Photo: Aquila Craig
Photo: Bill Poling
Photo: racheal angel
Hinkle Fun Center
★4.4(2,538 reviews)$Entertainment
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for ages 5-15. Younger elementary kids love the bumper cars and arcade games, while tweens and teens gravitate toward go-karts and laser tag. Some activities have height requirements, so toddlers may have limited options, though the arcade and mini golf work well for ages 4+.🧡 Saved by 21 families
About
Hinkle Fun Center is Albuquerque's ultimate indoor entertainment destination where families can spend hours bouncing between go-karts, laser tag, mini golf, bowling, bumper cars, and a massive arcade. With a full restaurant on-site, you can easily make it a complete day trip without leaving the building,perfect for hot summer days or when you need an all-weather entertainment option.
Highlights
- ✓Multi-level go-kart track with exciting turns and straightaways
- ✓Glow-in-the-dark laser tag arena with multiple game modes
- ✓Indoor mini golf course with creative obstacles
- ✓Classic and modern arcade games with redemption prizes
- ✓Bumper cars and bowling lanes for younger children
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit Wednesday or Thursday afternoons right when they open at 4 PM for the shortest wait times and less crowded attractions
- 2.Purchase activity packages or unlimited wristbands for the best value if you're planning to do multiple attractions,paying individually adds up quickly
- 3.Wear closed-toe shoes for go-karts and laser tag, as they're required for safety
- 4.The restaurant gets busy during peak weekend hours, so plan to eat early (around 12:30-1 PM) or later (after 6 PM) to avoid long waits
- 5.Height requirements vary by attraction,check their website before visiting if you have younger kids to avoid disappointment
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons (Wednesday-Thursday, 4-6 PM) offer the best experience with minimal crowds. Weekends and Friday evenings get packed with birthday parties and can feel hectic, though the energy is fun for older kids who enjoy the buzz.
What to Know
Activities are priced individually or as packages, with most single attractions running $8-15 per person. Ample free parking is available on-site, and the on-site restaurant serves pizza, burgers, and kid favorites, making it easy to refuel without leaving.
Seasonal Notes
As an indoor facility, Hinkle Fun Center is perfect year-round, especially during Albuquerque's hot summers or cooler winter months. The venue is particularly popular during school breaks and holidays, so expect larger crowds during spring break, summer vacation, and winter holidays. Birthday party packages are heavily booked on weekends.
Nearby Eats
Dion's Pizza is just a few minutes away on Indian School Road for excellent New Mexico-style pizza, or head to Twister's Burgers & Burritos nearby for quick, kid-friendly New Mexican fast food with green chile options for adventurous eaters.
More Activities Near Albuquerque
Entertainment
Topgolf Albuquerque
★4.4$$❤️21
Topgolf Albuquerque transforms traditional golf into an exciting family entertainment experience where skill level doesn't matter. Kids can swing away at microchipped golf balls that track their scores in fun, game-show-style challenges, all from the comfort of climate-controlled hitting bays that keep everyone comfortable year-round in New Mexico's variable weather.
Museum
Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum
$$
The Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum takes kids on an exciting journey through the history and science of hot air ballooning in the world's ballooning capital. With hands-on exhibits, flight simulators that let children experience piloting a balloon, and colorful displays of vintage and modern balloons, this museum transforms learning about physics, weather, and aviation into an adventure that captures kids' imaginations.
Activity
Old Town
Free
Old Town Albuquerque is a captivating historic district where families can step back in time while exploring adobe-lined streets filled with colorful shops, street performers, and fascinating museums. Kids love watching artisans create traditional crafts, chasing pigeons in the central plaza, and discovering hidden courtyards around every corner in this walkable, 300-year-old neighborhood.
Adventure
La Luz Trail
Free
La Luz Trail is an iconic Sandia Mountain hiking adventure perfect for families with active teens and tweens ready to tackle a real challenge. This strenuous 7.5-mile trail climbs nearly 3,000 feet through diverse ecosystems, rewarding determined young hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of Albuquerque and the Rio Grande Valley. It's an unforgettable achievement hike that builds confidence and creates lasting family memories.