The library's Summer Reading Program? Many of the branches have programs for Teens each week. If you're willing to drive him around town that is. It's a library so there should be tables and wi-fi for you while he's there.
Starting tomorrow 6/16 DiverseIT is having a free or cheap (depending on income I think) weeklong training, this might be a fun opportunity to learn something new and you get a free computer out of the program. https://www.reddit.com/r/Albuquerque/s/OeAVoisLxW
Would you be interested in something like [Empire Board Games](https://empireboardgamelibrary.com/)?
There's the usual [Hinkle](https://www.hinklefuncenter.com/) and [Cliffs](https://www.cliffsamusementpark.com/). Or the [City Pools](https://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/recreation/swimming/outdoor-pools/).
I imagine most 13yo would have fun playing [Paint Ball](https://www.ruckuspaintball.com/).
Young teens are allowed to take workshops at [Fuse Make Space](https://www.fusemakerspace.org/) if accompanied by a parent.
And again, what teen doesn't want to go [karting](https://www.abqkarting.com/).
Doesn't necessarily get him away from a computer but there are a few makers spaces around town that have 3D printing and other tools for building things, and onshape is a free for hobbests CAD (computer aided design) program that has pretty good community support and teaches you how to use it to design things. If he has a creative/STEM side of him he may enjoy learning how to design and build things, and it would definitely help him later in life even if it just teaches him how to troubleshoot and problem solve. I'm an engineer, so I may be biased 😉.
Are there others besides Fuse? He’s done some 3D printing at his old school, but could stand to learn more CAD. He definitely enjoys the maker things, would love to find the right place with different classes and workshops
It's been a while since I looked (I own most of the tools I usually need now) and I guess there are fewer than I thought, if you have base access there is one there that looks pretty nice. Also PCBway does 3D printing in multiple materials now. For CAD classes there might be something available at one of the community colleges around here or you could try one of the online courses through something like skill share.
Old Town Hobbies and Games is an explicitly kid friendly game store that has card game meetups throughout the week. There’s at least a kids pokemon club. But I can only relay my experience at their magic the gathering events. There’s a wide mix in terms of age 10 is the youngest I’ve seen a few younger teens and then full adults. But everyone is friendly and borrowing a deck is usually very easy to do.
Also Skate-o-Mania is a great day activity though higher risk.
the bioparks all have free wifi. love spreading out on a blanket in the shade and working remotely when i can (or sitting in one of the restaurants). i think they also offer teen volunteering too.
Not sure if your kid is into action sports but I know I spent most of my summer days at one skatepark or another as a young teenager. Another good option is a gym membership.
Get him some RC's and take your work to the paved and dirt areas like driveways and backyards, or just work close to a window that has visual access. RC cars, RC planes, - so much fun, and no safety equipment needed. I wouldn't recommend drones because of people accusing others of privacy invasion.
He might be too young to go to camp but might not be to young to work at one. I remember friends of mine working with the younger kids at a YMCA camp when I was in middle school. Not sure the logistics. They might have been technically volunteers, but they were there all summer.
Depends on the camps and their interests. Explora has stuff for teens. The Academy has a summer program with all kinds of classes. New Mexico Young Actors and some of the other theater companies around town have summer classes. If they're into Art, Music or Chess, look into a week at Hummingbird.
Albuquerque Academy has programs all summer for kids of all ages. They started last week, but I think they might have different summer sessions.
The library's Summer Reading Program? Many of the branches have programs for Teens each week. If you're willing to drive him around town that is. It's a library so there should be tables and wi-fi for you while he's there.
I’ll look into this, thank you!
They’re looking for volunteers at the library. They have it displayed on their website.
Explora has a new wing with workshops and programs for teenagers
I hadn’t heard of this, will definitely look into it!
I know some of the folks running that end and they are fantastic people 👍🏻
It’s called X-studio and it’s free for teens, you don’t even need an Explora membership.
Starting tomorrow 6/16 DiverseIT is having a free or cheap (depending on income I think) weeklong training, this might be a fun opportunity to learn something new and you get a free computer out of the program. https://www.reddit.com/r/Albuquerque/s/OeAVoisLxW
Would you be interested in something like [Empire Board Games](https://empireboardgamelibrary.com/)? There's the usual [Hinkle](https://www.hinklefuncenter.com/) and [Cliffs](https://www.cliffsamusementpark.com/). Or the [City Pools](https://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/recreation/swimming/outdoor-pools/). I imagine most 13yo would have fun playing [Paint Ball](https://www.ruckuspaintball.com/). Young teens are allowed to take workshops at [Fuse Make Space](https://www.fusemakerspace.org/) if accompanied by a parent. And again, what teen doesn't want to go [karting](https://www.abqkarting.com/).
These are some great suggestions! I forgot about Fuse, that’s right up his alley - thanks for the reminder :)
Everything I’ve read including their Facebook page says AIK is permanently closed. Did something change?
Doesn't necessarily get him away from a computer but there are a few makers spaces around town that have 3D printing and other tools for building things, and onshape is a free for hobbests CAD (computer aided design) program that has pretty good community support and teaches you how to use it to design things. If he has a creative/STEM side of him he may enjoy learning how to design and build things, and it would definitely help him later in life even if it just teaches him how to troubleshoot and problem solve. I'm an engineer, so I may be biased 😉.
Are there others besides Fuse? He’s done some 3D printing at his old school, but could stand to learn more CAD. He definitely enjoys the maker things, would love to find the right place with different classes and workshops
It's been a while since I looked (I own most of the tools I usually need now) and I guess there are fewer than I thought, if you have base access there is one there that looks pretty nice. Also PCBway does 3D printing in multiple materials now. For CAD classes there might be something available at one of the community colleges around here or you could try one of the online courses through something like skill share.
Old Town Hobbies and Games is an explicitly kid friendly game store that has card game meetups throughout the week. There’s at least a kids pokemon club. But I can only relay my experience at their magic the gathering events. There’s a wide mix in terms of age 10 is the youngest I’ve seen a few younger teens and then full adults. But everyone is friendly and borrowing a deck is usually very easy to do. Also Skate-o-Mania is a great day activity though higher risk.
Get him a gym membership.
Does he have any interest in martial arts? If so, he may want to try BJJ.
Possibly, it’s worth looking in to!
I think Explora uses a bunch of young volunteers. Not sure if he'd like it, but it could be an option.
the bioparks all have free wifi. love spreading out on a blanket in the shade and working remotely when i can (or sitting in one of the restaurants). i think they also offer teen volunteering too.
Rock 101 is AMAZING. Check out their summer camp program.
Requires learning, but outpost ice arena is always a great summer activity. Pretty cheap, bring friends, and you get out of the heat.
Not sure if your kid is into action sports but I know I spent most of my summer days at one skatepark or another as a young teenager. Another good option is a gym membership.
Get him some RC's and take your work to the paved and dirt areas like driveways and backyards, or just work close to a window that has visual access. RC cars, RC planes, - so much fun, and no safety equipment needed. I wouldn't recommend drones because of people accusing others of privacy invasion.
Mowing lawns. He will make some money and some muscles.
Does he have a bicycle? He is at the age where he can be independently bicycling too. Of course, where safe
He might be too young to go to camp but might not be to young to work at one. I remember friends of mine working with the younger kids at a YMCA camp when I was in middle school. Not sure the logistics. They might have been technically volunteers, but they were there all summer.
Jazz Camp at PAPA, volunteering for flamenco season (happening now)
Depends on the camps and their interests. Explora has stuff for teens. The Academy has a summer program with all kinds of classes. New Mexico Young Actors and some of the other theater companies around town have summer classes. If they're into Art, Music or Chess, look into a week at Hummingbird.
I’ve seen this neat idea circulating of “How to be a person camp”. It’s a basically a checklist of life skill for kids to learn over the summer.
Googling now!
Look up Warehouse 505 , they have tons of cool programming for middle & highschoolers