Aileen O'Catherine: Family

Aileen is the mother of a young son who is the real expert in the family. Thanks to her, he knows pretty much all there is to know about having fun with kids (and grown-ups) in Albuquerque. But luckily, Aileen is willing to share her secrets with you, too! As the former education manager at the Lodestar Astronomy Center at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, Aileen is intimately familiar with what it takes to keep kids entertained, active and learning. She has broad and deep knowledge of the places, activities, events and things to do with kids in Albuquerque. Aileen writes for New Mexico Kids! family magazine and About.com, and she can help you plan a great New Mexico family vacation!

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Questions & Answers

Q: Hi. I was wondering about a good place to stay for a family of 10, we have 2 adults, 2 children and 6 teens so we were looking at maybe a house or condo. I appreciate any help that you can give me.: A: Although I have never booked a place to stay in Albuquerque, I have in other places, through VRBO, Vacation Rental by Owner. It is, like Trip Advisor, a good place to see what places are like via feedback from people who have stayed. There are often (though not always) pictures of the condo/home so you get an idea of what the place is like. There is also usually a calendar that shows availability, and the cost per night or week.

I know you'll enjoy your stay in Albuquerque. It has a lot to offer families and has options for teens.

Q: I was wondering, if the new water park is more directed towards little kids or if older kids and teenagers would enjoy this place. Thanks!: A: The new water park has a lot of features that can best be described as all ages. Older kids love it, and there should be enough features to appeal to teens. The wave rider is like surfing, perfect for older kids and teens. The lazy river seems to appeal to teens who like to ride inner tubes. The basketball hoops and waterslide were both busy with older kids and teens the day I was there. In addition to the water features, there is an arcade with tons of games. When I was there, it was with a group of older boys who had a great time. According to the Radisson website, they will be opening for the summer on June 14th, at which time day passes will become available.

If you decide to go, I hope you enjoy your time!

Q: I will be travelling to ABQ in July with my daughter to visit her Air Force boyfriend. What would be the best area to stay that would be convenient to the base as well as within walking distance or easy driving to other entertainment/shopping/culture?: A: Although Kirtland Air Force Base isn't in the center of things, it's a short drive to several of the city's main areas for entertainment and shopping. You can choose to stay at one of the midtown hotels, such as the Albuquerque Marriott, which is within walking distance or a short drive to both the base and shopping at Albuquerque's Uptown shops. The Sheraton is nearby as well. Or you might decide that visiting the Old Town area is what you want to do most. Stay at the Hotel Albuquerque or Best Western Rio Grande, both of which are within walking distance of Old Town and a short drive to the base. The base is also close to the airport, where there are a large number of hotels, but which are further from the uptown and Old Town areas.

You also might try looking at our interactive lodiging map to get a good idea of where everything is in relation to the base. I hope you enjoy your visit to Albuquerque this summer! Good luck to you and your daughter.

Q: This summer i wanted to see if there are any free programs at any museums or other places for children just a few hours: A: There are lots of opportunities to take the kids to free programs this summer. I hope you can make it to several. There are concert band nights on Wednesdays and Summerfest concerts on Saturdays.

At the Albuquerque Museum of Art & History, there are free Saturday afternoon art workshops from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., with paid admission to the museum. The kids get to work on projects related to the museum exhibits. Another museum that is free of charge completely and inspires interest in local culture and history is the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology at the University of New Mexico. Check their website for upcoming events, such as bread baking demonstrations in the horno (oven).

In the summer in Old Town, there are free activities Wednesdays through Sundays. Each night there is local musical entertainment and fun for the kids. On Sunday afternoons in Old Town, there are gunfight re-enactments that kids love to watch.

To enjoy the great outdoors while in town, consider a drive to the Sandia Crest, a hike at Petroglyph monument or along the Foothills trail, and a bit of time at the Rio Grande Nature Center. Tingley Beach offers great fun at its fishing ponds, and kids 12 and under are not required to purchase a license. There are walking trails there along the river.

I hope your family enjoys your visit to Albuquerque!

Q: We read about the bike trail along the river. We hope to find a shop that rents bikes that has a larger choice than the 12 mountain bikes for rent at Tingley Beach. We need cruisers, kids' bikes, and a tagalong somewhere near the trail. Can you help us?: A: What a great way to spend time in Albuquerque, biking along the river! There is another option for your bike rental needs: Active Knowledge Trips & Tours, located in Nob Hill- they offer customized tours, are really easy to work with and are your best bet for finding all you are looking for. The bike shop at Tingley opens Memorial Weekend.

Q: My family is planning on visiting ABQ this summer. My kids are 15, 18 and 21, and are not too into the arts and cultural sight-seeing that my husband and I have planned. What else can I tell them there is to do when we come?

Teens! Oh boy, I can’t wait! My son Noah is only 11, so I’m not quite there yet. Don’t worry, though, Albuquerque is full of lots of great options for all ages. I recommend one or all of the following: