MetroFamily Magazine November December 2025

MetroFamily Magazine. OKC Family Fun. OKC event calendar. Holiday fun

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

Dallas on a Dime Top free & budget-friendly picks Parent Power How you can support public education

Gift Discovery Unwrap wonder with a museum membership

Shop unique, handmade gifts from premiere First American artists!

Meet Indigenous Santa!

Donate a new, unwrapped toy for a local Tribal Child Welfare Program!

Experience the Solstice sunset through the FAM Mound tunnel!

Outdoor & indoor fun!

Enjoy cultural demonstrations and storytelling!

Learn more at FAMOK.ORG Both events are FREE to attend!

Winter Solstice Weekend December 20 & 21, 3 - 6 pm

Contents

Features 10 METROFAMILY’S 2026 COVER KIDS Introducing the winners of our annual search 14 WHY PUBLIC EDUCATION MATTERS

ON THE COVER Ruby is the winner of our 2025 Cover Kids contest in the 4 - 5 age category. Soon to turn 6, she loves dancing, tumbling, swimming, reading, puzzles and spending time with animals, especially farm animals. Ruby is the daughter of Mary and Jason. Their family enjoys visiting Scissortail Park, especially the Farmers Market, attending Second Saturdays at Oklahoma Contemporary and worshiping at People’s Church. PHOTO BY FOTO ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY

New initiative shows investing in students strengthens communities

18 THE GIFT OF DISCOVERY

Unwrap a year of learning and fun with local museum memberships CELEBRATING EVERY SOUND How Hearts for Hearing transforms lives for children with hearing loss

50 PLACES & FACES

Meet the leaders behind local businesses and organizations that keep our community thriving

56 HOPE, HEALING & HOLIDAY CHEER

Oklahoma’s pediatric rehab hospital seeks your help to bring joy this Christmas

Departments 6 CONNECT WITH METROFAMILY Our top seasonal resources, all in one place 8 NEW & NOW 4 local happenings for families 12 LOCAL FAMILY FUN Holiday magic on a budget WHAT’S RIGHT WITH OUR SCHOOLS How parent and community groups fuel student success 22 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Festivals, shows, holiday lights, Santa stops and more EXPLORING BEYOND OKLAHOMA WITH CHILDREN Free & frugal family adventures in Dallas

62 LAST LOOK

Top spots to volunteer your time and skills

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Letter from the Publisher

2024

Publisher Amy L. Foreman Editor Lindsay Cuomo Art Director Stacy Noakes Assistant Editor

Emiley Bainbridge Editorial Assistant Rebecca Fast Media Strategist Dana Price Events Director Casey Shupe Contributing Writers Tim Willert Ashley Glass Contributing Photographer Bridget Pipkin Contact us 3636 S Sherwood Forest Blvd Ste 540 Baton Rouge, LA 70816 Phone: 405-601-2081 tips@metrofamilymagazine.com metrofamilymagazine.com

Welcome to Our New Chapter!

Dear Readers, I’m thrilled to introduce myself and my family as the new faces behind MetroFamily. As the publisher, I’m excited to share this journey with you and to usher in a fresh, invigorating era for our publication. Magazine publishing has been a passion of mine for many years. Allow me to start by introducing my family, who are my biggest supporters and the heart of our mission. My husband, Brandon, is a tech guru and has a passion for aviation. He’s been a guiding force in helping me shape the direction of our publications. Our three children, Kylee, Dylan and Tyler, bring boundless energy and creativity into our lives. Kylee, with her love for dance, Dylan, with his fascination for technology, and Tyler, who can tell you about any sport possible, all inspire me daily. We’re embarking on some exhilarating changes that I believe will enhance your

experience with MetroFamily. Our goal is to reestablish this as a consistent monthly publication, providing readers with timely, engaging content they can look forward to. In addition, we are excited to expand with ancillary publications designed to meet specific needs and interests — including seasonal camp guides, Faces & Places® spotlights, comprehensive “everything” guides and even specialized magazines for expecting parents. These targeted additions will allow us to better serve diverse audiences while broadening our reach and impact. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm as we navigate this exciting new chapter together. We’re committed to making MetroFamily a publication that resonates with you and reflects our shared values and interests. Here’s to new beginnings and to many more wonderful moments ahead!

MetroFamily Magazine is published bimonthly. Copyright 2025 by Family Resource Group Inc. All Rights Reserved. Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Family Resource Group Inc. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Proud member of

Gratefully,

Amy L. Foreman Publisher

Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Edmond Chamber of Commerce & Midwest City Chamber of Commerce

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2025 5

Connect with MetroFamily Your Parenting Playbook for OKC in November & December

O ur primary goal at MetroFamily is to make life easier for local parents. Through our bi-monthly magazines, robust website, blogs by local parents and exciting events and contests, we seek to tame parent overwhelm and infuse joy into your families. The best way to get all the family fun and parenting resources from MetroFamily is to

sign up for our FREE e-newsletter . You’ll receive bite-sized timely news, top weekend events, info on our contests with fabulous prizes, seasonal guides and real-life parenting tips

straight to your email inbox. Sign up at metrofamilymagazine.com/subscribe. 

Check out 4 opportunities to learn, have fun and take advantage of local resources.

2 Enter our Ultimate Holiday Giveaway

Turn your holidays into an unforgettable adventure with MetroFamily’s Ultimate Holiday Giveaway! Enter for a chance to win one of three prize packages from our partners, with prizes like: • 2-night stay at OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark in OKC • Oklahoma Awesome Adventures Holiday Cabin Experience featuring an Elephant Encounter PLUS a Family VIP Pack to Holiday in the Ark • Family 4 pack of tickets to Tanganyika Wildlife Park • Tickets to Lyric Theatre, Polar Express, North Pole Adventure, Altitude 1291 and more • Gifts like Radio Flyer Ultimate City 4-in-1 Stroll N Trike, Lil’ Flyer Trike, Flyer Glider Jr and more! Enter daily Dec. 1-12 at metrofamilymagazine.com/contests. 

1 Geek Out at Geekapalooza! MetroFamily’s biggest STEAM Festival of the year is back — and your family won’t want to miss it! Join us for Geekapalooza on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Rose State College . This interactive festival brings science, technology, engineering, art and math to life with fun for all ages. Families can explore hands-on projects and visit expo booths led by local leaders while diving into topics like robotics, coding, the science of flight and geoscience. The excitement doesn’t stop there — enjoy drones in action, smash geodes, refuel at food trucks and compete in a scavenger hunt for awesome prizes!

Ultimate Holiday Giveaway MetroFamily’s

Tickets are just $5 per child when you register in advance or $8 (card only, no cash) at the door. Adults and kids under 2 are free. Register now and save!

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Combine learning with fun at a winter break camp Keep your kids

entertained during winter break with a plethora of engaging camps and activities for children of all ages. MetroFamily’s comprehensive guide offers a diverse range of programs for a variety of interests and ages.

Whether your child is into science, art, animals, sports or gaming, our guide offers a curated list of fun-filled options to help them explore new skills, spark creativity and make memories. Start planning your break at metrofamilymagazine.com/winter-break .

Get our magazines delivered For just $25 annually, become a MetroFamily Insider and receive a mailed subscription to MetroFamily Magazine, free tickets to MetroFamily events and other special offers. Join today at metrofamilymagazine.com/insider.

SHOP SELL and kids’ stuff clothes • shoes • toys • equipment Earn CASH when you sell us their outgrown items! AND SAVE BIG on the brands you trust with our everyday low prices.

Family Favorites metro family WINNER

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2025 7

New & Now

Community Buzz 4 newsworthy happenings for families BY EMILEY BAINBRIDGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED.

OKCPS celebrates grand opening of Southeast High School Aviation Center Oklahoma City Public Schools has officially opened the doors to its brand-new Aviation Center at Southeast High School. Funded by the 2022 OKCPS Bond, this state-of-the-art facility reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers in aviation and aerospace.

Developed in partnership with Metro Technology Centers, the Aviation Center provides hands-on training and direct pathways to careers in aviation and aerospace. This initiative represents a significant investment in both the future of OKCPS students and the economic development of the region. Learn more at okcps.org.

OKCMOA partners with EnChroma to enhance accessibility for color blind visitors

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) announced a new accessibility initiative in partnership with EnChroma, aimed at enhancing the museum experience for visitors with red-green color blindness. Through this collaboration, guests can now borrow EnChroma’s specialized glasses free of charge during their visit, allowing them to experience the full vibrancy and nuance of the artwork on view. This initiative reflects OKCMOA’s ongoing commitment to making the visual arts more inclusive and accessible to all. Red-green color blindness affects approximately one in 12 men and one in 200 women. EnChroma glasses enable individuals with red-green color blindness to see a wider range of colors more clearly and distinctly, while enhancing detail and depth perception. Guests can borrow the glasses from the museum’s front desk. OKCMOA especially encourages visitors to try them with the new exhibition, Paul Reed: A Retrospective , to experience the artist’s bold and vibrant use of color. Learn more at OKCMOA.com.

RIGHT: WALT KUHN, TIGER TRAINER, 1932, OIL ON CANVAS, 44 1/2 × 29 1/2 IN., OKLAHOMA CITY MUSEUM OF ART, MUSEUM PURCHASE WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE FRIENDS OF THE OKLAHOMA ART CENTER, 1981.035, © ESTATE OF WALT KUHN, PHOTO © OKLAHOMA CITY MUSEUM OF ART. LEFT: ARTWORK CONVERTED INTO COLOR AS SEEN BY A PERSON WITH DEUTERANOPIA.

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Capitol Hill’s Calle Dos Cinco welcomes new outdoor gathering space At the end of September, Capitol Hill’s Calle Dos Cinco unveiled a new outdoor multicultural plaza, located on Harvey Avenue between SW 24th and SW 25th Streets. Nestled beside the historic Templo De Alabanza and surrounded by local small businesses, the plaza celebrates the neighborhood’s rich Hispanic heritage through colorful public art, Talavera tiles, a gazebo stage and other features designed for both festive gatherings and everyday community use. Managed by the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District, the $2 million project was funded through federal dollars from the City’s Strong Neighborhoods Initiative. Learn more at historiccapitolhill.com.

Now open in OKC: Joy Rails offers a unique outdoor adventure New to Oklahoma City, Joy Rails introduces an outdoor experience unlike anything else in the region. Departing from the Oklahoma Railway Museum, this memorable railbike tour winds through scenic surroundings, including Lincoln Park Golf Course. Guests can pedal along the flat tracks at their own pace or sit back and relax with the convenience of an electric-assist feature, allowing the railbike to do the work. It’s a fun and refreshing way to explore the city from a whole new perspective — right from the rails. Tours will continue as long as the forecast allows this fall and return in the spring. Learn more at joyrails.com.

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The Oklahoma City metro is overflowing with amazing kids with beaming smiles, big dreams, bright personalities and kind hearts! This year’s Cover Kids Search was nothing short of inspiring. We were thrilled to meet each and every child who entered and to see the incredible talent, joy and spirit of our next generation of Oklahomans. After the registration period, our readers and fans showed up in full force, casting their votes for their favorite Cover Kid hopefuls in each age category. From there, our finalists had the chance to shine in front of a panel of local community leaders who were truly impressed by their bright personalities. A huge thank you to every child who participated and to all the families, friends and readers who voted! Announcing MetroFamily’s 2026 Cover Kids!

BY LINDSAY CUOMO . PHOTOS PROVIDED.

Palmer Palmer is the winner of our 2026 Cover Kids Search in the 4-5 age category. She turns 5 years old this November and attends pre-K in Edmond. Dazzling everyone with her pink- loving personality, Palmer loves crafting masterpieces, going on pretend adventures with friends and reading about her favorite wild animals (the bigger and faster, the better — tigers and cheetahs top the list!). She’s a busy bee in and out of school, too — doing gymnastics, t-ball, swimming, piano lessons and even acting classes. Palmer is the daughter of Megan and Whit and big sister to Quinn. Their family enjoys visiting the OKC Zoo and traveling to experience different cultures.

Janori Janori is the winner of our 2026 Cover Kids Search in the 6-7 age category. This high- energy 7-year-old attends second grade in the Mid-Del School District and is all in on basketball, the OKC Thunder, YouTuber CoryxKenshin and Sonic the Hedgehog. When he’s not sinking shots, reading or solving math problems, you might find him powering up with a plate of pizza and steamed broccoli — because this kid knows how to balance flavor and fuel! Janori is the son of dad Jaren, mom Jillian and bonus dad Michael, II, and middle sibling to Mi'Kylah and Michael, III. The family enjoys dining out at Burger Punk in the Paseo Arts District.

Kyson Kyson is the winner of our 2026 Cover Kids Search in the 8-9 age category. He is 9 years old and attends third grade in Oklahoma City. An avid fan of fast cars and cool shoes, Kyson loves to swim, draw, craft, build and volunteer. As a member of his YMCA soccer team, his true passion is soccer. His favorite player is Leo Messi. Kyson is the son of Kendra and the younger brother of Layla. You’ll find Kyson and his family hanging out with his godparents, Derrick and Imani, visiting metro parks (His favorite is Scissortail Park) and attending People’s Church.

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Olivia Olivia is the winner of our 2026 Cover Kid Search in the 11-12 age category. She is 11 years old and in the fifth grade. Whether she’s styling her American Girl dolls, writing her first mystery novel about a clever girl named Abigail or choreographing new dances and cheers with friends, Olivia’s imagination is always hard at work! She is the daughter of James and Meredith, and the pet mom to Dahlia, a slightly sneaky Giant Schnauzer who has mastered the art of toy theft and door opening. Their family enjoys treasure hunting at estate sales and the Scissortail Farmers' Market and attending concerts like OKC Phil’s Family Discovery Series.

Peter, Grace & Nehemiah Peter, Grace & Nehemiah are the winners of our 2026 Cover Kids Search in the sibling category. Peter is 10 years old and in fifth grade. Grace is 7 years old and in first grade. Nehemiah is 4 years old. Big brother Peter has a knack for art and engineering, especially when he’s folding intricate paper airplanes or sketching his favorite Marvel and Godzilla characters. Grace loves playing kitchen, dressing up her dolls and stuffies and twirling around like the ballerinas she admires from the movie Leap!. Little brother Nehemiah is the family’s joyful helper, cooking and cleaning alongside Mom and Dad and giggling during his speech therapy sessions with his teachers, Serena and Shelly. This trio is the children of Mark and Michelle and together they enjoy singing in the kids' choir at Beth Haven Baptist Church, assembling LEGOs, playing at Chuck E. Cheese and hanging out at the Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch.

Watch for MetroFamily’s 2027 Cover Kids Search beginning in mid-July 2026.

Looking for #OKCFamilyFun? Sign up to receive MetroFamily's FREE award-winning

e-newsletter, full of family fun ideas, local events and parenting resources. Subscribe here!

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2025 11

Local Family Fun Merry & Bright for Less Schedule joy, laughter and holiday cheer, without breaking the budget! ARTICLE BY LINDSAY CUOMO . PHOTOS PROVIDED T he holidays are here, and with them come endless opportunities to create memories and cherished family traditions. However, for many parents, this magical season can also bring stress from stretching the family budget. Between gift lists, parties and holiday meals, it’s easy to feel like festive fun comes with a hefty price tag.

SPONSORED BY

F or the past decade, Oklahoma has consistently ranked among the lowest states in the nation for educational quality, driven by low math and reading scores, higher dropout rates and limited social resources. These alarming statistics have cast a shadow over the state’s public education system, spurring a rallying cry for change. The Oklahoma Education Impact Initiative (OKEII), a non-profit organization, is among those advocating for reform. Through its extensive research, conducted by leading scholars from Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma, OKEII seeks to provide data-driven solutions to transform Oklahoma’s education system. Kathy Curry, Ph.D., serves

“We began this initiative with a primary research objective of understanding what different stakeholder groups — parents, educators and community members — considered to be the main problems affecting K-12 education in our state,” said Curry. “Then, by looking at the challenges identified, elicit potential solutions, whether through resources, best practices or state policies to address some of the problems.” Individual success and economic growth OKEII was founded on the belief that public education is vital to our children’s future and our state’s success. Creating momentum for

meaningful improvements first requires us to remember why education matters and how its success or failure affects everyone, not just those directly connected to public schools. “Public education serves several critical functions in society,” said Dan Hamlin, Ph.D., an associate professor of education policy and research director of the Thrive Center at the University of Oklahoma.

as a research adviser for OKEII. She is a professor and the Williams Chair of Higher Education in the Educational Leadership/School Administration Program at Oklahoma State University, as well as the program coordinator for Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Her research focuses on

leadership development, family engagement in education and social learning spaces, along with international studies on education systems worldwide.

His academic research examines the impact of education policies on student health and safety, family engagement,

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Personal well-being and positive community health

school climate and school choice. Also serving as a research advisor for OKEII, Hamlin highlighted the lasting impact of investing in education. “There is a lot of evidence showing that when there are substantial investments in a child’s education, through the provision of a good school and family support, there are strong returns, by way of increased job opportunities, career paths and financial stability,” said Hamlin. “Oklahoma students are not only competing with job applicants throughout the nation; within our global economy, they’re competing internationally as well.” Hamlin cites Oklahoma’s recent losses in bids to attract prominent new businesses as an example of the impact public education has on workforce needs. “We live in a highly dynamic economic environment that changes on a dime, and we need a workforce prepared for it. The best way to do that is through education, cultivating strong academic skills and acumen to keep pace,” said Hamlin. “When you look at some of our country’s international competitors and see how much time, money and effort is put into not only the education system but to cultivating academic skills, what we’re doing in Oklahoma and even throughout the United States, pales in comparison. “From a research standpoint, econometric analyses have long shown that strengthening academic skills promotes economic growth in individual states as well as countries as a whole.”

Understanding that quality education directly impacts a person’s ability to thrive economically, as well as support their broader community, is essential to championing the cause for educational reform, shared Curry. She drew attention to the societal benefits of supporting public education and references it as a foundation for greater social well-being, social cohesion and community resilience. “A strong education system is like the rising tide that raises all boats,” said Curry. “Education builds critical thinking skills, improves literacy and promotes informed civic engagement within our communities and democracy. It cultivates life-long learners and promotes personal growth and development. “In turn, you’ll find that when education is prioritized, societal challenges such as chronic illness, substance use and mental health issues are likely to diminish.” Believing so much is at stake, OKEII is committed to its work to inspire, strengthen and transform Oklahoma’s public education system and support the success of Oklahoma students. OKEII intends to present its research findings and recommended solutions to the Oklahoma Legislature this session. For more information about OKEII and to review its research, visit okeii.org.

DECK THE

HALL OF FAME

Join us for free admission, winter-themed crafts & FREE photos with Santa! DECEMBER 13 | 10 AM - 2 PM

OklahomaHOF.com 405.235.4458 1400 Classen Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73106

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2025 15

What’s Right with Our Schools

Community Reconnected

How parent and community groups fuel student success BY TIM WILLERT . PHOTOS PROVIDED.

W hen Carla Atkinson walked into Norman PTA Council meetings a few years ago, she saw only a handful of parents scattered around the room. Fast forward to this fall, and the same meeting buzzed with three times as many parents representing schools across the district. For Atkinson, Norman Public Schools’ family engagement coordinator, that growth is more than just numbers — it’s a sign that parents are finding their way back into schools. Across the metro, educators and community leaders are seeing the same trend: parent involvement is on the rise again, and with it, fresh energy for student success. School districts across the Oklahoma City metro are working to restore parent and family engagement to pre-pandemic levels with the help of PTA units, local foundations and volunteer programs. “I don’t think parents ever chose to not be involved ... It was just something that happened,” Atkinson said. “And then you build your new normal. As things lifted with the pandemic, people had forgotten ‘we can go do this at our school.’” Why family engagement matters School administrators and the leaders of organizations that raise money for programs and services point to the need to restore human interaction lost during the pandemic, calling those connections essential to student success. “It is 100 percent true that the more families engage in schools, the more successful their students are,” said Breea Clark, Norman's former mayor and current PTA Council president. “It’s because parents are learning about what their kids are learning. When they show up, it adds validity to the experience of learning itself, and the students get more excited about it. It becomes a family affair.” The role of PTA PTAs promote family engagement, fund programs, organize events, raise money and advocate for students and schools. Individual school sites charge dues, a portion of which is funneled to state and national units to support advocacy efforts and the Reflections Arts Program, Clark said. “It pays for the grants that go right back into schools for STEM, the arts and parent engagement,” she said. Nancy Perdomo, director of family engagement for Oklahoma City Public Schools, said the 33,000-student district is focused on growing parent involvement through PTAs.

VOLUNTEERS HELP KIDS CHECK OUT BOOKS AND KEEP THE READ OKC BUS SHELVES STOCKED WITH FUN READS.

PTAs, though, aren’t the only way parents can get involved in their child’s school, Perdomo said. “There are a variety of volunteer programs, whether that’s tutoring or mentoring through the OKCPS Foundation,” she said. “They can be a reading buddy, or they can volunteer on the Read OKC bus.” The Read OKC bus is a mobile library program that provides free books to students in the Oklahoma City school district. “Field trips are probably our most popular volunteer opportunity,” Perdomo continued, “Because it’s an opportunity to go someplace fun with their kids.” Another positive sign of increased parent engagement is the return of popular school events, such as Super Kids Day and Family Fun Night, which require a lot of volunteers. “This helps teachers to focus on teaching when they don’t have to organize the events that create special experiences and foster a love of education,” said Clark. “Once parents withdrew, there were no volunteers to organize all of these events.” “We know that when families are involved, they attend parent-teacher conferences and support learning outside of the school day,” she said. “Research shows that it increases test scores, graduation rates, attendance and all academic measures.”

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Engagement comes in many forms, according to Perdomo. “Everyone here at OKCPS can contribute, whether that’s time, talent or resources, so we have something for everyone,” she said. “We want to make sure that our families and community can offer support in whatever way they feel comfortable.” Fundraisers with a purpose Alesha Leemaster is executive director of the Norman Public Schools Foundation, which raises money to enhance educational experiences for teachers and students. The foundation awards more than $150,000 annually in teacher grants

that “will bring a lesson to life,” she said. One way the community can support public education in Norman is by purchasing tickets to Gingerbread Jingle and decorating preassembled gingerbread houses with high- end gourmet candy, Leemaster said. “Santa’s there and you can write letters to the North Pole,” she said of the foundation’s December fundraiser. “It’s a great way for us to create awareness for what we do with young families.” The Norman PTA Council hosts one annual fundraiser, the Norman Chocolate Festival, organized by the Firehouse Arts Center. “One hundred percent of what we raise besides the cost of the event goes right back into individual PTA units,” she said. “We gave away four $1,000 grants to units in Norman, and we gave away a $1,000 scholarship to a Norman High graduate.” One size doesn't fit all

PARENT AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS SUPPORT SCHOOLS IN A VARIETY OF WAYS, INCLUDING SPECIAL EVENTS AND FIELD TRIPS.

Not all school districts rely on PTAs to increase parent involvement. Millwood Public Schools doesn’t have a PTA, but parents serve on committees, participate in the school’s foundation or volunteer as coaches, according to Superintendent Cecilia Robinson Woods. “It definitely is an outdated idea in my school district,” she said of PTA. “I have had parents

she said. “I feel like this picture of parental involvement, community involvement, it’s an unachievable task in a space that doesn’t have a large majority of parents who stay home. “We’re also at a time where both parents have to work. The amount of time they have to give to be present is really limited.” Whether through PTA, school foundations or simply showing up for a field trip, parents and community members are finding new ways to connect with schools. The methods may look different from district to district, but the message remains the same — family engagement matters. As schools work to rebuild those relationships, the result is more than successful events or fundraisers. It’s classrooms where students feel supported, teachers feel empowered and families feel like an essential part of their child’s education. Editor’s note: This article is the final part of a year-long series called What’s Right with Our Schools , highlighting the innovative and inspiring programs shaping public education in the Oklahoma City metro. Each installment explores a different theme, showcasing how educators, administrators and communities are coming together to create meaningful opportunities for students. Read the full series at metrofamilymagazine.com/whats-right-with-our-schools.

who have tried to get it back going again.

We just haven’t been successful.” Robinson Woods views the idea of engagement differently than most. “Whenever people talk to me about engagement, I always

want to understand their definition of engagement,”

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2025 17

The Gift of Discovery Local memberships turn family time into an adventure BY LINDSAY CUOMO . PHOTOS PROVIDED. L ooking for a gift that lasts a little longer? Memberships to local attractions are the ultimate way to give a whole year of adventures, discoveries and “remember when” moments. They also maximize fun on a budget and play a vital role in supporting the amazing attractions in our community. Check out some of our favorite memberships to gift! Science Museum Oklahoma From live science shows and hands-on learning to a trip through the stars, SMO turns curiosity into family fun. 💲 Price: $190 for 4 people $230 for 6 people 💝 What you gift: Unlimited admission to exhibits,

Sam Noble Museum Travel through prehistoric Oklahoma into modern times at Sam Noble Museum. Through world-class exhibits and fun, educational programming, your family can explore and discover together. 💲 Price: $65 for 4 people 💝 What you gift: Members get unlimited admission for a year, plus two guest passes and discounts on parties, camps, classes and more. 🥳 Bonus perks: Sooner fans will be mammoth-ly excited about complimentary gameday parking.

Science Live and Planetarium shows for an entire year. Plus, members score exclusive invites to special events and sweet discounts on parties, camps, the gift shop and even the café (because science is better with snacks). 🥳 Bonus perks: You get free or reduced admission to 300+ science centers worldwide — from Tulsa’s Discovery Lab to the Perot Museum in Dallas and the Amazeum in Bentonville.

Oklahoma City Zoo The OKC Zoo brings the wonders of the animal kingdom to the heart of our city. Explore, learn and connect with wildlife while enjoying unique experiences. 💲 Price: $149 for 4 people | $199 for 6 people 💝 What you gift: Free general admission for a full year, a members- only entrance (skip the lines!), plus discounts on rides, attractions, Wild Encounters, special events, camps, classes, concessions and even the gift shop. 🥳 Bonus perks: Your zoo membership travels with you! Enjoy free or discounted admission to other AZA-affiliated zoos and aquariums, including zoos in Tulsa, Dallas, Fort Worth and Little Rock.

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First Americans Museum Dive into a world of culture and imagination at First Americans Museum, celebrating the 39 Tribal Nations in Oklahoma. Experience rich histories and traditions through immersive exhibits and hands-on activities. 💲 Price: $175 for 4 people | $250 for 6 people 💝 What you gift: Members get unlimited gallery admission, including to the newly opened FAMily Discovery Center, plus access to special events and discounts when you shop, dine and learn. 🥳 Bonus perks: In addition to your gift-wrap-ready FAM tote bag, members also receive a North American Reciprocal Museum Association membership, with benefits at hundreds of museums, including more than 20 in Oklahoma.

Other OKC memberships that make great gifts • Seasonal membership to a pool • Membership at a recreation center • Myriad Botanical Gardens • Oklahoma City Museum of Art

• Oklahoma Contemporary • Oklahoma Hall of Fame

Find even more 

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Visiting the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is like stepping into a wild west adventure with cowboy hats, stunning art and history around every corner. Explore everything from rodeo thrills to western artifacts, and maybe even feel a little like a cowboy yourself. 💲 Price: $125 for 4 people | $150 for 6 people 💝 What you gift: Members get unlimited admission year-round including special events like Christmas at The Cowboy and the annual Chuck Wagon Festival, plus a discount to The Museum Grill and Persimmon Hill, the museum’s gift shop. 🥳 Bonus perks: Cowboy memberships grant admission to more than 1,000 North American Reciprocal Museum Association Institutions.

Head to our Exploring Beyond Oklahoma article on page 56 to see how these memberships can add fun to your next trip to Dallas!

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2025 19

A mission that listens to every child Hearts for Hearing’s mission is simple: Empowering individuals through life-changing hearing health to listen for a lifetime. Their vision, “advancing hearing healthcare for all,” guides their efforts to make high-quality services accessible from birth through adulthood. But it’s their commitment to children with hearing loss, especially in those first critical years of life, that makes their work truly unique. Why early intervention matters Hearing loss is the most common birth anomaly, affecting 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 babies. In Oklahoma, that means about 150 babies are born each year with hearing loss, most of them to hearing parents, who are often shocked by the diagnosis. “When we think about children with hearing loss from birth to 3, the brain grows the most,” noted Darcy Stowe, the interim chief executive officer of Hearts for Hearing. “If children can get a timely diagnosis and begin to receive the necessary help and intensive interventions, those children should be able to enter mainstream kindergarten.” Hearts for Hearing ensures that no financial barrier stands in the way of this crucial help. Their services — speech therapy, audiology and caregiver coaching — start as early as a few weeks old and are designed to give every child the opportunity to learn to listen and talk. Celebrating Every Sound How Hearts for Hearing transforms lives for children with hearing loss BY EMILEY BAINBRIDGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED. I n the heart of Oklahoma, a transformative mission is underway — one that ensures every child with hearing loss has access to early intervention services, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. Founded in 2003, Hearts for Hearing was created in response to an Oklahoma law requiring newborn hearing screenings that passed in 2000, and they stepped in where insurance providers would not — offering children their first set of hearing technology and the ongoing services needed to thrive.

A NEWBORN HEARING SCREENING OFFERED BY HEARTS FOR HEARING.

“One of the most powerful aspects of their therapy is that it’s caregiver-centered, coaching families on how to build a language- rich environment at home,” said Stowe. “Therapy isn’t just about the hour-long session; it’s about equipping parents to support their child every single day.” • Hearts for Hearing provides newborn hearing screenings at 15 birthing hospitals across the state. • They serve over 10,000 children a year who need hearing tests, and more than 2,000 children with confirmed hearing loss. • They operate fully equipped clinics in Oklahoma City, Norman and Tulsa, as well as a Mobile Care Clinic, serving families in all 77 counties each year. • They offer a unique reverse mainstream preschool program, called Bridges, and a language-rich summer camp to keep kids connected and supported. • All of their speech pathologists are either certified or pursuing certification as listening and spoken language specialists, ensuring expert-level care for every child.

A place to connect, grow and celebrate

One of the most beloved and impactful programs at Hearts for Hearing is their annual summer camp, held each June in Oklahoma City. This four-day, language-rich day camp is designed for children who are currently in therapy or who have graduated, ranging in age from kindergarten through preteen. While it’s filled with fun, the camp’s deeper purpose is connection.

The scope of their work Hearts for Hearing delivers comprehensive services across Oklahoma to ensure children with hearing loss receive expert care and lasting support.

20 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2025