It's summer, and the kids are out of school. It's a great time to take them on cool adventures! Especially if you've just moved to a new area, what better opportunity to explore it? There are plenty of great things to see and do near Albuquerque homes for sale. Here are a few of our favorites.

Family Outings Around Albuquerque

ABQ BioPark - Albuquerque, NM

Address: 2601 Central Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104

There's no better place for your kids to learn about the natural world than ABQ BioPark. There are four different sections. At the Zoo, you can see everything from giraffes to elephants to kangaroos. The Botanic Garden has a collection of beautiful native Southwestern plants, as well as fascinating plants and bugs from around the world. The Aquarium, located near the Rio Grande, is home to a host of threatened and endangered aquatic species, including:

• Cownose Ray
• Hawksbill Sea Turtle
• Zebra Shark

And Tingley Beach has several fishing ponds, free to anyone with a fishing license, along with grills to make lunch of whatever you catch. Located near Downtown Albuquerque homes for sale, each area has its own activities and events throughout the year, making it a place you'll want to visit again and again.

Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway - Albuquerque, NM

Address: 30 Tramway Road, Albuquerque, NM 87122

For a breathtaking ride full of beautiful views, take the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. A 15-minute ride to the top of Sandia Peak provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area. Once at the top, you can go hiking, or have dinner at TEN 3, their fine dining restaurant and lounge. There are plenty of cool events happening this summer, from the Route 66 Car Show at the Tram to their Scavenger Hunt exploring the peak and what it has to offer. Open daily, weather permitting, be sure to book your ticket online in advance.

Tinkertown Museum - Sandia Park, NM

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

Where can you go to see flying acrobats, a fortune teller, and a one-man band? All that and more is at Tinkertown Museum. The figures and scenes were carved over 40 years by artist Ross Ward. To visit is to be immersed in a series of intricate, lifelike worlds, including:

• Wild West Town
• Big Top Circus
• Antique Sailboat

There are 22 rooms to experience, each a world unto itself. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday through Monday until October 31st. Tickets are just $7 for adults and $3 for children 4-16.

Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway - Madrid/Cerrillos, NM

Address: NM-14 Scenic Byway, Madrid and Cerrillos, NM

There are several must-see stops along the Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway where you can experience the history and culture of New Mexico. Casa Grande Trading Post has rare turquoise collectibles and a petting zoo. Calliope is a fine art and craft gallery displaying amazing pieces by local New Mexican artists. And Jezebel Soda Fountain is an art gallery and ice cream parlor, complete with a working 1920s-era soda fountain. The trail is 50 miles of sites, shops, and more, but anywhere on that route, you'll find a host of amazing things to do.

Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum - Albuquerque, NM

Address: 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113

Ballooning is a popular activity in New Mexico, and there's no better place to learn about it than the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. You'll see balloons of all shapes and sizes while learning about lighter-than-air flight. Dirigible Dreams explores the history of ballooning since the 1850s, while Elevation Station is an interactive exhibit to see how they work. You can also see things like:

• Trans-Oceanic Balloon Flights
• Balloons in War
• Ballooning Commission Hall of Fame

Open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $5 for New Mexico residents and $3 for children, or come Sunday mornings or on the first Friday of the month for Free Days!

Petroglyph National Monument - Albuquerque, NM

6510 Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

If you want to explore the history of New Mexico, you have to see the Petroglyph National Monument. It's a collection of images and designs carved by Native Americans into volcanic rock between 400 and 700 years ago. The park is free to enter, and you can explore designated trails in several areas of the monument. There are several hiking trails, such as the 2.2-mile Rinconada Canyon loop and the 1.5-mile Piedras Marcadas Canyon trail, each with hundreds of carvings and images to explore along the way.

Your New Albuquerque Home Awaits

This is just a sample of what Albuquerque has to offer. Contact us if you're ready to make your new home here! Our real estate agents will help you find the perfect house for your needs, in a neighborhood you'll love!