MetroFamily Magazine. OKC Family Fun & Resources. Local events calendar.
MAY/JUNE 2022
Hello Summer! OKC family fun + travel inspo Feeling Overwhelmed? 5 coping strategies for
stressed parents Nature Cure-All Time outdoors = improved mental health Awesome Moms Meet our inspirational contest winners
Their first years. Our first priority. A child’s natural curiosity is boundless. By nurturing that with a thoughtful balance of play and structure, we spark lightbulb moments every day. Learn how our approach inspires a lifelong love of discovery.
Primrose School of Edmond 15000 N Western Oklahoma City, OK 73013 405.285.6787 | PrimroseEdmond.com
Primrose School of SW Oklahoma City 1520 SW 119th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73170 405.793.6000 | PrimroseSWOklahomaCity.com
Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools is a registered trademark of Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. ©2021 Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. All rights reserved. Call to set up a tour today.
26 AWESOME MOMS FINALISTS. BY FOTO ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY.
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS 16 Local Family Fun
10 Education Trend
Make the most of summertime in OKC
How the new transfer law could benefit your family
26 Real Moms of the Metro
12 Frugal Eats Tips to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing healthy foods 14 Nature Nurtures Spend time outdoors to improve family mental health 22 Celebrating Parents Plan your perfect Mother’s Day or Father’s Day in the metro 42 Great Places Discover cities, attractions and organizations that
Meet our inspiring Awesome Moms honorees
32 Calendar of Events
Find the best in #okcfamilyfun this season!
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52 Talking to Kids About Sex
Explaining body parts to and supporting the curiosity of young kids
ON THE COVER Hello Summer! pages 16, 32 & 58 Feeling Overwhelmed? page 56 Nature Cure-All page 14 Awesome Moms page 26
54 Real Dads of the Metro
Nkem House shares his full court life
make central Oklahoma a great place to live
56 Family Mental Wellness
5 coping strategies to reduce parent stress 58 Exploring Oklahoma with Children Plan a peaceful respite at Quartz Mountain 62 Last Look 6 local accounts to follow on ParentTok
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Hello summer! Bring on the sunshine, bare feet and #okcfamilyfun. To help your family plan the best summer ever, our team has compiled our favorite local things to do, plus ideas for exploring the state, within these pages. Besides summer fun, an always- cherished experience for me this time of year is the opportunity to meet and share the stories of local parents. The winners of our annual Awesome Moms contest on page 26 are shining examples of women leading their children, serving our community and giving of themselves, all in an effort to make our world a better place. I hope their heartening journeys will inspire you as a parent like they have me. We are honoring dads again this year, too — share your “dad & me” selfies in our annual contest, plus treat dad to some FREE family fun over Father’s Day weekend at this year’s Kids Fest! Join us at Scissortail Park on June 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for free activities, games and great prizes. If all the summer planning, end of the school year chaos and general parenting duties have you feeling overwhelmed, local mom and licensed mental health professional Katrina Leggins shares her top five tips for managing stress on page 56. I’m using her recommended coping strategies on repeat!
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MetroFamily Magazine is published bimonthly. Copyright 2022 by MetroFamily HoldCo, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or MetroFamily HoldCo, LLC. 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. Publisher Sarah Taylor Managing Editor Erin Page Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo Contributing Writers Lance Evans, Katrina Leggins, Ronneal Mathews, Debbie Murnan Contributing Photographer Bridget Pipkin Art Director Stacy Noakes Senior Project Manager Kirsten Holder Director of Events Casey Shupe Editorial Assistant Emiley Bainbridge Account Executive Dana Price Contact us Mailing address: 6608 N. Western Ave., #458 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 Phone: 405-601-2081 tips@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com
MY THREE ADVENTURERS ARE READY FOR SUMMER!
As we anticipate Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and the return of summer, I hope you’ll also join me in celebrating and encouraging the parents around you — yourself included! With gratitude,
Erin Page Managing Editor
On the Cover Sergio is the winner of our 2022 Cover Kids contest in the 4- to 5-year-old category! He attends Peace Preschool in Edmond where his teacher reports his favorite thing to talk about is his little sister, who calls Sergio her “superman.” Sergio began drawing when he was 2 and especially likes to sketch people. He loves to ride his scooter and bike, build with LEGOS and magnet blocks, sing, dance and swim. Compassionate and loquacious, he is quite the host and likes to makes sure his family and friends have their favorite things to eat and drink. Sergio is the son of Cheryl and Brian and big brother of Sierra, and together they love to play and learn at Science Museum Oklahoma.
Proud member of
Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce & Edmond Chamber of Commerce
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2022 5
OFF THE PAGES
VOTE for your favorites! Thanks to all of you who nominated your favorite OKC businesses, attractions and organizations for MetroFamily’s annual Family Favorites awards! Now it’s time to vote to help us crown the winners – and help local parents easily locate the top metro resources. Vote daily May 4 through 18 at metrofamilymagazine.com/vote. And
each time you vote, you’ll be entered to win a two-night stay for a family of four (one room) at the Gaylord Texan! The winners and finalists will be highlighted in our Everything Guide, which will be published in July.
Tell us about your rad dad! Submit your sweet or silly photos for our Dad & Me Selfie Contest! Upload pics and share a short story about why you love your dad between May 16 and June 10. Then vote for your favorites from June 11 through 17. The winner will receive incredible prizes, including a RadioFlyer Longtail Fat Tire Electric Cargo Bike with the Kid and Cargo and Thule® Yepp Maxi Seat attachments (a $2,560 retail value!). Plus, the winner and two runners up will receive prizes from Anthem Brewing and EOTE Coffee. Find out more at metrofamilymagazine.com/contests.
Sunny days ahead! Looking for super summer family fun? Find Oklahoma’s best beaches, drive-in theaters, summer reading programs, top spots for hiking, tasty summertime treats and much more in our annual Summer Fun Guides. Plan your best summer ever at metrofamilymagazine.com/ summer.
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THE MORE WE LEARN, THE BIGGER WE DREAM.
Education turns dreams into reality. Boeing is proud to support those who give others the knowledge and encouragement to pursue the life of their dreams.
Mark your calendar for Kids Fest!
Kids Fest is BACK! Join us Saturday, June 18 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Scissortail Park for this FREE family fun event. Enjoy hands-on art activities, petting zoo, family games, bounce houses, face painting and characters, plus enter to win fantastic prizes. In addition to all the hands-on fun, you’ll be able to meet dozens of businesses and nonprofits that serve families. Get more info at metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-fest. Kids Fest is generously sponsored by Dental Depot (Presenting Sponsor), Soccer City OKC (Community Sponsor), Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Chester’s Party Barn and Farm (Engagement Sponsors).
Oh, Baby! The team at MetroFamily got to “meet” more than 100 of the cutest babies in OKC through our Cutest Baby Photo Contest! Every single one captured our hearts, and it was next to impossible to select 10 winners. Over the next five issues, we’ll be introducing two winners at a time in the magazine. You can find a full list of winners at metrofamilymagazine.com/cutest-baby-contest. Thanks so much to everyone who submitted photos, and thanks to prize sponsors Green Bambino and lactation consultant Becky Drevets. Blaize Age: 24 months
Favorite things: Blaize loves to eat mashed potatoes and gravy, spend time outside, sing, dance and play basketball, football and soccer. Ariana Age: 4 months Favorite things: Ariana loves her family, smiling, giggling, laughing and cuddling.
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7 weeks de Encanto - June & July 2022. 405-805-6283 www.littlespanishbridge.com Let’s give them a magical and non pandemic summer. A colorful Summer full of friends, music, dancing, diversity, Spanish, positive energy and tons of excitement.
Week 1: Colombia Week 2: Casita Week 3: The Madrigals Week 4: Their “gifts” Week 5: Arepas & Food
Week 6: Antonio’s Animals Week 7: Two Oruguitas
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BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY & JOIN
11 TH 2022 JUNE To sign up to walk, create a team or sponsor: www.rmhc-okc.org/walk-for-kids @ SCISSORTAIL 7:30am 8:30am CHECK-IN START PARK RMHC-OKC provides a “home-away-from-home” for families with seriously ill or injured children receiving medical treatment. Walk For Kids event raises funds and awareness for our families.
Help is here!
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OKC's premier dog trainers. myk9u.com 9217 NW Expressway, OKC facebook.com/MyK9U, Twitter: @K9University, YouTube: K9University
Donations can be mailed to: Ronald McDonald House Charities Oklahoma City P.O. Box 7979 Edmond, OK 73083
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2022 9
Choosing the Right Public School for Your Child
SPONSORED BY
With summer around the corner, it is never too early to start planning and making decisions for next school year. Some of the questions parents might be asking themselves as they prepare for the upcoming school year include: Is this the best educational experience for my kid? Is mental health as important as academics and arts at his current school or should we take advantage of the new open transfer law? Would my student thrive more in an online or in-person learning setting? Whether you are sending your child to school for the first time or thinking about transferring your student to a new school, looking at your neighborhood school is a good place to start. Great things have been happening at Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) in the past few years. From the ambitious Pathway to Greatness project — which reallocated funding to fulfill the district’s vision of providing students with equitable access to learning opportunities — to the Family Connect initiative that provides community resources to families and students, OKCPS is at the forefront of providing both quality education and mental health wellness for students, families and staff. How could the new transfer law benefit my family? SB 783 took effect Jan. 1, 2022, enabling students to transfer up to two times in a school year, as long as capacity hasn’t been exceeded and the student does not have any discipline or truancy issues. • Universal PreK available to all students Open transfer can be especially helpful for those families whose assigned districts have a lottery system for PreK. If a student does not have a seat in their district’s PreK program, they can fill out a transfer request to attend OKCPS. Unlike other school districts that use a lottery system for PreK, OKCPS offers free full day PreK to every family who lives within the district’s boundaries with a seat available for each eligible child. PreK is available for free at every elementary school in OKCPS and at three off-site locations. Children must be 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2022, to be eligible to enroll in PreK. PreK in OKCPS is free for both in and out of district students.
FULL-TIME ART, MUSIC AND PE TEACHERS, COUNSELORS AND NURSES AT EVERY OKCPS SCHOOL PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE.
STUDENTS FROM OKCPS APPLICATION SCHOOL CLASSEN SCHOOL OF ADVANCED STUDIES PERFORM.
OKCPS IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF PROVIDING BOTH QUALITY EDUCATION AND MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS FOR STUDENTS, FAMILIES AND STAFF.
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• Opportunities for a well-rounded, supportive education
Primary and secondary students may want to transfer schools or districts for a variety of reasons, and researching the opportunities available to your child at your local public school is a great place to start. In OKCPS, full-time art, music and PE teachers, counselors and nurses at every school provide students with a well-rounded educational experience regardless of the area they live. Pathway to Greatness allowed OKCPS to provide each student with a learning device and to help with connectivity as needed. Family Connect helps entire families with everything from mental and physical health to senior citizen support and transportation. In addition to the 55 neighborhood schools, the district has three alternative education schools and five application middle and high schools — public schools with a competitive application process and criteria for selection — some of which have been ranked as top in the state of Oklahoma. For students interested in a particular area of study, OKCPS offers specific academies focused on areas of interest at each school. For example, if a student wants to pursue health sciences, there are three high schools that have health science academies: Classen School of Advanced Studies at Northeast, Northwest Classen and U.S. Grant. If a student’s assigned high school wasn’t one of these three schools, transferring would be a great option. • Commitment to diversity With more than 65 languages spoken throughout the school district, OKCPS is one of the most ethnically diverse districts in the state. The Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation helps the district ensure they are hiring teachers who look like the students they’re teaching with the Bilingual and Diversity Pipeline programs. The pipeline provides financial and academic support for paraprofessionals who are bilingual or of color who are already working in OKCPS to earn their teaching certifications. Upon successful completion, the paraprofessionals become full-time teachers in OKCPS.
OKCPS ONLINE EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE SUPPORT FROM A TRADITIONAL SCHOOL WITHIN THE DISTRICT.
• Online education with support from a home school In addition to in-person learning, OKCPS also offers a full-time online educational experience through the e3 program. The e3 program differs from traditional online-only programs by keeping students connected to a neighborhood school and providing the option to take electives like arts and sports at the school. e3 students can also attend field trips with their home school if they choose and OKCPS provides a tablet or laptop and support with connectivity. Graduating seniors can walk with their class at graduation and transcripts will list a traditional school. Out-of- district transfers to OKCPS’s e3 program are welcome. Families interested in transferring into OKCPS should fill out a transfer request form on okcps.org/transfer. Transfers are considered in the order in which they are received and acceptance into the district will depend on school capacity, student’s behavior and attendance. Supporting Your Local Public School Whether or not your student attends an OKCPS school, there are still many ways families can help support the district or the public school near you, such as: • Volunteer: Donate time and volunteer at your local school. From assisting teachers to reading to students and giving a hand with school events, help is always appreciated for busy teachers and staff! To sign up as a volunteer, visit okcps.org/volunteers. • DonorsChoose: If time is a constraint, consider funding an OKCPS classroom project on DonorsChoose.org/OKCPS. From STEM to arts, PE and more, choose a project you’d like to support and help your neighborhood public school! • Coat-A-Kid: Winters in Oklahoma can be brutal. Unfortunately, many students do not have the warmth of a winter coat to bundle up when the temperatures drop. With the Coat-A-Kid program, the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation provides a brand new winter coat to students with only a $20 donation. Make a difference for the children in your community to stay warm during the cold months. Visit okckids.com/coat-a-kid to make a donation. • Vote: Showing up to the polls and making your voice heard through local elections is a great way to support public education. Board of Education members are voted in by their constituents, and new projects, programs and facilities are voted upon through bond elections. Visit your public school district’s website to learn about upcoming elections.
OKCPS PROVIDES RESOURCES AND CONNECTION THROUGH THE NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2022 11
Eat healthy on budget 7 ways to cut costs on your grocery bill without sacrificing nutrition BY LINDSAY CUOMO . SPONSORED BY SHAPE YOUR FUTURE OKLAHOMA.
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Swap your sugary drinks for water. You’ll be cutting calories, saving cash and skipping the sugar crash! Robinson invested in reusable water bottles for everyone in her family and those go with them everywhere. “We are a busy family,” said Robinson. “Having water with us means I am not spending money on juice boxes or things like that.” Create your meal plan with veggies first. When meal planning, most people first consider the protein, but Robinson has started prioritizing what vegetables she wants to serve. Health experts recommend filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables, so Robinson has changed her mentality to let those foods be the star of the meal. “We have so much more variety in our meals now,” said Robinson. “Sometimes we find we don’t even need meat to have a filling, balanced meal.” Shape Your Future has dozens of quick and easy healthy recipes to fit any budget, including kid-friendly snacks that incorporate lots of fruits and vegetables. Start planning at shapeyourfutureok.com/healthy-recipes and shapeyourfutureok.com/recipe-categories/snacks.
As prices soar due to record inflation, families are feeling the pinch, especially at the grocery store. Often, the first items that don’t make the budget are the pricier items, which also tend to be healthier choices. But that doesn’t have to be the case! With these seven tips and recipes from Shape Your Future Oklahoma, you can still serve up healthy meals and stick to your budget. Make a list and stick to it. This is Budgeting 101, but limiting impulse buys is essential to staying on budget. Shape Your Future’s grocery planner (shapeyourfutureok. com/individual_pdfs/grocery-list) helps you prioritize healthy foods and a balanced diet. Erin Robinson, a local mom of three young kids, says meal planning is the most important step to keep her family on budget. “Making a plan for meals and snacks each week really saves us money and makes sure that nothing goes to waste,” shared Robinson. “When prices are high, the last thing I want to do is throw something away.” 1
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Don’t skip the freezer section. Find budget-friendly fruits perfect for smoothies, plus vegetables for soup, stir fry and more in the freezer section. Frozen fruits and vegetables tend to be about half the price of the fresh varieties and have a much longer shelf life. Robinson transfers fresh fruits to her freezer at home to save money, too. “When fruits like pineapple, bananas or berries are close to going bad, I put them in the freezer to use for smoothies later,” said Robinson. Find more ideas on how to cook with frozen fruits and veggies at shapeyourfutureok.com/4-reasons-frozen- veggies-are-the-coolest. Get creative with staple ingredients. Buying in bulk is a tried-and-true way to stretch a budget, and simple ingredients like sweet potatoes, onions, peppers and brown rice can be used in a variety of recipes. Robinson uses this strategy for snacks, too. “My kids always seem to be hungry as soon as we get in the car,” said Robinson. She buys healthy snacks like fruit, cereal and graham crackers and makes easy grab-and-go portions for the week. Always have an easy backup on hand. Because life happens (like forgetting to thaw an important ingredient or someone announcing they have a big school project due the next day), stock up on simple, easy-to-make meals you can throw together in a pinch.
“I always keep two or three quick meals on hand so we are less likely to eat out,” said Robinson. Shape Your Future has 30-plus recipes that take 20 minutes or less to make including crispy oven fries and easy egg drop noodle soup. Peruse all the options at shapeyourfutureok.com/tag/20-minutes-or-less. Don’t skimp on flavor. Food is meant to be enjoyed! Incorporate variety and boost your flavors with affordable seasonings: 1. Italian seasoning: pairs well with potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini and roasted turkey or chicken 2. Chili powder: pairs well with onions, bell peppers, sweet potatoes and low-fat ground meats 3. Garlic powder: pairs well with avocado, cauliflower, asparagus, chicken and salmon
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Find more great ideas to stretch your food budget without sacrificing nutrition at ShapeYourFutureOK.com.
SPONSORED BY
The dinos are here
Tulsazoo.org/roar May 9
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2022 13
Nature Nurtures Spending time outdoors improves family mental health BY ERIN PAGE PHOTOS BY STACY NOAKES
“There are now well over 1,000 studies that point in the same direction — nature is fundamental to our humanity and to the development of children and adults over time,” said Louv. This growing body of scientific research indicates that time spent in nature positively impacts psychological health, physical health and the ability to learn. “One series of studies showed that Attention-Deficit Disorder symptoms go down significantly in kids as young as 5, just through a walk through trees in an urban park,” said Louv. “Cognitive functioning improves; the immune system is strengthened.” Conversely, Louv says some studies on the deficits have been disturbing, showing that in neighborhoods where nature isn’t accessible to kids, the death of infants because of low birth weight is In his newest book, Our Wild Calling: How Connecting with Animals Can Transform Our Lives — and Save Theirs , Louv explores the theory that society is currently plagued by a double pandemic. In addition to COVID, a second pandemic of human loneliness is on the rise. Recent science has associated human isolation with many of the same diseases caused by smoking and obesity. One of the biggest deterrents to children spending time in nature is fear, particularly fear of strangers. “As a species, we are desperate not to feel alone in the universe,” said Louv. “The more science finds out about how animals and trees and other forms of life communicate within their own species and across species, the more we recognize that there is a great conversation going on around us all the time. When we participate in that conversation, we feel less lonely. This has certainly been true during the pandemic.” much higher, even when factoring out other causes. “Literally this is a life and death situation,” said Louv.
The term “nature-deficit disorder” was coined by author and journalist Richard Louv in his 2005 New York Times bestseller Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder to describe the detrimental effects on humans as we spend less time outdoors. Nature-deficit disorder is not a medical diagnosis, but what was at first a tongue-in-cheek phrase has given parents, caregivers and researchers a way to talk about the growing disconnection between kids and nature over the last several decades. Louv is the author of 10 books and has helped launch an international movement to connect children, their families and communities to nature. He co-founded the Children & Nature Network, which supports and mobilizes leaders, educators, activists, parents and others working to turn the trend of an indoor childhood back to the outdoors and to increase safe, equitable access to the natural world for all. As Louv was initially researching the benefits of nature to human development and health (and deficiencies without it) in preparation for Last Child in the Woods , he found only about 60 academic studies on the issue. Since the book’s release, the research has become a growth industry.
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How do you get started? Louv wrote a book about that! Vitamin N: 500 Ways to Enrich the Health & Happiness of Your Family and Community shares hundreds of ideas, many from parents, that families, schools, places of worship and even whole cities can engage in together. Louv shared three of his top tips for families to prioritize time in nature this summer: • Join a Family Nature Club or start your own. In these clubs, several families make regular plans to get together at a park or outdoor location to go on a nature adventure together. The best part, says Louv, is that you don’t have to wait for a foundation or government grant or city approval; you can get started right away and tailor the activities to your group’s needs and desires. By enjoying nature with other families, parents and kids can reduce their sense of isolation, build social capital and improve mental wellness. Head to childrenandnature.org to download a free toolkit to get started. • Remember the power of simplicity. Spending time in nature doesn’t have to require big plans or extended time. Louv’s favorite example is to place a board or rock at the edge of your back yard or a green space near you at the beginning of summer. Come back toward the end of summer and turn it over to see what’s come to live there. Louv says it’s a remarkable experience for kids (and their grown ups!) to discover an entirely new civilization. • Bracket screen time and nature time. Screens are a way of life for many kids, and Louv cautions parents to be careful not to demonize technology. Instead, he suggests “bookending” nature experiences and technology: allow kids their devices before a hike, then ask them to leave them in the car during the hike and, when the hike is over, they can get back to their devices. At that point, parents can even encourage them to look up various plants or animals on their devices, ones they’ve seen or ones they hope to see. Learn more From research to how-to guides, find a wealth of information for families about spending more time in nature at childrenandnature.org. Learn more about Richard Louv and his books at richardlouv.com.
Opt Outdoors
Louv has found even when families are compelled to spend more time in nature, they often don’t know how to start. He walks us through some common questions and provides encouragement: What’s the right dose of vitamin N (or nature)? Louv says some researchers have found that when humans spend 20 minutes outdoors in a natural setting, regularly, they start to see changes in psychological health. “But I’m suspicious of trying to find that answer, “said Louv. “There are so many variables in nature.” Louv’s answer: Some is better than none. More is better than some. And adults need nature, too. “One of the most important things to realize is that nature time isn’t just another list of things to do that causes you stress,” said Louv. “This isn’t the SAT test. We’re not talking about taking kids in the woods and hovering over them with nature flash cards. This is great for you — as a parent. This is a stress reducer not a stress maker.” How can busy parents make it happen? Schedule it. “If we can put soccer on the calendar, we can put nature on the calendar,” said Louv. “We can’t take for granted that it’s going to happen.” Louv also advises that parents approach time in nature with the same wonder and awe as their children, without the pressure of knowing the names of each plant species and without a specific agenda in mind. Delighted discovery is the goal.
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Ultimate Summer Fun LOCAL FAMILY FUN
The season of sunshine, road trips, late nights and bare feet is upon us! Check out these 100 ideas to plan your family’s best summer ever. BY LINDSAY CUOMO
TODDLERS • A is for Art at this year’s Children’s Garden Festival where guests will celebrate art in literature. Myriad Gardens’ award- winning festival, happening June 3-12, features colorful vignettes and hands-on activities inspired by four popular books: The Day the Crayons Quit, Harold and the Purple Crayon, The Dot and Aaron Slater, Illustrator . • Schedule a visit to the zoo or a local farm to hang out with some furry friends! Money-saving tip: check out Juniper’s Butterfly Garden from a participating library and get four free tickets to the OKC Zoo through the Read for Adventure program, sponsored by the OKC Zoo and OG&E. (Valid through June 30, 2022.) • Amp up water play with recycled or repurposed materials and kitchen staples. Add foam blocks or letters, measuring cups, etc. to a kiddie pool for a fun, open-ended playtime. Money-saving tip: plastic water bottles can easily be up-cycled into funnels. • Go on an alphabet hunt to find each letter in the wild! C for “caterpillar” anyone? • Too hot or too wet to play outside? Sensory bins can be your go-to answer! Keep basics on hand such as dried beans, colored rice, scoops and spoons and add in treasures. Or, get pre-made bins from Little Okie Learning Co., a metro-based, mom-owned company. • Visit your local library! Both the Metropolitan and Pioneer libraries have resumed family programming and will be hosting summer reading challenges, story times, STEAM activities and more.
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• Expend some energy to make ice cream in a bag. All you need is a few simple ingredients and some tot-powered churning.Up your bubble game with DIY wands made out of tape and straws or fill a bin with water and soap, plus toy cars, dinosaurs or your tot’s current toy obsession for an epic bubble sensory experience.Utilize found items and sidewalk chalk to craft an outdoor obstacle course. • Use shaving cream to “paint” on the windows. • Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt. Find a list of things to hunt for at metrofamilymagazine. com/outdoor-scavenger-hunt. • Get up close and personal with
• Hunt for your favorite animals in the colorful exhibit Nature’s Course by John Newsom at Oklahoma Contemporary. Newsom’s large-scale paintings of plants and animals are vibrant and engaging for even the youngest artists. Money-saving tip: admission is always free! • Hop aboard art in motion and ride Mo’s Carousel at Myriad Gardens. • Go on a healthy adventure! Shape Your Future, a program of TSET, has put together some summertime adventures that pair fun activities with healthy, kid-friendly recipes at shapeyourfutureok.com/ shape-future-healthy- adventures. • Travel back in time to Zoorassic World, an immersive exhibit featuring more than 25 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, at Tulsa Zoo. The lifelike dinosaurs set in natural vignettes incorporate both movement and sound to give families a realistic experience. Zoorassic World is open daily through Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and admission is $6 ($5 for members) plus zoo admission. Find more info at tulsazoo.org/roar. Money-saving tip: kids under 3 get in free to the zoo and to see the dinos! • Break out the glow sticks for a twilight family walk. • See endangered animals in a whole new way in the special exhibit BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise at the OKC Zoo. The exhibit uses more than one million toy bricks to create one-of-a-kind animal statues. Admission is $5, plus zoo admission. Money-saving tip: kids 2 and under do not require tickets to see the brick creations.
some fascinating vehicles at Edmond Electric’s Touch- a-Truck. Bucket trucks, garbage trucks, police cars and more will
be hanging out at the University of Central Oklahoma on June 4
from 9 a.m. to noon. The first hour is a quiet hour — no horns or other loud noises allowed. • Go on a Listening Walk. Read the
SUMMER ART CAMPS
book by Paul Showers first and then create your own Listening Walk unique to your family and neighborhood. • Stay cool at a local splash pad. Find our favorites at metrofamilymagazine.com/splash- pads-pools-lakes. • Build a blanket fort! • Plan a playdate at a new-to-you park or meet new friends at a Perked Up Playdate happening monthly on the third Tuesday at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Find local favorites and hidden gems at metrofamilymagazine.com/metro-parks. • Visit a locally owned bookstore such as Nappy Roots, Full Circle, Commonplace Books or Best of Books, many of which host weekly story times. • Head off the beaten path for some surprising new-to-you attractions like the Oklahoma Railway Museum or Oklahoma Firefighters Museum! Find more at metrofamilymagazine.com/lesser-known- venues-for-family-fun-in-okc. • Spend the day at Unpluggits Paint & Play, an art studio designed especially for families. Kids as young as 18 months can paint, squish playdough and more, plus play in an indoor play area equipped with a two-story play structure and a toddler treehouse.
AGES 5-12
Monster Makers Mixed Media Jewelry Skateboard Design Galaxy Art Adventure + much more!
Learn more and register at okcontemp.org/camps
405.951.0000 | @okcontemporary 11 NW 11th St, OKC, OK 73103
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2022 17
MIXED AGES • Giddy up cowboy and head to the Chuck Wagon Festival at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, slated for May 28 and 29. • Sign up for a local summer camp! Find options at metrofamilymagazine.com/summer-camps. • Hunt for local murals and other public art pieces and then create your own sidewalk chalk masterpiece at home. Try out our street art scavenger hunt at metrofamilymagazine.com/street-art- scavenger-hunt or make your own! • Go retro and hit up a skating rink near you! Skate Galaxy offers free learn to skate lessons, fun family night packages and extended day skate sessions all summer long. Or, add some spice to a park day at Scissortail Park with a roll around the outdoor Sky Rink. • Enjoy the best of summer at a family-friendly festival. Find our favorites at metrofamilymagazine.com/summer-festivals. • Run through the sprinklers. • Plan a road trip. Find dozens of Oklahoma vacation ideas at metrofamilymagazine.com/ exploring-oklahoma.
• Try frisbee tic-tac-toe! Using masking tape and your favorite frisbee, set this game up outside on a nice day.
• Enjoy the best of locally-grown produce and foods by visiting a local farmers market. Find our favorites at metrofamilymagazine. com/farmers-markets. • Head to a local drive-in movie theater for some nostalgic family fun. • Is it even summer without snow cones?! Check out our favorite spots serving up cool treats at metrofamilymagazine.com/cool-treats. • Plan a nature-inspired outing to commune with the outdoors and each other! Check out hot spots in OKC like Arcadia Lake or Bluff Creek Park or venture farther to one of the many state parks or wildlife preserves in Oklahoma. • Hit an Oklahoma beach! Say what?! The Sooner State offers miles and miles of lake and reservoir splashing fun. Find our favorites at metrofamilymagazine.com/best-beaches-in-oklahoma. • Chihuly returns to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art in June! The Chihuly Studio welcomes back fan favorites as well as new works of art. Money-saving tip: kids always get in free to the museum.
• Tinker
in a metro makerspace! Science Museum Oklahoma has two dedicated
makerspaces offering hands-on creative exploration for all ages. Find more makerspaces at metrofamilymagazine.com/ makerspaces-in-the-metro. • Visit a neighborhood block party. Districts around the metro host monthly street festivals filled with family fun! Find the scoop at metrofamilymagazine.com/street-festivals. • Create an integrated art project, like making a sculpture to explore force or drawing a work of art with patterns. Find instructions from Oklahoma A+ Schools at metrofamilymagazine. com/integrated-arts. • Learn something new at Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s Summer Thursdays. Every Thursday in June and July, enjoy story time, crafts and outdoor games, plus explore the museum to learn about influential Oklahomans. Activities begin at 10 a.m. and continue throughout the day. Money-saving tip: museum admission is free during Summer Thursdays!
• Enjoy summer’s tasty bounty by visiting a local Pick- Your-Own farm with our list at metrofamilymagazine.com/ okc-pick-your-own-farms.
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• Create science experiments with items you already have on hand. Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/simple- science for instructions. • Plan a family movie night. Check out our recs of family-friendly flicks by decade at metrofamilymagazine.com/family- friendly-flicks-by-decade . • Celebrate all the best in OKC family fun at MetroFamily’s FREE Kids Fest! You are invited to an epic park party at Scissortail Park on June 18! • Stay up late to stargaze. • Celebrate Juneteenth, marking the official end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865. Find a family event near you at metrofamilymagazine.com/celebrate- juneteenth-okc. • The mother road of festivals is coming to OKC June 18 and 19. Route 66 Road Fest celebrates the iconic route with classic cars, movies, music and more. • Organize a litter pick-up day in your neighborhood or favorite local park. • Demystify an arctic legend with a visit to Sam Noble Museum. Their exhibit about Narwhals ships out June 19. • Try a new-to-you locally owned restaurant for dine-in or to-go. • Dive into the science of osteology at SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology and see skulls and skeletons from around the world. • Celebrate the Summer Solstice on June 21 at First Americans Museum where visitors can observe the solstice sun set at the tip of the FAM Mound. The free event for all ages includes singing and drumming, round dances and art and science activities relating to the change of seasons. • Plan a backyard campout or go camping at a state park.
• Get creative at Oklahoma Contemporary’s Second Saturdays. Enjoy hands-on fun and visit the galleries. Money-saving tip: admission is always free! • Cheer on the OKC Dodgers at a game. • Make homemade slime or play dough. • Visit the FREE 45th Infantry Division Museum to honor the service of Oklahomans. Enjoy a stroll through Thunderbird Park, where you can see wheeled vehicles, full track vehicles, tanks, aircraft and more. • Ride the streetcar downtown. • Go fishing. Kids ages 5-15 can learn basic fishing skills with OKC Parks’ Hooked on Fishing lessons happening on select Saturdays all summer long. Sign up at okc. gov/parksignup. • Experience turn-of-the-century territorial Oklahoma at the Harn Homestead. • Go bird watching at Martin Park Nature Center. Count the variety of species you see. • Listen to an audiobook as a family. • Play tourist with a ride on the Bricktown Canal boats. • Shut off the screens and play a board game together. • Visit the brand-new Oklahoma State Capitol Museum to learn about the history of our capitol and see unique artifacts about Oklahoma. • Have a hula-hooping contest. • Dedicate an afternoon to pay it forward with random acts of kindness.
JUNE 6–10 // 9AM–3PM This creative, week-long, day camp is designed for kids who have finished 2nd-6th grade. Students explore their creativity through hands-on projects & fun games. The gallery show is at 6pm Friday! $150 • Register now! JULY 11–15 // 9AM–3PM This fun, week-long, day camp is created for kids who have finished 2nd-8th grade. Students will enjoy music, costumes, choreography and more. The full length musical is at 6pm on Friday! $175 • Register now! Early Bird rate: $150 ends May 1st!
CROSSINGS.CHURCH/AWA Get details and register online:
14600 N PORTLAND, OKC, OK 73134 405.755.2227
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2022 19
TWEENS & TEENS
• Take in some tunes at an outdoor concert. Find one near you at metrofamilymagazine. com/outdoor-movies-concerts • Volunteer as a family. Get ideas at metrofamilymagazine.com/family- volunteer-opportunities. • Play a round of disc golf. Find courses to try at metrofamilymagazine.com/disc-golf- courses-in-the-metro. • Get prepped for a family 5k run or 10-mile bike ride. Find training tips from local experts at metrofamilymagazine.com/train- race-ride. • Accept a summer reading challenge. Local libraries are giving away fun prizes! • Catch a flick at the deadCenter Film Festival, June 9 through 12. • Pack a picnic and revisit your favorite childhood park. • Take a spin on the Wheeler Ferris Wheel to see the city skyline from way up high. • Then, kick back with a good book and lounge in the hammocks near the Wheeler Wheel. • Tour downtown to find your favorite selfie spot. Pencil in few of our favorites found at metrofamilymagazine.com/family-photo- backdrops-okc. • Track down your favorite food truck for an outdoor lunch. LET’S DO GREEK FOOD TRUCK
• Test your sleuthing skills and go geocaching. • Putt a round of mini golf.
Find even more resources and ideas to plan your family’s best summer ever at metrofamilymagazine.com/summer. • Cool off by visiting a cave or go wild on a spelunking adventure. Find our faves at metrofamilymagazine.com/oklahoma- caves-to-explore. • Visit the new First Americans Museum to experience history through the lens of the 39 distinct tribal nations in Oklahoma today. • Go hiking. • Brunch around town and let us know your favorite. • Enjoy a new immersive art experience, Synesthesia, by Factory Obscura at Fred Jones Museum of Art. Money-saving tip: museum admission is always free. • Cosplay at New World Comic Con on July 30 at State Fair Park. • Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. A new mobile app lets visitors connect with six storytellers who represent those impacted by the events of April 19, 1995. You can also find scannable augmented reality markers within the museum and more on the app. • Try out Oklahoma’s only indoor skate park, The Daily Shredd, located in Edmond. The spacious indoor park is open to skateboarders as well as roller and in-line skaters. • Go surfing! Yes, you can surf right here in OKC at RIVERSPORT Adventures’ newest attraction Surf OKC. • Visit a local college campus. • Make a family TikTok.
• Embark on a Native art-cation. Find adventure, culture and history through public Native art in Oklahoma. Plan your trip at metrofamilymagazine.com/pubic- native-art.
THE WARRIOR BY ENOCH KELLEY HANEY. COURTESY OF THE CHICKASAW NATION.
• Dust off the bikes and enjoy a family ride. The metro boasts miles of biking trails including lakeside paths and mountain bike trails. Start planning at metrofamilymagazine.com/trail-riding- with-kids. • Channel your inner speedster with go-cart racing. • Schedule a phone-free day to unplug together. • Host a game night to see who will be crowned family champion. Check out our list of reader recommendations at metrofamilymagazine.com/family-board- games • Reach for new heights at a climbing gym.
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SUMMER CAMPS/CLINICS • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • FACILITY RENTAL FOR PRIVATE EVENTS
The
PICNIC ON THE PRAIRIE June 25th, 2022 10:00-2:00 presents
SKATEBOARDS, ROLLER SKATES & INLINE SKATES ARE WELCOME 200 NW 142 ND ST, STE 106, EDMOND, OK 73013 VISIT DAILYSHREDDOKC.COM FOR HOURS, PRICING AND SPECIAL EVENTS. PH. 940-368-4768 PRO SHOP • EQUIPMENT RENTALS • LESSONS: GROUP & PRIVATE
Join our village! Get FULL ACCESS to Spontaneity Kid Care for only $20/month! Membership benefits: • Access to drop off anytime we are open and you need care • Free reservations • Access to our live webcams
while your children are with us *Hourly fees and meals apply when dropping off
For more information, call or text us at (405) 221-8300, option 2! Mon - Thu: 8am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 8am-midnight 3705 W Memorial Rd, Suite 101c, Oklahoma City, OK 73134
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2022 21
Match your personality with OKC’s best attractions, eats & events BY KIRSTEN HOLDER . PHOTOS PROVIDED. If you’re looking to spend your special weekend in a way that truly honors YOU, look no further. We’ve narrowed down the best spots for fun and celebration based on your personality type and interests, no “What Kind of Disney Princess Are You” tests required. No matter what you end up planning for your Mother’s Day or Father’s Day weekend, know that you are an important and special part of your family’s life and you deserve to be celebrated every day! Cheers, moms and dads! ALL ABOUT YOU PLAN A MOTHER’S DAY OR FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND
LEISURE PARENT
Mother’s Day Weekend • Indie Trunk Show
Do you live in athleisure wear and tennis shoes and generally use a backpack or fanny pack to cart your (and your kids’!) stuff? If so, you might be a “Leisure Parent.” The ideal day to celebrate you can (and should) include activities that feed your
you’d rather curl up with a new book, check out the charming Commonplace Books for inspiration and curated hits. Find more spots to shop at MidtownOKC.com.
Shop local artists, crafters, makers and boutiques. May 7; 10am-5pm. State Fair Park Pavilion building, 3212 Wichita Walk • Mother’s Day Dessert Cruise Experience a river cruise and enjoy bite-sized desserts and mimosas at the cash bar with Oklahoma River Cruises. May 8; departures at 1 & 4pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Regatta Landing, 701 S Lincoln Blvd Father’s Day Weekend • Third Saturdays in WesTen Enjoy an Open House at MadPotter and try your hand at the pottery wheel (ages 14+). Then take a tour of Castle Falls, Council Grove and many early 1900s downtown OKC artifacts. June 18; 11am-5pm. WesTen District, Northwest 10th Street Corridor • Father’s Day Cruise Experience a river cruise and enjoy snacks and the scenery with Oklahoma River Cruises. June 19; departure at 1:30pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Regatta Landing, 701 S Lincoln Blvd
comfy and laid-back style. Head down to Midtown District in OKC for a delicious brunch at Neighborhood JAM (you can even get in line ahead of time via Yelp). Treat yourself to the indulgent “Looney
Cakes” (carrot cake pancakes) or opt for the healthy Acai Bowl topped off with a craft latte or creative breakfast cocktail like “My Grandma’s Mug” (Maker’s Mark,
drip coffee, pH toasted caramel, sweet cream and nutmeg). Afterward,
stroll around and shop hop! Your sneaker- loving self will drool over the stunning creations at The Laboratory . If
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SPORTY PARENT
Mother’s Day Weekend • Oklahoma Bicycle Society’s Donut Ride Take a casual ride suitable for beginners and young riders at a pace of 8-10 mph for about 11 miles with a stop for refreshments at a local donut shop. May 7, 9-11am. Will Rogers Tennis Center Parking Lot, NW 36th St & Portland Ave Father’s Day Weekend • Oklahoma Bicycle Society’s Donut Ride See above for details! June 18, 9-11am • MetroFamily Kids Fest Enjoy FREE family fun, like
the newly opened Taco Nation . The mouth-watering Carnitas Tacos or Ancho-Lime Chicken Tacos are a must! Wash it down with an “Okie Sunset,” an aptly-named soda made with coconut, mango and grapefruit mix. End your day by watching the sunset from the top of the Wheeler Ferris Wheel , which was imported from the Santa Monica Pier (passes start at $6).
If your favorite Saturday activity includes waking up before the sun (and the kids!) to get a little sweat sesh in, you might be a “Sporty Parent.” Lace up those sneakers and load up your family for an urban adventure at
RIVERSPORT ! Day passes start around $40 and include activities such as the zip line, sky slides, white water rafting or kayaking, paddleboarding, biking and so much more. You can also choose single- activity passes to go surfing (yes, really)!
Once you’re all adventured out,
inflatables, family games, characters, vendor booths, crafts and a special Father’s Day activity. 10am-2pm. Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St
ride the bike trail over to Wheeler Park for some lunch or dinner at
STAY IN THE GAME Make healthy choices to keep your team together. oklahoma.gov/health
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2022 23
PICASSO CAFE IN THE PASEO DISTRICT
MARY EDDY’S INSIDE 21C MUSEUM HOTEL
GRANOLA PARENT
Mother’s Day Weekend • First Friday Gallery Walk Walk the Paseo District to enjoy galleries offering special themed exhibits, guest artists and a variety of live entertainment. May 6, 6-9pm. Paseo District, NW 30th & 27th Streets, Walker and Hudson Ave • Oklahoma City Flower & Garden Festival Enjoy perusing a variety of vendors with herbs, perennials, roses, produce, pottery, jewelry, wine, food products and food trucks. May 7, 9am-4pm. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W Reno Ave Take part in some FREE zen! Practicing yoga while connecting with nature will help relieve stress and quiet your mind. Classes are open to all levels. 9am. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W Reno Ave Father’s Day Weekend • Myriad in Motion Yoga
If Birkenstocks or Chacos are your summer live- ins, you might be a shoe-in as a “Granola Parent” (pun intended). Spend your special day wandering down the dreamy and colorful Paseo District , which is sure to match your vibe. Start out with some inspiration from one of many art classes available in the district, such as a down-to-earth pottery class from Paseo Pottery, stitching art from Su Casa or stained glass classes from Prairie Arts Collective. Afterward, visit a culinary favorite: Paseo Cafe . From the best vegan cuisine in town to the most mouth-watering queso, this place is sure to please. Might we suggest the Drunken Pear Salad or Lobster Risotto? Top off your experience by grabbing some dietary need-friendly donuts from Holey Rollers and strolling around shops like Betsy King Shoes, JW Jewelry and Home and the many fantastic and unique art galleries.
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