Moving to a new town is stressful for the entire family. A change of pace. A change of scenery. New friends. Losing regular contact with old friends. Leaving your clubs, social groups, coaches, even having to change your hair or nail salon. These are experiences that we don’t often realize affect us deeply when we move. Even a cross town move can be stressful that way. Perhaps you were incredibly close to your “old neighbors”. Sure, you guys still live in the same town. But without that proximity, it’s likely that the relationships will undergo a significant change.

One of the best things about Los Alamos is the huge amount of groups, clubs, activities, social venues, and things to do. I can actually imagine readers scratching their heads as they read this. I’m not fibbing, folks. Really. There are TONS of things to do in Los Alamos if you make the effort to connect. So, as we begin a new school year, let me throw out a few things that belong on a FAQs list for Los Alamos.

“Do people really allow their unsupervised children on the city bus?”

Some of this answer is dependent upon the level of responsibility and independence in your own kiddo. But really, the answer is YES! Our Atomic City Transport system is really easy to utilize and it’s free. You don’t need tokens or a bus pass. Whether you’re local or not, you just climb on and ride to your destination. You can also get the phone app for the ACT that will help you navigate routes or show you exactly where “your” bus is. If you’re worried about your kiddo getting off at the wrong stop or not knowing how to navigate a change of bus, try riding the route with them a few times until they’re comfortable. Yes, it’s more effort on your part in the beginning. But having a kid who can get themselves places using public transportation is an amazing bonus later on!

“My child has difficulty making friends or becoming part of a “group”, how can I get them involved?”

Los Alamos Little Theater and the Los Alamos Light Opera often have parts available for budding youth actors. Reach out to them via their websites for more information. While the Derby Dames don’t have spots available for young players, the YMCA has a Jr Roller Derby Team. You can get more info about the Los Alamos Cherry Bombs on the YMCA website.

If your child is more interested in outdoors, Los Alamos has you covered! We have active Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, United States Pony Club, and 4-H. If your kiddo is passionate about any of the activities offered through these organizations, reach out and talk to the local community. Even if you don’t have livestock or your own “pony”, that doesn’t mean you can’t participate. You’d be surprised how often there are folks willing to share their resources.

“Where do kids “hang out” in Los Alamos?”

This is a bit more complicated of course. You’ve probably noticed that kids in Los Alamos hang out pretty much everywhere! But if your kids are new in town and looking for a spot to meet up, you might try the Activity Centers.

Both the Teen Center and the Youth Activity Center are located in the Community Center building next to Ashley Pond. The Youth Activity Center is operated by Los Alamos Family Council and welcomes kids 3rd thru 8th grade. The YAC was created as free service to the community and provides a safe space for kids to hang out after school and on holidays. The Teen Center is for high schoolers only. It’s operated by the Family YMCA.

The emphasis of both Activity Centers is on safe, clean, and respectful fun. The Centers often offer Art Groups, planned field trips, fun activities, and plenty of games of every shape, size, and variety. The Teen Center often offers opportunities for “after hours” activities. Teen Center employees host an Auto Meet in the Ashley Pond parking lot on Wednesday evenings for teenagers who want to talk cars. The group welcomes anyone whether they have a car or only wish they did.

I could probably go on and on about the fun things to do here in Los Alamos. As we move toward fall and back toward winter, the awesome seasonal activities will once again be in full swing. Skiing, Ice Skating, and even Snow Shoeing! But for now, I’ll leave you with these ideas and wish your family the best school year yet!

As always, when you’re ready to be part of our community here on the Hill, give me a call. I’m your hometown real estate broker. I’d love to chat about real estate in Los Alamos with you!