Summer is, for many people, the best part of the year. It offers a respite from our chaotic university lives. Research articles and 8 a.m. classes have no place here unless we want them to. Summer provides time for freedom – sometimes a little too much.
If you’re anything like me, then you may begin to grow a little stir crazy after the first few weeks of summer. When that happens, it is imperative to get out and find something to occupy your time.
What that something is varies widely depending on your preferences, but here are some of my favorites.
ABQ BioPark
One of my favorite summer pastimes has always been visiting the various parts of the ABQ BioPark.
If you’re looking for animals, the zoo may be your ideal destination. The zoo is home to more than 900 animals from around the globe, according to the City of Albuquerque website.
Additionally, “many of (these) animals have been part of successful conservation plans and captive breeding programs,” according to the CABQ website. With these programs comes the opportunity to see a few baby animals: look out for the baby gorilla in the Ape Walk, the joey in the Africa section and the baby orangutan in the park’s new Asia section.
Located close by, the aquarium provides a nice relief from the heat with a facility that is almost completely indoors. Try to stop by on a Friday if you’re interested in the aquarium’s touchpool.
Next door to the aquarium is the Botanic Garden. It has gorgeous flowers and the magical Children’s Fantasy Garden that feels like something straight out of “Alice in Wonderland” or even the video game “Grounded.” At the back of the gardens, you can experience the BUGarium – featuring many different insects – and the butterfly pavilion.
The library
Sometimes coordinating to get out of the house is a little too much to ask for in the summer. On those days, I suggest curling up and cracking open a good book.
Most of the public libraries in New Mexico offer summer reading programs, according to the New Mexico State Library. These are open to all ages. If you read for a set amount of time each week, you are entered into a raffle.
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Along with the raffle and reading incentive, Albuquerque public libraries also offer free events, like concerts and crafts.
The library is a great resource for movies and music as well. Most libraries offer access to hoopla and Kanopy – available as apps on your phone where you can stream films, audiobooks and more. These resources are also a great way to get involved with the book and movie clubs offered by the library.
Athletics
If you prefer to do something more active, the warmth and free time of summer provide a great opportunity to play or watch some sports. For example, pickleball is a relatively easy and inexpensive sport to try out.
“Some places, like churches and recreational centers, will have cheap paddles available for use. This is a great option for people who aren’t quite sure if they’ll like pickleball. You can just show up, give it a shot then decide from there,” Pickleball Kitchen’s website reads.
Albuquerque has numerous pickleball courts; a full list can be found on the CABQ website.
Top Golf is another favorite sporting venue of mine, offering a golf experience like no other. Half-price Tuesday is the best day to get out there. Beyond practicing your swing, you can enjoy different game modes.
Summer comes with lots of free time, and the threat of boredom looms over that free time – waiting for the right moment to strike. Luckily, Albuquerque offers numerous activities to keep you occupied when boredom does strike.
Arly Garcia is a freelance reporter with the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @DailyLobo
