Enjoy a Refreshed Aquarium and Botanic Garden Summer Experience
Guests can again see the river otters and stingrays while enjoying an easier, more connected Aquarium and Botanic Garden experience, now complete with a cooling splash pad.
The ABQ BioPark has recently completed several projects designed to improve the overall guest experience at the Aquarium and Botanic Garden just in time for summer.
One of these projects was construction on the entrance level of the Aquarium that improved pathways to make it easier for guests to move through the space and continue their visit to the Botanic Garden. Now that construction is complete, the main entrance at the ABQ BioPark Aquarium has been reopened.
During this time, new graphics and signage were also added throughout the entire Aquarium to bring guests a refreshed and modern experience.
“We want guests to feel welcome from the moment they arrive,” said Allyson Zahm, ABQ BioPark Guest Experience Manager. “These improvements make it easier for families to find their way, take their time, and enjoy the Aquarium and Botanic Garden as one connected experience. Some habitats will continue to reopen in phases, but guests can enjoy returning favorites like the river otters and stingrays just steps away.”
The educational Aquarium signage had not been updated since 1996, so new engaging and informative graphics, like the one pictured at left, were recently added to enhance the guest experience.
The recently-built Tadpole Springs splash pad, located outside Shark Reef Cafe, is also making its summer debut, now with new umbrellas to provide shade at the surrounding tables. This cattail-inspired spray pad is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm from now until September 7. Access to Tadpole Springs is included with regular admission.
For more information about Tadpole Springs, see this page.
A new central ticket booth at the Aquarium and Botanic Garden further supports a more cohesive Aquarium and Garden visit. This new booth serves as the single ticket sales point for both facilities, helping simplify arrival and reduce confusion. The combined Aquarium/Garden ticket remains the same; one ticket continues to provide access to both the Aquarium and the Botanic Garden.
Guests are encouraged to explore both facilities during their visit, moving from aquatic habitats to garden pathways at their own pace. The improved layout makes it easier to experience the BioPark’s land-to-sea connections, from desert and garden landscapes to freshwater, coastal, and ocean habitats.
We thank our guests for their patience during construction of these improvements, and we look forward to welcoming you back to a refreshed Aquarium and Botanic Garden experience!