New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque, NM 87104

Exploring a cave, walking through a volcano, and discovering the Ice Age are just a few of the wonders at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, the winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Museum for Big Kids in Albuquerque.

Visitors can travel through time by exploring the eight permanent Timetracks exhibits that tell the story of New Mexico from the Paleozoic to the present. The Naturalist Center is an interactive discovery room where people of all ages and experiences can touch real fossils, examine a variety of specimens through a microscope, or observe one of the museum's animals up close.

The planetarium offers several shows daily, ranging in theme from the days of the dinosaurs to the intricacies of space. Check the website for a current schedule.

The Dynatheater screens IMAX films on a regular basis.

Workshops for teachers and parents, the Junior Docent Program, summer workshops for kids, Camp Ins, lectures, and many other programs/special events are offered on a regular basis - visit the website for details.

The Museum of Natural History houses the DynaTheater and the Lodestar Astronomy Center. Additional ticketing is required for these attractions and special exhibits.

The museum also houses the Nature Works Discovery Store.

Membership: The $75 family membership includes free year-round admission to the Museum, six free tickets to DynaTheater, the Museum's newsletter, a 10% discount at the NatureWorks Discovery Store and Museum Cafe, discounts on classes, camps, and lectures, and free admission to more than 200 other US museums.

The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and non-holiday Mondays in September and January.

The Albuquerque Museum, Historic Old Town, Explora, and Tiguex Park are within walking distance.