Albuquerque, NM
 

Greetings:

Our family of four (hubby, wife, daughters 15 and 11) will pass thru Albuquerque on our way to the Grand Canyon. We want to stop here and do a thing or two just to break up our long drive. Can you suggest a fun, but short, adventure for us? Thanks!

If you are interested in Native American history, a stop at Petroglyph National Monument might be interesting. Or a bit west of there is elMorro/Inscription Rock National Monument.

There is lots to see between Albuquerque and Grand Canyon like Painted Desert/Petrified Forest, Canyon de Chelley, Wupatki, Sunset Crater.

I also would advise you to go west on 40 to north on 89 and then east on 64 to get to the canyon and stop at all the wonderful viewpoints on the way in.

The ABQ BioPark is worth an entire day [buy a combo pass before noon]with the Aquarium, Botanical Gardens and Zoo.

There many great museums in both ABQ and SF. Explora! for the kids; Balloon Museum;

The Hispanic and Native American Cultural Centers are a must see.

http://cabq.gov/visiting

http://cabq.gov/balloon

http://www.indianpueblo.org/

http://www.nhccnm.org/

http://www.cabq.gov/biopark
http://www.explora.us/en/

Since you are coming from Dallas, I'd take advantage of your stop in Albuquerque to learn the difference between Tex-Mex and New Mexico Mexican food. Old town Albuquerque is interesting and picturesque with good shopping, restaurants and museums.

if you are only doing a short stop in albuquerque, petroglyph is a great suggestion but if you only want lunch, go to the plaza.