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

5 Options for (Cheap!) Summer movies in Albuquerque

by Alison

May 26, 2009

A visit to the movie theater can be quite a treat. A big screen, a bag of popcorn or another treat, and a fun show to watch. This summer, Albuquerque has plenty of opportunities for you to share the moviegoing experience with your kids - and at a price you can't beat! It's the perfect first movie experience for your kids since you aren't out too much money if you have to leave early.

1. Cinemark Movies 8

2. Cinemark Movies West 

Both of these theaters offer the Summer Movie Clubhouse. Each week one kid-friendly film such as Kung Fu Panda or Horton Hears a Who is shown (you have two days each week to choose from). Admission is just $1 or 50 cents if you pre-purchase a punch card. Shows start at 9:30 am. Movies West does not have their schedule up yet, but I have been assured that they are participating and was told that their schedule may be the same as Movies 8.

3. UA Four Hills

4. UA Cottonwood Stadium  

Both of these theaters have a free family film festival that begins the first week of June and runs through the end of July. Here you can choose between movies such as Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A Veggie Tales Movie or Curious George and the movies are absolutely free!  Each week there are two different movies to choose from.

This one's for mom and dad. Throughout the summer, free movies will be shown on the Harry E. Kinney Civic Plaza. Enjoy movies such as Grease and War of the Worlds. The movies start late (9:00pm), but if you think your little ones are up for it, ET: The Extra-Terrestrial will be shown on July 24. You are welcome to bring your own food. Seating and tables will be provided, but you may want to bring your own.

Family Movie Night

by Alison

May 25, 2009

Looking for a fun way to spend a Friday evening with your family? Why not have a family movie night. It can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be and if your kids enjoy snuggling around the TV with you, it'll be something they are sure to enjoy! Here are some ideas for making it unforgettable for your little ones.

• If you have more than one child, keep the arguments to a minimum and have mom or dad choose the movie.  Or, if you plan on this becoming a weekly tradition, have the kids alternate who gets to pick. 
• Make Tickets (or have your kids make them). They don't need to be elaborate, but If your kids can read be sure to have the movie name and time on it, that will make it all the more real for them. Distribute the tickets beforehand and make sure someone is on hand to collect them at showtime and perhaps even usher the moviegoers to their seats.
• Turn the kitchen into a concession stand, give everyone their own snack bag and let each family member decide what to fill his or her bag with. If you want to throw a money and math lesson in, price the different "concessions" and give everyone some coins or play money to make their purchases with.
• Don't forget to turn off the lights and close the blinds so the atmosphere will be just right.
• If you have access to a projector, take the movie night outside. Throw up a white sheet on a wall and project the movie onto the sheet.
• Turn it into a dinner show and eat dinner while you watch the movie (this is probably only a good idea if you can see your TV from an eating area).
• Keep the movie night really inexpensive by borrowing some DVDs from the library. Check the backs beforehand to make sure they aren't too scratched up - the last thing you want is your movie night ruined by a movie that is constantly skipping!

5 Ideas for Indoor Play on This Mid-Winter Day

by Alison

January 20, 2009

Don't let the great weather fool you, the calendar still says it's winter! Which means one of these days an indoor activity might be just what you are looking for. Here are five ideas to get you thinking about all the great indoor things Albuquerque has to offer: Art day at the Museum: Each Saturday at 1:00, the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History offers family art workshops. The  Read more...