• What's Happening
• 6 Top Spots to Cool Down Near Albuquerque and Rio Rancho

6 Top Spots to Cool Down Near Albuquerque and Rio Rancho

Posted on June 5, 2023

When the dog days of summer approach, it’s nice to find ways to cool off while having some fun, whether it’s at a river, park, swimming pool or here in Mariposa. The average date for Albuquerque’s first 100+ day is June 29, and the average date for the last 100+ day is July 14th. We’d suggest a few of the refreshing options listed below to get you through that toasty few weeks this summer.

• Paddle Down the Rio Grande River

Up for a little paddling adventure along the Rio Grande? Companies such as New Mexico River Adventures offer rental kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and inflatable inner tubes plus knowledgeable guides who share their knowledge of the river.
Options: New Mexico River Adventures: 505-983-7756

• Refreshing Drinks

Cool off with a sip of a horchata, a milky Latin American beverage most typically made from rice, tiger nuts, ground almonds, and spices. El Paisa puts out a truly authentic and refreshing rendition that happens to be only $2.50 for a grande size! Or a bottle of Mimbres Pink from D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro at 910 Rio Grande Blvd. N.W., Ste. B-100, Albuquerque. Sip, relax, and be cool!
Locations in Albuquerque, about 30 miles from Mariposa

• Cliff’s Amusement Park

Cliff’s Amusement Park offers thrilling water-related rides, games, and attractions of all kinds. Start with the Water Monkey, the perfect shallow wading water to cool off in with a giant water bucket that will eventually tip and douse everyone within a 15-foot radius! Then, take a turn towards the coaster side and make a trip down The Flush, a high-speed, thrilling waterslide, or the Log Ride, which floats along leisurely until the very end where you’ll find a sudden drop and a splashy finish!
Location: Osuna and San Mateo NE, 4800 Osuna Rd., NE, Albuquerque, about 25 miles from Mariposa

• Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum

Explora is a science center and children’s museum located in the heart of Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s an innovative learning space with over 250 interactive exhibits exploring STEAM concepts. It’s air-conditioned!
Location: 1701 Mountain Rd. NW, Albuquerque, about 30 miles from Mariposa

• Rio Rancho Aquatic Center

The Rio Rancho Aquatic Center features three separate pools, all designed for specific needs. The Cabezon Pool includes lanes for lap swimming, while the Haynes Pool and Rainbow Pool have features for open and recreational swimming with slides and basketball hoops made for children and families. Rio Rancho Aquatic Center also offers swim lessons and classes for everyone ages six months and older.
Location: 745 Loma Colorado Blvd., Rio Rancho, about 10 miles from Mariposa

•  ABQ BioPark Aquarium

The BioPark Aquarium is part of the ABQ BioPark, located next to the Rio Grande. It’s a delight to see cuttlefish, angelfish, clams, sea turtles, jellyfish, sharks, river otters and more. The health and wellness of all of the animals is the number one concern at the ABQ BioPark.
Location: 2601 Central Ave. NW, Albuquerque, about 30 miles from Mariposa

Whether you sip, swim or snooze, enjoy these long summer days in and around Rio Rancho and Mariposa.

Looking for a new home in New Mexico? Mariposa is a master-planned community 30 minutes north of Albuquerque in the appealing town of Rio Rancho. Near so much of what New Mexico offers, Mariposa is designed for living naturally. Mariposa offers a fully equipped fitness center, indoor lap pool and outdoor pools, parks, sports courts, miles of trails, abundant open space and endless views at the 2,200-acre Mariposa Preserve and surrounding mountains. Learn more at https://liveinmariposa.com/