Albuquerque Parks, Isotope Stadium, Lakes, and Recreation Areas

Located on the banks of the Rio Grande River, and at the base of the Sandia Mountains to the east, Albuquerque is a desert city with beautiful scenery and a wealth of parks to provide ample recreation opportunities. With plenty of city parks, nature areas and educational parks, Albuquerque is literally a playground for every visitor and citizen!

If you only have time to visit one park while you are in Albuquerque, make this the one! Like a treasure chest, the Biological Park features three distinct park areas just waiting to be experienced. Can you say Albuquerque Aquarium five times fast? Even if you can't, this is the place to see hundreds of beautiful, mysterious and fascinating saltwater species native to the Gulf of Mexico, including four species of shark, as well as eels, sea turtles and reef fish. After seeing the Aquarium species, head on over to the Rio Grande Botanical Garden where visitors can get acquainted with lots of plant species. Visit the 10,000-square-foot glass conservatory, the children's garden, the walled gardens, Desert Pavilion, Rio Grande Heritage Farm, or the butterfly conservatory. The third place to visit at the Biological Park is the Rio Grande Zoo; with 64 acres, this zoo's 250 animal species enjoy naturalistic habitats surrounded by beautiful landscaping. You'll see seals, sea lions, gorillas, kangaroos, polar bears, koalas, jaguars, zebras, rhinoceroses and more!

City Parks:
Albuquerque's population is relatively young, so it makes sense that the city would have plenty of parks to satisfy recreational needs. Tiguex Park makes a nice stop in the middle of the afternoon to catch a siesta or to join a pickup game of basketball or football. Located between the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and the Albuquerque Museum, Tiguex Park is a convenient green space in the heart of the city. Another city park is Roosevelt Park, 13 acres of shady trails and sitting spots, as well as open space for Frisbee, golf or wintertime sledding, that has been an outdoor destination in Albuquerque since it was built during the Great Depression.

Rio Grande Nature Center:
First, stop by the visitor center to learn about the area's geology, wildlife and plant life, and then enjoy this park located on the Rio Grande River. Stroll the pathways and the footbridge, or enjoy the many hiking and biking trails. This handicap accessible park makes a fun and educational outdoor destination.

Isleta Lakes and Recreation Area:
Just south of Albuquerque, this recreation area is owned by the Pueblo of Isleta and features lots of fun opportunities for all ages. There is an RV park and campground, the 27-hole Isleta Eagle Championship Golf Course on the Rio Grande Bosque, lakes with a marina, and rainbow trout fishing and plenty of picnicking areas.

Isotopes Park:
For sports fans, this is the place! As the home of the Albuquerque Isotopes baseball team, this 12,215 seat stadium provides sports fun for all ages. In addition to the box, club and suite seats, this retro-styled stadium also has spacious picnic areas and terraces for children to play on. From the grandstand there are views of the majestic mountains, and one more bonus: the thin air of the 5,000-foot altitude guarantees lots of exciting home runs!

Albuquerque's many parks serve all kinds of purposes and feature lots of beauty, recreation, and excitement. Though it might be hard to choose which parks to visit while you visit Albuquerque, you can be sure they all have one thing in common: FUN!