MetroFamily Magazine April 2018 by MetroFamily Magazine

APRIL 2018

Family Matters

20 non-profits making a difference for OKC families

2018 Summer Camp Guide

Dozens of ideas to keep kids learning this summer

Get to Guthrie

A family band festival you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss

CELEBRATE SPRING 243 local events

RE s O in M on N ic AR this E L r fo ok

Join us on Sunday, May 6, 2018 for SONIC Free Family Day at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. The theme of the day is Shape, Color, Pop! inspired by the special exhibition The New Art: A Milestone Collection Fifty Years Later. Be inspired together as you find shapes in the galleries, create your own colorful works of art, and hear the poppin' sounds of kindie favorites Spaghetti Eddie and The Sugar Free Allstars. While you're here, don't miss "Supersize Storytime" in the Noble Theater featuring staff from OKCMOA and The Metropolitan Library System. Books and songs exploring art elements will be fun for even the littlest visitors. Juggle Whatever will be outside for hula hooping and juggling fun. All activities and Museum admission are free!

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Features 8 Music to Our Ears Get to know a family band making waves in Guthrie 14 Family Advocates Heroes from 20 local nonprofits making Oklahoma City a better place for families 48 Real Mom of OKC How former OB/GYN Sonja Hughes found balance 52 2018 Summer Camp Guide Dozens of ideas for summer fun

In Every Issue 6 New & Noteworthy Must-attend events to support local kids

12 Where Are They Now? Catch up with our April 2006 cover model 22 Calendar of events 44 Exploring Outside Oklahoma Seven reasons to take a trip to Knoxville 54 Kid Review Thoughts from a kid on Okie Kids Playground

attention of local readers. Visit www.metrofamilymagazine. com/2018-pma-awards/ to read the award-winning pieces.

Giveaway: Looking for a unique summer camp? The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is offering full and half-day camps this June and July for ages 8 and up.

Web Exclusives The Parenting Media Association awards regional family publications across the country for their best content each spring. MetroFamily’s best content from 2017 went headto-head with others nationwide and PMA awarded us seven gold awards and one silver award. Content from regional family publications is reviewed and judged by a panel from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism. Thank you to all the amazing staff members and freelancers who help make MetroFamily a fun publication worthy of the

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Enter to win the Museum’s summer prize pack giveaway, which features four admission tickets and a merchandise basket worth more than $150. Deadline: Tuesday, May 1 at noon. Enter at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/contests.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS MEMBERS CELEBRATE WORLD PEACE DAY BY PLANTING PINWHEELS IN FRONT OF THEIR MEMORIAL PARK CLUBHOUSE. PHOTO PROVIDED.

Publisher

Sarah Taylor

Managing Editor Hannah Schmitt

Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo

Contributing Writers

Erin Page, Heide Brandes & Kimberly Burk

Contributing Photographers Emily Hart and Kimera Basore

Art Director Stacy Noakes

Marketing Director Callie Collins

Sales

Athena Delce, Dana Price

Project Manager Jessica Misun

For this issue, I had the privilege of talking to leaders from 20 of the most influential nonprofits in the city. More importantly, I had a chance to ask them all, “what is the most important thing that needs to happen to make Oklahoma City a better place to raise a family?” Their responses have kept me up at night these past few weeks (that and the fear that all 20 of the interviews would somehow disappear from the cloud). Many of them mentioned making education a higher priority. Many of them mentioned the importance of addressing mental health needs. All of them touched on the fact that prioritizing the needs of children is no longer an option in Oklahoma, it’s an absolute necessity.

Office/Distribution

Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County President & CEO Jane Sutter said it well.

“Oklahoma City needs to focus on the kids,” she said. “I am super excited about all the MAPS activities. Super excited about the Thunder. It’s become a much more fun, interesting place for young professional adults to live and work. But we as a community and honestly as a country need to focus on education for all our kids.

Kathy Alberty

318 NW 13th St, Ste 101 OKC OK 73103 Phone: 405-601-2081 Fax: 405-445-7509 sarah@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com

MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2018 by Inprint Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Circulation audited by

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

“When I was growing up, it didn’t matter whether you went to public or private school, you had a great education and experiences that led to an enriched life. But now it’s abysmal. The lack of opportunity is scary. And even if you’re not a person who loves kids or thinks from my perspective, even if you’re a business executive or a leader in city council or legislature, we all need to care about this because our future depends on a citizenry that’s educated and engaged.” I agree with Jane. We all need to care about this. I know the people who pick up this magazine are doing so because they care about their kids, so our feature on 20 Family Advocates on page 14 may be preaching to the choir. But my deepest hope is that the article will land in the hands of people with power so they can hear about local needs straight from the ones working to serve them. Many thanks for the tireless work of people at all non-profits across the city and to everyone in Oklahoma City who supports them. Hannah Schmitt Editor

This Month’s Cover

Valentin C. 2018 Cover Kids Search winner Valentin, 4, is the son of Laura A. and Omar C. He loves treasure hunting, dinosaurs and spending time outside. Learn more about all our 2018 Cover Kids at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/2018-Cover-Kids-Winners.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

New & Noteworthy 2 Local Causes to Support BY HANNAH SCHMITT

KENNEDY LIVELY IS A SURVIVOR OF OPEN HEART SURGERY

Central Oklahoma Heart Walk On April 21, 10,000 people are expected to gather in downtown Oklahoma City for the annual Central Oklahoma Heart Walk. The free, family-friendly event features a 1K and 5K walk and a half-mile obstacle course designed specifically for ages 5-12. The walk raises money to support research and lifesaving education through the American Heart Association. It’s the type of research that helped save the life of 6-yearold Oklahoma City native Kennedy Lively right after she was born. Lively was born with a congenital heart defect called transposition of the great arteries, which was complicated by sub pulmonary stenosis. At just four hours old, she had a balloon procedure as a temporary fix until she could undergo her permanent operation. At three months old, Kennedy had open heart surgery to mend her heart for a more permanent fix. “Before Kennedy, I didn’t even know they did open heart surgery on newborn babies,” said Kennedy’s mom Jarie Lively. “A newborn heart is the size of a walnut so it’s hard to imagine surgery on something so tiny.” Jarie said Kennedy’s diagnosis totally changed her life and overnight she went from never giving the American Heart Association a thought to relying on the organization for the care and support to keep her baby alive. She now considers the local American Heart Association representatives her family.

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LILY MCCOOK HAS TYPE 1 DIABETES

Kennedy and Jarie will be at this month’s walk along with thousands of other supporters. Jarie said the annual event is Kennedy’s favorite day of the year, even more special than Christmas.

by a supportive community of other parents with children with Type 1 Diabetes to show him the ropes. Now, Lily depends a lot on technology to keep her informed about her blood sugar levels.

“She gets to celebrate everyone with special hearts,” Jarie said of her daughter. “When she was younger, she thought all 10,000 people at the walk were there for her. Now she’s old enough to realize all these people have families and they’re survivors, too and that is so special.”

Before, Lily could use a continuous glucose monitor that would update her levels every five minutes without a finger stick. The catch was that the parent who wanted to read the results had to be in the same room as the person wearing the transmitter. Clayton discovered Nightscout and all that changed.

The event will start at 8 a.m. April 21. For more information visit www2.heart.org.

The Nightscout community of parents with kids with Type 1 Diabetes reverse engineered the receiver so as long as the parent and child both had access to the internet, parents could remotely see their glucose levels. Any parent who visits www.nightscout.info can find code to help them outfit their own receivers, Clayton said, which is just another example of how other supportive people in the Type 1 Diabetes community make a difference.

Hope Gala Local fourth grader Lily McCook counts her carbs and sends her dad photos of the snacks she eats at school. No, she’s not on some crazy youth fad diet. Lily has Type 1 Diabetes and is surprisingly responsible with handling her health considering her age. Lily’s dad, Clayton, explained what it felt like to hear about Lily’s diagnosis when she was just 3 years old. “It’s been a roller coaster trying to deal with the shock of it and how to handle it,” he said. “She started on shots right after the diagnosis. We had to give her a shot before every meal and one at night, a minimum of four shots a day which is a lot for a 3 year old.” She handled it exceptionally, he said, and has been doing so ever since. Clayton said he and his wife Cindy lean a lot on other parents and local organizations for help. He considers himself blessed to be surrounded

Locally, the McCook family has been supported and encouraged by Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF), Clayton said. When Lily was first diagnosed, representatives with the organization brought the family a Bag of Hope—a tote filled with tools and resources to educate them about the news. Clayton said their outreach and the support of other parents helps tremendously, especially when you’re first facing a new diagnosis. If you’d like to get involved in supporting Lily and other children with Type 1 Diabetes, JDRF is hosting their annual Hope Gala at 6 p.m. April 28 at the Gaillardia Country Club. Visit jdrfokc.org for information.

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

LOCAL FAMILY FUN

RussellClan Family Band BY KIMBERLY BURK

Brian and Maris Russell did not set out to have seven children, or to form a family band, or to make a living from a 30-acre patch of land northeast of Guthrie. But one thing led to another and now the homesteading family makes up the Celtic band RussellClan.

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Save the Dates

MEMBERS OF THE RUSSELL FAMILY ARE, BACK ROW FROM LEFT, BRADEN, BLAINE, BRIAN, SETH AND SADIE. MIDDLE ROW, ADELYN, MARIS AND JOHN. FRONT ROW, STEPHEN. PHOTO BY JANAE LARSON.

And although the band in many ways defines them, it’s not nearly all they do. They raise chickens, have 13 head of Bavarian Fleckvieh cattle and tend the nearly 4,000 fruit and nut trees. There’s also a recording studio, a photography business and a new tiny house construction venture. And then there’s the kitchen where Adelyn, 15, turns out the peanut butter balls her brothers say give them the energy to keep it all going. It’s a lifestyle that allows the family to work, play, worship and make music together. From 23-year-old novelist and private music teacher Braden to the 10-yearold mechanically-minded Stephen, all the Russell offspring love to learn and develop their talents. But perhaps what they most enjoy is encouraging one another. “Seth is our glue,” Blaine, 21, said of his 19-year-old brother’s artistic management of their musical troupe, which performs in churches, enters youth competitions at the Guthrie International Bluegrass Festival and at Silver Dollar City and appears at Celtic festivals across the region. John, 13, praises his parents for one of the house rules. “We have to do the work to make money,” he said. “It’s made me more businesslike.”

He takes care of 25 chickens and wants to expand his egg-sales business. His grandparents were his first customers. Adelyn lists doing things with her sister Sadie, who is 17, as one of her favorite pastimes.

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Sadie and Adelyn perform Irish step dance during their concerts and both play several instruments. All the kids studied violin early on as part of the homeschooling curriculum overseen by their mother. Braden was 4 when he started his classical training. “We saw the benefit of the violin for the discipline and the ear training,” Maris said. “It’s good for the brain, for overall learning and for hand-eye coordination.” Once they reached a certain proficiency on the violin, the kids were allowed to start adding other instruments. They chose guitar, cello, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, keyboards, percussion and Irish whistle. Owner of Guthrie’s famous Double Stop Fiddle Shop Bryon Berline and other musicians in and around town provided encouragement, lessons and good deals on instrument purchases. Their first performance was at a homeschool talent show, when Braden was about 11. The kids were encouraged and accompanied by Brian, who as a college student had sold his saxophone to buy his first guitar and taught himself to play it. They were known at first as the Russell Family. Then they attended an Irish festival in Stillwater, where Maris’ parents lived and

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spotted a booth advertising an Irish music retreat in Texas. They went, they loved it and their study of Irish music was launched. Eventually they were invited to perform at the North Texas Irish Festival in Dallas. Their concerts remain eclectic and include the Western swing they studied with scholarship money from the Guthrie Bluegrass Festival. Christian music is important to them, and they have made friends from across the country while performing in churches and at family band festivals.

and a couple of his sons have a remodeling business that often means long daily drives, so their goal in acquiring knowledge and skills is to eventually earn their living on the farm. The 220-square-foot tiny house they designed and are building on a trailer is one such venture. But if Stephen, the baby of the family, has anything to do with it, quality of life will remain the primary purpose of their rural acreage.

This year they are one of three family bands set to perform at the free Family Band Fest, scheduled for April 27-29 at God’s House Ministries, 624 W. Warner Ave. in Guthrie. The festival will feature concerts, workshops and an open talent show and will conclude with a Sunday morning worship service. Activities such as volleyball will be offered and kids who play instruments but are not members of bands are invited to jam with other musicians. “A special bond is created when people sync their hearts and minds in the togetherness of music,” said Wayne Murphey, pastor of God’s House Ministries. “This is no better demonstrated than in family bands, where a special closeness is created as family members harmonize with vocals and musical instruments.” The first Family Band Fest JOHN RUSSELL WORKS WITH A CALF WHILE HIS BROTHER SETH DOES THE MILKING. PHOTO BY BLAINE RUSSELL. was held in April 2016, Murphey said, and “family bands from across Oklahoma attended, and “My favorite thing is to be able to be out in their response let us know that what we were the country without a tiny little backyard,” doing was a boost to what they were trying he said. to accomplish in their families.” The workshops, Murphey said, will include instruction in fiddle, guitar, tin whistle, banjo and Irish dance. Lunch and dinner will be served Saturday in exchange for a freewill offering.

He rides his bicycle, plays in the sandbox, climbs trees and practices his archery, he said.

The workshop components of family band festivals are familiar territory for the Russells, who have studied everything from permaculture to how to make American music “sound Irish” in such settings. Brian

And that leaves an opening for another compliment from a sibling.

10 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

“And I like being able to play music with my family,” he said. “I like singing the best.”

“He’s always been our loudest singer,” Blaine said. “He has no stage fright.”

About Family Band Fest: $10 per person or $25 per family registration fees cover the entire fest from Friday through Sunday. The Saturday evening concert is open to the public and free of charge. April 27: 7 p.m. concert April 28: Guest speakers at 10 a.m., workshops at 10:45 a.m., lunch at noon, talent show at 2 p.m., dinner at 5 p.m. and outdoor concert at 7 p.m., weather permitting. April 29: Worship service at 10:30 a.m. Noon cookout, bring your own burgers and hot dogs. For more information go to FamilyBandFest.com. To see a list of the RussellClan’s upcoming performances, go to www.ourrussellclan.com.

RUSSELL FAMILY DOGS ON THE ROOF OF THE CORRAL WHILE SETH DOES THE MILKING.

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CH RAINEY RI

ARDS, WH

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IN, IS JAMES RA TIFIES AS THE FAR RIGHT ON

Where are they now?

Cover Kid

James Rain BY ERIN PAGE, PHOTO PROVIDED

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James Rain appeared on MetroFamily’s cover in April 2006 at the age of 9, giggling over a faux-campfire with longtime friends Stephanie Hou and Taylor Hawk. At the time, James identified as female and went by the name Rainey Richards but it was just a few short years later he says he began to realize something was “off.”

Amidst a challenging school climate, James was dedicated to the process of selfdiscovery and learning to feel comfortable in his own skin. Years of research and careful consideration led him to the conclusion that he is transgender, prompting the changing of his name last May. After James graduated from Piedmont High School in 2015, he earned associate degrees at a college in Missouri in dance and theatre. Though he returned home briefly to work, his passion for live theater eventually led him to Houston where the 20-year-old is pursuing a career in the theatre tech industry. James shares his journey in the hopes of helping parents support their children wholeheartedly, as he has been, particularly in the throes of major life changes or decisions.

What do you remember about being on the cover of the magazine?

What advice would you give to parents whose child is going through any major life change?

My Mom said, ‘They need someone for the cover, so grab two friends and let’s go.’ I went to the same school as Taylor since kindergarten and we were best friends. Stephanie and I went to the same ballet studio.

What gave me courage to come out was knowing people around me would hear what I said and not just shut me down. The best thing they can do is just to listen. Hear them out, don’t try to jump to any conclusions and try to be as objective as possible. I know it’s hard because when you’ve been parenting them their whole life, you think you know what’s best for them. Just listen to their side and don’t get mad at them. If it’s a big decision, they need someone to bounce it off of before they’re sure themselves. Discuss it with each other; weigh the pros and cons.

Did you always know that you identified as a male, or was it a realization that came about over time? I didn’t notice it while it was happening, but in hindsight, yes. As a kid, I really didn’t understand the separation of gender stereotypes, why boys were supposed to do this and girls do that … Why couldn’t everyone do what they wanted? When I was about 11 or 12, I started realizing I might be bisexual. When I went through puberty in middle school and was discovering myself as a person, I started dressing more androgynous, because I was more comfortable, and I cut my hair. At 15, I came across the term ‘gender fluid’ and thought, ‘wow, that sounds like me.’ I never thought it was a weird thing. I did more exploration and research and by the time I was 17, I was sure I was transgender.

What was your experience like at a women’s college? I didn’t choose the college because it was all-women but because of the great things it offered. In a way, going to a women’s college helped me come to terms with everything; it solidified it even more in my brain. A few friends and my mom already knew and were super supportive but I officially came out the day of graduation, last May. I didn’t want to cause any drama with the school.

Oklahoma is not always known for its inclusivity. Did that influence your decision to leave the state?

What’s the most positive change you’ve seen in Oklahoma City since you were on the cover? The general growth of Oklahoma City has made it a better place. The more different types of people you have in a place, the more you can learn about different people and the more inclusive it gets. The downtown area was so empty compared to how it is now.

What’s your favorite place to visit in the metro? The Arts District is one of my favorite places. I feel so at home there, even when I don’t know anybody.

What has been your proudest accomplishment since gracing our cover? Accepting myself in spite of everything that’s been thrown against me over the years. Living in a very small town, going to a high school with not-so-nice people and still being able to come out the other side a better person than when I went in. I’m good with who I am.

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[Editor’s Note: This interview was edited for style and clarity.]

It wasn’t the main reason I left but it was definitely a factor. The main reason was for more theatre-related opportunities and there are local theaters everywhere in Houston. I’ve had my guard up for so long that it just feels natural. I feel like I’ve kind of become desensitized to [a lack of] inclusivity. It’s a normal thing that I have to accept.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

ScienceMuseumOK.org

LOCAL FAMILY FUN

Family Advocates

20 local non-profits making an impact Oklahoma City is home to hundreds of non-profits. These organizations work tirelessly to do everything from shelter local animals to serve meals to the homebound. To celebrate our 20th anniversary, we’re highlighting 20 local non-profits (in no particular order) that have been especially helpful to families in Oklahoma City. We chatted with leaders at each of the organizations to be reminded of the power of serving others and be prompted to do even more for our community. BY HANNAH SCHMITT HEADSHOTS BY RANDY COLEMAN, RANDYCOLEMAN.COM

Calm Waters: This organization helps more than 2,500 children and families every year who have endured a loss of some kind. Through free counseling at various programs and schools around the Oklahoma City metro area, this non-profit gives hope to local kids who have experienced loss due to death, divorce, deployment, incarceration, deportation or foster care. They’ve helped more than 27,000 individuals since they were founded in 1992. “Everybody loses someone they love,” said Calm Waters Executive Director Barbara Butner. “The weekend I attended Calm Waters grief training, one of my dear, dear friends who was like a mother to me passed away. There’s no getting around loss. Someone you love will die at some point in your life and loss is hardest on kids. We just want to help address their grief.” Looking to the future of OKC’s children, Butner said her greatest hope is that legislators will recognize the huge issue of mental health for kids and address it appropriately. “It’s vital that central Oklahomans recognize mental health is an issue,” Butner said. “It’s not going away. If we recognize problems at an early age and give people help, they will be contributing citizens and will be more equipped later.”

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Oklahoma Children’s Theatre: In an era of arts programs being drastically cut from public school budgets, Oklahoma Children’s Theatre is delivering arts experiences to local youth through classes, camps and outreach programs. The Theatre became fully incorporated in 1986 and provides accessible, educational and entertaining children’s theatre and related creative programming to thousands of children in the metro area as well as statewide tours. “Classes and camps give children an understanding of collaboration, of empathy, of active listening and the opportunity to be wildly and exotically creative,” said Oklahoma Children’s Theatre Executive Director Lyn Adams. “Tours provide children in rural and underserved communities the opportunity to experience live theatre and for those first timers it blows their minds!” Although the organization has made a lot of progress in bringing arts experiences to kids, Adams said she’d still like to see Oklahoma City make strides in education. “If we could find the funding to provide arts educators and experiences either in school or through field trips for every child enrolled in Pre-K though 12,” she said, “we would definitely make OKC a better place to raise a family, to be a family, to be single, to live.”

Peppers Ranch: In nine years, Peppers Ranch Foster Care Community has grown from being home to 10 kids to more than 110. The organization’s mission is to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect and they’re currently expanding to a second Peppers Ranch location to make more of an impact. Peppers Ranch Executive Director Tonya Ratcliff explained what drew her to the mission of the organization was that, as a foster parent herself, she saw the value in providing a whole community of wrap-around care instead of single services. Foster care can be a lonely journey, she said, but living in a neighborhood surrounded by other parents who understand makes a huge difference. Although Peppers Ranch has already accomplished a lot in serving foster families, Ratcliff said what local kids need now is to hold foster parents to a higher standard. “Oklahoma has to wrap around the foster care crisis tighter than they ever have before,” she explained. For our next generation to have a better life, she said, foster parents have to work harder than ever to equip foster kids to rise above the life they were born into, she said. “I’m not telling you this as an executive director, but as a mother of 10. I’ve been there. I’ve walked that road. I’ve seen mental illness at its worse. I’ve seen addiction plague the lives of biological parents,” she said. “I’m not just saying that as I sit behind a desk raising money. I’m saying this as a mom.”

Single Parent Support Network: The mission of the Single Parent Support Network is to educate, empower and encourage single parents to successfully raise their families. Through support groups, conferences, seminars and one-on-one meetings, SPSN helps connect local parents to resources they need. Board of Directors Member Trey Whitney said whether it’s a family in need of basic supplies like pots and pans to a parent wanting to learn how to budget or get a better job, the organization can provide a hand. Whitley remembers his own single Mom working 50-60 hours a week with no support from his Dad. He now sits on the Board of Directors to help others like him and said if something like that would have been around when he was growing up it could have made a big difference for his family. “Our church growing up had a very good singles ministry and we were blessed with that,” he said. “But having some help with education and college for me, buying a car, things like that, I think absolutely that would have changed things.”

Loveworks Leadership, Inc.: This organization is a Norman non-profit that’s helped more than 10,000 local kids ages 11-14 develop leadership skills and see their potential. In partnership with hundreds of community supporters, Loveworks focuses on leadership and character development, experiential learning, mentorship and community impact. Officer Ali Jaffery with the Norman Police Department sits on the organization’s advisory board and sees first-hand the impact Loveworks has because his own children take part in the organization’s after-school program. “I am confident that Loveworks offers stability to families by teaching children responsibility, accountability and leadership,” he said. “Since Loveworks is an after-school program, it is utilized as an additional education program for children after the school day is over. As a police officer, my role with Loveworks helps me connect with youth and maintain a positive relationship.” Jaffery works with the Juvenile Intervention Program and other police department initiatives geared toward local youth. He believes positive role models make a tremendous difference in the lives of young people and hopes other organizations can follow the example Loveworks has set as a positive force in shaping the next generation.

Infant Crisis Services: What started out of a Sunday School class in 1984 has now served almost 300,000 local babies and toddlers with lifesustaining food, formula and diapers. “I think every parent would agree that nothing is more stressful than the thought of not being able to provide for your child’s needs,” said Infant Crisis Services Executive Director and Co-Founder Miki Farris. “At Infant Crisis Services we are able to alleviate that stress from the families we are privileged to serve. We love being able to provide hope for the families that we are helping.” Farris drew from her personal experience to start the organization, she said. Raised by a single mom whose hard-earned paycheck never seemed to stretch the entire month of needs, she was motivated to help other struggling families. With one in four children in the state living in poverty and facing food insecurity, she’s had thousands of opportunities to meet the needs of others. Farris said that even though Oklahoma ranks 36th out of 50 regarding the well-being of children, she’s proud to have raised her four kids in a community that provides so many opportunities and services for kids and has enjoyed serving alongside so many other non-profits meeting local needs.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

Shiloh Camp: On 40 wooded acres in northeast Oklahoma City sits Shiloh Camp, a place where inner city kids gather every summer for an unforgettable Christianbased camp experience. Shiloh Camp’s mission is to build confidence, teach, train and model Christ’s love to local kids. “The inspiration of Shiloh is the respite for kids in difficult situations,” said the organization’s Executive Director Stephan Moore. “We are trying to provide such a dynamic environment for them to be loved on, cared for and encouraged and help them see the value and potential on the inside of them.” About 500 kids ages 8-16 gather for the camp each summer and more are served year-round through other programs and leadership experiences. Stephan’s hope for the future of Oklahoma City’s youth is that Shiloh Camp will be just one of many ways for kids to be encouraged and educated.

Haptic: Creating Art by Touch

with John Bramblitt

John Bramblitt is an internationally acclaimed artist and author who has earned much recognition, including three Presidential Service awards for his innovative art workshops. John Bramblitt is also blind. In partnership with the Delta Gamma Alumnae Chapter of Oklahoma City, NewView is proud to host

Haptic: Creating Art by Touch

Friday, May 4 | 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Purchase tickets online at eventbrite.com or by contacting Tiffany Henley at thenley@newviewoklahoma.org or at (405) 602-0780.

General Admission $40 VIP - First Look and Artist Meet & Greet $150

“We need to take that next action step,” he said, “and really create the opportunity and environment for our kids to thrive and grow and be ready for the next phase of life.”

The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools: There’s no question education has become one of the most politicized and controversial topics in Oklahoma City over the past few years. And thankfully The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools is one organization that has stepped in to address key strategic areas to help an underfunded, floundering system. “OKC has done amazing things the last few decades and it has happened because of focus and working together for the common good, with common vision,” said the organization’s President and CEO Mary Mélon. “Public education is complex and has become highly politicized. The community working together strategically is the only way we will make change for our kids.” With 52 percent of the OKCPS student population being Hispanic, The Foundation provides financial and academic support to OKCPS bilingual paraprofessionals earning a teaching certification. The organization also has a partnership with donorschoose.org to help local teachers fund classroom initiatives and a program to help retain newly certified teachers. Mélon acknowledged The Foundation is just one part of a comprehensive solution that needs to surface to solve local education problems and she hopes the community can find a way to take a collaborate approach to public education and public health moving forward. “Generational poverty can only be changed through education,” she said. “Our kids are capable of so much and they deserve all opportunities for a rich educational experience.”

Special Care: When Pam Newby’s daughter was diagnosed with leukemia as a toddler, she knew there would be a lot of challenges. But she never imagined she’d struggle to find a quality preschool for her because of parents’ fear that her daughter’s condition was contagious. Out of that experience, Newby built Special Care, a childhood education center with on-site therapeutic care and top-notch care for kids with and without special needs. When asked about the most important thing Special Care provides to the hundreds of families they serve, Newby said “peace of mind.” “Knowing you have someone in the trenches with you,” she added. “We’re going to be here. We’re not going to set limits

16 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

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on what kids can accomplish. We’ll provide a safe and loving environment to help kids grow to the best of their abilities, whatever those abilities are.” The 400-person waitlist proves Special Care provides a sought-after service. And while Newby said she’s thrilled with the thousands of lives her staff has been able to change, she’d love to see more local programs develop to help kids address the increasing mental health needs and behavioral challenges. “Unfortunately what we’re seeing with kids who come to us even typically-developing is a lot of mental health needs and behavioral challenges,” she said. “Through divorce or incarceration or whatever, kids have a lot more to deal with in their early childhood years and there are not a lot of resources for them.”

Center for Children & Families: The staff at Norman’s Center for Children & Families has worked tirelessly for almost 50 years to heal children wounded by relationship trauma, empower youth to reach their full potential and strengthen families struggling through parenting challenges. What began in 1969 as a shelter for youth awaiting foster care placements has grown into a non-profit providing services like counseling, after-school programming and parenting education.

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The organization’s CEO Brandon Brooks recalled his own loving home growing up, but said no amount of love could protect him from adverse experiences. “When I look into the faces of the children who come in for counseling or join us in the evening for the Boys & Girls Club of Norman,” he said, “I see familiar faces that take me back to my own childhood and motivate me to ensure we are providing the highest quality service and care to our clients.” And although the organization has helped countless families through challenges, Brooks said there’s still a long way to go in meeting the needs of local kids. “The metro has made transformative improvements to enhance the quality of life for so many Oklahomans, yet so many still struggle to overcome life’s challenges,” he said. “Concentrated investments in services to help struggling families triumph over abuse and neglect, addiction, poverty, etc. would have lasting impacts on the metro.”

Sunbeam Family Services: This is one of the longest serving nonprofits in Oklahoma City, beginning as a home for neglected boys and girls in 1907. In fact, the organization’s CEO Jim Priest noted Sunbeam was providing counseling before the Department of Health even existed and helping local kids before there was a Department of Human Services. Now, in an era where most non-profits serve specific niches, Priest said he’s proud to represent an organization that takes a holistic approach to all family needs, from infants to the elderly. Services provided by Sunbeam range from foster home recruitment and infant mental health to education opportunities for young moms and financial help for grandparents raising grandchildren. And while helping so many different people and addressing so many local issues can seem overwhelming, Priest believes everyone should be playing a role in making Oklahoma City a better place for all. “The thing that’s always on my mind, particularly this year, is how important it is for everyone in the community to lean in with the non-profit community,” Priest said. “Some people have a tendency to say, ‘well, the church will take care of it or the government will take care of it.’ But it’s really a community responsibility to help those in need. People can do that with Sunbeam or the other agencies by volunteering or donating. More than ever we need people to lean in.”

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

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Therapeutic screenings are still free at the McCarty Center

Fields & Futures: Statistics show that OKCPS students who play sports are more likely to graduate and have a higher GPA. So besides all the other physical and personal benefits to athletics, they’re a proven motivator to get a kid to school and keep them more focused on attendance and grades. With this knowledge, Fields & Futures Founder Tim McLaughlin is determined to make sure dilapidated athletic facilities or poorly-funded programs are never a barrier to sports involvement for local kids. Tim and his wife Liz first had a vision for Fields & Futures when they saw the Jefferson Middle School athletic field in 2011.

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The J. D. McCarty Center for children with developmental disabilities conducts FREE therapeutic screenings of children who have unique challenges or a disability, or for parents who have concerns about their child’s development Our screening team is composed of a pediatrician, nurse, social worker and psychology clinician. When the team has completed their screening process they will sit down with you to review what services are available for your child here at the McCarty Center as well as through other community, state and federal programs. Today, more than ever before, we are an important resource for Oklahoma parents. We have been working with children for 71-years to help them achieve their highest level of function and independence. The screening is absolutely free-ofcharge. Call 405.307.2800 and ask to speak to a social worker for more information and to make your appointment.

“How children played on it was beyond me,” Tim said. “We quickly realized it was the rule rather than the exception. Of 42 district athletic fields, very few were playable, yet kids practiced on them and had no reason to believe things would ever get better.” He decided to rebuild that field and immediately saw an impact in school participation that inspired him to build more. Fields & Futures has completed 20 athletic fields at seven school sites and two more fields are under construction now. “For the students and families served by Oklahoma City Public Schools, a renovated school campus sends a loud message saying, ‘We care about you,’” he said. “Each new athletic field provides a safe place to play, a place where friendships are formed, a place where kids learn important life lessons outside the classroom.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma: What parent doesn’t want their child to have increased self-confidence, greater decision-making skills and an improved ability to express feelings? These are all proven results of involvement in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, a mentorship program that matches positive role models with at-risk children. Traditionally, children have opportunities for connection with adults at home and in the classroom. But with local public school classroom sizes bigger than ever before and one in 10 Oklahoma kids having a parent incarcerated, mentorship is more important than ever before. Big Brothers Big Sisters has a proven model of one-on-one mentoring that makes a big impact. “We all know it takes a village,” said Oklahoma City Area Director Jacquelyn Edwards, “and our caring, safe, dependable mentors are here to be part of your child’s village.” Ninety-two percent of the “Littles” mentored through Big Brothers Big Sisters showed an increase in academic performance in 2017, Edwards reported, just one of many ways the organization is filling the gaps left by family and education challenges.

Latino Community Development Agency: The largest non-profit agency in Oklahoma is the Latino Community Development Agency, established in 1991 to meet the needs of the state’s growing Latino population. Today, the organization offers more than 20 programs focusing on education, health and wellness and prevention and treatment. The organization’s Development Director Mario Medrano was actually a beneficiary of the organization before he became involved.

J. D. McCarty Center

for children with developmental disabilities 2002 E. Robinson Norman, Oklahoma 73071 405.307.2800 or 1.800.777.1272 www.jdmc.org

18 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

“What drew me to the mission was the simple fact that it focuses on the major needs of our Latino community in Oklahoma,” he said. “I benefited from our Education Programs while going to high school, so I understand the value of the work our agency does and the impact it has in our community.” The organization’s programs range from early childhood education and scholarships for high school seniors to child abuse prevention initiatives and health and wellness classes. The organization served locals through 114,000 encounters last year alone and they’re hoping to expand services. “Oklahoma is becoming more diverse in many aspects by the day,” Medrano said, “and I feel that we can do a better job at embracing our differences instead of using them to create division in our communities.”

presents

Parents Helping Parents, Inc.: Talking with a child through a struggle with substance abuse can be a lonely experience for parents. But Parents Helping Parents, Inc. Executive Director Becky O’Dell believes it doesn’t have to be. The non-profit was established in 2001 to help parents and caregivers of children of any age suffering from substance use disorder.

May 29 - August 3, 2018

“I think they offer hope, they offer support, they offer their knowledge because they came through it,” she said of the parents who help others through the non-profit. “They offer that shared experience.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last month the country’s opioid epidemic is accelerating, making the need for organizations like Parents Helping Parents more vital than ever. O’Dell feels passionately that everyone in Oklahoma City continue to increase awareness about addiction. The organization serves local parents through peer coaching, chapter meetings, parent phone lines and more. “Make it okay to talk about this,” she said. “Make it okay for families to not feel ashamed.”

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City: The YMCA is known nationwide as a beacon of family services prompting togetherness, social responsibility and health. Locally, the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City served more than 187,000 people last year through youth sports, exercise programs, swim lessons, camps and more. YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City President Kelly Kay started working for the Y right out of college. Raised by a single parent, Kay said he has a lot of pride in the Y’s mission to serve everyone in the community. “The thing that’s so unique about the Y is that it truly is ‘for all’ like our mission says,” he said. “We work to make things affordable and I think that’s important.” Keeping household memberships low-cost, including youth sports programs in the cost of household memberships and offering financial assistance for their popular Camp Classen summer camp are just a few of the ways the Y works to reach everyone, Kelly said. He recalled how his own sons participated in Y sports growing up, giving them opportunities to build physical and social skills and providing him with opportunities to meet other local parents.

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Last year alone, the Y provided more than $3.7 million in financial assistance and free or subsidized community programs to more than 35,000 individuals who otherwise could not afford to participate.

1800 NW 122nd Street Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405.749.3001 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

Smart Start Central Oklahoma: The importance of reading to a toddler may seem like common knowledge now, but without Smart Start Central Oklahoma spreading that message, many parents would still be in the dark about how to prepare kids for the classroom. The organization has helped thousands of children in the past 10 years with their mission to bring awareness to the importance of early childhood education. Smart Start Central Oklahoma Board Chairperson Sue Kuntze has been a child advocate for 50 years and said the idea behind Smart Start was to help equip parents with the tools and resources they needed to prepare their children for school.

“When families with no resources send kids to school with a 400-word vocabulary,” she said, “and families with a lot of resources send kids to school with maybe a 10,000-word vocabulary, that gap is too big to close.” By teaching parents simple things like the value of reading to infants and toddlers, Kuntze said that gap begins to close and kids begin school on the right foot. “The greatest gift we can give families is empowerment,” she said. “We believe in families. We believe if we support them, that is the single best investment we can make. Helping parents gain the knowledge and the resources so they’re successful in their role as their child’s first and most influential teacher, that is what we do best.”

Allied Arts: Deborah McAuliffe Senner remembers being a young girl interested in art, ballet and music lessons. But being the youngest of a family of seven, there was no money for that, she said. Now that she’s the president and CEO of Allied Arts, she’s passionately pursuing making that dream a reality for local kids today. “I remain a strong advocate for the transformational power of the arts,” she said, “and continue to raise money for those kids and families who lack the financial resources.” Allied Arts works to broaden support for the arts by raising financial support for cultural organizations, encouraging participation and attendance, advocating for arts education and promoting excellence in the arts and arts management. They have raised more than $63 million to advance the arts in central Oklahoma and currently help fund more than 40 arts groups. They provided 545,000 arts experiences to school children last year, many of them in underserved communities. Despite years of research showing the arts are closely linked to everything Oklahomans say they want for their children, she said, arts education programs continue to be cut from schools. “The children of affluent, aspiring parents generally get exposed to the arts whether or not public schools provide them. Low-income children often do not,” she said. “Arts education enables those children from a financially challenged background to have a more level playing field with children who have had those cultural experiences.”

20 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County: When Jane Sutter volunteered to mentor a third grader back in 1995, she never imagined her short weekly visits would inspire so much positive change. “What I really learned was what a big difference a little intervention could make,” she said, noting she still has a relationship with the young girl she mentored. “Encouraging, asking questions about school, talking about graduation and college, all give them a vision for what they can see for themselves.”

Sutter is now the president and CEO of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County, where she gets to experience the power of mentorship on a much larger scale. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County’s mission is to give local youth graduating high school a plan for the future and the skills to become engaged members of the community. The organization accomplishes that for more than 3,400 club members at four local locations through afterschool and school break programs focusing on academics and character development. The most important thing the organization does, Sutter said, is bridge the opportunity gap.

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“There’s a huge opportunity gap for kids who come from situations where they have a lot of extracurricular activities or a lot of support systems in their family and beyond their family,” she said. “I feel like we offer a significant support system and enrichment experiences to close that gap and help all kids reach their potential.”

Oklahoma Family Network: More than 2,000 children will enter Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in Oklahoma this year and about 2,000 more will have to visit a surgical, medical or pediatric ICUs in Oklahoma. Thousands more will receive a diagnosis of a learning disability, genetic disorder or other special health care need. Through Oklahoma Family Network’s flagship Parent-to-Parent Mentorship Program, the families of these children won’t feel so isolated and overwhelmed during the process. OFN was first founded in 1996 as an agency focused solely on helping parents with babies born prematurely. But as those babies grew, so did the organization. They now offer programs to help families with a child with a cancer diagnosis, parents who have experienced infant loss and those with children with behavioral health and substance abuse issues.

OFN REPRESENTATIVE HEATHER PIKE

“Each staff member who works for OFN has a child or young adult with special healthcare needs or disabilities,” said OFN Executive Director Joni Bruce. “Because we have experienced similar situations to those we serve, we were drawn to OFN so we can assist families as they care for their children. Essentially, we want to provide hope when families may feel concerned, frustrated or all alone.”

The needs are great for families in Oklahoma. We’re thankful for these 20 non-profits and we invite our readers to support these groups and their causes through volunteering and donating. Read this article online at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ 20-advocates.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

1700 Northeast 63rd Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Mon – Sat, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sun, Noon – 5:00 p.m. (405) 478-2250 nationalcowboymuseum.org/ summercamp

April 8 Open Streets 13 Movie Night @ the Park

Sunday

Monday

Happy Easter

Autism Awareness Day

Free Open Streets OKC in the Uptown 23rd & Paseo Districts from noon – 4 p.m.

Kids Consignment Sale in Yukon all week long

Free Open Streets Norman on North Webster Street from 1 – 5 p.m.

Azalea Festival in Muskogee happening all month long

Free #OptOutside Oklahoma at Myriad Gardens from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Just Between Friends Consignment Sale at State Fair Park Cox Pavilion from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon at 6:30 a.m.

Free Story Time at Mustang Public Library at 9:30 a.m.

22 #OptOutside 24 Festival of the Arts

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perfect for preschoolers

22 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

great for teens

worth the drive

fitness

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Read Across Oklahoma at the Oklahoma City Zoo from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Free Tours at the Governor’s Mansion from noon – 3 p.m.

Native Crossroads Film Festival at Sam Noble Museum from 1 – 9 p.m.

Medieval Fair of Norman at Reaves Park from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

BrickUniverse at Cox Convention Center from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Free Wheeler Criterium in the Wheeler District from 5 – 8:30 p.m.

Free Special Olympics Oklahoma Regional Qualifier at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex

Free Whole Kids Club Story Time at Whole Foods Café from 10 – 11 a.m.

Free Movie Night @ the Park presents Ferdinand at the MAC Amphitheatre at Mitch Park at dark.

Free Arts Trek at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Tiny Tuesdays at Oklahoma City Museum of Art from 10 a.m. – noon

89er Days Celebration in Guthrie at 10 a.m. through the 21st

Day of Remembrance & Free Cox Community Day at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum from 8:45 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Shen Yun at Civic Center Music Hall at 7:30 p.m.

Central Oklahoma Heart Walk in Downtown Oklahoma City from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Free Festival of the Arts at Bicentennial Park from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Free Reading Wednesdays Story Time at Myriad Gardens from 10 – 11 a.m.

Free Norman Music Festival in Downtown Norman

Free Iron Thistle Scottish Festival Traditional Fire Ceremony in Yukon from 7 – 10 p.m.

Norman Mother & Son Spring Dance at the Embassy Suites by Hilton at 3:30 & 6 p.m.

OKC Family Fun sponsored by

Neighborhood crestoneridge.com

Find these events and hundreds more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/calendar

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

CALENDAR #OKCFAMILYFUN

Play • Learn • Thrive

Through April 5

Pecos Bill and the Ghost Stampede at the Children’s Center for the Arts (2501 N Blackwelder Ave). Young Missy CougarWildcat goes on an adventure as big as her home state with the world’s largest prairie dog. Best suited for ages 5 & up. Adults, $10; kids, $8. See website for a complete schedule of performances. 9510011, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org

April 2 & 3

Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair at Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman). Native American language students participate in judged written and oral performance categories that celebrate the use of native languages in traditional and modern ways. 10am-5pm. 325-4712, samnoblemuseum.ou.edu

Services Include: Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy & Speech-Language Therapy for Children of All Ages & Abilities

In-network providers for the following insurance companies: BC/BS Tricare United Healthcare Health Choice Soonercare Oklahoma Health Network

April 3 • Tuesday

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors at Chesapeake Energy Arena (100 W Reno Ave). Prices vary. 7pm. Also held: 4/11 vs Memphis Grizzlies. 602-8661, www.nba.com/thunder

April 3 & 4

FREE Monthly Mini Model Build at the LEGO Store in Penn Square Mall (1901 NW Expressway) features a LEGO Frog build for kids ages 6 -14 who are LEGO VIP members. Membership is FREE. Preregister, quantities are limited. 5pm. 840-9993, shop.LEGO.com/Minibuild-Registration

April 4 • Wednesday

Oklahoma State University Softball vs Tulsa University at Cowgirl Stadium (N Duck St, Stillwater). Prices vary. 6pm. Also held: 4/10 vs UT Arlington, 4/13-15 vs Baylor, 5/4 vs Oklahoma. 877-ALL-4-OSU, www.okstate.com

April 5 • Thursday

(405) 840-1686

www.SensationalKidsOKC.com

Montmartre Chalk Art Festival at the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma (1727 W Alabama, Chickasha) features hundreds of artists of various ages creating wonderful works of art in chalk as well as live music, vendors

Two locations to serve you 14715 Bristol Park Blvd., Edmond 5701 SE 74th St., OKC

24 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

and a variety of exhibits. Free to attend. 7:30am-1:30pm. 574-1302, usao.edu/events/montmartre-2018 FREE Origami Tsunami at the Edmond Library (10 S Boulevard, Edmond). Learn some new folding techniques and meet some new friends. Preregister. For ages 9 & up. 4-5:30pm. 341-9282, www.metrolibrary.org Cork & Canvas at Coles Garden (1415 NE 63rd St) features an evening of live music, delicious appetizers, wine pairings and a great selection of silent and live auction packages, including one-of-akind artwork from students of Positive Tomorrows. Benefits Positive Tomorrows. Must be 21 & older to attend. $50. 6-9pm. 556-5082, www.positivetomorrows.org Neighborhood Girl at Rose State College Hudiburg Chevrolet Center (6000 S Trosper Pl, Midwest City) features a performance about the world of tango. $24.50 & up. 7:30pm. 2972264, www.okcciviccenter.com

April 5-7

FREE Native Crossroads Film Festival at Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) features films, music videos, documentaries, animations and short films that crank up the volume on the diverse soundtracks of Native America. See website for show times. 325-4712, cas.ou.edu/native-crossroads-film-festival Spring Indoor Garage Sale at the Southwest OKC Library (2201 SW 134th St) features gently-used children’s clothes & toys, household items, books and new tote bags. Benefits the Friends of the SOKC Library. Thursday, noon-8:30pm; Friday, 9am-7:30pm; Saturday, 9am-4:30pm. 979-2200, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

April 6 • Friday

FREE ACM@UCO Metro Music Fest in Bricktown (various locations) features more than 60 artists from a wide range of genres performing at 12 different venues. See website for schedule. 974-4700, acm.uco.edu

FREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo District (NW 30th & 27th St, Walker and Hudson Ave) features special themed exhibits, refreshments, live music and food trucks. 6-10pm. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.org Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd) features a celebration of the newly-renovated Nature Center and Wilderness Matters Boardwalk. 2pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov

April 6-8

Medieval Fair of Norman at Reaves Park (2501 Jenkins Ave, Norman) features a living history fair with arts, crafts, food, games, educational exhibits, demonstrations and live entertainment. See website for hours. Free to attend; parking, $5. www.medievalfair.org Babies at the Museum at Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features

(405) 820-6851

Great Location NW

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Wilshire Blvd.

★

County Line Road

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Swing into Spring at The Hall at the Railhouse (102 W Eufaula St, Norman) features an evening of fun, food, and music with live and silent auctions throughout the night. Benefits Bethesda. $50 & up. 6-9pm. 364-0333, www.bethesdaok.org/swingintospring

complimentary coffee, social time, a 30-minute gallery tour and playtime with age-appropriate activities in a classroom. Members, $5; nonmembers, $12. Friday & Saturday, 9:30-11:30am; Sunday, 11:30am-1:30pm. Also held: April 27 & 28. 278-8213, www.okcmoa.com FREE Moms Club of Edmond West Egg Hunt at Santa Fe Presbyterian Church (1603 N Santa Fe Ave, Edmond) features a morning of play, socializing, crafts, prizes and an egg hunt. A guest speaker from Uptown Grocery, dietitian Becky Varner will be sharing tips on healthy eating habits for kids. Preregister. 10-11am. www. facebook.com/momsclubofedmondwest

April 7 • Saturday

FREE TeamOC Fitness & Wellness Festival at Oklahoma Christian University (2501 E Memorial Rd, Edmond) features a free morning filled with fitness and wellness with TeamOC instructors and local fitness vendors. Activities include free talks about mental health, nutrition, yoga and even a self-defense class. 6:30am-1pm. 425-5640, oc.edu/festival

FREE Renovation and Wilderness Matters Boardwalk Ribbon Cutting at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Join park officials to celebrate the newly renovated facility. 2pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov

Arcadia Lake Sweep at Spring Creek Park (SE 15th St, Edmond). Volunteers will help clean up the lake’s shores. Participants will receive a t-shirt while supplies last as well as brunch. 8-11am. 216-7471, www.arcadialakeok.com

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

CALENDAR #OKCFAMILYFUN

FREE Plant Exchange at the Moore Library (225 S Howard Ave, Moore) features a container gardening demonstration and plant swap. Bring plants, bulbs, cuttings, seedlings or seeds for trade at this come-and-go event. 9am-noon. 7935100, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

That's right, your girl doesn't have to be a current Girl Scout to join in on the camping adventure this summer! Come see what Girl Scout Camp is all about, and register today! At Girl Scout summer camp you will: • • • • •

Have fun Learn cool new things Explore the great outdoors Make awesome new friends And SO much more!

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FREE Destined 2 Dance Awards Festival of Dance & Soul K at the Devon Boathouse Lawn (729 S Lincoln Blvd) features dance artists, games, live DJs, live performances, food vendors as well as dance and dance fitness workshops. Preregister. 1-6:30pm. 438-2853, www. d2dawards.com/festival-of-dance-soul-k Oklahoma City Energy vs Portland Timbers 2 at Taft Stadium (2501 N May Ave). $13 & up. 7pm. Also held: 4/21 vs St. Louis FC; 5/5 vs Swope Park Rangers. 235-5425, www.energyfc.com FREE Covered in Color: Sidewalk Chalk Competition and Art Festival at Charles J. Johnson Central Park (SE 29th St & Mid-America Blvd, Midwest City) features a sidewalk chalk competition, live entertainment, art vendors, food trucks and more, including colorful candy art creations, face painting, arts and crafts vendors. 11am-4pm. 7398239, www.visitmidwestcity.com FREE Earthfest at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd) features eco-friendly fun for the entire family including kids’ activities, nature games and more. 11am4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov FREE Hound Hunt at Edmond Dog Park (E 33rd & Rankin, Edmond) features a pet friendly egg hunt where dogs can sniff out eggs filled with dog treats. 2pm. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com FREE Storybook Hour at Cuppies & Joe (727 NW 23rd St). Children listen to a story while parents enjoy coffee and conversation. 10-11am. Also held: April 21. 528-2122, www.cuppiesandjoe.com FREE Saturdays for Kids at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NW 63rd St). Put on your favorite cowboy gear and take part in a

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

Little Buckaroos Round-Up including stick-horse barrel races, roping and more. For ages 4-12. Free for children and accompanying adults. 10am-noon. 4782250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org Faerie Gardening at Will Rogers Gardens (3400 NW 36th St). Plant your very own sprite-sized garden to attract faeries into your life. Preregister. Adult accompaniment required for children under 10. $25 per garden. 10am-noon. 297-1392, www.okc.gov/parksignup Opening Day at Frontier City (11501 N I-35 Service Rd). Prices vary. 10:30am8pm. 478-2140, www.frontiercity.com FREE Robotics Class at Sylvan of Edmond (3209 S Broadway Ave, Edmond) features fun, hands-on projects that explore science and engineering concepts, such as how pulleys, levers and motors work. Call to preregister. 1-2pm. 562-5202, www.sylvanlearning.com Murder Mystery Night at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St). While enjoying dinner, guests will participate as a speakeasy patron, sleuth or suspect, and use their investigative skills and creativity to determine who committed the crime. Preregister, space is limited. Child care provided on-site with a fun craft, movie, pizza and popcorn for $10 per child. Children must be age 4 or older. $50. 6-8pm. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org FREE Artesian Spring Fling at The Artesian Hotel (1001 W First St, Sulphur) features family-friendly games, inflatables, face painting, a variety of food trucks and special guests, the Thunder Girls and OU Cheer. 11am-3pm. www. facebook.com/events/203275843777424/ OEDA NEDA Walk at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features a familyfriendly walk benefiting the National Eating Disorders Association. Proceeds support programs and services that work to eliminate eating disorders and improve prevention, treatment, and research. Fundraising encouraged. Noon-3pm. 896-0599, www.okeatingdisorders.org

April 7 & 8

Redbud Classic in Nichols Hills Plaza (Avondale & Western Ave) features a 10/33/50 mile Bike Tour, a 10K, a 5K, 5K wheelchair event, two-mile walk & stroller derby and a kids fun run. There will be a variety of food, free familyfriendly games and activities, as well as live entertainment at the finish line. Prices vary. See website for complete schedule of events. Benefits Whiz Kids Oklahoma. 842-8295, www.redbud.org BrickUniverse LEGO Fan Expo at Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens) features hands-on LEGO attractions and activities including guest speakers in the LEGO theater and vendors selling the latest LEGO sets, mini-figures and accessories. $15 & up. 10am4pm. www.brickuniverse.org/okc To A New Children’s Consignment Sale at the Edmond Downtown Community Center (28 E Main St, Edmond) features gently-used and like-new maternity, baby, and children’s items ranging from clothing, toys, furniture and accessories. Free to attend. Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 1pm-4pm. 514-2363, www.toanew.com FREE Open Streets in Oklahoma City (NW 23rd St between Robinson & Western) is a health and wellness street festival with food trucks and family-friendly activities. Noon4pm. www.openstreetsokc.com

April 8 • Sunday

OKC Philharmonic Discovery Family Series: Superkids and Superheroes at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features a one-hour concert designed to entertain and educate kids ages 4 to 13 years. $9. 2pm; pre-concert fun, 1pm. 8425387, www.okcphilharmonic.org/discovery

FREE Spring Powwow at UCO Hamilton Field House (10 N University Dr, Edmond) features a traditional American Indian dinner and Native dance performances. 1-10pm. 9743588, www.uco.edu/powwow

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

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April 9 • Monday

SUMMER CAMP AT LYRIC THEATRE

ThelmaGaylordAcademy.com 405/524-9310 Productions

Camps

Lessons

Energy for Children Sporting Clay Shoot at Quail Ridge Sporting Clays (2401 S McLoud Rd, McLoud) features a sporting clay shoot benefiting CASA of Oklahoma County, Inc. Preregister, space is limited. 8am-4pm. 713-6456, okcountycasa.org/efc

FREE Indoor Soccer Activities at the Northwest Library (5600 NW 122nd St). SoccerCity coaches will be out to play soccer themed games and drills with students. Students need to wear tennis shoes and athletic clothing. Preregister. For ages 4-6. 4:30-5pm and ages 7-9 from 5-5:30pm. 606-3580, www.metrolibrary.org

April 9-14

Kids Consignment Sale at Yukon Shopping Hills (1093 S Cornwell, Yukon) features gently used items for babies and children. Free to attend. MondayFriday, 8am-7pm; Saturday, 8am-4pm. www.kidsconsignmentsale.com

April 10 • Tuesday

June 18-July 1 The Wizard of Oz Ages 9 & Up

July 9-22 Willy Wonka Ages 7 & Up

July 23-27 One Week Camps Musical Theatre, ages 7-11 and 12-18 One-Act Production, ages 13 & up

Oklahoma State University Baseball vs Wichita State University at Allie P. Reynolds Stadium (598 N Duck St, Stillwater). Prices vary. 6pm. Also held: 4/17 vs Oral Roberts, 4/20-22 vs Kansas, 4/27-29 vs Oklahoma. 877-ALL-4-OSU, www.okstate.com

University of Oklahoma Baseball vs Little Rock at L. Dale Mitchell Baseball Park (401 Imhoff Rd, Norman). Prices vary. 6:30pm. Also held: 4/11 vs Oral Roberts, 4/13-15 vs Texas. 325-2424, www.soonersports.com FREE Earth Day STEAM Activities at the Edmond Library (10 S Boulevard, Edmond). Discover the life of a plastic bottle, explore the effects of plastic use on our planet and turn a recycled plastic bottle into something new. Preregister. Best suited for ages 5-12. 6:30-7:30pm. 341-9282, www.metrolibrary.org

April 10-12

Oklahoma City Dodgers vs the Round Rock Express at the Chickasaw

Extended Day Care Available 8am-5:30pm Scholarships Available for All Productions and Camps Enroll now! Visit or Call: ThelmaGaylordAcademy.com 405/524-9310

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

Bricktown Ballpark (2 S Mickey Mantle Dr). Prices vary. 7:05pm. Also held: 4/13-16 vs New Orleans, 4/25-29 vs Iowa. 218-1000, www.okcdodgers.com

April 11 • Wednesday

FREE Special Olympics Oklahoma at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex (2801 NE 50th St). Teams compete in the annual Special Olympics Regional Qualifier event. See website for game schedule. 425-3522, www.teamusa.org

University of Oklahoma Softball vs Wichita State University at Marita Hynes Field (2500 S Jenkins Ave, Norman). 6pm. Prices vary. Also held: 4/13-15 vs Kansas, 4/27-29 vs Texas, 5/2 vs Oklahoma State. 325-2424, www.soonersports.com

April 11-29

Fun Home at Lyric’s Plaza Theatre (1727 NW 16th St) introduces audiences to Alison at three different ages as she explores and unravels the many mysteries of her childhood. This musical contains adult content. $25-$63. See website for complete schedule of show times. 524-9312, www.lyrictheatreokc.com

April 12 • Thurday

FREE Music Recording 101 at Midwest City Library (8143 E Reno Ave, Midwest City). Participants will be introduced to different hardware, software and app options. Best suited for ages 12 & up. 6-7pm. 732-4828, www.metrolibrary.org FREE Sharpie Art Coasters Craft at the Edmond Library (10 S Boulevard, Edmond). Make coasters using Sharpies and alcohol. Preregister. Best suited for ages 10 & up. 4:30-5:30pm. 3419282, www.metrolibrary.org

April 13-15

Southwest Street Rod Nationals at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features Oklahoma’s largest gathering of pre-1984 automobiles and street rods with a parade, swap meet, arts & crafts, children’s games and more. 13 & older, $17; kids 6-12, $6; 5 & under, free. Friday & Saturday, 8am-5pm; Sunday, 8amnoon. 901-452-4030, www.nsra-usa.com

FREE Community Tree Planting at Will Rogers Garden (3400 NW 36th St). Participants will help plant trees for the Margaret Annis Boys Arboretum and learn about proper tree planting, pruning and care. 11amnoon. 297-1392, www.okc.gov/parks FREE 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk in the Norman Arts District (downtown Norman) features a monthly celebration of the arts in Norman. 6-9pm. www.2ndfridaynorman.com FREE LIVE on the Plaza in the Plaza District (1700 block of NW 16th St) features artists, live music, special events, local shopping and more on the second Friday of the month. 6-10pm. www.plazadistrict.org/live/ FREE Movie Night @ the Park at the MAC Amphitheater at Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd, Edmond) features a screening of Ferdinand. Admission is free and concessions are $1. Movies begin at dark. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com Petite Mort: A Triple Bill at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features three selections showcasing contemporary and classic ballet styles. $15-$65. Friday & Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm. 848-8637, www.okcballet.org

April 13-May 5

Disney’s Little Mermaid at Pollard Theatre (120 W Harrison Ave, Guthrie) features a tale about an adventurous young mermaid with a beautiful voice who longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. $24-$30. See website for a schedule of performances. 282-2800, www.thepollard.org

April 14 • Saturday

Fearless K at Stars & Stripes Park (3701 S Lake Hefner Dr) features a choose-your-own distance run and fun activities including an obstacle course, food trucks, photo booth and more. $20 & up. 9:30 a.m. runsignup.com/Race/ OK/OklahomaCity/YWCAsFearlessK

Holy 5K, Batman! at Calvary Church (3730 N Porter Ave, Norman) features 5K and one-mile fun run as well as live music, food, bouncy houses and family friendly activities. $25-$30. 10am. 733-2559, www.allyshouse.org

CLASS E S AT THE OKLAH O MA C I TY

Hometown Hoedown at Chester’s Party Barn & Farm (5201 Cimarron Rd NW, Piedmont) features local vendors, a petting zoo, pony & hayrides, barn dance and sanctioned Steak Cook-Off. Proceeds benefit the Piedmont Fire Department. Prices vary. 10am-9pm. 373-1595, www.facebook.com/chesterspartybarn/

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FREE Mermaid Party at the Belle Isle Library (5501 N Villa Ave) features a special mermaid story time, photo opportunities and crafts, to indulge in all things mermaids. Best suited for kids 12 & under. 10-11am. 843-9601, www.metrolibrary.org FREE Week of the Young Child Celebration at Norman West Library (300 Norman Center Ct, Norman) features a baby sign language story time, crafts, glitter tattoos, community resource tables, STEAM kits, Maker Mobile activities and more. 10am-noon. 7012644, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org FREE See You Saturdays at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame (1400 Classen Dr) features themed experiences and learning opportunities for families to enjoy together including crafts and guided tours. All ages welcome. 10am5pm. 235-4485, www.oklahomahof.com FREE Arts Trek at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur St, Shawnee) features a family-friendly arts adventure that combines an arts festival with a performance walk. 10am4pm. 878-5300, www.artstrek.org WANDERLUST Pop Up Shops at Wheeler Ferris Wheel (1701 S Western Ave) features an outdoor market with artists, hand-crafted artisans, boutiques and local businesses offering repurposed, vintage and unique products. Free to attend. 10am-6pm. 810-6977, www.revolve-productions.com

LOOK AN D C R EATE TOG ETHE R! Family Workshops at OKCMOA involve gallery visits and art making for kids and a caring adult. Classes run throughout the year. Offerings are for ages 15-36 months, 3-5 years, and 6-10 years. Visit okcmoa.com/learn for more information.

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

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FREE Cowboy Days at Hope Retreat Ranch (2320 S Sandwood Ave, Choctaw) features a day of outdoor fun with activities and entertainment for all ages and abilities including live Bluegrass music, hay rides, face painting, petting zoo, chuck wagon feed and more. 10am4pm. 390-3754, www.hrranch.org Walk MS: Oklahoma City at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features family-friendly walk benefiting the National MS Society. Fundraising encouraged. 10am. 855-372-1331, www. nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/OKE

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FREE Early Oklahoma Day at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd) features pioneer games and other family activities to learn about life in Oklahoma between 1850 and 1900. 11am4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/parks FREE 2nd Saturday at the OSU Museum of Art (720 S Husband St, Stillwater) features free, hands-on art activities for visitors of all ages and abilities. 11am3pm. 744-2780, museum.okstate.edu FREE Family Make + Take Art Project at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd) features an art-making project inspired by works of art on view at the museum. All ages and all levels of art-making experience welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 1-4pm. 9510000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org Oklahoma Sooner Spring Football Game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (1185 S Asp Ave, Norman) features a team scrimmage, live music, kids amusement rides, Sooners’ merchandise and more. $5. 1pm. 3252424, www.soonersports.com Fairy Tale Ball at Oklahoma City Petroleum Club (100 N Broadway Ave) features an adult, tween and kids’ ball with dancing, dinner and more, benefiting Oklahoma Children’s Theatre. $50-$150. 5:30-10pm. 606-7003, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org

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30 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

April 15 • Sunday

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf at OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater (7777 S May Ave) presents a broadcasted production. This encore presentation is prerecorded at London’s West End. $15. 6pm. 682-7579, tickets.occc.edu

FREE Open Streets Norman in Downtown Norman (N Webster St, Norman). City roads will close to motorized traffic to encourage active transportation such as biking, walking and more. Attendees can also enjoy exercise demonstration and wellness activities. 1-5pm. www.facebook.com/C4Tomorrow/

April 17 • Tuesday

Tiny Tuesdays at Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features a monthly themed come-and-go, openended art-making experiences are geared towards children, ages 5 and under, with a parent or caregiver. Dress for a mess. No advance registration is required. 10amnoon. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

April 17-21

89er Days Celebration in Downtown Guthrie (various locations) features a carnival, a western-style dinner, 1889-style baseball game, a parade, rodeo and more. Prices vary; most events are free. 10am. 282-2589, www.89erdays.com

April 19 • Thursday

Day of Remembrance at the Oklahoma City National Memorial (620 N Harvey) features a special ceremony held on the grounds of the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever by the April 19, 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Free to attend. 8:45am. 235-3313, www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org

FREE Cox Community Day at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum (620 N Harvey Ave) features free admission for all museum visitors. 10am-6pm. 235-3313, www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org

RIOULT Dance NY at OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater (7777 S May Ave) features a modern dance performance to the musical works of Pascal Rioult. $10-39. 7:30pm. 682-7579, tickets.occc.edu FREE Story Time at The Boxcar (2100 N Eastern Ave, Moore) features story time, songs and a little bit of dancing hosted by representatives of the Moore library for kids ages 12 & under. 3-4pm. 759-7295, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org FREE Blackout Poetry at the Northwest Library (5600 NW 122nd St). Create your own poetry masterpiece the easy way and using a technique where you create a poem by blacking out existing text, leaving behind only the words that will form your poem. Best suited for ages 12 & up. 7-8pm. 606-3580, www.metrolibrary.org FREE Crazy Chemist: Slime at the Northwest Library (5600 NW 122nd St). Mix up your own batch of glitter slime to take home. Best suited for kids in 1st-5th grade. Preregister. Two sessions available: 4:30 & 5:30pm. 606-3580, www.metrolibrary.org

April 19 & 20

FREE Choctaw Frontier Days at Choctaw Creek Park (2001 N Harper Rd, Choctaw) features an educational festival, specifically tailored to school children, with historical presentations, re-enactors, cowboy and cavalry encampments, a jailhouse, mock gun fights, old-fashioned games and more. 9am-2pm. Preregister. 281-6854, www.choctawcity.org

April 19-21

Oklahoma City Farm Show at State Fair Park Bennett Event Center (3101 Gordon Cooper Blvd) features the latest in agriculture including tractor, sprayer, tillage, harvest equipment, cattle management products and more. Attendees can also enjoy daily horse training seminars, cattle chute demonstrations and more. Free to attend. Thursday & Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 9am-4pm. 507-437-7969, www.oklahomacityfarmshow.com

Friday | April 13 | Mitch Park Amphitheater Starts at Dusk Admission is free, concessions are $1 each.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

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CALENDAR #OKCFAMILYFUN Share in our Stomp Dance demonstrations.

April 20 • Friday MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Mother’s Celebration & Music Fair MAY 12

Armed Forces Celebration & Native Drums MAY 19

Memorial Celebration MAY 26 & 27

Father’s Celebration & Native Creativity JUNE 16

SPRING in BLOOM GARDENS

•

FESTIVITIES

•

FUN

Join us as we celebrate

the season with festivities, attractions, art and culture. Tour the Traditional Village, Butterfly Gardens and Water Pavilion. Indoors are fascinating exhibits and experiences to share. Shop and enjoy the sunlit Aaimpa' Café.

Our Spiral Garden features the ancient “Three Sisters” method of planting beans, corn and squash together.

Stroll across the beautiful new Inkana' Bridge!

FREE Open House at the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery (10940 N. Meridian Ave). Learn how the City’s fishery management program helps to maintain fish populations in Oklahoma City waters. All ages welcome. 9am4pm. 297-1424, www.okc.gov FREE Music & Me Moms Club Spring Open House at the Northwest Library (5600 NW 122nd St) features fun, friendship and music. Snacks, drinks, craft activity and giveaways to be provided. Preregister. www.facebook. com/momsclubofedmondwest

April 20 & 21

Family Invertebrate Fossil Field Trip at Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) Explore life in Oklahoma’s ancient oceans with a close-up look at some of the museum’s finest invertebrate specimens and trip to a site to find a variety of marine fossils. This field trip is for children 7 & up with an adult. Prices include one adult and one child. Preregister. Members, $90; non-members, $110. 325-4712, samnoblemuseum.ou.edu Oklahoma City Jazz Fest at Civic Center Music Hall & Bicentennial Park (201 N Walker Ave) features some of the best jazz musicians in Oklahoma and beyond, featuring jazz, jazz rock, hip hop, rhythm & blues and other genres of music. Audiences can enjoy live performances at both indoor and outdoor venues. Prices vary. See website for schedule. 630-7668, www.okcjazzfest.com Shen Yun at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features some of the world’s foremost classically trained dancers, a unique orchestra blending East and West and dazzling animated backdrops, taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture. $70-$150. Friday, 7:30pm; Saturday, 2 & 7pm.

April 20 & 21

ContempCon at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd) features

ChickasawCulturalCenter.com Sulphur, OK • 580-622-7130

32 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

workshops, classes for kids and adults, panel discussions, artist, publisher and vendor booths, board games and other activities for families, artists and fans of the comic genre. Prices vary. See website for schedule. 951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org

April 20-22

Big Bounce America at Adams Park (2001 Park Dr) features the world’s biggest bounce house, a candy-colored inflatable castle that is 10,000 square feet of fun and games that can be enjoyed by all ages. Parents require a ticket to enter. $10 & up. See website for schedule. goo.gl/i3BXT8

April 20-May 4

Pinocchio at Oklahoma Children’s Theatre Burg Theatre (2501 N Blackwelder Ave) features an inventive version with all the familiar characters and nonstop adventure. Recommended for ages 5 & up. Adults, $10; kids (2-12), $8. See website for show times. 606-7003, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org

April 21 • Saturday

American Heart Association Central Oklahoma Heart Walk in the Innovation District (route TBD) features a “heart healthy” walk, interactive health fair, vendor expo and live entertainment. Kids ages 5-12 can participate in the Kids Heart Challenge, a half-mile course with obstacles. Preregister. Fundraising encouraged. 8am-12:30pm. 415-8318, www.okcheartwalk.org FREE Earth Day Litter Blitz at Melrose Recreation Center (7800 Melrose Ln). Celebrate Earth by helping pick up trash around Melrose Park. Afterwards, enjoy hot dogs, cookies and more. Best suited for ages 13 & up. 9am-noon. www.okc.gov/parksignup Earthworms for Earth Day Event at the Science Museum Oklahoma (2020 Remington Pl) features educational, hands-on activities about earthworms. All ages welcome. Free with admission. 9am-2pm. www.okgardeners.org

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View camp schedule www.youthtechinc.com METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

Saturdays for Kids:

Little Buckaroos Round-up

CALENDAR #OKCFAMILYFUN

FREE OKC Handbell Ensemble Performance at the Norman West Library (300 Norman Center Ct, Norman) celebrates the 10th year anniversary of the Oklahoma City Handbell Ensemble, members of Handbell Musicians of America and American Society of Composers and Arrangers (ASCAP). 6:30-7:30pm. 7012644, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org Unplugged at the Gardens’ #OptOutside Kick Off Night at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features board games, live music with Jason Scott, a chili dinner provided by Pitchfork in the Park and more. A limited number of attendees can stay overnight in a provided tent. $25-$55. 7pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org FREE Public Clean-up Day at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Help clean up the park. Best suited for ages 8 & up. Preregister. 10am-noon. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/parksignup FREE Earth Day Celebration at Southern Oaks Recreation Center (6818 S Walker Ave) features environmentally friendly games, “dirt and worms” dessert, tree identification and more to bring awareness to the environmental issues facing our world today. 10am-2pm. 631-5441, www.okc.gov/parksignup

April 7 10:00 a.m. – Noon

Free for kids

Spring Floral Crown for Children at Will Rogers Gardens (3400 NW 36th St). Make a whimsical floral crown to wear and take home. All ages welcome. Preregister. $15. 1011:30am. www.okc.gov/parksignup Lebanese Heritage & Food Festival at Our Lady of Lebanon Church (500 Alameda St, Norman) features authentic Lebanese food, games for the kids, friendly competitions for adults, prizes, traditional “dabke” dancing and a raffle. Free to attend. 11am-9pm. 329-3097, www.maroniteok.org/index.php?festival Street Eats Food Truck Festival at JD McCarty Center (2002 E Robinson St, Norman) features a variety of food trucks, live music, activities for kids and an open house for Camp ClapHans,

1700 Northeast 63rd Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Mon – Sat, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sun, Noon – 5:00 p.m. (405) 478-2250 nationalcowboymuseum.org/kids

34 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

the center’s summer camp program for kids with disabilities. 11:30am2:30pm. 307-2800, www.jdmc.org Spring Fling Auction at St. John’s Lutheran School (1032 NW 12th St, Moore) features a catered dinner Chuck Wagon Style as well as a silent auction, live auctioneers, a raffle, games, activities and a movie. Children welcome. $10. 5:30pm. www.sj-ls.org FREE Heard on Hurd Street Fest in Edmond (1st & Hurd, Edmond) features a monthly, family-friendly street festival with local food, unique shopping and live music. 6-10pm. www. citizensedmond.com/heardonhurd.htm Off to the Races ZeroK & 5K at Reaves Park (2501 S Jenkins Ave, Norman) features a Kentucky Derby-themed fun run with food trucks and games including Stick Horse Competition, Derby Ball, Blinker Dash, Furlong Fury and an obstacle course. Costumes strongly encouraged. $20. 9-10am. www.facebook.com/NormanNEXT/ FREE ProCure’s Open House & Cyclotron Tour at INTEGRIS Cancer Institute (5901 W Memorial Rd) features a behind-the-scenes look at state-of-theart cancer treatment facility. Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet the facility’s therapy dogs, view healthy living demonstrations, enjoy local food vendors and hear live music from the Gotcha Covered Band. 9am-noon. 773-6400, integrisok.com/locations/ cancer/integris-cancer-institute/ Earth Day Celebrations at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features crafts, scavenger hunts and activities all related to helping nature and our planet. All ages welcome. Members, $2; non-members, $3. 10am-noon. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org FREE Midtown Walkabout in the Midtown District (various locations) features specials, discounts and giveaways, in addition to live music, free face painting and a free photo booth. 2-6pm. downtownokc.com/midtown-walkabout/

MercyMe in Concert at Frontier City (11501 N I-35 Service Rd). Time to be announced. Free with park admission. 478-2140, www.frontiercity. com/entertainment/concerts/ FREE YMCA Healthy Kids Day at the Greater Oklahoma City YMCAs (various locations) features a free community event with games, healthy cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts and more. See website for location and times. ymcaokc.org/healthy-kids-day

April 22 • Sunday

FREE #OptOutside Oklahoma at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features vintage trailers and Airstreams, a hammock grove, fly fishing demonstrations, compass reading and campsite vignettes with tents, chairs and cooking apparatus, as well as bikes

designed for casual and trail riding. 10am9pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org FREE Earth Day Festival at Reaves Park (2501 Jenkins Ave, Norman) features family fun activities teaching the importance of protecting our earth including hands-on art projects, musical entertainment, mascots, pet adoption and more. Noon-5pm. 366-5473, www.normanfun.com FREE Earth Day Terrariums at the Capitol Hill Library (327 SW 27th St). Use a recycled jar to create a miniature terrarium featuring pebbles, shells and even tiny toys. All supplies provided. All ages welcome. 2-4pm. 634-6308, www.metrolibrary.org Party for the Planet at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 NE 50th St) features live entertainment in the Global Plaza,

Keeper Connections throughout the Zoo and more. Free with admission. 11am3pm. 424-3344, www.okczoo.org FREE SW 29th Street Children’s Day Festival (741 SW 29th St) features a fun-filled family event with interactive activities and pavilions, including themes like art, technology, science, sports, music, fashion, nutrition, fitness and more. Noon-6pm. 5132184, www.facebook.com/sw29okc/

April 22-28

Just Between Friends Consignment Sale at State Fair Park Cox Pavilion (3212 Wichita Walk) features gently used toys, clothes, shoes and baby supplies at bargains up to 90% off retail prices. Sunday, $3: No admission charged for other days. See website for schedule. www.okc.jbfsale.com

Go whitewater rafting, zip lining, kayaking and more at an Ultimate Adventure Camp. Learn how to sail at our Lake Hefner Sailing Camp, and if you have a birthday coming up, make it an adventure your friends won’t forget! Camps for grades 2-9; full and half day options. Birthdays ages 8+ Visit us online at riversportokc.org to learn more

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

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April 24 • Tuesday

SUMMER BREAK

FREE Mind Body Essentials Series at Raymond A. Young Conference Center at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center (3300 NW Expressway) features a presentation about the use Healing Touch for self-care. Terri Marschik, LCSW, LMSW, CHTP, will teach on healing touch, grounding and centering and self-awareness. 6-7pm. 951-2277

FREE Bug Adventure Story Time at the Moore Library (225 S Howard Ave, Moore) features books, music, stories and games exploring the world of bugs. Best suited for ages 2 & up. 10-11am. 7935100, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

SUMMER ARTS CAMPS

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Campers get handson and learn about visual, digital and performing arts. See camp details and enroll at

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FREE Sushi Rolling Night at UCO AASA (100 N University Dr, Edmond) features a collaborative event with the Japanese Student Association. Attendees can learn how to roll sushi and about popular ingredients and the history of sushi. Supplies are limited, so the event will be first come, first serve. 6-8pm. 974-3588, www.facebook. com/events/1361986813926911/

April 24-29

Festival of the Arts at Bicentennial Park (500 Couch Dr) features over 200 artists, food, entertainment and more. Benefits the Arts Council Oklahoma City. TuesdaySaturday, 11am-9pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm. 270-4848, www.ArtsCouncilOKC.com

The Book of Mormon at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features the nine-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical. Contains explicit language. $39.93-$124.96. Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2 & 8pm; Sunday, 1:30 & 7pm. 2972264, www.okcbroadway.com

April 25 • Wednesday

Dog Adoption Day at Oklahoma Skincare (11011 Hefner Pointe Dr Ste A) features live music and food trucks as well as adoptable dogs. Adopters will receive a free dog tag, courtesy of Good Darma, as well as an entry into a raffle containing dog related prizes and a chance to spin

oklahomacontemporary.org 405.951.0000 | @okcontemporary 3000 General Pershing Blvd. OKC

36 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

a prize wheel for services at Oklahoma SkinCare. Free to attend. 3-7pm. 749-2273

April 26 • Thursday

FREE Snakes! Class at the Warr Acres Library (5901 NW 63rd St) features Larry Daniels from the Oklahoma Herpetological Society. He will bring live snakes and discuss useful information about keeping them as pets as well as provide instruction on recognizing venomous and poisonous snakes. 6:307:30pm. 721-2616, www.metrolibrary.org

April 26-28

FREE Norman Music Festival in Downtown Norman (Main St & Jones Ave, Norman) features a three day independent music festival with more than 300 performers providing free arts, culture and entertainment. See website for performance schedule. www.normanmusicfestival.com

April 27 • Friday

Safari Soiree at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 SE 50th St) features an adults-only evening at the zoo with food and drinks. $75 & up. 7-11pm.

April 27 & 28

Babies at the Museum at Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features complimentary coffee, social time, a 30-minute gallery tour and playtime with age-appropriate activities in a classroom. Members, $5; nonmembers, $12. Friday & Saturday, 9:3011:30am. 278-8213, www.okcmoa.com

April 27-29

Iron Thistle Scottish Festival at the Mollie Spencer Farm (1001 Garth Brooks Blvd, Yukon) features traditional Scottish heavy athletics, pipe bands and Celtic bands, Scottish and Irish dance, themed vendors, Scottish and American cuisine, kids’ crafts & activities, Scottish clans and Crofters. 10 & older, $6; 9 & under, free. Friday, 6:30pm; Saturday, 10am6pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm. 834-1876, www.unitedscotsok.com/iron-thistle/

April 28 • Saturday

McMurtry Mud Run at Lake McMurtry East Recreation Area (29180 Chisholm Curve, Stillwater) features a muddy obstacle course designed for families and kids ages 6-13. Benefits the Lake McMurtry Natural Resource & Recreation Area. Preregister. $30. 9am4pm. www.mcmurtrymudrun.com

Family Sleepover at the Museum at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) features an overnight stay at the museum with handson fun, a movie, bedtime story and more. Adults, $20; kids (4 & up), $35. 7pm. 4782250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org Norman Mother & Son Spring Dance at Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel & Conference Center (2501 Conference Dr, Norman) features a fun filled evening for boys ages 4-14 and

the special ladies in their lives. Two identical dances available: 3:30 & 6pm. $15. 366-5472, www.normanfun.com Club Chester’s $1 Picnic Day at Chester’s Party Barn & Farm (5201 Cimarron Rd NW, Piedmont) features a variety of family-friendly activities including a petting zoo, hayride, fishing and more. Bring your own picnic, fishing pole and tackle. $1; members, free. 10am-4pm. 373-1595, www. facebook.com/chesterspartybarn/

April 29 • Sunday

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon at the Oklahoma City National Memorial (Robinson Ave between NW 6th St and NW 5th St) features a Boston qualifying USATF-sanctioned marathon, kids marathon, relay, half marathon and Memorial 5K. Prices vary. 6:30am. www.okcmarathon.com

FREE Festival’s Got Talent at Bicentennial Park (500 Couch Dr) features a talent competition for children grades K-12 showcasing local talent before judges and a live audience. 3:30-5pm. 270-4848, www.artscouncilokc.com

May 1 • Tuesday

FREE Robotics Class at Sylvan of Oklahoma City (9634 N May Ave) features fun, hands-on projects that explore science and engineering concepts, such as how pulleys, levers and motors work. Call to preregister. 6:30-7:30pm. 842-7323, www.sylvanlearning.com

Ben Folds & OKC Philharmonic at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features a high energy rock performance using the intimacy of a piano and the rich orchestral collaboration with The OKC Phil. $29. 7:30pm. 8425387, www.okcphil.org/benfolds

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May 3 • Thursday

Live Mural Painting

April 5 – 8

Shine A Light Gala at Embassy Suites Downtown OKC (741 N Phillips Ave) features food, conversation and fun as the organization shines a light on their important services. Benefits the programs of Sunbeam Family Services. $150 per ticket, sponsorships available. 6-9pm. 609-8994, www.shinealightokc.org

May 3-5

Oklahoma Home School Convention at Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens). The convention is designed to equip, inform and encourage both new and experienced homeschoolers in their homeschooling journey. This year’s keynote speaker is Todd Wilson, The Familyman. $40 & up. See website for schedule. 810-0386, www.ochec.com

May 4 • Friday

Summer Explorers

June and July

Space Day Celebration at Science Museum Oklahoma (2020 Remington Pl) features hands-on activities and live demonstrations, in addition to the permanent exhibits including Destination Space with real NASA artifacts, interactive exhibits and the Mercury Capsule Simulator. Free with admission. 9am-2pm. 6026664, www.sciencemuseumok.org

FREE Dancing in the Gardens at Myriad Gardens Seasonal Plaza (301 W Reno Ave) features an evening of dancing and a live DJ. All ages welcome. 7-10pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

Celestial Siblings

Jan. 27 – April 29

May the 4th Be With You Animal Enrichment at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 NE 50th St). Celebrate the cute creatures that bind our galaxy together with a special Star Wars– themed enrichment event. Costumes encouraged. Lightsabers and other handheld costume props are discouraged inside the Zoo. Free with admission. 1011:30am. 424-3344, www.okczoo.org

May 4-5

2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman, OK 73072-7029 (405) 325-4712 | samnoblemuseum.ou.edu

Special exhibits sponsored by

The University of Oklahoma is an equal oppor tunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo. For accommodations on the basis of disability, please call (405) 325-4712.

Fried Onion Burger Day in Downtown El Reno (119 S Rock Island Ave, El Reno) features the cooking of the world’s largest fried onion hamburger and features carnival rides, games, live entertainment and more. Friday, $10; Saturday entry, free. Friday, 5:30-10pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm. www.elrenoburgerday.com

38 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

May 4-6

FREE Arts Festival in Downtown Edmond (30 W 1st St, Edmond) features artist booths filled with paintings, sculpture, jewelry, pottery and more as well as food vendors, live music and children’s activities including inflatables and a free children’s art tent. Friday & Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. 249-9391, downtownedmondok.com Rose Rock Music Festival in Downtown Noble (304 S Main St, Noble) features a carnival, art and craft vendors, parade, live music and more. Festivities begin Friday, 5pm; Saturday & Sunday, 10am. nobleok.org/rose-rock-music-festival/

May 5 • Saturday

Autism Oklahoma Piecewalk & 5K at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 S Mickey Mantle) features a 5K, Piece walk and a resource fair. $30 & up, Piece Walk, free. 7:30-10:30am. www.piecewalk.org Festival of the Child at Yukon City Park (2200 S Holly Ave, Yukon) features storytellers, kayaking, moon bounces, crafts, pony rides and more. All activities are geared for children 12 and under. $5 in advance, $7 day of. 10am-4pm. 354-8442, www.cityofyukonok.gov Farmer’s Market at Indigo Acres Farm (4050 W Evergreen Dr, Edmond) features come-&-go farm tours, farm animals, fresh produce, baked goods and other items to sample and purchase. Free to attend. 9am-1pm. 834-8977, www.facebook.com/IndigoAcres/ OKC Garden Fest at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features vendors with herbs, perennials, roses, produce, pottery, jewelry, wineries, food products and food trucks. There will also be activities for kids. Free to attend. 9am-4pm. 255-1707, www.facebook.com/okcgardenfest/ Prague Kolache Festival in Downtown Prague (1107 N Broadway Ave, Prague) features dancing, music, food, crafts, a parade, carnival rides, royalty and more. Free to attend. See websit for schedule. 567-4866, www.praguekolachefestival.com

Safe Kid’s Day at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 NE 50th St). Kids will learn how to stay safe on the road, at home and at play with a full day of family activities including a Safety Scavenger Safari for kids. Free with admission. 10am-2pm. 424-3344, www.okczoo.org FREE Super SONIC Make + Take at The Showroom (NW 11th & Broadway Ave) features individual, collaborative and wearable art projects as well as chalk art, snow cones, face painters and a DJ. All activities are free, all ages are welcome. 1-4pm. 951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org FREE Red Brick Nights Street Festival in Downtown Guthrie (2nd & Harrison Ave, Guthrie) features pop-up shops, food trucks and live music. 5pm. 282-1947, www. guthriechamber.com/red-brick-nights/ May Fair 5K at Andrews Park (201 W Daws, Norman) features a family-

friendly 5K race benefiting the Assistance League of Norman. $30. 8:30am. www.assistanceleague.org/norman Epilepsy Walk at Hafer Park (1034 S Bryant Ave, Edmond) features a walk, live DJ, face painting, food trucks, brain games and more. Benefits Epilepsy Foundation Oklahoma. Registration, free; fundraising encouraged. 10am. 463-0673, www.epilepsy.com Cowboys of Color Rodeo at Jim Norick Arena (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features culturally diverse cowboys and cowgirls battling it out in traditional rodeo events including bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, bronc busting and barrel racing. There will also be live music, a DJ battle and a kids play area. $12-$23. 7pm. 948-6884, www.cowboysofcolorrodeo.com

May 5 & 6

FREE May Fair Arts Festival at Andrews Park (201 W Daws, Norman)

features a two-day, outdoor art show featuring artists and quality craftsmen, top area performers, artists demonstrations, children’s art activities, a student art show, food and more. The activities in the Children’s Art Tent are free. Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. 321-9400, www.assistanceleague.org/norman/

May 6 • Sunday

FREE Family Day at Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features a host of hands-on art activities and experiences including kid-friendly performances throughout the galleries and in the Samuel Roberts Noble Theater. Noon-5pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

Parkinson’s Rally Walk & 5K at Wheeler Park (1120 S Western Ave) features a family-friendly walk benefiting the Parkinson Foundation of Oklahoma. Fundraising & donations requested. 2pm. 810-0695, www.parkinsonoklahoma.com

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

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ONGOING EVENTS Through April 29

Celestial Siblings: Parallel Landscapes of Earth and Mars at Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) features the work of internationally known astronomer and fine art photographer Stephen Strom. Images in this exhibition reveal hauntingly similar patterns on Earth and our planetary neighbor, Mars. Adults, $8; kids (4-17), $5; kids (3 & under), free. MondaySaturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. 325-4712, samnoblemuseum.ou.edu

Through May 6

Fluent Generations: The Art of Anita, Tom & Yatika Fields at Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) features the works of a family of accomplished Native artists including photography, ceramics and paintings that celebrate the vitality of indigenous cultures. Adults, $8; kids (4-17), $5; kids (3 & under), free. MondaySaturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. 325-4712, samnoblemuseum.ou.edu

Through May 13

The New Art: A Controversial Collection Fifty Years Later at Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features longstanding Museum highlights by Ellsworth Kelly, Richard Diebenkorn, Grace Hartigan, Sam Gilliam, Robert Indiana and more. Adults, $12; kids (6-18), $10; kids (5 & under), free. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, until 9pm; Sunday, noon5pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

Life and Legacy: The Art of Jerome Tiger at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St). Recognized as one of the greatest Native American artists, Jerome Tiger produced hundreds of works of art and won numerous awards throughout the country. Adults, $12.50; kids (6-12), $5.75; kids (5 & under). Free. Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org Do You See What I See? Painted Conversations by Theodore Waddell at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St)

40 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

explores Waddell’s abstract expressionism. This exhibition redirects the visitor’s attention to the importance of what they do not see rather than what they do see on the canvas, and the opportunity to perceive something different in the same painting each time it is viewed. Adults, $12.50; student, $9.75; kids (6-12), $5.75; kids (5 & under), free. Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

Through May 19

Lucas Simmons: American Fire at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame (1400 Classen Dr) explores man’s relationship with fire and technology, how it shaped our biology and how we use it to shape the world around us. Simmons’ work explores themes relating to local industry, ecology, religion and mythology. Adults, $7; kids, (6-17), $5; kids (5 & under), free. TuesdayFriday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm. 235-4458, www.oklahomahof.com

Through May 27

FREE Fine Print! Posters from Permanent Collection at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm Ave, Norman) explores how posters worked to sell audiences on products, people and ideas. See rarely exhibited European and American posters in the museum’s permanent collection that were produced between the fin-de-siècle French poster movement of the 1890s and the 1972 Olympics. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am5pm; Thursday, until 9pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. 325-4938, www.ou.edu/fjjma

Through June 10

Apichatpong Weerasethakul: The Serenity of Madness at Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features a new solo exhibition showcasing a selected survey of rarely seen experimental short films and video installations by Weerasethakul, alongside his photography, sketches and archival materials that explore threads of sociopolitical commentary. Adults, $12; students & kids (ages 6-18), $10; kids (5 & under), free. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, until 9pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

Through June

FREE Space Burial at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm Ave, Norman) features slivers modeled from 86-foot diameter satellite dishes of the Very Large Array in New Mexico, forming patterninfused canopies. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, until 9pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. 325-4938, www.ou.edu/fjjma

Through Aug. 12

Decomposition: Discovering the Beauty and Magnificence of Fungi at Science Museum Oklahoma (2020 Remington Pl) showcases the amazing

beauty, shapes, colors and textures of fungi—the mysterious agents behind decay, rot and mold. Adults, $15.95; kids (3-12), $12.95. Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org

Through Sept. 2

The Art of Oklahoma at Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features a selection of paintings, prints and photographs spanning 100 years and ranging in style from Impressionism and documentary photography to geometric abstraction and hyperrealism. The exhibition includes 23 works by 19 artists including Oscar Brousse Jacobson, Nellie Shepherd, David Fitzgerald and Woody Big Bow, among others. Adults, $12; kids (6-18), $10; kids (5 & under), free. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, until 9pm; Sunday, noon5pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

Opening April 7

In the Principles Office: Tom Ryan the Art Student at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) takes visitors into the classroom with Ryan as he takes “general illustration” with famed teacher Frank Reilly. Learn the principles of art as he did. Adults, $12.50; students, $9.75; kids (6-12), $5.75; kids (5 & under), free. Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

Through Jan 13

Into the Fold: The Art and Science of Origami at Science Museum Oklahoma (2020 Remington Pl) features 29 origami artists from around the state, nation and world, exploring their diverse styles, backgrounds and techniques for the art form — from solving problems in the fields of robotics, medicine and space exploration to fashion and architecture. Adults, $15.95; kids (3-12), $12.95. Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm. 6026664, www.sciencemuseumok.org Discover more museum exhibits at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/museums.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

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WEEKLY EVENTS FREE Art Moves in Downtown Oklahoma City (various locations) features live art like musical and theater performances, demonstrations and short film selections. Weekdays, noon-1pm. 270-4848, www.artscouncilokc.com FREE Art Adventures at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) for ages 3-5. Young artists are invited to experience art through books. Tuesdays, 10:30am. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma Tuesday Night Classics at Harkins Theatre (150 E Reno Ave) features special presentations of classic films on the big screen including The Karate Kid. $5. Tuesdays, 7pm. 231-4747, www.harkins.com FREE Wheeler Criterium in the Wheeler District (1701 S Western Ave) features some of Oklahoma’s top flat-track riders, live music and food trucks. Tuesdays, 5-8:30pm. www.facebook.com/wheelercrit/ FREE Mother Goose Story Time at the Mustang Public Library (1201 N Mustang Rd) features singing, dancing, finger plays and more. For ages 2 & under with caregiver. Wednesdays, 10-10:45am & 11-11:45am. 376-2226, www.mustanglibrary.org/library

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FREE Reading Wednesdays Story Time at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features a nature-themed story time and craft activity. Best suited for ages 2-5. Walkups welcome. Wednesdays, 10-11am. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org FREE Tours at the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion (820 NW 23rd St). Visitors can get an up-close look at many of the unique features and items such as the Oklahoma-shaped pool. Preregister. Wednesdays, noon-3pm. 528-2020, www.fomok.org/tours.php Early Explorers at Science Museum Oklahoma (2020 Remington Pl) features come & go, hands-on science activities for kids ages 6 & under. No registration required. Free with admission. Wednesdays, 10-11am. 6026664, www.sciencemuseumok.org Toddler Story & Craft Time at Unpluggits Paint & Play (575 Enterprise Dr Ste 110) features a short story time and age appropriate craft with lots of

42 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

gluing and coloring. Free with admission. Wednesdsays & Thursdays, 11-11:30am. 340-7584, www.unpluggits.com FREE Whole Kids Club Story Time at Whole Foods Café (6001 N Western Ave). Best suited for ages 5 & under. Thursdays, 10-11am. 879-3500, www.wholefoodsmarket.com FREE Rhythm and Rhyme at Yukon Community Center (2200 S Holly Ave, Yukon) features dancing and singing to develop literacy and motor and verbal skills. Best suited to ages 4 & under with caregiver. Thursdays, 10:30am. 354-8442, www.cityofyukonok.gov Family Skate Night at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36th St). Admission includes basic skate rental. (Family package coupon available at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/coupons). $6. Thursdays, 7-10pm; Sundays, 6-8pm. 605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com FREE Family Story Time at the Edmond Library (10 S Boulevard, Edmond). Pajamas welcome. Preregister, best suited for families with kids ages 1-5. Thursdays, 6:30-7:15pm. 341-9282, www.metrolibrary.org FREE Children’s Story Time at Full Circle Books (1900 NW Expressway). Saturdays, 10:15am. 842-2900, www.fullcirclebooks.com FREE Crafts for Kids at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May Ave) features crafts for kids ages 3 & up. No reservations necessary. Saturdays, 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com FREE Story Time at Commonplace Books (1325 N Walker Ave). Saturdays, 10:30am. 551-1715, www. commonplacebooksokc.com Mommy & Me Yoga at Tot Town (841 SW 119th St) features a kid and parent friendly yoga session with a certified instructor. Kids can try poses or play during the workout. Best suited for ages 0-6 and pre- & postnatal moms are welcome too. $5. Saturdays, 10-10:30am. 650-7560, www.tottownokc.com

Spring is here and there’s never been a better time for an Oklahoma road trip.

Here are some of our favorite events happening outside the Oklahoma City metro this month. April 6 & 7

April 14 & 15

April 7

April 20 & 21

Spring Traders Encampment at the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve (1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd, Bartlesville) features a historic encampment with tents and teepees to recreate the rugged pioneer life of the men and women who trapped and traded throughout 1820s and 1840s era Indian Territory. Free with museum admission. 10am-5pm. 918-336-0307, www.woolaroc.org FREE Dogwood Days Festival in Downtown Idabel (various locations) features craft vendors, children’s games, live entertainment, fair food, a 5K run/ walk, barbecue cook-off, a free concert and more, celebrating the beautiful blooms of thousands of dogwood trees. 8am-4:30pm. 580-286-3305, www.idabelchamberofcommerce.com FREE Made in Oklahoma Festival in Seminole (Main St, Seminole) features live entertainment, a poker run, quilt show, a wide assortment of vendors and inflatables. 9am-4pm. 382-3640, www.seminoleokchamber.org

April 12-14

Chillin & Grillin BBQ Festival at Case Community Park (2500 S River City Park Dr, Sand Springs) features live music, arts & crafts, a car show, carnival filled with children’s activities and of course BBQ. Tasting kits: adults, $10; kids (6-12), $5; carnival wristbands, $20-$25. Thursday & Friday, 6-11pm; Saturday, 10am-10pm. 918-245-3221, www.sandspringschamber.com

Heavener Runestone Viking Festival at Heavener Runestone Park (18365 Runestone Rd, Heavener) features music, people dressed like Vikings, food and more, as well as Viking re-enactors, children’s activities, crafters and festival food. Costumes encouraged. $5; kids (5 & under), free. 10am-5pm. 918-653-2241, 918-653-2241, www.facebook.com/HeavenerRunestone/ Living History Days at the Chisholm Trail Museum (605 Zellers Ave, Kingfisher) features living history reenactments of the lives of lawmen, gunfighters, soldiers and early settlers from the era. Preregister. $5; students, $3; kids (under 5), free. 8:30am-2:30pm. 375-5716, www.ctokmuseum.org

April 27 & 28

FREE Red Fern Festival in Tahlequah (various locations) features hound dog field trails, children’s activities, car show, a barbecue cook-off, live music, vintage plane fly-in and more. Attendees can also tour some of the famous locations from the novel. See website for schedule. www.redfernfestival.com

Make this a summer to remember with a series of week-long day camps at the Oklahoma City Zoo! Each week-long camp has a specific theme around which lessons, activities and in-park explorations are designed. Camps fill up quickly, so register soon online or over the phone!

FREE Kites Over Enid Festival at the Richard Dermer Memorial Flying Field (1201 W Willow Rd, Enid) features two days of kite flying action including demonstrations by experienced kiters, all celebrating National Kite Month. 10am-4pm. 580-233-3643, www.visitenid.org/visitors/kitesoverenid/

405.425.0218 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

OKCZOO.ORG/CAMPS

EXPLORING WITH CHILDREN

7 Reasons to Visit

Knoxville WORDS & PHOTOS BY HEIDE BRANDES

Eastern Tennessee is home to Knoxville, a big city with a small town heart that offers up the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, history, exciting places to visit and urban amenities, eateries and museums. For families looking for a hidden gem and boundless excursions, Knoxville offers the best of the new and old world. Hidden in the southern Appalachian region, Knoxville puts outdoor experiences just a few steps or short car ride away while also presenting urban attractions ranging from live shows, festivals, museums, wineries and breweries and a booming culinary landscape. Knoxville is located 869 miles east on I-40 from Oklahoma City, with an estimated drive time of about 13 hours. Here are some fun options for families to choose on their trip to the Knoxville area.

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Knoxville Zoo

Market Square

Visitors to The Knoxville Zoo can get closer than ever to Malayan tigers thanks to the new Tiger Forest exhibit, which opened last April. The new exhibit features two rare Malayan tiger brothers and a 3-year-old Malayan female as part of the new Boyd Family Asian Trek, which also includes primates and various species of Asian birds.

Knoxville’s Market Square is the quirky, art-filled heartbeat of downtown Knoxville, just blocks away from the iconic World’s Fair tower, another neat excursion to explore.

The Knoxville Zoo offers more than just an intimate experience with tigers. The zoo began in 1951 with an alligator, and since then, the Zoo has become accredited by the national Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and has a few special honors not shared by other zoos. For instance, more red pandas have been born in Knoxville than any other zoo in the world, and it was the first zoo in the world to hatch critically endangered northern spider tortoises. It was also the first zoo in the world to successfully breed the second generation of captiveborn Arakan forest turtles and common spider tortoises, an important contribution in the science of conservation. Families can also enjoy a full zoo experience by taking part in behindthe-scenes tours, animal encounter programming, night safaris, a canopy adventure course and the Williams Family Giraffe Encounter.

44 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

The Market Square is lined with local, independent shops and restaurants, open spaces for live musicians and performers and a pleasant little park that boasts public art. On any given day, buskers may put on an impromptu violin concert or guitar performance and public events and shows are often hosted along the Market Square. Tomato Head, an organic restaurant, was among the first businesses to call Market Square home, even before the renaissance of the downtown Market Square area. It’s still a favorite eatery among the locals.

Knoxville Urban Wilderness Just three miles from downtown, the Knoxville Urban Wilderness has more than 50 miles of nature trails with seven trailheads that offer parking, information kiosks, restrooms, a children’s adventure area and more. The Knoxville Urban Wilderness, a preservation project by Knoxville’s Legacy Parks Foundation, is located along 1,000 forested acres and offers recreation in a unique urban wilderness for hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners.

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The South Loop Trail System offers 42 miles of easy to moderate hiking while a 12.5mile loop connects the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ijams Nature Center to the Anderson School Trails, wildlife management areas and more. Trails vary from easy to extreme, so visit www. outdoorknoxville.com/urban-wilderness to find the right one for your family. The Urban Wilderness is also home to one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s few Black Diamond mountain biking courses, a slightly terrifying course that incorporates rock trails, steep descents and more. Future plans include using an abandoned church building for a hotel, eatery and brewery and a public space for gatherings as well. Legacy Parks offers a pocket map for the Trail System, which can be found at the Knoxville Visitors Center, the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center and at many outdoor retailers in town.

Navitat Zipline Canopy Adventures High in the air, children (who are at least 7 years old) and families navigate highwire adventure challenges, skipping across swinging logs and balancing on thin rope in a self-guided aerial adventure park high in the trees at the Navitat Adventure Park at the Ijams Nature Center. No worries, everyone on the adventure is hooked in with safety equipment, so even if you do slip, you never fall far. The Navitat adventure always starts with

a Safety Briefing in which everyone learns how to use the equipment. From there, participants move to the Treehouse, a central platform from which all six adventure trails begin. Families can choose a beginner or moderate trail for zipping, climbing and conquering challenges.

Museum of Appalachia Just outside Knoxville, families can step back in time to explore how life was lived in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains at the unique Museum of Appalachia. A living history museum, the Museum of Appalachia is a farm and village that features the history, voice, artifacts and stories of the people of Southern Appalachia. Children can wander and explore an Appalachian village complete with 35 real log cabins that were relocated to the property, actual barns and churches, the house that Mark Twain grew up in and more than 250,000 artifacts in three buildings. The Hall of Fame building features more than 200 exhibits that celebrate the famous, colorful and lesser-known characters from the Appalachian region. The Museum of Appalachia started in 1969 with three cabins, and today, the museum hosts concerts, holiday events and school field trips. One of the largest events is the Tennessee Fall Homecoming that features hundreds of musicians and craftsmen who celebrate Appalachian life. From folk art to baskets and musical equipment, families explore how life was

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lived, but can also enjoy a hearty, homecooked meal at the on-site restaurant, peruse the two-story gift shop or play with the goats and farm animals on the 65-acres living history site.

The American Museum of Science and Energy Just outside Knoxville, a secret city was built in two years with the express intention of helping America win World War II. The 125,000 residents and workers at Oakridge didn’t know what they were working on and were not allowed to speak about their jobs, but they knew it was something big. On Aug. 6, 1945, American forces dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, starting a chain of events that would end the war. Oakridge, a secret city built outside of Knoxville, was one of three locations of the Manhattan Project, a massive undertaking to harness the power of atomic energy and create the first atomic bomb. At The American Museum of Science & Energy, families can learn about the history

of Oakridge through an intensive exhibit and film, but also explore other exhibits focused on science and energy.

Resources:

The Bush’s Beans Factory Tour

Market Square: www.downtownknoxville.org

For a quirky Americana expedition, travel a half hour east to Dandridge and Chestnut Hill to visit the Bush’s Best Beans visitor center and restaurant, housed in the original A.J. Bush & Company general store, founded in 1897. The center, which is free and open yearround, offers up the history of the Bush’s Beans empire ranging from its humble beginnings in Dandridge to the modern factory today. A short film explains the history of the company and an overview of how the beans are made and packaged, and kids can get their picture taken with Duke, the famous Bush’s Best dog.

Knoxville Zoo: www.zooknoxville.org

Knoxville Urban Wilderness: www. outdoorknoxville.com/urban-wilderness Navitat Zipline Canopy Adventures: www.navitat.com Museum of Appalachia: www.museumofappalachia.org The American Museum of Science and Energy: www.amse.org The Bush’s Beans Factory: www.bushbeans.com Community Sponsor of Exploring Oklahoma:

The on-site cafe is known for its homemade dishes like beans and cornbread and Southern desserts like pinto bean pecan pie.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

REAL MOM OF OKC

Get to Know

Sonja Hughes It’s no secret parenthood changes you. In fact, many would say there’s not a more transformative life experience. So it makes sense that many women returning to work after maternity leave might question their career track. Moms with stressful jobs, demanding work hours and inflexible bosses may choose never to return to their original job or industry. Many working women can probably relate to Sonja Hughes, who went back to school for a total career overhaul after more than two decades of building a successful career as an OB-GYN. The catalyst? Her daughter, Leah. Leah’s now 12 years old and Hughes recalled the stress of juggling her family and career when she and her husband Willie first welcomed her into the family. At the height of her 20-plus year career as an OB-GYN, Hughes was delivering 30 babies a month.

48 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

BY HANNAH SCHMITT PHOTOS BY KIMERA BASORE

She and her husband had to take separate cars everywhere they went in case she needed to leave suddenly for a delivery. She was missing out on a lot of time with her daughter because of her demanding job. “It got to a point where I’d wish my patients would deliver at night so it wouldn’t cut into my family time and I could be back before they woke up,” she said. “I knew I just couldn’t live like that forever.” She recalled how her own mother didn’t work outside the home. Some of her best memories are tied up in having her mom around on afternoons and school holidays. “I always wanted to be the non-traditional traditional mother,” Hughes said. “I wanted to work but I also wanted to be home when she (my daughter) got home from school. I wanted to be there for dinner every night. That wasn’t going to include obstetrics.” So when her daughter was 2, Hughes went back to school to get a master’s in health care administration. Her desire to become a doctor started as a child when her grandmother was

diagnosed with cancer. Her initial thought was that she was going to find a cure for cancer, she said, but by high school she’d decided oncology was too sad and that family medicine was a better fit. She did a surgery rotation in medical school that sealed the deal for her becoming an obstetrician. So when she began to consider a career change, she saw health care administration as a good way to continue to help people while also making her family a priority. Many mothers understand sleepless nights and crazy schedules, but few have faced the challenges Hughes has had while working, going to school and being a mom. Every night for two years, she came home from work to cook dinner, tuck Leah into bed and inevitably fall asleep in her bed for a few hours before waking up to tackle some of her coursework before she had to face the next day and do it all over again. Although it was admittedly a struggle to finish school, she now works as the medical director of quality improvement for a national health care company.

“Now, I take her to school and pick her up,” Hughes said of how different her schedule is now. “At any given moment she can call me and I have more flexibility to be able to help. We don’t have to take two cars everywhere anymore, that’s for sure.” Although her first career is becoming a distant memory, Hughes said it certainly served a significant purpose in her life. Among other things, it made motherhood easier in a lot of ways. Being a physician taught her to relax and think under pressure, never getting too excited or stressed. That’s a lesson that’s served her well as a mom. She recalled medical school and her residency and said the same discipline and hard work she relied on then she has had to rely on as a parent of a pre-teen daughter. Still, she admits she felt torn over the years and explained the internal struggle in leaving behind a career she loved to try something less demanding on her family. “I tried to change, I really did,” she said of trying to make her OB-GYN job work with a family. “I could have given some of the deliveries over to the on-call doctor and not felt the pressure to be there for everybody.” But after becoming a mother herself, Hughes said it was impossible to put out of her mind what a big responsibility it was to play the role of walking a patient through her own journey into motherhood. She wanted to be there for her patients.

Becoming a mom changed everything about the way Hughes worked, even her perspective on working in general. Her advice for other moms torn between career and children? “Look at the pros and cons of both situations and decide what will make you the most fulfilled,” she said. “Some women are totally fulfilled through career advancement. Some are fulfilled through being a wife and a mom. Don’t let someone else influence that. Just find what you enjoy and go after it.”

Woman Wisdom

With years of experience as a physician, a mom and a wife, Sonja Hughes has racked up a lot of life experience. Here are four things we can learn from her:

On self-care:

Continue to do some of the things you enjoy, even when you’re busy. I complained to my husband the other day that Leah doesn’t like to read anymore. He asked me, “When’s the last time she saw you read?” He was right. I love to read and I used to read all the time and it’s important for your kids to see you do the things you enjoy.

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On mothering later in life:

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eight babies to moms who were 40-plus and having their first child. Not all of them had infertility issues or weren’t married yet. Some just decided to parent later. Some women decide not to parent at all. It’s a major sacrifice. If you don’t whole-heartedly want to do it, you shouldn’t.

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yourself in your child’s life. Find common interests and conversations to have besides homework and logistics.

On finding time with your spouse:

My husband in an engineer and he’s also into real estate and has rental properties that are really a second job. We made a no computer rule from 6 to 9 p.m. every night. It doesn’t matter how busy we are, everything shuts down from 6 to 9 and that is our family time.

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SPARK is a 2 Star facility & DHS APPROVED! Want more info? (405)525-0018 . tish@fpcokc.org fpcokc.org/spark . Facebook.com/sparkfirstpres SPARK offers: learning opportunities, interesting workshops & clubs, weekly field trips & swimming trips, arts & crafts, fun games, time to play, new friends, & a caring, well trained staff! Fees: $55 enrollment fee per child $135 per week (15% discount for multiple children)

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MetroFamily’s

Camps

and Activities Guide

Whether you’re looking for a day camp to keep your kids entertained close to home or an overnight camp to give them memories that will last a lifetime, this guide has you covered. We’ve rounded up dozens of area camps and summer activities to help you plan the best summer ever. For a searchable version of this guide and other special content to help you with your summer camp search, visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/summer-camps. Arctic Edge Ice Arena 14613 N. Kelly Ave. 405-748-5454 www.arctic-edge.com May 29-Aug. 17 $135-$145/week

Daily camps with activities like basketball, ice skating, swimming, martial arts and more for ages 6 and up. Held from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Before care available at 7:30 a.m. Two snacks served daily.

Artsy Rose Academy 7739 W. Hefner Rd. 405-603-8550 www.artsyrose.com May 29-Aug. 10 $45-$80/camp

Art camps for ages 5-15 to learn mediums such as watercolors, oil pastels and air dry clay plus culinary arts and more. Available in halfday or full-day programs Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Fun Day Friday camps are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Before/after care available.

Cadence Equestrian 14150 S. Pine St., Edmond 405-348-7469 www.cadenceequestrian.com May 28-Aug. 10 $245-$995/session

Day camp opportunity for kids to learn about horses in a family-friendly, safe environment. No previous experience necessary. Indoor and outdoor riding available. For ages 5-16. Before/after care available.

Camp Canterbury 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave. 405-232-7464 canterburyokc.com June 4-8 $200 ($250 with before/after care)

One-week summer camp for students going into grades 2-8 in the fall. Students are taught by Canterbury Youth Voices staff members and receive instruction in developing vocal artistry, good choral techniques and music literacy. Before/after care and scholarships available.

Camp ClapHans 2002 E. Robinson St., Norman 405-307-2865 www.campclaphans.com June 10-July 18 $325/session

Residential summer camp for children with developmental disabilities ages 8 to 18 to experience traditional summer activities. One-to-one camper to staff ratio. Scholarships available.

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma’s Camp DaKaNi 3309 E. Hefner Rd. 405-254-2080 www.campfirehok.org June 4- July 27 Camp Invention Locations in Yukon, Choctaw and Norman 800-968-4332 campinvention.org June 18-July 13 $225-$235/session Camp McFadden 9137 E. Hartford, Ponca City 580-762-9955 campmcfadden.com June 10-July 20 $99-$400/session

Child Care Inc. 405-942-1250 www.childcareinc.com May 29-Aug. 1 $150/week

Childcare Network 866-521-KIDS www.childcarenetwork.net June 1-Aug. 16 $132/week City of Edmond Parks 2733 Marilyn Williams Dr., Edmond 405-359-4630 www.edmondok.com/ 337/Parks-Recreation June-August

$210 Day Camp; $285 with extended care; $380 Overnight Camp Day camp from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for campers age 5-13 to unplug and engage in outdoor education, build self-worth, confidence and interpersonal communication skills. Extended care is 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Overnight camp is for campers 11-17 years old. Before/after care and scholarships available.

Offering three-day (for ages 6-9) and six-day overnight camps for Adventure Camps (for ages 8-16). Also, three-day day camp programs for ages 5-9 and Leadership Development and Kayak trips for high schoolers. Scholarships available.

Acorn Children’s Center: 3601 NW 51st, OKC; Kindercastle Children’s Center: 309 Bizzell, MWC; Linwood Early Learning Center: 3034 NW 17th, OKC; Children’s Lighthouse 3 OKC locations: 540 N Council Rd., 5816 NW 36th St. and 6624 NW 63rd St. Daily 24-hour care for birth to age 12 as well as short-term drop-in options. Summer programs are individual to each center and the activities in their area and include field trips, educational tours, art classes, crafting and more.

14300 N. Western Ave., Edmond; 1909 East 15th St., Edmond; 4500 East I-240 Service Rd.; 3232 NW 150th St.; 7901 NW 85th Ter.; 1050 SW Grand Blvd. Children ages 6-12 years of age accepted. Wide variety of engaging activities and educational field trips. Before/after care available.

$100-$300/session Camps available in a variety of topics such as video game design, science, dance, theatre, photography, sewing and web design. Some camps are five days in length, others shorter. For ages 2-12. Scholarships available.

Coffee Creek Church 1650 Coffee Creek Rd., Edmond 405-315-2565 coffeecreek.church/camp May 28-June 1 $270

Kids in grades 1-6 will be divided by age and gender for fun activities like laser tag, water slides, bounce houses and more. Scholarships available.

Cosmosphere Aerospace Camps 1100 North Plum, Hutchinson, KS 67501, 620-665-9323 www.cosmo.org/camps June 4-August 4 Start at $119

Camp experiences are available for explorers entering 2nd grade through high school and beyond to train like an astronaut, explore the inner workings of planet Earth, discover the secrets of the solar system and more. High school campers have the opportunity to travel to space centers in Florida, Texas or California. Full-day, halfday or residential camps available. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

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Cottonwood Creek Ranch 907 N. Chisholm 405-888-7379 www.cottonwoodcreekranch.net May 28-Aug. 3 $325/week

Week-long camps offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for ages 6-14 to learn how to brush, saddle and ride horses, with lessons taught by qualified trainers and safe horses. Other activities and crafts included. Before/after care available.

Crossings Christian School 14400 N. Portland Ave. 405-842-8495 www.summeratccs.com July 9-12 & July 23-26 $140/week

Summer camps available to kids in preschool-12th grade in Oklahoma City and the surrounding area. Campers enjoy Biblically-integrated sport, academic and enrichment programs taught by Crossings Christian School teachers and faculty.

Edmond Fine Arts 27 E. Edwards, Edmond 405-340-4481 www.edmondfinearts.com $95-$220/session

Kids in grades 1-5 (June 18-22, July 16-20, July 30-Aug. 3), 2-8 (July 23-27) and preschool (June 12-14, July 10-12, Aug. 7-9) enjoy creative workshops in the visual arts from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students will rotate through four workshops each day where they will draw, paint, create with clay, mixed media and more. All preschool campers must be potty trained.

Edmond First United Methodist Church 305 E. Hurd, Edmond 405-341-0107 www.fumcedmond.org June 18-July 26 $80/week

Day camps with themes such as Secret Agent, Animal Planet and Cooking offered from 9 a.m. to noon Monday-Thursday each week for ages 3 through 4th grade.

Gingers Music of OKC 6008 N.W. 120th Ct. 405-722-2379 www.gingersmusic.com June 11-15 $60-$105

Developmentally-appropriate music adventure camp for ages 8 months-8 years with exciting themes like glow in the dark camping, jungle jamming, barnyard fun and more. Parents stay with young children during camp.

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Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma 6100 N. Robinson Ave. 405-528-4475 www.girlsgocamp.org June 4-July 27 $150-400/session Goldfish Swim School Edmond 10 N.W. 146th St., Edmond 405-696-7500, www.edmond. goldfishswimschool.com May 22-Aug. 3 Harn Homestead Museum 1721 N. Lincoln Blvd. 405-235-4058 www.harnhomestead.com June 4-8 $175 Kanakuk 1353 Lake Shore Dr. Branson, MO 65616 417-266-3000 www.gokanakuk.com June 2-Aug. 10 $1,200-$4,400/session

Multiple camps offered throughout the summer. Day camps and resident camp with different themes each week like horse camp or S.T.E.M. camp. Day camps for girls grades K-8 and resident camp for grades 1-12. Before/after care and scholarships available.

$89-$114 plus registration fee for non-members. Discounts provided for multiple children. Campers age 2-12 get one month of progress in just a week of camp. Get kids swim-ready or advance to the next level in time for swim season. Jump Start Clinic offers four consecutive 30-minute lessons every Tuesday-Friday from May 22-Aug. 3.

Campers ages 6-11 enjoy five days of outdoor programming focused on Oklahoma’s Territorial history, outdoor skills, appreciation for nature and insects, recycling and farm life. Register before June 2. Before/after care available.

Residential camp with fun, faith and friends that focuses on building your child’s confidence and character. Five overnight camp facilities for ages 6-18 in Branson and Lampe, Missouri provide age-appropriate safe and professional outdoor experiences. Enrollment varies per session.

Kumon Math & Reading Seven locations in OKC, Edmond, Norman and Yukon kumon.com $125/month/subject

Curriculum provides a seven-day-a-week program with classes held on Monday & Thursday evenings. Set up a free parent orientation to see if Kumon is right for your student.

Lyric’s Thelma Gaylord Academy 1727 N.W. 16th St. 405-524-9310 x100 www.thelmagaylordacademy.com June 18-July 27 $250-$450/session

Theatre camps for ages 7 and up offered in four different sessions: Wizard of Oz Production Camp, Willy Wonka Production Camp, Technical Theatre Camps and One-Week Training Camps. Some sessions require an audition; see website for audition links and details. Before/after care and scholarships available.

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art 1900 W. MacArthur, Shawnee 405-878-5300, www.mgmoa.org June 1-July 30 $5-$80/class or camp

Classes taught by experienced art educators for ages 3 through 18. Options range from primary art camps with parents to theatre, painting and illustration lessons for older kids. Scholarships available.

Metro Gymnastics 7420 Broadway Ext. Ste. A 405-848-5308 www.metrogymokc.com June 4-July 23 $25/child for 9 a.m.-noon or $65/ child from 9am-3pm

One-day gymnastics camps for boys and girls ages 4-10 hosted each Monday. Campers get exercise, take home a craft and burn energy with gymnastics. Ages 5 and up can bring a lunch and continue the camp experience until 3 p.m. with a skill clinic in back handsprings, cartwheels, pullovers or backbends. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

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Moore Norman Technology Center 4701 12th Ave. NW, Norman 405-364-5763, x7260 http://mntc.edu/sya June 4-28 $80-$150/week National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 N.E. 63rd St. 405-478-2250 June 18-July 27 $120-$280/session NewView Oklahoma 501 N. Douglas Ave. 888-522-4644 newviewoklahoma.org June 29-July 2; July 15-21 $50 admin fee Nichols Hills United Methodist Church 1212 Bedford Dr., Nichols Hills 405-842-1486 June 11-15 $55 per camper

The Summer Youth Academy provides half-day and full-day camps for ages 9-14 at their Norman campus. Subjects include art, computer programming, cake decorating, aquatic biology, guitar, carpentry and more.

www.nationalcowboymuseum.org/summercamp Camps held for ages 8-15 to enjoy Museum collections and special activities. Half-day and full-day sessions offered weekly. Led by experienced teachers, each session features age-appropriate themes, crafts, games, art projects, stories and snacks. OWL Camp at Lake Tenkiller for those entering grades 9-11 who have low vision from June 29-July 2 features adaptive water activities such as water skiing, wake boarding, and tubing with internationally-renowned adaptive water instructors. OWL Camp at Camp Classen for those entering grades 3-8 who have low vision from July 15-21 features themed activities, horseback riding, archery, rock climbing, canoeing and much more. http://bit.ly/NHSportsCamp Children ages 4 to grade 6 learn basketball, cheerleading, soccer and ultimate frisbee in a Christian camp environment from 9 a.m. to noon.

Norman Firehouse Art Center 444 S. Flood Ave., Norman 405-329-4523 normanfirehouse.com $90-$180/session

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summer Art Program where creativity is fostered and embraced. Five different sessions (one-week and two-week) available between June 4 and Aug. 3. Ages 5 & 6 meet from 1:00-3:15 p.m, ages 7-9 from 9:30-11:45 a.m. and ages 10-14 from 1:00-3:15 p.m. Visit website for information on sessions. Scholarships available.

Oklahoma Alliance for Geographic Education (OKAGE) 100 E. Boyd St., Norman 405-325-5832 June 11-14 $100

www.okageweb.org Students entering grades 7-9 can enjoy OKAGE Summer Camp: Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire and explore Oklahomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Geography through Renewable Energy, Geology, Environmental Sustainability, and Geographic Information Science activities. Enrollment accepted through April 27. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

Oklahoma Children’s Theatre 2501 N. Blackwelder 405-606-7003 oklahomachildrenstheatre.org May 29-Aug. 17 $120-$500/session Oklahoma City Museum of Art 415 Couch Dr. 405-236-3100, www.okcmoa.com June 5-July 27 $140-$160/session OKC Parks Various Locations 405-297-3882 Okc.gov/parksignup May 29-July 27 $50-$225/week or session Oklahoma City Thunder Youth Basketball Various locations 405-208-4800, www.okcthunder. com/youthbasketball June 1-Aug. 30 $50-$200/session

Art camps guided by experienced teaching artists to inspire campers to make their own masterpieces. Camp offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the following ages: 6-7, 8-9, 10-12, and 13-15. Before/after care and scholarships available.

OKC Parks offers week-long and multi-week day camps for ages 6-17 in performing arts, nature, outdoor adventure, youth artist and gardening. Ages for camps range from 6 to 17 and are offered at various locations across the Oklahoma City metro area. Also offering Fit For Youth Day Camp, an 8-week camp featuring a different theme for each week. Activities include sports, arts, recreation, nature and field trips. Thunder-certified youth basketball coaches provide developmentally-appropriate drills and customized instruction for campers ages 6-14. Teamwork, hard work, focus and persistence are emphasized and coaches work to instill a love for the game. Camps held in OKC, Mustang, Ardmore, Enid, Bartlesville, Weatherford, Okmulgee, Tulsa, Lawton, Wichita, KS and Springdale, AR.

Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden 2000 Remington Pl. 405-424-3344, okczoo.org June 4-Aug. 10 $64-$300/session

A variety of week-long themed summer day camps for children ages 3 to 15. Choose from themes such as Dino Diggin’ and Okie Dokie Animals to Zootastic Careers and Zoo Vet Camp. Before/after care available.

Oklahoma Contemporary 3000 General Pershing Blvd. 405-951-0000 http://bit.ly/OCsummer May 29-Aug. 10 $100-$215/session

Ten weeks of day camp/art camp experiences for ages 4-15 to explore creativity in every medium. Camp themes include Pop Art Kids, Origami Everything and Animation Instillation and much more. Before/after care and scholarships available.

Oklahoma Youth Literacy Program (OKYLP) 405-822-9900 www.okylpokc.org June 4-July 27 $45 weekly; registration fee $50 OSU Cooperative Extension 2500 N.E. 63rd St. 405-713-1125, http://oces.okstate. edu/oklahoma/youth-workshops May 31-Aug. 1 $10-$50/workshop

3663 North Lottie Ave. (NE Shopping Center), and 2705 S. Agnew, Oklahoma City, OK 73108 (Greater Antioch Full Gospel Baptist Church) Kids in pre-K and up celebrate literacy together from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Fun instruction by trained professionals in subjects including reading, math and science plus social, spiritual and physical enrichment. Multi-child discount available. Field trips, scholarships and before/after care available.

One- to three-day workshops are held for ages 8-19 with subjects such as Babysitting 101, S.T.E.M., Financial & Job Readiness, Kids in the Kitchen, Sewing, Jr. Master Gardener, Food Showdown, Healthy Living for Kids and 4-H Project Camp. Scholarships available. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

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RIVERSPORT Adventure Camps 800 RIVERSPORT Dr. 405-552-4040 riversportokc.org/camps May 28-Aug. 17 $150-$300/session

Week-long day camps for kids in grades 2-12 are available in the Boathouse District along the Oklahoma River and at Lake Hefner, each offering a unique experience. Novice camps introduce kids to rowing, paddling, kayaking or sailing, and many have added Adventure activities such as zip lining, the SandRidge Sky Trail and RIVERSPORT Rapids whitewater center.

Rose State Kids College & Teen Scene 6420 S.E. 15th St., Midwest City 405-733-7392, rose.edu/kids June 4-Aug. 2 $69-$79/camp

Camps held for ages 8-15 to enjoy Museum collections and special activities. Half-day and full-day sessions offered weekly. Led by experienced teachers, each session features age-appropriate themes, crafts, games, art projects, stories and snacks.

Sam Noble Museum 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman 405-325-4712 samnoblemuseum.ou.edu June 1-July 27 $10-$70/session

Summer Explorers classes are week-long day camps for children ages 4 to 14. Most are two-hour long sessions each day. Participants get to experience science first-hand in sessions such as Cool Critters, Shark Week and Grossology. Scholarships available.

Science Museum Oklahoma 2020 Remington Place 405-602-3760 ScienceMuseumOk.org June 4-Aug. 3 $100-$125 for Pre-K, K; $225$250 for grades 1-6 School of Rock 100 N. Broadway, Edmond 405-471-6630 7200 N. May, Suite D 405-513-7094 www.schoolofrock.com SoccerCity OKC 4520 Old Farm Rd. 405-748-3888 www.soccercityokcity.com June 1-Aug. 25 $95/session

Half-day camps for Pre-K and K with themes like Five Scientists and How Does Your Garden Grow. Full-day camps for grades 1-6 with themes like Backyard Science and Lights, Camera, Chemistry.

$450/week (discount offered if enroll before May 31) During these one-week camps, students enjoy band rehearsal time, learn to perform and more. They perform for their families on Friday.

Ages 3 to 16 enjoy soccer drills, games and scrimmaging against other campers. Camps are led by trained instructors and are held from 9 a.m.-noon or 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Their year-round Lil Kickers program for ages 18 months-9 years also continues in the summer, with the league running from June 11-Aug. 25 (kids can start anytime). SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

SPARK Child Care Program 1001 NW 25th St. 405-525-0018 www.fpcokc.org/spark May 30-July 27 $135/week

St. Mary’s Episcopal School 505 E. Covell Rd., Edmond 405-341-9541 June 4-June 29 $180/week

SPARK provides all-day care for kids in grades pre-K to 8th grade. This year’s theme is Road Trip 2018 and activities encourage kids to “travel” across North and South America. Fun classes, workshops, swimming trips, field trips and more are also provided. Scholarships available. www.smesedmond.org/our-community/summer-programs.cfm Camps for children ages 3-11 available in four sessions with various themes. Each one-week session meets daily from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the option of extending the day until 5:30 p.m. Activities include robotics, art, nature, exploration, culinary skills, invention and more. Before/after care available.

Studio J School of Dance 420 S. Santa Fe Ave., Edmond 405-348-3377 www.studiojdanceok.com June 4-July 19 $78-$350/session

Summer camps for ages 3 and up in themes like Princess & Prince Camp, Troll Troupe hip hop camp, American Girl Dance Fun Camp, Broadway Bound Disney Camp (ages 7 & up) and Island Princess Camp. Dance classes also offered for ages 3-13+.

The Studio of The Sooner Theatre 110 E. Main St., Norman 405-321-9600 www.soonertheatre.com June 4-Aug. 3 $125-$475/sessions

Multiple sessions of theatre camps for performers of all ages to learn new techniques, build character and get comfortable on stage. Scholarships available.

Summer at The Hall 1800 N.W. 122nd St. 405-749-3001 http://bit.ly/summeratthehall May 29-Aug. 3 $70-$350/session

Dozens of three-day to two-week themed camp options offered for kids pre-K to grade 12 that are hosted and taught by certified professionals. Also, middle and high school students can take review, preview and other academic courses for credit and kids (K-12) can choose from a variety of athletic camps that are designed to promote physical activity and strengthen athletic skills. Some full-day options are offered.

Sylvan Learning 3209 S. Broadway, Edmond; 405-562-5202 9634 N. May, OKC; 405-842-7323 sylvanlearning.com June 3-July 30 $50-$125/session

Students grades 1-6 can enjoy math, reading and STEM classes and camps while students grades 7-12 are offered advanced math classes.

techJOYnT 180 W. 15th St., Ste. 100, Edmond 405-345-5010 www.techjoynt.com June 4-Aug. 9 $240/session

Robotics and Game Design Camps for ages 6 to 14 to learn computer programming skills, problem solving, critical thinking and engineering design for robots. Scholarships available.

Trinity School OKC 321 N.W. 36th St. 405-525-5600 www.trinityschoolokc.org July 9-July 20 $350-$550/session

TO LEARN • TO LEAD • TO SERVE

Classes include intensive reading, language arts and math for grades K-8 and reading therapy (individual and group) for grades K-12. Classes are offered Monday through Friday. Enroll before May 25. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

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Twist & Shout 14801 N. Lincoln Blvd., Edmond 405-775-9491 www.shouterspirit.com June 4-Aug. 17 Unpluggits Paint & Play 575 Enterprise Dr., Ste. 110, Edmond 405-340-7584 www.unpluggits.com June 1-Aug. 5 $20-45 Velocity Dance Center 11122 N. Rockwell Ave., Ste. A-11 405-721-8807 oklahomacitydancestudio.com July and August Starting at $50 The Wild Frontier Summer Arts Camp 405-623-6637 www.wildfrontiercamp.com June 4-Aug. 3 $150-$180/week YMCA Camp Classen 10840 Main Camp Rd., Davis 580-369-2272 ymcaokc.org/camp-classen June 3-July 18 $410-$1210/session YMCA OF GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY Branches located across the OKC metro area, Chickasha, Guthrie and Stillwater www.ymcaokc.org/children-youth/ summer-day-camp/locations Youth Tech Inc. 877-984-2267 www.youthtechinc.com June 18- Aug. 9 $100-$300

$30 one day, $55 two day, $75 three day Cheer and tumbling camps for ages 6-18 to learn from expert teachers. Camps meet for two hours each session. Scholarships available.

Clay HandBuilding Workshops offer a variety of projects including Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day gifts, coil pots, wind chimes and more. The clay pieces will be completed during the two-hour workshops and camper can return any time to paint the project. All steps are included in the cost of the workshop.

Sessions in ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop for kids ages 2-12.

Ages 8-14 have five camp options: Star Wars, Filmmakers, Cosplay Music Festival and Animal Farm. Held at 3 locations: Chesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Party Barn in Piedmont, OCCC Campus in OKC and Race Dance Studio at Film Row in Downtown OKC. One and two week options. Small class sizes; artist taught. Before/aftercare and scholarships available.

Located in the Arbuckles of southern Oklahoma, this camp focuses on kids learning skills, developing character and making friends. Ages 6-16 enjoy water-related activities, sports, crafts, horseback riding while learning about teamwork and making friends. Scholarships available.

Although each YMCA branch offers their own unique program, Y Day Camps are generally offered for ages 4 through about 12 either at the branch itself or at a location nearby. Most pricing is between $100-$145 per week. Day camps start in late May and continue through earlyto mid-August. Most offer before/after care and scholarships. Find brochure online or contact your local branch for details and enrollment. Held at the MAC at Mitch Park, 2733 Marilyn Williams Dr., Edmond and check website for a location in Norman Kids ages 6 to 17 can learn technology skills with these one-week camps. Subjects include Video Game Design, 3D game Design, iGame Creators, iCode, Animation, Movie Makers, Application Design, Gaming Academy and many more. Scholarships available. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

SUMMER ACTIVITIES Chickasaw Cultural Center 867 Charles Cooper Memorial Dr. Sulphur, OK 580-622-7130 www.chickasawculturalcenter.com Dodge City Paintball of OKC 16425 NW 150th, Piedmont 405-373-3745 www.okcpaintball.com April 1-Dec. 31

Dust Bowl Lanes & Lounge 421 N.W. 10th St. 405-609-3302 www.dustbowllanes.com

Jump!Zone 10400 S. Western 405-200-1691 www.jumpzoneparty.com Open Play costs $7-$9

One of the largest tribal cultural centers in the country, the Chickasaw Cultural Center shares the history of the Chickasaw people through art, exhibits and performances. Special summer programs offered; find details on website.

$15 each for 10 or more players Low-impact paintball experience for ages 6 and up.

Fun retro bowling alley that is open additional hours for summer. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Sunday; 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday for families with children.

Special summer hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Day care and group rates are available by appointment. $2 per child suggested donation

Myriad Botanical Gardens 301 West Reno 405-445-7080 myriadgardens.org June 25-Aug. 10, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-noon

Enjoy drop-in activities in the Children’s Garden, including Make-it Mondays, Tasty Tuesdays, Reading Wednesdays, Think Green Thursdays and Find-it Fridays.

Oklahoma Hall of Fame Gaylord Pickens Museum 1400 Classen Dr. 405-235-4458 oklahomahof.com

Every Thursday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, families can enjoy a story and craft with free admission. Story time begins at 10:30 a.m. and is followed by a craft and summer activities to enjoy together.

Oklahoma History Center 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. 405-522-0765 www.okhistory.org March 3-Dec. 8

Themed family fun provided weekly year-round with Family Activity Saturdays. June 2 celebrate the theme “Summertime” and Aug. 4 celebrate “Back to School.” Cost is admission to the museum.

Skate Galaxy OKC 5800 NW 36th St. 405-605-2758 www.skategalaxyokc.com

Enjoy day skate sessions 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on WednesdaysFridays from June 5 to Aug. 10. $6 per skater.

Tot Town 841 SW 119th St. 405-650-7560 www.tottownokc.com

Enjoy Dance Time at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Craft Time at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Also offers Open Play times, with hours that vary each day (check their Facebook page for daily hours). SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

Looking for family resources? MetroFamily has you covered! Find everything from a birthday party venue perfect for a kid interested in science to attractions that offer drop-in craft making—and more! • Check out the Resource Directory advertisers in the following pages. • Discover searchable directories at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/directories • Download our app today to have one-click access to these great resources: www.metrofamilymagazine.com/app (Popular Pages tab)

After-School Activities

Special Needs

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Family Fun

Education

Resource Directory Index Helping parents ﬁnd local businesses and resources since 1998 63 Restaurants/Shopping 65 Camps Parties

69 Foster Care

64 Family Fun

Family Services

Education

Find more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/directories 62 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

RESTAURANT & SHOPPING

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PARTY AT THE POOL! Two hours of private access to Goldfish Swim School Invitations & envelopes

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EDMOND | 405.696.7500 www.goldfishswimschool.com

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

PARTIES

Balloons, tropical decorations & centerpieces

FAMILY FUN

April Showers Mothers' Day Flowers Handprint Plate Special Salad Size - $22 Dinner Size - $28 All that is needed is a handprint and we do the rest! Allow 10 days.

Open Paint & Play All Day Indoor Playground Paint-n-Take Ceramics Clay Workshops Grown-ups paint nights

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have fun, at the lake. EDUCATION

Reserve a pavilion at Arcadia Lake for your next birthday celebration or family reunion. You deserve to enjoy the wonderful venues and activities that Edmond has to offer.

We have fun, you should too.

edmondparks.com

64 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

4 0 5 . 216 .74 7 0

LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE CAMPS Go to www.Reveel.it and scan this page

CAMPS

JUST ABOUT

ANYTHING can happen at the

Oklahoma History Center!

Beginners are our Specialty Enroll n for summow e and fall r Welcoming Environment Live Stream Monitors to view your child's progress 24/7 Easy Online Enrollment Hassle Free Recital

Horse Camp

Camp Cadence 2018 Full Day Camps $395/per week June 4 - June 8 June 18 - June 22 June 25 - June 29 July 16 - July 20 July 23 - July 27 Half Day Camps $245/per week May 28 - June 1

June 11 - June 15 July 9 - July 13 July 30 - Aug 3 Aug 6 - Aug 10 Overnight Camps $995/per week June 10 - June 16 July 29 - Aug 4

Classes for ages 2 and up

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop FAMILY FUN

EXPLORE THE WORLD OF HORSES Go to www.Reveel.it and scan this ad

CADENCE EQUESTRIAN

LEARN MORE Go to www.Reveel.it and scan this ad

(405) 522-0765 www.okhistory.org 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr./OKC

11122 N Rockwell Ave Ste A-11 OKC

Enroll online at: www.cadenceequestrian.com

admin@oklahomacitydancestudio.com

(405) 348-7469

405-721-8807

www.oklahomacitydancestudio.com

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

CAMPS

LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE CAMPS Go to www.Reveel.it and scan this page

The Dance Department

FREE TRIAL CLASS

Tap  Jazz  Ballet Modern  HipHop  Adult Tap Classes for all ages. Please call for more information. thedancedepartment@gmail.com www.thedancedepartmentokc.com

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732-7722

OSU Cooperative Extension Service offers numerous youth programs this summer just for YOU! May 31-June 1 Babysitting 101 June 14 S.T.E.M. or access our website at June 15 Financial & Job Readiness http://oces.okstate.edu/oklahoma/youth-workshops June 19-20 Kids in the Kitchen 2500 NE 63rd St. OKC, OK 73111 June 25-27 & July 25-27 Sewing LEARN MORE June 27 Jr. Master Gardener Go to www.Reveel.it and scan this ad July 17 Food Showdown July 18 Healthy Living for Kids Aug. 1 4-H Project Camp

For more information call 713-1125

At Territorial Fun Day Camp, ages 6-11 will have fun exploring Oklahoma history through games, crafts and other activities.

June 11-15, 9am to 3pm $175 (before/after care available for extra fee; siblings discount available)

ENROLL TODAY 405-235-4058 mgregg@harnhomestead.com 1721 N. Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City

www.harnhomestead.com

66 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

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STAR WARs CAMP cosplay CAMP filmmaker CAMP

animal CAMP

music festival CAMP

songwriting - computer arts - murals costumes - makeup - improv - writing

chester’s party barn (piedmont) OCCC campus (South OKC) FILM ROW (downtown)

www.wildfrontiercamp.com

Start the Spark

Adventure Camp

For your student at Trinity’s Summer Intensive

Three to six day Resident Adventure Camps for ages 5 to 18.

N’S THEATRE OKLAHOMA CHILDRE

Three day McFadden Kids Day Camps for ages 5 to 9. Two week Kayak Camp for those entering 9th-12th grades Leadership Development Institute for those entering 9th-12th grades

Canoeing, kayaking, fishing, camping, archery, zip line, ropes course and more...

Multi-Sensory Instruction with Certified Teachers July 9-20, 2018 Monday-Friday Grades K-12

LEARN ABOUT ADVENTURE CAMP Go to www.Reveel.it and scan this ad

Power-Up Classes:

Intensive Reading/ Language Arts & Math • Intensive Reading Therapy • Summer Fun •

Located along the west shores of Kaw Lake (near Ponca City)

580-762-9955 • campmcfadden.com

Trinity School OKC Serving children who learn differently 405-525-5600 www.trinityschoolokc.org

2018 CLASSES for AGES

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

CAMPS

ENROLL NOW for Summer Camps!

CAMPS

APRIL 14

405.878.5300 | Shawnee, OK 1900 W. MacArthure | St. Gregory’s Campus

the coolest camp around ARCTIC EDGE 15TH ANNUAL

Summer Sports Camp for ages 6 & up May 29th - August 17th, 7:30-5:30 Mon-Fri Register early to ensure your camper’s spot!

Music Camp Ages 6mos - 8yrs Register online

ENROLL NOW!

All counselors are First Aid & CPR Certified DHS Approved

Ice Skating • Basketball • Swimming Soccer and much more! 14613 N. Kelly • 748-5454 • arctic-edge.com

6008 NW 120th Ct/OKC 722-2379

GingersMusic.com

LEARN MORE ABOUT CAMP DAKANI Go to www.Reveel.it and scan this ad

Download the MetroFamily app today! Learn more at metrofamilymagazine.com/app

68 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

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Avoid Summer Learning Loss at Sylvan!

Personalized Tutoring

Academic Coaching

Advancement & Test Prep

Summer Reading, Math & STEM Camps starting $50/day

Call for a FREE Swim Lesson! 405-721-1871

CALL TODAY! Programs for EVERY need and budget!

• STEM courses in Robotics and Coding • Traditional Tutoring Courses in Reading, Writing & Math • Study Skills, Test Prep, & ACT/SAT Courses

PreK - College welcome! We have something for everyone! Sylvanlearning.com Tisha Clay - Center Director 3209 S. Broadway - Edmond 562.5202 / 9634 N. May - OKC 842.7323

Photography

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8401 N. Rockwell Ave., STE 1 OKC

Is it puppy love or puppy frustration?

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Kids’ Parties

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405.888.0109 Your guests need you. Let us capture your memories.

“What about

my sister?”

FOSTER CARE

Give hope. Change a life. Become a foster parent.

Learn more at www.fostercare-ok.org www.fostercare-ok.org 1-877-263-1890 or call 877-263-1890

405-231-4335

9217 NW Expressway, OKC facebook.com/MyK9U Twitter: @K9University YouTube: K9University www.myk9u.com

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

FAMILY SERVICES

“Will we be able to stay together?”

WATCH VIDEOS TO LEARN MORE Go to www.Reveel.it and snap a photo

Okie Kids Playground Kid Review Samuel Roldán Age 10 What made the experience stand out? There’s a huge playground inside that’s like when you play at a park but the weather doesn’t have to be just right to use it. You can climb inside and go down slides, go through different areas and play even if the weather is really hot or rainy out. What was the best part? I didn’t expect to be able to play too. My Mom told me we were going to a place for my brothers after school. They are 6 and 3 and I thought that it was just for little kids but it turns out that there are a few Fridays each month older kids can play there too. What was the worst part? I wish kids my age could go all the time. The toys are for younger kids, I guess, like to play house or fire station. I still kind of like to play with them, though, because my brothers are younger than I am. More kids my age might feel like that than they really want to admit. Will other kids like the venue? It’s perfect for kids that are younger than I am. I don’t think it would work for kids in middle school but elementary is okay on days that’s allowed. I know the playground especially is for age 6 and under so that’s how everything is designed. What they will like about visiting is that they can use all the toys. Sometimes, playing at another kid’s house is fun just because their toys are different than yours. This is like that but also with more areas to play.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2018

Would this venue be enjoyed by your siblings? Why or why not? Yes, they had a great time. Sometimes when we play at home, I have to help clean up all their toys. I was glad not to have to do that as part of playing with them there. There’s also a lot of climbing they can do inside the playground, which makes them tired in a good way. If you could do this again, knowing what you know now, what would you do differently? I would be happier because I would know it wouldn’t just be a boring time of waiting while my brothers played. I’m happy for them when they get to play somewhere but it’s nice to be included. Does anything you saw match up with what you’re doing in school or have seen somewhere else before? I’ve seen some of the play areas before, like a cow you can milk, a playground and an art area, but not all in the same place. What do you think you’ll remember most about Okie Kids Playground? I’ll remember playing with my brothers before I was too old. Get more tips for exploring Oklahoma City with your kids at our Weekend Warrior blog, www.metrofamilymagazine.com/WeekendWarrior

Now Enrolling for

2018-19 PRESCHOOL - 5TH GRADE

Call 341-9541 to schedule your tour today! St. Mary’s Episcopal School Since 1977 505 E. Covell Rd. Edmond, OK www.smesedmond.org

o o h c S l a p o c is p E ’s at St. Mary

2018 CAMP SESSIONS JUNE 4-8 JUNE 18-22

JUNE 11-15 JUNE 25-29

REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW! CALL 341-9541 TO SIGN UP.

EDMOND

PA R K S SUMMER CAMPS NOW OPEN!

CALL TODAY!

A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES FOR EVERYONEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SCHEDULE! Follow us on

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