Albuquerque Biological Park

Often called “Bio Park”, it comprises four separate unique attractions including the Rio Grande Zoological Park, the Albuquerque Aquarium, the Rio Grande Botanic Garden and Tingley Beach which is planned for completion in the fall of 2005 Tingley Beach will link north and south Bio Park facilities with a narrow-gauge railroad. The Park is a great one-stop cultural experience where a family could spend an entire day or even multiple days viewing and learning about nature. The park fosters environmental awareness, education and recreational opportunity for both residents and visitors alike. Be advised the Biological Park prohibits smoking on the entire property.

If You Go

Hours of Operation
Open Daily: 9am to 5 pm
June thru August: Saturday and Sunday extended to 6pm
Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Days
Fees apply. Smoking Prohibited. Call (505) 764.6200 for disability assistance.

Rio Grande Zoo
Just blocks from Old town and Downtown Albuquerque, the zoo sits on 64 acres and has become one of the leading zoos in America as an oasis for exotic and native species. The zoo has established captive breeding programs for a number of endangered animal and wildlife species. The zoo offers year-round classes and a summer concert series. You’ll love the naturalistic habitats of rockwork, trees and grasses. Walking distance through zoo paths is 2.7 miles.

Albuquerque Aquarium
Here, visitors can follow a drop of water as it enters the Rio Grande River high in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado and follow its path through canyons, deserts and valleys of Colorado, Texas and New Mexico. The highlight of the aquarium is a 285,000-gallon shark tank with floor to ceiling viewing windows as many species of Gulf sharks. Visit the eel cave and the tidal pool which demonstrates the effects of a tide on beaches and the animal life that exists just below the surface. Walking distance through the aquarium is 1.6 miles.

Rio Grande Botanic Garden
Located across the plaza from the Albuquerque Aquarium and bordering the Rio Grande River with its largest cottonwood forest in the world, the Botanic Garden covers 20 acres including a 10,000 square foot glass conservatory. Experience both exotic and native plants including an herb garden, a ceremonial rose garden, a children’s fantasy garden and a Heritage Farm with domestic animals. The Garden features a seasonal butterfly conservatory.

Tingley Beach
Opening in the fall of 2005, Tingley Beach will feature a model boating lake, picnic areas, water features and a railroad connection to both ends of the Albuquerque Biological Park.

For more information, visit www.cabq.gov/biopark
For an extended stay, make your Albuquerque Hotel Reservations online.