Forget the usual spots—this weekend in Albuquerque is packed with obscure family fun! From tinkering with engineering at Explora to celebrating local youth art before it disappears, we've found the hands-on activities that locals actually talk about. Don't miss the balloon-themed science night!
Quick Picks
Indigenous Freeways: Southwest Wildstyle from North to South
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Check out this huge, free mural installation blending Indigenous art styles.
STEAM Night: The Art of Ballooning
Albuquerque
An awesome indoor event exploring the science behind ABQ's favorite hot air balloons.
IPCC Family Story Time
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
A focused, quiet story time session perfect for the 3-7 age group.
· January 31
3STEAM NIGHT: THE ART OF BALLOONING : Get ready for a hands-on evening exploring science and art related to one of ABQ's favorite things—hot air balloons! This sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday evening indoors.It’s a niche STEAM night focusing on hot air balloons, which is super Albuquerque-specific and perfect for getting kids hands-on.
IPCC FAMILY STORY TIME : Take the little ones for a special story time at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. It's a great chance for quieter engagement and learning.A quieter, culture-focused afternoon activity perfectly suited for the younger set (best for 3-7) that isn't on every local calendar.
THUNDERBIRD HACKS AT EXPLORA : It looks like Explora is hosting a special 'Thunderbird Hacks' event on Saturday morning. If your kids like making and tinkering, this is a must-check-out early start to the day!An early start hackathon event focusing on making and tinkering—perfect for the kids who love building things!
· February 1
3INDIGENOUS FREEWAYS: SOUTHWEST WILDSTYLE FROM NORTH TO SOUTHFREE : Swing by the IPCC to check out this mural installation that fuses past, present, and future Indigenous art styles. Since it's free and you're there for the art show, this is a bonus stop!This is a vibrant, locally relevant cultural experience that is completely free to view this weekend.
NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENT ART SHOW: PLANNING OUR FUTURE HOMES (LAST DAY) : This is your absolute last chance to see the insightful creativity of Native American youth artists before it closes Sunday! It’s a fantastic, local cultural experience for all ages.It's the final day to catch this unique youth art showcase—a meaningful and inspiring stop before it's gone.
SUNDAY MATINEE AT CENTRAL AND UNSERFREE : If Sunday is a bit damp, this afternoon movie showing at the Central & Unser Library is a super chill, local way to wrap up the weekend.It’s an easy, no-fuss indoor option at the library to wind down the weekend, likely free for local families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hands-on science or making activities are happening Saturday?
For hands-on fun, you can head to the 'STEAM Night: The Art of Ballooning' event Saturday evening (5:30 PM) or check out the early morning 'Thunderbird Hacks' tinkering event at Explora (9:00 AM).
Are there any free cultural activities this weekend?
Yes! The excellent Indigenous Freeways mural installation at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is free to view all day on Sunday, February 1st.
I have a 5-year-old. What's the best activity for them?
We recommend the IPCC Family Story Time on Saturday at 1:00 PM for focused fun, or if you are looking for something later, the STEAM Night (ages 3-14) could also work well.