Good morning and welcome to issue 001 of Growing Up ABQ. We're really glad you're here.
This is the first one, so a quick word on what you signed up for. Every Thursday we send one short email with four things in it: one thing to do, one event worth checking out, one restaurant to try, and the parent pick of the week. That is the whole newsletter. Five minutes, and your weekend with the kids is basically handled.
Albuquerque has plenty going on but the challenge is finding what is worth your time. Instead of overwhelming you with dozens of events, we do the digging and handpick the ones we think are worth leaving the house for. Consider this your shortcut to an easier weekend.
THE EVENT
International Mud Day! (Free)
If your kids have ever begged to play in the mud, this is the event for them. International Mud Day is happening this Saturday, giving kids a chance to get outside, get messy, and enjoy some hands-on play and allegedly “plenty” of water nearby for cleanup. 🏜️
A few things parents should know: dress for a mess, bring a towel and a change of clothes, and don’t wear anything you’re hoping to keep clean. Free paletas while supplies last.
When: Saturday, July 11, 9am–2pm
Where: Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors Blvd NW
Cost: Free
MORE THIS WEEKEND
ToonFusion: ABQ 2026 | Sat–Sun, July 11–12 | Sat 9:30am–6pm | Expo New Mexico
Albuquerque’s animation and pop-culture convention. Costumes, artists, vendors, and plenty for kids who love cartoons.
Ticket prices: $35+ (Kids under 8 get in free)
Disney’s 101 Dalmatians KIDS | Sat, July 11 | 2pm, doors 1pm | $25 | South Broadway Cultural Center
A one-hour musical performed by local kids, which makes it a great first live theater experience. One show only, so grab seats early if you’re interested.
Zoo Music: Holy Roller | Fri, July 10 | 6–8:30pm | $17 adults, $8.50 kids 3–12 | ABQ BioPark Zoo
Country and Southern rock on the zoo bandshell after hours. Bring a blanket, let the kids roam, and catch the animals at their evening best.
SANTA FE
International Folk Art Market | July 9–12 | $20 adults, kids 16 & under free with ticket | Railyard Park, Santa Fe
Artists from more than 50 countries in one park, and the biggest folk-art market in the world happens an hour from your house. Sunday is free but requires a reserved timed ticket (slots are filling up fast).
ONE THING TO DO
BioPark Aquarium/splash pad
When it’s 95 degrees and everyone is getting a little restless, the Aquarium is a great escape. It’s fully air-conditioned, the 285,000-gallon shark tank is a guaranteed kid favorite, and right outside is Tadpole Springs. A splash pad that’s free to access through the Shark Reef Cafe (no BioPark ticket required).
After closing for five months of renovations, Tadpole Springs recently reopened and has quickly become a hit with local families looking for a way to cool off and burn some energy.
Our recommendation: do the indoor loop first, then let the kids cool off and burn some energy at the splash pad before heading home.
Aquarium: 9am–5pm
Tadpole Springs: 10am–4pm
DUKE CITY EATS
Restoration Pizza
Finding a restaurant that works for the whole family is harder than it sounds. You want good food, options everyone will actually eat, and an environment that feels welcoming when you bring the kids. Restoration Pizza checks all the boxes.
The green chile chicken enchilada pizza is the standout. It sounds like it shouldn’t work, but somehow, they absolutely nailed it. The menu is also one of the reasons this is such a great family spot. It’s not just pizza, and there are enough options that everyone at the table can find something they’ll actually enjoy.
Don’t skip dessert either. The root beer float is a fun throwback and has quickly become a favorite for kids and adults.
But the reason Restoration Pizza made our first issue isn’t just because of the food.
Restoration opened in Albuquerque with a mission that goes far beyond serving great pizza. The restaurant was created with the goal of providing meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities and creating a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
That mission is built into how the restaurant operates. The team uses visual recipes, color-coded ingredients, and systems designed to make the kitchen more accessible for employees. The open kitchen also gives customers a chance to see the entire team working together while they eat.
What we love about Restoration is that it represents the kind of local business we want to highlight. A place that serves great food, welcomes families, and is actively trying to make Albuquerque a better place for everyone.
Our picks: the green chile chicken enchilada pizza, the supreme pizza, and the root beer float to finish it off.
Where: 5161 Lang Ave NE, Suite A
Hours: Mon–Thu & Sun 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–10pm
⭐ Parent Pick of the Week
Know a spot every ABQ family should have on their list?
Hit reply and send us your Parent Pick of the Week. Tell us what makes it special.
🌳 A park your kids love
🍕 A restaurant that makes family dinner easy
🥾 A trail worth the drive
💦 A splash pad or summer favorite
🎨 A hidden gem most parents don't know about
If we feature your pick, you get a shout-out. First name only, unless you'd like more.
The best finds in this city don't come from ads. They come from parents already out there with their kids.
See you next Thursday.
Jasmine and Jacob
Growing Up ABQ