EXPLORING OKLAHOMA WITH CHILDREN
Play is fundamental for kids of all ages — and for parents, too! According to Nicole Kanelakos, director of education services at Sunbeam Family Services, “Play is the work of childhood and the key to overall healthy development.” Kanelakos’ colleague Amy Chlouber, director for mental health services, adds that play is how kids learn about themselves and the world around them. “They are developing the skills necessary for how they are going to navigate the world into adulthood,” explained Chlouber. Children’s museums are an amped up way to engage the whole family in a day of play, so check out these four close-to-home options. Let’s Play! BY LINDSAY CUOMO . PHOTOS PROVIDED. 4 children’s museums to explore close to home and around the state
SPARK PARK PHYSICS CIRCUS AT SCIENCE MUSEUM OKLAHOMA
WUNDERGROUND CAVE AT SCIENCE MUSEUM OKLAHOMA
CurioCity Science Museum Oklahoma is full of unexpected surprises and one of the biggest just might be the whimsical children’s museum inside! CurioCity is a unique “village” where families can explore the wonderful world of science within eight over-the-top “neighborhoods,” each with its own personality. From a kid-sized theater and a neighborhood garage to a circus with a human-powered carousel and an elaborate cave that is home to a dinosaur dig, families can explore complex scientific concepts in this hands-on, fanciful world. A play on words, Odd-A-See Tower is a two-story climber that cultivates the processes of perception, wayfinding and risk-taking inside a climbable playground. A music studio called Riff & Rhythms offers repurposed materials for visitors to investigate sound, pitch and rhythm. There is even a huge space for water play (warning – prepare to get very wet!). All of these hands-on, interactive features prove that learning should be all about having fun — and a lot of it. While CurioCity was designed for ages 8 and under, the ample engaging activities and creative touches delight all ages. Science Museum Oklahoma is open daily and CurioCity is included with the price of admission. Regular single-day admission is $20.95 for ages 13 to 64 and $15.95 for seniors 65 and up and kids ages 3 to 12. Kids 2 and under are free. at Science Museum Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY
22 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2023
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