¡Explora! Science Center and Children's Museum
As a center for lifelong learning, ¡Explora! houses more than 250 hands-on scientific exhibits for visitors of all ages on topics as diverse as water, the Rio Grande, light and optics, biological perception, and energy. It features exhibits utilizing technology that is creatively accessible to the public and exhibits that engage visitors in creating all kinds of art.

Albuquerque Biological Park: Aquarium and Botanic Garden
For those of us born and raised in the desert, this attraction quenches years of soul thirst. The self-guided aquarium tour begins with a beautifully produced 9-minute film that describes the course of the Rio Grande from its origin to the Gulf Coast. Then, you'll move on to the touch pool, where at certain times of day you can gently touch hermit crabs and starfish. You'll pass by a replica of a salt marsh, where a gentle tidal wave moves in and out, and you'll explore the eel tank, an arched aquarium you get to walk through. There's a colorful coral-reef exhibit, as well as the culminating show, in a 285,000-gallon shark tank, where many species of fish and 15 to 20 sand-tiger, brown, and nurse sharks swim around, looking ominous.Within a state-of-the-art 10,000-square-foot conservatory, you'll find the botanical garden, split into two sections. The smaller one houses the desert collection and features plants from the lower Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts, including unique species from Baja, California. The larger pavilion exhibits the Mediterranean collection and includes many exotic species native to the Mediterranean climates of southern California, South Africa, Australia, and the Mediterranean Basin. Allow at least 2 hours to see both parks. There is a restaurant on the premises.In December, you can see the "River of Lights Holiday Light Display" Tuesday through Sunday; and June through August you can attend Thursday evening concerts.

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
Whenever I'm in Albuquerque and want to get away from it all, I come here. The center, located just a few miles north of Old Town, spans 270 acres of riverside forest and meadows that include stands of 100-year-old cottonwoods and a 3-acre pond. Located on the Rio Grande Flyway, an important migratory route for many birds, it's an excellent place to see sandhill cranes, Canadian geese, and quail -- more than 260 bird species have made this their temporary or permanent home. In a protected area where dogs aren't allowed (you can bring dogs on most of the 2 miles of trails), you'll find exhibits of native grasses, wildflowers, and herbs. Inside a building built half above and half below ground, you can sit next to the pond in a glassed-in viewing area and comfortably watch ducks and other birds in their avian antics. There are 21 self-guided interpretive exhibits as well as photo exhibits, a library, a small nature store, and a children's resource room. On Saturday mornings you can join a guided nature walk. Other weekend programs are available for adults and children, including nature photography and bird- and wildflower-identification classes. Call for a schedule.

GuestHouse Inn & Suites
The GuestHouse Inn & Suites of Albuquerque is located near the city's major attaractions. The accomdations include rooms with either one king bed or two queen beds. Amenities include complimentary high speed wireless internet access, free continental breakfast and free local calls. Whether one is travelling for business, pleasure or just passing through, the Guesthouse Inn & Suites of Albuquerque is a sure bet for a relaxing stay just minutes from major business parks, city events and ...

Crossland ABQ-Northeast
Crossland Albuquerque-Northeast is designed specifically for people who need more than just a room while away from home. The oversized studio suites feature a kitchen that allows you to prepare meals at your convenience. As a guest of Crossland, you receive free local phone calls, voice-mail, and a phone with a computer dataport. Guests also have access to a 24-hour, coin-operated laundry facility. Weekly housekeeping ensures that you have fresh linens throughout your ...

Courtyard by Marriott Albuquerque
The hotel designed by business travelers, Courtyard surrounds you with all the conveniences that make business and pleasure travel easy. The Courtyard Albuquerque is conveniently located half a mile from Balloon Park, one mile from General Mills, two miles from Honeywell and Sandia Casino, three miles from Hewlett Packard, seven miles from downtown Albequerque/Old Town Albequerque and UNM and ten miles from Petroglyph Park and the Zoo. For an area map, directions to the hotel and other ...