New Mexico Kids!

529, a flexible savings option now even more flexible!

As kids go back to school, we start thinking about a brighter and better future for our children. Opening a 529 education savings plan with The Education Plan is a step in the right direction. A 529 offers the flexibility to be used for qualified expenses associated with in-person or online college or vocational school. It can also be used for K-12 private tuition and to pay for the costs associated with apprenticeship programs. It’s never too late to get started with The Education Plan, New Mexico’s state-sponsored 529 plan. TheEducationPlan.com

For more information about The Education Plan, call 1.877.337.5268 or visit theeducationplan.com to obtain a Plan Description and Participation Agreement, which includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information; read and consider it carefully before investing.

The Education Plan® and The Education Plan® Logo are registered trademarks of The Education Trust Board of New Mexico used under license. TEP.0090.NMKIDS.0723

Santa Fe

What’s in this issue for you!

September/October 2023

REGULAR FEATURES

Let’s Read! pg 18

Albuquerque Kids! Calendar pg 20

Santa Fe Kids! Calendar pg 26

Young Scientist pg 28

Kid’s Crossword pg 29

Let’s Draw pg 31

Cover Story

My name is Ryleigh Martinez. I am in 6th grade and turning 12 in November. I love to draw, play piano, dance, hang out with friends and play animal crossing. I've always loved to draw and have started drawing more since I got fancy alcohol markers. These are the markers I used for this drawing. I’m continuing to learn new drawing techniques. The inspiration comes from a book I started to read. In the very first chapter they were talking about a willow tree through the window. I immediately had a visual of what I wanted to draw. And then I drew this!! This picture has the perspective as if your looking through a window and see a beautiful willow tree with a koi fish pond. I hope anyone who sees this will find inspiration for their next drawing!

If you would like to submit art to be considered for a New Mexico Kids! cover, please email a copy of the image to kids@newmexico­kids.com. Please include your phone number!

SUBSCRIPTIONS to

New Mexico Kids! are $24 a year for 6 issues prepaid by credit card, check or money order.

Vol. 32 No. 5

STORIES & SPECIAL FEATURES

Reading Magic! pg 8

Santa Fe Program Helps StrugglingYoung Readers

Star Kids! pg 10

Families Can Star Gaze with NM Astronomy Clubs

Creative Kids! pg 14

Albuquerque Researcher Developing Repository of Children’s Accomplishments

Guest Column pg 32

The Homework Debate: How Much and What Kind is Best for Students

Afterschool Activities Directory pg 34

DEADLINES for the November/December 2023 issue are Sept. 22 for Editorial, Oct. 13 for the Directory of Schools and Academic Support Programs and Oct. 18 for ads, classifieds and calendar.

2023

Publisher: Plevin Kids Inc.

Editor/Advertising: Nancy Plevin, kids@newmexico-kids.com, 505-797-2708

Distribution/Advertising: Josh Plevin, joshplevin@comcast.net, 505-797-2708

Calendar Editor: Francine Hopper, nmkidscal@gmail.com

Proofreader: Deborah Begel, begel@windstream.net

Cover Design: Pat Carr of Carr Imaging, 505-880-8124

New Mexico Kids! is published bimonthly by Plevin Kids Inc., 9100 Galaxia Way NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111. Phone 505-797-2708. Email kids@newmexico-kids.com. Copyright 2023/2024 by Plevin Kids Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Paid advertisements are not an endorsement by New Mexico Kids! About 30,000 copies are distributed in New Mexico at about 400 locations.

Alessandra, 9

Albuquerque

Albuquerque

Reading Magic! Santa Fe Program Helps Struggling Young Readers

By TANIA SOUSSAN

Parents and teachers tend to use the word magic when describing Reading Quest, a Santa Fe-based childhood literacy program that is helping about 450 elementary school students learn to read every week through one-on-one professional tutoring.

“It’s like magic,” said Amanda Mendez, whose 11-year-old son, Lorenzo, has been in the program for two years.

“Amazing, amazing, amazing results. For Lorenzo, yes, he has improved in his reading skills. But, more so, his confidence. He’s definitely come so far.”

For many young students, reading and self-confidence go hand in hand. Struggling to read at the level of their peers can be discouraging and can impact their ability to keep up with other subjects. Learning to read can boost their self-esteem and improve their overall success.

Reading Quest was founded by Rayna Dineen, who started Santa Fe School for the Arts & Sciences and the Hooked on Books literacy campaign. Since its beginnings in 2015, the program has grown to have a paid staff of 22 highly trained adult reading specialists and 13 college and high school students who provide free structured literacy tutoring and social emotional support for hundreds of striving readers.

Programs include free Reading is Magic summer camps, free onsite tutoring in seven Title I schools in Santa Fe and West Las Vegas, individual tutoring at the Reading Quest site and coaching and professional development for teachers."

“We work really hard to make Reading Quest a safe place to read,” said Dineen, the executive director. “No kids are making fun of anyone."

As a fourth-grade teacher at Kearney Elementary School and an academic interventionist at Tesuque Elementary School in Santa Fe, Lisa Moyer referred many students to Reading Quest for tutoring.

“Reading became something they were interested in and looked forward to rather than

ran away from,” she said, adding that the tutors met the students “where they were” and helped them reach goals.

One third grader who could not read has become a flourishing student with aspirations for the future. “It was amazing. That child’s life was flipped around,” Moyer said. “Reading is a social justice issue. When they're behind, it affects their whole future.”

Moyer’s 6-year-old son also participated in Reading Quest for two years, going from very far behind during the pandemic to now being at grade level.

Instruction at Reading Quest is based on the science of reading, which uses strategies such as phonics and direct instruction. Mary Ellen Dannenberg, principal of Turquoise Trail Elementary School, said her school shares that approach.

“They make great connections with the kids, so everyone wants to go. It has somebody paying attention just to them and helping them with a problem,” she said. “It changes their whole attitude about learning. It's empowering to go, ‘Oh, my gosh, I finally understand this. It's not hard anymore.’”

Teachers at Turquoise Trail also observe the tutors to get ideas and take advantage of the training programs so they all are following the same playbook.

“We're really invested in what Reading Quest does,” Dannenberg said, adding that the school has two tutors two days a week who work with 12 children and hopes to expand to three days a week this year. They also sponsor some students in the summer camp.

Literacy is a major challenge in the United States, and especially in New Mexico. Nationally, 65 percent of fourth graders read below grade level, which contributes to 8,000 high school students dropping out of school every day, according to Reading is Fundamental. The 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress found 33 percent of fourth graders proficient in reading nationally. New Mexico came in last of the 50 states, with only 21 percent of fourth grade students able to read proficiently or above, Dineen said.

Some Reading Quest students start out one to three years behind grade level, but the program has a strong and measurable positive impact. “Our kids are making two to three times the expected growth on the standardized test scores – really remarkable growth,” Dineen said.

In the last school year, Reading Quest students at Sweeney Elementary School improved their standardized reading test scores by more than the expected growth rate, and third and fifth graders improved by almost twice the expected rate, for example.

“The thing that makes our program so effective is our teachers are able to develop really strong relationships with the students, trusting, caring relationships,” Dineen said, adding that they use games and songs rather than worksheets to make the tutoring fun. In a model based on video games, students also win books every time they reach a new level based on their effort.

Learning to read is an “incredibly powerful tool to combat poverty and inequity,” she said.

Reading Quest partners with Native American Student Services in Santa Fe and has seen great progress in some pueblo students it has been tutoring during the past few years. Dineen hopes to expand services to local pueblos. The program also has been serving 17 Afghan children and their families for more than a year.

5th-grade Amy Biehl School student Abraham as a Ghost Baker in the Reader's Theater film at the Reading is Magic camp. Courtesy Photos.

Reading specialists Cindy Boles and Lauren Rodda raise their swords with 3rd-grader Wilfer, 4th-grader Joseph and 3rdgrader Kevin. They played knights in the Kingdom of the Imagination Quest film.

Santa Fe High teen tutor Isa Clark, center, and butterfly fairies Kennia, 4th grade, and Renata, 5th grade, appear in the Kingdom of the Imagination Quest film at a Reading is Magic camp.

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Santa Fe

Star Kids! Families Can Star Gaze with New Mexico Astronomy Clubs

By AILEEN O’CATHERINE

If you’ve ever camped in a place far from lights, you know the thrill of seeing stars beneath a cap of dark sky. Stargazing is an addictive hobby, whether or not a pair of binoculars or a telescope is involved. New Mexico is home to many astronomy clubs, and the state’s central region has some of the most active. Whether the interest is in building a telescope, viewing the night sky or learning more about space in general, astronomy clubs are a good place to find other families with similar interests.

Santa Fe’s astronomy club, Santa Fe Stargazers, was founded in 2019. Club members share their passion for the heavens through outreach, talks and star gazing events (also called star parties). The club has about 80 members, 20 or so who are extremely active in engaging the public with all astronomy has to offer. Because the club formed just before Covid-19 hit, it has been hard at work getting back up to speed. The current focus is on growing the club, especially with families.

“We are a fairly small club but are always looking for more members,” said Club Outreach Officer Robert Powers.

Currently, the Stargazers meet the third Wednesday of the month at Vista Grande Public Library in Eldorado. Meetings are structured much as they are at other astronomy clubs, with the first half focused on a topic of interest, often with a special speaker. The rest is for stargazing.

The Stargazers have held a star gaze at Santa Fe School for the Arts and have conducted classroom activities at Eldorado Community School.

They hold star parties twice a year at Pecos National Historic Park. About 50 to 120 people show up in the quiet to observe the heavens in the area, where there is very little light pollution.

“They are family events,” said Powers. “We usually have five to six telescopes there, and it’s a lot of fun.”

The club hopes to get more parents and students involved in astronomy. “Most students at some point have to do astronomy,” Powers said. “It makes sense to help both students and teachers by providing star parties at schools."

The Santa Fe area is “a lovely part of the country for looking at the skies,” Powers added. “The skies are fairly dark, and you can go a half

continued on page 12

The Santa Fe Stargazers at a star party in the Galisteo Basin outside Eldorado. Photo by Tony Bananno (c), used by permission.

Fall Fun for the Whole Family

Step into history, explore nature’s playground and unleash your imagination at El Rancho de Las Golondrinas. Visit the Museum for fun-filled days this fall!

Seasonal Hours

Wednesday–Sunday | 10am–4pm Hours may vary on festival weekends.

Santa Fe Fiesta de los Niños

September 2–3 | 10 am–4 pm

Discover, Play and Learn about New Mexico Traditions

Santa Fe Renaissance Faire

September 16–17 | 10 am–5 pm

Journey Back in Time to the Majestic Kingdom of Golondrinas

Santa Fe Harvest Festival

October 7–8 | 10am–4pm

Fall Fun Extravaganza: Pumpkins, Hayrides and Grape Stomping Galore

Santa Fe Spirits of New Mexico

October 21  | 5–9pm

Celebrate All Hallows’ Eve and Meet the Ghosts of New Mexico’s Past

Kids 12 & under always get in free!

All festival tickets must be purchased online in advance.

Top Photo by Vic Macias; all other photos ©Richard Gonzales

Santa Fe

continued from page 10

hour in most directions and get to some nice places.” Plans are underway to hold more star gazes in the parking lot by Vista Grande Library. “We enjoy doing our star gazing events, out showing the night sky,” said Powers. “Looking at Jupiter through a telescope for the first time is pretty spectacular, especially for kids.”

If you and your family are interested in star gazing, joining an astronomy club may be a good option. Astronomy clubs are well known for setting up telescopes for eclipses or planetary alignments. (See the Young Scientist column in this issue for information on the upcoming annular eclipse on Oct. 14).

What is less well known is that astronomy clubs are good at providing insights into the sciences. If you’ve ever attended a star gaze event at a school or national park, you’ve probably met an amateur astronomer who is part of a local club. All share a passion for the heavens and for explaining what’s spectacular about Jupiter or Saturn. Astronomy clubs are places to learn about the latest mission to Mars, the weather on Venus, how telescopes work and more. Talks that take place before a club’s general monthly meeting include a variety of topics. Santa Fe Stargazers’ monthly meetings are accessible by Zoom at santafestargazers.org.

In addition to Santa Fe Stargazers, astronomy clubs in New Mexico’s central region include the largest, The Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS), and Rio Rancho Astronomical Society (RRAS). Both clubs have their own observatories where viewers can see the heavens with large, high-grade telescopes. TAAS’s observatory is southwest of Belen and far enough away from lights to view galaxies. Rio Rancho’s observatory has three high-grade telescopes. The club also has an outdoor planetarium with benches for night sky observing and talks, and an interactive sundial for solar activities.

The Albuquerque club conducts many outreach activities. School star parties include telescopes set up outside for viewing the night sky and activities inside the school that include a portable planetarium where presenters provide tours of the constellations. TAAS star parties are popular, and interested parents should contact their child’s school to see if a star party is on the calendar. Contact TAAS through its educational outreach page at taas.org. In addition, TAAS can help build or tune up a telescope.

For those interested in joining the club, general meeting dates for the rest of 2023 are Sept. 2, Oct. 28, Nov. 25 and Dec. 30.

Rio Rancho Astronomical Society conducts public star parties after each monthly meeting, weather permitting. They also take requests for outreach. Contact RRAS through the educational outreach page on its website at rrastro.org.

RRAS has worked with Rio Rancho Library to provide a telescope loaner program. The telescopes come with all the information needed as an introduction to the night sky and are available for three weeks. The loaner program is a great way for families to look at the skies together.

RRAS meeting dates for the rest of the year are Sept. 23, Oct. 20, and Nov. 17.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque

Galactic Giants Titan and Saturn seen from the CassiniHuygens spacecraft. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute

zahrarchery.com

zahrarchery@gmail.com

726-220-9795

Corrales

THE 2023 CORRALES HARVEST FESTIVAL

SEPT 30 & OCT 1

9AM - 5 PM

RIDE THE TRACTOR-PULLED HAYWAGONS AROUND THE 2 MILE LOOP THROUGH THE VILLAGE!

Food Trucks in Food Courts

Live Music

Kids Korner: Mechanical Bull, Jumpies, Rock Climbing Wall (included)

Fine Arts Fair in the Park

Casa San Ysidro Museum (included)

Historic Old San Ysidro Church - Pie Walk, Photo Ops, Tastes of Harvest, Kids Fun

Beer Garden: Local Craft Beers

Horse Demos & Rides (included)

Wagners Farmland Experience (extra fee)

Vote ($1) for Pet Mayor

Business and Crafts Vendors

Hootenanny: Sat. from 7–10PM; Dance to Kyle Martin, only $20

Pet Parade on Sunday at 9AM

Growers’ Market on Sunday 9AM–1PM

Dine at Local Restaurants

Unique Local Shopping

Adults $15 Free for Kids 12 & Under Free Parking

ZAHR Archery is Albuquerque's newest amusement center for family, friends and other groups! Come play archery dodgeball - a beginnerfriendly and unique sport. Using bows and foam-tipped arrows, battle in our eight game modes! Recomended ages: 8+

A community service/fundraiser of the Kiwanis Club of Corrales Foundation, a 501(c)(3).

Creative Kids! Albuquerque Researcher Developing Repository of Children’s Accomplishments

By WENDY KAPLAR

Shander Bawden, an Albuquerque resident and archivist at Georgia Tech Research Institute, has an extensive professional background demonstrating her exceptional research and information-gathering skills. She also is a member of the Board of Trustees for the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. Ever the researcher, during the challenging times of COVID-19, Bawden stumbled upon a remarkable book created by children that immediately captivated her. "I started reading it. It was during COVID, just when COVID began. I read the whole thing and fell in love with it. Not only was it done by children, but it was done so incredibly well," Bawden said.

The book, “Where the Mountains Meet the Plains: The Cimarron Country Past and Present,” was crafted by fourth-grade students at Cimarron Elementary School. Witnessing young students produce such a meaningful and well-executed book left her in awe. "The thought that it

was all done by the kids, all the drawings, you know, all the maps, the writing, and they dedicated it to their elders. I just loved it," Bawden said.

Shander Bawden holds literary works penned by young authors. Photo by Julian Trinidad Gardea.

An assortment of items invented by young people. Photo by Julian Trinidad Gardea.

The serendipitous discovery inspired Bawden to contemplate the outcome of allowing similar books to be shared among children. She appreciated how the children who authored class books tended to write in small sections, making it easier for peers to process the information. "It's not like sitting and listening to a lecture or watching a movie. They

Corrales

can digest the stories in pieces. What a terrific way for kids to learn about each other's cultures!" she said.

Bawden's continued research led her to explore the question of whether there were other school-produced books written by children for children out there. To her amazement, she found a collection dating back to 1952 published by the Albuquerque School District and republished around 1970. Additionally, Bawden's research unveiled a plethora of extraordinary commercial books written by children for their peers, as well as accomplishments and creations by young minds worldwide in such areas as art, science, design, music, film, coding, business, philanthropy, choreography and social action.

This led to The Children's Collection, which will serve as a repository for these exceptional creations. The Children’s Collection is dedicated to acquiring, preserving, providing access to and highlighting literary works, artistic endeavors and inventions created by children. The mission is to let kids inspire kids, acting as a catalyst to explore and learn about their peers' unique perspectives, talents, and creations. Even more specifically, Bawden wants the collection of physical and digital innovations to predominantly consist of those created by children from New Mexico.

Bawden holds pop-up exhibits for museums to promote The Children's Collection. "As visitors approach, I love sharing a particularly shockingly fun fact,” she said. “I say, 'Guess what? Everything you see here was made by a child.'" Bawden also shares information about inventions like earmuffs, the snowmobile and popsicles – all kid-created! She also shares examples of the innovation of young people such as Dasia Taylor, a high-schooler who recently invented structures that change color at the first signs of an infection. Or Grace Moore, 12, who composed music performed by the New York Philharmonic. And Albuquerque native Alissa Chavez who invented the Baby Hot Seat at age 14.

Aspirations for The Children's Collection include establishing a building that serves as a lending library, museum and theater for both film and live performances. The space will exclusively honor and showcase children's works, empowering young minds to realize their full potential.

Through The Children's Collection, Bawden aims to help build a more inclusive future, one that celebrates and appreciates the diverse backgrounds and talents of young minds.

To learn more about the Children's Collection, visit thechildrenscollection.org.

Books by young authors are displayed at one of The Children's Collection's pop-up exhibits. Photo by Shander Bawdan.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque/Rio Rancho

Let’s Read Let’s Read Let’s Read

Color-Coded

Author: Katie Proctor

Publisher: Fawkes Press, LLC

Ages: 8-12 years

This novel is a great book because it is written by our very own 5th grade teacher here at Manzano Day School, Mrs. Katie Proctor. She is an awesome teacher and an amazing writer! The main characters are William, Sophie, Jay, Xavian and Lizzy and every chapter is told from a different perspective. These 7th graders go to a middle school where “honor cards” show everyone’s behavior with the colors red, yellow, & green. The evil school

principal seems to enjoy taking away their cards. One day, a tornado warning throws the main characters together and they create a plan to put a stop to this unfair system. The author is a real teacher and that makes her story come to life even more! I would recommend this book to kids who think they can’t do anything to make changes because it shows them that they can!

By Kenzie G., 10

Yetis Are the Worst!

Author and Illustrator: Alex Willan

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Books for Young Readers

Ages: 4-8 years

This is an amazing book. From the illustrations to the creativity, it is full of wonderful ideas and pictures. This book takes you on another adventure with Gilbert the Goblin. He is also in “Unicorns Are the Worst!” and “Dragons Are the Worst!” The illustrations in “Yetis Are the Worst!” are magical. This book is full of hi-

larious goblins and mythical creatures and maybe shows how yetis aren’t actually all that bad after all! I would recommend this book if you like funny and adventurous books. I love this book and hope you will, too.

Mysha A., 10

The Children of the Black Glass

Author: Anthony Peckham

Publisher: Atheneum/ Caitlyn Dlouhy Books

Ages: 10-14 years

This book is for a slightly more mature audience as there is some minor gore and death along with enslavement and fighting. That said, I loved this book! I really, really loved how you are always, I mean always, on the edge of your seat! You never know what is going to happen next. I

loved how there were so many twists and turns and all were relevant to the plot. If you are on the fence about reading this book, here are some spoilers for this awesome, realistic, fantasy book: There are witches that do use magic. There are two main characters, not just one. Finally, there are many different mysteries that are all intertwined. I highly suggest that you give this book a read.

Andrew G., 10

Kodi’s Adventures: How I Learned to Defeat the Time Snatcher

Author: Mindy Hudon

Illustrator: Barbara Szepesi Szucs

Publisher: ASHA Press, Kids Edition

Ages: 8-13 years

I really liked this graphic novel. In this book, Kodi finds himself being late all the time, even though he wants to be on time. The time

snatcher keeps on stealing his time, so he goes to see Mrs. Norton, who, along with his friend Juan, helps him defeat the time snatcher. The author wrote this book to help kids understand their own “time snatchers.” She said, “Some well-known "time snatchers" for children can include video games, television, toys and games, a person's own thoughts, looking for lost possessions and even spending time with friends. The goal of this book is to help children identify their personal "time snatchers," then learn how to defeat them using strategies.” The book has many activities you can do to manage your own time and keep you on track.

Mostin M., 10

Cozy in Love

Author & Illustrator: Jan Brett

Publisher: G. P. Putnam’s Sons

Books for Young Readers

Ages: 4-8 years

This is a good book for kids who like animals. It’s about Cozy, a musk ox bull who doesn’t hesitate to help his friend Bella, a Beluga whale. This book teaches you to help your friends. It describes everything really well. The illustrations make it

feel like you're in the scene. They have so much detail and are realistic. I also like the frames around the illustrations. They have little side pictures and look like wood.

Asha R., 9

These book reviews were written by Christine Laffler’s 4th grade students at Manzano Day school.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque Kids! Calendar Calendar Calendar

Our calendar is as accurate as possible, but times, places & dates of events can change, so be sure to call ahead. Events listed are child- and teen- appropriate to the best of our knowledge. As families have different ideas of “age appropriate,” we encourage you to confirm that any activity you attend is appropriate for your child. To have your events listed for free in our next calendar, fill out our calendar form at newmexicokids.com or send date, time, place, cost, description of activity, sponsoring organization and contact phone to kids@newmexico-kids.com. The deadline is Oct 18 for listings in the Nov/Dec calendar. Listings are not guaranteed due to space limits. Phone numbers have a 505 area code unless otherwise noted.

September

Arts & Crafts

2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Family Art Workshops, 1-2:30pm. All ages can enjoy projects with a variety of art mediums, materials supplied; child and adult friendly. Included with admission, ABQ Museum, 2000 Mountain NW, 243-7255, cabq.gov.

8, Make Your Own Pencil Case, 3:305pm. School is in full swing so decorate a pencil case using paints and other materials; ages 6+. Free, Alamosa Library, 6900 Gonzales, 836-0684, abqlibrary.org.

9, Steampunk crafts: Dragon Eye Necklace, 3-5pm. Paint dragon eyes to create a necklace or medal; all materials provided, registration required. Free, South Broadway Library, 1025 Broadway SE, 764-1742, abqlibrary.org.

Classes & Workshops

3, 10, 17, 24, Meditation for Kids, 1011:30am. In this fun class, children build inner strength and confidence by developing good qualities with a short meditation, teaching and activities to increase patience, respect, giving and kindness; ages 4-10, masks required. By donation, Kadampa Meditation Center NM, 142 Monroe NE, 292-5293, meditationinnewmexico.org/calendar.

Cultural Centers & Museums

1, 14, 20, 30, Balloon Fiesta Eclipse, 4pm, Fri; 1pm, Tues & Wed; TBD Sat. Find out why eclipses happen, why the one on October 14 is special and how to view it safely. Included with admission, Planetarium, NM Museum of Natural History & Science, 1801 Mountain NW, 841-2800, nmnaturalhistory.org.

4, 11, 18, 25, Toddler Time, 9-10am. Explora opens an hour early Mondays for caregivers and toddlers to enjoy early childhood exhibit areas, story time and a music jam. Included with admission/free for members & under age 1, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072,

explora.us.

16, Sensory Friendly Time, 9-10am. A low-sensory hour with special adaptations for quieter visits including limited attendance, noise & light reduction and calming spaces for breaks. Included with admission/free for members & under age

1. Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us.

21, 3rd Thursday at ABQ Museum, 58:30pm. Create a work of art inspired by the exhibits, do yoga, take a guided tour of the museum. Enjoy music by Le Chat Lunatique. Free, ABQ Museum, 2000 Mountain NW, 243-7255, cabq.gov/artsculture/albuquerque-museum/ events/3rd-thursday.

NM Dept of Cultural Affairs has information about NM museums, historic sites and other institutions. Find information about free admission days for kids and on certain days of each month, newmexicoculture.org.

Dance

2 & 3 , 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 23 & 24, 30, Indian Pueblo Cultural Dance Program, 11am & 2pm, Sats & Suns. Pueblo communities celebrate seasonal cycles through prayer, song and dance that connect ancestors, community and traditions while honoring gifts from the Creator. Included with admission, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th NW, 843-7270, indianpueblo.org.

Exhibits

1, First Friday Fractals, 6 & 7pm. A full-dome planetarium show that takes viewers on a tour of the fractals in nature and zooms through complex mathematical fractals; for ages 3+. $5 ages 3-12/$8 seniors/$10 adults, NM Museum of Natural History & Science, 1801 Mountain NW, 841-2800, nmnaturalhistory.org/events/first-friday-fractals.

1, Fractals Rock!, 8 & 9pm. A full-dome planetarium show that takes viewers on a tour of fractals in nature with less talk and more rock. Included are more 3D fractal zooms (which can make some people motion sick) and less little explanation; ages 3+. $5 ages 3-12/$8 seniors/$10 adults, NM Museum of Natural History & Science, 1801 Mountain NW, 841-2800, nmnaturalhistory.org/ events/first-friday-fractals.

Elevation Station. An interactive, hands-on balloon exhibition for all ages includes games with projection mapping, touch tables, activities and immersive experiences. Find an Immersive Color Room and Chase Crew Experience as well. Included with admission, ABQ Balloon Fiesta Museum, 9201 Balloon Museum NE, 768-6020, balloonmuseum.com.

Fairs and Festivals

2, Family Music Festival, 4:30-8pm. Enjoy music by two western bands and food from local vendors; visit the raptor show between performances. Free ages 17 and under/$20, includes entrance to

the zoo, Wildlife West Nature Park, 87 N Frontage, Edgewood, 281-7655, wildlifewest.org.

2-3, Harvest & Fiber Festival, 10am6pm. A weekend of locally grown food, music and fun that celebrates the area’s culture, traditions and agricultural heritage. Fiber artists will show off fleeces, hand spun yarn-to-finish products. Live music, vendors, native wild animals & food. Free 4 & under/$5 children & students/$7 seniors/$9 adults, Wildlife West Nature Park, 87 N. Frontage, Edgewood, 281-7655 wildlifewest.org.

7-17, NM State Fair. Mainstreet, rodeos, carnival, farm animals, art, food, games, competitions, live music, agriculture, exhibits and shopping. Free ages 5 and under/$8 ages 6-12 and 65+/$15 adult, Expo NM, 300 San Pedro NE, statefair.exponm.com.

10, “Out at the Fair,” NM State Fair, 10am-6:30pm. The official LGBTQ+ festival is filled with full day of family friendly entertainment. Included w/admission, Expo NM, 300 San Pedro NE, outatthefair.com/newmexicostatefair.

16, Rio Rancho Oktoberfest, 2-10pm. Local vendors, food, music, breweries. A a celebration to support local businesses. Free, kids with adult/$8 presale/$10 day of, Country Club Plaza, 3301 Southern, Rio Rancho, 892-1533, RRRCC.org.

22-23, Harvest Craft Fair & Plant Sale, 9am-4pm. Autumn and holidaythemed vendors; fun & food; gourd & pumpkin painting, chile ristra demo and bedding plants for sale. ABQ Garden center, 10120 Lomas NE, 296-6020, AlbuquerqueGardenCenterorg.

23, 5th annual Prickly Pear Festival, 10am-4pm. Food, art, music, vendors sell prickly pear eats, treats, arts & crafts & bath products. Enjoy print making and natural dye workshops. $8 children/$10 general ($2 discounts for early bird purchases), The Gutierrez Hubbell House, 6029 Isleta SW, nmpricklypearfest.com.

23, Food Truck Fiesta, 10am-4pm. Free, Cabezon Park, 2307 Cabezon SE, Rio Rancho, rrnm.gov.

23, Harvest Festival, 10am-4pm. Visit Casa San Ysidro during the Village of Corrales Festival for music, activities and heritage craft demos. Free, Casa San Ysidro, 973 Old Church, 898-3915, cabq.gov/artsculture/albuquerque-museum/events/harvest-festival.

23, Los Griegos Neighborhood Fiesta 2023, 11am-4pm. Music, games, food trucks, info booths for community groups. Free, Valley Neighborhood Park, 3998 San Isidro NW, 675-5366, losgriegosneighborhood.com.

23-24, 29-30, McCall’s Pumpkin Patch, 10am-6pm, Sats & Suns; noon6pm Fris. Sixty-plus attractions including a corn maze, pedal kart track, gem stone mining, apple cannons and hayrides. $18.99-$23.99/$57.99, season pass.

McCall’s Pumpkin Patch, 2 McCall Lane, Moriarty, mccallpumpkinpatch.com.

24, Japanese Fall Festival, Aki Matsuri 2023, 10am-5pm. Festival attracts guests, performers from around the state and beyond, showcasing traditional Japanese dance, song, musical performances, martials arts, arts and crafts and

Japanese food. $10, Expo NM, 300 San Pedro NE, nmjacl.org/aki-matsuri. 24, Pagan Pride Day, 10am-6pm. Workshops, merchants, performers, rituals, healers, intel on paganism, Kids Korner, raffle and food. Admission is non-perishable food items to benefit the First Unitarian Food Pantry, Bataan Park, 748 Tulane NE, abqpaganpride.com. 30, Corrales Harvest Festival, 9am5pm. Live music, Kids Korner with mechanical bull and jumpies, fine art, horse demos, rides, vendors and vote for pet mayor. Visit Wagners Farmland Experience for an extra fee. Free 12 & under/$15 adults, free parking, Corrales Village, corralesharvestfestival.com.

Library Events

Area Libraries offer activities like Lego Club, Book Groups, Read to the Dogs, Story Times, Crafts, Movies and Knitting Clubs. Check websites for calendars and details: abqlibrary.org, riorancholibraries.org, placitaslibrary.com.

6, Early Childhood Family Exploration with Explora: Beautiful Bubbles, 10:15-11:15am. Preschoolers will use a variety of materials and solutions to experiment with bubble blowing. Observe the colors in a bubble and make colorful bubble prints. Free, Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo NE, 888-8100, abqlibrary.org.

6, Growing a Scientist, 10:15-11:15am. Join Explora for a storytime with hands-on science experiments for ages 5 and under. Free, Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo NE, 888-8100, abqlibrary.org.

13, LEAP into Science: Squirrels: Our Animal Neighbors, 4-5pm. Like all animals, squirrels need food, water and shelter to survive in a habitat, but we learn through this lesson that the squirrel is especially resourceful; ages 6-9. Free, Los Griegos Library, 1000 Griegos NW, 7614020, abqlibrary.org.

16, Festival de la Cultura Hispana, 11am-noon. Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. Share crafts, music, games and more with local families. For families with children ages 3-18. Free, Main Library, 501 Copper NW, 768-5141, abqlibrary.com.

17, 20th Year Anniversary Celebration of Placitas Community Library, 1-3pm. Join for an open house party, birthday celebration and welcome the new Library Director, Lynne Hynes. Free, Placitas Community Library, 453 Hwy 165, 8673355, placitaslibrary.com/event/20th-yearanniversary-celebration.

27, Phone Photography, 5:30-7:30pm. Learn how to take stunning photos with an Android or iPhone and review the camera features. Classes are online on Zoom (you do not need a Zoom account), register at abqlibrary.org/sanpedro.

28, Young Adult Book Club, 3:304:30pm. Teens and Tweens read a different book each month then get together to talk and eat snacks. September’s book: “The Girl Who Drank the Moon,” By Kelly Barnhill, Free, Loma Colorado Main Library, 755 Loma Colorado NE, RR, 8915013, riorancholibraries.org.

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Albuquerque

Albuquerque

Albuquerque Kids! Calendar Calendar Calendar

30, “Encanto” Movie Watch Party,pm. Come watch the movie and enjoy snacks plus crafting after the show. Free, San Pedro Library, 5600 Trumbull SE, 2562067, abqlibrary.org.

30, Seed/Craft Supply Swap, 10am5pm. An all-day event to swap seeds and art supplies, (please label seeds well). Or bring leftover craft supplies like beads, fabric, yarn, or paper. Even if you don’t bring anything come and get some free seeds and craft supplies from your neighbors. Free, South Broadway Library, 7641742, 1025 Broadway SE, abqlibrary.org.

Music

2, Sandia Mountain Dulcimers: Sweet Sounds of History, 3-4pm. This group of players promote and preserve this versatile instrument. Music styles range from traditional to contemporary. Free, Rudolfo Anaya Valley Library, 7704B 2nd NW, 897-8823, abqlibrary.org.

3, The NM Philharmonic Concert, 79pm. Relax and enjoy a night of music outdoors; bring a blanket and picnic dinner or visit a food truck. Free, Campus Park, 2516 King NE, Rio Rancho, 891-5015, rrnm.gov./calendar.

9, Free Sunset Concert, Scott and Johanna Hongell-Darsee, 6-8pm. A duo that offers concerts of early traditional Scandinavian/Celtic ballads and tales. Free, Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors NW, 768-4950, cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/openspace/events/a-free-sunset-concert-3.

13 & 17, The Beatles Live Tribute at the State Fair, 7pm. Included with Fair admission, Expo NM, 300 San Pedro NE, statefair.exponm.com.

14, Metamorfos, 5pm. Casey Mráz is a composer, musician, playwright, sound designer, teaching artist and father who performs with at least a half dozen bands. See him with his Andean-infused pychedelica world fusion band; all ages. Free, Los Griegos Library, 1000 Griegos NW, 761-4020, ampconcerts.org/event/ 420203/metamorfos.

21, Benefit Concert for The Grief Center, 6-8:30pm. Live music by local artist Nathaniel Krantz to support The Center’s free programs for grieving children, teens and adults; all ages. $25, Revel ABQ, 4720 Alexander NE, griefnm.org/event/concert.

23, Guitar NM, Jeremy Mayne, 2-3pm. An active soloist and chamber musician, Jeremy also composes and arranges music for solo guitar and guitar ensemble. Free, South Valley Library, 3904 Isleta SW, 877-5170, abqlibrary.org/

Science & Nature

2, Funga of the SW, 9-11am. In this presentation, explore the many regions of NM and the fungi that occur within them. Free, Gutierrez-Hubbell House History & Cultural Center, 6029 Isleta SW, bernco.gov/openspacesignup.

2-3, ABQ Exhibition by The Cactus and Succulent Society of NM, 10am4pm. Educational demos and presentations, edible prickly pears, potting and

transplanting cacti, Kactus Kidz Table. ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central NW, 768-2000, cabq.gov.

2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30, Saturday & Sunday Guided Bird Walks, 8:3010am. Join a volunteer naturalist and fellow birders for a guided walk; limited to 12, please register. $3 parking/day use fee, Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, 2901 Candelaria NW, rgnc.org.

16, Seeds of STEM, 8-11am. Join Explora at Los Ranchos Growers Market for activities that showcase STEM in agriculture. Free, 6718 Rio Grande NW, Los Ranchos, losranchosnm.gov/ growers-arts-market.

16, The Common Edge Habitat Field Presents: A Butterfly Celebration, 10am-noon. Butterfly ID walks, seed giveaway and lots of info. Free, Open Space Visitors Ctr, 6500 Coors, NW, 768-4950, cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/ openspace/events/the-common-edge-habitatfield-presents-a-butterfly-celebration.

29, Seeds of STEM, 4:30-7:30pm. Join Explora at La Familia Growers Market for activities that showcase STEM in agriculture. Free, 100 Isleta SW, facebook.com/ lafmiliagrowersmarket.

29, Guided Tour: Candelaria Nature Preserve Open Space, 10am-noon. Join staff and volunteer experts to explore Open Space and experience what public lands have to offer. Free, Candelaria Nature Preserve Open Space, End of Arbor Road, 768-4208, cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/open-space/events.

30, Outdoor Field School: Performing Pedology (ages 11-14), 9am-noon. Middle school-age youth join Open Space education park rangers for in-depth learning about the natural world through fun, hands-on science outdoors using real scientific field equipment. Classes take place at a variety of Open Space public lands. Kids dress to be outdoors. $10, Los Poblanos Fields Open Space, 6000 Los Poblanos Field Trails, 768-4955, cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/openspace/events/copy6_of_saturday-explorer-camp-adaptation.

State Parks Free Entrance Days. Details can be found at nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks-state.htm.

Storytelling

Area Libraries offer various storytelling events regularly. Check websites for calendars and details: abqlibrary.org, riorancholibraries.org, placitaslibrary.com.

16, Animal Tales with the BioPark, 11am-noon. Enjoy the reading of an animal-related book. The BioPark will bring animals and biofacts that represent the animals in the story for kids to meet.

Free, Juan Tabo Library, 3407 Juan Tabo, NE, 291-6260, abqlibrary.org

16, “Daisy Sniffs Out Nature,” 11amnoon. Join a local writer and nature illustrator for a reading of their book. This children's picture book introduces kids to ecosystems (including the Rio Grande Bosque and desert foothills) through the real-life adventures of Tina's dog Daisy. Books will be for sale after the event. Free, Main Library, 501 Copper NW, 768-5141, abqlibrary.com.

16, Storytelling Under the Cottonwood, 10:30am-noon. Hear wisdom tales told by Dianne Rossbach. $3 parking/day use, Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, 2901 Candelaria NW, rgnc.org. Ongoing Weds, Bible Storytime, 9:30am. Preschool & homeschool (up to age 11) group with a Bible story, songs and activities in Belen. Call for directions and to RSVP. Free, 1 Oney Ln, Belen, 861-5400.

Just for Teens

7, Teen Creative Writing Club, 3:304:30pm. Share your work, find a group to push you past your writer’s block, find tips and tricks to hone your skills. Free, Lomas Colorado Library, 755 Loma Colorado NE, RR, 891-5013, riorancholibraries.org.

12, Be Engaged/Take Action: Tips on Contacting and Communicating with our Elected Officials, 6-7pm. Learn how to find contact info for local, state, and federal elected officials and how to plan phone calls, email, or in-person meetings to effectively communicate concerns and persuade elected officials to action; ages 13+. Free, International District Library, 7601 Central NE, 768-4970, abqlibrary.com. 14, Teen Anime Club, 3:30-4:30pm. Join like-minded fans with shows, themed food and activities; ages 13-19. Send show recommendations to libraryteens@rrnm.gov.

Free, Loma Colorado Main Library Auditorium, 755 Loma Colorado NE, RR, 891-5013, riorancholibraries.org.

21, Teen Advisory Group, 3:30-4:30pm. Earn volunteer hours while making the library a great place for teens: help plan programs and recommend materials; ages 13-18. Free, Loma Colorado Library, 755 Loma Colorado NE, RR, 891-5013, riorancholibraries.org.

25, Book Page Creation, 4-6pm. Fold the pages of old books to create something new. All materials provided; ages 12-17. Free, International District Library, 7601 Central NE, 768-4970, abqlibrary.com. Counselor in Training Program. A teen leadership program that builds interpersonal, collaborative and communication skills. Ages 13-17 can apply by submitting a student resume to the Director of Education, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, lguida@nuclearmuseum.org.

Especially for Parents

8, Kids Night Out, 6-10pm. An evening of safe recreation activities while parents enjoy a night out, includes dinner for each child; ages 6-14. $12, Paradise Hills Community Center, 5901 Paradise NW, bernco.gov/bernco-media/events.

15, Explora Adult Night: “ArtCade TM,” 6-9pm. Dive into the art of gaming and explore the tech, art and science that led to today’s games; music by Ryan Smith and the ABQ Astrological Society; treats from Three Sisters Kitchen, 18+. Free for members/$10, Explora, 1801 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us/programs/adult-night.

15, Science on Tap: A Rare Shift in Medicine, 6pm. Grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed presentation co-sponsored by

UNM, Explora and the museum; ages 21+. $10, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, 601 Eubank SE, 245-2137, nuclearmuseum.org.

21, IEP Meeting HELP, 6:30pm. Professional help with gifted kids’ IEP meeting, Part 1. Free, zoom meeting, email for details, info@AAGTS.org, AAGTS.org. 23-24, Mommy’s Market Fall Consignment event, 9am-4pm, Sat; 2:305:30pm, Sun. Thousands of gently used maternity, baby and kids’ items. More than 250 local families will be selling their items; (Many items 50% off on Sunday). $1, 3800 Eubank NE, 550-3422, mommysmarkets.com.

For Teachers

2 , 7, 14, 21, Teacher Workshops with Explora. In-person and virtual workshops covering “Mystery Boxes,” “Engineering with Recyclables EC,” “Water Power” and “Leaves, Leaves, Leaves EC” with free materials and kits at some; CEU credits and others. See website for times and full details. Free with registration. Explora, 1801 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us/events.

30, 2023 Summit for Early Science Learning. A one-day conference for early childhood educators to learn hands-on, interactive approaches to STEAM learning in their classrooms. Hosted by Explora, the ABQ Museum and the Natural History Museum; breakfast and lunch included for participants. $15. Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072. explora.us/events.

Also of Interest

1-30, U-Pick Produce and Flowers, 8am-6pm. Visit 21 acres of sunflowers, pumpkins, green chile and specialty flowers to pick and take home, also an open-air market with produce already picked and ready to go. Free admission, pay for what you pick, 1685 Montaño NW, 459-0719, Big Jim Farms.com.

2, 16, Chess in the Parks, 8:30-11:30am. Join chess players, coaches and volunteers. Chess equipment, clocks and chess variant sets provided. Volunteer coaches are on hand to teach and discuss; occasional mini tournaments. Free, ABQ Downtown Growers’ Market, Robinson Park, 810 Copper NW, learnerschess.org/chessintheparks.

9, Pooch Plunge, 10am-2pm. A day of swimming exclusively for dogs is the final activity held at Hanes Pool before closing for the season. Dogs must be current on vaccinations and have a copy of their records, be accompanied by an adult, have a collar and be leash to and from the pool. Free, Haynes Pool, 2006 Grande SE, Rio Rancho, 892-4499, rrnm.gov.

15, Movies under the Stars, Rio Rancho, “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” 8:3010:10pm. All ages, bring blankets, folding chairs, picnic baskets; no alcohol, smoking. Free, Cabezon Park, 2307 Cabezon, Rio Rancho, rrnm.gov/calendar.aspx.

16, 14th Annual Buddy Walk, 3-6pm. Join the Rio Grande Down Syndrome

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Albuquerque Kids! Calendar Calendar Calendar

Network to raise funds. Receive Buddy Walk T-shirt, lunch, tickets to a football game. $15, UNM Football East Practice Fields, ds-stride.org/rgdsnbuddywalk.

22-23, Downtown Showdown Rod and Custom Car Show, 10am-3:30pm. See 1930s-1960s mild to radical customs/hotrods on display, live music from Rudy Boy, food from Cecilia’s Cafe, music by Julian Dasset. Free, Cecilia’s Cafe, 230 6th SW, facebook.com/events/ 3493109120928070?active_tab=about.

23, Land of Enchantment Fly In (LOEFI), 7am-3pm. The public and aviation enthusiasts are invited to walk among many aircraft, plus custom cars and military vehicles. Seminars on aviation topics, activities for kids and adults. Live music and food trucks for breakfast and lunch. Free, Double Eagle II Airport, 7140 Atrisco Vista NW, 933-1003, loefi.org.

29-30, McCall’s Haunted Farm, 7pmmidnight. Visit the “Haunted Barn” that’s been closed for years yet strange sounds come from it, maybe animal, maybe human? Visit the “Haunted Corn FieldField of Screams” tormented by the ghosts of Farmer McCall’s victims. Come early or stay late for food, music, entertainment and haunted games and attractions; not recommended for ages under 13. $27.99/night, McCall’s Pumpkin Patch, 2 McCall Lane, Moriarty, mccallpumpkinpatch.com/pages/mccallshauntedfarm.

23, Inaugural Food Truck Fiesta, Rio Rancho, 10am-4pm. Whether you're a burger lover, taco aficionado or pizza connoisseur, there's something for everyone at this food truck fiesta. Free admission, Free, Cabezon Park, 2307 Cabezon, Rio Rancho, 892-4499, rrnm.gov/Calendar.

30, Toy Train Swap Meet, 9am-2pm. Find trains, parts, sets, tracks, transformers and dioramas. Netherwood Park Church of Christ, 5101 Indian School NE, ttosnmd.org.

The Children’s Hour provides weekly educational and entertaining public radio programing and podcasts for listeners of all ages, created by and for kids and families, ChildrensHour.org, 89.9 fm KUNM.

October

Arts &Crafts

7, 14, 21, 28, Art Workshops, 12:30pm. All ages enjoy projects with a variety of art mediums, all materials supplied; child and grown-up friendly. Included with admission, ABQ Museum, 2000 Mountain NW, 243-7255, cabq.gov.

13, It’s Time to Slime, 3:30-5pm. Learn how to make slime using everyday household ingredients; ages 6+. Free, Alamosa Library, 6900 Gonzales, 8360684, abqlibrary.org.

21, Papel Picados & Marigolds, 11am12:30pm. Make colorful Mexican paper flags and marigolds with tissue paper for Día de los Muertos; all materials provided. Free, San Pedro Library, 5600 Trumbull SE, 256-2067, abqlibrary.org.

28, Day of the Dead Sugar Skull Masks, 11am-noon. Make sugar skull masks with a twist: all elements that make up the mask will have something to do with the maker; all materials provided, registration required; ages 6+ but great for the whole family. Free, Juan Tabo Library, 3407 Juan Tabo, NE, 2916260, abqlibrary.org.

28, (Not Too) Spooky Season Escape Room, various times. Put your mystery solving skills to the test, all ages; under 8 must be accompanied by a parent or adult. Free, various library locations, abqlibrary.org.

31, Halloween Fun, 3-6pm. A special drop-in session of Halloween fun & crafts. Costumes encouraged but not required; all ages. Free, Tony Hillerman Library, 8205 Apache NE, 291-6264, abqlibrary.org.

Classes & Workshops

1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Meditation for Kids, In Person, 10-11:30am. In this fun class, children build inner strength and confidence by developing good qualities with a short meditation, teaching and activities to increase patience, respect, giving and kindness; ages 4-10, masks required. By donation, Kadampa Meditation Center NM, 142 Monroe NE, 292-5293, meditationinnewmexico.org/calendar.

21, Dia de Los Muertos Workshop, 10am-noon. Join professional artist and educator, Elena Baca, from the NHCC as she leads the experience of creating a oferenda to honor the memory of the person who died; RSVP required. See website for details, griefnm.org/event/ddlm.

Cultural Centers & Museums

2, 9, 16, 23, Toddler Time, 9-10am. Explora opens an hour early on Mondays for caregivers and toddlers to enjoy early childhood exhibit areas, story time and a music jam. Included with admission/free for members & under age 1, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us.

5, Balloon Fiesta Eclipse. Find out why eclipses happen, why the one on October 14 is special and how to view it safely. Included with admission, Planetarium, NM Museum of Natural History & Science, 1801 Mountain NW, 841-2800, nmnaturalhistory.org.

6, Nuclear After Dark, 5:30pm. Outdoor event with music from a DJ, food trucks, access to the museum’s exhibits after hour and an outdoor screening of “Modern Marvels: The Manhattan Project.” $10 members/$15, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, 601 Eubank SE, 245-2137, nuclearmuseum.org.

7, Meet A Scientist, 11am-1pm. Meet a variety of local scientists who demonstrate how STEAM is used throughout the city - encouraging kids to learn more. Included with admission/free for members & under age 1, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us.

7-13, Eclipse Week, 10am-5pm. A week

of fun eclipse and solar-themed activities in the experiment bar to prepare for the Oct 14 eclipse. Included with admission/free for members & under age 1, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us.

14, Eclipse Viewing, 9-11am. Join Explora for a watch party of the 2023 solar eclipse; viewing glasses will be provided but supplies are limited; advance tickets are encouraged. Included with admission/free for members & under age 1, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us.

NM Dept of Cultural Affairs has information about NM museums, historic sites and other institutions. Find information about free days for kids and on certain days of the month, newmexicoculture.org.

Dance

1, 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, 28 & 29, Cultural Dance Program, 11am & 2pm, Sats & Suns. Pueblo communities celebrate seasonal cycles through prayer, song and dance. Dances connect ancestors, community and traditions while honoring gifts from the Creator. Included w/admission, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th NW, 843-7270, indianpueblo.org.

Exhibits

6, First Friday Fractals, 6 & 7pm. A full-dome planetarium show that takes viewers on a tour of fractals in nature and zooms through complex mathematical fractals; ages 3+. $5 ages 3-12/$8 seniors/$10 adults, NM Museum of Natural History & Science, 1801 Mountain NW, 841-2800, nmnaturalhistory.org/ events/first-friday-fractals.

6, Fractals Rock!, 8 & 9pm. A fulldome planetarium show that takes viewers on a tour of the fractals in nature with less talk and more rock. They include more 3D fractal zooms (which can make some people motion sick) and very little explanation; ages 3+. $5 ages 312/$8 seniors/$10 adults, NM Museum of Natural History & Science, 1801 Mountain NW, 841-2800, nmnaturalhistory.org/ events/first-friday-fractals.

Fairs and Festivals

1, Corrales Harvest Festival, 9am5pm. Live music, Kids Korner with mechanical bull and jumpies, fine art, horse demos and rides, an election for pet mayor, pet parade and vendors. Visit Wagners Farmland Experience for an extra fee. Free 12 & under/$15 adults, free parking, Corrales Village, corralesharvestfestival.com.

1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29, McCall’s Pumpkin Patch, 10am-6pm, Sats & Suns; noon-6pm, Fris. 60-plus attractions including a corn maze, pedal kart track, gem stone mining, apple cannons and hayrides $18.99-$23.99/$57.99 season pass, 2 McCall Lane, Moriarty, mccallpumpkinpatch.com.

6-8, ABQ Fall Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show, 9am-5pm. More than 70

dealers with gemstones, mineral specimens, jewelry, cabochons, beads, fossils, petrified wood tools, equipment. Free, Expo NM, 300 San Pedro NE, 883-4195, abqfallshow.wixsite.com/abq-fall-show.

6-8, ABQ Grecian Festival, 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat; 11am-5pm, Sun. Enjoy the sounds of the bouzóuki, tastes of authentic Greek cuisines and dancers streaming by in colorful costumes. Shopping for imported jewelry, gifts, food and pastries. Free for active duty, policy, fire, EMT, veterans and ages 11 and under, Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, 308 High SE, abqgreekfest.com.

6-15, ABQ International Balloon Fiesta. The ABQ skies are colorfully painted as more than 500 balloons lift off at the world’s largest hot-air balloon festival. See website for full schedule. $15, ages 13+, Balloon Fiesta Field, 5000 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy, balloonfiesta.com.

6-15, Balloon Fiesta Week in Old Town. Live music daily from noon-4pm with local, cultural performances; shop more than 80 local businesses. Free, Historic Old Town Plaza, 200 N Plaza NW, cabq.gov/artsculture/historic-oldtown/balloon-fiesta-week-in-old-town.

7-8, Harvest Festival at the Botanic Garden. Explore a variety of landscapes throughout the Garden, listen to live music and enjoy festival treats; see website for full details. ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central NW, cabq.gov/artsculture/biopark/events/harvest-festival.

11, Lowrider Festival, 10am-4pm. Come see works-of-art on wheels while exploring the museum. Turquoise Museum, 400 2nd SW, turquoisemuseum.com.

21, Rio Rancho Fall Festival, 2-8pm. Carnival games, pumpkin carving, food trucks, a beer garden, live music and trunk or treating. Free admission, Campus Park, Rio Rancho, 891-5015, rrnm.gov/16/Parks-Recreation-and-Community-Services.

22, ABQ Fermentation and Fungi Fest, noon-6pm. Local food producers, farmers, demos, education, tastings, Battle of the Breads, music, food and drink. Fusion, 700 1st NW, downtownacd.org/ abq-fermentation-fungi-fest.

22, CiQlovía, 10am-2pm. CiQlovía is the ABQ version of the global phenomenon known as ciclovía, or open streets, where city streets are closed to cars and opened up to people on foot and on bike; outdoor exercise classes, shopping, live music and other activities. Free, International District, abqciqlovia.org. 28, Ghouls on Parade, 4-6pm. A festival and costume parade celebrating the spirit of Halloween. Enjoy local performers, vendors and fun for kids followed by a costume parade starting on the corner of Silver and Washington in Nob Hill. Parade participants will provide candy for children. Free, Morningside Park in Nob Hill, 3901 Lead SE; parade: Silver between Aliso and Washington, 4504706, NMEntertains.com.

Library Events

Area Libraries offer activities like Lego Club, Book Groups, Read to the Dogs, Story Times, Crafts,

Albuquerque Kids! Calendar Calendar Calendar

Movies and Knitting Clubs. Check websites ABQ or calendars and details: abqlibrary.org, riorancholibraries.org, placitaslibrary.com.

7-8, 24-Hour Comics Day, noon-noon. For all comic book writers, all ages, all levels; create a 24-page comic in 24 hours. Bring supples, inspiration and creativity, stay as long as you like during. the 24-hour period. Light snacks, registration required, under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Free, International District Library, 7601 Central NE, 768-4970, abqlibrary.org.

12, Eclipse This!, 3-4pm. Learn about eclipses, particularly the Annual Eclipse (why it’s different than a full eclipse and how it happens), do a craft after to celebrate; for ages up to 1o. Free, International District Library, 7601 Central NE, 768-4970, abqlibrary.org.

13, Eclipses!, 3-4pm. Learn about eclipses, why they happen, how to view them safely and then make a pinhole projector; ages 9-18. Free, International District Library, 7601 Central NE, 768-4970, abqlibrary.org. 28, Halloween Carnival, 10:30am12:30pm. Games for all ages, wear a costume! Free, Lomas Tramway Library, 908 Eastridge NE, 291-6295, abqlibrary.org. Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties and Events, various dates and times. Make bath bombs and pinhole cameras, watch the eclipse with special solar glasses and celebrate with games and music. Free, various libraries, see website for details, abqlibrary.org.

Music

5, Concerts @ the Library: Tomás Lozano: “Presence and other poems of José Emilio Pachecco,” 3-4pm. Poems recited and sung in English and Spanish. Free, Special Collections Library, 423 Central NE, 848-1376, abqlibrary.org.

7, ABQ Folk Festival, 10am-9pm. More than 100 events including 5 performance venues, 6 music and dance workshop venues, 2-3 Jam venues, a musical instrument petting zoo, arts & crafts vendors, food vendors and kids’ tent. Free ages 11 and under and 85+/$10 ages 12-18/$15-$40 adults, National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th SW, 710-9641, abqfolkfest.org.

21, Guitar NM: Youth Guitar Ensemble, 3-4pm. This musical ensemble is made up of high school guitar players grades 8-12; they will present a classical guitar series with local guitarists in concert. Free, Central & Unser Library, 8081, Central NW, 768-4320, abqlibrary.org.

Open Houses

15, Sandia Prep Open House, 2pm. For students applying for Fall 2023. Sandia Prep, 532 Osuna NE, sandiaprep.org.

19, Albuquerque Christian School Open House, all day. Tour the school to see if it’s a good fit for your child. Look at classes, meet teachers and enjoy coffee and treats. Free, ABQ Christian School, 4931 McLeod NE, 872-0777, acsrams.org.

22, Albuquerque Academy Admission Open House, noon-2pm. Learn

what Academy has to offer. Reservations required. Free, ABQ Academy, 828-3208, 6400 Wyoming NE, aa.edu/admission.

26, Eastern Hills Christian Academy

Open House. From 9am-2pm experience a real school day; from 5-7pm meet teachers and learn about curriculum; PS8th grade. Free, Eastern Hills Christian Academy, 3100 Morris, 294-3373, goEHCA.org.

26 & 27, Hope Christian School Admissions Open Houses. Thursday, (6th-12th grade); Friday, (PreK-5th grade); students are admitted of any race, color and national or ethnic origin, HCSNM.org.

School Break Camp

18-20, Mini Break Camps at the JCC. Discounted rates for JCC members, see website for details. Jewish Community Center, 5520 Wyoming NE, 332-0565, jccabq.org/j-zone-camps/.

Science & Nature

1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, Saturday & Sunday Guided Bird Walks, 8:3010am. Join a volunteer naturalist and fellow birders for a guided walk; limited to 12, please register. $3 parking/day use fee, Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, 2901 Candelaria NW, rgnc.org.

27, Guided Tour: Candelaria Nature Preserve Open Space, 10am-noon. Join staff and volunteer experts and explore Open Space properties and experience what public lands have to offer. Free, Candelaria Nature Preserve Open Space, End of Arbor Road, 768-4208, cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/openspace/events.

State Parks Free Entrance Days: details can be found at nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks-state.htm.

Sports

1, Safari Run, 8:30am. Free kids running clinic, 1K Kids Run, 8K race and 5K Fun Run/Walk to support global health partnerships’ work in rural Kenya. $10/$35, UNM North Golf Course, 2201 Tucker NE, safarirun.org.

Stage

18-22,” The Lion King” 7:30pm, Fri; 2 & 7:30pm Sat; 1 & 6:30pm, Sun. This landmark musical event brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure. Popejoy Hall, $40-$70, 203 Cornell NE, popejoypresents.com.

Storytelling

Area Libraries offer various storytelling events regularly. Check websites for calendars and details: abqlibrary.org, riorancholibraries.org, placitaslibrary.com.

Ongoing, Weds, Bible Storytime, 9:30am. Preschool & homeschool (to age 11) group with Bible story, songs and activities

in Belen. Call for directions and to RSVP. Free, 1 Oney Ln, Belen, 861-5400.

18, “Animal Tales” with the BioPark, 11am-noon. Enjoy a reading of an animal related book; the BioPark will bring animals and biofacts that represent the animal in the story for the kids to meet. Free, East Mountain Library, 487 NM 333, 2818508, abqlibrary.org.

21, Storytelling Under the Cottonwood, 10:30am-noon. Hear wisdom tales told by storyteller Dianne Rossbach. $3 parking/day use, Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, 2901 Candelaria NW, rgnc.org.

28, Spooky Storytime, 110:15-11:15am. A special storytime with a craft and trick or treating around the library. Costumes are greatly appreciated but not required; all ages. Free, Los Griegos Library, 1000 Griegos NW, 761-4020, abqlibrary.org.

31, Spooky Storytime, 11:15am-12:15pm. A special storytime; costumes encouraged but not required; all ages. Free, Tony Hillerman Library, 8205 Apache NE, 2916264, abqlibrary.org.

Just for Teens

5, Teen Creative Writing Club, 3:304:30pm. Share your work, find a group to push you past your writer’s block, find tips and tricks to hone your skills. Free, Lomas Colorado Library, 755 Loma Colorado NE, RR, 891-5013, riorancholibraries.org.

25, Stuffed Animal Taxidermy, 45pm. Mount heads of stuffed animals on decorative plaques for a creepy-cool fall decoration; ages 13-18. Limited materials, registration required. Free, Tony Hillerman Library, 8205 Apache NE, 291-6264, abqlibrary.org.

Especially for Parents

5, Happy Arte Hour, 7pm. Adults join for artistic fun in a relaxed social setting. Hang out with friends, on a date or solo and connect with fellow art enthusiasts. Drinks and snacks available for purchase; registration requested. Free/$5 donations encouraged, National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th SW, 724-4771, nhccnm.org.

21, Community Baby Shower, 1-3pm. For new and expecting moms and dads and their families. An info fair with health representatives, social service and cultural agencies that focus on the health and well-being of young families. Free, International District Library, 7601 Central NE, 768-4970, abqlibrary.org.

For Teachers“

12, “Easy Breezy” EC Teachers Workshop, 10am-noon. “Catch” air to see how it takes humans to space; use air to do work and learn about the power of air pressure. Free with registration, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us/events.

25, Water Wonders EC Teachers Workshop, 2-4pm. A virtual workshop for early childhood educators, librarians and OST providers worth 2 CEU credits.

Have water on hand to experiment with absorption, adhesion and surface tension. Free with registration, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us/events.

Also of Interest

6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, McCall’s Haunted Farm, 7pm-midnight. Visit the “Haunted Barn” that’s been closed for years yet strange sounds come from it, maybe animal, maybe human? After that, visit the “Haunted Corn Field - Field of Screams” tormented by the ghosts of Farmer McCall’s victims. Come early or stay late for food, music, entertainment and haunted games and attractions; not recommended for ages under 13).

$27.99/night, McCall’s Pumpkin Patch, 2 McCall Lane, Moriarty, mccallpumpkinpatch.com/pages/mccallshauntedfarm.

6-8, Disney on Ice Presents “Into the Magic,” 7pm, Fri & Sat; 11am & 3pm, Sat & Sun. Belle explores the Beast’s enchanted castle, Moana embarks on a voyage with demigod Maui, Migues from Coco follows the music in his heart, Annas journey to the North Mountain and watch Rapunzel and Flynn make her dream come true. $25-$95, Rio Rancho Events Center, 3001 Civic Center Cir NE, Rio Rancho, rioranchoeventscenter.com.

14, Eclipse Watch with Gifted Kids, 9am. Watch the solar eclipse with gifted kids and families; email for details info@AAGTS.org. Free, AAGTS.org.

27-31, Dia De Los Muertos in Old Town. Music on various patios, orange & yellow marigold flowers, ornately decorated oferendas, a candlelight procession from Felipe de Neri Church and the NM tradition of “Matachinas” tells the story of good vs. evil as they dance to an ancient drum. Free, Historic Old Town Plaza, 200 N. Plaza NW, albuquerqueoldtown.com/event/dia-de-los-muertos-inold-town-albuquerque.

28-29, Day of the Tread, 8am-5pm. This family-oriented - Halloween/Day of the Dead bike ride and walk benefits Carrie Tingley Hospital and NM Family and Children’s charities. Enjoy costumes, motivating music and food. Choose from 7/17/34 mile rides. $25-$80, 20th NW (Sawmill Market), dayofthetread.com. The Children’s Hour provides weekly educational and entertaining public radio programing and podcasts for listeners of all ages, created by and for kids and families, ChildrensHour.org, 89.9 fm KUNM.

Arts & Crafts

1, First Friday at Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: “Start Your Zozobra Night at the O’Keeffe Museum, 5pm. Start the night with a guided drawing session focused on feelings of anguish, anxiety or gloom to prepare for the burning of Zozobra and a peaceful year ahead. Free, NM residents, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, 217 Johnson, 946-1000, okeeffemuseum.org.

1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Fine Art Friday with Georgia O’keeffe Musuem, 2-4pm. Exploration into the arts with guest facilitators and hands-on activities. Included with admission, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org.

3, Family Art Making, 10am-noon. Families can join fun art-making; explore the galleries to find inspiration and have light snacks. Free for NM residents, Plaza Building, NM Museum of Art, 107 W Palace, 476-5072, nmartmuseum.org.

5, 12, 19, 26, After School Art, 3:304:30pm. Practice creative skills with themed sessions. Free, Main Library, 145 Washington, 955-6837, santafelibrary.org.

12, 26, Create Station at Del Sur Farmers’ Market, 3-6pm. Drop in to this activity station that provides artmaking materials plus guided activities for all ages, just off Cerrillos. Del Sur Farmers’ Market, 4801 Beckner, 476-5063, nmartmuseum.org/events/create-stationat-del-sur-farmers-market-2.

14, Hands-on Art with the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, 3:30pm. An open art workshop, at the end of the collage series participants will use provided supplies to create foam landscapes. Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862, santafelibrary.org.

15, Friday Afternoon Art, 2-4pm. A fun afternoon craft session; all materials provided; for school-age children. Free, Southside Library, 6599 Jaguar, 955-2830, santafelibrary.org.

16, Recycled Art Party & Community Clean up, 9am-noon. Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4860, santafelibrary.org.

Classes & Workshops

30, Free Kids Singalong, 10:30am. Free outdoor music classes for ages up to 5 with Queen Bee Music. Free, Randall Davey Audon Ctr, 1800 Upper Canyon, randalldavey.audubon.org/events/freekids-singalong-4.

Cultural Centers & Museums

6, 13, 20, 27, Wee Wednesdays, 10:30am. Parents and toddlers enjoy discovery with story time and play. Included with admission, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359,

santafechildrensmuseum.org.

7, 14, 21, 28, Thursdays Are Yours, 46pm. Visitors can enjoy immersive exhibits for free, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org.

10, Celebrate 70! Community Birthday Party for MOIFA, 1-3pm. Celebrate with cake & punch, family activity tables and docent-led tours plus live musical and dance performances. International Folk Art, 706 Camino Lejo, On Museum Hill, 476-1200, internationalfolkart.org.

10, Community Day at the Garden, 9am-5pm. Free NM residents/ students, SF Botanical Garden, 715 Camino Lejo, 471-9103, santafebotanicalgarden.org.

10, Family Fun Day: Meet Bo and Chia, 10:30am-2:30pm. Celebrate the new “Family Activity Guide” which takes readers through the museum galleries with Bo and Chia (characters based on O’Keeffe’s Chow Chow puppies). Receive a pass for free admission to the museum. Free, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, 217 Johnson, 946-1000, okeeffemuseum.org.

Exhibits

Ongoing Weekdays, “Origami in the Garden,” 8:30am-12:30pm. The story of creating something out of nothing through a collection of museum-quality outdoor sculptures. $10 suggested donation, Box Studio and Sculpture Garden, 3453 State Highway 14, 471-4688, origamiinthegarden.com.

Fairs and Festivals

1, Burning of Zozobra, 4-9pm. Say goodbye to summer with the Burning of Zozobra, a 50-foot high marionette signifying the despair created due to the woeful deeds done throughout the year. Watch as Old Man Gloom is burned to restore balance. See website for details and schedule. Fort Marcy Park, burnzozobra.com/event-information.

2-3, Santa Fe Fiesta de los Niños, 10am-4pm.Hands-on history and entertainment for all ages. Tickets must be purchased online, no pets. Free 12 and under/$6 ages 13-18 & 62+/$8 adults, El Ranchos de las Golondrinas, 471-2261, 334 Los Pinos, golondrinas.org.

2-10, 311th Annual Fiesta de Santa Fe. Arts and crafts booths, music, dancing, entertainment and food line the historic Santa Fe Plaza, 63 Lincoln, santafe.com/fiesta-de-santa-fe.

9, “Pregón de la Fiesta,” 6-7am. Fiesta officially begins at 6am when the mayor issues the formal proclamation declaring the start of festivities. Free, Rosario Chapel, 540 Rosario, 984-3203, santafefiesta.org.

10, “Desfile de la Gente:” Historical Parade, 1-3pm. Local marching bands, mariachi, sports teams, queens and floats. Anything and everything goes at this lively event. Free, Santa Fe Plaza, 63 Lincoln, santafefiesta.org/events/desfile-de-lagente-historical-parade.

16-17, Santa Fe Renaissance Faire, 10am-5pm. A royal court, festive food, entertainment and games; advance tick-

ets required; no pets. Free 12 and under/$10 seniors, teens and students/$18 adults, El Ranchos de las Golondrinas, 471-2261, 334 Los Pinos, golondrinas.org.

23, Rail Safety Week Activities, 9am1:30pm. Tour the Sky Railway Train and meet Pablito the Dragon, visit the info booth at SF Artists Market for free goodies, stop by Violet Crown Cinema for a “Train Safety Kids’ Cartoon” and popcorn. See website for schedule. Free, 1612 Alcaldesa, 982-3373, railyardsantafe.com.

Library Events

Area Libraries offer activities like , Bilingual Books and Babies, Read to a Pup!, Game Time, Chess, AfterSchool Clubs, Story Time, Movies and Knitting Clubs. Check websites for calendars and details: santafelibrary.org, vglibrary.org.

5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20, 26 & 27, After School Library Club. See website for details and forms. Free, Vista Grande Public Library, 14 Avenida Torreon, 4667323, vglibrary.org.

5, 12, 19, 26, Wags and Words, 6-7pm. Children can practice their reading skills by sharing a story with a furry friend; for early school-aged children; call during or email to sign up:

mkatencio@santafenm.gov. Dogs are from the SF Animal Shelter Pet Outreach Program. Free, Main Library, 145 Washington, 955-6837, santafelibrary.org.

7, 21, 28, Yoga and Movement for Kids, 10:3oam. Join for children’s yoga, joyful movement and kinesthetic creativity; all ages have fun getting bodies moving. Children must be accompanied by an adult, mats provided but if you have one, bring it. Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862, santafelibrary.org.

9, Baby and Toddler Play Hour, 10:30-11:30am. Unstructured play where children can explore and interact with other children and new educational toys. Learn and make social connections together with your toddler. Free, Main Library, 145 Washington, 955-6837, santafelibrary.org.

23, Come Build with Us!, 2-4pm. Build with blocks & Legos. Free, Main Library, 145 Washington, 955-6780, santafelibrary.org.

26, 29, 30, Solar Eclipse Smarts for Kids, 3:30-4:30pm; various libraries. Learn about the upcoming eclipse, find out how to view it and make something cool. Free, see website for fulls schedule, santafelibrary.org.

Music

8-10, Bandstand on the Plaza, 10am10pm. The Gazebo is transformed into a concert venue featuring NM artists: dances by Pueblo Indians, Aztec dancers, Folklorico Dancers and ritual drama. Free, Santa Fe Plaza, 63 Lincoln, santafefiesta.org/schedule-of-events.

Science & Nature

Santa Fe Kids! Calendar Calendar Calendar September

2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Science Saturday, 24pm. Science fun for all ages. Included w/admission, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org.

7, Homeschooler Seeds & Sprouts Field Trip, 10am-12pm. Homeschoolers receive free admission to the museum and can join the Seeds & Sprouts Extended Program. Free, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org.

7, 14, 21, 28, Animal Meet & Greet, 12:30-1pm. Learn about the museum pets and see them eat their lunch. Say “hi” to Cornelius (Corn snake), Bisquick (Tortoise), Fafnir (Lizard) and Loki (Mexican Black Kingsnake). Included with admission, Santa Fe Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org.

7, 14, 21, 28, Seeds & Sprouts, 10:3011:30am. Kids explore nature from fun in the backyard to in-house programming . Included with admission, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org.

8, Nighttime Mothing, 8:30-9:30pm. Investigate the moths that help pollinate the plants; lights provided; registration required. Free up to age 6/$6 ages 7-17/$8 members/$12 adults, Santa Fe Botanical Garden, 715 Camino Lejo, 471-9103, santafebotanicalgarden.org.

12, Patterns in the Garden, 9:3010:30am. Walk through the garden as a volunteer incorporates mathematics to enrich understanding of the patterns found there. Included with admissions, SF Botanical Garden, 715 Camino Lejo, 471-9103, santafebotanicalgarden.org.

16, Star Party: Jemez Springs, 6:308pm. Conversations with local astronomical societies, Pueblo food, art vendors and guided viewing of stars, planets and galaxies. Stay overnight and learn more about the art, history and science of the universe with “Looking to the Skies” the next morning, 10am. $10 both days, Jemez Historic Site, 18160 NM-4, Jemez Springs, nmhistoricsites.org/jemez.

Storytelling

7, Fun with Firefighters, 1-2pm. The SF Fire Department brings a story time where firefighters read their favorite books and show the firetruck. Included with admission, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org.

7, 14, 21, 28, Pajama Story

Time/Hora del Cuento En Pijama, 6:30pm. Social storytime: parents can receive parenting info and chat with other parents. Preschool-age children and their adults. Free, Southside Library, 6599 Jaguar, 955-2828, Santafelibrary.org.

11, 25, Elements of Art: Storytime at the Museum Library, 10-11am. Ages 3-5 can learn about a basic element of art through story, song and craft with concepts like color, line and form. Free, NM Museum of Art, 107 W Palace, 476-5072, nmartmuseum.org.

Santa Fe Kids! Calendar Calendar Calendar

Bilingual Books and Babies, various dates, times and libraries. Books, songs and finger games for children ages 6 mo2 years. Free, santafelibrary.org. Story Time and Craft, various dates, times and libraries. Enjoy stories and a crafts with different themes. Free, santafelibrary.org.

Just for Teens

6, 13, 20, 27, Teen Lounge, 1:303:30pm. A safe space for teens to decompress after school with art supplies, homework tables, laptops, WiFi board games, snacks. Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4863, santafelibrary.org.

Also of Interest

2, Santa Fe Chess Tournament, 10:15am-5:15pm. Make friends and play serious chess. Five rounds, 30 minutes per player per game. Cash prizes. $20 per entrant, La Farge Branch Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862, santafelibrary.org. 23, Rally4Recovery, 10:30am-2:30pm. Live entertainment, food trucks, games & activities, animals and Kid’s Zone. This is an event on behalf of the recovery and mental health organizations helping to rewrite the story of NM. Free, Santa Fe Recovery Center, 5312 Jaguar, 471-4985, sfrecovery.org.

24, Pop-Up Playground, 11am-3pm. Kids of all ages are invited to build the ultimate fort city using recycled materials like logs, pallets, boxes, rope and fabric. Free, Railyard Park, 740 Cerrillos , santafe.org/event/pop-upplayground/13385.

October

Arts & Crafts

3, 10, 17, 24, After School Art, 3:304:30pm. Practice creative skills with themed art sessions. Free, Main Library, 145 Washington, 955-6837, santafelibrary.org.

6, 13, 20, 27, Fine Art Fridays, 2-4pm. Exploration into the arts with guest facilitators and hands-on activities that encourage children to explore their creativity. Included with admission, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org.

8, Family Art Making, 10am-noon. Families can join fun art-making; explore the galleries to find inspiration and have light snacks. Free for NM residents, Plaza Building, NM Museum of Art, 107 W Palace, 476-5072, nmartmuseum.org.

12, Hands-on Art with the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, 3:30pm. An open art workshop, the end of the collage series participants will use provided supplies to create foam landscapes. Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862, santafelibrary.org.

Classes & Workshops

28, Free Kids Singalong, 10:30am. Free outdoor music classes for ages up to 5. Free, Randall Davey Audubon Center, 1800 Upper Canyon, Nature Discover Area, randalldavey.audubon.org/ events/free-kids-singalong-4.

Cultural Centers

& Museums

4, 11, 18, 25, Wee Wednesdays, 10:30am. Parents and toddlers enjoy discovery with story time and play. Included with admission, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org.

5, 12, 19, 26, Thursdays Are Yours, 46pm. Visitors enjoy immersive exhibits for free, Santa Fe Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org.

8, Family Fun Day: “Bad to the Bone,” 11am-3pm. Dive into O’Keeffe’s fascination with collecting bones with hands-on art making, creative activities and story time. Participating families receive pass for free admission to museum. Free, Georgia O’Keefe Museum, 217 Johnson, 946-1000, okeeffemuseum.org.

29, Community Day at the Garden, 9am-5pm. Free NM residents/students, SF Botanical Garden, 715 Camino Lejo, 4719103, santafebotanicalgarden.org.

Exhibits

2-6, 9-13,“Origami in the Garden,” 8:30am-12:30pm. The story of creating something out of nothing through a collection of museum quality outdoor sculptures. $10 suggested donation, Box Studio and Sculpture Garden, 471-4688, origamiinthegarden.com.

Fairs and Festivals

7-8, The 51st Annual Santa Fe Harvest Festival, 10am-4pm. Celebrate the harvest - learn how red chile ristras are made, pick a pumpkin; make corn husk crafts, visit with animals. Free 12 & under/$13 veterans, students, teens/$15 adults, El Rancho de las Golondrinas, 334 Los Pinos, 471-2261, golondrinas.org.

7-9, Mountain and Valley Wool Festival, 9am-5pm, Sat; 9am-4pm, Sun. Formerly the Taos Wool Festival, this market features a variety of fiber, yarn, equipment and finished items; contests, a silent auction, demos, food and music. Free, Santa Fe County Fairgrounds, 3229 Rodeo, MAVWAWWoolFest.org.

7-9, Santa Fe Indigenous People’s Day Weekend Celebration. A celebration of the citizens and cultures of the 23 Tribes, Nations and Pueblos in NM. It will include award-winning dancing, drumming and singing. Free, Santa Fe Plaza, 63 Lincoln, santafe.org/indigenouspeoplesday.

21, The 6th Annual Santa Fe Spirits of NM, 5-9pm. Meet the ghosts of history who lived and died in NM, listen to their

stories and experience intriguing bygone events. Lit by lantern light and campfires, the site takes on a family friendly, but spooky atmosphere. Free, under 12/$13 veterans, students, seniors and teens/$15 adults, El Rancho de las Golondrinas, 334 Los Pinos Road, 471-2261, golondrinas.org.

28-29, Two-Day Halloween Artist Market, 11am-4pm. Showcasing the work of 30 local authentic artisans plus food, homemade cookies, a costume contest and a raffle. Free, Santa Fe Women’s Club, 1616 Old Pecos Trail, 316-2018, santafe.org/event/2-day-halloweenartist-market/16046.

Library Events

Area Libraries offer activities like Lego Club, Book Groups, Bilingual Books and Babies, Read to a Pup, Game Time, Chess, After-School Clubs, Story Time, Movies and Knitting Clubs. Check websites for calendars and details: santafelibrary.org, vglibrary.org.

3, 10, 17, 24, Wags and Words, 6-7pm. Children can practice their reading skills by sharing a story with a furry friend; for early school-aged children; call during library hours or email to sign up: mkatencio@santafenm.gov. Dogs are from the SF Animal Shelter Pet Outreach Program. Free, Main Library, 145 Washington, 955-6837, santafelibrary.org.

12, 19, 26, Yoga and Movement for Kids, 10:3oam. Join for children’s yoga, joyful movement and kinesthetic creativity; children of all ages have fun getting bodies moving. All children must be accompanied by an adult, mats provided but if you have one, bring it. Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862, santafelibrary.org.

Open House

5, 7th Grade Options Night, 6pm. Featuring more than a dozen of Santa Fe’s public, charter and private schools with a brief forum and the opportunity to engage in conversation with school reps and students; all are welcome. For families of children ages 3- grade 6. Free, Rio Grande School, 715 Camino Cabra, 9831621, riograndschool.org.

15, Santa Fe Girls’ School Admissions Open House, 3pm. Dedicated to middle school girls; please RSVP. Santa Fe Girls’ School, 310 W Zia, santafegirlsschool.org.

Science & Nature

5, Homeschooler Seeds & Sprouts Field Trip, 10am-12pm. Homeschoolers receive free admission to the museum and can join the Seeds & Sprouts Extended Program. Free, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org

5, 12, 19, 26, Animal Meet & Greet, 12:30-1pm. Learn fun facts about the museum pets and see them eat their lunch. Say “hi” to Cornelius (Corn snake),

Bisquick (Tortoise), Fafnir (Lizard) and Loki (Mexican Black Kingsnake). Included with admission, Santa Fe Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org.

5, 12, 19, 26, Seeds & Sprouts, 10:3011:30am. Kids explore nature from fun in the backyard to in-house programming,. Included with admission, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org.

7, 14, 21, 28, Science Saturday, 2-4pm. Science fun for all ages with exciting experiments and activities. Included with admission, SF Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org.

Stage

27-29, Opera West! is Opera for All! World-class performers on stage for the enjoyment of the community. $15 up to age 18/$25, St. Francis Auditorium of the NM Museum of Art, 107 West Palace, 773720-9354, operawest.org.

Storytelling

2, 16, 30, Elements of Art: Storytime at the Museum Library, 10-11am. Children ages 3-5 can learn about a basic element of art through story, song and craft with concepts like color, line and form while becoming familiar with museums as safe spaces full of fun and exploration. Free, NM Museum of Art, 107 W Palace, 476-5072, nmartmuseum.org.

5, Fun with Firefighters, 1-2pm. The SF Fire Department to bring a story time where firefighters read some of their favorite books and show their firetruck. Included with admission, Santa Fe Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org.

5, 12, 19, 26, Pajama Story

Time/Hora del Cuento En Pijama, 6:30pm. A social storytime where parents can receive parenting info and chat with other parents. For preschool-aged children and their adults. Free, Southside Library, 6599 Jaguar, 955-2828, Santafelibrary.org.

Bilingual Books and Babies, various dates, times and libraries. Books, songs and finger games for children ages 6 months-2 years. Free, santafelibrary.org.

Just for Teens

4, 11, 18, 25, Teen Lounge, 1:30-3:30pm. A safe space for teens to decompress after school with art supplies, homework tables, laptops & WiFi board games, tea and snacks. Free, La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4863, santafelibrary.org.

Also of Interest

1-31, Pumpkin Patch, 9am-6pm. Pumpkins for sale, eclipse activities, pet adoptions (fee), blessings and Trunk or Treat. Free, St. John’s United Methodist Church, 1200 Old Pecos Trail, 982-5397, sjumcsantafe.org.

The Young Scientist

By AILEEN O’CATHERINE

There are different kinds of solar eclipses. In a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth and appears to completely block the face of the Sun. In a partial solar eclipse, the Sun, Moon and Earth are not perfectly lined up, so only a part of the Sun appears to be covered by the Moon. In an annular solar eclipse, the Moon is at its farthest from Earth but appears smaller than the Sun, so the Moon looks like a small, dark disk as it passes by the Sun. The Moon’s dark disk hovering over the Sun’s larger, brighter disk makes it look like the Moon has a bright halo. This halo is often called the “ring of fire.”

On Oct. 14, an annular eclipse will be visible to millions of people in North, Central and South America. In the United States, it will be visible from eight states. One of the best places to view the annular eclipse will

Albuquerque

be Albuquerque. While other places will see a partial eclipse, in Albuquerque, the annular ring (“ring of fire”) will be very visible for about four minutes. The solar eclipse begins at 9:13 a.m. MDT. At that time, the Moon will begin to pass over the Sun, a little at first, but as the minutes tick by, the dark disk will grow. Viewers will be witnessing a partial eclipse. The point when the Moon appears to have a solar halo, (called annularity), begins at about 10:34 a.m., and reaches its maximum at 10:36 a.m. The annularity will end at 10:39 a.m. During those few minutes, the Moon will cover, or eclipse the Sun, and the Sun’s solar flares will be easy to see in the Moon’s “ring of fire.” The Moon will continue its orbit and the partial eclipse will end at 12:09 p.m. Depending on where you are viewing the eclipse, the ring of fire may be visible for a shorter or longer period.

Because the eclipse is a solar event, it will be important to practice safety. Remember to NEVER look directly at the sun without some type of protective eyewear. It is best to wear certified solar viewing glasses (“eclipse glasses”) or a safe handheld solar viewer.

There will be special eclipse viewing events where amateur astronomers will have solar telescopes and other equipment set up for public viewing. With a solar telescope, a special filter is placed on the lens which allows for safe viewing. Eclipse glasses or viewers should not be used with cameras or binoculars to see the Sun, as it could burn the eye. The only time it is safe to view the Sun through those devices is if a special solar filter has been placed on the device. Because of the dangers of directly viewing the Sun, it is best to attend a solar viewing event hosted by those knowledgeable about how to view eclipses.

Below are some of the groups’ viewing spots for safe viewing of the “ring of fire” eclipse on Saturday, Oct. 14:

Albuquerque: For a comprehensive list of locations in Albuquerque, visit The Albuquerque Astronomical Society’s website: taas.org/ring-offire-annular-solar-eclipse

Balloon Fiesta: There will be solar telescopes set up at the Balloon Fiesta. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, since the balloons will have launched by the time the eclipse starts. Watch the mass ascension and settle in for the great event. balloonfiesta.com/Event-Schedule

New Mexico Museum of Natural History: The museum plans to have information and activities for the eclipse. Details can be found at their website closer to the event. nmnaturalhistory.org

UNM Johnson Field: UNM is planning a viewing party at UNM’s Johnson Field. Details can be found at physics.unm.edu

Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge: The wildlife refuge in Albuquerque’s South Valley plans to host an eclipse event. fws.gov/refuge/valle-de-oro/events

Placitas: Placitas Community Library: placitaslibrary.com

Rio Rancho: The Rio Rancho Astronomical Society will open its Rainbow Park Observatory for the eclipse, with telescopes equipped with solar filters for safe viewing. There will be eclipse glasses for sale that day, but quantities are limited. The observatory opens to the public at 8:30 a.m. 301 Southern Blvd., Rio Rancho (behind Rainbow Pool). rrastro.org/2023%20Annular%20Eclipse/2023_Annular_Eclipse.html

Santa Fe: Although the Santa Fe Stargazers won’t be hosting a public event, they welcome those who want to join them as they observe in the Manzano Mountains. Contact the club and join them for the eclipse or other public viewings. santafestargazers.org/

Find out more about the annular eclipse: reatamericaneclipse.com/new-mexico-2023-eclipse

Curious about upcoming eclipses? Find out when and where they will be next: eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEdecade/SEdecade2021.html.

Kids’ Crossword

“Twilight”

By MYLES MELLOR for ages 8-15

Across

1. Writer of the Twilight series, Stephanie ____

4. Main character in Twilight, ____ Swan

6. Bella's half-vampire daughter

8. Volkswagen car, for short

9. Vampire author, ___ Rice

10. Bella's home town

11. Camping vehicle

13. Cineplex ___ (theater chain)

16. Helped

17. Purpose

18. "Young girl

20. Sadistic vampire in "Twilight"

22. Small BMW car

23. Make a mistake

24. See 4 down

25. ____wolf

Down

1. Grammy winner, Bruno ___

2. Pull hard

3. Reply

4. One of the most popular of the Twilight book series (goes with 24 across)

5. Edward is Bella's ___

7. Military rank in Star Trek, for short

10. Enemy

12. The Volturi are a ____ coven

13. Rowing paddle

14. Much loved English princess

15. Bella is in love with him

17. Bella's sister

19. Morning time

20. Junior, for short

21. Twilight Series book , "Midnight ____" Solution on page 38

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consult the PARENTING DR

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The Homework place and

Kids’ Art!

Celestino, 8 Evie,

Guest Column: The Homework Debate

How Much and What Kind is Best

for Students

By PAULA VANDERHEE

Homework. We have all had experience with homework at some point in our journeys, whether it was yours or your children’s. And many of us have strong opinions on the subject. Santa Fe Public Schools recently issued new rules aimed at reducing the amount of homework given to students. That caused me to reflect on my own time in the classroom and what I’ve learned through my college teacher training. I also talked to my mentors to get their opinions.

I believe the answer comes down to the age of the child, the subject and whether the homework is meaningful. I have heard stories about elementary school students sent home with homework packets that were so time-consuming parents had to bribe their child to sit still and complete the work — something along the lines of, “The sooner you get this done, the sooner

you can play with your brother.” Then there are afterschool activities many parents don’t want their children to miss. Additionally, one-third of high school students hold jobs.

Activities like baseball and soccer and having quality family time are so vital to the development of a child that the busywork homework packet due at the end of the week turns into a burden for child and parent. The child often will rush through it and then must redo it, because they would rather be outside or building with Legos. I believe that book reports (especially when the student can pick the book) and developing the skill of doing valuable work at home can be beneficial. But we overload kids with homework and still expect them to be successful in their extracurricular activities s and home life. We burn them out and expect them to succeed.

In Finland, not only do students have shorter school hours to ensure a good night’s rest, they also have no homework or surprise tests. In Finland, they believe that for students to truly succeed, they need to be happy while attending school. If they are stressed, they will not be successful. The country offers only free education, along with free meals and healthcare. There are no private schools, so everyone has access to the same quality education and resources.

In Finland, they believe after school is a time for students to learn and explore hobbies, play sports and enjoy quality family time. This allows them to be refreshed when returning to school the next day so they can engage in quality learning. Finland was third in the education rankings by country in 2021, according to Leverage Edu. The country also has the highest rate of high school completion in the world. Something they are doing is working. I don’t believe homework is bad, but I do think we expect too much and are not providing the most beneficial afterschool work.

Paula Vanderhee is a college student who has taught in the classroom for more than 10 years. She is in her senior year of a bachelor’s degree program for education.

New Mexico Kids! 2023/2024 Afterschool Activities Directory

Santa Fe Area Art

Art School Santa Fe, 3600 Cerillos Rd. Unit 714D, SF, NM 87507. Phone: 505-364-3256; Contact: Ronny; Email: ronny@artschoolsantafe.com; Website: artschoolsantafe.com; Ages: 6 - 16; Enrollment: 7 - 8 kids per class; Cost: $115 per month or $216 two months, $40 materials fee; Days/Hours: Wednesday - Friday after school. Students learn within a flexible framework of lessons catering to their personal skill levels and progress. In any given class session, there is a blend of students each working on their own individual lessons at their own pace. Artists develop skills in painting, shading, manga, comics, fine art and fantasy art.Financial aid available. Wednesdays Youth Class: 4pm - 5:05pm, 5:15pm - 6:20pm, Ages 10+. Thursdays Youth Class: 3:45pm - 4:50pm, 5pm6:05pm. Fridays Youth Class: 2pm - 3:05pm, 3:45pm4:50pm, Fridays Teen Class: 5pm - 6:15pm, Ages 12+.

Climbing

AFTER SCHOOL

@ClimbSantaFe, 3008 Cielo Court, SF, NM 87507. Phone: 505-986-8944; Email: info@climbsantafe.com; Website: climbsantafe.com/classesprograms/youthprograms/after-school-summer-camps/. The After School program at Santa Fe Climbing Center creates a stimulating environment in which climbers at all levels will push their physical and mental limits while having fun and exploring the world of indoor rock climbing! The challenges and climbing games led by our experienced instructors promote teamwork, confidence, flexibility, balance, problem solving and more. Our After School programs meet once a week for 8-9 weeks from 3:30-5pm and begin the week of August 21. The After School Classes are divided in the following age groups, 5-8 year old and 9-13 year old climbers and cost $180 for 9 weeks.

Dance

Belisama Irish Dance & Rhythm Sol, 1225 Parkway Drive, C, SF, NM 87507. Phone: 505-795-5424; Contact: Celia; Email: celiabassettbelisama@gmail.com; Website: belisamadance.com. Dance classes for all ages 18 months and up. Irish, tap, jazz, Irish social dancing and much more! Performance, competition or recreational tracks available. All levels. We provide a nurturing and welcoming environment where all dancers can find space to be creative and confident. Financial aid available.

NDI New Mexico at The Dance Barns in Santa Fe, Phone: 505-9837646; Website: dancebarns.com or ndi-nm.org. Children ages 3-18 (and adults) join inspiring professional instructors each week to participate in high-quality dance and performance training in creative movement, ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap and hip-hop. Classes range from beginner to pre-professional levels. Open to all children in the community! Tuition is offered on a sliding scale ensuring that every child has the opportunity for an enriching experience and a sense of achievement in a nurturing and noncompetitive atmosphere.

Ice Hockey

New Mexico Mustangs Girls Hockey Association, Address: 5315 Vista del Cerro NE, Abq, NM 87111. Phone: 505-695-0143; Contact: Scott Doebling; Email: president@nmmustangsgirlshockey.org; Website: nmmustangsgirlshockey.org; Ages: 5-18 years. The New Mexico Mustangs is the only all-girls ice hockey association in New Mexico. We offer developmental, recreational league, and Tier II competitive league programs in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Financial Aid Available.

Skateboarding Skate School

Skateboarding School, 825 Early St. #H, SF, NM 87505. Phone: 505-474-0074; Contact: Joe Lehm; Email: skateschoolsantafe@gmail.com; Website: skateboardsafety.com. Ages: 3 and up. Indoor ramps for year-round fun! After School/Home School Programs start in September. Sessions and lessons for all abilities, ages 3 and up. Use our school boards and gear to get started. We also have a complete shop to help students gear up. Curriculum includes skateboard homework and exploring the history of skateboarding using our museum and video library. Birthdays, parent's night out, monthly events.

Albuquerque Area Acting

New Mexico Young Actors Children's Theater, 2701 San Pedro Dr. NE, Ste. 21, Abq, NM 87110. Phone: 505-821-8055; Contact: Rachel Ribeiro; Email: info@nmyoungactors.org; Website: nmyoungactors.org; Ages: 5–19; Cost: $160 - $475; Mondays - Saturdays, after school. Since 1979, NMYA has been training children and youth in the theater arts. We offer drama classes and performances of plays and musicals to 14,000 people annually. Join us for our fall program! Learn acting skills such as improvisation, stage stunts, continued on page 36

The New Mexico Mustang Girls Hockey U12 Team scrimmaging. Photo by Scott Doebling.

Albuquerque/Santa Fe

Albuquerque/Santa Fe

continued from page 34

voice and diction, emotional recall and much more from professional artists and educators. Registration and fall schedule available at our website. Financial aid available.

Art

Albuquerque Museum School, 2000 Mountain Rd. NW, Abq, NM 87104. Phone: 505-243-7255; Contact: Jody Vanesky; Email: jvanesky@cabq.gov; Website: cabq.gov/museumschool. Ages: 3-14

Enrollment: 12 per class; Cost: $65-$75; Days/Hours: Wednesdays, 45:30pm, Thursdays, 2:30-4pm, Fridays, 9:30-11:30am & 3:30-5pm, Saturdays, 9:30-11am. The Museum School currently offers homeschool, afterschool, weekend and summer classes to attract a variety of participants. Through this program we work to create high quality, creative opportunities for youth outside of school time.

Creativity Warehouse Clay Classes & Workshops, 1950 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, Ste M, Abq, NM 87112. Phone: 505-299-6168; Contact: Tommie Kuykendall; Email: tommiegk@creativitywarehouse.com; Website: creativitywarehouse.com; Ages: 6 and older. Creativity Warehouse has 4day afterschool classes in pottery wheel and hand building. We also have 2-hour workshops in clay and fused glass available during the week after school. All supplies are provided including glazing and firing. Pricing varies based on each project.

Painted Iguana Art Classes, 142 Big Horn Ridge Ct. NE, Abq, NM 87122. Phone: 505-720-1906. Contact: Theresa Hall, Artist & Educator; Email: paintediguana@gmail.com; Website: paintediguana.com; Ages: 6 and up. Small group classes; Tuition: $105 monthly plus tax/4 classes. Weekday afternoons – 1 1/2 hour long classes. Small classes in NE Albuquerque where students receive expert instruction on the use of quality art materials, & create in a studio setting. We work with watercolors, acrylics, clay, pastels, metals & more. Come learn new sketching skills, sculpt, or create with clay to be fired in our kiln. For the young explorers to the experienced young artists, students receive a high quality art experience in a creative, FUN, nurturing environment. Our classes encompass a complete comprehensive art program that students really enjoy. Art appreciation & creative thinking skills are developed in class. We learn about famous artists throughout history, while creating our own unique masterpieces. Join us & see why students never want their art adventure to end each day! Call or check the website for the after-school schedule. The Fall semester begins after Labor Day in September.

Sailer Fine Art and Instruction Classes for Kids! 108 Holli Loop, Edgewood, NM 87015. Phone: 505-350-5413; Contact: Bethe and Jason Sailer; Email: bethesailer@gmail.com; Ages: ages 7+; Cost: $85/6 sessions. Days/Hours: varies. Art classes for kids at multiple sites in Albuquerque, as well as Edgewood and Bosque Farms. Ongoing enrollment. Please call for current schedule. Tuition due every six sessions, cost includes supplies and taxes.

Dance

Ballet Repertory Theatre of NM's Ballet Academy, 6913 Natalie Ave. NE, Abq, NM 87110. Phone: 505-888-1054; Email: brt@brtnm.com; Website: brtnm.com. Ages: 3 years - Adults. Variety of classes available Monday - Saturday. BRT's focus is on the training of classical ballet which is paired with a Modern Dance program. At Ballet Repertory Theatre, our professionally trained teachers guide each student using a well-developed syllabus. Ballet Repertory Theatre’s goal is to create an environment that is challenging, disciplined and rigorous while, at the same time, safe, healthy and nurturing...providing a welcoming environment where every student is valued while pursuing excellence in dance.

Dance Theatre Southwest: Moving Forward!! 3805 Academy Parkway South, NE, Abq, NM 87122. Phone: 505-296-9465; Contact: Patricia Dickinson Wells; Email: dancetheatresouthwest@gmail.com; Website: dtsw.com. Looking For An Alternative For Your Dancer? DTSW has won many national accolades and is always a safe place for dance

arts education. On-going classes with new fall schedule available soon! Find us on Facebook And Instagram. Dance Education for All Ages: Toddler through Professional Level with strong Adult and Mature Adult programs also. Days/Hours: M-F: 4pm-7:30pm, Sat: 9:30am-1:45pm. DTSW offers all levels of Ballet with Pointe and Pre-Pointe, Adv. and Int. Partnering/Pas de Deux training along with Toddler classes, Discovering Dance for younger 3- to 4-year-olds, all levels of Modern/Contemporary and Jazz. Under the direction of Patricia Dickinson Wells, DTSW has always valued quality over quantity. Patricia and Faculty adhere to safe kinesthetically sound dance instruction in a nurturing environment. Many students have gone on to professional careers in dance companies around the world, on Broadway, in academia, and many alumni have found successful fields outside of dance thanks to the discipline they learned through dance education. DTSW will continue to provide all students with regular Full Curriculum through hybrid classes – in-studio as well as online so families have choices. DTSW continues to bring the best in dance arts education to everyone, be it in-studio or on Zoom. Scholarships available for families who cannot afford to pay full tuition. Dance Theatre Southwest is the home of Festival Ballet Albuquerque which produces “Nutcracker in the Land of Enchantment,” “Dracula, A Love Story” and “Sacred Journeys” in collaboration with Robert Mirabal and Jock Soto, with 3 to 4 major productions each year.

Highland Dance Albuquerque, 3848 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, Ste. B, Abq, NM 87107. Phone: 443-624-6658; Contact: Emma Trentman; Email: emma@highlanddanceabq.com; Website: highlanddanceabq.com; Ages: 3Adult. Highland Dance Albuquerque offers Scottish Highland Dance classes and Highland Hustle fitness classes. Join us for small class sizes, a high energy dance style, and great community!

Keshet Dance & Center for the Arts Community Dance Classes, 4121 Cutler Ave. NE, Abq, NM 87110. Phone: 505-224-9808; Contact: frontdesk@keshetarts.org; Website: keshetarts.org/dance-education. Ages 2 thru Adult. Cost: $0-$20 per class. Keshet Community Dance Classes: Fall Session (Aug-Dec) - Ballet, contemporary, creative movement and more! All abilities welcome. Mixed Ability/Adaptive Dance and Fine Wine Dance (ages 55+) also available. Unlimited non-competitive scholarships/sliding scale payments for ALL classes. Registration is ongoing.

NDI New Mexico at The Hiland in ABQ, Phone: 505-872-1800; Website: Hilandtheater.com or ndi-nm.org. Children ages 3-18 (and adults) join inspiring professional instructors each week to participate in high-quality dance and performance training in creative movement, ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap and hip-hop. Classes range from beginner to pre-professional levels. Open to all children in the community! Tuition is offered on a sliding scale ensuring that every child has the opportunity for an enriching experience and a sense of a achievement in a nurturing and noncompetitive atmosphere.

New Mexico Ballet Company, 6207 Pan American Fwy NE, Abq, NM 87109. Phone: 505-659-8523; Contacts: Robbie Rodriguez, Email: NMBCMarketing@gmail.com & Anna Bridge, Email: nmbcschool@gmail.com; Website: newmexicoballetcompany.com. Ages: Ages 3 to Adult. We provide affordable year-round dance classes and annual performance opportunities. Choose from a variety of styles including creative movement, pre-ballet, classical ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip-hop and more. Our professional faculty are ready to encourage, challenge and inspire the budding artist in every student. From improving physical fitness to gaining confidence and selfawareness, dancing is a creative and physical outlet with endless benefits for students of all ages. New students are welcome and registration is ongoing for weekday afternoon, evening, and Saturday morning classes. Your first trial class is FREE! Registration fee: $35 per family. Tuition rates start at $52.50 – $68.25 per month for introductory classes.

Horseback Riding

Liz Sanchez Stables Riding Lessons, 7622 Rio Grande NW, Los Ranchos de Abq, NM 87107. Phone: 505-898-1810; Contact: Liz Sanchez.

continued on page 38

continued from page 36 Website: lizsanchezstables.com. Ages: 7-86; Tues-Sun, 8am-5pm; closed Mon. We are COVID compliant. Afterschool and weekend Academy riding lesson program in a covered arena. Also, full-day horse and pony camps on all APS holidays. Tax deductible. Lessons suitable for the firsttime rider to the advanced student. Group & private riding lessons also available all year. Learn how to care, groom, communicate and ride your horse. All disciplines as well as English & Western. Also bareback for balance. Riders progress at own pace and are placed in groups according to skill level. Check out our Child, Family & Adult Specials!! Visa and Mastercard accepted. “This is the place where people dream and horses fly.” Call the Stables for pricing and reservations.

Ice Hockey

New Mexico Mustangs Girls Hockey Association, Address: 5315 Vista del Cerro NE, Abq, NM 87111. Phone: 505-695-0143; Contact: Scott Doebling; Email: president@nmmustangsgirlshockey.org; Website: nmmustangsgirlshockey.org; Ages: 5-18 years. The New Mexico Mustangs is the only all-girls ice hockey association in New Mexico. We offer developmental, recreational league, and Tier II competitive league programs in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Financial Aid Available.

Martial Arts

Bates Taekwondo, 2820 Richmond Blvd NE, Abq, NM 87107. Phone: 505-985-9091; Email: batestkd@gmail.com; Website: batestkd.com; Contact: Master Chee Bates. Taekwondo & fitness ages 3-adult, no contracts, unlimited classes.

Multi-Activity/Enrichment

National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Arte Poquito, 1701 4th St. SW, Abq, NM 87102. Phone: 505-246-2261; Contact: Stephen Hamway; Website: nhccnm.org/events. Ages: Children ages 0 to 4 and caregivers. Cost: Free. First Tuesday of each month, 45 minutes each. Arte Poquito is a free, monthly, 45-minute program for babies and toddlers ages 0 months to 4 years and their caregivers that cultivates creativity and self-expression through the exploration of Hispanic/Latine arts and culture. Participants explore the NHCC Museum, Performing Arts Center, and engage in artmaking, music, movement, dance, drama, and bilingual story time. NHCC instructors model age-appropriate arts techniques that celebrate self-expression, build vocabulary, and strengthen both finemotor and gross-motor skills in a fun environment. Please call the NHCC Welcome Center at 505-724-4771 for assistance.

Science

Explora, 1701 Mountain Rd. NW, Abq, NM 87104. Phone: 505-600-6072; Contact: Reservations office, 505-600-6734; Email: reservations@explora.us; Website: explora.us. Cost: Explora Members $150, Non-members $170 for most programs. Financial assistance available. Ages 2 1/2 - 15. Explora has 4 programs: 1. Growing a Scientist for preschoolers ages 2½ – 5 with their adults (required). Meets every other week. Participants make discoveries about science by questioning, experiencing, and investigating. 2. Science to Grow On, Grades K - 3; Meets every other Saturday 9:30–11am. Grow your child’s love for science! In Science to Grow On™, children make discoveries by questioning, experiencing and investigating. Explora educators engage children and their adults in ageappropriate activities incorporating science, art and fun! Each session focuses on a different theme. Adult participation encouraged but not required. 3. Engineering Investigators, Saturdays 9:30am. Participants investigate how things move and use that knowledge to build a series of connected actions! Meets every other week. Adults welcome but not required. 4. Home School Explorations Series, Grades: 6-9 (11-15 years). Explora members: $105; Non-members $120. Explora’s Home School Explorations Series offers your child a semester of weekly, hourlong experiential science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) programs. These are materials-rich classes that actively engage every child in inquiry activities. In these classes, children will make discover-

ies in STEAM through questioning, experiencing and investigating. Children will be encouraged to build their own knowledge and cultivate skills such as observation, creativity, critical thinking, cooperative learning, communication and innovation as they explore a different topic each week.

National Museum of Nuclear Science & History’s Science is Everywhere Camp, 601 Eubank Blvd SE, Abq, NM 87123. Phone: 505245-2137; Contact: Lisa Guida, Director of Education; Email: lguida@nuclearmuseum.org; Website: nuclearmuseum.org/educate; Grades: K-6. The wonder of science comes alive during our Science is Everywhere Science Kids Camps. Learn more about robots, biology, forensics, engineering, chemistry, physics, weird science, and more. The museum offers camps during the APS break schedules, including Veterans Day, Fall Parent/Teacher Conference Days, Winter Break, Spring Break, and Summer Break. All in-service camps are for grades Kindergarten through 6th grade. Summer camps are for grades Pre-K through 6th grade Our education team divides camp topics into singleday or weeklong camps that are multi-age collaborative camper experiences from 7:30am-5:30pm.

Tutoring/Therapy

Huntington Learning Center, 8201 Golf Course Rd. NW, Ste. B-3, Abq, NM 87120. Phone: 505-797-3073; Contact: Sohale Mufti; Website: huntingtonhelps.com. Grades: K-12; Monday to Saturday. Year after year we continue to offer children, ages 5-17, supplemental instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, study skills, phonics and related areas, as well as SAT/ACT test preparation. The positive encouragement of our staff and certified teachers, combined with individualized instruction based on our diagnostic testing, is what we believe sets us apart and continues to make our program a success.

Tutor-Me, 5528 Eubank NE, Ste. 6, Abq, NM 87111. Phone: 505-307-4170; Contact: Sandra Akkad, Founder. Website: mytutorme.com. Covid-safe Environment. Ongoing online tutoring. Focusing on K-12. Homework Help. Tutor-Me is a premier learning center that offers a hands-on approach when helping students. We stimulate & motivate while enriching and helping our students. Tutor-Me provides a safe, conducive and nurturing environment. We offer classes in all Math, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Phonics, English, Science, standardized testing, PSAT, ACT, SAT and more. Classes in Spanish, French and Arabic. We offer a free trial. Check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/mytutorme.

We Need to Talk and More! Therapy, 3351 Candelaria Rd. NE, Suite E, Abq, NM 87107. Phone: 505-675-0689; Contact Malia Vigil; Email: weneedtotalkllc@gmail.com; Website: weneedtotalkandmore.com. Ages: Birth-65. We Need to Talk and More! Therapy provides speech, language, feeding and occupational therapy.

Information for this directory comes from the advertisers and does not constitute an endorsement by New Mexico K ids!

Get a Healthy Start Back to School

Adult & Family Care

465 St. Michael’s Dr., Suite 240

Make sure your family stays healthy by keeping up-to-date with your health care appointments. We are your convenient resource for routine check-ups, immunizations, scheduling sports physicals or caring for you when you are sick or hurt.

Well-child visits, sports physicals and immunizations should be scheduled in advance.

Call (505) 913-DOCS (3627) to schedule your primary care appointment at one of our five locations today.

Santa Fe, NM 87505

Arroyo Chamiso Pediatrics

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Santa Fe, NM 87505

Entrada Contenta Health Center and Urgent Care

5501 Herrera Dr. Santa Fe, NM 87507

Family Medicine Center

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Pojoaque Primary Care

5 Petroglyph Circle, Suite A Pojoaque, NM 87506