Old Town

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.

• ✓San Felipe de Neri Church - the historic centerpiece dating back to 1793
• ✓Central plaza gazebo with frequent live music and street performers
• ✓Kid-friendly shops selling toys, candy, fossils, and Native American crafts
• ✓American International Rattlesnake Museum for adventurous kids
• ✓Wide-open plaza space perfect for letting little ones run around safely

1. 1.Park in the free lot on the south side of Old Town (Romero Street) to avoid paid parking and get easy stroller access
2. 2.Visit on weekends for live mariachi music and street performers in the gazebo, but arrive before 11am to beat the crowds
3. 3.Stop by the Albuquerque Museum (free for kids) on the eastern edge for interactive exhibits and bathrooms
4. 4.Bring cash for street vendors selling churros, ice cream, and handmade toys that kids love
5. 5.Check out the hidden paseos (walkways) between buildings - kids feel like explorers discovering secret passages

Spring and fall mornings (9-11am) offer perfect weather and fewer crowds. Weekday visits are more relaxed, while weekends feature more entertainment and a livelier atmosphere. Avoid summer afternoons when temperatures soar and the plaza has limited shade.

Old Town is free to explore with metered street parking ($1-2/hour) and free lots nearby. The area is mostly stroller-friendly with paved walkways, though some shop entrances have steps. Numerous restaurants and cafes offer quick bites, and public restrooms are available at the Albuquerque Museum.

Old Town shines during holidays with luminaria displays at Christmas and Dia de los Muertos celebrations in fall. Summer brings intense heat, so plan morning visits. The plaza hosts special events year-round including art festivals and cultural celebrations that are very family-friendly.

Church Street Café offers New Mexican favorites with a kid-friendly patio right on the plaza. For pickier eaters, Sawmill Market is a 5-minute drive away with multiple food vendors and plenty of options to please everyone.