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One ABQ: Youth Connect

Information about out of school time activities and programs for youth in Albuquerque.

2019 Summer Guide

View educational and recreational opportunities for Albuquerque youth this summer.

View the Guide

Out of School Opportunities enrich the lives of youth in Albuquerque by creating a community of safety and inclusion.

Opportunities By Age Opportunities By Type Register an Opportunity Learn More

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Aquatic Adventures

An image of children swimming in a pool.

Take part in one of the City’s many Adventures in Aquatics opportunities like learn to swim lessons, aerobics, water therapy, diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and youth triathlon classes offered across 12 aquatic facilities.

After School Program at Multigenerational Centers

Children participating in the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center Family Night Program.

North Domingo Baca or Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Centers offer programs for children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. Children healthy snacks and take part in an array of activities such as time in the game room, and computer lab, arts and crafts activities, homework assistance and outdoor recreation.

BioPark Camps & Classes

A girl looking at the shark tank.

The ABQ BioPark offers a variety of day camps and classes throughout the year including Camp BioPark, Aquarium Overnights, Evening Programs, Spring Break Camps, and Preschool Programs.

Casa San Ysidro Museum

An image of the grand sala at Casa San Ysidro.

Enjoy free programming at the historic Casa San Ysidro every Second Saturday from February to November.

Childhood Development Centers

An image of children participating in a Childhood Development Program.

Now Enrolling! The City of Albuquerque operates 25 child development centers in neighborhoods throughout the city. 21 centers are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Community Center Before and After School Programs

An image of children participating in a City Recreation Program.

FREE to children ages 5 to 15 years old. At each of the 22 neighborhood community centers, children enjoy snacks and dinner and take part in an array of activities such as time in the game room, computer lab, arts and crafts activities, homework assistance and outdoor recreation.

3rd Thursday at the Albuquerque Museum

An image of the Third Thursday Logo.

Every 3rd Thursday of the month from 5-8:30 p.m. the Albuquerque Museum hosts free community orientated events that include live music and performances, hands on art making activities, and selects gallery exhibits.

Esperanza Bike Shop

A photo of a child getting their bike worked on at Esperanza Bike Shop.

Need a bike or need to fix an existing bike? Visit the Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center. Take part in an open bike clinic or attend one of many classes on bicycle safety, road use and traffic law, mechanics, and riding skills.

Explora! Science Center & Children's Museum

Students working on a science experiment at Explora.

Teens, Tweens, Toddlers, and families can all find a program or activity at Explora! Camps for pre-K through teens are led by trained educators in Spring, Summer, and Winter Break, and school holidays. Summer Youth Apprentice Program offers 3 weeks of STEM activities for ages 12-15. Plus we have Teen Science Cafés, Monday Toddler Time, and many semester-long, weekend, after-school and preschool educational enrichment programs. Pre-registration and/or fees may apply for some programs.

Explorer Camp

Children hiking on a trail via the Explorer Camp program.

Explorer camp provides an opportunity for kiddos to experience nature and develop a deeper understanding about the world around them through experiences and project based learning.

Family Art Workshops

Participants in the Albuquerque Museum School for the Summer Activities page.

Every Saturday from 1 to 2:30 p.m., families can create a work of art inspired by what they see at Albuquerque Museum. A different project every week! Free with Museum admission.

Free Days at the Albuquerque Museum

A child looking at a sculputre inside the Albuquerque Museum.

Admission to the Albuquerque Museum is free on the first Wednesday of every month and every Sunday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Free Days at the Balloon Museum

Crowd at the Balloon Museum

Admission to the Balloon Museum is free on the first Friday of every month and every Sunday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Guided Hiking Programs

Youth participating in the Open Space Guided Hiking Program.

Guided Hiking programs youth ages 12- will be provided out of the OSVC will take hikers around to various Open Spaces and Hiking trails in the Petroglyphs, Tijeras Bio Zone, foothills, and Bosque.

Library Programs for Youth

Image of the library checkout desk.

Join a Lego club, Storytimes, take part in a Read to the Dogs gathering, early literacy, music, dance, crafts, and performers all at your local library!

Museum Discovery Pass

Image of Museum Discovery Pass Program Logo.

Use your library card to borrow a pass for free entrance to museums in Albuquerque and New Mexico state museums and historic sites.

Museum School

Participants in the Museum School.

Make the Museum your classroom with art classes for children ages 4 to 15! Study many disciplines inspired by the works in the Museum.

Open Space Visitor Center

Youth enjoying time at the Open Space Visitor Center.

Self-guided tours and activities are provided at the Open Space Visitor Center for families to experiences and enjoy together on the Bosque and Wetland and through the OSVC’s gallery installations.

Playground Recreation Program

An image of children playing in a City park.

The Playground Recreation Program offers school year recreation programs for children 6 through 11 years old at 26 elementary schools and 3 community centers during the school year.

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Stories & Music in the Sky

Screenshot of the ABQ RIDE Plus mobile application.

Young visitors to the Balloon Museum will enjoy stories, music, and movement during Stories in the Sky. Each week offers new excitement and learning. Each Wednesday there are two sessions: 9:30-10:15 a.m. and 11-11:45 a.m.

Swimming Lessons

A mother and a daughter in swim lessons.

Lessons are $35 per child per 2 week session. Register at any pool or online.

Teen Volunteers at the BioPark

ABQ BioPark Student Volunteers look at a mammal skull.

BioPark Nature Guides, Conservation Camp Councilors, Aquarium TouchPool helpers, and the student volunteer program offer engaging volunteer opportunities for teens.

Tennis Lessons

Children in tennis lessons with their instructors.

Tennis lessons are available at the Jerry Cline Tennis Facility or the Sierra Vista Tennis Center. Register for tennis lessons online or by calling Jerry Cline at (505) 224-6682 or Sierra Vista at (505) 897-8815.

Therapeutic Recreation

Screenshot of the ABQ RIDE Plus mobile application.

Therapeutic Recreation programs are fully inclusive, and are offered throughout the city for persons with and without disabilities, age 6 through high school. Therapeutic Recreation offers a variety of services that include art, leisure education, performing arts, gross motor activities, and games.

Table: Out of School Activities by Age

Program Early Childhood Elementary Age Mid-School Age High-School Age All Ages Family Friendly
Adventures in Aquatics x x x x x x
After School Program at North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center   X        
Before & After School Program at Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center   X        
BioPark Special Programs x x x x x x
Casa San Ysidro Museum   x x x   x
Childhood Development Centers X          
Community Center Before and After School Programs   X X      
Community Nights at the Albuquerque Museum x x x x x x
Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center   x x x   x
Explora! Science Center & Children's Museum X X X X X X
Explorer Camp   X X X    
Family Art Workshops x x     x x
Free Days at the Albuquerque Museum x x X X x x
Free Days at the Balloon Museum x x X X x x
Guided Hiking Program   X X X    
Library Programs for Youth X X X X X X
Museum Discovery Pass X X X X X x
Museum School at the Albuquerque Museum x x x X    
Open Space Visitor Center   x x x    
Playground Recreation   X        
Stories in the Sky x         x
Swimming Lessons x x x x x x
Teen Volunteers at the BioPark       x    
Tennis Lessons   x x x   x
Therapeutic Recreation   X X X    

 

Table: Out of School Activities by Type

Program Early Learning Outdoor Adventures Health & Fitness Fun & Education The Arts Cultural & Community Engagement
Adventures in Aquatics   X X      
After School Program at North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center   X X X X X
Before & After School Program at Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center   X X X X X
BioPark Special Programs   X   X   X
Casa San Ysidro Museum       X X X
Childhood Development Centers X   X X   X
Community Center Before and After School Programs   X X X X X
Community Nights at the Albuquerque Museum X     X X X
Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center     X X    
Explora! Science Center & Children's Museum X     X X X
Explorer Camp   X X X    
Family Art Workshops X       X X
Free Days at the Albuquerque Museum x     X x x
Free Days at the Balloon Museum x     X x x
Guided Hiking Program   X X X    
Library Programs for Youth X     X X X
Museum Discovery Pass X X   X X X
Museum School at the Albuquerque Museum X     X X X
Open Space Visitor Center   X X X    
Playground Recreation   X X X X X
Stories in the Sky X     X X X
Swimming Lessons   X X      
Teen Volunteers at the BioPark   X   X   X
Tennis Lessons   X X      
Therapeutic Recreation   X X X X X