MetroFamily Magazine July 2020

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

2020-2021

Our annual guide to resources every OKC area parent needs!

LET’S PLAY AGAIN SEE WHAT’S GOING ON IN

TRAINTOPIA

VISITFRISCO.COM/PLAYAGAIN

Features

6 Get the Most from MetroFamily

Discover all the ways you can connect

92 Grandparent Guide

Grand-travel adventures in Oklahoma

21 After-School Activities

26 Camps

Departments 8 Local Family Fun

Iconic OKC experiences for each season 12 Exploring Oklahoma with Children Find STEM fun around the state 16 Super Kids of the Metro Kid biz owners succeed in sales and service 86 Real Moms of the Metro Moms dish on local eats, swag and fun Everything Guide 21 After-School Activities 26 Camps 31 Child Care 32 Community Support 34 Education 44 Health & Fitness 48 Local Shopping 50 Locally-Owned Restaurants 52 Parties 54 Places 60 Service Providers 64 Special Needs 66 Pregnancy & Baby Resources Family Favorites 39 BONUS: Pull-out list of Family Favorites Winners & Finalists

31 Child Care

34 Education

44 Health & Fitness

48 Local Shopping

54 Places

66 Pregnancy & Baby Resources

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

2020

A little over a year ago I stepped into the role of editor for MetroFamily. I could have never guessed the journey we’d traverse together in that short time, especially over the past several months. The future feels uncertain as we ponder what the year ahead holds for us. As parents we wonder and worry about the little things, like when our family fun plans can return to normal, as well as the big things, like the toll COVID-19 has taken on our community and families and each of our roles in seeking racial justice. “Our community as a whole, and you our community of parents, have stepped up to support those around you.” One thing, though, is certain. Our community as a whole, and you our community of parents, have stepped up to support those around you. We’ve watched local businesses and organizations rally to help sustain families. We’ve watched you, parents, shoulder your own concerns as you also care for the physical, emotional and mental health of your children. We’ve watched white families seek

to listen to and understand families of color, and parents of all colors provide resources about having conversations about race and racism with our children. In that vein of supporting others, we had a huge response to our annual Family Favorites Awards, nominated and voted on by you our readers, as you sought to show your favorite local businesses how much they are needed and appreciated. Find the results starting on page 20 of this “Everything” Guide, with resources from pediatricians and therapy services to after-school activities and locales for family fun. You’ll want to hang on to this issue for year-round access to the best parent- vetted resources in OKC. In addition to family supports and services, we could all use a big dose of FUN right now, so in these pages you’ll find family adventures to add to every season of your calendar. Both cognizant of our current socially-distant environment and looking toward the future, check out this year’s Grandparent Guide on page 74 with road trips for the older and younger generations to enjoy together, plus scope statewide spots where STEM learning abounds on page 12. Don’t miss the dish from local moms on their favorite locally-owned restaurants and shops in the metro on page 68. From family fun to parenting resources, thank you for allowing us the privilege to walk this journey with you of raising children and seeking solidarity. With gratitude,

2020

Publisher Sarah Taylor Managing Editor Erin Page Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo Contributing Writers

Heide Brandes Debbi Marshall Contributing Photographers Bridget Pipkin Josh Vaughn

Art Director Stacy Noakes Senior Project Manager Kirsten Holder Director of Events Marissa Raglin Sales Dana Price Laura Beam Office Manager Kathy Alberty

Erin Page Editor

sarah@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com

This Month’s Cover The photo on the cover is by Josh Vaughn, an OKC based writer, designer and photographer who enjoys sharing his artistic vision through analog and digital photography. Whether it is under the red lights of his darkroom or basking in the blue glow of his computer screen, Josh looks to find the story within the story by constantly reframing the world around him. His work has found its way into local and national exhibitions, as well as onto the covers and pages of various publications. He and his wife (and fellow artist) Cathy enjoy spending their time investing in the local creative communities through relationships and support.

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

Circulation audited by

Proud member of

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

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NEED TO KNOW

Get the Most from

Our primary goal at MetroFamily is to make life easier for local parents. We strive to provide connection through community and to offer the most relevant, reliable information to have fun as a family, as well as the services, parenting information

and inspiration to best serve your children. We know parents have varied preferences when it comes to receiving and seeking information, so we work to meet those needs across many platforms. Join us in all the ways that best suit you!

Magazine We know parents and kids around the metro love snuggling up together to flip through MetroFamily’s pages, especially to select upcoming local events to add to their family calendars or chat about timely topics. For more than 20 years, our award-winning magazine has been the staple for parents to find local family fun, places to travel and parenting resources. Find it at metro libraries, YMCA branches, most Jimmy’s Egg restaurants, Whole Foods Market and dozens of other locations. Find a full list of public places to pick up the magazine near you at metrofamilymagazine.com/find-a-copy. Find our latest digital editions in an easy-to-read-and-connect format at metrofamilymagazine.com/all-digital-issue.

Website Rely on our award-winning website to keep you up to speed about all that is happening in the metro area. Popular sections include: • Our seasonal lists – Find lists of frugal family fun ideas, festivals, school break camps, ways to find fun indoors, places to get wet when it’s hot and so much more! • Resources – From picking a birthing center to finding the right tutor and selecting after-school activities to parent-vetted medical professionals, we’ve got you covered. Check out directory listings and resources at metrofamilymagazine.com/family-resources. • Contests – Weekend trips, event tickets and packages of products and services are some of the great prizes we offer. Enter often! • Coupons and other ways to save – Find valuable coupons from our advertising partners, plus lists of local restaurant discounts and free family events and attractions. • Calendar – Check out our online calendar for a full list of family- friendly events in the metro. • Volunteer list – Looking for ways to give back as a family? Check out our popular guide at metrofamilymagazine.com/volunteer.

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E-newsletters Make MetroFamily part of your weekday morning routine, with the latest in family fun, timely news and real-life parenting hacks from other metro moms and dads delivered straight to your inbox. Every Friday, get our top ideas or events for weekend family fun for planning made easy. Plus enjoy special offers from our advertising partners. Sign up today at metrofamilymagazine.com/subscribe-enews. cry and feel affirmed, continue to enjoy tips on fun things to do as well as parenting hacks, hilarious authenticity and sobering revelations from a variety of metro moms and dads. Follow along at metrofamilymagazine.com/blogs. Hashtag Parenting MetroFamily’s award-winning blog has long been a source of inspiring weekend family fun. Now with an expanded focus featuring the voices of local parents who will make you laugh,

Raising OKC Kids NEW in 2020, our video podcast features

conversations with local experts and parents, helping families connect, learn from each other and grow community. Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/raising- okc-kids for chats on topics like family mental health, tips from metro medical professionals, dialogue with city and state officials on issues that concern you and the latest in local family news.

Social Media Interact with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest, where we’re serving up everything from daily doses of parenting humor, at-home family activities, seasonal lists of statewide adventures and connection with our community of local parents. Join the conversation in our Facebook groups, divided by ages and stages. Search for them as follows: Ages & Stages – babies- preschoolers, Ages & Stage – elementary or Ages & Stages – tweens/teens . App Yes, MetroFamily has an app for that! Our FREE app is compatible with Apple or Android devices. Download it today for easy access to all our best web content. Your favorite pages are one click away! Learn more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/app.

Events Our Cover Kids Search is going virtual! For a chance to star on our magazine cover, enter photos of kids ages 2 through 12 and/or sibling groups beginning in August. All entries will receive a virtual swag bag with coupons and activities. Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/ coverkidssearch for more information. Kids Fest , April 10, 2021, is a family fun event that features dozens of booths offering engaging and educational activities for kids, including face painting, roaming characters, door prizes and live music. Plus, check out our NEW Acton Children’s Business Fair, hosted in conjunction with Girl Scouts Western

Oklahoma, where local kid entrepreneurs will sell their products and services to the public. Until April, enjoy our VIRTUAL Kids Fest with special discounts from our 2020 vendors at metrofamilymagazine. com/virtual-kids-fest. For more information about our 2020 Geekapalooza , a STEAM festival for kids and families held in conjunction with Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma, and 2021 Bump, Baby & More expo, where parents and parents-to-be can meet local service providers, shop and enjoy informative workshops, visit metrofamilymagazine.com/mfm-events.

Let us know how we’re doing and how we can better serve you by emailing tips@metrofamilymagazine.com.

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LOCAL FAMILY FUN

ICONIC OKC EXPERIENCES BY SEASON

The events of the first half of 2020 have turned life on its head, but a return to the classics is the perfect remedy for focusing on family fun. In the

coming year, connect with these popular activities and destinations, hand-picked for each season.

BY LINDSAY CUOMO , PHOTOS PROVIDED.

SUMMER

SURF OKC, RIVERSPORT ADVENTURES

SCISSORTAIL PARK

1 Go for a sunset ride on the Wheeler Ferris Wheel . Meet the sky eye to eye, plus enjoy soaring views of downtown and the river on each turn. 2 Make the most of summer’s long days at RIVERSPORT Adventures . Speed down the rapids , climb high on the SandRidge Sky Trail, zoom across the Oklahoma River and hang ten on the all-new Surf OKC, opening in August 2020.

3 Take a cruise on the water . From the pedal boats at Scissortail Park to a water taxi ride on the Bricktown Canal, Oklahoma City offers plenty of options for a relaxing ride on the water. 4 See a movie under the stars . Roll out a blanket at a pop-up outdoor movie or cruise in to one of the six drive-in theaters still operational in the state. 5 Cool off at an Oklahoma beach or swimming hole . Thankfully, our state’s abundant waters like Turner Falls and Chickasaw Recreation Area’s Little Niagara are a quick car ride from the metro.

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FALL

Public Programs Youth Camps Learning Gallery Second Saturday Let us ignite your family’s creativity! We offer a number of programs for all ages, including FREE art activities.

PUMPKINVILLE, MYRIAD GARDENS

1 Pick the perfect pumpkin . Pumpkin patches sprout up in cities around the state, enticing families with the promise of autumnal fun. From Myriad Garden’s Pumpkinville to Wings’ annual festival, metro families have plenty of gourd-inspired festivities to choose from. 2 Celebrate the season at a fall festival ! From music festivals and cultural events to local trick-or-treats, our fall calendars are bursting with opportunities for family fun around every corner. 3 Hop aboard a hayride , a mandatory requirement on any fall enthusiast’s bucket list. Local destinations like Chester’s Party Barn and Orr Family Farm offer hayrides and plenty of other fall fun. 4 Pitch a tent and go camping . Cooler days paired with a crisp fall breeze beckon families to enjoy more time in the outdoors. Fresh air, beautiful scenery and a slower pace await at an Oklahoma State Park. 5 Take a fall hike at Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge . Walk amongst the colorful trees to see if you can spot the local wildlife as they prepare for the winter days ahead.

Learn more at okcontemp.org.

OklahomaContemporary.org 11 NW 11th St., OKC, OK 73103 405.951.0000 | @okcontemporary

STINCHCOMB WILDLIFE REFUGE

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WINTER

DEVON ICE RINK SCIENCE MUSEUM OKLAHOMA

1 Go ice skating ! Lace up your blades and take a spin on an outdoor rink. Seasonal rinks pop up in Edmond and Oklahoma City beginning in November. 2 Take a stroll through twinkling Christmas lights . Cities across the metro light up the long winter nights with the warm glow of festive light displays, from Edmond’s walkable Luminance to Yukon’s massive, three-park Christmas in the Park event. 3 A snow day is a rare treat for Oklahoma kiddos but thanks to the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, there is a 100 percent chance of snow tubing fun during the annual LifeShare Winterfest.

4 Scope out some feathered friends. Hundreds of bald eagles flock to the Sooner State each winter in search of a warmer place to nest. Migrating south from Canada, eagles tend to settle near Oklahoma’s abundant lakes and rivers for easy access to food. Arcadia Lake hosts an entire weekend in early January dedicated to these special guests, and Lake Thunderbird State Park offers several guided hikes for eagle watching. 5 Chilly winter days = indoor play . When wind chills become the daily buzzword of choice for local meteorologists, metro families can take their family fun indoors. Popular hot spot Science Museum Oklahoma is a consistent contender on our families’ list of favorite destinations for indoor fun. We know that the last few months have been a challenge. But water safety waits for no one. The skills your child needs. The peace of mind you deserve. The flexibility every family wants.

• Convenient Class Schedules • Unlimited Makeups

• Online Scheduling and Progress Reports • Safer. Stronger. Together.™ COVID-19 Response Plan and Safety Protocols

SPECIAL OFFER! Earn an extra 20% on eGift purchases of $25 or more! Expires 9/6/20

EDMOND | 405.696.7500 goldfishswimschool.com |

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SPRING

OKC ZOO

5 Embark on a safari at the zoo . Nothing says springtime quite like a visit to the Oklahoma City Zoo as the beautiful botanical gardens bloom.

OKC ENERGY

1 Take the kids out to a ball game . Cheer on our city at a Dodgers or OKC Energy game. Both teams offer dedicated days with extra family-friendly activities to enjoy. 2 Drop a line at a local fishing hole . Reel in some springtime fun at a close-to-home lake or pond. The City of Yukon kicks off the season with a free kids’ fishing event each March, and the City of Oklahoma City offers free fishing days the first Saturday of each month. 3 Take a look back at Harn Homestead . Explore what life was like at the turn of the 20th century for pioneering Oklahoma families. 4 Visit a u-pick-em farm or farmers market to craft your own farm-to-table experience. Enjoy nature’s bounty and support local farmers all in one tasty journey.

HARN HOMESTEAD

#OKCFamilyFun is sponsored by Crestone Ridge.

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

(405) 820-6851 www.crestoneridge.com

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BY HEIDE BRANDES . PHOTOS PROVIDED. More focus is continually placed on the importance of getting kids involved in STEM to prepare them for their futures. But it isn’t always easy to get children excited about anything related to education. Thankfully, even while summer and school breaks can lead to the dreaded “brain drain,” these are also perfect times to explore new places with STEM-related activities. In fact, parents can slip STEM fun into their children’s daily lives all year long! Every day can be an opportunity to have fun while learning, and with these tips, you won’t even have to convince your children to put on their thinking caps. STEM EXPLORING OKLAHOMA WITH CHILDREN ACROSS OKLAHOMA Weekend adventures for the family can be a source of fun and escape anytime of year but these outings can also serve as a perfect opportunity to sneak in some science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

STEM AT THE LAKE Many families flock to the lakes of Oklahoma for all-season fishing, boating and nature. During the warmer months, playing in the water, making sandcastles or collecting pebbles are not only time-honored family activities but great opportunities to learn. EXPLORE THE WORLD OF PHYSICS ON A KAYAK.

WESTERN OKLAHOMA Head out to Foss Lake in western Oklahoma for one of the state’s sandiest beaches. Located near the town of Foss, this lake boasts more than 60 miles of shoreline, making it the largest lake in the area. Foss Lake is a perfect destination to take advantage of the summer heat but is also a delight in the spring and fall. Take a magnifying glass in your lake bag to explore the astounding beauty of sand. Made up of eroded rock, minerals and shells, sand is different everywhere. Sand on one side of the beach is unlike the sand on the opposite side. Ask your children what they see in the sand and why they think different pieces are unique.

ENJOY ONE OF OKLAHOMA’S BEST BEACHES AT FOSS LAKE.

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CENTRAL OKLAHOMA Take advantage of a windy day to visit Arcadia Lake in Edmond. Learn how wind can make a lake a wild and rough environment, then create your own beach in a bottle. Grab any plastic bottle for this fun activity and then collect materials like sand, water, small rocks and lake plants. Let your little explorers shake the bottle to see what happens to the items within their turbulent lake. Arcadia Lake also offers kayak rentals throughout the year so throw on your life jacket and explore the world of physics by propelling your kayak through the water. Ask your little scientist how she or he thinks the paddles help move the boat. Experiment with deep strokes and shallow strokes and compare each with your speed. Play around with balance by rocking the kayak (just don’t tip over!). Arcadia Lake has a park entry fee of $6 per car on weekdays and $7 per car on weekends, covering up to five people in each car. Kids under the age of 13 must have a life jacket on while in the water.

BEST VOTED SWIM LESSONS Two years in a row!

• Year-round Survival Swim Lessons • Indoor / Heated Pools • Infant Survival What we offer: • Swim-Float-Swim • Stroke Development • Parent-Tot Classes • Adaptive Aquatics

• Local & Family Owned

FIND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND INDOOR NATURALIST PROGRAMS AT LAKE EUFAULA.

(405) 509-8945 OKLAHOMASWIM.COM

Mix 1/2 cup of white glue and 1/2 cup of water in a bowl. Add 1 cup of sand. After mixing the sand, add 1/4 cup of liquid starch and stir. When it’s mixed well, add in another 1/4 cup of liquid starch. Let the gooey mixture sit for about 10 minutes, and then have fun playing with the moldable slime. Talk about how glue contains polymers that cause a reaction with the starch called cross- linking. The polymer molecules stick to each other and form a slime-like consistency when cross-linked with starch. Return to Lake Eufaula in the fall for natural- ist programs and activities open to adults and children to learn about the natural world and wildlife living in the area. A winter fishing trip mixes biology with fun. Talk about what kinds of fish are native to Oklahoma, and use your bait as a good example of how big fish eat little fish to survive. Cleaning fish can become a lesson on anatomy by pointing out fins, organs and gills.

We you, OKC Metro! 15001 Gambels trl. Dr. | Okc, ok. 73134 NOW OPEN! NEW FACILITY

EASTERN OKLAHOMA Lake Eufaula in eastern Oklahoma has plethora of sand on its beaches, making it the perfect warm weather destination for this next experiment. Satisfy your children’s “ick” factor by making sand slime, which also makes a cool gift for your kids to take home to friends.

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STEM HIKING The best thing about nature is that STEM is built in, a science incubator if you will. Simple hikes can teach little ones about math, physics, engineering and more. If hiking at Lake Thunderbird in Norman in the winter months, try tossing different sized rocks into the water and talk about why bigger rocks make bigger splashes. Place some sticks across a creek to show how fallen logs make natural bridges for animals or bugs. Lake Thunderbird State Park’s Discovery Cove Nature Center is a perfect place to visit when the weather is chilly. Open five days a week, this center houses displays of native animals, local snakes and historic artifacts. Kids will also learn how to track animals, cook in a Dutch oven and fish through scheduled programming. Learn about the power of the sun by

collecting both dry and fresh leaves at the Great Salt Plains National State Park in northwest Oklahoma. Place a leaf in a safe area like a fire pit or sidewalk and use a magnifying glass to concentrate the light of the sun into a tiny point. Watch in amazement when smoke appears as the sun’s energy burns a hole in the leaf. Talk about why certain leaves burn more easily and how dangerous forest fires can be. Warn your kids that broken glass and water bottles can start forest fires through this experiment. The Great Salt Plains Wildlife Refuge is the only place in the world where selenite crystals form with an hourglass of sand inside. The salt plains were once a prehistoric ocean, and your family can dig for these crystals from April through October. Bring supplies like a bucket, shovels and plenty of sunscreen and water if you visit during the summer. Keep your eyes open for more than 300 species of birds that call the Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge home.

Moving Day – Western Luggage August 1 • 10:00 a.m. – Noon

The history of the West tells the stories of people’s movement. From nomadic Native American tribes, to explorers like Lewis and Clark, to settlers moving West in wagons, they all needed some- thing to carry their belongings. Pack a wagon like a settler, assemble a no-sew leather pouch of your own, experiment with Native American travois and enjoy storytime.

DIG FOR SELENITE CRYSTALS AT THE GREAT SALT PLAINS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE.

Take advantage of the milder temperatures of spring and fall with a journey to Roman Nose State Park in Watonga. Bring a journal on your hike to record the number and types of wildlife you see. Mornings and right before dusk are prime times to view deer, hunt for coyote tracks or spot rabbits. If you are hiking in the summer, beware of rattlesnakes and discuss why some snakes are poisonous while others are not.

Map out your hiking route using a run tracker on your smartphone to learn how trails are built and how GPS technology works. The Three Springs Trail at Roman Nose is a family- friendly hike leading past a waterfall fed by natural springs, into shady forest areas and over a small bridge. While you cross the bridge, inspect it to discover what makes the bridge stable and how the structure was built into the natural environment.

Free for members or with Museum admission. All activities available while supplies last.

ROMAN NOSE STATE PARK. PHOTO BY LORI DUCKWORTH.

#HashtagTheCowboy

nationalcowboymuseum.org/kids 1700 Northeast 63rd Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111

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STEM ON THE ROAD Whether you are driving to grandma’s house down the road or across the state, every road trip can become a learning experience. Instead of plugging bored kids into the DVD player, try these tips from the Tulsa STEM Alliance. Before pumping gas to explore Lake Murray State Park just south of Ardmore, ask your child to predict how many gallons of gasoline it will take to fill up the tank. Lake Murray is open year round, so visit the trails in the winter and again in the summer to see how the natural world looks different. Take kayaks out to explore how the water acts in cold versus warm weather. Instead of driving, squeeze in an engineering study by taking the Heartland Flyer Amtrak train to Ardmore, located just minutes north of Lake Murray. Bring along a book about the history of trains. Pay attention to which direction you’re traveling when you are driving. If you’re headed to Weatherford to visit the Stafford Air & Space Museum , ask your kids how they can tell if you’re going north, south, east or west. Pass around a compass to your passengers to demonstrate. Bio-index your trip by counting how many animals and birds you see while driving to Woolaroc in Bartlesville. Woolaroc was the ranch of oil baron Frank E. Phillips, and the museum and wildlife area is full of historic artifacts that helped shape the west. As you travel, take note of areas where you see the most of each animal and ponder together why. No matter where your road trip takes you, entertain your passengers with a box of marbles. Ask your kids to take note of which direction the marbles roll as you speed up, slow down, stop or turn.

AMUSEMENT STEM Watching or riding a roller coaster at Frontier City fires up the imagination. Open from April to October with special holiday events for Halloween and Christmas, the park is full of STEM fun. Talk about how roller coasters travel faster on a downhill slope and research how the rollercoaster cars stay on the track. Demonstrate centripetal force by having your child swing a bucket of water in a circle to observe that water does not splash out even when directly overhead. Then take a ride on Frontier City’s Tina’s Tea Cup Twirl to feel the force in action. Even walking from ride to ride can be educational. Using your smartphone, track your steps around the park to engage in math exercises to determine how far you walked, how many steps equal a mile, convert miles to kilometers or calculate miles per hour.

BACKYARD STEM If your spring or fall break is a staycation, explore the amazing science in your own backyard. Slip in some engineering by having your children build stick forts, create a dam, build a bird’s nest or even dig a hole that doesn’t collapse in. Learn about biology through planting a garden, collecting insects, inspecting and pulling weeds or counting birds in the backyard. Create a nature mandala by collecting leaves, flowers, sticks and pebbles. Place your nature items in a pile and arrange them in pictures and patterns. See if you can create a fish or a tree using the items collected.

Try building a stone maze out of rocks in the yard. In the summer months, talk about why some items float in a pool while others sink. While searching for bugs, talk about camouflage and watch how insects adapt their colors and shapes to their environment.

PHOTOS BY STACY NOAKES.

Whatever your vacation entails, the opportunity to add fun learning experiences is endless. Your children’s passion for exploration can be the perfect gateway into STEM family fun.

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Super Kids of the Metro

SPONSORED BY

Kid Biz Whizzes: Local kid-preneurs succeed in sales, service

Serenity Jade Owner: Serenity, age 11 Product: Beaded bracelets

with messages of positivity Serenity will be in the seventh grade at Deer Creek Middle School this fall, a time in many kids’ lives when they are plagued by feelings of inadequacy and awkwardness. Not so for this confident, affirmative tween, who has built a business based on helping others see the best in themselves and the world around them. Spreading positivity, one bead a time, is Serenity’s mission, and mom Chasity says her daughter’s determination, thoughtfulness and sincerity in seeking to help those around her make her incredibly proud. Why has it been so important for you to focus your business on positivity? Serenity: I feel like there is too much hate and bullying, and people don’t understand how much it affects people. It’s not right, so I want to spread positivity. I’ve learned that being positive makes me feel better about myself, and I want to inspire others to be happy. I put my creativity and the power of positivity together, and Serenity Jade became a business. With negative self-talk so common among kids and adults alike, what advice do you have for other kids your age to think positively? Serenity: I’d tell them to think about how they were put on this earth for a reason. They were made the way God wanted them to be. Everyone has a purpose in life; they are unique and they don’t have to be like everyone else.

BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED.

While some kids spend their school breaks and summer vacations playing video games, exploring the outdoors or catching up on sleep, others prioritize organizing product inventory, learning marketing strategies and ringing up sales. The next generation of Oklahoma business owners is coming in strong, with an eye for profit-making and hearts for giving back. Serenity, Malachi and Sophie share how their respective businesses launched, what they’ve learned and their plans for the future.

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What have you learned by starting a business? Serenity: I’ve learned how to set up a website. And I’ve learned that I have to trust the process, that I won’t be successful right away but not to give up. I’ve learned to be more confident in myself. What’s been the most fun? Serenity: The most fun part is making the bracelets and thinking of the words to put on them. It’s fun to think about inspiring others and making a difference. What advice do you have for other kids wanting to start a business? Serenity: Be confident in yourself and be positive in everything you do. Believe in yourself and trust the process. What are you most proud of about your business and yourself in being an entrepreneur? Serenity: I’m proud that my bracelets are handmade and that I’m making a difference, not just selling a product. What’s next for Serenity Jade? Serenity: I want to get a bigger inventory, and I want to do birthday parties where I bring the beads and make bracelets with people.

Malachi’s Workshop Owner: Malachi, age 10 Product: Bluebird houses

Malachi was unsure about launching a business on his own, so he enlisted the help of older brother Elijah and Malachi’s Workshop was born. Malachi is the ringleader with Elijah offering quiet encouragement and confidence-bolstering advice to his younger brother. Now Malachi is stepping out to run the business on his own, assured in his in his abilities both to build and sell. Malachi’s business was inspired by his grandfather, who builds birdhouses with all his grandchildren. That experience ignited a spark in the kid entrepreneur, who offers both ready-made birdhouses and kits for buyers to build the houses themselves. Malachi’s mom Trish says when his homeschool work is done, her son immediately rushes to tinker with building or engineering activities. She’s been especially proud to watch her once-shy son thrive as a confident business owner who prioritizes giving back, giving a portion of profits to a nonprofit. Why has it been important to you to donate a portion of your profits? Malachi: Compassion International helps kids around the world get out of poverty, get an education, go to church, get meals and medical help. I feel like we need to be helping those people that need to get out of poverty. My mom has sponsored a child since she was 16, and then I started sponsoring a child who [shares] my birthday. He is from Ghana. We send him letters and he sends us letters back. What has been the hardest part about owning a business? Malachi: Getting the products done in a timely manner can be a challenge.

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What have you learned by starting a business? Malachi: I have learned a lot about birds and how to make the birdhouses, like if you put a perch on the house, blue jays can perch there and eat [the bluebirds’] eggs. At my first business fair I was nervous to talk to people when they came up to our table, but my brother helped me and encouraged me, and now I’m more confident. What’s been the most fun? Malachi: Bossing people around, especially my brother! I like doing stuff with my hands and I always have. I want to be a carpenter one day. What advice do you have for other kids wanting to start a business? Malachi: Dress nicely and present yourself well to people and they will take you more seriously. Take notes and learn from other people in the same [industry]. What are you proudest of about your business and yourself in being an entrepreneur? Malachi: It feels good to accomplish something and to know that I’ve done something to help people around the world when I sell my birdhouses. What’s next for Malachi’s Workshop? Malachi: I’m making bat houses and stove top covers, starting to do cutting boards and really anything I can make with wood.

Supporting Change– For the Better

Ten-year-old Brixton Ison volunteers every Friday night at Celebrate Recovery Memorial Road Church of Christ. Whether setting a dining table, distributing informational material, or preparing a dish for a family-friendly dinner, his passion for helping others is a prime example of why we’re inspired by kids like Brixton . At Kimray, our mission is to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Brixton exemplifies this by living out that mission in the service he provides to his community. And that’s The Kimray Way.

18 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / EVERYTHING GUIDE 2020-2021

Fifi

Owner: Sophia, age 11 Products: Origami crane earrings,

knitted animals, molded crayons

Sophia, whose nickname is Fifi, built her business of the same name around her artistic expression. Though her initial focus was on origami crane earrings, for which she won a 2019 Oklahoma State Fair blue ribbon, she’s continued to expand and grow her business with new product offerings. The creative tween will be in sixth grade at Summit Middle School in Edmond, where she gives a portion of her proceeds to the Kindness Club, founded by a friend who passed away. Sophia’s close-knit family enjoys both creating and serving their community together, Sophia’s mom Lingchu laughingly recalling a toilet paper pendant necklace made as a tribute to the family’s COVID-19 quarantine. The pandemic also prompted Sophia’s latest commitment to donate to OU Children’s Hospital through Fifi. What’s been your favorite product to make? Sophia: My crane earrings. I saw the earrings in the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and just followed the design of the crane. They are all different sizes and no crane is the same. What’s so special to you about origami? Sophia: It’s like I am at peace when I am making it. Each little crane becomes part of someone or something bigger.

What’s been the most fun? Sophia: The best part is creating new things. What advice do you have for other kids wanting to start a business? Sophia: Figure out what your merchandise is going to be, then figure out an allowance for getting supplies and then how much they are going to cost [to sell]. What are you proudest of about your business and yourself in being an entrepreneur? Sophia: I’m proud of myself for stepping into the light. I’m not a big people person and I don’t even know the people who are coming up to buy things [at craft fairs]. I think I’m more confident. I’m proud that I

FOR YOU , FOR FAMILY , FOR COMMUNITY At the Y, our facilities are clean and safe for all ages. We offer affordable memberships and financial assistance to ensure all of our friends and neighbors can enjoy what we have to offer. Beyond our fitness equipment and classes, we have pools for individual or family swim time, basketball gyms for pick-up games, Parents’ Night Out activities, family festivals and more. We’re also a non-profit community benefit organization. Through the help of generous donors and partners, we operate feeding sites, facilitate a mentorship program for teens, provide financial assistance, address community needs in times of crisis and so much more.

make my products by hand. What’s next for Fifi?

Sophia: At first I just had crane earrings, then I started making molded crayons and now I am starting to do string art and getting into carpentry. I’m thinking about setting up a website, too.

Join and donate today ymcaokc.org

Learn more about these super kids, including their best business advice for other kid-prenuers, at metrofamilymagazine.com/episode-9 .

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / EVERYTHING GUIDE 2020-2021 19

2020-2021

Everything Guide 21 After-School Activities 26 Camps 31 Child Care 32 Community Support 34 Education

Welcome to the Everything Guide, a directory you can use year-round for all things family in the OKC metro. From after-school activities and health services to restaurants and places for family fun, find the top-rated places and services as determined by you our readers in our annual Family Favorites awards. From your nominations and then your 38,000 votes, a winner and two finalists in each category were determined. Winners are denoted by a star, and finalists by the phrase “A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.” Other advertising partners are also included in this guide. Thank you for your invaluable participation in creating this guide and enjoy, well, everything!

44 Health & Fitness 48 Local Shopping 50 Restaurants 52 Parties 54 Places 60 Service Providers 64 Special Needs 66 Pregnancy & Baby Resources

Find the complete list of 2020 Family Favorites honorees on page 39 and at

metrofamilymagazine.com/family-favorites. Editor’s note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we recommend contacting each of these businesses directly to verify current offerings.

After-School Activities

Art Studios/Art Lessons

Offers year-round classes in arts, crafts and many other subjects taught via community partners such as Tippi Toes and Mad Science. Some are one-time classes and others are longer series of classes. Check their seasonal activity guides online for full listings. Color Me Mine 405-364-1223 1632 24th Ave NW, Norman norman.colormemine.com Offers ready-to-paint ceramics, summer camps for kids and classes for all skill levels and ages. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center 405-951-0000

Unpluggits Paint and Play

405-340-7584 575 Enterprise Dr, Ste 110, Edmond unpluggits.com

Provides ceramics, crafts and clay workshops for all ages, including adults, plus an indoor playground for children ages 18 months to 10 years. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner. Alisa Nelson Studio 405-921-1883 Edmond alisanelsonstudio.com Offers homeschool and after-school art classes for elementary and middle school students, private lessons, summer camps and art parties at an in-home studio. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Artsy Rose Academy 405-603-8550 7739 W Hefner Rd, Oklahoma City artsyrose.com Offers art lessons for preschoolers to teens taught by degreed art instructors in all mediums, plus craft classes, social painting events and more for all ages. Homeschool classes available. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. City of Edmond Parks 405-359-4630 2733 Marilyn Williams Dr (Mitch Park), Edmond edmondparks.com

11 NW 11th St, Oklahoma City oklahomacontemporary.org

Ignite your family’s creativity! This brand-new arts center features multiple galleries, classroom studios, theater, café and outdoor arts spaces to encourage and explore artistic expression as well as a broad range of public programs, including exhibitions, performances, youth camps and teen programs. Community/Leadership Organizations Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma, Inc. 405-478-5646 3309 E Hefner Rd, Oklahoma City campdakani.org Nonprofit youth development organization offering outdoor experiences to children in the Oklahoma City metro area. Operates a camp with activities for ages 5 to 13 that includes zip line, gaga ball, archery, slingshots, rock climbing, boating and fishing.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / EVERYTHING GUIDE 2020-2021 21

Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma 405-528-4475 6100 N Robinson, Oklahoma City gswestok.org

Oklahoma Gold Gymnastics 405-341-1175

707 Centennial Blvd, Edmond oklahomagoldgymnastics.com Offers tumbling, Ninja Kids and gymnastics for ages 1 through 18. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Twist & Shout Training Center 405-775-9491, Edmond; 405-573-9974, Norman shouterspirit.com Offers competitive and non-competitive tumbling and cheerleading for ages 4 and up. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Martial Arts Studios Christian Karate Academy 405-558-1800 2217 NW 178th, Edmond christiankarateacademy.com Karate school for children, teens and adults, all levels of skill. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner. Dragon Kim’s Taekwondo & Fitness 405-341-1016 2600 E 2nd St, Edmond dragonkimstkd.com Provides classes for ages 6 and up to help young children develop coordination, agility and focus through learning traditional taekwondo. Students are placed in classes by level of skill. A Family-owned business providing martial arts instruction and teaching the ancient Korean art of self-defense in a safe, fun and focused environment. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Performing Arts Instruction Canterbury Youth Voices 405-232-7464 424 Colcord Dr, Ste D, Oklahoma City canterburyokc.com An extracurricular youth choir for students in grades 2 through 12 that rehearses at two locations, in central Oklahoma City and Moore, and provides performance opportunities and unique experiences. Apprentice Choir (grades 2-6) and Chorale (grades 7-12) build and refine vocal singing skills. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner. Central Oklahoma Homeschool Choirs 325-513-4018 2011 W Danforth Rd, Box 204, Edmond centralokhomeschoolchoirs.com MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Poos Taekwondo & Fitness 405-286-1382 40 NW 144th Cir, Edmond poostkd.com Choir program for homeschool students ages 5 to 18. Rehearsal sites available in Oklahoma City and Edmond. Age-specific choirs focus on igniting a love of music through the development of the singing voice and music literacy skills.

Since 1912, Girl Scouting has been a space for G.I.R.L.s (Go-Getters, Innovators, Risk-Takers, Leaders). Using industry-leading curriculum and a desire to support STEM curriculum in the classroom, they are building the next generation of leaders. Girls kindergarten through 12th grade can discover a love for the outdoors through nature exploration. Dance Studios Studio J Performing Arts Center 405-348-3377 2241 NW 178th St, Edmond studiojdanceok.com Offers students of all ages and abilities the opportunity for self expression and faith through dance, including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hiphop, boys-only hiphop and contemporary. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner. ArtWorks Academy of Performing Arts 405-397-1824 3251 Market Pl, Ste 110 & 130, Norman artworksacademy.com Offers music, theatre and dance classes for children in kindergarten through 12th grade aimed at enriching the lives of youth through the arts. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Oklahoma City Ballet’s Yvonne Chouteau School 405-843-9898 6800 N Classen Blvd, Oklahoma City okcballet.org Offers in-studio and virtual classes. Instructors are certified in the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum, which embraces sound movement principles and incorporates the best of the French, Italian and Russian training methods to foster the development of proper technique as well as confidence, poise, coordination and personal well-being. Velocity Dance Center 405-721-8807 11122 N Rockwell Ave, Ste A-11, Oklahoma City oklahomacitydancestudio.com Programs are age- and developmentally-appropriate for boys and girls ages 2 and up, for beginners to advanced dancers. Offers ballet, pom, hiphop, jazz and tap. Specializes in very young dancers with individualized, age-appropriate methods. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Gymnastics/Cheer Training Facilities Metro Gymnastics 405-848-5308 7420 Broadway Ext, Oklahoma City metrogymokc.com Provides organized recreational and competitive gymnastics programs for children of all ages. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner.

22 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / EVERYTHING GUIDE 2020-2021

www.metrolibrary.org

Teaching all ages a love of safe swimming, OSA offers individualized instruction from infant survival swim lessons to stroke development, all provided in a new state-of-the-art building. Following all CDC guidelines for safety. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner. Aqua Tots Swim School 405-721-1871 8405 N Rockwell Ave, Ste 1-4, Oklahoma City aqua-tots.com Indoor, year-round swim education program offering eight different levels starting at 4 months old. With safety as a main focus, their curriculum is designed to help children learn how to swim and develop a lifelong love of swimming. All classes incorporate self- save, learn-to-swim strategies. Goldfish Swim School - Edmond 405-696-7500 10 NW 146th St, Edmond goldfishswimschool.com Offers year-round swim lessons for kids ages 4 months to 12 years. Offers swim lessons for children as young as 6 months teaching swim readiness, swim basics, water safety, drowning prevention and more. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Tutoring/Learning Assistance Centers Urban League at Thelma Parks Elementary 405-424-5243 1501 NE 30th St, Oklahoma City urbanleagueok.org Provides daily academic enrichment activities and homework assis- tance to students in grades kindergarten through 6. Students partic- ipate in skills-building exercises and structured play that promotes self-confidence and healthy living. Funded in part by the Strong Neighborhood Initiative. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner. Encouraging Words 405-578-4442 2949 W Hefner Rd, Oklahoma City encouragingwordsok.com A collaborative therapy center for ages 5 to 18 with academic language therapists and speech-language pathologists who are highly trained in dyslexia and related disorders. Therapies utilize research- and evidence-based instruction techniques. A MetroFamily Family A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City Multiple locations ymcaokc.org

Musical Me in OKC 405-503-1389 Multiple locations (Edmond & OKC) musicalmeinokc.com Kindermusik classes for ages 6 and younger. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Red Dirt Music Academy 405-759-0265 8815 S Santa Fe Ave, Oklahoma City reddirtok.com Offers music and voice lessons for all ages including early childhood little rockstars classes. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Sports & Sports Leagues for Kids i9 Sports 405-225-7048 Edmond, Yukon, OKC, Moore, Bethany and Norman i9sports.com Offers youth sports leagues, camps and clinics for ages 3 to 14 for flag football, soccer, t-ball, basketball and volleyball throughout the entire OKC metro area. A MetroFamily Family Favorites winner. Goldfish Swim School - Edmond 405-696-7500

10 NW 146th St, Edmond goldfishswimschool.com

Offers fun and friendly competition experience for children ages 5 to 12. This swim team environment allows for character-building and the motivation kids need to continually improve their skills. Kids can participate in quarterly swim meets to showcase their abilities. SoccerCity of Oklahoma City 405-748-3888 4520 Old Farm Rd, Oklahoma City soccercityokcity.com Offers Lil’ Kickers (toddlers through age 9) throughout the year, plus leagues, tournaments, camps, clinics and training times for soccer and other indoor sports for all ages. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City Multiple locations ymcaokc.org/programs Swim programs, soccer, martial arts, baseball, football, volleyball and more are offered at multiple YMCA branches, all designed to provide skill instruction, youth development, healthy living and social responsibility through a supportive environment. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist. Swim Lessons Oklahoma Swim Academy 405-237-5112 15001 Gambels Trail Dr, Oklahoma City oklahomaswim.com

Favorites finalist. Mathnasium

Multiple locations mathnasium.com

Utilizes specially-trained math instructors to help kids in grades 2 to 12 better understand math in an individualized setting. A MetroFamily Family Favorites finalist.

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