Maggie Martin left her teaching career to become a professional mom to her twinfants, Linus and Veda. They live in Albuquerque, NM. She offered to share her lessons learned about being a rookie mom in her hometown.
Monday, trek the Rio Grande
Start the week off with a trek along the Rio Grande at Bosque Nature Center with Baby in a carrier. If you’re a twin mommy rocking a side-by-side stroller, you’ll have a hard time getting through the gate to the trail. In that case, park at High Desert Park and meander around the foothills of the Sandias. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Sweet Tomatoes. What appears to be a mere salad bar to the average customer is actually a finger food smorgasbord for young eaters. Best of all, it’s a FREE smorgasbord for anyone under 2.
Tuesday, storytime and sandwiches
Grab a sandwich at the Barnes and Noble café at Coronado Center. Then head upstairs to the children’s section where Baby can explore the storytelling area or nurse while you eat lunch. Then host your very own story time on the story time stage that doubles as a climbing platform.
Wednesday, Explora for little ones
Head to Explora! on Wednesday. Baby may not be ready to interact with all of the exhibits just yet, but there’s plenty to hold Baby’s interest at the water experiment stations, toddler room, and bubbles table. Be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy on the roof.
Veda playing in the toddler room at Explora!
Thursday, zoo day
Invest in a membership to the BioPark, which is one of the best values in family entertainment EVER. A Couples membership (babies under 3 are free) can be had a for an annual fee of a mere $59. That gets you into the Rio Grande Zoo, Botanic Gardens, and the Albuquerque Aquarium as many times as you feel like going. Yeah, it’s a really good deal. Once you’ve purchased your membership, wander through the zoo.
Friday, boogie and bounce
Get ready to head out the door a little early on Friday for a 9:15 Baby Bounce class at Bounce N’ Boogie, another great Albuquerque value. For just $45 a month ($60 for two kiddos), you can attend unlimited music and movement, yoga, exploratory art, and signing classes. If you’ve checked into Gymboree-type classes before, you know what a bargain that is.
Saturday, botanic gardens
Remember to take your BioPark membership pass and some stale bread with you when you explore the Botanic Gardens. It will take at least a couple of visits to see all of the gardens, but on this first one, make it a priority to see the Japanese Garden. Enjoy some zen moments with Baby near the waterfall, and then feed the giant koi. (That’s why you brought the stale bread.) If you’re hungry on the way out, make a pit stop at the Aquarium Café near the entrance, where you can nosh on some fresh chips and salsa or guacamole while Baby is mesmerized by the sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays swimming in front of your table.
Linus mesmerized by the koi in the Japanese Garden
Sunday, find the shade
End your week by relaxing in the shade (well, shade relative to the Albuquerque sun) at Academy Hills Park. Blow bubbles in the grass, swing in the bucket swings, brave the toddler slide, and stroll along the paved trail.
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I want to thank the fabulous professional twin mommy, Maggie for sharing her city and her cutie pie kids with us.
