ABQ BioPark Zoo

The ABQ BioPark Zoo is just one part of the larger ABQ BioPark, which also includes the ABQ BioPark Aquarium, the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, and Tingley Beach. AZA-accredited, the zoo has just about every animal you can think of—flamingos, tigers, capybaras, you name it—with plenty of opportunities for learning via ranger talks, public feedings, classes, and more.

At more than 1.5 million visitors per year, the ABQ BioPark is one of the most popular attractions in the entire state of New Mexico. While the zoo is certainly geared toward kids, all ages can find something to enjoy here.

• The ABQ BioPark Shuttle runs most days of the week, transporting visitors between various sections of the BioPark.
• Book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re looking for combo tickets, which are limited.
• The park has plenty of restrooms, benches, and outdoor, shaded areas.

The ABQ BioPark Zoo is about a 1-mile (1.6km) walk from downtown Albuquerque. If traveling by car, on-site parking is free. The zoo is served by several bus routes: Bus 53 stops one block from the zoo entrance, while buses 66 and 766 stop just outside the aquarium. For on-foot adventurers, the Rio Grande River Trail runs just behind the zoo.

The zoo is typically open every day of the week, from around 9am to 5pm—check the website in advance of your visit to verify. There’s no bad time to visit, though you’ll want to be mindful of hot afternoons. Since a lot of the zoo is out in the open, opt for early morning visits, especially come summer.

If you’ve got combo tickets with shuttle service, exploring the ABQ BioPark at large is a great, easy-access day—think of it like Disneyland for the natural world. There’s plenty to see: The botanic garden is 32 acres with one of the country’s best bug exhibits, the aquarium has everything from sea turtles to river otters, and Tingley Beach even offers a children’s pond for little anglers.