Explora is an experiential learning centre and children’s museum located in the heart of Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was last updated in April 2026 and includes the confirmed opening of the new Science of Kindness exhibit alongside current admission rates.
Quick facts
| Feature | Details |
| Opening hours | Mon–Sun: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| Ticket prices | Adults $11; Children $8 |
| Address | 1701 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Free on-site parking lot |
| Typical time needed to visit | 2 to 3 hours |
Explora opening hours
Explora is open to visitors every day of the week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. On Mondays, the museum opens one hour early from 9:00 am to 11:00 am exclusively for “Toddler Time,” a reserved timeslot dedicated to younger visitors.
These core hours apply year-round, with no extended seasonal variations. However, the museum is closed on January 1, July 4, Thanksgiving, December 25, and the week following Labor Day, and closes early at 2:00 pm on December 24 and December 31.
Explora ticket prices
Standard admission to Explora costs $11 for adults (ages 12 to 64) and $8 for children (ages 1 to 11), seniors (65+), students, and military personnel with ID. Children under the age of one enter for free. Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026.
Explora is not currently included in any multi-attraction city pass schemes, such as Go City or CityPass. Visitors planning to explore other local sites like the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, the Albuquerque Museum, or the ABQ BioPark will need to purchase separate entry tickets for each location.
5 great Albuquerque experiences to book
- 🎈 Admire the sunrise on a hot air balloon ride across the desert.
- 🌅 Alternatively, take your balloon ride at sunset.
- 🎬 Get on the trail of Walter White with a Breaking Bad filming locations tour.
- 🚴 Take a bike tour – and see Albuquerque’s top natural sights.
- 👻 Listen to spooky historic tales on an Old Town ghost tour.
How to get to Explora
You can reach Explora by driving to the Old Town museum district, located just off Interstate 40 near the centre of Albuquerque. The building sits at 1701 Mountain Road NW, positioned directly across the street from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.
For those using public transport, the local ABQ RIDE bus network services the surrounding Old Town area, with stops located within a short walking distance of the main entrance.
Why book the Best of ABQ City Tour?
- 🚋 Unique Open-Air Trolley: Experience Albuquerque from “Coyote,” a custom-designed, open-air trolley that offers 360-degree views and an immersive way to soak in the high-desert air and sunshine.
- 🌵 Historic Old Town Roots: Explore the city’s birthplace, dating back to 1706, and learn about the Spanish colonial history, traditional adobe architecture, and the iconic San Felipe de Neri Church.
- 🛣️ Cruising Route 66: Travel along the famous “Mother Road,” taking in the longest urban stretch of the original highway in the U.S., complete with vintage neon signs and mid-century charm.
- 🎬 “Tamalewood” & Filming Sites: Discover why Albuquerque is a top filming destination as you pass recognizable locations from hit shows like Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.
- 🏙️ Diverse Neighborhood Highlights: Get a comprehensive look at the city’s character, from the vibrant murals of Downtown and the University of New Mexico campus to the trendy, neon-lit Nob Hill district.
Parking at Explora
The most convenient parking for Explora is the dedicated, free visitor parking lot situated on the north side of the building. This primary surface lot is accessible via entrances on Mountain Road and 18th Street.
The parking lot accommodates standard vehicles and features designated accessible spaces near the entrance. Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are also available within the parking area for visitors to use while exploring the museum.
How long to spend at Explora
A typical visit to Explora takes between two and three hours. The museum spans two levels and features over 250 hands-on exhibits, allowing families to explore the various science, technology, and art stations at their own pace.
Visitors planning to participate in scheduled craft workshops, attend the Teen Science Cafe, or visit the X Studio may need to allocate up to four hours for their visit.
Accessibility at Explora
Explora provides step-free access throughout the building for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility aids. A central ramp and an accessible lift connect the ground floor to the upper level, ensuring all exhibit areas remain fully reachable.
The museum hosts dedicated Sensory Friendly Times on select evenings, providing a less stimulating environment with limited attendance. During regular hours, visitors can request sensory kits from the front desk, which include noise-reduction headphones, fidget objects, and visual timers.
Inside Explora
The interior of Explora is an open-plan environment focused on interactive STEAM learning rather than traditional museum displays. Visitors are encouraged to touch, build, and experiment with the materials provided at each exhibit station.
A central feature on the upper level is the High Wire Bike, which allows visitors to safely ride a counterweighted bicycle across a cable suspended two stories above the ground floor.
The Water of Life area provides large-scale water tables where visitors can build dams, change water flow, and examine fluid dynamics. In the Engineering Gravity section, visitors construct complex ball runs using magnetic tracks and tubes to test momentum and friction against a large metal wall.
The facility also houses the new Science of Kindness exhibit, introduced in April 2026, alongside the X Studio, a dedicated space equipped with specialized tools and technology for teenagers.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Visitor Advice |
| Timing | Arrive on a weekday afternoon after 1:00 pm to avoid the morning crowds created by visiting school field trip groups. |
| Crowds | The interactive water tables are highly popular and often congested; visit these areas first upon arrival. |
| Layout | Use the large central ramp to navigate between the two floors, as it offers a clear vantage point of the entire museum. |
| Entry process | Purchase walk-in tickets at the front desk, or reserve a timeslot online up to 10 days in advance to bypass queues. |
| On-site logistics | Bring a spare set of clothes for younger children, as they are highly likely to get wet at the water exhibits. |
Frequently asked questions about Explora
| Question | Answer |
| Is Explora suitable for children? | Yes, it is explicitly designed as a children’s experiential learning centre with interactive hands-on activities. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Explora? | No, walk-in tickets are available, but online reservations can be made up to 10 days ahead to secure a time. |
| Is Explora open on Sundays? | Yes, the museum is open every Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. |
| Are bags allowed at Explora? | Yes, standard day bags and backpacks are permitted, and there are lockers available on-site to store them. |
Things to do near Explora
- New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science: A large museum featuring dinosaur skeletons, a planetarium, and an interactive look at the region’s geological past.
- Albuquerque Museum: A prominent cultural institution showcasing the art, history, and culture of Albuquerque and the wider Rio Grande Valley.
- Old Town Albuquerque: A historic district featuring traditional adobe architecture, the San Felipe de Neri Church, and numerous local boutiques and galleries.
- ABQ BioPark Aquarium: An indoor aquarium showcasing aquatic habitats from the Gulf of Mexico, including a large shark tank.
- ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden: A sprawling 36-acre garden featuring themed botanical displays, a glass conservatory, and a dedicated children’s fantasy garden.
More New Mexico travel
Other New Mexico travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Practical guide to visiting the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum in Albuquerque.
- Important information for those visiting Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque.
- What you need to know before visiting Bandelier National Monument near Los Alamos.
- Plan your visit to Valles Caldera National Preserve and Aztec Ruins National Monument in north-western New Mexico.
- Guide to visiting El Morro National Monument in western New Mexico.
