Exploring Albuquerque, New Mexico with Your Toddler

Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a vibrant and culturally rich city that offers a wide array of attractions for visitors of all ages, including families with toddlers. With its beautiful Southwestern landscape, diverse cultural heritage, and numerous family-friendly destinations, Albuquerque is a fantastic destination for a memorable family vacation. We’ll take you through some of the best places to visit with your toddler in Albuquerque, including Old Town, Tinkertown, Sandia Mountains, Petroglyph National Monument, and the Albuquerque Zoo. Exploring Albuquerque, New Mexico with your toddler is an unforgettable adventure in the Land of Enchantment!

Getting to Albuquerque

Before we dive into the exciting destinations, let’s briefly discuss how to get to Albuquerque:

By Air: Albuquerque International Sunport is the city’s major airport, offering direct flights from various U.S. cities. It’s conveniently located just a short drive from the city center. The airport is super easy to navigate, and you won’t wait long for your checked bags.

By Car: If you’re traveling by car, Albuquerque is accessible via Interstate 25, which runs north-south, and Interstate 40, which runs east-west. Driving in and seeing the Sandia Mountains from a distance is one of my favorite parts!

Accommodation Tips

When traveling with a toddler, it’s essential to choose accommodation that meets your family’s needs. Consider staying at hotels or vacation rentals that offer amenities such as cribs, high chairs, and childproofing options. It’s also best to choose your accommodations in close proximity to where you’d like to spend the majority of your time. We are all over the city when we visit, so we choose a more central location.

Day 1: Exploring Albuquerque’s Historic Old Town

Morning: Old Town Albuquerque

Address: 200 Romero St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104

Begin your Albuquerque adventure by immersing yourself in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture at Old Town Albuquerque. This historic district is a hub of shops, restaurants, and galleries set in charming adobe-style buildings. This is always our first stop (with several additional stops throughout the duration of our trip), simply because of how inviting it is. Play in the square, visit San Felipe de Neri Church, eat at one of the delicious restaurants, or just do some shopping.

Toddler-Friendly Tips:

• Old Town features wide, stroller-friendly sidewalks, making it easy to navigate with your little one.
• Explore the colorful shops and marketplaces, where you can find Southwestern crafts, toys, and souvenirs perfect for your toddler. And don’t forget to check out the street vendors!
• Keep an eye out for the Plaza, a central gathering space with benches, shade, and a fountain—ideal for resting and people-watching. We also found the gazebo was the perfect place for Poppy to run free.

Lunch: Old Town Dining

Old Town offers various dining options, including family-friendly restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy Southwestern cuisine and New Mexican flavors. Look for child-friendly menus and outdoor seating if your toddler enjoys some fresh air.

Afternoon: Tinkertown Museum

Address: 121 Sandia Crest Rd, Sandia Park, NM 87047

Just a short drive from Albuquerque is the whimsical and enchanting Tinkertown Museum. This offbeat attraction is a delightful blend of folk art, quirky exhibits, and miniatures. This is another place we always visit! To find out more about Tinkertown, click here.

Toddler-Friendly Tips:

• Tinkertown is a visual wonderland that will captivate your toddler’s imagination. Explore the charming dioramas and figurines, including a miniature circus and Old West town.
• The museum is small but filled with treasures, making it an ideal attraction for short attention spans.
• Tinkertown features an outdoor courtyard with additional exhibits and a gift shop with unique finds. If your little one likes horses, make sure you go see Guy!

Evening: Back to Albuquerque

Return to Albuquerque for a relaxing evening at your accommodation or enjoy dinner at one of the city’s family-friendly restaurants. I highly recommend El Pinto for an authentic Mexican meal and great ambience.

Day 2: Nature and Wildlife in Albuquerque

Morning: Sandia Mountains

Address: Sandia Mountains, Albuquerque, NM 87122

Embrace the natural beauty of Albuquerque by heading to the Sandia Mountains, which offer outdoor adventures suitable for families. While there are several walking trails, you can also choose to drive to the top of the mountains or take Sandia Peak Tramway. Either mode of transportation offers the most beautiful views!

Toddler-Friendly Tips:

• For a scenic experience with minimal effort, take the Sandia Peak Tramway, the world’s longest aerial tram. Your toddler will love the breathtaking views. (Just be aware that the Tramway does not operate in windy conditions.)
• If you’re up for a hike, choose one of the shorter, easier trails like the Nature Trail in the Cibola National Forest.

Lunch: Picnic in Nature

Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at a scenic spot in the Sandia Mountains or find a local park with a playground for your toddler to burn off some energy.

Afternoon: Petroglyph National Monument

Address: 6001 Unser Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

After lunch, visit Petroglyph National Monument, where you’ll discover ancient rock carvings etched by Native American and Spanish settlers. Start off by arriving at the Visitor’s Center to get more information about your trail options. We’ve visited the Three Sisters (Albuquerque’s three volcanoes) and done Boca Negra Canyon. Both are amazing experiences with astounding views, and with trails of varying lengths and difficulties.

Toddler-Friendly Tips:

• The Boca Negra Canyon section of the monument is the most accessible with paved trails and shorter routes suitable for strollers. There’s also a more difficult section for climbing, which I did with Poppy in a carrier. (I wouldn’t recommend having them climb on their own, since their little fingers can go into little holes, and the area could have rattlesnakes.)
• Encourage your toddler to spot the petroglyphs, which depict animals, people, and symbols from centuries ago.
• Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and hats for sun protection, as New Mexico’s sun can be strong.

Evening: Albuquerque Zoo

Address: 903 10th St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Finish your day with a visit to the Albuquerque Zoo, a favorite among families with young children. The zoo features a diverse range of animals and engaging exhibits. The zoo is a part of the biopark, so consider seeing the Aquarium, Botanic Park, and Tingley Beach if time allows.

Toddler-Friendly Tips:

• Check the zoo’s schedule for daily activities like animal encounters and feeding times to keep your toddler engaged.
• The children’s play area within the zoo offers a safe space for kids to climb, slide, and explore.
• Consider packing snacks and drinks for your toddler, but be aware of the zoo’s food and drink policies.

Conclusion

Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a fantastic destination for families with toddlers, offering a blend of history, culture, nature, and wildlife. From the historic charm of Old Town to the whimsy of Tinkertown, the natural beauty of the Sandia Mountains, the ancient petroglyphs at Petroglyph National Monument, and the animal encounters at the Albuquerque Zoo, there’s no shortage of exciting adventures waiting for you and your little one. So pack your bags, embrace the beauty of the Land of Enchantment, and create lasting memories in Albuquerque.

Did we miss any of your must-sees in Albuquerque? Let us know in the comments!