MetroFamily Magazine November December 2022

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

NOV/DEC 2022 M ake S wee t Memories

Holiday traditions in the kitchen

Reimagining an Icon Myriad Gardens’ Crystal Bridge Conservatory reopens to the public More Magic, Less Stuff

Creative ideas to gift experiences

Pistol Pete and Boomer may not see eye to eye on all things, but there’s one thing we can all agree on: Cool, refreshing WATER is the best way to hydrate!

Features 10 GET MOVING!

6 creative ways to exercise as a family during cold weather

16 MORE MAGIC, LESS STUFF

Unique ideas to gift experiences this season

26 MAKE SWEET MEMORIES

Local families share holiday traditions in the kitchen

48 FACES OF METROFAMILY

Meet the community leaders behind local businesses

RIVERSPORT OKC. PHOTO BY GEORGIA READ

Departments 8 NEW & NOW

5 fresh family fun experiences in OKC

12 LOCAL FAMILY FUN

Myriad Gardens’ Crystal Bridge Conservatory reopens to the public 22 FAMILY MENTAL WELLNESS The benefits of music to family health 32 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Find holiday magic at local light displays and festivals 56 EXPLORING OKLAHOMA WITH CHILDREN Experience Native Heritage Month in OKC and beyond

RACE’S HIP HOP NUTCRACKER . PHOTO BY KELLY HUYNH

From the Cover MAKE SWEET MEMORIES page 26 REIMAGINING AN ICON page 12 MORE MAGIC, LESS STUFF page 16

WHAT WE CARRY WITHIN BY STARR HARDRIDGE (MVSKOKE). COURTESY OF SEMINOLE NATION MUSEUM.

4 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022

A re you panic-cleaning closets this time of year, too?! When I start to think about the inevitable amount of new stuff my kids collect between the holidays and two of their birthdays, my need to purge toys and clothes they’ve outgrown shifts into overdrive. As I’ve gotten older, and perhaps somewhat wiser, I’ve tried to incorporate some traditions that minimize all the stuff (and my incessant closet cleaning). First, I’ve discovered the joy in gifting our kids with experiences (and encouraging others in their lives to do the same!). That could be tickets to a sporting event or production, a membership to a local museum we enjoy as a family or classes or camps that pique their interest. The end result is often time spent together, and for my mama heart, that’s the very best gift of all. Find creative ideas to gift your kids (and their grandparents!) local experiences this holiday season on page 16. Second, we have established family traditions focused on helping others. At their birthday parties, our kids request donations to a local nonprofit in lieu of gifts. My sons enjoy collecting warm blankets and food for individuals experiencing homelessness to donate to organizations like Upward Transitions and Sisu Youth Services. My daughter asks for dog and cat food for the Pet Food Pantry, to be distributed to seniors and veterans for their furry friends. During the holidays, we gift each child with cash to donate to an organization of their choosing. Every year I look forward to their thoughtful conversations as they decide where they want to make an impact. My very favorite part of this yearly tradition is driving each of them to their organizations of choice to LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

2021

Publisher Sarah Taylor Managing Editor Erin Page Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo Contributing Writer David Dinsmore Contributing Photographer Bridget Pipkin Art Director Stacy Noakes Senior Project Manager Kirsten Holder Director of Events Casey Shupe Editorial Assistant Emiley Bainbridge Account Executive Dana Price Contact us Mailing address: 6608 N. Western Ave., #458 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 Phone: 405-601-2081 tips@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com

make their donations in person and hear from enthusiastic staff members who their money will help. Don’t worry — I know my closet clean-out won’t be in vain because these kids of mine will still get plenty of new stuff. But in the midst of the chaos of this season, I hope what our family will prioritize is intentional time spent together and serving others. Will you join us? With gratitude, MY EARLY DECEMBER BIRTHDAY BUDDY COLLECTS DONATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS IN LIEU OF PARTY GIFTS.

Erin Page Managing Editor

ON THE COVER Katelyn is the winner of MetroFamily’s 2022 Cover Kids Search in the 2-3 age category! She is from Piedmont and loves to make up games to play with her family, tell jokes and hang out with her cat, Pretzel. She enjoys playing outside in the mud, visiting local playgrounds, fishing and attending gymnastics at Dynamo. Katelyn likes to get crafty and creative by coloring, painting and baking with her mom. She frequently requests to have her nails painted. Katelyn is the daughter of Tara and Benjamin and little sister of Bonnie and Leon. The family’s favorite places to visit in the metro are Scissortail Park and the OKC Zoo. Special thanks to Katiebug’s Sips & Sweets in Automobile Alley for providing such a festive photoshoot!

MetroFamily Magazine is published bimonthly. Copyright 2022 by MetroFamily HoldCo, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or MetroFamily HoldCo, LLC. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

Proud member of

Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce & Edmond Chamber of Commerce

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022 5

OFF THE PAGES

Oh, Baby! The team at MetroFamily got to “meet” more than 100 of the cutest babies in OKC through our 2022 Cutest Baby Photo Contest! Every single one captured our hearts, and it was next to impossible to select 10 winners. Meet two of our winners here, and find a full list of winners at metrofamilymagazine. com/cutest-baby-contest. Thanks so much to everyone who submitted photos, and thanks to prize sponsors Green Bambino and lactation consultant Becky Drevets.

Ryu , 14 months Ryu loves to eat, dance along with music and pose by putting his pointer finger on his cheek.

Analicia , 5 months Analicia loves jumping and playing with her older sister.

Enter your baby in our next contest in January 2023!

ENTER THE Ultimate Holiday Giveaway!

Your holidays just got brighter — because MetroFamily’s Ultimate Holiday Giveaway is back! Enter for a chance to win prizes from our partners, such as: • Radio Flyer Tesla Model S for Kids • 2-night stay at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, TX • 2-night stay at 21C Hotel • 1-night stay at the Omni Hotel • $100 gift basket from Chickasaw Country • TickTalk (the 4G/LTE smartwatch phone for kids) • Tickets to OKC Phil’s Disney in Concert in January • Tickets to Lyric Theater’s Huckleberry Finn’s BIG RIVER • Passes to North Pole Adventure, Andy’s Altitude, Riversport Adventures and SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology Plus hundreds of dollars in additional toys and prizes!

Enter daily Dec. 1-12 at metrofamilymagazine.com/contests.

6 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022

OFF THE PAGES

Commemorate Native Heritage Month

From festivals and special events to history curriculum and resources, find opportunities to celebrate your own Native heritage or learn about Native culture during November and beyond at metrofamilymagazine.com/ native-heritage-month.

Ho Ho Ho-liday Festivities! Get in the holiday spirit with our Winter Fun Guides! Find all the places Santa will be stopping by for photos in the OKC metro, dazzling local light displays, cultural celebrations, Christmas tree farms, festivals and much more at metrofamilymagazine.com/winter. PHOTO BY WITHUNMIND PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY OF SANTA BLAIR

PHOTO BY FOTO ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Who? 3- to 12-year-old children Where? The University of Oklahoma Is compensation provided? Yes Who do I contact? Dr. Katerina Ntourou

Scan here for more information

(405) 271-4214 ext 46069 oustutteringlab@ouhsc.edu IRB14017: Attentional bias to threat, social anxiety, and childhood stuttering. / The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022 7

NEW & NOW

5 Things to Know BY METROFAMILY’S EDITORIAL TEAM Check out these new and unique family fun options in the metro:

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art , in partnership with the Kiarostami Foundation, is showing the multimedia, retrospective collection of artworks by acclaimed Iranian filmmaker, photographer and visual artist Abbas Kiarostami. The exhibit, Kiarostami: Beyond the Frame , includes the artist’s children’s films, graphic design work, immersive large-scale photographs and installations of his 21st century video art, making this marriage of art, creativity and technology especially relevant

Oklahoma City’s Parks & Recreation department is hosting their first musical production , The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee , Nov. 17-20. The show’s main characters are six kids competing for the spelling bee championship of a lifetime. As each speller steps up to the microphone, they give glimpses into their lives at home.

and exciting for youth visitors. Kids 17 and under always get in free to OKCMOA . The exhibit runs through April 9, 2023. © THE KIAROSTAMI FOUNDATION

Kevin!!! If you love the movie Home Alone , you’ll want to kick off your holiday season with the score from the hit 1990 movie performed live by the OKC Philharmonic . Home Alone in Concert will be held Nov. 26 at 8 p.m. at Civic Center Music Hall.

Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you have to miss your weekly trip to the farmers market! Edmond Farmers Market goes indoors starting in early November. Find more than 25 farmers and artisans selling fresh produce and unique items (perfect for holiday gifting!) at the MAC in Mitch Park located off Covell east of Santa Fe. The market is open from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

OKC Ballet’s traditional version of the beloved The Nutcracker features all new choreography this year. This holiday spectacular includes students from the OKC Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School, plus live music from the OKC Philharmonic and Canterbury Voices. NEW this season: a sensory-friendly performance with adjusted lighting and sound, relaxed theater rules and additional accommodations will be held Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. The Nutcracker shows at Civic Center Music Hall Dec. 10-18.

PHOTO BY JANA CARSON

Get more details on each of these events and experiences at metrofamilymagazine.com/new-and-now. Plus, find our Best of the Month lists, including the top 10 FREE events and best events for toddlers, teens and date night. Special thanks to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and Spontaneity Kid Care for their sponsorship of Best of the Month lists.

Get MetroFamily Magazine DELIVERED TO YOU! For just $25 annually, become a MetroFamily Insider and receive a mailed subscription to MetroFamily Magazine, discounted and

early bird tickets to annual MetroFamily events such as Kids Fest, Geekapalooza and Cover Kids and other special offers! A subscription makes a great holiday gift for a parent, grandparent or caregiver. Join today at metrofamilymagazine.com/insider.

8 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022

NEW & NOW

GET WHAT YOU NEED 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 for you to have fun as a family, as well as the services, information and inspiration for you to be the best parent to your children. Because parents are overwhelmed and inundated with information and advice coming from all directions, we make your mornings easy by delivering bite-size timely news, family fun and real-life parenting tips straight to your email inbox.

What will you receive in our FREE e-newsletter? The info and inspo we provide daily in our FREE e-newsletter serves to delight, inform and affirm your family life.

Raising OKC Kids PODCAST featuring local experts on topics relevant to parents, grandparents and caregivers

Weekend EVENTS for family fun planning made easy

Family Mental Health tips, advice and resources

Seasonal GUIDES lists and guides with frugal family fun ideas, festivals, school break camps and more SPECIAL OFFERS from our advertising partners

Event Information details on our annual events, including Kids Fest, Cover Kids Search and Geekapalooza: A STEAM Festival for Kids

CONTESTS how to enter our contests for a chance to win fabulous prizes

RESOURCES to help you choose after-school activities, educational opportunities, parent-vetted medical professionals, birthday party venues and much more

Magazine Info where to pick up magazines, how to get them mailed to your home and links to top articles

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022 9

6 CREATIVE WAYS TO STAY ACTIVE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

BY LINDSAY CUOMO . PHOTOS PROVIDED.

The words “hustle and bustle” tend to define the holiday season, but it is still important to set aside time for healthy movement! Physical activity lowers stress hormones, strengthens your immune system, improves your mood and even helps you sleep better, all things we need to fully enjoy the merriment of the season. “In addition to all of the physical benefits, movement together, away from screens, brings us together,” shared Alexandra Taylor, local mom of two from Newcastle. Taylor’s kids are ages 6 and 1, and their favorite way to stay active year-round is to go hiking. They even have a holiday tradition of a hike on Christmas and Thanksgiving. “Our favorite place to hike is the Wichita Wildlife Refuge in Lawton,” said Taylor. To make hikes or neighborhood walks even more fun, Taylor uses what she calls “listening time,” where everyone gets quiet and listens with intention. “During our hikes, I like to have some quiet time to see what we can hear and enjoy the sounds of nature,” said Taylor. “We might hear leaves rustling or a stream and even more animal sounds because we are being quiet.” Looking for creative ways to encourage your family to be more active? Here are six fun ideas to get moving during the holidays from Shape Your Future. Kids’ growing bodies need 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Parents should aim for at least 30 minutes.

THE WICHITA MOUNTAINS WILDLIFE REFUGE WAS NAMED A 2022 METROFAMILY FAMILY FAVORITES PLACE TO EXPLORE NATURE.

10 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022

1 Take a tour of your favorite holiday lights! But instead of driving, walk around your neighborhood or through a local holiday light display. (Check out page 38 for ideas!) 2 When it is too cold to be outside, turn up the holiday tunes and have a dance party. Taylor said she leans into her daughter’s love of ballet for their dance sessions. “My daughter is really into ballet, and we love to put on The Nutcracker and do our own interpretation at home,”

said Taylor. 3

Transform mundane tasks into a competition! Raking leaves? See who can make the biggest pile. Putting toys

away? See who can finish first. 4

Get the whole family involved in rearranging the furniture. Whether it is time to make room for the holiday decorations or you simply want to give your home a refresh, rearranging furniture is a useful way to work your muscles and finally clean under that couch! A prized spot on the Taylor family Christmas tree is the perfect motivation for her kids. “My daughter and I move toys and reorganize to make room for the tree,” said Taylor. “She is so excited to decorate her spot on the tree with her favorite unicorn Turn screen time into fitness. While you watch your favorite show, exercise during commercials. Do push- ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, jog in place or anything else that gets you moving. Or turn on an active show! “When we get stir crazy from not being able to go outside as much, we love to turn on Go Noodle or kids’ Zumba or yoga on YouTube to keep moving fun,” If we are lucky enough to get a snow day, sledding, building a snowman and having a snowball fight are great ways to move our bodies and have a lot of fun. “Last year when we had all that snow, we spent hours rolling snowballs and crafting a 7-foot snowman,” remembers Taylor. “We even made a snow volcano.”

ornaments every year.” 5

WITH PROPER PREPARATIONS, COLD-WEATHER HIKING IS A GREAT WAY TO DISCOVER NATURAL WONDERS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS.

Opt Outdoors Safely Cooler weather requires proper attire and preparation for outdoor activities. Follow these basic guidelines from Shape Your Future to play it safe: • Dress in layers so you can remove outer layers as your body warms up. Make sure your bottom layer is a fabric that draws sweat away from your skin. Waterproof boots and wool socks are also recommended. • Wear a hat! A significant amount of your body heat is lost through your head, so proper head protection is essential. • Play it safe and pack a safety kit. Plus, make sure you tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return, especially if you are hiking in an area with spotty cell service. • Drink water before, during and after physical activity. Dehydration happens even in colder temperatures. • Wear sunscreen because sunburns can happen in the winter, too. • Be extra cautious when the ground is wet or icy.

recommends Taylor. 6

SPONSORED BY

Find more ways to stay active and recipes for healthy meals and treats at shapeyourfutureok.com.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022 11

LOCAL FAMILY FUN

Reimagining an ICON MYRIAD GARDENS’ CRYSTAL BRIDGE CONSERVATORY REOPENS TO THE PUBLIC BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MYRIAD GARDENS. I remember when the Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge Conservatory were the new darlings of downtown. Granted, there wasn’t much else to see in downtown OKC when the now-iconic bridge and gardens opened in 1988. Along with many others who’ve called the metro home from childhood to parenthood, I’ve watched as downtown has flourished through economic development, revitalization and the MAPS programs, and the Myriad Gardens has continued to serve as a central force beckoning residents and visitors alike to the heart of our city. The beautiful grounds of the Myriad Botanical Gardens underwent extensive renovations in 2011, creating the lush, welcoming, outdoor backdrop for annual events like Pumpkinville and the Children’s Garden Festival. But, like a lot of relics from the 1980s (this geriatric millennial mama included!), some serious TLC was in order for the Crystal Bridge Conservatory. After closing to the public in 2021 for a $9.7 million renovation, the 13,000 square foot glass tube will reopen as an icon reimagined this November. NEW AND IMPROVED Visitors will immediately recognize improved accessibility, added educational experiences, updated spaces and varied views in the renamed Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory. “I am most excited about how the new design is very visitor- focused and friendly in all ways,” said Maureen Heffernan,

CAPTION

VISITORS TO THE NEWLY REDESIGNED INASMUCH FOUNDATION CRYSTAL BRIDGE CONSERVATORY WILL NOTICE IMPROVED ACCESSIBILITY, INCLUDING NON-SLIP FLOORING, SMOOTH WALKING SURFACES AND A NEW ELEVATOR.

president and CEO of Myriad Gardens and Scissortail Park foundations. “That’s the biggest thing we wanted to get right, so we tried to design everything from a visitor viewpoint. I think we have achieved that.” The enhanced visitor experience begins at the entrance’s newly-added outdoor plaza, where plants and seating encourage visitors to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature. From there, guests enter the renovated lobby, complete with a new admissions desk, gift shop, coffee bar and classroom. Guests will be drawn in to the conservatory through a wider entrance, leading to widened pathways throughout, as well as non-slip blue stone flooring and smooth walking surfaces to ease accessibility. The addition of a second elevator on the north end and new stairways will help with the flow of visitor traffic and allow guests to meander through the space at their own pace.

12 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022

Seating has been added on all three levels to provide quiet spots to rest or enjoy the views. Heffernan notes that the conservatory’s former waterfall could be noisy and overwhelming. Both more visually dramatic and soothing to the senses, a new waterfall sets the stage as visitors enter the redesigned space. The addition of a reflecting pool adds to the sense of serenity. Of note for gardeners, conservationists and lifelong learners, the plant life inside the two conservatory zones — still delineated into a tropical wet zone and a tropical dry zone — has been more intentionally placed with visitor education in mind. More interpretive signage and exhibits will appeal to visitors of all ages. “It really showcases the plants even more,” said Heffernan of the redesign. “Instead of coming in to a mass of plants, they are more distinguishable from each other. They are grouped in fruits, spices and commodity plants.” Art features have been incorporated throughout the space to enhance and highlight the natural beauty of the trees and plants. A new terrace on the northern section of the second level can be rented for weddings or events. OLD FAVORITES REFRESHED What will longtime residents like me, who visited the Crystal Bridge Conservatory both as a kid and then again with kids of my own, recognize in the new space? Not much, laughs Heffernan! The popular skywalk on the third level remains intact, but even this landmark didn’t escape needed updates. “Before, we had railings up the sides where kids couldn’t really see out,” said Heffernan. “We have created three bump-outs along the way so kids can see out through sturdy, clear material. Also at those bump-outs there are sensory interaction stations, which adds an enriching educational aspect for kids.” All the plants were removed from the conservatory during renovation, and while the space still feels lush, the plant canopy will be noticeably lower as the young trees take time to grow. But Heffernan says that change will allow even greater appreciation for the 224 foot long, 70 foot

Integrated Brain Health

The IBH Dierence! At IBH, we start with the "why?"

Often behind behavioral and emotional issues are undiagnosed learning disabilities, developmental, and neurological conditions . Using evidence-based diagnostic and assessment tools, we gather meaningful information about all areas of development, we will help determine the "why" behind the behaviors.

A STRIKING VERTICAL SCULPTURE, CLOUD PORTAL BY SCOTT MURASE, DIVIDES THE NORTH AND SOUTH ENDS OF THE CONSERVATORY. HIGH PRESSURE FOG NOZZLES CREATE MIST ON THE UPPER SPIRES OF THE SCULPTURE.

We have highly trained multi-disciplinary intake and assessment clinicians that look across multiple areas of developmental, emotional, and neurological functioning to determine best treatment options. Call us at (405) 702-9032 or visit our website at IBHealth.co We accept most major insurances!

diameter bridge, covered in 3,028 sections of translucent, double-layered acrylic panels. “Having a lower canopy is cool because the architecture of the bridge suddenly reveals itself,” said Heffernan. “You can see how lovely the architecture is, which you didn’t see as strongly when the plants were so big. It’s a real architecture icon for the city from the exterior, but now you see the inside as well.”

Occupational Therapy Applied Behavior Analysis, ABA Individual and Family Therapy 3838 NW 36th St, STE 200, OKC 73112 @integratedbrainhealth

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022 13

BEYOND THE FOLIAGE Outside of the conservatory itself, reimagined spaces will serve to enhance the visitor experience. A Discovery Room has been added between the elevator and second floor entrance. In this space, children and families can enjoy illustrative graphics and text about how plants and insects work together as well as themed activities that will rotate monthly. The Oculus Room, with the large, circular windows looking toward the Devon Tower, has transformed from a cave-like space to an airy art gallery with exhibits that will change every quarter. A bright, cheerful classroom at the north end of the bridge will host classes and programs for all ages. The new museum-quality gift shop, designed by architect Charles Sparks out of Chicago, will feature custom display cases offering locally-made goods by Oklahoma artisans, branded Myriad Gardens shirts and mugs and garden-related books and houseplants, plus a coffee bar selling hot and cold drinks. Visitors will not have to pay admission to visit the gift shop or coffee bar. UPDATED ADMISSION PRICES Admission to the Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory will increase to $12 for adults; $10 for seniors, military and veterans; $8 for students and $7 for youth (ages 5-17). Discounts are offered for

THIS ARCHITECTURE DRAWING DEPICTS THE NEW GIFT SHOP, WHICH WILL OFFER LOCALLY-MADE GOODS BY OKLAHOMA ARTISANS, BRANDED MYRIAD GARDENS SHIRTS AND MUGS AND GARDEN-RELATED GIFTS.

groups of 10 or more. Family memberships are $85, which include free annual admission to the Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory, free admission to Pumpkinville in the fall and the Children’s Garden Festival in the summer and a discount on tickets to the Devon Ice Rink throughout the holiday season. Plus, members receive free admission to a plethora of botanical gardens around the country.

Don't miss this interactive adventure during its last season at the Harn Homestead November 16-December 23, 2022

14 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022

“As a nonprofit, we have to raise a lot of money every year,” said Heffernan. “Buying tickets or becoming members helps us grow our income so we can keep doing great things.” Enjoying the outdoor gardens remains a favorite no-cost OKC experience for residents and visitors alike. “Our exterior gardens are free, and that’s very rare,” said Heffernan. “Most are gated with an admission fee, so the fact that anyone can walk there, bring their family and not have to worry about paying to experience a beautiful garden is a real plus for OKC and for visitors.” A FUTURE SO BRIGHT After the successful completion of major renovations to both the outdoor gardens and the conservatory, Heffernan and her team are now focused on creating even more opportunities for families and individuals to connect with nature in meaningful ways. They hope to achieve that vision by adding more annual events and maintaining the grounds and conservatory as a top-notch botanical garden. “In the Children’s Garden, we would like to look at how we can elevate that,” said Heffernan. “We have had so many families and kids enjoying that space for over a decade. We’d like to look at that area to see how we can make it even better and replace some things that have aged out.” In Heffernan’s 11 years with the Myriad Gardens, she and her team have launched popular annual festivals like Pumpkinville; added

diverse programming like Dancing in the Gardens, a plant sale and concerts; overseen the opening of Park House and the design of the great lawn space and band shell north of the conservatory and revitalized the popular Full Moon bike rides, attracting thousands of repeat visitors throughout the seasons. Plus, the Myriad Gardens’ November tree program, through which the team gives away up to 1,000 trees to residents, is making a lifelong impact in greening the city and educating residents on the importance of conservation through tree planting, pollinators and native plants. “Having beautiful gardens and green spaces — 15 acres in the middle of downtown to relax, walk, take a break or have a place where you can come with your kids — that is priceless in terms of adding to people’s quality of life,” said Heffernan. “I like to think we’ve had a role in encouraging people to come downtown more, adding more vitality and momentum to how downtown has changed in many ways over the past decade.” JOIN THE CELEBRATION! Opening weekend for the new Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory is Nov. 18-20. Enjoy special hours Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each day will include educational programming and activities. Find more details at myriadgardens.org.

Winter at The Cowboy Activities are free for Members or with Museum admission. Available while supplies last.

Kids Take Over The Cowboy Holidays at The Museum December 3 • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Celebrate the season with photos with Santa and visit Prosperity Junction. Find the elves to earn your own special prize, create Western-inspired holiday crafts and meet Western characters including Teddy Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln and Annie Oakley. Winter Break Activities December 19 – 24 & 26 – 31 • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Drop by and participate in family friendly activities. Create a different make-and-take craft each day.

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

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022 15

GIFT GUIDE

MORE Magic , LESS STUFF

Gift local experiences this holiday season BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED.

SCIENCE MUSEUM OKLAHOMA

As I anticipate all the joy of the holiday season … I also internally cringe at the overwhelming amount of stuff my kids receive this time of year. Don’t get me wrong — I am appreciative of family and friends who seek to see my kids’ eyes light up, and I am the queen of over-the-top holiday magic — but as the years go by, I’ve learned the most precious gifts are those that encourage time together. And that don’t take up room in our already-cramped closets. Gift kids (and grandparents!) a unique experience, membership, camp or class this holiday season with ideas from local organizations in these pages, grouped by interest.

ART AFICIONADOS

Performances for the family: Share the

season. Enjoy this holiday spectacular at the Civic Center Music Hall between Dec. 10 and 18. A sensory-friendly performance is scheduled for Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $30. Grandparent gift: Memberships to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art start at $60 for an individual and include free admission and other perks; $100 dual memberships also include free admission to 1,100+ museums in North America. Bonus: Kids 17 and under always get in free to OKCMOA, so this gift doubles as special time for grandparent and grandkid fun throughout the year.

joy of music! OKC Philharmonic puts on three children’s concerts per season featuring movie tunes, classics and popular songs played by the orchestra. Bonus: before each show,

check out the Instrument Playground, where kids can play

instruments with the help of volunteers, as well as hands-on activities from community partners. A three-concert subscription is $24 per person, and single tickets are $9. At the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts in Stillwater, all ages are invited to wiggle, dance and sing along for their specially-curated family shows. Acoustic Rooster’s Barnyard Boogie starring Indigo Blume features New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander bringing two of his beloved children’s books to the stage in this musical. The show is Saturday, March 11, 2023, and tickets are $20. Opt for a pre-holiday gift experience by enjoying OKC Ballet’s The Nutcracker . The beloved performance with live music from the OKC Philharmonic and Canterbury Voices features all new choreography this

Classes and camps for kids: Encourage a burgeoning tween or teen artist with studio school classes at Oklahoma Contemporary . Classes are available in 4- or 8-week sessions and explore a variety of art-making techniques, from mixed media and ceramics to sewing and drawing. For younger artists, ages 5 to 12, gift a week at Camp Contemporary, offering creative summertime and school break camps exploring traditional art as well as DJing and performance arts. Call or visit the front desk to purchase a gift certificate.

Freebie: Plan a family day at Oklahoma Contemporary , where admission is always free!

16 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022

ANIMAL ADVOCATES

skull to determine facts about the subject. Tickets are $40. If dinosaurs speak to your child’s love language, a membership to Sam Noble

Museum in Norman is a must. Explore 500 million

years of Oklahoma’s natural and cultural

history, from dinos to our state’s unique biodiversity

today. A family membership for two adults and all household children is

Memberships & events for families: If your child loves animals, OKC Zoo memberships are perfect for gifting, with an easy “Give as a Gift” option available online. Annual family memberships are $120 and include free admission for two adults and up to four kids. Get really wild by gifting an animal encounter at the zoo! Go behind the scenes in a small group setting to learn how caretakers care for each animal. Choose from getting up close and personal with grizzly bears, Galapagos tortoises, Indian rhinos, bison, sea lions or Asian elephants. Experiences are $40+ per person. For kids who love the science of how things work, gift a membership to SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology , where they can explore 450 skeletons from around the world. An annual family membership is $99 for up to four guests. For ages 16+, check out monthly Forensics Night events, where guests are assigned a mystery case and, through hands-on investigation, learn how forensics anthropologists and law enforcement “read” the features of a human

$45 for the year. Grandparent gift: If grandma has a pooch with poor manners, gift classes to K9 University . From puppy and obedience classes to behavior curbing lessons and the canine good citizen

program, this locally-owned business can help with basic to advanced needs. Bonus: grandparents and grandkids can practice obedience skills with the pup between classes.

Make a difference: Make a donation to a local shelter or nonprofit that cares for animals in honor of your child or grandparent gift recipient. Check out 2022 MetroFamily Family Favorites animal rescue organizations: Oklahoma Humane Society , Pets & People or Second Chance Animal Sanctuary . Freebie: Spend

some quality time together with a furry

friend by visiting a Metropolitan Library location hosting the Children Reading to Dogs program.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022 17

ACTIVE ATHLETES

Little athletes: The Lil’ Kickers program at SoccerCity OKC teaches soccer skills and also encourages teamwork, listening skills, cognitive functions and sportsmanship. Lil’ Kickers is open to ages 18 months to 9 years, and each session is 9 to 12 weeks long for $17 per class. Equestrian enthusiasts: Check out riding lessons or spring break and summer camps at Cadence Equestrian Center . No riding experience is necessary, and lessons and camps include horse care instruction. All incoming students must complete a $65 assessment lesson; super start lesson packages for beginners are available for $500 and include 10 discounted group or private lessons. Group and private lessons are available for $55 to $85, respectively.

For the family: Adventure abounds at RIVERSPORT OKC ! Gift passes to Winter Glow through Dec. 30, which includes indoor skiing, ice skating, curling and climbing. Passes are $19.99 or $14.99 for youth under 12. Activities are for ages 6 and up; indoor skiers must be at least 8. Day or seasonal passes for RIVERSPORT’s regular season, March through October, make great gifts, too. Spring, summer and fall

adventures include whitewater rafting, tubing, surfing, flatware kayaking, SUP and land adventures like the Sky Trail, Sky Slides, the Rumble Drop, climbing and the Youth Zone. Day passes start at $54.99, seasonal passes start at $199.99 and Youth Zone passes are $9.99. Or purchase passes for individual activities, including Ski OKC, Surf OKC and kids’ adventure camps. Bonus: From Black Friday through Jan. 1, season passes are 50 percent off! Grandparent gift: OKC Parks offers a number of classes for seniors, from yoga, music and floral arranging to art workshops, woodworking and theatre. Bonus: some classes are open to all ages and make a perfect grandparent-and-grandchild experience, including guided hikes at Martin Park Nature Center, archery, cooking and fishing. Classes range from free to $25. Freebie: With the fall opening of the new lower section at Scissortail Park , families can now enjoy two basketball courts, a soccer field, a futsal court and four pickleball courts. Lace up your sneakers, grab your gear and head downtown for active family fun.

Tenacious teens: The Daily Shredd is Oklahoma’s first- of-its-kind indoor skateboard facility that offers a safe, clean environment for children (and adults) to get acclimated to skateboarding or elevate skills through group or one-on-one lessons with skilled instructors. Group lessons are $50 per person; open skate passes are $15.

18 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022

Top for toddlers through tweens: One of the best spots for kid fun in OKC is Science Museum Oklahoma , where STEAM and science come alive through hands-on activities, indoor play structures and mind- blowing shows. Silver 2 memberships admit two and are $125; Silver 6 admit six and are $185; both options include free/discounted admission to participating Association of Science - Technology Centers throughout the world. Or reserve single-day tickets on a date of your choosing online; tickets are $20.95 for adults and $15.95 for seniors and kids ages 3 through 12. TREND SETTERS

Trending for teens: Ideal for the artistic, snag an at-home art kit from Factory Obscura . The Fluid Art Kit includes everything your gift recipient needs to make four original paintings.

Bonus: each kit includes one voucher for a free kid admission to experience the immersive sensory art world of Factory Obscura. Kits are $35.

Freebie: Visit Synesthesia at the Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art in Norman, where admission is always free. Created by the team at Factory Obscura, Synesthesia is an immersive, interactive art experience exploring color and inviting visitors to open their senses to gently touch, listen, crawl and discover. The exhibit will be on display through summer 2023.

Grandparent gift: One of OKC’s newest and most revered attractions is Scissortail Park . Individual memberships start at $40. Bonus:

members get free pedal boat rides, admission to the Sky Rink for roller skating and access to member-only events, as well as discounts to other community attractions like Wheeler District and Factory Obscura.

Cowboy Christmas Ball 2 7 T H A nNU A L FEATURInG MICHAEL MARTIn MURPHEY ( Friday, December 16, 2022 )

MAKE RESERVATIONS online at NATIONALCOWBOYMUSEUM.ORG/COWBOYCHRISTMASBALL

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022 19

Classes for kids: Edmond Parks and Recreation offers after-school programming for ages 8 through 17 with weekly classes such as theatre, archery, outdoor living and the arts. Programs range from $5 to $100. Through Yukon Parks , kids and teens can enjoy classes indoors and outdoors year-round, starting from $5. OKC, Edmond and Yukon park systems also offer school break and summer camps perfect for gifting. Take a hike: With 13 miles to explore, Edmond’s Arcadia Lake transports TREE HUGGERS

city dwellers to the serenity of nature. For kids who love to hike or bike, gift an annual vehicle pass to provide the whole family year-long opportunities to opt outdoors. Annual passes are $80 (Edmond residents receive a 20 percent discount). Dreaming of summer: If cold weather gives your summer-loving kid the blues, perk them up with the gift of summer camp. Outdoor fun abounds at the YMCA’s Camp

Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory, plus reciprocal admission to more than 300 public gardens nationwide. Members enjoy free admission to the Myriad Gardens’ popular Children’s Garden Festival in June and Pumpkinville in October (they’ll love taking the grandkids!). Memberships are $45 for individuals, $65 for duo and $85 for family (with additional options available online). Freebie: OKC Parks hosts free hooked on fishing classes for ages 5 to 15 bi-weekly, in addition to many other free program offerings for kids and families, and Yukon Parks hosts free monthly family fun nights.

Classen near Davis in southern Oklahoma, where activities for kids ages 6 to 16 include archery, horseback riding, hiking and canoeing. Choose from one- and two-week overnight or day camps. Grandparent gift: Gardening grandparents will appreciate the gift of a membership to the Myriad Gardens , where they receive free admission to the newly-renovated Inasmuch

NOW ENROLLING! DANCE CLASSES FOR ALL AGES!

An illuminated tour of lights in Yukon, OK! Located in City Park and Chisholm Trail Park. Nov. 19 - Jan. 1 Nightly 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. Walk Or Drive Through The Lights Take a self-guided tour through a wonderland of lights.

COMMUNITY DANCE ACADEMY CommunityDanceAcademy@okcu.edu okcu.edu/community-dance-academy/home 405.208.5508 Scholarships Available Trained Instructors Small Class Sizes No-Hassle Spring Performance

Outdoor Ice Skating Real Ice - Not synthetic like many others. Visit us online Hours, rates, FAQ’s and much more.

yukonicerink.com

Santa Express Train Rides Located in Chisholm Trail Park Offered Every Night | 6 pm - 10 p.m Weather Permitting | Tickets - Train Depot

Santa Express Sponsored By:

www.yukonok.gov/ChristmasInThePark

cityofyukonokgov

@cityofyukonok

@cityofyukonokgov

20 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022

HISTORY BUFFS

Grandparent gift: Grandparents can visit two of OKC’s top museums with a recently- unveiled dual ticket experience to the newly- opened First Americans Museum and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum . Or, take your gifting up a notch with an OklaHoma gift

set, which includes a gift from each museum store in addition to admission to both. Purchase dual

tickets or gift sets at First Americans Museum.

Memberships for families: For those who love to learn, memberships to the Oklahoma Historical Society include admission to the Oklahoma History Center as well as OHS sites around the state, including historic homes, military sites and museums. At the Oklahoma History Center, don’t miss the exhibit Launch to Landing , featuring the Skylab 4 Apollo Command Module. Family memberships are $75 and admit eight.

Freebie: Plan a family visit to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame , where

This high-tech, interactive museum is ideal for multigenerational fun as kids enjoy the touch screens throughout and parents or grandparents recognize many of the famous Oklahomans featured in the museum. Editor’s note: For quick links to purchase gift ideas outlined in this article, visit metrofamilymagazine.com/experiences- as-gifts

free admission and family activities are offered every second Saturday of the month for See You Saturdays. Plus, enjoy free admission and activities

on Thursdays during the summer as well as during Spring Break and Fall Break programs.

sell. buy. repeat.

SAVE on the brands you trust with our everyday low prices. Sell the toys, clothes, and equipment your kids have outgrown for CASH today.

NORTH OKLAHOMA CITY 13801 N. PENNSYLVANIA AVE OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73134 405-286-3114 | VISIT US ONLINE

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022 21

FAMILY MENTAL WELLNESS Music Heals: Positive benefits for mental health BY DAVID DINSMORE . PHOTOS PROVIDED.

OKC PHILHARMONIC CHILDREN’S CONCERT

Mickelthwate’s son – who dealt with a mild form of Tourette’s syndrome as a young man – explored the science of the link between music and health with a project that evaluated the impact of music on the tics experienced by kids with Tourette’s. “We start to hear music while we’re in the womb,” said Nowels, who has worked as a music therapist for 18 years with patients of all ages. “We’re surrounded by it. We don’t think about it. You’re in the car. You’re in the store. You’re watching TV. It’s everywhere. It’s something that’s part of us.” Even the rhythm of one’s own heartbeat ties them to music, Nowels said, and there are therapeutic techniques tied to heartbeat. Research has shown steady beats can aid in physical therapy and recovery from injury as patients work on motor functions. “The brain automatically picks up on that steady beat, and it’s a great tool for movement,” explained Nowels. “That’s why so many people In a clinical setting, the nature of music therapy works in conjunction with other plans of treatment patients may be undergoing to help improve outcomes across the board. “We can come in and give them something unexpected, and by the end, they are smiling and interacting more and wanting to participate,” said Nowels. “It’s always exciting when we can find something that motivates them because in the beginning it can be kind of hard after their accident or illness to get them back up and believing that it’s going to be OK. It’s OK to smile again.” Though the focus of much of Nowels’ work comes from the clinical realm and making sure patients are receiving appropriate therapies and plans, the impact of having a little music added to the treatment or recovery of a child resounds within the family members surrounding them. “It can help take their mind off what they’re working on and focus on something else,” said Nowels. “It’s not clinical or nerdy to say this, but it’s good for the soul. It takes you out of your slump and lets you have a little fun. It takes you out of the bad.” incorporate upbeat music in exercising.” Therapeutic benefits

Music engages 20 to 30 networks in the listener’s brain, according to the work and research of famed author and neurologist Oliver Sacks. Local licensed and board-certified music therapist Rachel Nowels can attest to the power of music to boost mental health as she spends every day demonstrating to her patients and their families the link between the two through her work at Bethany Children’s Health Center. Though some may conjure images of “bare feet and flower crowns” when they think of the work of a music therapist, Nowels said the position “is very nerdy” and involves a lot of research, goal assessment and evaluation. Nowels specifically works with children in a pediatric environment and focuses on helping kids with issues related to trauma and coping. “Music is a great tool to help people understand emotions a little better,” said Nowels. “Emotions are so abstract, and kids think in such concrete terms. It’s hard for them to understand the concept of frustration or being sad. We can use instruments and different interventions to help them explore something, like what ‘mad’ sounds like on a drum.” The power of music During his career in music, Alexander Mickelthwate, music director of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, has witnessed moments in which music has directly impacted someone’s health. In one instance, an audience member at a concert Mickelthwate was conducting attended the performance with his father, who was dealing with advanced Alzheimer’s. The father’s mind cleared once the music began, and he began to converse quietly and normally with his son, with whom he had not held a meaningful conversation in some time as a result of the disease. The son told Mickelthwate that after the performance ended, he saw his dad recede back into the grips of the disease.

22 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022

Incorporating music at home Mickelthwate grew up listening to music at home and attending concerts, and he incorporates this in his own home with his children. For instance, when enjoying some Saturday morning pancakes his family may have Queen and the Beatles playing in the background. “It doesn’t always have to be classical music,” said Mickelthwate. That said, Mickelthwate suggested using soundtracks from Disney movies or composers like John Williams for those curious about adding some classical music into their rotation but unsure where to start. The familiar songs will be easily accessible for the whole family while featuring symphonic structures that can pique interest in exploring more classical compositions. “I would start with where kids hear orchestral music, and nowadays that is usually in movies,” said Mickelthwate. “It’s a great way to get your feet wet.” Research has shown repeatedly that in using music to help people relax, it’s best to use a genre they prefer, said Nowels. From new age to heavy metal, she has seen people able to connect and refresh with a surprising range of styles. “Listening to music that you enjoy is a great way to make you feel better and relax,” said Nowels, who played and studied piano growing up and works as a piano teacher in addition to her role as a music therapist. “To help with your overall mental health … you can try to learn to play an instrument. It’s a rewarding, meaningful activity that you can carry on at home.”

Inspiring young musicians Singing can also benefit one’s mental health as it usually requires purposeful breathing techniques and strengthens one’s respiratory system. This can also lead to the social aspects of music – such as joining a choir – that can create social interactions naturally around a common interest. “With mental health, it’s important to be connected with other people,” said Nowels. “Choirs and ensembles can provide that.” Though voice may have the easiest entry point into participating in music, the fact that voices change at different times in life – such as during puberty – can cause some disruption as people try to hone their musicality. Mickelthwate said learning an instrument can help someone achieve and maintain a consistent level of musical skill they can build upon throughout their lives. With so many online resources available – such as guitar lessons on YouTube – there are a variety of ways kids or even whole families can try their hand at an instrument or two. “With an instrument, you can continue practicing,” said Mickelthwate, who suggested students attending schools with a music program should take advantage of that opportunity to learn and practice. Mickelthwate enjoys when the Oklahoma City Philharmonic engages with schools and youth organizations to provide them real-life examples of people who make their living in music. They never know when they may inspire a child who wants to work in music but is not sure how to get there.

Can I have a Pony? Please??

CAMPS/CLINICS • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • FACILITY RENTAL FOR PRIVATE EVENTS

CADENCE EQUESTRIAN (405) 348-7469 14150 S Pine Street, Edmond, OK 73034

SKATEBOARDS, ROLLER SKATES & INLINE SKATES ARE WELCOME 200 NW 142 ND ST, STE 106, EDMOND, OK 73013 VISIT DAILYSHREDDOKC.COM FOR HOURS, PRICING AND SPECIAL EVENTS. PH. 940-368-4768 PRO SHOP • EQUIPMENT RENTALS • LESSONS: GROUP & PRIVATE

Give the gift of Riding Lessons! Purchase gift certificate online at cadenceequestrian.com Gift certificate emailed upon receipt of purchase.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022 23

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64

www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting