Editor’s Note: Only one week left before classes begin, so how are you going to spend your last week of freedom? To help you out we’ve created this list of some inexpensive mini-vacation ideas to cram your last days with as much fun and excitement as possible, while getting the most out of your last dollars.
Drive
If you’ve got a tank of gas to spare, take a mini road trip to these hot spots just outside of Albuquerque. Get some fresh air and enjoy the scenery at Jemez Springs hot springs. With four different hot spring destinations to explore within 10 miles of Jemez Springs, this is a great place for a day trip. Jemez Springs is just over an hour away from the UNM area.
If you’re a student of math and science, you’re sure to be impressed by the Very Large Array (VLA) in Socorro. In less than two hours, you can get started on your own self-guided tour of the site, which is open daily.
With snow scattered throughout the forecast and the mountains calling, head out for a day of sledding at the Capulin Snow Play Area, just 45 minutes away from UNM. Be sure to bring your lunch money for the $3 parking fee. Wooden and metal sleds are prohibited at the Capulin area, so this is an excellent chance to use your imagination and create a sled. Use a folding table as a two-person sled (a tablecloth may be a good idea after this outing) or you can use a plastic laundry basket. The possibilities are endless, so you have no excuse not to go for a sled ride. The play area is open from noon to 3:30 p.m. every weekend.
Fly
Head out to a park and fly a kite. No, really, when was the last time you actually flew a kite? You probably have a kite somewhere; you just need to dig it out and give it five minutes of love and affection to get it in shape again. For those of you who don’t have a kite however, never underestimate the ability of the $1 Wal-Mart kite. Sometimes less really is more, as long as you don’t mind a Disney Princess theme. It’s probably best to have a helping hand along, to take turns running the kite.
Adventure
If you own an iPod or iPad, it’s time to stop questing in the virtual world and quest your way through Albuquerque instead. It couldn’t get easier to explore with the help of ARIS, which stands for Augmented Reality for Interactive Storytelling, a series of games designed by UNM students. Even better, the ARIS app is free.
To get started, download the ARIS app, create a username and locate nearby games to play to get started on your first quest.
The games have activities such as finding works of art hidden in the city and learning to use Photoshop with your own photos taken in Albuquerque. When you’re done exploring, learn to create your own game at arisgames.org. For more information on creating your own games within the UNM ARIS project, you can contact Dr. Chris Holden. cholden@unm.edu
Entertain
Stay home, invite some friends over and finish off the rest of that homemade Irish cream you got for Christmas during a night of board games. These days “board games” include a whole lot more than just Scrabble and Monopoly (but really, who can resist the classics?) Take a group excursion down the board games aisle at Wal-Mart and see what catches your fancy. Such titles as “Trailer Park Wars” are sure to be worth some good laughs.
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Your group may also choose to invest in more complicated games like “Betrayal at House on the Hill” that involve multiple game scenario outcomes and will keep the laughs coming break after break. Important things to keep in mind when hosting a game night: the more people, the more fun. Have some snacks for intermission, a frozen pie is always a welcome treat. Have fun.
