For those of us in APS or RRPS, Spring Break is upon us. If you’re staying in town, we’ve come up with a list of ideas of stuff to do in the Albuquerque area with your kids while there’s no school. Whether you want to venture out or plan some fun to do at home, we’ve got lots of ideas for you below!
We hope you have a memorable Spring Break with your children this year!
Museums
1. New Mexico Museum of Natural History: My kids lovingly call this one The Dinosaur Museum and are always reinvigorated to dig for dino bones in our backyard after we visit.
2. National Museum of Nuclear Science & History: Check out the nation’s only congressionally chartered museum in its field and an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early research of nuclear development through today’s peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
3. Explora: With over 250 interactive exhibits and activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math, this is one to re-visit over and over.
4. American International Rattlesnake Museum: If you get the willies easily (raises hand), put on your big girl pants for this one. My kids love this place though.
5. Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum: If you just can’t wait until October to get your balloon fix at Balloon Fiesta, how about the second best thing . . . a visit to the balloon museum.
Community Fun
6. ABQ BioPark: What’s a spring break in Albuquerque without a visit to either the zoo, aquarium, botanic gardens, Tingley Beach, or all of the above?
7. Meow Wolf: Want to inspire creativity through art, exploration, and play for your kiddos? Their imaginations are sure to be piqued at Meow Wolf. This immersive experience in Santa Fe is a little trippy, but definitely memorable.
Water Works
8. Wading in the Rio Grande: Get out the buckets and the shovels, bring a picnic lunch, and dip your toes in the Rio Grande. There are lots of places to go, but my favorite spot to take kids wading is Calabacillas Arroyo. Calabacillas is located on the westside of the river off of Coors, north of Paseo del Norte. From Coors, turn right (east) on to Westside drive (3/4 of a mile north of Paseo del Norte; one-quarter of a mile north of Irving), then turn east on to the dirt levee road, and follow the road to the dirt parking lot.
9. Slip and Slide: Purchase an inexpensive Slip and Slide for hours of fun in the backyard. Or just use a tarp and a hose. We use baby soap on ours to make it extra slippery. And an added bonus is that the kids get clean!
10. Water balloons: Have a water balloon fight. After all the fun, pay kids a penny for each water balloon piece they pick up.
11. Paint the fence or wall with water: Give the kids paintbrushes and buckets of water to “paint” with water on the fence or wall. They’ll enjoy their pictures. You’ll enjoy no mess!
12. 5 More Water Fun Ideas (That Don’t Waste Water)
The Great Outdoors
13. Bike Along the Paseo del Bosque Trail: Spring Break is a great time for getting outside. Check the website for all the access points to the trail. Make sure to stop and throw rocks in the river too.
14. Hikes easy enough for toddlers: Here are three toddler-friendly trails to try.
15. Take a longer hike: Hike a kid-friendly trail further from home. There’s one trail I like that is great for kids that’s a little further away. Think of it more as a day trip. Try the Jemez East River Slot Canyon Trail near Jemez Springs. Or hike in the foothills. These trails are easy and are a great way to get out of the house.
16. Visit one of the Albuquerque area’s many parks. Maybe go to one you don’t normally visit. Check out our Guide to Parks here.
17. Bandelier National Monument: Go back in time to this rugged but beautiful canyon and mesa country that contains evidence of a human presence going back over 11,000 years. Petroglyphs, dwellings carved into the soft rock cliffs, and standing masonry walls pay tribute to the early days of a culture that still survives in the surrounding communities.
18. Petroglyph National Monument: There are many areas to see the actual petroglyphs. However, my favorite part of this monument is the volcanoes west of the city. It feels so remote when in reality, you’re a short drive from civilization. And the city views are spectacular. Do yourself a favor and don’t go on a windy day though.
19. Check out one of New Mexico’s many state parks or lakes.
20. Plant a garden!
Eats & Treats
21. Pizza Kit: Pick up a pizza kit from Restoration Pizza or Dion’s to make at home. It’s a fun activity, and it’s lunch. Win win!
22. Treat Yourself to Ice Cream: It’s getting warmer out, so let’s enjoy some ice cream. Here’s a guide to all the places to get frozen treats in the Albuquerque area.
23. Coffee date: My kids always feel so grown up when they go on a coffee date with mom or dad. Pack the coloring books and sticker books, and just enjoy your kids at one of our local coffee shops.
24. Find a food truck: Albuquerque is so lucky to have such a great food truck scene. Hunt one down and enjoy your eats outside in the sun.
25. Learn to cook: Teach your child to cook a simple meal or dessert. Pinterest is your best friend for this one.
Arts & Crafts
26. Paint Your Own Pottery: Visit Art Attack and paint your own pottery.
27. Art Kit: Grab an Art Kit To-Go from Canvas and Coffee that will provide hours of fun!
28. Chatter Paint: Get messy and create all at the same time. Read all about one of our team members’ experiences at Chatter Paint.
29. Perler beads: This is a favorite at our house. If you need an activity to take up a lot of time, get some Perler beads. They can be messy, but when I need to get something done and my kiddos need to be occupied, this is a go-to.
30. Make a kite: Check out these directions to make a kite that really flies!
