For nine days in October, the New Mexico skies are painted as hundreds of balloons lift off from Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta (节日) Park. For ballooning fans worldwide, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a pilgrimage (朝圣). There's something for everyone to enjoy—special shapes filled with equal parts of hot air and wonder, and Balloon Glows that create a magical night landscape (景观) for audience to wander.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a world-famous attraction and destination for kids of all ages. For more than three decades, the first week in October brings the smell of roasting chiles (辣椒) and the beautiful, magical moving picture show of hot air balloons sailing silently through the crisp fall air.

Guests from all over the world come to Albuquerque to celebrate ballooning. Literally hundreds of balloons will be taking flight from the Balloon Fiesta Park this year.

Discover Nature Schools Programs

Becoming Bears(Kindergarten－2 grade)

By becoming baby bears, children learn from their “parent” to survive the seasons. Kids will find safety in the spring and learn kinds of food bears eat during the summer, and then create a cave for winter hibernation(冬眠)．After learning the skills needed to survive, students will go out of the cave as an independent black bear able to care for themselves.(1.5－2 hours)

Whose Clues?(3－5 grade)

Kids will discover how plants and animals use their special structures to survive. Through outdoor study of plants and animals, kids will recognize their special structures and learn how they enable species to eat, avoid their enemies and survive. Using what they have learned, kids will choose one species and tell how they survive in their living places.(3－4 hours)

Winged Wonders(3－5 grade)

Birds add color and sound to our world and play an important ecological role. Students will learn the basics of birds, understand the role birds play in food chains and go bird­watching using field guides and telescopes. Students will do hands­on activities. Students will use tools to build bird feeders, allowing them to attract birds at home.(3－4 hours)

Exploring Your Watershed(6－8 grade)

We all depend on clean water. Examining how our actions shape the waterways around us. Go on a hike to see first­hand some of the challenging water quality problems in a city. Students will test the water quality to determine the health of an ecosystem.

·Each program is taught for a class with at least 10 students.

·All programs include plenty of time outdoors. So please prepare proper clothing, sunscreen and insect killers for children.

·To take part in a program, please email dcprogramsmdc.mo.gov.