Exploring Tinkertown Museum with a Toddler

Tinkertown Museum is one of the coolest locations we’ve been to. With its extensive amount of memorabilia, there’s never a lack of new discoveries. While Poppy loved looking at the exhibits, pushing all of the buttons, and petting the horse, I loved that she was able to actually do all of those things herself! I didn’t have to worry one time that she would ruin something. That peace of mind alone, makes Tinkertown worth the visit. Here’s the best way to go about exploring TInkertown Museum with a toddler.

Location

Tinkertown is on the Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway, towards the base of Sandia Mountain. (I’d highly suggest a trip to Sandia Crest either before or after you explore Tinkertown.) Take exit 175 north off of I-40. You’ll then take Highway 14 north through Cedar Crest, turning left when you get to Highway 536. You’ll see signs that say Sandia Crest, so you’ll know you’re heading in the right direction. About a mile down the road, you’ll see Tinkertown Museum on the left. You’ll park in the gravel parking lot and walk back toward the main building. Someone will greet you at the entrance, where you’ll pay for admission ($6 for adults, $3 for children 3-17, and free under 3, at the time of our trip). Here’s the important part: the person at the door will suggest that you have a certain amount of quarters when walking through. Go ahead and get the quarters. You will need to put those into different machines for them to be interactive, and your tour won’t be nearly as fun without them. There’s also a pressed penny machine, which makes for a terrific souvenir.

Hours

Tinkertown is only open during specific times of the year and on certain days. We actually almost missed out on our last trip, but luckily we decided to go the day we arrived in Albuquerque, instead of waiting. That was the only day they were open during our trip! I don’t want to even think about how upset everyone would’ve been if we weren’t able to go. Tinkertown is only open from April 1 to November 1. During that time frame, they are open from Friday through Monday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. It’s also important to note that they won’t let you enter after 3:30pm, since there won’t be enough time for you to enjoy the museum before closing.

the creative force behind the museum

Growing up in the Midwest, Ross Ward was always captivated by the villages, farms, and circuses, carvers would make in their spare time. He decided to create his own miniature figures and started carving circus figures while in junior high school. (These figures are actually on display at the museum and were Poppy’s favorites!) Ross Ward continued carving figures, even having them become a part of county fairs and carnivals during the 1960s and 70s. From there his vision grew to the Tinkertown Museum we know and love today. And it really is a work of dedication, love, and creativity. It took Ross Ward over forty years to carve, collect, and construct Tinkertown Museum. With his death in 2002, at the age of only 62, his dream was transferred into the hands of his wife, Carla. She continues to share this amazing place with visitors from all over, keeping the magic going for everyone.

what can i expect to see at the museum?

The better question might be, what shouldn’t I expect to see at the museum? It truly has such a collection of memorabilia. In one room there’s a large circus scene. Press the buttons to see the circus performers come to life. The circus was so large and intricately done, and Poppy was obsessed. From horse riders to tight rope walkers to tigers and a bearded lady, there’s so much to look at. There is also the coolest replica of an old western town, complete with people running around and the general chaos one associates with that time frame. Poppy liked pushing the buttons here, but she didn’t enjoy the nuances (and hilarity) as much as I did. There is so much more to see as well. There’s dolls, antique tools, old signs, wagon wheels, even a 35-foot antique boat! Over 50,000 glass bottles have been painstakingly used to create walls surrounding this 22 room museum. Once you’re done walking through the rooms, head outside where you can see even more memorabilia and Guy, the kindest horse we’ve ever met. Poppy sobbed big tears when we had to leave him.

Souvenir suggestions

Okay, I generally don’t give souvenir suggestions, because everyone is different. For instance, we always get an ornament for each location we visit, which go on Poppy’s Christmas tree. And if this is something you’re looking for, they have a terrific gift shop with ornaments, shirts, toys, and all kinds of things. If you’re looking for a more creative souvenir, I’d suggest getting a pressed penny. You will need two quarters and a penny (the shinier the penny, the better). Let your little one help you turn the crank, and out pops the penny. We’ve actually started adding them to this pressed penny book. The souvenir I get every time I go to Tinkertown is a fortune card. They have one of the old Esmerelda fortune teller machines and, for a quarter, she’ll give you a card with a fortune. I love it because it’s so unique. I mean, I’ve never seen another machine like it in my travels.

So, the next time you’re in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or visiting Sandia Mountain, make sure you stop by Tinkertown Museum. It’s truly one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been. It also happens to be named as a Top Ten small museum in the United States by TripAdvisor!

Have you ever been lucky enough to experience Tinkertown? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Want to discover more destinations out West? Click here to learn about the Plaza Walls Murals in Oklahoma City.