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Cliff's Amusement Park
★4.3(4,098 reviews)$$$Amusement Park
🕑 4-6 hours for a full experience, or 2-3 hours if just hitting favorite rides👶 Best for ages 3-14. Toddlers and preschoolers will love the gentle kiddie rides in a contained area, while elementary-aged kids can graduate to family coasters and the waterpark. Tweens and teens will appreciate the more intense thrill rides like the New Mexico Rattler wooden coaster.🧡 Saved by 300+ families
About
Cliff's Amusement Park is Albuquerque's beloved hometown amusement destination, offering the perfect mix of thrilling roller coasters for brave tweens, gentle rides for little ones, and refreshing waterpark fun during hot summer months. With a dedicated kiddie area, classic arcade games, and attractions spanning all thrill levels, families can easily spend a full day enjoying New Mexico's largest amusement park without breaking the bank.
Highlights
- ✓New Mexico Rattler - the Southwest's largest wooden roller coaster
- ✓Kiddieland area with pint-sized rides perfect for preschoolers
- ✓Waterpark with slides and splash areas (summer only)
- ✓Classic arcade with redemption games and prizes
- ✓Family-friendly rides like the Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and carousel
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive at opening time (typically noon on weekdays, 11am weekends) to hit popular rides before afternoon crowds and intense heat peak.
- 2.Purchase an unlimited ride wristband online in advance for the best value,individual ride tickets add up quickly for families.
- 3.Bring swimsuits and towels during summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day) to take advantage of the included waterpark access at no extra charge.
- 4.The park allows you to bring in sealed water bottles and snacks, which is a huge money-saver on hot days.
- 5.Check their calendar for discounted days and special events like School's Out celebrations and Halloween-themed Cliff-Hanger events in October.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings during summer (June-August) when the park is open and waterpark provides relief from heat, but crowds are lighter than weekends. Spring and fall weekends offer comfortable temperatures perfect for riding without the intense sun, though waterpark areas are closed.
What to Know
Parking is free and plentiful. Unlimited ride wristbands typically range from $30-40 per person (check website for current pricing and height restrictions), with discounts for kids under 48 inches tall. Outside food is allowed, but the park also offers typical amusement fare like pizza, burgers, and funnel cakes.
Seasonal Notes
Open weekends in spring and fall, daily during summer (typically late May through mid-August). The waterpark operates only during summer months. The park hosts special Cliff-Hanger Halloween events in October with spooky decorations (separate ticket required for evening haunt attractions). Closed during winter months (November-March).
Nearby Eats
Dion's Pizza (4 miles south) is a local Albuquerque favorite offering excellent New York-style pizza in a family-friendly atmosphere. For something quick, Chick-fil-A and several other kid-friendly chain restaurants are located within 2 miles at nearby Paseo del Norte shopping area.
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