Alpaca Days at Cowboy Camelids!! FREEEEEE

I know I have mentioned these guys before, but if you didn't check them out then, you definitely need to go see them now! THEY HAVE BABIES!!!

It's National Alpaca Days, in which alpaca ranches all over the country are having little get togethers to celebrate these adorable little guys! Cowboy Camelids is a local alpaca ranch that is celebrating their 1 year anniversary this weekend with a joint Alpaca Days celebration!

Starting today at 11:00am and running through Sunday at 4pm, you can go visit the ranch to pet the alpacas, hand feed them, brush them, learn all about them, and even shop in the alpaca gift store. The best part of all of this, is that it's ALL completely FREE. I would encourage you to bring a few extra bucks if you can and donate to the farm, but it's not required... just appreciated.

This is fun for all ages, people! Every alpaca has it's own personality, and it's a blast getting to know each one. This is the perfect opportunity to do just that so go now before it's too late!

You can visit their website here.

They are located in Bosque Farms, on North Bosque Loop just one block west of Highway 47.
(150 North Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms, New Mexico 87068)

Entertainment Book 2012-2013!! Free shipping, too!

If you have ever had an Entertainment Book, you know what a value they really are. And if you have ever purchased yours from a kiddo trying to raise money from their school, then you know the value of supporting education! Right now, you have the chance to do both. And shipping is FREE!!!

No matter where you live, there is an Entertainment Book specifically for your area. You can order online and have them drop shipped directly to your home. And here's the best part... it's a small, one time fee of $35 and you literally get THOUSANDS of dollars in savings. There is fast food, fine dining, kids activities, travel deals, you name it.

I use mine for the entire year, and I can honestly tell you that you will find yourself reaching for your book every time you get in your car to go ANYWHERE. The new book starts in November of 2012, and you get an entire year of savings from one book.

If you live in Albuquerque, you will be glad to know there will once again be Cliff's coupons, as well as coupons for the Natural History Museum, the Art Museum, Hinkle Family Fun Center, Movie Theaters (you get to see a free movie on your birthday!), and a whole lot more.

If you have questions, you can go to their website and they can give you examples of what coupons are included. There are even ADDITIONAL coupons that you can download from their website to use on top of what's printed in the book.

If you are looking for a way to enjoy entertainment on the cheap, this is probably the best recommendation I can give you. I have gotten one for several years in a row, and I will continue to purchase one per year because of the true value it has!

You can purchase the book here. Don't forget, there is FREE shipping if you purchase before 9/12/12!

Need to cool off this summer? Check out the Spray Park!

When your kids have had enough of alternating between sitting in front of the TV and roasting outdoors, check out the Spray Park at the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center!

The adult has to have a membership to the center, which is only $13. After that, the daily participants are encouraged (but not required) to donate .50 when they enter.

The spraygrounds are open from May 29th through August 4th 2012.

Regular public hours of operation: 
Monday- Friday, 11:00 am- 3:00 pm 
Saturday, 9:30 am- 2:00 pm 

Participants under the age of 12 must be supervised by an adult over the age of 18 at all times.

There is a 50 cent suggested contribution for ALL daily participants of the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center Sprayground.

Participants under 3 are free.

There is no official lifeguard on duty; however the Center provides staff who monitor the sprayground at all times during normal operational hours.

You can get ALL the information here.

REALLY Cheap Kids Movies AT THE THEATER!

One of the most fun things about seeing a movie is the theater experience. Now you can have that experience for CHEAP!

There is an opportunity through Cinemark to see some cool movies for only $1 or less! You can prepurchase tickets and get 10 shows for only $5, or you can get them one at a time for $1 a show. 

There are 2 theaters in the Albuquerque area where you can take advantage of this deal. There are also coupons available for snacks! 

You can get all the information for Movies 8 on San Mateo here.

For all the information for Movies West on Coors, click here.

There are only a few shows left for the summer, so don't miss out!

Kiddos Can get FREE lunch!

Courtesy of the City of Albuquerque, your kids can get a free lunch ALL summer long! It's also an opportunity for the family to get up and get out of the house and visit different locations all over the city!

The summer lunch program is available all over Albuquerque in schools parks, community centers, apartment complexes and more and FREE to kids 1 to 18 years of age. Some locations even offer free breakfast!

For all the info (locations, maps, servings times, etc) you can go here.

It's a good excuse to get the kiddos out of the house to walk, play, get some fresh air and have a nice rounded meal at the same time!

FREE Mini Golf at Hinkle Family Fun Center! 7/20/12

Next on their tour of FREE summer fun, 100.3 the Peak is offering up some free stuff at Hinkle Family Fun Center on July 20th!

From 6am-10am, you can join Jackie, Tony and Donnie for FREE admission, a FREE round of mini golf, AND a FREE $5 game card!

This deal is only good from 6am-10am (while they broadcast their morning show), and you need to have a pass for everyone in your party that wants to participate. You can get more info here.

To print the passes you need, you can go here.

Los Lunas Relay for Life - June 29th/30th

If you haven't had the chance to participate in a Relay for Life event, you are definitely missing out. Luckily for you, there is an upcoming event that you can be a part of!
_______________________________________________

From the Relay for Life website:


Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.

At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length. Relayers do not have to walk all night, but each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event.

__________________________________________

Being that the local event is in about a week, it would be difficult to try to put together a team AND raise enough money to meet the goal of about $100 a person. It's not impossible, though, so if you think you are up to the task I encourage you to get on it RIGHT NOW!!

If you dont want to start a team, that's fine too. You are still welcome to come and support the teams that are participating and make a donation if you can. There are a lot of different activities that you can enjoy, and while some require a small donation, others are entirely free. ALL proceeds go to the American Cancer Society, and the fight against cancer. 

They are also looking for people who would like to volunteer with the local event as well as head up some fundraisers. If you think you've got what it takes, you can leave a comment here and I will pass the info along to the people that need it! 

Here is the info about the upcoming local event: 

June 29-30, 2012 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM at the Los Lunas High School track. 

You can also visit this event's Relay for Life site to make a donation or get more information: 

Relay for Life: Los Lunas

Need a laugh? It's FREE! (All 3 events)

When Laff's Comedy Club here in Albuquerque closed down a few years ago, it left those of us fans of comedy with far fewer options for enjoying the fun. I have found a remedy with a few upcoming shows here in town!


In recent years, Curt Fletcher has appeared with Dane Cook, Ralphie May, and Gabriel Iglesias (among others!), and has won one comedy battle after another. It's a really good show, and this is your chance to see him for free. There are 3 shows to catch him at over the next week:

Sunday, June 24th - 7:30pm: Malarky's Comedy Night 


Wednesday, June 27 - 8:00 pm: 405 Lounge (Live comedy starring headliner Scotty Goff, PLUS it's open-mic night!)


Thursday, June 28th - 8:00pm: Broken Bottle Brewery (Featuring Curt Fletcher)


For more information, you can visit the below websites: 


Curt Fletcher - Comedian

405 Lounge

Malarky's

Broken Bottle Brewery

FREE EVENT!! 2012 Movies in the Park!

This is a FREE event for people of all ages!! Movies in the Park is a free even that runs all summer long. Popular movies will be showing at different locations all over town, and you are encouraged to attend all that you can!

You are welcome to bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, and food/drinks. All drinks MUST be in a factory sealed container. No alcohol, weapons, or audio/visual recording equipment is allowed.

All shows will begin at dusk, and events may be cancelled due to weather.

Full schedule and all other information can be found HERE.

FREE Admission to the Aquarium and Botanical Gardens

The Peak is at it again with their Free Summer Fun Event tomorrow!! FREE admission into the Albuquerque Aquarium and Botanical Gardens. Admission is FREE to ANYONE from 6am-10am. YOU HAVE TO GET THERE BEFORE 10AM IN ORDER TO GET IN FOR FREE! If you get there after 10, or are still in line at 10am, you WILL be charged admission.

You need to print out your passes ahead of time! Go HERE to print your passes.

You can get more information on this event HERE.

June 21st - FREE Family Night: Albuquerque Museum of Art and History

If you have never been to the museum of Art and History here in Albuquerque, you don't know what you're missing! And on June 21st you can go check it out for FREE! (And there is chocolate involved!)

It's a free family event: Ancient Americas Family Night


Drop the kiddos off to create artwork inspired by the ancients while you sample chocolate and learn about its role from chocolate artisan and historian, Mark Sciscenti (limited seating).  Pick up the kids after the talk and enjoy a 7:30 pm performance by Aztec dance group, PAZ Ehecatl. 

(Free admission is made possible through the generous support of Fidelity Investments and Southwest Neurosurgical Associates.)


In addition to special programs, different Museum exhibits will be open for viewing, the Gallery Store will be open, and Slate at the Museum will be serving light dinner options, snacks, and beverages from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

FREE!! NM Centennial Summerfest - June 16 - Noon to 9:30pm

Come to Downtown Albuquerque on June 16, 2012 to explore the cultural history of New Mexico's statehood through a free day-long celebration of arts, dance, music, cuisine, science, technology and the exciting atmosphere of Route 66.

There will be something for everyone at Centennial Summerfest: Dozens of live performances, a car show, an arts market, free children’s activities, a territorial village, and much more. This once in a lifetime event will culminate with a free concert by the Grammy Award-winning group, Los Lobos.

Schedule: 

June 16, 2012 from noon-9:30pm

Native American Pavilion

5th and Central, adjacent to the KiMo Theatre
Hosted by:  Onawa Lacy

12:00-12:45 Gathering of Nations Inter Tribal Dancers accompanied by
“Black Eagle Singers”
1:00-1:45 Pueblo Country
1:45-2:00 Gathering of Nations Inter Tribal Dancers accompanied by
“Black Eagle Singers”
2:00-2:45 Levi Platero and the Plateros
2:45-3:00 Gathering of Nations Inter Tribal Dancers accompanied by
“Black Eagle Singers”
3:00-3:45 Native Roots
3:45-4:00 Gathering of Nations Inter Tribal Dancers accompanied by
“Black Eagle Singers”
4:00-5:00 James and Ernie
5:00-6:00 Shelley Morningsong

Hispanic Heritage Pavilion

12:00-12:30 Ehecatl Aztec Dancers
12:35-1:05 Matachines de Bernalillo
1:15-2:15 National Institute of Flamenco featuring Yjastros
2:30-3:30 Gonzalo
3:30-4:00 Baila! Baila!
4:00-5:15 Al Hurricane and Al Hurricane, Jr.

World Pavilion

12:00-1:00 Frank Leto and PANdemonium feat. The Odara Dancers
1:00-1:30 Asian Dance provided by Asian American Association
1:30-2:30 Wagogo
2:30-3:00 NM Taiko Drumming
3:00-4:00 Son Como Son
4:00-4:30 Coleman Academy of Irish Dance
4:30-5:00 Opera Southwest
5:00-6:00 La Chat Lunatique

Rock and Rockabilly Pavilion

12:00-1:00 Cowboys and Indian
1:00-2:00 Daddy O’s
2:00-3:15 The Hubcaps
3:15-4:45 The Fireballs
4:45-6:00 Soul Kitchen

OAAA Juneteenth Pavilion

In conjunction with the OAAA Juneteenth Celebration, the OAAA Juneteenth Pavilion will honor African American heritage.
Pavilion Lead: Cecilia Webb, Office of African American Affairs

From the Stage:
11:55-12:15 Smith & Pickett “Call of the Drums”
12:20-1:35 Metropolitan Talent
1:40-1:55 Rosalind Jones
2:00-2:10 Joe Powdrell “History of Juneteenth”
2:20-2:35 Sweet Life
2:45-3:00 Shirlette “Songbird in Flight”
3:05-3:15 Celeslie Boyer-Morton “Fearless”
3:20-3:35 Phillips CME
3:40-3:55 Brenda Marley
4:00-4:15 Bethlehem Baptist Church “Steppin for Christ”
4:20-4:35 Of the Essence
4:45-5:10 Rainbow Studio Theater, excerpt from “Roots Revival”
5:15-6:00 Cathryn McGill

At the Pavilion:

• Blessed Creations – African History, Apparel and Commemorative Items
• Design By Ms. S.- African Crafts, Toiletries, Kwaanza items
• Nell’s Black Arts & Things – Black Art, Novelties
• Wee Willie Things – Hand-crafted Teddy Bears
• Pearls of Antilles Art – African Art, Candles and Incense
• Booker Woodard – Cultural Items (coming from Maryland)
• Health Information Booth – Breast Cancer Resource Center / Sickle Cell of NM
• Educational Book Booth -  Authors: Theresa Thaxton / Chief Do

Main Stage: Civic Plaza

5:30-6:15 Will Banister
6:30-7:45 Robert Mirabal
8:00-9:30 Los Lobos

For more information, visit abqsummerfest.com.

Transit of Venus Event - June 5th - 3pm-8pm

Only 2 weeks after the awesome solar eclipse, Venus will be making it's own appearance passing over the course of the sun as well! On June 5th, Venus will visibly and slowly move across the disk of the sun.

This won't happen again until 2117. If you miss this, you will never see it again in your lifetime...and it is also viewed perfectly in Albuquerque!

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science will be showing a live broadcast of the event as well as activities and talks throughout the afternoon. 

Admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors, $4 kids, under 3 free 

3 p.m. to 8 p.m.  The Venus Transit…Live…in the museum planetarium through webcasts from NASA-Hawaii and the UNM Observatory.  Fun activities for the whole family!

Free Concert: Shawn McDonald @ New Covenant Church!

Another FREE event that's great for the whole family!

Shawn McDonald will be giving a free concert at the New Covenant Church on June 15th to benefit Joy Junction!

The concert is from 7pm-10pm, and for entry they are just asking for 1 non-perishable food item or personal hygiene item. All items collected will be donated to Joy Junction to help with their community outreach program.

For more information, please contact the church office at office@nccabq.org or (505) 857-9875. 

Save Money with Albuquerque BioPark Yearly Passes

One of the best ways to save money when trying to entertain the family this summer is to look for yearly or seasonal passes that can be used for your group. Whether 2 people or 5, you will almost always save a bundle by purchasing passes ahead of time.

There are several passes that I have for Ashley and I, and this post is all about the Albuquerque BioPark. One reason I really like this pass is because is good for an entire year... but more than that, I like this pass because it's good for *3* different parks in Albuquerque.

With this pass, you can access the Rio Grande Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, and the Albuquerque Aquarium. The Gardens and the Aquarium are practically next door, so you can visit one then walk next door to the other. The zoo is just up the street.... so you can drive, or do it the fun way and take the $2 train from the Gardens/Aquarium to the zoo and back! A $2 train ticket will get you a round trip between the parks.

This pass has unlimited entry to all 3 parks for a year from when you purchase the pass. Because of the unlimited entry option for all 3 parks, you can go for the day, or just for lunch and not have to feel bad about paying the entry fee just for a small time in the park.

The general admission ticket prices are as follows:

One Park Access-

Under 3: FREE
Child (3-12): $3
Adult: $7
Senior (65+): $3

Combo Pass (to access more than one park in a single day)-


Under 3: FREE
Child (3-12): $5
Adult: $12
Senior (65+): $5


The season pass will save you money if you plan on visiting more than a few times over the course of the next 12 months. The prices for the pass combinations are as follows:

Individual	1 adult	$49
Couple	2 adults or 1 adult and 1 child	$59
Senior	Seniors (ages 65 or older)	$39
Senior Couples	Senior couples (ages 65 or older)	$49
Family	2 adults and 4 children or 3 adults and 2 children	$79
Family Plus	2 adults and 6 children or 3 adults and 4 children or 4 adults	$95

Age Ranges:

• Children are 3-12 years old
• Adults are 13 years or older-*all named adults must show ID with card
• If teenage ID is not available, purchase "Adult add-a-guest" instead of listing as an adult member
• All members must be listed on the membership. No blanks or "guests" unless the "Add-a-Guest" options are purchased
• Seniors are 65 years or older
• Children under 3 admitted free

Add A Guest:

• $15 for adults or seniors, $10 for children
• Bring a guest (adult or child) each time you visit
• Guest must be accompanied by a member named on membership card
• Limit 2 unamed guests per membership

For more information on the membership or for location, hours, or other information please visit the Albuquerque BioPark website here.

Help me help others! Let's make a difference!

Hey guys! Another slightly abnormal post for me, but hear me out.

I have found the inspiration to re-live a moment from my past. When I was in 7th grade, I put together a drive for the homeless. I collected food, clothes, shoes, and personal care items that we donated to Joy Junction. I don't necessarily want to take it that far this time, but I want to get together some things to make some personal hygiene kits.

There are so many people out there who can't afford a roof over their head, food to eat, clothes for their kids, or really anything at all. As broke as I am, I have always been fortunate enough to figure it out somehow. With help from my family, I have always been able to keep my head above water. There are a lot of people out there that don't have that luxury, and I think we need to step up as a community and help them out.

I am organizing a donation drive to get together the items needed to put together some personal hygiene kits. Of all measures of need, that's a very easy thing to fix. I am asking everyone to pass this around, generate some interest and get people involved.

All I'm asking is to give what you can... travel sized bottles of shampoo, body wash, mouthwash, and bars of soap. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbrushes and combs, deodorant, tampons/pads, socks, disposable razors, blankets, and anything else you think might be useful to someone who calls the streets their home.

You can bring the items to me at my home (address is listed below), or if you are unable to bring them to me, you can send me your address and let me know when the items will be available for pick up and I will come get them from you.

If you would like to make a monetary donation, you may do so by check or through PayPal (you can use a credit card or bank account through PayPal). Any amount helps. $1, $5, $10, $20. Whatever you can afford!

You have my word that EVERY PENNY raised for this drive will go towards building these personal care kits. 

You can mail checks to:

Melanie Bennett
12001 B Stilwell Dr
Albuquerque, NM 87112

You can send PayPal payments to:
lanie917@gmail.com

If you have any questions, PLEASE feel free to get a hold of me. I will be happy to assist in any way I can. You can post comments/questions here, or you can call me at 401-9990.

Please help me help others! Pass this on, share on Facebook or Twitter, email to your friends and family and let's get the word out. I want to make this an epic event! Thank you for being my friends and for assisting me in making this world a better place.

Free fun, and helping someone in need? Yes please!

This isn't my typical post about free things to do here in Albuquerque... but it IS a free event, and an opportunity for you and your family to come together to help someone in need right here at home!

Joy Junction is Albuquerque's largest homeless shelter, and they help hundreds of those in need every day. Providing food, shelter, clothes, hygiene kits and more to those who need a hand up in life. They are always looking for volunteers to help around the grounds, serve food, and participate in helping those who can really use a helping hand.

I have been working with Dr. Jeremy Reynolds and Joy Junction since I was little. I have donated time, clothes, home goods and more over the years, and even co-chaired a gala a few years ago that benefited Joy Junction to the tune of nearly a thousand dollars and a truck load of donated items. They are always appreciative of the help and donations, and could really use a few extra hands to help out.

You can visit their website to find out how you can help. You need to submit a volunteer sign up form, then complete the orientation, followed by serving lunch. After that, a whole world of opportunity will open up for you and your family to donate whatever talents you have. Ministry, crafts for the kids, grounds clean up, building repair, and more... they need it all. Check out their website to get all the info and see what YOU can do help out the less fortunate of Albuquerque!

Joy Junction's Website

FREE! Albuquerque Summer Reading Program

Thanks to Mandi for pointing this one out!!

There is a Summer Reading Program available through any Albuquerque/Bernalillo County public library. Kids, teens and adults are all eligible to earn prizes and rewards, and it's free to participate. You just have to visit a local library between June 1st and June 20th to sign up, and then READ! How easy is that?

I know my daughter loves to read, and seeing me reading seems to make a big impression on her. I will definitely be participating in this event for the benefit of both of us!


You can check out all the information at their website here.

HALF PRICE Cliff's Amusement Park

The Peak is at it again! Now they are offering Cliff's Amusement Park tickets at half price for the summer!

The passes are only good Monday through Friday, but you can print as many half-price coupons as you want from their website. They are good all summer long, so print them now and have them to use later!

You can get the passes by going here.

On that same site, you can also register to WIN FREE PASSES. Free is even better than 50% off!

FREE!! Cowboy Camelids Alpaca Ranch!

My mom and daughter stumbled across this darling little alpaca ranch shortly after it opened a few years ago. Just off the main highway in Bosque Farms, they are typically open on weekends, and it's free to visit!

You can feed the Alpacas, see how they are groomed, and even help clean stalls if you are so inclined. They welcome visitors to come and wander and learn all there is to know about these furry little guys. There is no fee to get in or to feed the animals, but of course they welcome donations. They also have a cute little shop in the back of the property that you can browse and buy alpaca yarn, clothes, shoes, second-hand items and more.

It's a darling little place to visit, and my daughter LOVES it. Every time we drive by and their sign is out to indicate they are open, she yells "ALPACA PETTING!!" It really is a lot of fun for the kids and adults alike! Only 20 minutes from Albuquerque, it's well worth the drive into the quiet town to see these precious little guys (and gals!).

You can get more information and see pictures at their website: http://www.cowboycamelids.com/index.html

Tinkertown: A Rare Find!

When I was in 2nd grade, my teacher took us on a field trip to a hideaway in the woods. It seemed like a long drive, but when we arrived, I was in awe. The wall in front of me was made by hand with recycled materials, and what lay inside was even more amazing.

20 years later, Tinkertown is still one of my most favorite places to visit. The original, handmade wall outside the home/office/gift shop is still standing, though it's since been improved upon. I love to take my daughter there and let her "wander in wonder", as they say in Tinkertown. If you have never been, you really are missing a hidden treasure not so far from home.

The walls are made of recycled glass bottles, surrounding a museum of 22 rooms filled with hand-carved and hand-painted wooden figurines. There are multiple animated scenes of different themes, and numerous collections of antiques and other collectables. Every room is just a little different, and you will wander through the halls with your mouth open in amazement.

The best part about this little gem, is that the admission prices are SUPER cheap. A few years ago, I took my daughter up for a day-visit, and because the weather was a bit cold (and part of the "tour" is outside) they gave us half price admission off the already very low prices. The funny thing is, it was NEVER intended to be a museum. It was a private collection that went public after people repeatedly asked for permission to view what was inside.They only charge admission to help pay for the running costs and upkeep.

And, that "long drive" I remember... yep, only 20 minutes from Albuquerque and the drive is amazingly pretty. It's a short, winding road through Cedar Crest and tucked in behind the trees. They don't do much advertising, and if you aren't watchful you can easily drive right past it!

I cannot stress enough how much I love this place and how well worth it I've found it to be when considering how close to home it is and how little is costs to gain entry. There is so much to see, you can easily spend hours just gazing through the windows into the many, many scenes. At the end of the tour you end up in the amazing gift shop, with many little figurines and even surprise bags for boys or girls that include some pretty impressive (but secret) items.

ADULTS: $3.50 
GEEZERS (62+): $3.00
KIDS 4-16: $1.00 
KIDS Under 4: Free

Please check out their website for pictures, driving directions, history and more. You can find them at: Tinkertown Museum

FREE days at NM Museum of Natural History and Science

Hey guys!!

Monique also brought to my attention today that aside from the Free Summer Fun event held by The Peak this coming Friday, the museum also has it's own free attendance days for NM residents every month.

Free Admission Days

• The Museum and Sandia Mountain Natural History Center are free to New Mexico residents (with ID) on the first Sunday of every month. (Note: The SMNHC and Museum will be closed January 1st, due to the New Year's Day holiday.)
• Admission to the Museum is free to all Veterans (with ID) on Veterans Day, November 11th.

(Admission to the Extreme Screen DynaTheater and/or Planetarium venues is by the regular charge.)

Other Admission info can be found below:

Museum Hours and Admission

Please note: The Museum will close early at 4:00 pm to the public  onJune 3, 2012 for a MEMBER EVENT.  Members Open House – Sunday June 3, 2012 4:30pm – 7:00pm.

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Admission Prices 

Venue	Adults (13-59)	Seniors (60+)	Children(3-12)
MUSEUM EXHIBITS	$7.00	$6.00	$4.00
DYNATHEATER	$10.00	$8.00	$6.00
PLANETARIUM	$7.00	$6.00	$4.00

• Discounts available for multiple venue purchases.
• Gift Cards for Museum and/or DynaTheater admission are available at the Membership Desk.
• New Mexico seniors age 60 and older receive free Museum admission every Wednesday.
• VISA, Mastercard, and Discover are accepted.

You can also visit their website here.

SWIMMING! And it's free, too!

If there's one thing kids will never tire of over the course of the summer, it's swimming! Some people have pools in their backyards or at their apartment complex... but for those that don't, kids will often go looking for a place to cool off when the heat gets to be too much.

Ditches and arroyos can be very enticing, but also incredibly dangerous. Every year, children and adults alike are pulled from the rushing waters after being caught off guard by a flash flood. To help dissuade this behavior, the City of Albuquerque has partnered with the local fire departments to offer FREE swimming passes to the public. There are only 100,000 available, so get yours soon!

You can get all the information about the free passes here.
For other information about the public pools around town including pricing, locations and special events you can see it here.

Thanks to Monique for the idea!

FREE!!! New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

I just heard of a FANTASTIC event, that's FREE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!! A local radio station, 100.3 The Peak, is hosting their first "Free Summer Event" of the year on Friday, June 1st from 6am-10am. This means that your entire family can gain free admission into the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science if you show up between 6am and 10am.

The only catch is that YOU HAVE TO PRINT YOUR PASSES AHEAD OF TIME! They are free to print and you can print as many as you want, but you have to have a pass for everyone in your party when you get there. Go to the follow link for all the information and to print your passes:

Free Admission to NM Museum of Natural History and Science

Please share my blog with everyone you know and let's share the wealth!

Happy saving, everyone!

Burque on a Budget: The Beginning

I have less than $60 in my pocket, and no idea when I am going to make any more money. I am also mommy to an 8 year old little girl who expects me to entertain her all summer. As easy as it would be to just park her in front of the TV for 10 hours a day, I really don't want to do that. I would prefer to keep her active, learning and excited this summer.  This gave me an idea.

I am, by far, the only person on the planet (or even on my street) that is on a tight budget. Everyone could use to save a little money, or at least spend a little less. I thought about it for awhile this morning and the more I looked the more I could find on ideas for things to do that are cheap and fun all over the state. I decided that I should share what I know (and what I can find) so we can all participate.

If you have any suggestions or hear of anything going on that you think should be featured here, please email it to me here. Please stay tuned for more ideas!