Explora’s Interactive Science Adventures for Kids
A small hand presses a button. A puff of air launches a ball into the air, and just like that, a kid bursts into laughter. The ball spins. Their eyes light up. Curiosity takes over.
This is a regular moment at Explora, a hands-on science center in the heart of Old Town Albuquerque. It’s not a place where kids are told to stay quiet and look from a distance. Here, learning means playing, building, splashing, and asking, “What happens if I try this?”
Explora is one of the top spots for kids’ activities in Albuquerque, especially for families with kids between ages 2 and 12. But it’s not just for little ones. Parents, grandparents, and even teens often find themselves just as engaged. Whether you’re a local or visiting the city, this is a stop that blends interactive science, play, and real learning in one unforgettable visit.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Which exhibits kids love most
- How science comes to life in playful ways
- Tips for making your visit easy and fun
What Makes Explora Different from Other Museums?
Most museums have “Do Not Touch” signs. Explora flips that idea.
Everything at Explora invites kids to touch, test, build, and explore. Whether it’s pouring water through tubes, stacking magnetic blocks, or tinkering with gears, kids are encouraged to jump in and try.
The whole space is designed around hands-on learning. There are no strict rules or set paths. Instead, kids get to follow their own curiosity. The layout is open and full of movement, with areas designed for different age groups and interests. It’s not about memorizing facts; it’s about discovering how things work by doing.
Must-Try Exhibits and Activities for Kids
There’s something for every age and interest at Explora. Here’s a breakdown of the most-loved areas:
For Little Learners (Ages 0–5)
Explora has special spaces designed with toddlers and preschoolers in mind. These areas offer a calmer pace and soft surroundings where little ones can crawl, explore, and engage with age-appropriate activities.
You’ll find sensory play tables, large soft blocks for safe building, and water play stations where kids can splash and learn (waterproof aprons help keep clothes dry). These exhibits let younger kids explore through touch, movement, and cause-and-effect—all at their own speed.
It’s the perfect spot for families with infants and toddlers looking for safe, engaging, and hands-on learning experiences in Albuquerque.
Tinkering, Building, and Problem-Solving
Older kids love the Engineering & Invention Lab, where they can create, test, and rebuild things on the spot. This area has materials for designing bridges, building marble tracks, and testing how pulleys and magnets work.
What makes this space exciting is the chance to solve problems on the fly. What if you move that piece? What happens when you switch the design? Parents are welcome to join in! This is one place where no one says, “Don’t touch that!”
Water, Bubbles, and Big Smiles
Some of the most active exhibits involve air, water, and bubbles. At the giant air table, kids can float scarves and see how airflow moves objects. The bubble station lets them make large bubbles and learn about surface tension without needing a science textbook.
The water lab includes dams, pipes, and spinning wheels where kids experiment with flow, pressure, and motion. Expect a little splashing (and a lot of giggling).
How Science Comes Alive at Explora
Science doesn’t feel like school at Explora. It feels like play.
Each exhibit is built around real science and math ideas, but in a way that kids naturally understand. Drop a ball and learn about gravity. Stack blocks and see how balance works. Shine light through prisms and watch colors split apart.
Everything is self-paced and discovery-based. There are no quizzes or lectures. Just a safe place for kids to ask, “What if I do this?”—and find out the answer by trying.
It’s interactive science in its purest form: questions, action, and discovery.
Tips for Families Visiting Explora for the First Time
Make your visit smoother with these quick tips:
- Arrive early: Mornings are quieter, especially on weekends.
- Bring a change of clothes: Water and bubbles can get messy (in a good way).
- Use the lockers: Hands-on fun is easier without heavy bags.
- Pack snacks or lunch: No food is sold inside, but the outdoor patio is great for breaks.
- Take advantage of family restrooms: Plus, stroller parking is available.
- Plan to stay 2–3 hours: Most kids won’t want to leave!
Check out the visitor information page on the Explora website.
Explora: Events, Camps, and After-Hours Fun
Explora isn’t just for daytime play, as it also offers year-round programs that keep families coming back.
- Toddler Time is perfect for the littlest visitors, with guided stories and sensory play.
- STEAM Story Time blends books with science, art, and hands-on projects.
- Family Nights let you explore exhibits after hours with fewer crowds.
During school breaks, Explora runs day camps with themed science activities. Around holidays, you’ll find special events like Halloween science nights and seasonal experiments.
Explora Memberships and Accessibility
Live in or near Albuquerque? A membership pays off fast with unlimited visits, discounts on programs, and member-only hours.
For families with EBT cards, Explora offers reduced admission through the Museums for All program, making interactive science accessible to more kids.
The building is also wheelchair-friendly, with elevators, open layouts, and inclusive design features. And if you’re visiting from another city, check if your local science center has a reciprocal agreement. You might get in free or at a discount.
Why Explora Is Worth the Stop
Explora combines the fun of a playground with the curiosity of a science lab. It’s one of the best kids’ activities in Albuquerque, and it gives parents and caregivers a chance to see learning happen in real time.
If you’re planning to explore Old Town Albuquerque, it’s a perfect addition to your day. Easy parking, central location, and a few hours of active learning make this a win for all ages.
Whether you’re staying for a weekend or just passing through, Explora is more than worth the stop. It’s a place where kids lead the way, and discovery is just a question away.