5-Day Family Adventure Itinerary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Day 1: City Exploration

Albuquerque, New Mexico

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Frontier Restaurant

Start your day with a hearty New Mexican breakfast including delicious breakfast burritos and fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Head to The Frontier Restaurant located near the University of New Mexico.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Albuquerque BioPark

Explore the Albuquerque BioPark which includes a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden, keeping your children engaged with nature.
Take a short 10-minute drive to the BioPark.
USD35 (family ticket), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at El Pinto

Savor authentic New Mexican cuisine at El Pinto, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious salsa.
A 15-minute ride from BioPark takes you to El Pinto.
USD50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains from the longest aerial tramway in North America.
Drive for about 30 minutes to the Sandia Peak Tramway.
USD40, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Range Café

Relish family-friendly meals with a Southwestern twist at The Range Café, which offers a cozy ambiance and extensive menu.
Drive back for 30 minutes to The Range Café.
USD60, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Stargazing at the Sandia Mountains

End your day with a magical stargazing experience at the Sandia Mountains under New Mexico's dark skies.
Make your way to the Sandia Mountains, nearby.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 2: Nature Day

White Sands National Park, New Mexico

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with a quick breakfast at your hotel before setting out for the day.
On-site in your hotel.
USD0, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to White Sands National Park

Set out on an hour-long journey to the stunning White Sands National Park, famous for its gypsum sand dunes.
Take US-70 E for direct access.
USD15 (entrance fee), 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Dunes

Spend the morning hiking, sledding, or walking along the unique white dunes with your family.
Follow the designated paths in the park.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Oasis Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful lunch at The Oasis located within the park, offering local dishes with incredible views.
Head to the restaurant within the national park.
USD50, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visitor Center

Check out the Visitor Center's exhibits to learn about the unique desert ecology and history.
Short walk from the restaurant inside the park.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Sand Dune Sledding

Get adventurous and rent sleds for some exhilarating sand dune sledding with the kids.
Available at the park entrance.
USD20 (sled rental), 2 hours

5:30PM

Drive back to Albuquerque

After a fun-filled day, drive back to Albuquerque.
Return on the same route.
USD20 (gas), 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at HoneyMoon Brewery

Enjoy some local beer and family-friendly pub food to conclude your adventure.
Located in Albuquerque, near your hotel.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Experience

Santa Fe, New Mexico

8:00AM

Breakfast at Teahouse

Enjoy a thoughtfully crafted breakfast featuring organic ingredients in a cozy atmosphere.
Short drive from Albuquerque to Santa Fe.
USD40, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Canyon Road Art District

Stroll down Canyon Road to discover art galleries and see local artists at work.
Walk down the iconic road lined with murals.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

Explore the art and life of one of America’s most significant artists at this dedicated museum.
A short walk from Canyon Road.
USD30 (family ticket), 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Shed

Dine at this renowned restaurant serving authentic New Mexican cuisine in a charming adobe house.
A quick drive from the museum.
USD60, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

Visit this stunning basilica and take photos of its beautiful architecture.
A short drive from The Shed.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Santa Fe Plaza

Explore shops, and local markets, and even catch live performances at this vibrant cultural hub.
Walk to the Plaza from the cathedral.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Drive back to Albuquerque

Head back to Albuquerque after a day of cultural exploration.
Return on the same route.
USD20 (gas), 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Sandiago's Mexican Grill

Enjoy a delightful dinner while overlooking the scenic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Located in Albuquerque upon your return.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Adventure and History

Albuquerque, New Mexico

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Have a relaxing breakfast at your hotel to begin the day.
On-site in your hotel.
USD0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Petroglyph National Monument

Discover ancient rock carvings and learn about the history of the area during a family hike.
Drive for about 20 minutes to the monument.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Old Town Albuquerque

Visit the historic heart of Albuquerque with charming shops, galleries, and museums.
A quick drive from the monument.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Church Street Cafe

Dine at this quaint cafe serving New Mexico favorites in a historic building.
Onsite at Old Town.
USD50, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

ABQ BioPark Aquarium

Visit the aquarium where kids can enjoy interactive exhibits and learn about marine life.
A short 10-minute drive back to the BioPark.
USD25 (family ticket), 2 hours

4:30PM

Trolley Tour of Albuquerque

Take a fun trolley tour of Albuquerque to see more of the city while learning about its rich history.
Meet the trolley at the BioPark entrance.
USD60 (family ticket), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The 377 Restaurant

Enjoy your evening meal with a twist at this restaurant known for its creative local dishes.
Located in Albuquerque, close to your hotel.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Nature and Relaxation

Sandia Mountains, New Mexico

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Needles Café

Start your day with a delightful breakfast featuring homemade pastries and fresh coffee.
Drive for about 30 minutes from your hotel.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Guided Hike in Sandia Mountains

Embark on a family-friendly guided hike exploring beautiful trails and stunning views.
Meet your guide at the Sandia Mountains Visitor Center.
USD100 (for family), 3 hours

12:30PM

Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch with pre-packed sandwiches at one of the scenic areas in the mountains.
Find a designated picnic area.
USD30 (for sandwiches), 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Sandia Crest

Take some time to explore the breathtaking views at Sandia Crest, the highest point in the area.
Drive up from your picnic spot to the crest.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relaxation at a Local Spa

Unwind with a peaceful family spa experience to rejuvenate everyone after an adventurous week.
Schedule in advance and find a local spa back in Albuquerque.
USD200 (for family), 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Seasons Grill

End your week with a memorable dinner featuring farm-to-table dishes and gorgeous sunset views.
Drive back to Albuquerque for about 30 minutes.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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