MetroFamily Magazine June 2020

MetroFamily Magazine. OKC Family Fun & Resources. Local events calendar.

JUNE 2020

Father’s Day Gift Guide Unplugged adventures Opt outdoors for greater connection Real dads of OKC Celebrating fathers focused on service, family & fun Hot swag for Cool Pops

Activities Guide city of edmond parks & recreation 2020 summer

SUMMER CAMPS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SUMMER CONCERTS MOVIE NIGHTS Edmond Parks DISCOVER SUMMER

359-4630 CALL OUR OFFICE STARTING MAY 15 TH FOR CAMP AND PROGRAM OPENINGS

The Chickasaw Nation presents

EXPERIENCE THE OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME AND GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM IN AN EXPANDED DIGITAL WAY! Oklahoma Hall of Fame Member Themed Activities including books, movies, music, recipes and more!

Story Time with Oklahoma Hall of Fame Members!

Virtual Tours of Museum Exhibits!

Visit Oklahomahof.com/ohof-home for all of the fun digital activities! Follow us on Social Media to stay up-to-date on Free Family Fun event information!

1400 Classen Drive | Oklahoma City, OK 73106 | 405.235.4458 | oklahomahof.com @OklahomaHoF LEARN MORE

REAL DAD OF OKC: BERNARD JONES

Features 8 Father’s Day Gift Guide The hottest local swag for the coolest pops 14 The Taste of Satisfaction Gardening with dad

Departments 10 Real Dads of the Metro

U.S. District Judge exemplifies vocation of service

18 Local Family Fun

Unplugged adventures for greater connection

22 Calendar of Events

Virtual & in-person summertime family fun 26 Exploring Beyond Oklahoma Dreaming of sunny San Diego 34 Family Mental Wellness 5 steps to address anxiety in children 36 Super Kids of the Metro High school grad leads with purpose 40 Last Look Authentic conversations about real-life issues

On the cover

Hot swag for cool pops page 8 Unplugged adventures page 18 Real Dads of OKC pages 10, 14, 18 and 40

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

I was fortunate to grow up in a household where my dad was a constant source of both fun and support. Because his work schedule was more flexible than my mom’s, he was the one who took me to school and stayed home when I was sick. Yes, he carved the Halloween jack-o-lanterns and turned Christmas tree decorating into a dance party. But he also practiced flash cards and study questions with me. We watched a lot of Friends together, but he also initiated conversations about hard issues. As an adult, that’s one of the things I most appreciate about my dad. I’m seeing history repeat itself with my husband. He’s totally a fun dad, complete with wrestling matches and terrible dad jokes. But he’s also an always-available source of comfort and listening ear. And he’s not afraid to initiate hard conversations and answer tough questions from our kids, either. We’ve talked with our kids about the history of racism and racial injustice since they were tiny. But we’ve realized we need to be doing more. We’re talking about white privilege. We’re talking about how to be anti-racist. We’re talking about how our white family is responsible for making this community better for our brown and black friends. As we enter into this month of celebrating dads, a single truth keeps haunting me: I’ve never known, and never will know, the visceral fear of wondering whether my dad, husband, sons won’t come home to me because of the color of their skin.

2020

Publisher Sarah Taylor Managing Editor Erin Page Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo Contributing Writers Michael Bergin Kristy Blosch Dr. Erica Faulconer Khari Manuel Contributing Photographer Bridget Pipkin Art Director Stacy Noakes Senior Project Manager Kirsten Holder Director of Events Marissa Raglin Sales Dana Price Laura Beam Office Manager Kathy Alberty

I understand that I will never fully understand. But I am committed as a mom, community member and editor of this magazine to listening, learning and taking action to ensure that, together, we create a better world for all SINCE I WAS YOUNG, DAD HAS NEVER SHIED AWAY FROM TALKING WITH ME ABOUT HARD ISSUES, A PRACTICE I AM CONTINUING WITH MY CHILDREN NOW.

our children. In solidarity,

Erin Page Managing Editor

This Month’s Cover Ayden is a cool 10 years old and he just completed the fourth grade at Santa Fe South Penn Elementary School. Thoughtful, hard working and considerate, Ayden loves to draw, plays flag football and basketball and is a member of the Boys & Girls Club of OKC. Ayden is the son of Abigail and Fabian and an awesome big brother to Areli. Along with four-legged family member Jackson, they love Friday family nights with movies, board games and snacks. The family enjoys exploring OKC every chance they get, with favorite spots including Scissortail Park, Factory Obscura, Bricktown and the Myriad Gardens. Photos by Foto Arts Photography in the Boathouse District.

sarah@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com

MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2019 by Inprint Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

Circulation audited by

Proud member of

Also a member of Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Edmond Chamber of Commerce & Moore Chamber of Commerce

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2020 5

NEED TO KNOW

Let’s eat — for FREE! Who wouldn’t love free groceries for a year?! You can have your cake and eat it too, literally, when you enter our grocery giveaway at metrofamilymagazine.com/ contests, starting June 15.

Off the Pages

Black Lives Matter At MetroFamily, we’re committed to listening to, learning from, supporting and elevating people of color. To provide solidarity and solace for our readers of color and to provide educational opportunities for our white readers, we are sharing important advice and experiences from parents of color and parents of children of color via our blog Hashtag Parenting. Read their powerful words at metrofamilymagazine. com/hashtag-parenting.

We are committed to ongoing contributions to the vital and necessary conversations about racism and racial injustice in hopes that together we can create a better future for all our children. If you have a story, experience or advice to share, please email us at tips@metrofamilymagazine.com.

Pop-up for cool pops You’re not a regular dad — you’re a cool pop! Celebrate your awesomeness, or that of your favorite father figure, at our pop- up photo booth at the Myriad Gardens on June 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join us on the Myriad’s Devon Lawn for a photo in front of our Father’s Day backdrop. Bring your own props and cameras and share you photos on social using #CoolPopsOKC. Plus, enjoy a chalk obstacle course for families to navigate around the lawn as well as two food trucks on site.

The first 100 families will receive one Father’s Day coloring craft from MetroFamily and one seed kit from the Myriad for at-home gardening fun. This special event is sponsored by Green Bambino. Please maintain social distancing recommendations while on the garden grounds.

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Summer Fun is NOT canceled This summer is not only salvageable, the season can be enjoyed to the fullest, and we’ve got everything you need to plan the #bestsummerever! Find our entire collection of summer fun, with everything from our favorite cool treats and frugal family fun to socially distant road trips and outdoor adventures at metrofamilymagazine.com/summer. Plus, find 100 ideas for at-home fun and safe out-and-about options, as well as hands-on activities from partners like SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology, National Cowboy Museum, Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Visit Shawnee in our 100 Days of Summer Guide at metrofamilymagazine.com/all-digital-issue.

Raising OKC Kids Like many of you, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to get creative. Our new video podcast was born out of our desire to provide you the content and resources you need while reaching you in the ways that are most helpful. Raising OKC Kids features conversations with local experts and parents, helping families connect, learn from each other and grow community. Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/raising-okc-kids for a candid conversation with OKC Mayor David Holt to talk about leading our city (while also parenting) during the COVID-19 pandemic, the promise of MAPS 4 investments in our community and how we as a city can better denounce racism and racial injustice. Plus find tips from a local pediatrician about keeping kids safe this summer and a look at the power of play in child development and relationships.

“Everything” is coming Our issues have been digital since April, but that’s changing in July when we release our annual Everything Guide . We’ll announce the winners of our Family Favorites Awards, nominated and voted on by you our readers. Plus, find the dish from metro moms on their favorite locales for eats, swag and family fun, and get the ultimate guide for grandparent and grandkid road trips. Look for it on stands starting July 15.

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We know we are not alone when we say dads are seriously the hardest ones to shop for! As we approach Father’s Day, we’ve turned to some of our favorite locally-owned stores and made-in- the-metro products for dad inspo. For everyone’s favorite punny, lovable dad, we’ve highlighted some of the best men’s gifts that really think outside the grill set.

Kicked up coffee from Eote EOTE goes to the ends of the earth to source the best coffee beans, and it shows. Tees, hats, coffee packages and tumblers can be combined into the perfect brew package for Pops. eotecoffee.com

BY KIRSTEN HOLDER . PHOTOS PROVIDED.

OKC in a box from City Box

From the time he wakes up until the time he winds down, dad will be taken care of with The Brew Box. Created to support local business during the COVID-19 pandemic, this package includes Elemental Coffee, Woodshed tea, Stonecloud beer and a mug from Shop Good. What more could a dad need?! cityboxokc.com

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GET CREATIVE ONLINE! Weekly this summer

Ben’s book recs from Commonplace Books Owner and dad Ben Nockles had four recommendations for dads right off the top of his head, and TBH, we are in love. Find Pops: Fatherhood in Pieces by Michael Chabon and The Second Mountain by David Brooks, plus lots more options at this Midtown bookstore. Mention that your purchase is a gift for Father’s Day and Ben will knock 15% off your purchase! commonplacebooksokc.com

Wilde Moon Leather wallets What dad wouldn’t love the smell and feel of genuine leather at his fingertips? Wilde Moon Leather carries practical and luxury products that we are drooling over! Make dad’s day with a one-of-a-kind, slim-fit cardholder wallet. wildemoonleather.bigcartel.com

Camp-in-Place Camp digital! Join us each week this summer for an online arts camp experience with our art educators. #AT HOME ART

Amber Lager Beer Soap from Trade Menswear The Natural Hops & Goats Milk Soaps are to die for, both in smell and texture. Our favorite is the Amber Lager Beer Soap sourced from repurposed Vanessa House Brewery hops with goat’s milk from a local farm. tradesupplyco.com

Learn more at okcontemp.org/NewLight.

OklahomaContemporary.org 405.951.0000 | @okcontemporary

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REAL DADS OF THE METRO

Vocation of Service: U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones

BERNARD, MAUTRA, BJ, BRENDAN AND KENNEDY JONES ON THE DAY OF BERNARD’S INVESTITURE AS U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE

“They tell me they’ll even autograph a copy for me,” laughs Bernard Jones, “reminding me where I am in the pecking order.” Even on one of the most important professional days in Jones’ career, punctuated by speeches from fellow U.S. district judges, U.S. Senator James Lankford, former Gov. Mary Fallin and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, Jones indulged his children in sharing the spotlight, speaking praise over them and eagerly inviting their participation in his official robing. BJ, Kennedy and Bernard’s high energy and happy voices in an often stoic courtroom gave the February ceremonial investiture a fittingly celebratory air. One of the youngest of the 12 active judges for the Western District of Oklahoma, Jones received judicial commission on Dec. 31, 2019 after being confirmed by an almost unheard of 91 to 3 vote from the U.S. Senate. Senator James Lankford noted the only votes not in favor of Jones were senators absent while on the presidential campaign trail. Former Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin added that Jones’ nomination by President Trump was met with no opposition, another example of bipartisan support. Jones’ appointment is a testament to his impressive judicial career, including a controversial case involving a high school football playoff game, and his reputation for always ascribing to the rule of the law. But his most noteworthy role has always been husband and dad. As a dad, an attorney and a jurist, Jones has focused his life on how he can best serve others, and he is called to pass that perspective to his three kids. “They have opportunities we didn’t have,” said Jones of his children compared to his and wife Mautra’s childhoods. “I want my children to benefit from that but also want them to realize they have an obligation to be of service to others.”

THE JONES FAMILY JOINS BERNARD AS HE TAKES HIS OATH OF OFFICE.

Though BJ, Kennedy and Brendan Jones watched dad Bernard’s investiture as a United States District Judge with pride, they were quick to remind him they’re famous in their own right, recently featured on MetroFamily’s March 2020 cover.

BY ERIN PAGE. PHOTOS BY FOTO ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY .

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U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE BERNARD JONES ADDRESSES FRIENDS, FAMILY, COLLEAGUES AND SUPPORTERS DURING HIS INVESTITURE CEREMONY.

Making a difference Jones grew up in northeast Oklahoma City, graduating from Bishop McGuinness High School and earning his undergraduate degree at Southern Methodist University and juris doctorate from Notre Dame Law School. Though Jones said at the time he wanted a one-way ticket out of Oklahoma, watching the capital city transform thanks to MAPS began to change his mind about Oklahoma City becoming a place he could return to. “At 5 p.m. on a Friday, Oklahoma City used to be a ghost town,” recalls Jones. “Now with the housing options, restaurants, parks, the arts, opportunities for business and families, I stand in awe at the investment we are making. It’s a testament to our leadership but also to our beliefs in ourselves as a city.” After working in a Columbus law firm for a few years, Jones was recruited to return to Oklahoma City to work for McAfee & Taft and then served as a dean for Oklahoma City University School of Law. Jones served the state of Oklahoma first as a district judge for Oklahoma’s seventh judicial district, overseeing, initially, the family and domestic relations docket and later the civil docket. Jones has always approached his judicial position with the intent to make a difference, not just in terms of his rulings but in the relationships people develop with the court.

“I want everyone, regardless of the case outcome, to leave feeling as if they were treated with dignity and respect,” said Jones. “I want them to know [I] treated them like a person and was not influenced by anything other than the law.” Throughout Jones’ career, he’s aspired to treat everyone equally using the rule of the law as his measure, but, once a ruling has been determined, that doesn’t negate his commitment to offer compassion in his delivery. Jones is obligated to apply the law and mandate punishment as necessary, but he believes he also has a responsibility to communicate that in a way that will ultimately help those who find themselves in his courtroom. “It’s not just about penalizing but rehabilitation,” Jones explained of his hope to positively influence citizens toward growing into productive members of society. Doing what is right While Jones was a state district judge, a 2014 case over a high school football playoff game between Douglass and Locust Grove drew national attention. The game was allegedly botched by referees, resulting in Douglass’ loss, so Oklahoma City Public School District took the case to court to request the game be replayed.

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Jones denied the request to replay the game, ultimately determining that a ruling on the game was out of the jurisdiction of a courtroom, a decision that, though not popular, was praised by Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt at Jones’ investiture. “Upholding the rule of the law can be inconvenient, time consuming and not result in a popular outcome,” said Holt. “I have admiration for Bernard Jones on many levels, including his respect for the rule of law and how he took that pressure, that extra burden of facing voters, with that message that the rule of law matters.” Jones remembers that electrified time in his career as he processed the case, with racial undertones and hostilities amid a call from many in the community to “let the kids play.” He knew no matter his decision he’d be celebrated by some and vilified by others, but that reality didn’t play into his ruling. “I had a lot of people in the profession say to ignore the law, but our job is not one where we ought to be concerned with what is popular but about doing what is right and what the law requires,” said Jones. “Folks were surprised and disappointed but what people cannot say was that my decision was not consistent with the law. It was a challenging and difficult day, and still there are folks who aren’t happy, but it was right not only from a legal perspective but from a practical one, and that’s what I pride myself on.”

Dean Emeritus Lawrence K. Hellman from OCU School of Law spoke at Jones’ investiture of his work ethic, unlimited energy, determination and wisdom beyond his years. He laughingly added that the only problem, both when Jones was on faculty at OCU and still today, is that Jones is so young. “It has been a joy to watch his judicial career,” said Hellman. “He has unlimited devotion to the values of judiciary independence, the rule of law and democracy. He’s able to deliver unpleasant rulings without being unpleasant.” Jones entered federal judicial service in 2015, appointed a U.S. magistrate judge, the first African American appointed to this position in Oklahoma. He held this position until his 2019 appointment to federal district court service. Jones is the second African American to hold this position in Oklahoma, following mentor and friend former Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange. Jones’ family lived around the corner from LaGrange when he was a child, and she attended high school with his dad. Jones has long admired her career and is grateful for the trails she’s blazed. “She and I have a series of firsts under our belts, but we have never been interested in or focused on being first,” said Jones. “We want to ensure that we’re not the last. She led a great example for me, and it’s one I intend to build on.” Dad life Lankford remarked that the progression to become a U.S. district judge, from initial consideration to presidential nomination to Senate confirmation, is a long, hard process, commending Jones and his wife and children for accepting the challenges. And Jones is quick to credit his family for believing in him when he hasn’t believed in himself. He and Mautra, vice president of institutional advancement and external affairs for Langston University, both have demanding careers, which Jones eloquently calls vocations of service. “We come from humble beginnings,” said Jones. “We want to do our part to ensure others have similar opportunities.” Just as Mautra attends court functions regularly, Jones often meets Langston students. As parents, in their careers and as community leaders, the duo recognizes that working together expands their opportunities for service and the impact they are able to make on the world around them. In addition to teaching their three kids the value in helping others, the Jones parents impart their faith and the importance of working hard. “Those were the things impressed upon me that have helped me be a better judge and better member of society,” said Jones. As Jones strives to set a good example for his kids, he’s also a playful dad, quick to listen and ever affirming of the uniqueness his children possess. “What truly brings me joy is the fact that they are so inquisitive and so empathetic,” said Jones. The Jones children have, truly, never met a stranger, and are attuned to the realities of the world, both good and bad, thanks to parents intent upon raising fellow citizens who will give back. “They really see people and want them to succeed,” marvels Jones. “I love that about them. They are thoughtful children and have realized early on that it’s not just about them.”

THE JONES FAMILY SHARES IN BERNARD’S SPECIAL DAY.

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Gardening with

Dad The taste of satisfaction

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MICHAEL BERGIN .

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BERGIN SHARES THE JOY OF GARDENING WITH HIS CHILDREN.

The thorny dewberry vines that grow in the garden along the side of our house are transplants from the home of my wife’s late grandmother. After she passed, I moved several of these native blackberry-like bushes from her rural Oklahoma farmyard to our place, where they now flourish and compliment the annual bounty of our suburban fruit and vegetable garden. Like many family matriarchs, my wife’s grandmother was a special individual. A survivor of the Great Depression and a stalwart example of the endearing qualities of the people of western Oklahoma — this is a woman whose memory is worthy of passing down to my children. I’m grateful I was afforded the opportunity to know her and the experiences and traditions of her home. Although my three small children will never sit and visit with their great-grandmother in her home, through vegetable and fruit gardening, they will know some connection to her. With each summer evening’s visit to the dewberry bushes, our children hear the stories of warm country evenings, funny memories and wisdom passed down through the generations. In those moments, our kids smell and taste fresh dewberries right off the vine, just like their mother grew up doing at “Grandma’s house.” And just like at Grandma’s, they’re invited into the ritual of gathering with loved ones around delicious food — in this case homegrown dewberry cobblers that are second to none. In this way we enrich not only our children’s experience in the garden but also their connection to our family roots.

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BERGIN’S CHILDREN, AGES 5, 4 AND 2, ARE AVID HELPERS IN THE FAMILY’S GARDENS.

Establishing traditions From a patch of thorny vines in our backyard garden spring forth so many valuable lessons, traditions and opportunities to enrich the lives of our young kids. And so it can be for anyone who starts a home garden with their kids. Gardening can strengthen the bond between parents and children, build memories that long outlast the time it takes to produce a crop and deepen the connection kids have with the natural world. And that’s just the beginning of the tangible and intangible rewards that come from growing fruit and veggies with your children. The value of hard work For me, gardening has always been about the hard work, the sweat, digging my hands into the soil and working with shovels and forks and wheelbarrows. It’s about creating fertile ground and attracting earthworms and bees. And it’s about providing my family with quality food. Add children to the mix and you’ve got a perfect environment for teaching hard work, patience, problem-solving and the importance of making fresh air, nature and nutritious food part of one’s daily routine. My oldest son enjoys explaining the step-by-step process of growing food, from planting a seed to adding compost, watering and eventually nurturing a plant that produces the most flavorful tomatoes. Even more, he’s discovered the pleasure of doing the work, harvesting squash or green beans he’s planted and raised himself (OK, mostly himself!) He’s even felt the urge to grow “his own” garden in a space designated just for kids to plant and experiment. His two younger siblings may not fully grasp all these concepts yet, but they still experience the gratification of planting fast-growing vegetables — like radishes — that sprout before they lose interest.

Reveling in the reward There’s something viscerally rewarding about growing and raising your own food. And kids who take interest in raising a vegetable crop from start to finish are sure to feel it. But even if a child isn’t actively involved throughout the entire process, they can still enjoy gardening if you involve them in steps along the way. Fortunately, even the youngest among us can participate. A 2-year- old can walk along a patch of loose ground scattering lettuce seeds. The steady hand of an older child can plant garlic or green beans with precision. A stronger child can carry a watering can. And a patient youngster can help with weeding and pruning. Even a small child with an appropriately-sized basket can stay occupied with a plant loaded down with ripe cherry tomatoes or sugar snap peas. Homegrown harvest And perhaps the pinnacle of the gardening experience is the time spent after the harvest, in the kitchen. Involving your young gardener in the preparation of the meal is an important part of the gardening process. Even if you just have one or two ingredients from the garden on hand, that homegrown essence is sure to enrich your meal with a deeper connection to the ground outside your door, a better understanding of where food comes from and opportunities to affirm a child for his or her contribution to that meal. Regardless of what you grow or choose to prepare with it in the kitchen, the taste of food grown at home in partnership with your kids is that of pure satisfaction.

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Tips for Keeping Kids Engaged in Gardening • Don’t underestimate what a child wants to learn. Study topics like foods you want to grow, composting and beneficial insects, then share what you’ve learned with your young helper. • Start small. A surprising amount of food can be produced in a 4’x6’ raised bed or containers filled with a potting soil made for growing vegetables. • Purchase kid-specific gardening tools for your children. The smaller size handles and implements are easier for kids to use than full-size tools and give young gardeners a sense of ownership over their equipment and the tasks around the garden. • Make a day of if when you buy seeds or young plants. Children will look forward to it each year and enjoy the opportunity to help decide what to plant. • With young children, plant fast-growing crops like radishes and lettuce . If you start in early spring and water daily, you’re likely to notice seedlings within about three days. Check the soil every day with your kids so that the planting will be fresh on their minds when they finally see the plants emerging. • Involve your child in daily garden tasks. Set goals at the beginning, like watering and weeding the garden together twice a week, then lead your family in keeping the commitment to each other and your garden.

Bergin Family Favorites • Green beans are easy to grow and fun to plant and harvest, even in a small garden. • Cherry tomatoes are prolific and hard to mess up. The fruits are also sweet and delicious. • Perennials like asparagus or blackberries take longer to establish but they help keep children interested and excited about gardening when they come back each year. • Purchase a bag of beneficial ladybugs from a local garden center or online, then release them into your garden with your children. It’s great fun for everyone! • Find an online resource or book to guide your efforts. There are many excellent options. Good starting points include the book The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible by Edward C. Smith or the “From Seed to Spoon” app for your iPhone.

THE BERGIN FAMILY GARDEN YIELDS A VARIETY OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

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Want to be healthier? You don’t have to skimp on family traditions. Test out new recipes and tweak old favorites with healthier ingredients. Get Fired Up for Healthy BBQ

Michael Bergin is an outdoorsman and food enthusiast at heart and loves engaging with nature through fishing, hunting, mountain biking and, of course, vegetable gardening. He lives in Yukon with his wife and three small children where they grow a garden of dewberries, asparagus and all manner of other vegetables, fruits and herbs. FAST-GROWING CROPS LIKE RADISHES KEEP CHILDREN WITH SHORT ATTENTION SPANS ENGAGED.

Head to SYFOK.com/BBQ for FREE recipes like these.

SLOW COOKER BAKED BEANS | BBQ GRILLED CHICKEN | TANGY COLESLAW LEMON & GARLIC GREEN BEANS | BBQ PULLED CHICKEN SLIDERS WHOLE WHEAT PASTA SALAD

BERGIN’S SON INSPECTS THE DEWBERRY VINES, TRANSPLANTED FROM HIS GREAT- GRANDMOTHER’S OKLAHOMA FARM.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2020 17

LOCAL FAMILY FUN

Outdoors with the Manuels 5 places to get unplugged for greater connection BY KHARI MANUEL . PHOTOS PROVIDED.

In today’s world, we are all connected. It is hard to walk away, for adults and kids both, when you are constantly poked by friends, work and activities through emails, social media and YouTube. Without mandatory device-less activities, we can all get sucked in to the challenges of our exceedingly connected world, which leaves us depleted but not truly understanding that we are often exhausted due to our constant connectivity.

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(LEFT) BRYCE AND KINLEY ENJOY THE FAMILY’S FAVORITE OUTDOOR ACTIVITY; ROCK CLIMBING. (ABOVE) KHARI AND SON DRAKE PLAY SPIKEBALL AT SCISSORTAIL PARK.

2 If you don’t find us at Scissortail Park, we’re likely at Martin Park Nature Center walking the trails, taking a gander at the birds and running through the woods. Perhaps the greatest joy in this park is watching the turtles. Our family has nicknamed our favorite turtles, including “Big Earl,” and we watch to see who can spot “our” turtles first. 3 When we don’t have time to venture away from home, you can find us at our neighborhood pond where we enjoy fishing and sitting on the bank. Memorable moments do not have to cost a pretty penny, nor do they have to include travel, but they do need to be generated and formulated by the leaders of a household. That’s you, parents! 4 In Oklahoma, weather tends to dictate the activities available on any given day. On a wet, cold or rainy day we advocate heading indoors to prep for nicer days. To combine inside practice with outside adventure, we start at Threshold Rock Climbing Gym in northwest Oklahoma City. Threshold is a fantastic rock-climbing adventure that leaves us physically exhausted from climbing but also connected to our community when weather prohibits us from enjoying the outdoors. The climbing challenges are limitless as are the laughs that accompany the triumphs and failures of figuring it all out.

I am an advocate for quality time under the canopy of the sky without devices. As a strong believer in the strength and energy that comes from nature, my family and I build it into our schedule as a priority to get outside as much and as often as possible year-round. Outdoor activities are the heart of our family time, and these are my family of five’s favorite places to unplug from our devices and get connected with each other: 1 Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City provides a vast area to roam and play for both humans and pets. The hours fly by as we compete in our favorite outside game of Spikeball, which is a cross between four square and volleyball. The local food trucks allow us to feed our ravished bodies after hours of outdoor play.

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5 Threshold provides the opportunity to practice the skills needed to take rock climbing outside in Lawton’s Wichita Mountains or at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Arkansas . My family spends many hours each spring and fall camping and playing in the outdoor climbing adventures that await us at Horseshoe. Beyond the seemingly endless climbing routes, there are multiple opportunities for action with the giant zip line, the oversized tree swing, frisbee golf, hiking, hanging out in hammocks and interacting with the ranch animals that roam the acres of land. We rise with the sun and find ourselves immersed in the outdoors while the hours of the day fly by, and we concluded with s’mores and a recap of our day around the campfire.

At the end of the day, month or year, I want to be able to look back and have memories created around time with my family. Time is never replaceable but it is certainly valuable. I want to look back and see what we have cherished as time together to be a reflection of what we value in our household. For us, that means prioritizing quality connection, away from our devices, in the great outdoors. Editor’s note: Khari Manuel enjoys leading people physically, mentally and spiritually. As a cycle instructor at the YMCA he inspires droves of people at 5 a.m. He has spent 17 years leading in healthcare sales. Spiritually, he enjoys leading people to grow in uncomfortable situations as they travel to Africa and Haiti through 410 Bridge, a nonprofit organization. His most memorable and influential opportunities come from leading his family.

KHARI, TOP, AND JENNIFER LOVE TO ROCK CLIMB WITH THEIR FAMILY.

#OKCFamilyFun is sponsored by Crestone Ridge.

Convenient living at its nest! • Yukon schools • Close to the Kilpatrick Turnpike • Clubhouse with pool • Playground • Beautiful custom homes

(405) 820-6851 www.crestoneridge.com

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LIBRARY ENDOWMENT TRUST

JUNE Virtual Events

JUNE 6-14 Walk for Kids rmhc-okc.org/walk-for-kids All ages, preregister

JUNE 14 FREE Virtual Radio Comedy Show edmondhistory.org, 2-3pm Ages 9+, preregister Step back in time to celebrate Flag Day and watch a reading of Fibber McGee the Census Taker . The family-friendly show presented via Zoom follows comedian Fibber McGee as he visits various neighbors. Prior to the show, museum staff will present a short lecture on the radio program and conclude with a talk about the 2020 Census.

The annual Walk for Kids offers metro families an active way to support the Ronald McDonald House and the programs that help families stay together and close to the resources they need while a child is in the hospital. Participants complete a walk of any distance in their neighborhood or favorite walking spot. Registered walkers can win prizes, including Apple AirPods and a round-trip Southwest Airlines voucher. Participation is free but fundraising is encouraged. Organizers encourage walkers to be safe and practice social distancing.

JUNE 9 FREE Improv Basics metrolibrary.org, 7pm Ages 14+, preregister Teens can learn the basics and practice their improvisational skills with experts from OKC Improv. The interactive, virtual program includes games and skill building.

JUNE 11-21 FREE deadCENTER kidsFEST deadcenterfilm.org All ages deadCENTER is shaking things up with online screenings to celebrate independent films. Families can enjoy a series of eight family-friendly short films via a live stream. The 10-day festival features some of the best independent films from around the world and all over Oklahoma.

JUNE 28 FREE SONIC Drive-In Virtual Family Day okcmoa.com All ages Family Day is going virtual! Several Sundays each year OKCMOA invites families for a day of art exploration. This June, the museum is bringing that same art-inspired fun to families at home. Find a virtual tour of the new POP Power exhibition, a performance by the Sugar Free Allstars, art workshops with local artists and more on the museum’s YouTube channel.

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Featuring Mayor David Holt

Click here to watch

Raising OKC Kids is a weekly video podcast featuring conversations with local experts and parents, helping us connect, learn from each other and grow our community together. This new series will highlight a variety of important topics to help support metro parents including chats with an ER physician, unemployment during COVID-19, virtual summer camps and even OKC Mayor David Holt.

JUNE & JULY In-Person Events

JUNE 14 FREE Cool Pops Pop-Up Father’s Day Celebration Myriad Gardens, 10am-3pm All ages

Celebrate all dads at this free come-and-go event. In honor of Father’s Day, bring the family and stop by the Myriad Botanical Gardens’ Devon Lawn for a photo in front of a fun Father’s Day backdrop. Share your photos on social using the hashtag #CoolPopsOKC. We’ll have a special chalk obstacle course for families to navigate around the lawn as well as one savory and one sweet food truck on site. Bonus: The first 100 families will receive one Father’s Day coloring craft from MetroFamily and one seed kit from the Myriad for at-home gardening fun. This event is sponsored by Green Bambino. metrofamilymagazine.com

JUNE 27 Glowstick Firefly Night Walk Martin Park Nature Center, 8:30-9:30pm Ages 6+, $5 Learn about the life cycle and habitat of fireflies as well as how they communicate and how you can communicate with them on a night hike led by park staff. Ages 6+, $5, preregister, okc.gov/parksignup . JULY 4 Kids Take Over the Cowboy National Cowboy Museum, 10am-noon All ages, free with admission Celebrate Independence Day in Prosperity Junction, the museum’s Western frontier town. Enjoy a cake walk, crafts, story time and more. Activities are free with museum admission, while supplies last. nationalcowboymuseum.org Find our full calendar of virtual and in-person events at metrofamilymagazine.com/calendar.

JUNE 19-28 Children’s Garden Festival Myriad Gardens, 10am-5pm daily All ages, non-members (ages 2 & up), $8

Spend time in the Children’s Garden and enjoy iconic scenes from favorite children’s books centered on nature including Peter Rabbit , Alice in Wonderland and The Giving Tree . Take part in story times, seed growing lessons and browse books, plants and garden vendors during this 10-day festival. Admission is $8 for nonmembers; free for members and kids 2 & under. myriadgardens.org

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Free therapeutic screening The J.D. McCarty Center for children with developmental disabilities offers a free therapeutic screening for children with special needs and their families to meet with our experts and receive information about services and resources available. The center serves children from birth to age 21. Call 405-307-2800 to schedule a free screening and to learn more about how we enrich the lives of children with disabilities!

June 5th-7th: A Small Town Weekend! Classic Car Shows, Poker Run, Rt. 66 Cruise, Golf Tournament, Food & More! Visit ercruisers.com for dates & details. June 5th: Flashback Friday American Graf  ti $3 includes Free Popcorn! The Centre Theatre, 110 S. Bickford, El Reno June 12th-14th: Townwide Garage Sale

For more info & list of events ELRENOTOURISM.COM FACEBOOK: @VISITELRENO

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405-307-2800 www.jdmc.org

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D i ego San H Dreaming of

EXPLORING BEYOND OKLAHOMA

CLICK FOR MOBILE-FRIENDLY VERSION

BY ERIN PAGE. PHOTO (ABOVE) BY JOHN BAHU , COURTESY OF SANDIEGO.ORG. OTHER PHOTOS PROVIDED.

Day 1 We booked an early morning flight (because, let’s be honest, when it’s vacation day, the kids will be up at the crack of dawn anyway!) to ensure time to play once arriving in San Diego. After picking up our rental car, we headed straight to Seaport Village , a beautiful hub of waterfront dining, shopping and outdoor entertainment. Our kids were intrigued by the antique carousel, danced to live music, begged for ice cream (wishes granted) and enjoyed strolling along the pier. From Seaport Village, it’s a quick walk to the USS Midway Museum , the longest-serving naval aircraft carrier of the 20th century, now a historic museum, where the kids got in free. A self-guided audio tour of more than 60 locations in the carrier takes you though this city upon water, narrated by Midway sailors, from the flight and hanger decks featuring more than 30 restored aircraft to below-decks exhibits exploring how thousands of sailors made this ship home and even a peek at the engine room that kept the craft running. We marveled at the kitchen that served more than 14,000 meals a day, the hospital ward and the size of the sailors’ bunks (tiny!) Other highlights included several climb-aboard aircraft and cockpits (with my Top Gun - loving husband calling first dibs to command the Maverick aircraft). An audio tour especially for kids, including a scavenger hunt to complete for their very own set of wings, kept my trio engaged for several hours.

While traditional vacations may not be viable for all families or destinations for awhile yet, dreaming of future bucket list family vacations and reminiscing on past favorites are never off limits! As we await the time when we can book family adventures again, I’ve been thinking back on our 2019 fall break trip to sunny San Diego that generated a lifetime of memories for our party of five. Even sweeter, October is “Kids Go Free” month in San Diego, and this mama needed no more prompting than the promise of frugal family fun to hit “reserve” on our 2019 fall vacation. Whenever you’re dreaming of visiting San Diego, during fall break to take advantage of kids’ free admission at local hot spots, summertime to sun on the beaches or winter in search of warm weather, our family can promise yours that a trip to the birthplace of California will result in sunshiny memories for years to come. Tuck away our five day itinerary for future planning!

AT THE USS MIDWAY MUSEUM, THE KIDS CHECK OUT A RESTORED AIRCRAFT ABOVE WHILE BELOW DAD IMITATES MAVERICK FROM TOP GUN .

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We chose to stay north of San Diego in Carls- bad, both because we could score cheaper hotel rates and we knew several families who raved about Omni La Costa Resort and Spa . In addition to typical hotel rooms for up to four, they offer larger rooms to comfort - ably fit families of five, plus villas with fully stocked kitchens. We made use of most of the eight (yes, eight!) outdoor swimming pools, especially the family pool with a sandy beach entry and splash landing pool complete with two large water slides, a smaller slide and a splash pad. Three restaurants, two coffee shops/cafes and poolside bars (in season) gave us plenty of dining options without hav - ing to leave the resort, a major plus on our first night when we hit the pool and grabbed pizzas from the marketplace. Day 2 Another reason we opted for the Omni is its proximity to the mecca of Carlsbad, LEGOLAND . To fuel up for a full day of fun, we stopped first at Beach Plum Kitchen in Carlsbad, where old-fashioned buttermilk pancakes and waffles, migas with chorizo and roasted bell peppers and choose-your-hash with options like mushroom and spinach or house-cured pork belly are beautifully presented and top-notch tasty. Don’t miss the blueberry muffins with buttery crumble topping or the homemade pop tarts. To get kid-free admissions to LEGOLAND, tickets must be purchased online ahead of time, and the park only allows one free kid admission per paid adult admission. Arriving about an hour before official opening is key (hint: the gates actually open about 30 minutes early); while rides are only open to hotel guests, early rope drop allowed us to get the lay of the land, check out the gift shop and plan our day.

Our adventure junkies loved the thrill rides, while our youngest most enjoyed driving school, commanding his own LEGO car. Mainland USA is a must-see, with iconic cities built with intricate details. We all loved spotting our favorite fairy tales come to life in LEGO form as we drifted through Fairy Tale Brook and the interactive fun aboard submarines in LEGO CITY Deep Sea Adventure, where we competed in a scavenger hunt on touch screens. For dinner after a fun-filled day, we chose Karl Strauss Brewing for its location near LEGOLAND, family-friendly menu and indoor/outdoor dining options. One of SoCal’s most famous local breweries, Karl Strauss offers everything from indulgent “Mac on Tap” featuring a variety of mac and cheese combinations to spicy salmon or chicken quinoa rice bowls. The kids’ menu included burgers, mac and cheese, chicken and even fruit and veggies (some in our party were happier about this than others).

June 14 10am-3pm Myriad Gardens (Devon Lawn) Celebrate your "Cool" Dad!

Thanks to our sponsors:

VISITING THIS LEGO MECCA WAS A HIGHLIGHT OF OUR SAN DIEGO TRIP.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2020 27

Day 3 Less than a one-hour drive from Carlsbad, the nearby beach town of La Jolla is home to a resident population of wild seals and sea lions, one of our kids’ must-sees in San Diego. We were greeted by a plentiful, playful pod at Children’s Pool at Casa Beach . Though originally created for kids to swim as the name implies, it was quickly taken over by area seals and sea lions, which can now be observed at a respectable distance. Next, we stopped in at Birch Aquarium, where the kids got in free, a small attraction offering special opportunities to understand sea creatures, including public feedings of their famous leopard sharks and sea turtles and a dive show in the two-story kelp forest. In addition to hands-on fun at the outdoor tide pool, the panoramic ocean views are breathtaking.

LA JOLLA SHORES OFFERS HOURS OF SOCAL BEACHY FUN, WHILE A MEAL AT DUKE’S SERVES UP A SLICE OF HAWAII.

A slice of Hawaii in SoCal, lunch at Duke’s in downtown La Jolla overlooks the sparkling sea and features flavorful fare like fish tacos, Korean sticky ribs, seared ahi bowls, fish and chips and the famous (definitely shareable!) Hula Pie, towering macadamia nut ice cream on a chocolate cookie crust, topped with hot fudge, whipped cream and toasted macadamia nuts. We spent a lazy afternoon at La Jolla Shores , a popular public beach, where the ocean was decidedly too frigid for the adults but didn’t deter the kids from frolicking in the surf for hours. Back in Carlsbad, we enjoyed dinner al fresco at Tinleaf Fresh Kitchen , a delicious fast-food alternative with creative salad, sandwich and soup combinations, including the spicy cubano sandwich and mediterranean salad with hearts of palm, chickpeas and candied pistachios.

From Warhol to Koons: Masterworks from the Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation Summer 2020

Organized by the Taubman Museum of Art

Support for the exhibition and related educational and outreach programs has been made possible by a grant from the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation.

Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997). Sweet Dreams, Baby! , 1965, published 1966, from 11 Pop Artists . Screenprint. 37 7/8 x 27 5/8 in. (96.2 x 70.2 cm). Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer. © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein

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Day 4 After a quick breakfast at our hotel overlooking the rolling hills, we made the 45-minute drive to the San Diego Zoo , which met all our expectations and then some! We arrived prior to the 9 a.m. opening, which meant we got right in when the gates opened. In October, kids are automatically free, no pre-purchase or coupon required. With more than 3,700 animals on 100 acres, we planned ahead of time which animals we most wanted to see, focusing especially on those we don’t have at the OKC Zoo. We loved the lush

UP-CLOSE EXPERIENCES WITH INCREDIBLE ANIMALS AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO

greenery of the monkey and tiger trails, and even got to see one of the big cats enjoying his breakfast with educational commentary by a zoo volunteer. At the river hippo trail, an underwater peek at two napping hippopotamuses made us gasp at their sheer size. Penguins zipping through their watery habitat, fuzzy koala bears dozing in their treetop homes and real reindeer grazing next to the habitat of huge polar bears made our favorites list. The grounds of this zoo are out-of-this-world impressive and the engaging volunteers make for an educational experience. Though we packed snacks, we purchased lunch onsite and were pleased with the selection of gourmet bowls, salads and sandwiches with fresh ingredients. Eat early to avoid heavy lunchtime crowds. After a long day of walking, we rested our tired legs poolside and watched our kids speed down the water slides. We opted for a quiet dinner at one of the hotel restaurants, dining outdoors to enjoy a beautiful sunset on our family getaway.

STRESSED?!

Coming this fall! A new permanent exhibit, "Launch to Landing” Oklahomans in Space

• Obedience classes • Boarding school • Private lessons

In 2002, John Bennett Herrington became the first enrolled member of a Native American tribe to fly in space. Herrington was selected as a Mission Specialist for STS-113, the sixteenth Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station.

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