LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
E very year when the calendar flips from August to September, I feel I can finally take a deep breath. And not just because the feel-like temps have dropped beneath the triple digits. Fall always feels like a season of renewal and anticipation for me. In my household, we’ve mostly gotten past the back-to-school nerves and settled into our new routine. After the survival mode of August, we can actually consider extracurriculars based on the kids’ current interests (if you need ideas, check out our Kids Programs Guide on page 32). We’re awaiting the promise of cooler air and vibrant leaves, planning Fall Break family fun and adding the dates of our favorite pumpkin patches to our calendar. (Find out where to get your gourds on page 54!). Because fall reminds me of so many happy memories from my childhood, this season also evokes my sense of wonder and playful spirit — which are admittedly easy for me to lose sight of amidst lunch packing, sports practice chauffeuring and sibling refereeing. Seeking out family fun with my three wild wonders brings out the best in me and enhances my relationships with them in ways that just can’t be replicated elsewhere. Find opportunities to do the same by exploring the OKC Zoo’s incredible new expansion Expedition Africa (page 22), taking a road trip toward adventure in the Texas
2022
2022
Publisher Sarah Taylor Managing Editor Erin Page
ONE OF THE PAGE FAMILY’S FAVORITE FALL TRADITIONS IS EXPLORING PUMPKINVILLE AT MYRIAD GARDENS.
MetroFamily Magazine is published bimonthly. Copyright 2023 by MetroFamily HoldCo, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or MetroFamily HoldCo, LLC. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo Art Director Stacy Noakes Senior Project Manager Kirsten Holder Director of Events Casey Shupe Editorial Assistant Emiley Bainbridge Account Executive Dana Price Strategy Manager Morgan Harris Contributing Writers Rebecca Fast Debbie Murnan Contributing Photographer Bridget Pipkin Contact us Mailing address: 6608 N. Western Ave., #458 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 Phone: 405-601-2081 tips@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com
panhandle (page 58) or hiking around the state (page 62), plus many more options throughout these pages. Join me in taking a deep breath of that crisp fall air. I wish you a season of slowing down to enjoy the beauty found outdoors — and inside
your home. Happy fall!
Erin Page Managing Editor
ON THE COVER Raya is the winner of our 2023 Cover Kids Search in the 2-3 age category! Her parents call her their ray of sunshine, and Raya loves to paint, mix colors, dance and clap to the beat. She enjoys being outdoors, looking for bugs and flowers, playing in the dirt and water and learning how things grow. Raya loves making her own decisions and gaining more independence. She is the daughter of Alex and Martel, and together they enjoy adventuring all around OKC, including going to the Myriad Gardens, Science Museum Oklahoma, OKC Zoo, The Station Aquatic Center in Moore, Pelican Bay and indoor play gyms. Special thanks to The Pumpkin Patch at Chisholm Creek and Wind Drift Orchards for hosting Raya’s photoshoot!
Proud member of
Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce & Edmond Chamber of Commerce
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPT-OCT 2023 5
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software