Science

Bradbury Science Museum Uncover the history of the laboratory where America's first atomic bomb was developed. Learn the secrets of the Manhattan Project through films, newspapers, files, and photos. See actual bombs, warheads, and missiles, and find out how nuclear weapons were tested underground throughout the Cold War years. 1350 Central Ave., Los Alamos, NM; +1 505 667 4444.

explora! Dissect your world at this lively facility that's part science center, part grandma's attic, part lab, part neighborhood full of interesting people and things; manipulate materials at your own pace as you learn about sound, space, light, air, and water; pause to take in a live original short play about famous scientists and explorers. 1701 Mountain Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM; +1 505 224 8300. Fee.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory Bring out your inner scientist as you tour this stunning arrangement of radio telescopes. Discover how the antennas work and how the huge instruments are moved around to collect information. Survey the entire collection and the remote desert surroundings from an observation deck. 1003 Lopezville Rd., Socorro, NM; +1 505 835 7000.

National Solar Observatory Tour buildings full of high-resolution telescopes. Hear how scientists use special instruments to get close-up views of the sun, sunspots, and solar eclipses. Scope out a unique broadcast that allows people in Sunspot to watch a live feed of the sun on their TV sets. Scenic Byway 6563, Sunspot, NM; +1 575 434 7076. Fee.

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science Trace the history of dinosaurs and encounter fossils and model dinos. Discover what New Mexico was like 75 million years ago. Wander through a cave, keeping an eye out for the sleeping bats dangling from the ceiling. 1801 Mountain Rd., NW. Albuquerque, NM; +1 505 841 2800. Fee.

Planetarium at Santa Fe Community College Watch programs on astronomy, space exploration, and the physical laws governing the universe. Listen to tales of distant planets and galaxies. Learn about the unique traditions that different cultures have held throughout history to help interpret the vastness of outer space. 6401 Richards Ave., Santa Fe, NM; +1 505 428 1000. Fee.