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

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5 Magazines That Will Deliver Smiles To Your Child

by Alison

July 28, 2009

Kids love getting mail, so what preschooler wouldn't love receiving a magazine in the mail that is especially for them? Here are five magazines designed just for the preschool set.

1. Ladybug - This is the perfect magazine for the child that loves to be read to. Ladybug is full of stories and poems by the best children's authors. Each issue also includes games, songs, and activities. Get a one year subscription (nine issues) for $33.95. This magazine contains no advertising.

2. National Geographic Little Kids - This magazine is designed for kids ages 3-6. It's just what you'd expect from the folks at National Geographic and contains articles on animals and other cultures. There's also activities, crafts, and recipes. Get a one year subscription (six issues) for $15.00. This magazine contains no ads.

3. Turtle - Turtle Magazine classifies all their content as fun to read, fun to see, and fun to do. It contains stories, games, crafts, recipes, reader photos and reader art. It is designed for ages 3-6. Get a one year subscription (six issues) for $15.95.

4. Highlights High Five- This magazine for young children is from the people who bring you Highlights magazine. Each issue is full of stories (including some classic Highlights characters), activities, brainteasers, and crafts. You'll also find articles that will teach your child different languages as well as introduce her to real world experiences. Get a one year subscription (12 issues) for $29.64.

5. Your Big Backyard - Your Big Backyard is published by the National Wildlife Federation, so it's perfect for your young animal lover. This magazine is aimed at children ages 3-7. It is full of simple stories, full color photos, games, crafts, and recipes. Get a one year subscription (12 issues) for $19.95.

Check the library for magazines to see which one might be the perfect fit for your child.  Read more...

5 Ways to Celebrate Spring in Albuquerque

by Alison

March 24, 2009

The temperatures are higher, the trees are blooming, and the wind is blowing - it must be Springtime in Albuquerque!  Celebrate the arrival of a new season with some of these activities.

1. Head to a good tree observing spot (your local park should do, or maybe even your front yard), gather some art supplies, and draw pictures of the beautiful blooms.  Talk about how the blooms one the different trees are the same or different.  Some trees may be done blooming, while some are just barely opening.

2. Visit the new animal babies at the Rio Grande Zoo.   There's a baby howler monkey,  a new kangaroo, a baby orangutan, a baby Bactrian camel, and more. Signs will point you to the new additions and in the meantime, check out some photos of the new arrivals.

3. Stop by your local home improvement store or nursery and pick up some flowers to plant.  You can plant them in your yard, a small planter, or even in a paper cup in your kitchen!

4. Enjoy a baseball game.  The UNM Lobos are in full swing.  Adult tickets are $5 and children's tickets are just $3, so it's an affordable family activity.  The April 17th game is 'Pack the Park' night and all tickets are just $2.  Softball tickets are just as inexpensive, and this weekend is 'Pack the Park' weekend and tickets are only a dollar.  The Isotopes kick off their season on April 9.  You can also try and catch a little league game.  Many of the local leagues have websites with schedules.  Do an internet search for "albuquerque little league".

5. Visit your local library and pick up some books all about Spring.  Better yet, look through this list, reserve a few and have them ready for you when you arrive! 
 Read more...

More Books that Your Children Will Love

by Alison

December 06, 2008

Books make great gifts. They can be enjoyed again and again and allow for some quality parent-child time. Here are some books you may want to check out for your kids for this Holiday season: Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! by Mo Willems I have such a great time reading this book to my son because he totally gets into it by telling the pigeon "no". This is definitely a book that kids can  Read more...

5 Great Reads for New Mexico Preschoolers

by Alison

November 25, 2008

Books are a wonderful way to introduce your children to the world, or help them become familiar with what's in their own backyard. Here are five books that are perfect reads for your Albuquerque kid. Curious George Goes to the Beach by H.A. Rey - This one's so your kids understand that Tingley Beach isn't the only beach out there! In this book, George visits the beach with The Man  Read more...

Five Books Your Kids Will Love

by Alison

November 24, 2008

Christmas is coming and I know my kids will be getting some new books! Did you know Savvy Source has a long list of great books for kids complete with reviews? Visit the Books, Toys, and More section for some great gift ideas for your kids. Here are some of my favorites: There is a Bird on Your Head by Mo Willems Not only do my children love to have this book read aloud to them,  Read more...

Local Books for Little Ones: A Birthday Basket for Tia

by Alison

November 24, 2008

This month's Savvy Source theme is books and reading, so I thought it would be fun to share with you some books written by authors that live in New Mexico. Today, I'm highlighting a book by Pat Mora. Ms. Mora was born in El Paso, Texas and though she lived most of her life there, she currently calls New Mexico home and lives in Santa Fe. A Birthday Basket for Tia is about a little  Read more...

A Great Book Helps Explain a Tough Subject: Getting Lost

by Alison

November 20, 2008

I love the Little Critter series of books by Mercer Mayer. They are simple stories that both kids and adults can relate to. One that I really enjoy reading to my son is Just Lost. Just Lost is about Little Critter getting lost the mall. Being separated from their child in a busy place is every parent's fear, and it's important to teach children what to do in such situations. This book  Read more...

Five Books To Tickle Your Funny Bone

by Alison

November 18, 2008

Looking to share a laugh with your preschooler? Here are a few books you may be interested in, and be sure to check out the other city guides today for their picks as well! Giggle, Giggle, Quack by Doreen Cronin - This is the sequel to Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type but I guess by virtue of having the word "giggle" in the title, it elicits more laughs from my four year old. In this  Read more...

Local Books for Little Ones: Roadrunner's Dance

by Alison

November 17, 2008

To tie into the national Being Savvy blog's monthly theme of books and reading , I'm highlighting some children's books that are written by New Mexicans and/or take place in New Mexico. Today's book is Roadrunner's Dance by Rudolfo Anaya. Mr. Anaya is is probably best known for writing Bless Me, Ultima, but he has also written several books for children. He is a New Mexico  Read more...

5 Albuquerque Storytime Spots

by Alison

November 11, 2008

Are you ready to try out storytime with your child? Or maybe just looking for a new one? Here are a few opportunities for storytime in Albuquerque. On Wednesdays in December, the East Mountain Library (located in Tijeras) will host a special story and craft storytime. Registration is required and must be done by November 19th. The Preschool Pals Storytime at Juan Tabo Library (located  Read more...

Local Books for Little Ones: Carlos and the Squash Plant

by Alison

November 10, 2008

This month the national Being Savvy blog is focused on books and reading . To tie into that, and also bring in some local flair, I'd like to highlight some children's books that are written by New Mexicans and/or take place in New Mexico. Today's book is Carlos and the Squash Plant/Carlos y la Planta de Calabaza by Jan Romero Stevens . The Author was born in Las Vegas, New  Read more...

5 Halloween Activities - Trick-or-Treating and More

by Alison

October 28, 2008

Looking for a fun Halloween activity for Friday night? Maybe you aren't too thrilled about taking your kids trick-or-treating around your neighborhood? Here's some activities that may interest you, and will still ensure your kids get plenty of treats! 1. Old Town . Enjoy trick-or-treating at Old Town shops, a pet parade, a costume contest, and a pumpkin carving contest. The fun kicks off  Read more...

More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in albuquerque

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Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

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Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune

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Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

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Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

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Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

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A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

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Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites

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Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet

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The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

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The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots

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