Media Contact:
Laurie Magovern
lmagovern@cabq.gov
505-768-602

ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Field trips to the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum offer students opportunities to explore ballooning and weather. Reservations are now being accepted for the winter and spring events.  

Balloon programs at the museum allow students to explore the history and science of ballooning through interactive demonstrations and tours. Students will learn about what it means to be lighter than air, how the technology is used and how balloonists have contributed to science throughout history.

Ballooning sessions include:  

We are a Balloon Crew (grades 1-4) - Every Tuesday
Watch a hot air balloon launch! Students will learn how a hot air balloon works and explore its construction as veteran balloon pilots demonstrate by launching 1/8th scale model radio-controlled balloon and gondola. This activity is outdoors and is subject to existing weather conditions. Flight cancellation possible due to weather. Please dress accordingly. Dates: January 16, 23; March 27; April 3, 10, 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

What is Lighter than Air? (grades 5-8) - 2nd Thursday
Learn the science and history of lighter-than- air technology! Learn what it means to be lighter than air and how aeronauts harnessed the power of lift to become the first humans to fly. Dates: February 8; March 8; April 12; May 10 

Fantastic Flights (grades 9-12) - 2nd Friday
Students will learn about the history of ballooning and its impact on the world as courageous aeronauts explored the science of flight and pushed the boundaries of technology to engineer the world's first aircraft. Dates: February 9; March 9; April 13; May 11

The museum's weather programs invite students to investigate the science, power, and beauty of weather in our newest exhibition The Weather Lab. In addition to tours, students will engage in interactive science demonstrations that reveal how the sun, air, and water combine to create weather in our atmosphere.

Weather sessions include:  

Wonderful Weather (grades 1-4) - 1st Thursday
What is the recipe for weather? Students will learn about the Earth systems that work together to make our Earth's weather from a sunny day to an entire season through interactive demonstrations and a tour through The Weather Lab. Dates: February 1; March 1; April 5; May 3

Weather Watchers (grades 5-8) - 3rd Thursday
Investigate the science, power, and beauty of weather in our exhibition, The Weather Lab. Students will explore the different Earth systems that interact to make the world's weather and the tools and technology meteorologists use to predict storms, precipitation, wind, and heat. Dates: January 18; February 15; March 15; April 19; May 17

Weather Experts (grades 9-12) - 3rd Friday
Students will explore The Weather Lab to learn about extreme weather and weather patterns to expand their knowledge of how weather and climate impact the world from day to day and over time. Dates: January 19; February 16; March 16; April 20; May 18

Field trip reservations can be made at https://goo.gl/ecyht6.   

In addition to field trips, the museum's Stories in the Sky, designed for children up to 6 years old and their adult companions, is a presentation of award-winning early childhood education programming featuring stories, music, movement, and art. There are different themes and activities held every week. There are two sessions every Wednesday at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Admission is free.  

Music in the Sky, for infants, toddlers and their adult companions, is a presentation of music, movement and art. There are two sessions every Wednesday at 12:15 and 1:30 p.m. Admission is free. 

Preschools, grades K-1 and Mom's and Dad's groups are welcome to attend Stories in the Sky and Music in the Sky. To bring a group to either, please make a reservation in advance by emailing Lauren Coons at lcoons@cabq.gov

Named in honor of Albuquerque's pioneering aeronauts Maxie Anderson and Ben Abruzzo, the Balloon Museum opened in 2005 and has since welcomed more than one million visitors from across New Mexico, the United States, and around the world. Through its extensive collection of artifacts, interactive special exhibitions, and engaging educational programs, the Museum is a gateway to science, exploration, and discovery. The Museum is open year round and hosts many community-oriented special events, features unique art and architecture, and offers distinctive rental spaces for meetings, weddings and receptions, and other celebrations.