Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Albuquerque, NM

It's cold outside!  And it can be cold inside too if you take a trip to a local ice skating rink.  Ice skating may seem to require much more coordination than your preschooler has, but many preschoolers are quite good at it (and have lots of fun!) so at least it's worth a try.  If you go, be sure the skates that your child uses fit well and are tied tight.  Don't worry if the skates aren't very attractive, because you'll want to make sure you child isn't looking at them, but looking ahead at where she is going.  A helmet is a good idea, but many instructors don't recommend knee pads because they can restrict movement.  And don't forget the gloves!

There are two ice arenas in the Albuquerque area.  Outpost Ice Arena is located near Tramway and Paseo Del Norte NE.  Public skate times vary and the cost is $1 for kids five and under and $7 for everyone else.  Skate rental is $3.  They offer parent/tot classes for kids under six.  The next session starts this weekend, so act quickly if you're interested.  Blades Multiplex in Rio Rancho (near Unser and Northern NE) is another choice.  The cost for public skating is $2 for kids six and under and $7 for everyone else.  You can rent skates for $2.  See their website for public skate times.  They offer skating lessons for preschoolers.  Mom or dad isn't required to participate, so this is where you want to go if your child is more eager than you when it comes to ice skating!