Beware of red and green chile, though - when New Mexicans say a dish is "hot," they don't necessarily mean it's been near the fire. For a fun dining experience, try:

• Route 66 Diner - From the neon-wrapped exterior and pseudo-Burma Shave signs in the parking lot, the Route 66 Diner is a 1950s experience, complete with waitresses wearing ruffle-edged uniforms and saddle shoes. They serve good hamburgers and fries, and real-ice-cream milkshakes, and the atmosphere is so informal that you won't have to worry if Junior makes a little noise.
• Garduños - It's a mini-Mexican villa complete with waterfall and a mariachi band. Even if the kids don't like the food, they'll enjoy their surroundings.