MetroFamily Magazine. OKC Family Fun & Resources. Local events calendar.
2021-2022
Hundreds of must-have family resources to use all year! l y t
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2021
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Features 6 Get the Most
from MetroFamily Discover all the ways to find resources and community
70 Grandparent Guide
Hunt for Oklahoma's state symbols in the wild!
74 Perfect Day in OKC
Metro parents share favorite spots to eat and play
Departments 8 Local Family Fun
Top FREE adventures by season 12 Exploring Oklahoma with Children Take a road trip tour of public Native art Everything Guide 25 After-School Activities 30 Camps 32 Child Care 34 Community Support 36 Education
8 SCISSORTAIL SPRAYGROUND. PHOTO BY STEVE JOHNSON.
40 Health & Fitness 46 Local Shopping 50 Restaurants 54 Parties 58 Places 62 Special Needs 63 Pregnancy & Baby 66 Service Providers
30 Camps
46 Local Shopping
50 Restaurants
66 Service Providers
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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ONE OF MY FAMILY'S FAVORITE ICONIC OKC SPOTS, THE WHEELER DISTRICT.
Y ou may recall in one of my past letters my confession that (more than once) I’ve arrived at a destination only to discover one of my kids didn’t have on shoes. So it feels only fitting that I also confess to you that (more than once) in this past year, I’ve had to turn the car around when I realized *I* had forgotten to put on shoes. I’m not sure if that’s a result of mom brain or the fact that we haven’t gone many places (especially that require shoes!) over the past year of pandemic life. As we turn the corner out of this challenging season, I’m more hopeful than ever that we’ll all need to remember to put on shoes much more frequently as it becomes safer to venture out to enjoy all our family favorite activities, events and attractions! And that also makes this such a perfect time to release our annual Everything Guide! In these pages, you’ll find the best in parent-vetted resources, from after-school activities and healthcare professionals to therapy services and locales for family fun. You’ll want to hang
on to this issue for year-round access to this handy guide, with resources voted upon by the experts — YOU our readers — in our annual Family Favorites Awards. Plus find frugal options for family fun in every season on page 8, and check out recommendations from local families on the activities and eats that comprise their perfect days exploring OKC on page 74. Don’t miss our annual Grandparent’s Guide with ideas to bring together older and younger generations through an epic scavenger hunt to discover Oklahoma’s state symbols in the wild! Whether you’re seeking family fun, the best in OKC resources, a supportive parent community or all of the above, you’ll find it all through MetroFamily. Thank you for being part of our family!
Publisher Sarah Taylor Managing Editor Erin Page Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo Contributing Writers
Sarah Brown Lance Evans Camille Landry Le Tran Contributing Photographer Bridget Pipkin Art Director Stacy Noakes Senior Project Manager Kirsten Holder Director of Events Casey Shupe Sales Dana Price Laura Beam Office Manager Andrea Shanks Contact us NEW MAILING ADDRESS: 6608 N. Western Ave., #458 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 Phone: 405-601-2081 tips@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com
Erin Page Managing Editor
This Issue’s Cover Myles is an actor who enjoys making a full day of a visit to The Plaza District, catching a show at Lyric Theatre, enjoying eats at Empire Slice House and Roxy’s Ice Cream and shopping at Bad Granny’s. Funny and easygoing, the 12-year-old is also into archery and video games and loves to read. Myles will be in the seventh grade at John Rex Charter Middle School this fall and is the son of Alicia and Cedric and little brother of Mason.
MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2021 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.
Proud member of
Also a member of Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Edmond Chamber of Commerce & Moore Chamber of Commerce
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / EVERYTHING GUIDE 2021-2022 5
Get the Most from
Our primary goal at MetroFamily is to make life easier for local parents. We strive to provide connection through community and to offer the most relevant, reliable information to have fun as a family, as well as the services, information and inspiration for you to best parent your children. We know parents have varied preferences when it comes to receiving and seeking information, so we work to meet those needs across many platforms. Join us in the ways that best suit you! Magazine For more than 20 years, our award-winning magazine has been the staple for parents to find local family fun, places to travel and parenting resources. Inside the pages, you’ll find reporting on timely parenting topics, tips on family mental wellness, inspiring stories about local parents and much more. Find a full list of public places to pick up the magazine near
you at metrofamilymagazine.com/find-a-copy , plus read our latest digital editions in an easy-to-read-and-connect format at metrofamilymagazine.com/all-digital-issue .
Website Rely on our award-winning website to keep you up to speed about all that is happening in the metro area. Popular sections include: • Our seasonal lists – Find lists of frugal family fun ideas, festivals, school break camps, ways to find fun indoors, places to get wet when it’s hot and so much more! • Resources – From picking a birthing center to finding the right tutor and selecting after-school activities to parent-vetted medical professionals, we’ve got you covered. Check out directory listings and resources at metrofamilymagazine.com/family-resources . • Contests – Weekend trips, event tickets and packages of products and services are some of the great prizes we offer. Enter often! • Coupons and other ways to save – Find coupons from our advertising partners, plus lists of local restaurant discounts and free family events and attractions. • Calendar – Check out our online calendar for a full list of family- friendly events in the metro. • Volunteer list – Looking for ways to give back as a family? Check out our popular guide at metrofamilymagazine.com/volunteer .
Social Media Interact with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter where we’re serving up everything from daily doses of parenting humor, at-home family activities, seasonal lists of statewide adventures and community with local parents.
MetroFamily Insiders Parents need support and convenience now more than ever. That’s why we launched MetroFamily Insiders! Become a member to receive our magazines delivered straight to your door, plus get early bird tickets to events like Cover Kids and Kids Fest, special discounts and other insider-only deals! A subscription is also a fabulous gift idea for a parent or grandparent in your life. Join today at metrofamilymagazine.com/insider .
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Hashtag Parenting Connect with other local moms and dads through MetroFamily’s blog, featuring the voices of local parents who will make you laugh, cry and feel affirmed. Topics span tips on fun things to do as well as parenting hacks, hilarious authenticity and sobering revelations from a variety of metro parents. Follow along at metrofamilymagazine.com/ category/hashtag-parenting .
E-newsletters Make MetroFamily part of your weekday morning routine, with the latest in family fun, timely news and real-life parenting tips from other metro moms and dads delivered straight to your inbox. Every Friday, get our top ideas or events for weekend family fun for planning made easy. Plus, enjoy special offers from our advertising partners.
Raising OKC Kids Our podcast features conversations with local experts and parents, helping families connect, learn from each other and grow community. Visit metrofamilymagazine. com/raising-okc-kids for chats on topics like family mental health, tips from metro medical professionals, dialogue with city and state officials on topics that concern you and the latest in local family news, or download wherever you get your podcasts.
Events Mark your calendars because Kids Fest is back! On July 24, Kids Fest will be happening across the community in the form of a special adventure tour of many of OKC’s top family fun attractions. Between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., begin your day of fun by visiting one of several “starting point” locations across the metro to pick up your Kids Fest Adventure Map and swag bag and enjoy FREE family fun activities such as art projects, bounce houses and petting zoos! Then choose to visit any number of participating attractions on your map to enjoy more family fun, receive special discounts and participate in great giveaways. Pre-register for this free event and you'll also be entered for a
chance to WIN a family fun getaway to the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas! Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/ kids-fest for more info! Our virtual Cover Kids Search gives local kids a chance to star on our magazine cover! Enter photos of kids ages 2 through 12 and/or sibling groups beginning in August. All entries will receive a virtual swag bag with coupons and activities. Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/ coverkidssearch for more information. Geekapalooza: A STEAM Festival for Kids encourages kids to learn about science, technology, engineering, art and math through a variety of hands-on
activities. This year's event will be held Nov. 6 in conjunction with Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma at their new STEAM- focused facility, Camp Trivera. The day will include kid-friendly workshops about subjects like robotics, coding and geosciences taught by market leaders, live music, food trucks and our popular annual "Geek" costume contest. Bump, Baby & More connects parents of young kids and parents-to-be with local service providers, expert healthcare professionals, metro vendors and shopping and informative workshops. The 2022 event will be announced at metrofamilymagazine.com/bump-baby- more-expo .
No matter how you get your information from MetroFamily — or in how many ways — we hope the information we provide serves to delight, inform and affirm your family life. Let us know how we’re doing and how we can better serve you by emailing tips@metrofamilymagazine.com. METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / EVERYTHING GUIDE 2021-2022 7
LOCAL FAMILY FUN
BEST FREE FAMILY FUN by Season
BY LINDSAY CUOMO . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
SCISSORTAIL PARK
Family flicks under the stars Metro parks are always a solid source of free family fun, but when the warm nights of summer arrive, cities around the metro roll out the red carpet and invite families to enjoy classic films al fresco. From Edmond to Norman and several places in between, enjoy a host of outdoor movie nights. The 2021 summer season movie lineup includes: • Spies in Disguise at Myriad Gardens on July 28 • The Little Giants at Little River Park in Moore on Aug. 13 • Trolls World Tour at Mitch Park in Edmond on Sept. 10 • High School Musical at Lions Park in Norman on Sept. 17 Find even more outdoor movies at metrofamilymagazine.com/summer- outdoor-movies-concerts . Other can’t-miss freebies: • Summer Thursdays at Oklahoma Hall of Fame • Free admission at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art during July & August. • Cat Video Festival at the Myriad Gardens on Aug. 7
Fill an afternoon touring the metro’s urban core to discover the many reasons our city was picked as the best. Before you head out, print our free street-art-scavenger-hunt at metrofamilymagazine.com/street-art- scavenger-hunt for a fun way to engage budding artists. Metro libraries reinvent summer fun! Metro libraries have been a long-time, reader-favorite hub for free fun. Their story times, classes and programming engage a variety of ages in educational enrichment activities year round. Librarians at the Metropolitan Library System are making the most of the summer season with outdoor programs such as Neighborhood Arts events, outdoor story times, yoga in the park and a fun new addition called Storywalk® at the Kiwanis Park Library in Midwest City and the Bethany Library. Storywalk® lets families stroll through the pages of a book as they follow an outdoor path. After enjoying the story, stop in to the library to pick up a related take-home activity. The Moore Library, part of the Pioneer Library System, is hosting kid dance parties and kids’ yoga outside the library. These events combine fun, fitness and community while encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
Summer
Splashing good time Splash pads are a cool spot for free summer fun, in more ways than one! Dump buckets, spray fountains and water slides bring out the kid in children and adults alike, and the OKC metro is home to more than 30 splash pads. Family favorites (literally voted by you, our readers) include Scissortail Park’s cattail-like fountains, Myriad Garden’s Thunder Fountain downtown and Barnett Park’s splash pad in Edmond. The pad in The Village’s Duffner Park is fenced in, which makes it ideal for families with toddlers. Little River Park South’s epic pirate theme and dual slide structure are sure to please older kids. Find a comprehensive list of splash pads at metrofamilymagazine.com/splash-pads . Culture + color collide on an urban street art tour OKC was named Best City for Street Art in 2021 by USA Today readers, topping a list that also includes Cincinnati, Houston and Miami. From the Plaza Walls and Western Avenue to the iconic murals in Bricktown, as well as new pieces popping up around the city, OKC artists have crafted a colorful collection of public art.
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Fall
Engage together by volunteering. It doesn’t cost your family anything but time to volunteer, and those minutes make a world of difference to nonprofit organizations that are usually working to impact change with limited staff and resources. Whether you’re helping pack food, sorting donations, cleaning, hiding books for kids to discover at a local park or something else entirely, your family can feel good and have fun! Chat with your kids about causes they are passionate about and check out our comprehensive guide of volunteer opportunities for families to find ways to get involved in our community. There are dozens of opportunities for a variety of interests at metrofamilymagazine.com/volunteer . Other fall fun freebies you can’t-miss: • Magic Lantern Festival in the Paseo Arts District • Fall Y’all Family Fun at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame • National Weather Festival at the National Weather Center LEFT: FIND A DOWNLOADABLE STAR CHART AT SCIENCEMUSEUMOK.ORG/TONIGHTS-SKY. ABOVE: VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP SORT, PACK AND PREPARE FOOD FOR A VARIETY OF REGIONAL FOOD BANK PROGRAMS.
Lift your eyes to the skies Whether in your own backyard or at a more remote location, take advantage of earlier sunsets to explore the stars. Spread out a blanket and look for satellites, planets and constellations (real ones or ones you make up on your own! Think cloud shapes but set in the stars). Some dates to remember: The Draconids Meteor Shower returns in early October 2021, and the peak coincides with a nearly new moon, which should provide excellent viewing. On Nov. 19, a partial lunar eclipse is expected to be visible in North America. Some of the best stargazing spots in Oklahoma are Roman Nose State Park, Ouachita National Forest and Black Mesa State Park, but any remote spot away from light pollution will enhance your experience. Free apps such as Night Sky or Star Walk can help novice astronomers identify objects in the night sky. Explore the change of seasons on a fall nature hike Cooler temperatures are nature’s invitation to hunt for colorful leaves and other signs autumn has arrived. Load up a daypack with nutritious snacks, binoculars and water and embark on a nature exploration. Animals will be readying for winter, birds and monarch butterflies will be zipping their way south and plants will be shedding their lush green in preparation for the colder days ahead. Altogether, it’s quite a show. The peak of fall foliage season typically arrives
in early November; however, the Oklahoma Department of Tourism, TravelOK.com , keeps a close eye on the fall color forecast at our state’s most popular spots. But you don’t have to travel far to see the change! Close-to-home hiking options include: • Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd) • George M. Sutton Wilderness Park (1920 12th Ave NE, Norman) • Bluff Creek Park (11301 N Meridian Ave) • Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd, Edmond)
WINGED SUMAC FALL COLORS. PHOTO BY STACY NOAKES.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / EVERYTHING GUIDE 2021-2022 9
Winter
Keep an eye out for eagles In the winter, Oklahoma welcomes some high-flying visitors. Hundreds of migratory eagles make our Sooner shorelines their winter home, and the experts at Lake Thunderbird State Park welcome families to tag along on a guided hike to catch a glimpse of these birds in the wild. Park staff starts with an information session and then takes the group on a walking tour through the park. The Eagle Watch hikes happen on select Saturdays from December to March. Space is limited and reservations are required. Find all the details to secure your spot on Lake Thunderbird State Park’s Facebook page. Travel “abroad” with a local story time You won’t find a better bargain than the enriching journey found in the pages of a good book. Local bookstores, metro libraries and other organizations host frequent story times that can whisk your family away to another world or to a far- off imaginary place. Sometimes you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home to enjoy a story time, which is especially convenient when winter weather creeps in. Virtual story times became a hot trend during the peak of the pandemic, and it’s a trend that has continued to engage readers of all ages. Find a story time near you at metrofamilymagazine.com/storytimes . Keep warm at local free museum Learn about Oklahoma’s unique history, see world-class art, explore government and more! Museums are a fun way for families to spend time together and learn about our world, and many high-quality metro museums are completely free. From Oklahoma Contemporary and Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art to the Federal Judicial Learning Center & Museum and even the OKC Rattlesnake Museum, there are so many options for families to explore. Train fanatics will enjoy a visit to the Oklahoma Railway Museum where they can climb aboard train cars, explore a depot and see engines and a caboose.
ABOVE: PRIMARILY FISH-EATERS, GROUPS OF BALD EAGLES TEND TO RETURN TO THE SAME SHORELINES EACH YEAR. BELOW: LIGHTS ON BROADWAY IN AUTOMOBILE ALLEY.
The Edmond Historical Society & Museum has a 1980s exhibit that looks back on an era rich in pop culture. Artifacts connect the decade on local, national and global levels. It’s easy to fill many winter weekends with our free museum round-up at metrofamilymagazine.com/free-museums- in-okc . Other can’t-miss freebies: • Lights on Broadway in Automobile Alley • Holiday parades • First Day hikes Find more free family wintertime events at metrofamilymagazine.com/winter .
EDMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM'S 1980S EXHIBIT
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Spring
Go on a two-wheel adventure! In recent years, the number of bike trails have boomed in the metro as cities invest in amenities that encourage families to get outside and get moving together. In fact, the most adventurous bikers can now ride through an 80-mile network of interconnected trails touching most of Oklahoma City. From the newly-completed Lake Stanley Draper Trail to the ever-popular Mitch Park Trail, families have plenty of ways to have fun and explore our community with minimal gas required. Urban trails like the Oklahoma River Trail and Lake Hefner Trail offer beautiful views away from street traffic. Arcadia Lake has two trail options, a 2.5 mile paved trail and a longer 6.5 mile multi-use dirt track. The Oklahoma Bicycle Society welcomes all skill levels on their weekly Donut Rides that depart from Will Rogers Park’s tennis parking lot on Saturdays at 9 a.m. and head to a local donut shop for a morning treat. Find more bike trails and biking events at metrofamilymagazine.com/bike-okc . Celebrate spring, street festival style As we shake off the winter blues and roll into spring, Oklahoma festival season kicks into high gear and the celebrations are almost non-stop! There is not much better than the community street festivals that celebrate local art, music and food. From long-time favorites like Paseo’s First Friday Gallery Walk to Edmond’s new Vibes art experience, these monthly gatherings bring extra flavor to metro districts and offer families a way to get to know our city and its businesses in a new light. Find a street festival near you at metrofamilymagazine. com/family-friendly-okc-street-festivals . Go park hopping! Spring feels like an awakening of sorts as we break out of our chilly forecasts. The first warm days of sunshine are a welcome gift that never arrive too soon. Step out of your park routine and try out a new-to-you park. Perhaps your family might enjoy a towering playground or maybe a serene park for a picnic and yard games. Or try geocaching, disc golf or futsal! There are dozens of metro parks to check out so the hardest part will be choosing where to start. Find popular parks and hidden gems around the metro at
ARCADIA LAKE MULTIPURPOSE TRAIL. PHOTO BY STACY NOAKES.
VIBES ART EXPERIENCE IN DOWNTOWN EDMOND CELEBRATES CREATIVITY AND LOCAL ARTISTRY.
metrofamilymagazine.com/metro-parks . Other can’t-miss freebies:
• Second Saturdays at Oklahoma Contemporary • Arts Trek at Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art • Covered in Color Artfest in Midwest City • Steamroller Print Fest at ARTSPACE at Untitled
STARS AND STRIPES PARK PLAYGROUND FOR LITTLES. PHOTO BY STACY NOAKES.
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Art - cation!
EXPLORING OKLAHOMA WITH CHILDREN
Take an
Discover adventure, culture & history through public Native art
BY ERIN PAGE. PHOTOS PROVIDED.
THE WARRIOR BY ENOCH KELLEY HANEY IN FRONT OF THE CHICKASAW NATION MEDICAL CAMPUS. COURTESY OF THE CHICKASAW NATION.
When kids are invited to touch, engage with and consider the meaning of public art, their own creativity, imaginations and capacities for learning are piqued … and the same can be true for their grown-ups. Incredible public art like murals and statues abound throughout Oklahoma, but the works created by Native artisans and about Native heritage provide a special bridge between this integral part of Oklahoma’s history and our state’s collective future. “Art is meant to be shared, and it’s one of the best ways to connect people and share our history and culture,” said Owens. “Artisans are some of the best storytellers and stewards of our culture.” In some cases, said Owens, artisans are sharing traditions that span thousands of years, bringing history to life and allowing the viewer to interact, learn and find joy through the experience. Plan your next family adventure around discovering Oklahoma’s Native public art.
Public art adds beauty, a sense of belonging and a unique platform for a community to share its story. The accessibility and the opportunity to experience art in multidimensional, multi-sensory and often out-of-the-box ways also make public art especially perfect for kids to enjoy. “Public art gives folks the opportunity to have an experience with art in a way that’s less intimidating, especially for kids who want to touch things and have a complete experience,” said Travis Owens, director of cultural tourism for the Cherokee Nation. “It meets people where they are to interpret in their own unique ways, and it gives you a different perspective on what art is, what it can be and how to interact with it.”
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Cherokee Nation Tahlequah Under 3 hours east of OKC The people, culture and traditions of the Cherokee Nation have helped shape northeast Oklahoma for generations. With a strong value for public art, thanks in part to the support of First Lady January Hoskin, the Cherokee Nation capital of Tahlequah is the perfect cultural destination for families to enjoy a day trip or stay for a week to take in all the area has to offer. The Cherokee National History Museum, which offers free admission, provides both indoor and outdoor public art experiences. A two-story, multidimensional art installation called Turtle Island Migration in one of the stairwells gives all visitors, but especially kids, an understanding of the limitless capabilities of public art and the people who create it. The piece was created by a team of five Cherokee artists, Cherokee National Treasures Bill Glass, Jr., Dan Mink and Demos Glass and MaryBeth Timothy and David Chaudoin. “You are enveloped and part of the installation — you’re not just looking at a framed photo but seeing a story illustrated in front of your eyes,” said Owens. Located in the original Cherokee National Capitol building, the museum’s immersive, hands-on, multimedia exhibits take visitors from the past to the present, starting with the Cherokee origin story, transporting them through forced removal on the Trail of Tears via the voices of the Cherokee people who lived it and bringing them to the vitality of the Nation today. Visitors can also study the Cherokee syllabary and take lessons in authentic arts and crafts. Nearby and slated to open in summer 2021, a Cherokee art park and cultural pathway will serve as both a public art destination in itself and a pedestrian-friendly walkway connecting a variety of attractions in the historic capital. “We’ll bring the museum experience outside the walls into the public with outdoor, immersive art, statues, rotating displays and the opportunity for the public to participate with chalk art on metal walls,” said Owens. “We are looking forward to future programming like outdoor art experiences, festivals, storytellers, live music and small art markets.” The park and pathway will be an ever-evolving project so families will see something new each time they visit. Nearby: The Cherokee Nation owns and operates several museum sites in downtown Tahlequah, all of which can be accessed by the new art park and cultural pathway, including the Cherokee National Prison Museum and Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum as well as attractions such as the Spider Gallery and Cherokee Arts Center. In addition, opportunities to explore the outdoors include floating the Illinois River, fishing or boating on Lake Tenkiller or Lake Fort Gibson and hiking the JT Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve or Sparrowhawk Hiking Trails. Other cultural destinations just a short drive away include the John Ross Museum in Park Hill, Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum in Sallisaw and Saline Courthouse Museum in Rose.
TURTLE ISLAND MIGRATION IN THE CHEROKEE NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM. COURTESY OF THE CHEROKEE NATION.
CHEROKEE NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM. COURTESY OF THE CHEROKEE NATION.
SEQUOYAH’S CABIN MUSEUM IN SALLISAW. COURTESY OF THE CHEROKEE NATION.
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Chickasaw Nation Sulphur & Ada 1.5 hours southeast of OKC Vibrant murals in Sulphur and Ada, the heart of the Chickasaw Nation, will be of particular interest to young artists as the public works were created with the help of Chickasaw youth. On the former Ada News building, the addition of The Child (or “Baby Yoda,” clad in a Native-style robe) by artist Brent Greenwood (Chickasaw-Ponca) brings attention to the larger mural crafted by 17 Chickasaw teen artists, which they completed as part of a class with the Chickasaw Arts Academy, under the guidance of Natasha Wagner (Chickasaw) and Yatika Starr Fields (Osage, Cherokee, Muscogee Creek). In Sulphur, Greenwood and his son Me-Way-Seh Hunter Greenwood created a mural on the Mahota Textiles building, with inspiration from the designs of the pillows, blankets and purses created by the textiles business incorporated into Greenwood’s representation of the earth, sky and natural elements. The Mahota Textiles Mural is located at the corner of Muskogee Avenue and West 3rd Street in downtown Sulphur, adjacent to Greenwood’s newest mural 3&B featured on the north wall of the 3rd & Broadway boutique. Also in Sulphur, the Chickasaw Cultural Center includes various sculptures on the grounds, including The Arrival by artist Mike Larsen (Chickasaw) commemorating the Chickasaws’ arrival to new territory after forced removal from their homeland. The Warrior , by Enoch Kelley Haney (Seminole), stands proudly over the grounds and
ADA STUDENT MURAL . COURTESY OF BRENT GREENWOOD.
represents the Chickasaw unconquered, unconquerable spirit. Nearby: Plan a full day or extended stay in Chickasaw Country with a stop by the Chickasaw Visitor Center, where you can also view works of art and photography by First American artists, including a prominent wall sculpture by artist Paul Moore (Chickasaw). Chickasaw-Nation-owned Bedré Fine Chocolate in Davis offers melt- in-your-mouth chocolates, handmade confections and coffees. Watch the manufacturing process, sample some goodies and check out the playground out front and another The Warrior statue by Haney. Enjoy the natural beauty of the area with a hike through the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Editor’s note: At the time of publication, the Chickasaw Cultural Center has not yet reopened to the public. Visit chickasawculturalcenter.com for updates and ticket prices.
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RED WARRIOR IN FRONT OF THE NEW CHOCTAW CULTURAL CENTER IN DURANT. COURTESY OF THE CHOCTAW NATION.
Choctaw Nation Durant 2.5 hours southeast of OKC Tvshka Homma, the Red Warrior by John Gooden, watches over the entry of the new Choctaw Cultural Center in Durant, scheduled to open in July 2021. The statue bears the face of Joseph Oklahombi, a Choctaw Code Talker from World War II, and was made in consultation with Sue Folsom and Ian Thompson of the Choctaw Nation to be archaeologically correct in every aspect, from the weaponry to the warrior’s tattoos. The center has been nearly a decade in the making with the intent of preserving and perpetuating Choctaw culture and history. More than 40 Choctaw artisans from around the United States have been working to create a unique kind of art for the center: authentic clothing, tools and household items representing different periods in Choctaw history. Their art will combine with videos, interactive experiences and even food to tell the history of the Choctaw tribe from ancestral times (circa 1250) to current day in Oklahoma. The main building will house two exhibit halls, an art gallery, auditorium and classrooms.
Kids will especially enjoy the Luksi (Turtle) Activity Center where they can explore traditional Choctaw houses, a mini forest and even a giant luksi. The Champuli Café will serve traditional Choctaw foods and the Hvshi Gift Store will offer authentic Choctaw-made items. The surrounding site will include a stickball field, living village and a traditional earthen mound based on Nvnih Waiya, the Mother Mound in the Choctaw homelands in Mississippi. Nearby: While kids aren’t allowed in the casino itself, the majority of the Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant is very family-friendly with an expansive, multi-level pool, complete with water slide, a full-size arcade with skee ball, air hockey and many other games, a movie theater, bowling alley and kid-friendly restaurants. Whether you’re a guest or just passing through, check out the sculpture in the lobby of a white bison atop a waterfall, brought to life every hour by a light and water show. Editor’s note: Visit choctawculturalcenter.com for up-to-date information.
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Close to Home OKC Oklahoma Judicial Center and Oklahoma State Capitol
The Oklahoma Judicial Center, located southeast of the Oklahoma State Capitol, is a treasure trove of public art from the historic to the contemporary. The building is open to the public and free to visit, but guests must go through security. Most legendary are a series of murals on the third floor, commissioned by Kiowa Six artists Monroe Tsatoke and Spencer Asah in 1934. The murals were completed five years after the building was opened in 1929 as the home of the Oklahoma Historical Society, which had formerly been housed in the Capitol basement. In 1961, the legislature named the building in honor of aviator Wiley Post, and when the Historical Society outgrew the building and moved to its new nearby location in 2005, plans were already in the works, thanks to Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Yvonne Kauger, to rename and repurpose the building as the Oklahoma Judicial Center. Building on the foundation of these murals, which were restored during the building’s complete restoration in 2011, the Art in Public Places Committee for the Center’s Art Collection selected, commissioned and acquired pieces connected and relating to the history of Oklahoma, including paintings, sculptures, textiles and photographs. A cornerstone painting commissioned by Mike Wimmer called Kiowa Six pays special homage to the sixth female artist, Lois Bougetah Smoky, oftentimes forgotten in history in the shadow of her five male counterparts. Outdoors, Vietnam Veteran is an eight-foot bronze statue of a soldier wearing a 1960s combat uniform, a tribute to the 54,000 Oklahomans who served in the Vietnam War. Artists Jay O’Meilia and sculptor Bill Sowell (Pawhuska) used an 18-year-old of Osage descent as a model for the monument and were selected by a panel of six Vietnam veterans to design the bronze and granite monument following a statewide competition in 1984. The statue is part of the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial , and the plaza also includes four bas-relief bronze sculptures (depicting battles of WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam), granite panels with the names of Oklahomans who were killed in action in all wars and an eternal flame. Nearby: Across the street at the Oklahoma State Capitol, view the sculpture As Long As the Waters Flow by Allan Houser (Chiricahua Apache). After viewing the maquette of Circle of Life sculpture by Seminole Nation Chief Enoch Kelly Haney at the Judicial Center, travel up Lincoln Boulevard to compare it to the full-size piece outside the Oklahoma Banking Department (2900 N Lincoln Blvd), plus admire his sculpture of The Guardian atop the Capitol dome. Haney was the first full-blood Native to serve in the Oklahoma legislature and has earned the title Master Artist of the Five Civilized Tribes. Fun fact: The cornerstone for the Oklahoma Judicial Center was laid during a ceremony on Statehood Day, Nov. 16, 1929. Items placed inside include the Oklahoma Constitution, the book The Birth of Law and texts printed in Cherokee, Muscogee- Creek and Choctaw, as well as a box of typeface in the Cherokee syllabary invented by Sequoyah.
AS LONG AS THE WATERS FLOW BY ALLAN HOUSER. ATOP THE DOME, THE GUARDIAN BY ENOCH KELLY HANEY.
VIETNAM VETERAN IN FRONT OF THE OKLAHOMA VETERANS MEMORIAL BY JAY O’MEILIA AND BILL SOWELL. COURTESY OF THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMITTEE.
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More public Native art: • Honoring Veterans: Pawhuska. The Osage Veterans Memorial opened in 2018 to honor and remember Osage veterans and their families. In addition to the names of Osage veterans inscribed in granite, the memorial includes a 22-foot sculpture of an eagle feather, the concept and design by members of the original Osage Veterans Memorial Commission. Jarica Walsh, director of art in public places for the Oklahoma Arts Council, notes that Native veterans memorials are common because Native people have such a high service rate. Nearby Osage Nation Museum is the oldest tribal museum in America. • Modern Moccasins: Tulsa. Located at 533 S Peoria in Tulsa, the mural Connected Pathways by artist Nani Chacon (Diné, Chicana) and assisted by Lynette Haozous (Chiricahua Apache [San Carlos Apache Tribe], Diné, Taos Pueblo) features brightly colored and intricately detailed moccasins of modern day Indigenous Oklahoma women. The work is part of the Indigenous Mural Series administered by Yatika Starr Fields (Osage, Cherokee, Muscogee Creek), who notes the significance of the portrayal of celebration and dance, traditions that were put on hold for many during the pandemic. • Hidden Gem: Colony. The childhood home of Justice Kauger, Colony is 90 minutes west of OKC, about 20 minutes south of Weatherford. Artist and university
THE HUNT. PHOTO BY NIEL CHAPMAN. ART BY ERIC TIPPECONNIC.
GRAND ENTRY BY ERIC TIPPECONNIC.
professor Eric Tippeconnic (Comanche) painted murals The Hunt and The Horse Capture on the Jamboree Building, as well as Grand Entry on the Kauger Building. The vibrant colors in Tippeconnic’s works showcase both appreciation for his Comanche ancestors and pride in the modern day culture. The artist’s mural Chairman of the Board can also be enjoyed closer to home at Exhibit C in Bricktown. Editor’s note: Special thanks to Jarica Walsh, director of art in public places for the Oklahoma Arts Council, for her assistance with this article.
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Kids Fest Comes to you! Saturday, July 24 10am - 5PM
Presented by Dental Depot, Kids Fest is back with a fun new theme! And it's all FREE! Families are encouraged to go on a "Kids Fest Adventure Tour" to discover new attractions and businesses and have fun together at our vendor and sponsor locations!
FIRST STOP:
NEXT STEP:
GIVE BACK: At each Starting Point, we are collecting school supplies and/or donations for children in foster care through Citizens Caring for Children.
On July 24 from 10am-1pm, go to a Starting Point near you and get your goodie bag and Adventure Tour map. PLUS your family can enjoy FREE activities such as face painting, bounce houses, art projects and petting zoos.
For the rest of the day, enjoy participating attractions or “stops” on the map that will be offering special activities and/or discounts for Kids Fest participants!
Dental Depot, Yukon Dental Depot, Norman SoccerCity, NW OKC Mitch Park, Edmond Oklahoma Hall of Fame, Downtown OKC
Starting Locations include:
Pregister for this FREE event & be eligible to win a 2-night getaway to the Gaylord Texan Resort!
WIN PRIZES AT KIDS FEST!
Preregister by July 23 at noon and you'll be automatically entered to win a Summer Getaway Package to the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas! PLUS, the first 50 registrants will receive an original OKC jigsaw puzzle by local artist Joshua Boydston. There will be additional chances to win prizes! On the day of the event, post a photo to Instagram while you're on the Kids Fest Adventure Tour using #kidsfest2021 and tagging MetroFamily to be entered to win one of eight prizes of toys, games and more!
Presenting Sponsor:
Community Sponsors:
Engagement Sponsor:
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM/KIDS-FEST
Thank you for a great expo! Held in early June and hosted by MetroFamily and BabiesOK, Bump, Baby & More connected expectant parents and those with young children with the resources and information they need at this important time in their lives. We appreciate all of our sponsors for making this happen and attendees for coming and sharing their wisdom with others. Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/baby to check out the Bump, Baby & More digital edition and directory listings to learn more about our sponsors and vendors, find local resources and to find even more helpful information. See you at next year’s Bump, Baby & More! metrofamilymagazine.com/baby
Thank you to our generous sponsors:
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
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Home Loans in Home Loans in Just Your Size. Building, buying or remodeling? Brittany Yeager, 405-951-9004, NMLS# 1632161 Candi Biggers, 405-951-9013, NMLS# 561546 options suited to your needs. Ask us about our One-Time Close by calling 405-945-8100 . Lorem ipsum Candi Biggers | NMLS# 561546 Brittany Yeager | NMLS# 1632161 Evan Rink | NMLS# 1091911 Jim Schroeder | NMLS# 616720 Marcus Godsy | NMLS# 515533 Mike Channel | NMLS# 653790 Steve Florea | NMLS# 616703 Construction Loans Mortgage Loans
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Laura Aragon
laura.aragon@aaaok.org 405-717-8282 For a personalized
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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / EVERYTHING GUIDE 2021-2022 21
We’re so glad you enjoyed Bump, Baby & More!
Presented by Goldfish Swim School in Edmond
Thank you to the Baby Bump organizers of this event! You guys put together a great welcome box. :) Thank you for making this special miracle even more special. Dara T.
Thanks for putting this on. It has been great! -Felicia P.
So glad these services are offered in the greater OKC area! -Stephanie E.
This is a great program. Thank you for sharing your information today. -Audrey R.
Find resources for local expectant parents and those with young children, including the Bump, Baby & More directory listings and digital edition here: metrofamilymagazine.com.com/bump
Going to have a new baby to love soon?
Build the perfect baby registry at OKC's Baby Store!
Open 7 days a week! GreenBambino.com 405-848-2330 5120 N Shartel Ave, OKC, OK 73118
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2021-2022
l y t Hundreds of must- have family resources to use all year!
Categories 25 After-School Activities 30 Camps 32 Child Care 34 Community Support 36 Education
Welcome to the Everything Guide, a directory you can use year-round for all things family in the OKC metro. From after-school activities and health services to restaurants and places for family fun, find the top-rated places and services as determined by you our readers in our annual Family Favorites awards. From your nominations and then your 24,000 votes, a winner and two finalists in each category were determined. Winners are denoted by a star and finalists by the phrase “A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.” Other advertising partners are also included in this guide. Thank you for your invaluable participation in creating this guide and enjoy, well, everything! Find the complete list of
40 Health & Fitness 46 Local Shopping 50 Restaurants 54 Parties 58 Places 62 Special Needs 63 Pregnancy & Baby 66 Service Providers
2021 Family Favorites honorees at metrofamilymagazine.com/ family-favorites.
After-School Activities
Art Studios/Art Lessons Fine Arts Institute of Edmond 405-340-4481 27 E Edwards St, Edmond edmondfinearts.com Offers a variety of children, teen and adult classes taught by trained, professional artists. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner. Alisa Nelson Studio 405-921-1883 Edmond alisanelsonstudio.com Offers homeschool and after-school art classes for elementary and middle school students, private lessons, summer camps and art parties at an in-home studio. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Unpluggits Paint and Play 405-340-7584 575 Enterprise Dr, Ste 110, Edmond unpluggits.com Provides ceramics, crafts, easel painting and clay workshops for all ages, including adults, plus an indoor playground for children ages 18 months to 10 years. A MetroFamily Family Favorite finalist.
Dance Studios
camaraderie, classes include jazz, tap, ballet, pointe, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary and musical theater. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Velocity Dance Center 405-721-8807 11122 N Rockwell Ave, Ste A-11, OKC oklahomacitydancestudio.com Developmentally-appropriate programs for boys and girls ages 2 and up, for beginners to advanced dancers. Offers ballet, pom, hip hop, jazz and tap. Yvonne Chouteau School of Oklahoma City Ballet 405-843-9898
Studio J Performing Arts Center 405-348-3377 2241 NW 178th St, Edmond studiojdanceok.com
Offers students of all ages and abilities the opportunity for self-expression and faith through the performing arts, including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip hop, boys-only hip hop, contemporary and educational theater. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner. Dance Unlimited 405-242-4612
1217 E Hefner Rd, OKC danceunlimitedpac.com
6800 N Classen, OKC okcballet.org/school
Offers a variety of dance classes for all ages including ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Star Steps 405-348-7827 842 W Danforth Rd, Edmond starstepsdance.com Dance instruction at Star Steps fosters discipline and confidence, builds teamwork and improves self-image. Conducted in a relaxed atmosphere that generates
As the official school of Oklahoma City Ballet, the Yvonne Chouteau School offers classes for students ages 3 to adult from beginner to advanced levels. Students share a facility with the professional company, enriching each student’s experience by allowing them to observe those dancers in classes, rehearsals and performances.
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Gymnastics/Cheer Training Facilities Metro Gymnastics 405-848-5308 7420 Broadway Ext, Ste A, OKC metrogymokc.com Offers staff-led playtime with obstacle courses and other gym features as well as a private party suite. Aerial Silks party for ages 7 and up are led by certified instructors and guide guests through the foundations of aerials skills and a short routine. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner. Oklahoma Gold Gymnastics 405-341-1175 707 Centennial Blvd, Edmond oklahomagoldgymnastics.com Offers tumbling, Ninja Kids and gymnastics for ages 1 through 18. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Twist & Shout Training Center 405-775-9491, Edmond; 405-573-9974, Norman shouterspirit.com Offers competitive and non-competitive tumbling and cheerleading for ages 4 and up. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Martial Arts Studios Christian Karate & Jiu-Jitsu Academy 405-558-1800
Vision Martial Arts Academy 405-321-8474 1310 N Interstate Dr, Norman martialartsnorman.com Kids programs include Taekwondo, Krav Maga, fitness kickboxing and Karate Kubs for little ones. Each week kids are taught how to calmly and effectively deal with bullies, self-discipline, listening skills and more. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Performing Arts Musical Me in OKC 405-503-1389 Multiple locations (Edmond & OKC) musicalmeinokc.com Kindermusik classes for ages 6 and younger. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner. Rosenbalm Academy Of Music 405-657-0311 3601 S Broadway, Ste 350, Edmond rosenbalmacademy.com Learn from highly qualified music educators specializing in individual instruction, multiple instruments and a plethora of styles and genres. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Spotlight Acting Academy 405-242-4612 1217 E Hefner Rd, OKC danceunlimitedpac.com/spotlight- acting-academy Classes focus on educating students on audition techniques, theatre etiquette and the foundations of voice, dancing and acting performance. Students perform two productions each year — one in the fall and one in the spring. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Sports & Sports Leagues SoccerCity of Oklahoma City 405-748-3888 4520 Old Farm Rd, OKC soccercityokcity.com Offers Lil’ Kickers, a developmentally- appropriate soccer skills program to toddlers through age 9 throughout the year, plus leagues, tournaments, camps, clinics and training times for soccer and other indoor sports for all ages. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner.
i9 Sports 405-225-7048 Multiple locations i9sports.com
Offers youth sports leagues, camps and clinics for ages 3 to 14 for flag football, soccer, t-ball, basketball and volleyball throughout the OKC metro. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City Multiple locations ymcaokc.org/programs Swim programs, soccer, martial arts, baseball, football, volleyball and more are offered at multiple YMCA branches, all designed to provide skill instruction, youth development, healthy living and social responsibility through a supportive environment. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Swim Lessons Oklahoma Swim Academy 405-237-5112 15001 Gambels Trail Dr, OKC oklahomaswim.com Teaching all ages a love of safe swimming, OSA offers individualized instruction from infant survival swim lessons to stroke development, all provided in a new state- of-the-art building. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner. Goldfish Swim School - Edmond 405-696-7500 10 NW 146th St, Edmond goldfishswimschool.com/edmond Offers indoor, year-round swim lessons with an emphasis on water safety and skill building for kids ages 4 months to 12 years. Unique programs such as the Jump Start Clinic are designed to fit the schedules and needs of busy families. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City Multiple locations ymcaokc.org Offers swim lessons for children as young as 6 months teaching swim readiness, swim basics, water safety, drowning prevention and more. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.
2217 NW 178th St, Edmond christiankarateacademy.com
Martial arts training for children, teens and adults of all skill levels. Their mission is to build an individual’s spiritual strength and Godly character and to strengthen the body, teach practical self-defense and improve health through the proper teaching of traditional martial arts techniques. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner. Grand Master Won’s Taekwondo 405-793-0752 Multiple locations gmwons.com Offering Taekwondo lessons for ages 5 through 75. Great Grandmaster Won hosts the largest championship in the Central U.S. as well as multiple other annual tournaments and seminars. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.
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