Summer is the most enjoyable season of the year for many people. It’s a time of freedom from the chaos of college life. Research papers and 8am classes are not necessary here unless we want to. Summer offers a time of freedom, and sometimes too much freedom.
If you’re like me, you might be feeling a little crazy after the first few weeks of summer, so getting outside and finding something to kill time is a must.
What that something is will largely depend on your preferences, but here are some of my favorites.
ABQ BioPark
One of my favorite summer pastimes is visiting the different locations at ABQ BioPark.
If you’re looking for animals, the zoo might be your ideal destination: According to the City of Albuquerque, the zoo is home to more than 900 animals from all over the world. Website.
Plus, according to the CABQ website, “many of these animals are the subject of successful conservation plans and captive breeding programs.” These programs also offer several opportunities to see baby animals: keep an eye out for baby gorillas on the Ape Walk, joeys in the African section, and baby orangutans in the park’s new Asian section.
The nearby aquarium is almost entirely indoors, making it a great way to escape the heat, and if you’re interested in the aquarium’s touch pool, try stopping by on a Friday.
Next to the aquarium is the Botanical Garden, which is filled with beautiful flowers and a magical “Children’s Fantasy Garden” that looks like something out of “Alice in Wonderland” or the video game “Grounded.” At the back of the garden is the “BUGarium,” which displays a variety of insects, and the butterfly exhibition.
library
Summer can sometimes make it a little tough to venture out of the house, so on those days, curling up with a good book is the way to go.
Most public libraries in New Mexico offer summer reading programs. New Mexico State LibraryAnyone of any age can participate, and by reading for a certain number of hours each week you will be entered into a lottery.
Is it fun to read?
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In addition to raffles and reading incentives, the Albuquerque Public Library offers free eventConcerts, crafts and more.
Libraries are also great resources for movies and music. Most libraries offer access to hoopla or Kanopy, which are apps on your phone that allow you to stream movies, audiobooks, and more. These resources are also great for joining a book club or movie club that the library offers.
Athletics
If you’d prefer to stay more active, the warmth and freedom of summer is a great time to try out or watch a sport – pickleball, for example, is a relatively easy and inexpensive sport to pick up.
“Some locations, like churches and recreation centers, have inexpensive paddles available, which is a great option for people who aren’t sure if they like pickleball. Just come, give it a try, and decide from there,” said Pickleball Kitchen’s Website Read.
Albuquerque has numerous pickleball courts, a full list of which can be found on CABQ. Website.
Top Golf is my favorite sports venue because it offers a golf experience like no other. Half Price Tuesdays are the best day to go there. Not only can you practice your swing, but you can also enjoy a variety of game modes.
Summer brings with it a lot of free time, and during that free time the threat of boredom looms, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce. Luckily, Albuquerque has a ton of activities to keep you entertained when boredom strikes.
Arly Garcia is a freelance reporter for Daily Lobo. She can be contacted at culture@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @DailyLobo.
