Children have tons of energy, especially on those chilly, dark nights of fall and winter. Sometimes it seems like they’re going to bring the house down. Finding something to keep them occupied is a never-ending challenge for parents everywhere. Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of three ways to entertain the kids on dark nights around Albuquerque, New Mexico. 
Go to the Museum on First Friday Nights
New Mexico’s Museum of Natural History and Science sits on the outskirts of Old Town, next to the Albuquerque Museum. Featuring exhibits that span 12 billion years of natural history, this museum lets you discover a collection of life-size replicas from the Jurassic era. Venture into the Hall of the Stars for an explanation of the night sky, and stop by the museum’s 3D movie theater.
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is open late from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. other days. General admission is just $8 for adults and $5 for children. Exhibits like the 3D movie theater and planetarium come with an additional cost.
See a Live Theater Production
Load up the kids and head to the VSA North Fourth Arts Center, on 4904 Fourth St. NW, for a live holiday presentation of the “Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Youth actors gather on stage Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to tell the scary tale of Ichabod Crane written by American author Washington Irving. A seat in the theater for this popular tale goes for just $6 per person in advance and $8 per person at the door.
Established in 1979, the New Mexico Young Actors corporation has a mission to develop an appreciation of theater through plays and musicals for children by children. They provide an introduction to the theater arts through drama classes while building relationships with parents, schools, and the community.
Hinkle Family Fun Center
When culture and science just don’t do it for the little ones, head out to Hinkle Family Fun Center on the corner of Indian School and Tramway. Albuquerque’s premier destination for family-friendly fun for all ages, this park is open weekdays until 9 p.m. and weekends until 11, rain or shine, 363 days a year.
Featuring an exciting new immersive virtual reality game, a 1/8 mile go-cart track, and wet and wild bumper boats, this center offers plenty of action for everyone. Slow it down for a round of scenic miniature golf on one of the 18-hole courses or try your hand in the two state-of-the-art game rooms.
Step it up a notch with the Hinkle Family Fun Center’s blacklight laser tag arena, paintball, and rock climbing wall. There are bumper cars, a bungee jump trampoline, and two snack bars when you work up a Hinkle Center-sized appetite.
Albuquerque has been voted among the top ten cities for families time and time again. With all of these fun options to choose from, it’s easy to see why.
Image via Flickr by taygete05 used under CC BY
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