MetroFamily Magazine. OKC Family Fun & Resources. Local events calendar.
MAY/JUNE 2021
Sunny Days Ahead!
100 ideas for summer fun Spectacular Staycation OKC’s newest family fun destination The Buzz about Bees Creating a pollinator- friendly yard
METROPOLITAN LIBRARY SYSTEM
June 1 - July 31
Reading Log Each circle is worth 60 minutes of reading. 60 minutes of reading = 60 points. Color in your circles or mark off when complete.
Activity Log Each activity is worth 5 points. Check off which activities you complete to earn extra points and reach your 600 points! q Read every day for a week. q Read a nonfiction (true) book. q Read a book by your favorite author. q Read a book that has a movie based on it. q Recommend a book you loved to a friend. q Tell a friend about the library. q Write a review (or draw a picture review) of a book!
q Read a book published this year. q Read a book written before you were born. q Read a book outside.
Name
Phone Number
Address
Neighborhood Library
Metropolitan Library Card # (Required to win a drawing prize)
Earn 600 Points to Win Prizes!
2 – Free books* OR 1 – Metro Library tote bag* 1 – Entry to a prize drawing** Two ways to earn points: reading and completing activities. Read 5 minutes or complete 1 reading activity = 5 points. Once you reach 600 points, you receive: 1. DROP OFF your log (or a copy) at any of the 19 Metropolitan Library System locations. 2. MAIL your card (or a copy) to Metropolitan Library System c/o Summer Reading, 300 Park Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73102 3. EMAIL a picture of your completed log to summer.reading@metrolibrary.org
*While supplies and selection last **Valid library card required to be eligible Prize pickup is between Aug. 1-31.
Beanstack App on mobile devices metrolibrary.org/summerreading
Online Visit our website to learn more: metrolibrary.org/summerreading
Paper Logs Use a paper log and then let the library help you log your points
10 100 DAYS OF SUMMER FUN
Features 10 Sunny Days Ahead!
Departments 24 Local Family Fun
100 ideas for summer fun
Plan a spectacular staycation at the new Omni OKC Hotel
16 The Buzz about Bees
28 Real Moms of the Metro Meet our inspiring Awesome Mom honorees 35 Calendar Find the best in #okcfamilyfun this season! 40 Real Dads of the Metro Celebrate our Cool Pops finalists 44 Family Mental Wellness 5 common symptoms of postpartum anxiety + how to heal 58 Exploring Beyond Oklahoma Opt outdoors in colorful Colorado
Creating a pollinator-friendly yard
20 To Moms and Dads with Love Local, sustainable gift ideas for Mother’s Day & Father’s Day 48 Equity in Healthcare? Addressing pre- and postnatal disparities faced by Black mothers 52 Building Family The beauty of adoption, surrogacy and single parenthood
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On the cover Sunny Days Ahead! , page 10 Spectacular Staycation , page 24 The Buzz about Bees , page 16 Super Parents , pages 28 & 40
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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A fter that October 2020 ice storm and February 2021 snowmageddon, I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to welcome the sunny days of summer! As we celebrate the return of this season of outdoor adventure, longer days, bare feet and plenty of ideas for #okcfamilyfun in these pages, we’re also honoring metro parents who’ve been inspirational to so many in the past year. Meet our Awesome Mom finalists on page 28 to read their stories of perseverance and strength, as well as the ways they lean on and cherish their support systems. In a brand new contest, meet our Cool Pops finalists on page 40 for their best dad advice, both encouraging and hilarious. As these heartening stories remind us, navigating parenthood, much less in a pandemic, is not for the faint of heart, but it’s made easier when the challenges we face are normalized. Along those lines, several metro parents share their journeys to having children that have been construed as outside society’s norms, all in an effort to celebrate the many wonderful ways for creating family. Jillian Bray shares the realities of pre- and postnatal healthcare disparities faced by Black mothers as well as important next steps to move toward equity and away from the harm of implicit racial biases. In our family mental wellness series, Thai-An Truong, LPC, describes common symptoms of postpartum anxiety for new moms and practical ways to begin to heal.
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Publisher Sarah Taylor Managing Editor Erin Page Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo Contributing Writers Jillian Bray Chelsea Traber Burns April Deocariza Thai-An Truong, LPC Contributing Photographer Bridget Pipkin Art Director Stacy Noakes Senior Project Manager Kirsten Holder Director of Events Marissa Raglin Sales Dana Price Laura Beam Office Manager 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
CHECK OUT ONE OF MY CREW’S FAVORITE SUMMERTIME DESTINATIONS ON PAGE 58.
As we ease into a new summertime normal, I hope you’ll join me in seeking to affirm and celebrate the moms, dads and families around you — yourself included! With gratitude,
Erin Page Managing Editor
This Month’s Cover Sisters Madison, 10, and Gracie, 8, have fun together making slime, dancing, swimming, playing volleyball and watching scary movies. Both attend Waylond Bonds Elementary School in Moore, Madison in the fourth grade and Gracie in third. Madison and Gracie are the daughters of Stephanie and Kris, and they are a proud U.S. Navy family who moved to the metro less than a year ago. They love to travel as a family, and the girls are enjoying exploring their new hometown, checking out local splash pads and restaurants whenever possible. The sisters are pictured in front of the mural Oklahoma’s Barite Mystery, by Matin Alavi and Haley Spradlin, at Classen Curve.
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 / MAY-JUNE 2021 5
OFF THE PAGES
VOTE for your Faves
METROFAMILY
Show some love to your favorite OKC businesses, attractions and organizations by voting in our annual Family Favorites Awards. Every time you vote, you’ll be entered for a chance to WIN a family vacation package from Visit Frisco in Frisco, Texas. Vote daily May 5 through 19 at metrofamilymagazine.com/vote.
2021
Celebrating Cool Pops –––––––––––––––––––––– The top five finalists in our Dad Advice Contest are featured on page 40, and we need YOU to vote on your favorite! The winner will receive a $250 prize package from Sun and Ski Sports! All five finalists receive dad swag from Red Coyote, Elemental Coffee, Anthem Brewing and MetroFamily. Vote through May 31 at metrofamilymagazine.com/contests.
If you’re expecting a baby or the parent or grandparent of a young child, join us virtually on June 5 for our annual Bump, Baby & More event . You’ll receive quality information from local medical experts and baby product specialists. PLUS you’ll learn about must-have local services and be eligible to win amazing prizes. Attendees will enjoy informative presentations on topics such as water safety by Goldfish Swim School - Edmond and questions you didn’t know to ask your pediatrician/physician by SSM
Health Medical Group. Add to that a live Q&A session with local experts, community conversation boards, a digital goody bag, Cutest Baby Photo Contest and on-demand viewing to watch live or later at your convenience—and it’s a “can’t-miss” event! Upgrade to VIP status to receive a customized box filled with new-parent essentials such as a high-quality receiving blanket, hand purifier and essential oils, a $50 gift card to Green Bambino and more! Register at metrofamilymagazine.com/ bump-baby-more-expo.
THANK YOU TO PRESENTING SPONSOR GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL - EDMOND.
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Sizzling Summer Fun Our annual Summer Fun Guide is full of ideas for your family this season, including Oklahoma’s best beaches, drive-in theaters, summer reading programs, hiking excursions, readers’ favorite summertime treats, ideas to celebrate Independence Day, spots to stargaze, fun fishing holes and much more. Find our guide, plus many more resources and our searchable 100 Days of Summer list, at metrofamilymagazine.com/summer.
DAYS OF Summer
Calling Kid Chefs Get cooking for great prizes! Together with Shape Your Future, we’re hosting a Healthy Kids Cooking Contest . Kids ages 14 and under can enter their culinary creations by providing a detailed recipe, which must include fruit, vegetables or whole grains, and a photo of the dish. Recipes will be judged on taste, creativity, originality and healthy
ingredients. Enter between June 1 and 30 for your chance to WIN a feature story in MetroFamily with details about the kid chef and recipe, prize pack from Shape Your Future and more at metrofamilymagazine.com/contests.
Save the Date! Our hugely popular Kids Fest is back in a big way this year! This event for families will be a virtual Back-to-School Bash on July 31 with incredible prizes, performances by local talent, engaging activities, digital swag bags, science experiments, art
projects, coupons from local businesses and much more! Join us live on July 31 or watch back at your convenience. Enjoy general admission for $12 per family or grab VIP tickets, which include a themed box of back-to-school
essentials, coupons to local attractions and a customized Oklahoma City jigsaw puzzle and activity guide delivered to your door for $35 per family. Tickets go on sale June 5 at metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-fest.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2021 7
NEW & NOW
Men’s peer groups
help normalize mental health supports PHOTO BY S I K E IMAGES
3,000 hours of supervision to become a fully licensed professional counselor. He’s watched as many of the group members have gained a greater understanding of the impact therapy and mental health supports can make in their lives. “The everyday guy who may not even know they have an issue comes to [the] group and identifies that,” said Ihekona, who recalls a group member inspired to get a mental health evaluation and ask for couples therapy resources. “Being in the group allowed him to feel comfortable in asking for support and like he’s not alone.” From dads transitioning to working from home and helping kids with virtual school during the pandemic, guys who have lost their jobs and Black men facing the consistent trauma of racial injustice and navigating talking to their children about it, the conversations span tough topics and lend perspective to a diverse range of participants. “With racial tension and divide, creating diverse groups allows for healing and space to talk about it,” said Ihekona. “White men gain empathy and ask questions and Black men see they care. It’s therapeutic.” Ihekona is determined to help lift the barriers that exist for men to find and feel comfortable accessing mental health supports. Men United Leadership Group is open to all men, and it’s often personal referrals that encourage guys to try out the groups. Once they attend, they’re typically eager to return. “Most men understand the idea of being part of a team — this is men looking for a team of support,” said Ihekona. “Part of peer support is to be the best version of yourself, and it helps to have other guys to help you accomplish that.” Learn more about Men United Leadership Group at facebook.com/ menunitedokc or on Instagram @menunited_okc.
Seven years ago, Steve Ihekona created an informal opportunity for metro men to get together to discuss dating, life challenges and provide camaraderie, not knowing just how impactful that group would grow to be as the members navigate a pandemic. A handful of men meeting each week, discussing life through a Christian lens, has morphed into multiple groups serving a total of about 60 men from various walks of life. Men United Leadership Group now meets virtually every other week in groups of six men, and it’s free for participants. Ihekona realized that while men often have opportunities to gather at places of worship or through religious organizations, there weren’t many local opportunities for diverse men’s peer support groups outside of that. And while men often face an even greater stigma in seeking mental health supports, Ihekona says Men United Leadership Group’s format of guys getting together to share life has helped ease those obstacles and negate stereotypes surrounding therapy. “The stories that have been shared and the guys impacted through these groups have been miraculous,” shared Ihekona, who’s listened to accounts of men on the verge of divorce, struggling at work or facing eviction. “I saw that a lot of guys weren’t necessarily going to church, and while church is important, they needed a place to talk, to get their thoughts out, and that’s what made me decide to become a therapist.” Inspired by his experiences leading the men’s groups, Ihekona, who already had undergraduate and graduate degrees in business and is also an accomplished photographer, earned his master’s degree in science and counseling in 2020. He’s currently obtaining the required
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Ages 5-12
FREE body safety program for kids and families now offered virtually
and a parent guide with information on keeping kids safe and a reminder about what ROAR stands for to create ongoing opportunities for conversation with kids. Visit carecenter-okc.org/we-educate/roar to register for a virtual training for your family or organization serving children and to download family resources to learn together.
Oklahoma City’s The Care Center has long provided its free program ROAR to metro schools and organizations to teach children about personal body safety, how to speak out against abuse and identify adults who can help. In 2020, the program was provided to more than 11,000 metro kids and 132 schools and community organizations. In Oklahoma County, one in three girls and one in five boys will be victims of sexual assault by age 18, according to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Ninety percent of child sexual assault victims are perpetrated upon by someone they know, love or trust. The Care Center is now offering the ROAR program virtually, both for organizations that serve kids and to families. Designed for kids ages 4 to 8, the educational program is based on the character Rex, a lion, who along with his animal friends, takes children on a journey to find his ROAR. The letters in ROAR make up a simple and memorable acronym that teaches kids their bodies are their own and empowers them to stand up against abuse. Along with the virtual program, families can access a plethora of online resources, including listening to the book Rex Finds His ROAR , downloadable coloring sheets
Summer Camps June 1-Aug. 6
• Fun, engaging and innovative arts environment
• Themes include creative robotics, DJing, ceramics, comic design and more • Socially distanced outdoor and in-studio instruction and experiences • Taught by professional teaching artists Spots are filling fast! Register at okcontemp.org/camps
The Care Center helps kids learn to ROAR to educate them on body safety using this acronym: R — Remember privates are private O — OK to say no A — Always talk about secrets R — Raise your voice and tell someone
405.951.0000 | @okcontemporary 11 NW 11th St, OKC, OK 73103
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2021 9
Summer DAYS OF 1 The season of sunshine, late nights, vacations and bare feet is upon us! Whether you’re ready to explore all OKC and the surrounding areas have to offer or you’ll be sticking closer to home, we’ve got something for everyone with these 100 ideas for summer fun!
THIS LIST IS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY RUSTIC ROOTS.
Editor’s note: Bold listings include sponsored activities from our advertising partners.
7. Stroll among dinos at the OKC Zoo! Dino Safari features 15 life-size animatronic dinosaurs that demonstrate movement and sound, plus check out eight dino skeleton replicas. The experience is open May 1 through Oct. 31 (extra ticket required). 8. Vote on your favorite local businesses in MetroFamily’s Family Favorites Awards May 5 through 19 at metrofamilymagazine.com/ contests. When you vote, you’ll be entered to WIN a weekend getaway to Frisco, Texas! And check out Frisco as a great place to take your family with many hands-on attractions to enjoy! 9. Attend oNE OKC’s FREE Street Festival on May 15 from noon to 4 p.m. at Booker T Washington Park to enjoy visual and performing arts, food trucks, pop-up vendors and activities for the whole family. 10. Sign up for a local summer camp! Find in-person and virtual options at metrofamilymagazine.com/summer-camps. 11. Hide children’s books in local parks for other kids to find through Little Read Wagon’s Look for a Book Program. 12. Practice up, then host a hula hoop-ing contest.
1. Check out the mural on the cover (Oklahoma’s Barite Mystery by Matin Alavi and Haley Spradlin) in person in Classen Curve! 2. Create your own sidewalk chalk masterpiece! 3. Test your survival and sleuthing skills at Science Museum Oklahoma, thanks to TWO high-profile, immersive temporary exhibits opening May 1! The Game is Afoot! Sherlock Holmes – The Exhibition and T he Worst-Case Scenario: An Ultimate Survival Experience will be on display through Sept. 6. 4. Visit a locally-owned bookstore, like Nappy Roots, Full Circle, Commonplace Books or Best of Books. 5. Get prehistoric at the Sam Noble Museum to see Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice through May 16. Perfect for kids ages 3 through 10, the exhibit transports families back to the Cretaceous Period (145 – 65 million years ago), the time when large dinosaurs last roamed the earth, to meet dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes inside two distinct environments with a variety of activities. 6. Before school gets out, ask your teacher for their address so you can write letters back and forth over the summer.
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BOLD LISTINGS ARE FROM OUR ADVERTISING PARTNERS.
18. Visit the new El Mercado at Calle Dos Cinco every Saturday this summer beginning June 5. Enjoy pop-up shops by locally-owned entrepreneurs in this Latin-style farmers market. The shops are located at the corner of SW 25th Street and Robinson Avenue. 19. Make a card to thank local healthcare workers. Find out where to send them at metrofamilymagazine.com/okc-hospitals-need-our-support. 20. Make Mondays for movement at Metro Gymnastics! One-day instructional gymnastics classes for kids include crafts, games and gymnastics fun. 21. Create an integrated arts 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. 22. Get crafty at Unpluggits Paint & Play, where you can choose from a variety of ceramics and crafts, plus kids can enjoy the indoor playground, easels and paints, play dough tables and more. Or pick up a ceramics or paint and take to-go kit to enjoy the fun at home! 23. Hold a food drive with friends, family or neighbors and donate what you collect to a local nonprofit serving families, like Filling Tummies, Upward Transitions or City Care. 24. Create science experiments with items you already have on hand. Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/simple-science for instructions. 25. Take the Water Guardian pledge at Goldfish Swim School - Edmond to prioritize water safety all summer long — and receive FREE lanyards to be worn by the adult designated to watch kids in the water without distractions.
13. Head to southeast Oklahoma for an unforgettable family getaway at Oklahoma Awesome Adventures, where you can rent a cabin to enjoy the beauty of nature, plus visit nearby Endangered Ark Foundation to experience an educational interaction with endangered Asian elephants. 14. Go skiing and snowboarding ... in the summer? Yes! RIVERSPORT OKC opens a NEW experience this Memorial Day weekend: Ski OKC, an indoor ski slope offering infinite, articulating skiing experiences. 15. Choose your favorite kids’ books in MetroFamily’s Summer Reading Bracket Contest for a chance to WIN a local staycation at The Lodge OKC, a virtual cooking class from Sur la Table and other great prizes. Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/contests to participate from May 1 to 31. 16. Commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre by learning about the events as a family. Learn more at metrofamilymagazine.com/remembering-the-tulsa-race-massacre. 17. If you’re expecting a baby or the parent of young kids, make plans to join MetroFamily virtually for our Bump, Baby & More expo on June 5. Hear from local medical experts, meet metro parents in the same life stage and get registered for giveaways. Plus enter your baby in our Cutest Baby Photo Contest for a chance at being featured in a special Bump, Baby & More issue. Find out more at metrofamilymagazine. com/bump-baby-more-expo.
26. Visit the Oklahoma Hall of Fame on Thursdays beginning June 5, or the second Saturday each month, to enjoy FREE admission, high- tech museum exhibits, crafts and activities and more! 27. Go on an alphabet hunt to find each letter out in the wild! C for “caterpillar” anyone? 26
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2021 11
100 days of Summer
34. Eat cookies for a good cause! Purchase sweet treats from Catalyst Cookies to support the mission of local nonprofit Remerge, a diversion program for high-risk, high-need moms. 35. Visit a metro community garden to teach kids about sustainability, examine future career options and build new friendships. Find options at metrofamilymagazine.com/community-gardens. 36. Pack up the too-small kids’ clothing to resell (and recycle!) at Once Upon a Child. Use the cash you receive on the spot to scope out new- to-you summer wear! 37. Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt. Find a list of things to hunt for at metrofamilymagazine.com/outdoor-scavenger-hunt. 38. 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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28. Head West! To the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, that is, for the Chuck Wagon Festival May 29-30. Enjoy chuck wagon and Native food samples, artisan demonstrations, live music, crafts and more. Don’t miss Liichokoshkomo’, the outdoor education experience and playscape. 29. Try frisbee tic-tac-toe! Using masking tape and your favorite frisbee, set this game up outside on a nice day. 30. Enjoy the best of locally-grown produce and foods by visiting a local farmers market. Find our favorites at metrofamilymagazine. com/farmers-markets. This list is generously sponsored by Edmond Farmers Market, where you even pre-order your items for pick-up, a parent’s literal dream!
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39. Is it even summer without snow cones?! Check out our favorite spots serving up cool treats at metrofamilymagazine.com/cool- treats. This list is generously sponsored by The Ice Shop — serving up 40+ flavors like cherry limeade and mango sorbet. 40. Soak up the sun with a walk through Scissortail Park. Then enjoy playtime on the unique playscape, pedal boat around the lake or take a spin on the roller rink. 41. Plan a nature-inspired day trip to commune with the outdoors and each other! Find four unique spots to explore at metrofamilymagazine.com/ explore-nature-in-oklahoma. 42. Cool off by visiting a cave or go wild on a spelunking adventure. Find our faves at metrofamilymagazine.com/oklahoma-caves-to-explore- with-kids. 43. Enjoy a truly unique immersive art experience at Factory Obscura’s Mix-Tape. 44. 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. 45. Grab a good book and read outdoors. 46. Play disc golf. Find courses to try at metrofamilymagazine.com/disc- golf-courses-in-the-metro.
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31. Visit Oklahoma Contemporary on the second Saturday of each month for a FREE, socially distanced, family-focused day of hands- on art activities, performances and adventures for visitors of all ages. Timed tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. 32. Create your own fairy garden using plants, stones and other natural finds. Bonus points for added flair such as gemstones, painted signs and a fairy house! 33. Enjoy nostalgic family fun at a local drive-in movie theater.
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BOLD LISTINGS ARE FROM OUR ADVERTISING PARTNERS.
47. Make it a summer of DIY projects! Check out family-friendly, instructor-led classes at AR Workshop in Edmond, where you can create unique DIY home décor, including pillows, doormats, wooden trays and signs and so much more. Plus, check out their DIY to-go kits! 48. Meet up with a friend for an outdoor playdate. Find our favorite spots at metrofamilymagazine.com/play-dates. 49. Catch the best in independent films from across the world and all over Oklahoma in the deadCenter Film Festival June 10 through 20! Opt for virtual or in-person screenings of exciting new short films, insightful documentaries, hilarious comedies, hair-raising thrillers, terrifying movies and more. 50. Play tourist with a ride on the Bricktown Canal boats. 51. Get prepped for a family 5k run or 10-mile bike ride. Find training tips from local experts at metrofamilymagazine.com/train-race-ride. 52. Plan a family movie night with a twist. Check out our recs of family- friendly flicks by decade at metrofamilymagazine.com/family-friendly- flicks-by-decade, then dress like the time period! 53. Celebrate Juneteenth, marking the official end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865. Find a family fun event near you at metrofamilymagazine.com/celebrate-juneteenth-okc.
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54. Enjoy 10 days of activities, crafts and creative displays at the Myriad Garden’s Children’s Garden Festival June 11 through 20. This year’s festival brings books to life with the theme of “Tiny Gardens and Enchanted Woods” through activities and enchanting vignettes, plus enjoy FREE rides on Mo’s Carousel.
SAT. JUNE 5, 2021 7:30 A.M.–NOON SPRING CREEK PARK KIDS AGES 5–15 FREE EVENT ARCADIA LAKE’S KIDS FISHING DERBY
AR
REGISTER NOW: WWW.ARWORKSHOP.COM/EDMOND
You belong
AT VDC!
405-216-7471
REGISTER NOW FOR DANCE CLASSES!
and worms will be for sale at the event site. Parents must accompany children.
405.721.8807 Text Metro for a special offer oklahomacitydancestudio.com
Masks are required at the registration/awards area.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2021 13
100 days of Summer
70. Groove to concerts in the park every Thursday evening in Yukon’s Chisholm Trail Park, June through August. 71. Start a regular family yoga, meditation or mindfulness practice. 72. Ride the streetcar downtown. 73. Become a MetroFamily Insider to get our magazines mailed straight to your door, exclusive deals, discounts on our annual events like Kids Fest and Cover Kids, plus more! Find all the details at metrofamilymagazine.com/insider. 74. Try a new-to-you locally owned restaurant for dine-in or to-go. 75. Festival of the Arts returns to OKC with an all-new summer experience June 22 through 27. Enjoy the community celebration of the visual, performing and culinary arts in downtown OKC’s Bicentennial Park. 76. Take a spin on the Wheeler Ferris Wheel to see the city skyline from way up high. 77. Join OKC Pride Alliance for family-friendly events and activities during Oklahoma City’s Inaugural Downtown Pride Festival and Parade June 25 through 27. 78. Travel back in time to the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s The Painters of Pompeii: Roman Frescoes from the National Archaeological Museum exhibit . The exhibition highlights this snapshot in time through more than 80 artifacts and artworks and will be on display June 26 through Oct. 17. 79. Independence Day parades are back! Find local celebrations at metrofamilymagazine.com/independence-day-fun-guide. Or create your own parade at home by decorating your bike, scooter or yourself! 80. Get inspired by a crafty class at Kids Inspirations in Del City with options for all ages! Plus, shop, sell or trade at their resale store specializing in kids’ toys, clothing and handcrafted items. 81. Plan a backyard campout or go camping at a state park. 82. Cheer on the OKC Dodgers at a game. 83. 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. 84. Host a family fashion show where the most creative ensemble wins! 85. Go fishing. 86. Take a road trip to the Chickasaw Recreation Area for hiking and swimming. 87. See a real spacecraft in the Oklahoma History Center’s Launch to Landing: Oklahomans and Space exhibit . In addition to the Skylab 4 Apollo Command Module, check out flight suits and other items belonging to Oklahoma astronauts. 88. Enjoy the best of summer at a family-friendly festival. Find our favorites at metrofamilymagazine.com/summer-festivals. 89. Take a trip to Tulsa to explore The Gathering Place. Make a day or weekend of it with ideas at metrofamilymagazine.com/travelin-on- tulsa-time.
55. Head north to enjoy the wide open spaces and plenty of family fun at the Rustic Roots Sunflower Festival on June 12! Enjoy facepainting, live music, a petting zoo, yard games, food trucks, a hot dog eating contest, a corn hole tournament, pageants for kids ages 3 to 14 and much more! $10 gate fee. The fun starts at 10 a.m. 56. Meet the amazing alpacas of Magnolia Blossom Ranch near Newcastle! 57. Plan a downtown staycation at the new Omni OKC Hotel, with plenty of family fun nearby. Get started on your itinerary with ideas on page 24.
58. Stay cool at a local splash pad. Find our favorites at metrofamilymagazine.com/splash-pads-pools-lakes.
59. Care for local school gardens as a family while students are out for the summer with Restore OKC, or every second Saturday join with community members to provide home repairs for Northeast OKC neighbors. 60. Take swim lessons to learn water safety, survival skills or practice strokes. Find our guide, sponsored by Oklahoma Swim Academy, at metrofamilymagazine.com/swimming-lessons. 61. Stay up late to stargaze. 62. Dig for selenite crystals at the Great Salt Plains. Get tips on what to take with you at metrofamilymagazine.com/digging-great-salt-plains. 63. Go geocaching. 64. Tag #okcfamilyfun in your posts of summer adventures for a chance to be featured on MetroFamily’s social media or in the magazine! 65. Build a bee-friendly backyard, and learn why these pollinators are crucial to our ecosystem. Get tips on page 16. 66. Organize a litter pick-up day in your neighborhood or favorite local park. 67. Take a donation of prepackaged snacks and water or Gatorade bottles to your local fire station. 68. Cook up a new recipe as a family, then enter it in Shape Your Future’s Healthy Kids Cooking Contest for a chance to win great prizes from June 1 through 30. Find out more at metrofamilymagazine.com/ contests. 69. Run through the sprinklers.
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BOLD LISTINGS ARE FROM OUR ADVERTISING PARTNERS.
90. Experience turn-of-the-century territorial Oklahoma at the Harn Homestead. 91. Make your own ice cream sundae bar! Bonus points for the most creative toppings. 92. Go bird watching at Martin Park Nature Center. Count the variety of species you see. 93. Head north to Stillwater to visit the Oklahoma State University Botanic Garden. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy. 94. Listen to an audiobook as a family. 95. Volunteer as a family. Find ideas at metrofamilymagazine.com/family- volunteer-opportunities. 96. Shut off the screens and play a board game together. Shop locally for the best in family games and unique kids’ toys at Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books. Shop in store or call ahead to get curbside pick-up, both including excellent staff recommendations based on kids’ ages. 97. Visit the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, the largest protected remnant of tallgrass prairie on earth, near Pawhuska. Keep your eyes peeled for new bison calves. 98. Make homemade slime or play dough.
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99. Celebrate the end of summer with Metro Family’s Kids Fest, a virtual Back to School Bash on July 31. Enjoy incredible prizes, performances by local talent, engaging activities, digital swag bags, science experiments and art projects, coupons from local businesses and much more! Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/kids- fest for more info. 100. Enter your child in MetroFamily’s Cover Kid Contest for a chance to be featured on our cover! The contest begins Aug. 1. Find out more at metrofamilymagazine.com/coverkidssearch.
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Our Jump Start Clinics are a quick and easy way to get your kids swim ready or to advance to the next level, while learning how to be safer in and around the water.
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WHAT? 5 consecutive 30-minute lessons, same time, same instructor, Monday - Friday WHEN? June 1 - August 6 | 9am - 12pm COST? $111.25/members, $138.35/non-members
EDMOND | 405.696.7500 | goldfishswimschool.com |
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2021 15
Friendly 5 tips to create a pollinator-pleasing backyard BEE
BY CHELSEA TRABER BURNS . PHOTOS BY CHET BURNS AND SWEET STINGERS HONEY AND APIARY .
about 2.5 million today. But it’s not just honeybees that are on the decline; unfortunately bumblebees are, too. A study published by the Journal of Science in February 2020 found that areas populated by bumblebees have dropped by 47 percent in North America. So, why does this matter to your family? Let us count the ways ... Why we need bees Simply put: We couldn’t survive without them. The USDA reports that in the United States more than one third of all crop production – 90 crops ranging from nuts to berries to flowering vegetables — require insect pollination. In fact, some crops, like almonds, can only be pollinated by honeybees. So if the number of bees keeps declining that, in turn, means less crops, resulting in a rise in price on some of your favorite fruits and veggies (or in this case, almond milk) at the grocery store. The decline also hurts the economy as the added revenue to crop production from pollinators is valued at $18 billion, according to the USDA. Pollinators also help support healthy ecosystems needed for clean air, stable soils and diverse wildlife. And if you’re a backyard gardener, inviting more pollinators to your yard will help you produce bigger, healthier and more delicious fruits and veggies.
Throughout the past year, when most activities and traveling were uncertain or unsafe, you, like many families, probably turned to your own backyard as a great escape. And while there may not have been too many human visitors stopping by, you might have noticed all the bugs that crawl, fly or scoot through and also call your backyard home. They all play an important role in your yard’s (and the Earth’s) ecosystem. One category of visitors that are particularly important: pollinators. By definition, according to the National Park Service, a pollinator is anything that helps carry pollen from the male part of the flower (stamen) to the female part of the same or another flower (stigma). This is crucial because a plant must be pollinated to produce fruit or seeds or to make new plants. While some plants can self-pollinate, others are pollinated by insects. Arguably the most popular and well known pollinator is, you guessed it, bees! The yellow and black insects have garnered extra buzz in recent years for some unfortunate reasons. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the number of managed honeybee colonies has dropped from 6 million colonies in 1947 to
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LEXI AND LUCAS SCOTT LEARN THEIR FAMILY’S BEEKEEPING BUSINESS ALONGSIDE DAD JUSTIN.
What you can do to help Now for the good news: You can make a difference! Even if you don’t want to host a beehive in your backyard, there are lots of ways your family can help. Check out this step-by-step guide from Justin Scott, a local dad, beekeeper and founder of Sweet Stingers Honey and Apiary, to make your yard a little more buzz-worthy: 1. Choose an area to focus on . Bees are very efficient, and they’re more likely to visit a place that’s dense with pollen and nectar rather than a single flower. Look for a sunny spot to create a pollinator-friendly garden as most pollinators prefer sunshine over shade. 2. Select a variety of native plants . Choosing plants local to your area not only ensures the plants will thrive, it also helps feed and grow the population of local pollinators. Look for plants that have varying bloom times so bees and other pollinators will have a reason to visit throughout the seasons. Justin’s favorite plants for year-round blooms include milkweed, asters, bee balm, Maximilian sunflower, Indian blanket, goldenrod, Butterflyweed, Indigo (cream or yellow) Narrow Leaf Mountain mint and Celestial lily.
Editor’s note: This article is part of a collaboration with our partners at 405 Magazine and Edible OKC Magazine to collectively share editorial content on the positive power of green living and sustainability practices in Oklahoma City. Special thanks to Plenty Mercantile and Oklahoma Environmental Services who sponsored this series of articles. 5. Cut back on pesticides . Pesticides can be deadly to bees and other pollinators so try to refrain from using them in your yard. Plus, pollinators will love any flowering weeds you may get as a result. 3. Bigger is better . A large bush or multiples of the same plant bunched together are better than a few stems of flowers. When bees go out to forage, they’re trying to work smarter, not harder, so they’re more likely to choose a spot where they can find a bunch of flowers at once. 4. Add a watering hole . Just like us, pollinators need water to survive so it’s important to help them out by providing a water source—particularly in the hot summer months when it’s hard for them to find water elsewhere. Place rocks or pebbles on a shallow dish then add water and place it near your garden. The rocks act as a landing spot for pollinators so they can get a drink without drowning. Already have a bird bath? Just place some rocks on the edges to make it pollinator-friendly.
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4 ways to go green beyond your backyard • Make the swap to clean beauty . You’ve probably thought twice about what you put IN your body, but what about what • Try meatless Mondays . Your greenhouse gas (the gases in the Earth’s
• Buy local . Supporting your Oklahoma farmers and businesses helps the local economy but it also helps reduce the carbon footprint since the products didn’t have to travel far.
atmosphere that trap heat) footprint drops by 50 percent when you opt for a plant-based meal. A simple swap: PB&J! • Walk it out . Not only is it good for your body and mind, walking also cuts back on the carbon emissions released by your car.
you slather and apply onto your body? Use the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database to see where your products land on the toxicity scale, then make the swap to a cleaner alternative.
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Sweet Stingers Honey & Apiary is a locally-owned, family-run business offering raw Oklahoma honey, pollen, beeswax, gifts and gift packages featuring other locally-owned businesses, pollination services and hive hosting. Founders Justin and Melissa Scott have a passion for beekeeping with their two kids and sharing that passion with others. Learn all about bees and beekeeping, more tips for creating a pollinator-friendly yard and get weekly recipes at facebook.com/sweetstingers or on Instagram @sweetstingersok.
The buzz about bees • A honeybee will travel more than 55,000 miles in her lifetime • Female honeybees account for approximately 95 percent of their hive’s population
• There are more than 4,000 native bees in the United States , but surprisingly honeybees aren’t one of them • The average honeybee produces 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime • The average American consumes about 1.5 pounds of honey each year • Bumblebees are the only effective pollinator for peppers, tomatoes and cranberries
• The male honeybee’s main objective is to spread his hive’s DNA by mating with a queen from another hive • Only female honeybees can sting • A healthy queen honeybee can lay more than 2,000 eggs per day • One way bees communicate with each other is by doing what’s called a waggle dance
• During the winter, this percentage increases to 100 percent as all the males are kicked out of the hive
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Waiting lists for future years ages 2 through PreK also available. Now enrolling for Fall 2021.
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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2021 19
GIFT GUIDE
Local & Sustainable Gifts for Moms and Dads BY KIRSTEN HOLDER . PHOTOS BY KIRSTEN HOLDER AND PROVIDED. We’ve rounded up our favorite gifts for your partner, parent, friend or grandparent to celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, with a focus on supporting local businesses, promoting sustainability and adding some summer fun to any day. Use this guide to feel good about your gifting!
Make Mom Smile
Lori Belle’s Honey + Tee from Paseo Farmers Market The Paseo Farmers Market adapted their procedures to ensure safety while still providing local, nutritious options to the community. Preorder your goods online Monday through Thursday and pick up the following Saturday. Locally-sourced honey, like that from Lori Belle’s, has a multitude of health benefits, including allergy and sore throat relief, assistance in digestive issues, a good source of antioxidants and more. You can’t go wrong with a basket of locally-sourced kitchen staples! paseofarmersmarket.com
Signature Candle by Solare This organic beeswax and pure soy blended candle is hand poured by two local mamas and co-owners of Solare. The scent is subtle, floral and unique, and it actually purifies the air (and is said to uplift the mood) by releasing negative ions. After all the past year has brought us, bring on those rose- scented good moods! Order online at solare-shop.com.
Rainbow Mesh Net Reusable Bag from Plenty Mercantile
Bringing your own bag never looked so fun and stylish. Perfect for keeping on-call in your purse or car, this bag is ideal for the grocery store, farmers market, the beach, playdates and more. Plus, you can’t help but see the vibrant rainbow color pattern and smile! plentymercantile.com
Composting Class from Edmond Parks and Recreation Looking for some quality time ideas? Edmond Parks and Recreation offer online and in-person classes throughout the spring and summer, with topics ranging from composting and responsible irrigation classes to Park Art and Urban Forest Stewardship. Classes are available for adults, whole families and kids of all ages. You do not have to be an Edmond resident to participate. edmondok.com
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Gift Card to Culture Coffee If you haven’t been to Culture Coffee you are missing something special. Not only are their drink selections delicious, the shop also pays homage to the seven influential African Americans who shaped the historic Page Woodson Community. Snag a fan favorite like the house-made blueberry syrup latte for yourself (made with honey!) and a gift card for mom, too! culturecoffeeokc.com
Horse Shoes Cornhole Yard Games Peing Zoo Photo Ops Slide Fort Picnicking
Vendors Food Trucks Face Painting Open Mic Time Barrel Train Bounce Pad
Agripagean
12 pm Little Miss Sunflower Seed (ages 3-6) 12:30 pm Little Bitty Mr. Harvest (ages 3-6) 1 pm Little Miss Sunflower (ages 7-10) 1:30 pm Little Mr. Harvest (ages 7-10) 2 pm Miss Sunflower (ages 11-14) 2:30 pm Mr. Harvest (ages 11-14) Trophies & Agriculture Gift Baskets Only 8 contestants allowed per group for all pageants
11 am Cornhole Tournament, Winning Team $250 $25 sign up, Only 16 teams allowed, Must be 16+ 4 pm Hotdog Eating Contest, Winner $100 $10 sign up , Only 15 contestants allowed , Must be 18+ 6 -10 pm Live Music & Dancing
580.716.3608 105340 Greer Rd., Lamont, OK 74643 Rusticrootsevents.com rusticrootsevents@gmail.com For more information on sign ups for pageants, tournaments, or contests call 580-716-3608. All sign ups must be in by May 25 at 5:00 pm limited contestant space. If you do sign up, there won’t be a gate fee for the contestant only. Rustic roots is not responsible for any accidents or injuries.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2021 21
GIFT GUIDE
Snag Swag for Dad
Patagonia Men’s Nano Puff Jacket from Sun and Ski Sports Local retailer Sun and Ski Sports offers a variety of outerwear brands that are sure to look sharp on dad, but only Patagonia jackets can be sent out for repairs at any damage level. Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard is known for his passion for environmental responsibility and his company is committed to repairing their products rather than finding them in landfills. sunandski.com
Eco-Friendly Lawn Care from Apple Valley Eco Landscapes Does your dad refer to his lawn as his “pride and joy?” If so, this is the gift for him. Encourage dad to kick back and support eco-friendly products and practices while he’s at it. From lawn care and maintenance to landscapes and irrigation, Apple Valley Eco Landscapes provides sustainable, responsible impact on the environment as well as top-notch design. ecolandscapesok.com
Second Chance Books and Comics The easiest way to reduce waste is to not create it to begin with. Gift dad a pre-owned book or comic from Second Chance Books! They are the largest independently- owned used book and comic book store in OKC and are sure to have something for everyone. Whether your dad loves sitting down with a good biography or catching up on Marvel classics, he’ll love this feel-good gift especially for him. secondchancebooksandcomics.com
Birdseed House from Plenty Mercantile The birds will thank you for this one,
Gift Card to Republic Gastropub With more than 100 beers on tap and nearly 250 additional bottles from around the world, plus a family-friendly atmosphere and TVs always tuned to “the big game,” this contemporary ale house is a dream for any dad. Bonus: like all Good Egg Dining Group concept restaurants, Republic uses corn- made straws that are biodegradable to reduce plastic waste. republicgastropub.com
and so will your favorite bird- watching dad! This birdhouse is made entirely from seeds and will attract sparrows, doves, chickadees, cardinals, titmice, finches, jays and many more kinds of birds. Hang it outside a window
and cuddle up for some quality time together. plentymercantile.com
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LOCAL FAMILY FUN Summer Staycation
The New Omni Oklahoma City Hotel Offers the Perfect Hub for Exploring Downtown
Where to Stay
BY APRIL DEOCARIZA . PHOTOS BY APRIL DEOCARIZA AND THE OMNI.
Local residents will be proud of Oklahoma’s rich heritage reflected throughout the 17-floor hotel. “We wanted the lobby to exude an ‘Oklahoma’s living room’-vibe,” explained Paul Kiley, director of sales and marketing for the Omni OKC. “The décor throughout the hotel is drawn from Oklahoma’s landscape with scissortail accents (the state bird) and rich dark brown and blue hues.” Paintings by local artist David Holland are featured in the hotel and Oklahoma artisans and food and beverage brands are sold in the restaurants and Red Bird retail shop. Your furry friend can also get in on the action as the Omni OKC is pet friendly and can accommodate dogs and cats 25 pounds and under (a one-time $125 pet fee is required). There is plenty of fun to be had in and around the Omni OKC Hotel to satisfy any type of traveler. Check out these ideas for planning your next family getaway, right here at home.
A new high-rise graces the downtown Oklahoma City skyline and promises families a plethora of options for enjoying the perfect staycation. The Omni Oklahoma City Hotel opened its doors to guests in January with 605 guest rooms and suites, an expansive pool deck, seven dining options and a full-service spa. Beyond the hotel, the Omni’s well- appointed location means you can easily get around on foot or using the OKC streetcar (the Scissortail Park stop is located catty-corner from the property).
Omni Oklahoma City Hotel The Omni OKC boasts magnificent views of the downtown skyline and Scissortail Park throughout the property. Park your vehicle using the valet service for $28 per night or in the adjacent city parking garage for $10 per night. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the hotel has implemented CDC- certified enhanced cleaning procedures to ensure the health and safety of staff and guests.
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