Photo: New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
Photo: Ricky Smeets STRONG FORWARD
Photo: Justin Brummage
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
★4.7(5,002 reviews)$$Museum
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for ages 4-14. Preschoolers are mesmerized by the towering dinosaur displays and interactive exhibits, while elementary and middle schoolers dive deeper into the science behind fossils, volcanoes, and space exploration. The planetarium shows are particularly engaging for ages 6 and up.🧡 Saved by 200+ families
About
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is a must-visit destination where kids can come face-to-face with life-sized dinosaur skeletons, journey through time on the unique Evolator ride, and explore the wonders of space in the planetarium. With hands-on exhibits covering everything from prehistoric creatures to volcanic activity, this museum transforms learning into an adventure that captivates curious minds of all ages.
Highlights
- ✓The Evolator ride that takes you through 38 million years of New Mexico's geologic history
- ✓Impressive collection of life-sized dinosaur skeletons including Albertosaurus and Pentaceratops
- ✓Immersive planetarium shows featuring stars, planets, and space exploration
- ✓Walk-through Ice Age cave with life-sized mammoths and giant ground sloths
- ✓Startup Gallery with hands-on science experiments and interactive displays
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when doors open at 9 AM to beat school groups and enjoy the most popular exhibits like the Evolator with minimal wait times
- 2.Purchase combination tickets online in advance if you want to include planetarium shows,they often sell out, especially on weekends
- 3.Don't miss the DynaTheater on the lower level; the giant screen films are a huge hit with kids and provide a nice break from walking
- 4.The museum café has limited options, so consider packing snacks or plan for an early lunch before the noon rush
- 5.Check out the fossil discovery area where kids can touch real fossils and participate in hands-on activities,it's tucked away but worth finding
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) are ideal to avoid large school groups and weekend crowds. Visit during fall or winter months when the museum offers special programs and planetarium shows, and the cooler weather makes indoor exploration especially appealing.
What to Know
General admission is around $8-12 for adults and $5-7 for children, with additional fees for planetarium and DynaTheater shows. Free parking is available in the adjacent lot, and the museum is fully wheelchair accessible with elevators to all levels.
Seasonal Notes
The museum hosts special events during school breaks and holidays, including themed planetarium shows around Christmas and spring break. Summer months can be busier with visiting families, while fall brings excellent school-year programming and fewer tourist crowds.
Nearby Eats
Sawmill Market (5 minutes away) offers multiple food vendors under one roof with plenty of kid-friendly options from pizza to tacos. For a quick bite, Flying Star Café nearby has a diverse menu with healthy choices and treats that please both kids and parents.
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