Albuquerque → Santa Fe, New Mexico
Morning arrived gently in our Albuquerque hotel room. No alarms. No rushing. Just soft winter light slipping through the curtains and a quiet warmth in the air.
Our toddler woke us up the sweetest way—wrapping her tiny arms around us and softly telling us it was “wake up time.” Her sleepy smile made it impossible not to smile back. It felt like the kind of morning you want to hold onto for a little longer.
We stayed in bed for a few extra minutes, letting the day ease in. Outside, the city was slowly waking up, and inside, everything felt calm and unhurried. Traveling with a toddler changes mornings like this—they become slower, softer, and somehow more meaningful.
We headed down for breakfast, enjoying a simple hotel spread. Warm food, hot coffee, and a happy little one sitting between us, pointing at people passing by and narrating her own tiny version of the morning. It was the perfect, grounded start before heading out for the day.
Today wasn’t about covering distance or checking boxes.
It was about letting her curiosity lead.
And that made it feel like a very good day already.
A Morning of Wonder at Explora Science Center
Explora Science Center is one of those places that instantly feels right when you walk in — bright, open, welcoming, and made for little hands and big curiosity.
The moment we entered, our toddler’s face lit up. She didn’t wait for instructions. She moved straight toward the exhibits, touching, pressing, splashing, turning — learning without knowing she was learning.
The water play area quickly became her favorite.
She dipped her hands carefully at first, then laughed as the water flowed faster. Tiny splashes. Big smiles. Pure joy. The soft echo of water and laughter filled the space as she moved from one station to another, completely absorbed in the moment.
Nearby, bubbles floated through the air, and she chased them with small, excited steps, laughing every time one popped.
There’s something deeply beautiful about watching a child explore freely — no rush, no rules, just curiosity leading the way.
As parents, we loved how relaxed it felt. No pressure to “see everything.” Just space to play, to pause, to let her curiosity decide the pace. Explora is one of those places where time quietly disappears — and that’s exactly how it should be.
Tiny hands discovering big ideas at Explora Science Center.
As parents, we loved how relaxed it felt. No pressure to “see everything.” Just space to play, to pause, to let her curiosity decide the pace. Explora is one of those places where time quietly disappears—and that’s exactly how it should be.
Lunch at Sawmill Market — Something for Everyone
By lunchtime, all that exploring had worked up an appetite. We headed to Sawmill Market, one of Albuquerque’s most vibrant and family-friendly food halls.
Inside, the space felt airy and lively. Sunlight streamed in, voices hummed softly, and the smell of fresh food filled the air. Wide walkways, plenty of seating, and quick service made it easy to manage lunch while traveling with a toddler.
We wandered slowly, deciding what felt right.
Sushi for one of us.
Mediterranean flavors for the other.
Simple, familiar bites for our toddler.
She sat happily between us, tasting, observing, waving at strangers who smiled back. These are the moments that make travel with a child feel so special—when meals turn into memories, not just food.
📸 Lunch stops that keep everyone happy — Sawmill Market vibes.
The Drive to Santa Fe — Winter Roads & Quiet Views
In the afternoon, we packed up and started the drive to Santa Fe. The road felt calm and scenic, with winter skies stretching wide and mountains slowly rising in the distance.
Our toddler napped for part of the drive, her head resting gently against the seat. When she woke, she watched the landscape pass by—quiet roads, soft hills, changing light.
There’s something deeply peaceful about these in-between moments on a road trip. Not rushing. Not planning. Just moving forward together.
Arriving in Santa Fe — Old World Charm & Soft Lights
Santa Fe welcomed us with a completely different energy—historic, artistic, and calm. We checked into The Inn at Loretto, and the moment we stepped inside, it felt warm and timeless.
After settling into our room, we headed out for a short evening walk through downtown. The streets were softly lit, adobe buildings glowing under string lights, and the air felt crisp but gentle.
Our toddler held our hands tightly as we walked, occasionally stopping to look at lights or shadows on the walls. The night felt slow, peaceful—perfect for a family stroll.
📸 Santa Fe evenings — quiet streets, warm lights, old stories.
A Cozy Night In — Nachos, Guacamole & a Movie
Back in the room, we kept the night simple.
We ordered nachos and guacamole, turned on a movie, and let the day wind down naturally.
Our toddler curled up beside us, her energy finally settling after a full day of discovery. There’s something deeply comforting about ending a travel day like this—no rushing, no schedules, just togetherness.
As she drifted off to sleep, the room felt calm and full. Another day added quietly to our journey.
✨ Travel Tips for Families
- Explora Science Center is perfect for toddlers—plan at least 2 hours.
- Bring a change of clothes if your child loves water play.
- Sawmill Market is stroller-friendly with many food options.
- Santa Fe evenings can be cold—layer up for night walks.
- After busy days, simple room dinners help toddlers unwind.
✨ Why This Day Was Special
Day 2 wasn’t about iconic sights or big adventures.
It was about curiosity, play, comfort food, and slow moments.
Watching our toddler explore freely.
Sharing meals without rushing.
Walking through a quiet city at night.
Sometimes, the most meaningful travel days are the gentlest ones.
✨ Closing Reflection
Day 2 reminded me that travel doesn’t have to be loud or packed with plans to be memorable. It can be soft. It can be playful. It can be slow.
From splashing water at Explora to quiet Santa Fe streets and a cozy movie night, this day held its own kind of magic—the kind that settles into your heart quietly and stays there.
Tomorrow, the road continues.
But today was exactly what we needed.