This 50,000-square-foot complex adjacent to the Museum of Natural History and Science [1] (1701 Mountain Rd. NW, 505/224-8300, www.explora.us [2], 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Sat., noon–6 p.m. Sun., adults $7, children $3) is dedicated to thrilling—and educating—children; adults may learn something too.
Its colorful geodesic-dome top sets a circuslike tone, and inside, more than 250 interactive exhibits demonstrate the scientific principles behind everything from high-wire balancing to optical illusions.
Kids can even build robots using Lego systems, and, since this is the desert, a whole section is dedicated to water.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/santa-fe-taos-albuquerque/albuquerque/sights/old-town-and-rio-grande/museum-natural-history-and-science
[2] http://www.explora.us