School is out, and summer is here. Therefore, it’s the perfect time to get outside and make new friends! We’d love for you to join us and our ABQ Mom Club for Summer Park Hops: A Series of Summer Playdates.

These free playdates are sponsored by our partners at Rio Grande Academy of Fine Arts, a unique K–12 school right here in Albuquerque that blends academics with creativity in a truly meaningful way.

At RioGAFA, students learn through the arts, not just alongside them. Their arts-integrated approach weaves creative writing, music, dance, visual arts, culinary arts, and more into everyday learning, helping students build confidence, think critically, and engage more deeply with what they’re learning. With dedicated daily time for artistic exploration and a focus on problem solving and collaboration, RioGAFA is creating an environment where students are inspired to grow into independent, creative thinkers.

If you’re looking for a school that values both academic rigor and creativity, RioGAFA is one to know.

While Park Hops are free for kids of all ages and their caregivers, we do ask that you please RSVP at the links below so we can prepare to make each event fun for everyone in attendance.

Locker #505 will be at all three Park Hop events, collecting new socks and underwear for local students in need. Families who would like to participate are encouraged to bring donations to help support APS students through this incredible local organization.

Summer Park Hops Schedule

In the event of bad weather, cancellations will be posted on the event’s Facebook page. Check back often for updated information about the events.

Friday, June 5th :: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Haynes Park (near the playground)

2006 Grande Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124

PAST EVENT

• Chick-fil-A Cottonwood will be serving nuggets (while supplies last), offering lemonade samples, and bringing a visit from the Chick-fil-A Cow Mascot
• A fun book exchange
  • Bring lightly loved children’s and adult books to exchange
• A special appearance from Orbit of the Albuquerque Isotopes from 10:00 AM- 10:30 AM
  • Orbit will be collecting canned food donations to help support local food banks in our community
• Interactive sports activities by i9 Sports 
• Princess meet-and-greets with Fairytale Princesses
• Jumping Beans Party Company will provide a soft play area designed for younger kids, with padded equipment for safe play and chairs set up around the space so parents can sit and relax while keeping an eye on their little ones.
• A 30-minute Music Together® demo class at 10:00 a.m. by Roots & Wings Community Music School, with instruments available to explore after the class
• An all-ages music class and violin “petting zoo” by Ready. Set. Violin
• You’re invited to bring new socks and underwear to donate to Locker #505 in support of APS students in need
• Activities are subject to change. Check back for updates.

A representative from Rio Grande Academy of Fine Arts, Coral Community Charter School, The Community Lighthouse, Sandia Prep, and Cross of Hope School will be available with resources.

Thursday, June 11th :: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ Mariposa Basin Park

4900 Kachina St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

PAST EVENT

• A snack provided by ABQ Mom
• A fun book exchange
  • Bring lightly loved children’s and adult books to exchange
• Free face painting by Facepainterina (tips appreciated)
• A special appearance from Orbit of the Albuquerque Isotopes
  • Orbit will be collecting canned food donations to help support local food banks in our community
• Interactive sports activities by i9 Sports 
• Princess meet-and-greets with Fairytale Princesses
• Jumping Beans Party Company will provide a soft play area designed for younger kids, with padded equipment for safe play and chairs set up around the space so parents can sit and relax while keeping an eye on their little ones.
• An all-ages music class and violin “petting zoo” by Ready. Set. Violin
• Sidewalk Art Zone by Disney on Ice
• You’re invited to bring new socks and underwear to donate to Locker #505 in support of APS students in need
• Activities are subject to change. Check back for updates.

A representative from Rio Grande Academy of Fine Arts, Coral Community Charter School, The Community Lighthouse, Sandia Prep, Cross of Hope School, and Sandia Green Clean will be available with resources.

Tuesday, June 23rd :: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. @ North Domingo Baca Park

7521 Carmel Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113

RSVP HERE

• A snack provided by ABQ Mom
• A fun book exchange
  • Bring lightly loved children’s and adult books to exchange
• Free face painting by Facepainterina (tips appreciated)
• A special appearance from Orbit of the Albuquerque Isotopes
  • Orbit will be collecting canned food donations to help support local food banks in our community
• Interactive sports activities by i9 Sports 
• Princess meet-and-greets with Fairytale Princesses
• A Bounce House provided by AFS – New Mexico
• Pop and Play Station (Bubble Zone) by Chatter-Roo Pediatric Speech Therapy
• Free iced coffee or iced tea from Marketplace Home: Decor-Coffee-Tea
• Wild at Art will provide a free mini craft table
• Jumping Beans Party Company will provide a soft play area designed for younger kids, with padded equipment for safe play and chairs set up around the space so parents can sit and relax while keeping an eye on their little ones.
• Sidewalk Art Zone by Disney on Ice
• Learn the basics of Irish dance! Brightburn Academy of Irish Dance will host two free 15-minute beginner classes for all ages at 10:30 AM and 11:20 AM.
• A Martial Arts Demonstration at 11:00 AM by Blackman’s Championship Martial Arts
• You’re invited to bring new socks and underwear to donate to Locker #505 in support of APS students in need
• Activities are subject to change. Check back for updates.

A representative from Rio Grande Academy of Fine Arts, Chatter-Roo LLC Pediatric Speech Therapy,  Blackman’s Championship Martial Arts, Albuquerque Academy, Lovelace Labor of Love, Coral Community Charter School, Happy Campers Pediatric Dentistry, The Community Lighthouse, Sandia Prep, Sunward, and Sandia Green Clean will be available with resources.

Do you have a business that would be a good fit for Park Hops? Click here to request to join.

Hold Harmless: By participating in Park Hops, you implicitly accept all associated risks. Furthermore, you explicitly absolve ABQ Mom from any liability and agree to hold them harmless for any injuries sustained by you, your invitees, guests, or agents.

Moreover, by reserving a spot, you acknowledge the possibility of your photograph being taken and grant ABQ Mom permission for its utilization on their website, in promotional materials, and/or across social media platforms, as well as by ABQ Mom’s sponsors.

Additionally, in the event of an act of God, rescheduling may not be feasible due to the event’s intricate nature. Moreover, all reservation holders will automatically be subscribed to our email list (if not already subscribed) to ensure the dissemination of the most current and pertinent event information.

Please note that supplies are limited. Attendance at the event does not guarantee access to all products/services offered. These will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Big thanks to Rio Grande Academy of Fine Arts for sponsoring this fun community event.

Thank you to Rio Grande Academy of Fine Arts, Chatter-Roo LLC Pediatric Speech Therapy, Blackman’s Championship Martial Arts, The Community Lighthouse, Coral Community Charter School, Lovelace Labor of Love, Albuquerque Academy, AFS – New Mexico, Manzano Day School, and Happy Campers Pediatric Dentistry for supporting us for Park Hops 2026.

We’re honored to partner with Locker #505, ABQ Mom’s 2026 Nonprofit Spotlight of the Year, at all three Park Hop events this summer. Families attending are invited to bring new socks and underwear to donate in support of local students in need throughout Albuquerque Public Schools. Locker #505 works to ensure every student has access to basic essentials so they can feel confident, cared for, and ready to learn.

We’re so excited to be partnering with the following businesses to offer FREE activities to participants. (Please note that not all activities will be at every Park Hop event. Look at the schedule above to coordinate the activities you want to participate in.)