I visited the Albuquerque Aquarium and Botanical Gardens. I didn't spring for the combined discount admission to include the zoo and train connections, because it was already hot and sunny. I didn't need to see the zoo, and I may not have properly enjoyed it after the aquarium and gardens. I wasn't even interested in the gardens (and I'm highly allergic to flowers and pollen), but the $7 admission is for both the aquarium and gardens, so I figured I already paid for it. I like aquariums, but this one was small. I did a second walk through and recorded it as a two minute real time video (http://www.vimeo.com/1249062). I was able to spend 2 hours in there, but being there at opening meant I started to walk the entire, and much larger, botanical gardens at high noon (peak sun and heat). I guess it was worth it to see the various environments and garden designs (greenhouses, Japanese-style garden, and a farmhouse). I'd recommend you start with the gardens, then head into the darker and air conditioned aquarium in the early afternoon.
