Explora Science Center & Children's Museum

In the historic Old Town neighborhood of Albuquerque, at 1701 Mountain Road NW, Explora Science Center and Children's Museum has earned its place as one of the city's most beloved family destinations. With a stellar 4.8-star rating across more than 800 reviews, Explora is a hands-on, interactive science museum where curiosity leads the way and every exhibit invites touching, tinkering, and discovery.

What makes Explora truly special is its philosophy: this is not a museum where you stand behind a rope and look. It is a space built entirely for interaction. Children and adults alike can create giant soap bubbles at the Bubble Wall, build their own circuits at the Light Lab, experiment with water flow and gravity at the WaterWorks station, or step inside a massive walk-in kaleidoscope in the Light and Color gallery. The museum spans two floors with over 250 interactive exhibits covering science, technology, engineering, art, and math, all designed to spark wonder at every age from toddlers to teenagers and the grown-ups who bring them.

The museum's location in Old Town places it at the cultural heart of Albuquerque. After a morning at Explora, families can walk to the San Felipe de Neri Church, browse the art galleries and shops along Romero Street, or grab lunch at one of the neighborhood's many restaurants. The entire area is walkable and welcoming, making it easy to turn a museum visit into a full day of exploring what makes Albuquerque such a wonderful community.

One of the most appealing things about Explora is how it brings the community together. The museum hosts field trips for school groups, summer camps, workshops, and special evening events for adults that feature hands-on science in a social setting. Membership options make it affordable for local families to visit again and again, and the museum's commitment to accessibility ensures that children of all abilities can participate fully in the experience.

For anyone considering a move to Albuquerque, a visit to Explora is a glimpse into the kind of community this city offers. Old Town is one of the most historic and culturally rich neighborhoods in the Southwest, and having a world-class children's museum right in the neighborhood is a powerful signal about the quality of life here. Whether you are a local family looking for a weekend activity or a prospective homebuyer exploring what the city has to offer, Explora is a must-visit destination.