MetroFamily Magazine May 2015

excl 27 coupusive o in nS Find

Spring Has Sprung!

Easy expert tips for starting a family garden

Kid our s Pa ss

MAY 2015

BE INSPIRED

BY THE WINNER OF OUR AWESOME MOM CONTEST OUTSIDE EXPLORING: Dozens of ideas for connecting with nature

See our calendar for 184 fabulous events!

©2015 Oklahoma Aquarium

Fish Tales № 223

Bizarre creatures. Unique aquatic life. Dream-like coral reefs.

The world’s oceans run as deep × as your wildest imagination . × We invite you to experience a journey that’s all your own.

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Explore the myth, the legend and the reality of Pawnee Bill at his ranch and home in Pawnee, Oklahoma. See Pawnee Bill’s mansion, artifacts, art, memorabilia, and live buffalo on one of Oklahoma’s most beautiful historical working ranches.

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Experiences as fantastical as your kid’s imagination.

Inspiring Kids to Learn and Explore.

Special thanks to Kyle (12 years old) from Moore, Oklahoma whose whimsical drawing of two knights with sawfish sharks as swords was the inspiration for the artwork featured above.

Oklahoma’s Premier Vaudeville Palace

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The ultimate OKC family fun

Volume 18, Number 5

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

14

EDITORIAL

Sarah Taylor–Publisher Hannah Schmitt–Managing Editor Lindsay Cuomo–Calendar Editor Heather Davis, Jennifer Sharpe, Heide Brandes and Lindsay Cuomo– Contributing Writers Emily Hart– Contributing Photographer

We reveal the winner and two finalists in our annual Awesome Mom Contest

HAVE A STORY OR BIG EVENT? We are all about family activities and fun in the OKC metro. If you have a story to share, let us know!

CONTACT THE TEAM AT 405-601-2081 or email info@metrofamilymagazine.com.

MAY REAL MOM CONTESSA BASS WITH HER SONS TITUS AND TOBIAS

DESIGN & SALES Stacy Noakes–Art Director Callie Collins–Marketing Director Athena Delce, Dana Price & Jessica Misun–Sales Kathy Alberty–Office/Distribution Shelly Sanderson–Business Development Circulation - 35,000 Also available as a digital edition at www.metrofamilymagazine.com 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.

MetroFamily Magazine is a monthly magazine published by Inprint Publishing, Inc. 725 NW 11th, Suite 204 OKC, OK 73103 Office: 405-601-2081 Fax: 405-445-7509 info@metrofamilymagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2015, All Rights Reserved.

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PASSPORT TO FUN A new state park program is sure to get your kids excited about exploring nature

PLUS...

DON’T MISS ALL THIS

18

DIGGING IN Everything you need to know to start your own home garden this spring

6

28

KIDS PASS Discounts and coupons exclusively for our readers to top Oklahoma attractions

Motherhood inspiration and advice from our Real Moms archives

8 Editor’s Picks: Ultimate Outdoor Experiences 22 Mom Humor: By Any Other Name 24 Local Shopping: Green Goodies by Tiffany 30 Calendar of Events

Welcome FROM OUR EDITOR

This month, we guide you to top outdoor experiences, introduce you to some amazing local moms and provide expert tips to start a family garden.

M

ay always serves as a reminder of growing up. As the end of the

r u o r e t En contestsig! to win b

school year nears, kids begin to look forward to graduating to their next grade level and parents are reminded of how quickly their little ones are growing up.

Whether your family is celebrating a big graduation or not, the feeling of change and growth is in the air this month, which offers the perfect reason to slow down and spend time together. Our mission at MetroFamily is to strengthen local families. One way we do that is by guiding families to events and activities where they can spend quality time together.

We hope you’ll take this month’s special occasions— graduations, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day—as opportunities to use our Kids Pass to do something fun together. Another great thing about this issue is that it has a heavy focus on exploring the great outdoors, meaning most of the magazine features activities that are completely free!

This month, we deliver serious family fun with our annual Kids Pass. On page 28, you’ll find coupons to top family attractions in the state. In addition to giving you a calendar chock-full of events and highlighting the new and tried-and-true local attractions every month, we’re proud to provide families a way to save some money on having fun together.

Whether your kids are graduating kindergarten or college, this issue has something for every age to enjoy. So mark the end of an era this month by celebrating change and looking forward to the future together as a family.

Hannah Schmitt Editor

TE A R B E L CE ITH W Y A M KC O F O S DOZEN EVENTS METRO rts on page 30 r sta Calenda

WIN A VACATION TO THE GAYLORD TEXAN RESORT ON LAKE GRAPEVINE! ENTER AT WWW.METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM/CONTESTS

• Our New Contests: • Want to win a summer getaway to the familyfriendly Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas? We’re giving away a vacation valued at $740! Enter by June 1.

• We’re giving two lucky families a chance to see Chuggington Live! The Great Rescue Adventure on us. Enter by June 2.

• Online Exclusive: Angels Foster Family Network—Learn about a new local daycare option that’s a game-changer for families with foster kids at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ angelsokc.

THIS MONTH’S COVER: Oklahoman Marlow R. appears on our May cover in a photo by Edmond photographer Emily Hart of Nina & B Photography.

!

W WO

WWW.NINAANDBPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

family buzz

We’re buzzing about

inspiring moms The U.S. Census Bureau estimates about four million women give birth annually in the U.S. Whether you’re a new mom or seasoned veteran of motherhood, all moms know you can never get enough good advice about parenting. Each month, we highlight outstanding mothers in the Oklahoma City area in our Real Moms of the Metro column. This month, we celebrate Mother’s Day by looking back at some of the best advice from our featured moms over the years.

“It (motherhood) has made me a selfless person and has taught me patience.”

BY HANNAH SCHMITT MANAGING EDITOR

-Regina Harris, the winner of our 2014 Awesome Mom Contest

“My daughter has an ability to look at life, take what’s given to her (good and bad) and really make lemonade out of lemons.

As I watch her, it really helps me move past my insecurities and tackle more.”

-Tamara Prater, former News9 reporter and April 2013 Real Mom “Motherhood is a choice you make every day. To put someone else’s happiness ahead of your own, to teach hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you’re not sure what the right thing is and to forgive yourself over and over again for doing everything wrong.”

“My advice for other moms is to develop a family vision and mission statement. Live by the guiding principles that you have set for your family and develop relationships with your children.

It is not about the ‘stuff,’ it is about the relationships.”

-Rhonda Thomas, founder of Single Parents Support Network and June 2011 Real Mom

-Amy Paulson, adoptive mom from Mustang and March 2014 Real Mom

-KJ Kindler, University of Oklahoma gymnastics coach and July 2014 Real Mom

“No matter how busy life gets, remember that to little people, your kisses stop pain, your voice defeats monsters and your hugs make the world right again.

Parenting is difficult. Take it seriously and have fun! You know all those things you’ve always wanted to do? Go do them!”

“We live in such a narcissistic world where we believe the world revolves around us. Motherhood has taught me patience, love and compassion.”

-Estela Hernandez, Oklahoma City political advocate and January 2014 Real Mom

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

“Say ‘I love you’ as often as you can. It will never be enough.

Make time, even when it feels like you have so little of it.”

-Melesa Eckstein, founder of Artsy Learning Center in Norman and August 2014 Real Mom

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MAY 2015

Tickets go on sale May 1 for a can’tmiss live show perfect for ages 2-8.

CHUGGINGTON LIVE! The Great Rescue Adventure will be presented one day only at Oklahoma City’s Civic Center Music Hall. The musical is presented in front of an impressive LED video wall to combine live stage performance with scenes from the popular Chuggington television show on Disney Junior.

The storyline reminds kids of the importance of courage and determination in challenging times. Actor Jonathan Ramos plays Eddie in the show and took some time away from his busy tour schedule to chat about the show with us. One of his favorite parts of the show is when the trains first take the stage, he said.

“When the audience sees the trains for the first time, there’s this huge ‘ahh’ from the PHOTO COURTESY OF CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS crowd,” he said. “The kids get so much out June 7 at Civic Center Music Hall. Purchase of seeing their favorite characters in real life tickets by calling 297-2264 going to www. and that’s really entertaining.” celebrityattractions.com or by visiting the The interactive show invites kids to sing, box office at 201 N. Walker. dance and move along with the characters on We’re giving away two family five-packs of the stage, Ramos said. The show has been tickets to the event. Enter by June 2 at www. touring live stages since January and will metrofamilymagazine.com/contests. make its way to Oklahoma City at 2 p.m.

Strong Together a Success

STRONG TOGETHER PARTICIPANTS AT THE REDBUD CLASSIC

Join us in congratulating the finishers of our third Strong Together session! On April 12, a group of 27 women of all fitness levels gathered at the starting line of Oklahoma City’s Redbud Classic to run, jog and walk together after eight weeks of training with certified running coach Sara McCauley of runhers. These women made the eight-week commitment with MetroFamily Magazine’s

Strong Together fitness initiative and we couldn’t be more proud of the steps they took to improve their own health and make healthy changes for their families. Special thanks to sponsor Elite Feet, the experts at runhers and our bloggers, Georgeanna Johnson, Mae Kiggins, Kristyn Grewell and Courtney Mayberry.

BY HANNAH SCHMITT

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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MAY 2015

Editor’s Picks: Ultimate Outdoor Experiences

W

arm May weather beckons Oklahomans outside to explore the great outdoors and rediscover nature. Venturing outside doesn’t always have to mean planning a hike or overnight camping trip, though.

Here are a few unexpected ways you and your family can reconnect with the outdoors this month.

Splash Around This month might not offer warm enough weather for swimming just yet, but it will definitely be warm enough for a little splashing. Oklahoma City boasts plenty of opportunities to get wet and a top pick is the Myriad Botanical Gardens. The east side of the downtown park has a fun water feature in front of the Ice House restaurant where kids love to get their feet wet while parents munch on burgers and fries. To see other reader recommendations for splash pads and pools, visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/splash.

GREENLEAF STATE PARK BY AUDREY DODGEN

Pack a Picnic

Explore a State Park

Unpack your meal on the banks of the Oklahoma River and take in beautiful views of the water and the Oklahoma City skyline.

A free playground at the Boathouse District (725 S. Lincoln Blvd.) provides endless fun before or after you eat. The playground features a state-of-the-art NEOS 360 Interactive Play Station, a playground that lures kids into a competitive game where they’re encouraged to move and think.

Find our other top picnic spots at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/picnic.

Eat on a Patio

MYRIAD BOTANICAL GARDENS

Ideal patio dining weather usually doesn’t last long in Oklahoma City, but May is the perfect time to request outdoor seating at your favorite restaurant. One of our favorites for families is The Wedge (4709 N. Western Ave.). Their spacious patio offers tables in the sun or shade and a kid-friendly area stretches beyond the outdoor dining area to include a fun wooden platform to play on and a small garden where kids can see how some of their favorite pizza toppings are grown. Find more great patio dining destinations at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/okcpatios.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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MAY 2015

Oklahoma is home to 34 state parks boasting varied landscapes and thrilling adventures.

From sand dunes and glistening lakes to salt plains and forests, you’re sure to find a unique destination, perfect for your family’s interests. Start your new state park habit at Lake Thunderbird State Park (13101 Alameda Dr., Norman), the closest park to the metro area. The park features a scenic lake, hiking and biking trails, swim beaches and playgrounds. Find more family-friendly state park experiences and details about a new state program to get kids active at state parks on page 10.

Pick your own Produce Blackberries and strawberries at area farms will likely be ripe by the end of May. Take the whole family out to a farm like Buffalo Creek Berry Farm (9211 Sloan Rd., Mustang) to pick berries now then return in late summer to find tomatoes, peppers, onions, okra, squash and more. The farm is open for picking from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and from 2 to 7 p.m. Sundays.

Find more you-pick opportunities at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/you-pick.

Held on April 18 at Cox Convention Center, Kids Fest 2015 was a huge success!

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

WILLIAMSSONOMA, INC. Kids Fest always brings together the best local kids’ services, from alternative education options and after-school activities to birthday party venues and other local businesses dedicated to family fun, and this year was no exception.

We were pleased to provide a day with activities for every member of the family via more than 70 exhibitor booths on-site, including many in the Safety Village sponsored by Safe Kids Oklahoma.

Whether you came to Kids Fest as an exhibitor or an attendee, we appreciate your presence and thank you for making it so special!

To re-live the fun, check out our videos at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-fest.

For information about next year’s event, email sarah@metrofamilymagazine.com.

exploring oklahoma with children

Passport Program

Gets Kids Moving

BY HEIDE BRANDES

I

magine hiking up a hill at Beavers Bend State Park or digging up selenite crystals at the Great Salt Plains State Park.

Feel your body stretch as you do a few yoga poses. Breathe in the crisp air as you walk down hidden trails. Feel the adrenaline of kayaking down a feisty river or reeling in that big catch of the day while fishing.

If the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department has its way, kids of all ages in Oklahoma will experience just that.

Offering a free passport to Oklahoma’s state parks, the department is encouraging kids to get outside, get active and get healthy while having fun in the state’s most beautiful places.

ROMAN NOSE STATE PARK, PHOTO BY HEIDE BRANDES

being t u o b a l “It’s al su n , e h t n i t ou fresh e h t g n i breath ciating e r p p a air and cting to e n n o c an d homaH.”ealth a l k O n natureOklaihoma State Department of Jo h n F r

iedl,

The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Health, unveiled a new program this spring designed to get kids outdoors and active. The Oklahoma State Parks Passport Program was created to encourage fourth graders – and children of all ages – to live healthy by visiting any of Oklahoma’s 34 state parks with a free passport booklet.

Inside the booklet are fun physical activities that children can “log” in their book, including yoga poses, 30-minutes of walking and other park-specific activities. Keli Clark, spokesperson for the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department, explained the kids who sign up are prompted to get outside and be active at state parks. In return, they’re rewarded with tokens and medals. Clark said many Oklahoma children have never even been to a state park before. The passports aim to change that.

Kids 12 and under Free!

Fun and Educational Oklahoma’s 34 state parks are among the most diverse in the nation, located in mountains, deserts, plains, water ways and more. Each park has its own personality and its own activities that children can explore, Clark said.

“We’ve taken these passport books statewide to the public schools. Each book has a regional map in the six regions in our state,” Clark said. “As the kids and their families go to each state park, they get a sticker to put on that park’s page.”

Each state park has a different sticker to reward, and once families visit six parks or one park six times, they can earn their first token. Children can earn a bison token for six parks up to an Osage Shield token for all 34 parks.

“These are really cool tokens that feature Oklahoma-centric images,” Clark said.

“This will be a big thing for kids to collect.

We thought they would love something they can collect and show off as a reward.”

The passport books encourage families to start visiting the parks and learning about the fun available in the parks.

“It’s all about getting kids outdoors and healthy,” Clark said. “If the kids want to do it, then we can get mom and dad outdoors too. It’s really a true family program.”

Excitement About Activity The Oklahoma State Parks Passport Program was also designed to encourage physical activity and health at those parks.

Developed with the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Oklahoma Department of Education, the books also show 10 yoga poses kids can do while at the park. In addition, children will have to conquer 30 minutes of walking or hiking and then choose two park-specific activities like swimming, boating, horseback riding, swinging or climbing.

Food, Fun & entertainment—the Cowboy way

OutdOOr Festival: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

MuseuM Open: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

GREENLEAF STATE PARK BY AUDREY DODGEN

“We have wonderful, wonderful state parks that are being underutilized, and these parks are all over our state and in many cases, free to enter,” said John Friedl, physical activity and nutrition manager for the Oklahoma State Department of Health. “You hear a lot of the older generation talking about playing outside, but our society has changed.

This program allows kids to have free play outdoors in a safe setting.

“It’s all about being out in the sun, breathing the fresh air and appreciating and connecting to nature in Oklahoma. It’s hard to quantify, but you know the feeling you have when you are in a beautiful park. You see so many health and mental benefits of being outdoors and being active.”

twO days OF MOuth-watering

caMpFire cOOked FOOds, children's educatiOnal hands-On activities,

western stage entertainMent and stagecOach and pOny rides await visitOrs tO the MuseuM's largest OutdOOr event

In Oklahoma, 14 percent of adolescents do not get the recommended amount of activity and 33 percent of adults have had no physical activity in the past 30 days, Friedl said.

“This is all about incentivizing people to go out, visit our wonderful state parks, do a few things and get a little prize,” he said. “Hopefully, by doing this, it becomes a lifelong passion. By targeting children, hopefully that carries over to their parents as well.”

To get a free Oklahoma State Parks Passport book, visit any state park.

“Once they complete a certain number of fitness goals, the kids can earn fitness medals. If they do the goals at six parks, they earn a bronze medal. They get a silver medal for 12 parks and a gold medal for finishing the fitness goals at 18 parks,” Clark said.

“Since each park is different, the activities they can choose from are different too.”

Based on Governor Mary Fallin’s push to make health a priority, the Oklahoma Department of Health found that partnering with organizations like the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department offered unique opportunities to get young residents excited about being outdoors and active.

WALNUT CREEK STATE PARK BY REBEKAH WORKMAN/OKLAHOMA TOURISM

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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MAY 2015

(405) 478-2250 1700 NE 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

PRESENTED BY THE DOGWOOD FOUNDATION

Q&A with a nature expert & mom

Passport participants can earn their first token for visiting six Oklahoma state parks. Here are six of our favorite state parks to get you started:

Mae Kiggins of Edmond has worked as a park ranger, research assistant, forest policy intern and environmental sciences academic adviser. Now a mom of two (her son Macen is 5 and her daughter Sydney is 2), Mae blogs about her outdoor experiences with her kids. There’s no one better to shed a little light on the joys of outside adventures.

Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve (NW corner of panhandle): This park boasts the highest point in Oklahoma at 4,973 feet above sea level!

Great Salt Plains State Park (north central Oklahoma): Visit this park to take part in the iconic Oklahoma experience of crystal digging. Set out on the enormous salt plain with a shovel and bucket to dig up your very own souvenir.

Q: Reading your blog, it’s obvious you are

passionate about getting kids outside. Why is that important to you?

A: Kids don’t remember their best day in

front of the TV. A majority of my special memories growing up involve my family time outdoors; playing, working, camping and hiking. I want my children to have those types of memories to cherish and to pass on to their children as well. Also, there are limited distractions in nature as we generally leave technology at home and focus on playing and working with each other. In my experience, family relationships are improved and strengthen by spending time outdoors together!

Q: How long have you been encouraging them to explore the outdoors?

A: I have been taking my kids outdoors

since they were a week or two old. Their first experiences were walks in the stroller or hikes in a baby carrier. I believe spending time outdoors is appropriate at any age!

Q: Has their experience outside changed as they’ve gotten older? If so, how?

A: As my children grow, our time spent

outdoors increases. When they were taking two naps a day it took a lot of planning so we wouldn’t miss our window of time to get outdoors. Sometimes I would have my daughter take her naps in the car on the way to or from our outdoor time. As my kids have gotten older it has been very rewarding to see their creativity and imaginations blossom.

It is fantastic to see what a stick or leaf can become and how exciting a patch of trees can be. I used to have to guide them in their exploration and play, now I am amazed at what they find and how their imaginations soar!

MAE’S SON, MACEN, AT NATURAL FALLS STATE PARK

Q: Have you seen benefits to outdoor play in your own kids? What are some of the biggest benefits?

A: Absolutely! The most basic benefit is

that my kids and I are happier. When we are at home indoors or on technology a lot they are more irritable and stir crazy. When we are outdoors, their focus is no longer on annoying each other, it’s on playing, exploring and having fun! Not to say that every time we go outdoors things are perfect but in general we are all just happier (and they are easier for me). Additionally, research shows outdoor play improves kids’ social skills, motor skills, muscle development, creativity and lowers obesity, to name only a few.

Lake Murray State Park & Lodge (south central Oklahoma): The lake is home to historic Tucker Tower Nature Center, a recently revamped tower that was once a retreat for Oklahoma’s governor and now features a nature discovery center and viewing deck.

Little Sahara State Park (northwest Oklahoma): Viewing miles of towering sand dunes (1,600 acres to be exact), your family will forget they’re in Oklahoma when you visit this unique park.

Lake Eufaula State Park (southeast Oklahoma): This park is situated on the largest lake in the state and offers splash-happy visitors 600 miles of shoreline perfect for swimming.

Alabaster Caverns State Park (northwest Oklahoma): Explore Oklahoma’s underground treasures at this park, where you can tour the world’s largest gypsum cave that is open to the public.

Q: What’s your family’s favorite outdoor destination?

A: My son loves waterfalls and I have

found the best way to get the kids excited about being outdoors is by focusing on what they like! So here in Oklahoma, our favorite destination so far is Natural Falls State Park. Nationwide it is Niagara Falls, which we visited a few years ago.

My son, who was 4 at the time, called it the ‘humongous falls’ and cried when we had to leave. He is now almost 6 and still remembers. That is a great memory!

Mae’s blog features endless ideas for outdoor play, including fun ways to incorporate learning in your next outdoor adventure. Find her tips and resources at www.mommylovestrees.com.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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MAY 2015

ALABASTER CAVERNS STATE PARK BY JOHN JERNIGAN

Plan the best summer ever!

MetroFamily makes summer planning easy — with information about the fun summer events, activities and great places to visit all in one convenient location.

Summer fun begins here:

✹ Daily ideas in the 100 Days of Summer Fun Guide ✹ Father’s Day events ✹ Day trip ideas to explore Oklahoma ✹ Independence Day celebrations ✹ Summer concerts & outdoor movies ✹ Family-friendly festivals ✹ Summer reading programs ✹ Report card rewards programs ✹ Vacation Bible School programs ✹ Local farmer’s markets ✹ Summer camps and activities ✹ Best pools & splash pads ✹ Top parks & playgrounds ✹ Money-saving coupons & free activities ✹ The metro’s most comprehensive events calendar and more!

Available May 15 www.metrofamilymagazine.com/summer

Real moms of the metro When our MetroFamily staff first read the nomination for Contessa Bass in our annual Awesome Mom contest, we knew we’d stumbled upon an inspiring story. Contessa’s 12-year-old son, Tobias, gushed about his “crazy awesome” mom.

“My mom teaches special ed all day then goes to school at night to finish her master’s, but that’s not the crazy part,” he said in his nomination form. “My brother has cerebral palsy, is all the way deaf and has no stomach.

My mom’s biggest lesson is, ‘life is not all

about me.’ She was by my side when I decided to start running my brother in 5Ks and we are training for the Ironman. My mom is by herself but she never stops serving other people with challenges.

She taught me love. She taught me caring.

We found a man in our neighborhood who is special and she taught me how to love and serve him. I bring him pizza and soda with the money I make, because he only has a three-wheeled bike. My mom even works at church on Wednesday, even after her 15-hour days she still comes home and serves longer for my brother. I do not know how my mom can do all she does and still do so much for

others but I will grow up to be just like her because it’s not all about me, but about what I can do to make someone else’s life better.”

Contessa was nominated along with dozens of other inspiring mothers. Although we wish we could highlight them all, our staff narrowed the list of nominations down to three moms with incredible stories we knew would inspire our readers. The public voted Contessa as the winner of our Awesome Mom contest. Be inspired by her story and the stories of the two other finalists on the following pages.

BY JENNIFER SHARPE & HANNAH SCHMITT PHOTO BY EMILY HART, WWW.NINAANDBPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Meet our Awesome Moms Winner: Contessa Bass

Contessa Bass has a sparkle in her eyes and an infectious smile that radiates the warmth in her heart. Chosen as MetroFamily Magazine’s Awesome Mom Contest winner, Contessa demurs, “You can’t pick the world’s most awesome mom. That’s like picking the world’s most beautiful baby; there’s no such thing because all babies are beautiful. All moms are awesome.”

Contessa, age 50, is a single mother of five sons, Terrence (24), Thomas (23), Tony (21), Titus (13) and Tobias (12). She also has a 3-year-old granddaughter who she cares for regularly. Originally from California, Contessa moved to Oklahoma more than 16 years ago and now calls Edmond home.

This amazing mother and grandmother has focused her life on helping children, and holds a special place in her heart for children with special needs. Her 13-year-old son, Titus, has cerebral palsy, severe visual and intellectual impairments and no stomach.

“Titus has no lack of self-determination,” Contessa said. “He was born at 24 weeks gestation, weighing just one pound. He died numerous times in the hospital, but he just kept popping back. Titus is the blessing that pulled us all together and made us all who we are.”

CONTESSA, TITUS AND TOBIAS SMILE FOR THE CAMERA AT THEIR EDMOND HOME

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MAY 2015

On weekdays, Contessa works as a special education teacher with students in grades 7 through 12 at John Marshall High School in Oklahoma City. She claims her students are the happiest, most sincere, hardest-working students.

“I’m blessed enough to come here and they give me a paycheck,” she said. “Can you imagine doing what you love and still getting paid for it?”

On most weeknights, Contessa attends graduate school at the University of Oklahoma, where she is finishing course work this semester for her master’s degree in special education in secondary transition.

Contessa is on a full scholarship to attend this unique program run by Dr. Jim Martin, a pioneer and leader in the field. Secondary transition is a unique area within the domains of special education.

“Transition is planning somebody’s life after high school, where they are going to live, where they are going to work, where they are going to play,” she said. “Those are very important aspects of life.”

Contessa anticipates receiving her degree next December or May. “I’m very proud to have been given the opportunity to further my education in an area that I am really passionate about,” Contessa said. “I don’t want anybody to sit still if they don’t want to, and I don’t want anyone, disabled or not, to not have a future.”

Like Tobias mentioned in his nomination, Contessa is also very involved in volunteering at church. She volunteers at LifeChurch on Wednesday nights.

“LifeChurch helped me raise my kids,” she said. “I have to give credit to my church.”

Through life’s ups and downs, facing good times and bad, Contessa remains faithful, joyful and thankful.

“With children, you’re there to mold them, number one. For every mistake I’ve made, I can thank God that I’ve learned from it,” she said. “You’re truly there to mold, create, foster, help, support, and put values of love and God into a child that is going to someday go out into the world and make a difference.”

How has motherhood changed you?

What is your guilty pleasure?

At first, when I became a mother, I did not go into it understanding the actual true responsibility it is. It was a little interesting that they did not come with an instruction manual. I realized it is a big deal; you are growing and hopefully shaping strong moral character in children who are going to lead our country someday. With motherhood, you learn on a first-hand basis that it is not “all about me.” Being a single mom, you understand the meaning of sacrifice and what sacrifice is as a parent.

Starbucks.

What is your favorite quote about parenting?

What is your biggest challenge?

My favorite quote is not so much about parenting/motherhood as it is a lesson I have learned in my life. Albert Einstein sums it up beautifully for me: “If A is a success in life, then A equals X plus Y plus Z. Work is X; Y is play; and Z is keeping your mouth shut.”

Sleep.

How do you find balance?

Prayer and understanding; I get to a point where I am exhausted. I go to bed and I pray, and the next day is a brand new day.

Of what are you most proud?

Being accepted into the master’s program at the University of Oklahoma and my children.

What is your biggest indulgence?

Sleep.

What is on your wish list?

I would love to go on a mission trip.

MOVIES on the prairie

Monthly beginning May 8 May - September Join the Friends of Martin Park for their inaugural “Movies on the Prairie” series. We’ll roll out the meadow carpet and put up the big screen so you can enjoy family favorites with a nature theme. Blankets, lawn chairs and bug spray recommended. Movies will start at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Cost: suggested $5 per person donation (collected night of film.) Seating limited to first 250 registrants.

Register online at www.okc.gov/active

“JurasMasiyc8 Park” Home” “Fly Away e 12 Jun

“The Lorax” July 10

“Wild Am7erica” August

Describe yourself in five words.

Blessed, believer, energy, selfless. A word my sons will tell you is “crazy” but the word I would use is eccentric.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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MAY 2015

@okcparks

@okcparks

@martinparkokc

care for young adults with special needs.

There, she has 40 clients she thinks of as her own children.

She opened Dynasty in 2012, but before that Stephanie was running a day care for young children out of her home.

“I’ve just always loved kids,” she said. “I have a real passion for people and I’m a real nurturer. Dynasty was just kind of me merging hospice and child care. I wanted to give people a quality of life, help them with things we usually take for granted.”

Finalist Stephanie Price

It’s a good thing Stephanie Price loves kids because she has 46 of them. Well, technically she has six children who are biologically hers. The Del City mom is the owner of Dynasty Care Services, a full-service day

Most disabled and special needs youth are left without many services beyond high school, Stephanie said. Dynasty’s eightperson staff works to give their clients care in addition to giving them opportunities to be productive and fulfilled after high school. Dynasty Care Services provides adult day care services that stretch beyond simply supervising clients. Stephanie is passionate about making sure the clients have opportunities to go on field trips, pursue their interests and receive therapy.

In addition to being her livelihood and passion, Dynasty offers a chance for her own kids to be exposed to different people and

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to see great examples of caring for others.

Victor (15), Nicholas (13), Aria (10), Boogie (8), Daniel (5) and Alivia (4), are Stephanie’s pride and joy.

She was surprised to be nominated, she said, because she’s always finding inspiration from other mothers. She thinks she was probably nominated because everyone calls her the “Energizer Bunny.”

“People are always asking me how I do it all,” she said. “I just do.”

Working at Dynasty, she interacts daily with parents of young adults with special needs and disabilities.

“They don’t let the bad days, the setbacks, the tribulations stop them,” she said of the parents of her clients. “The moms at Dynasty, they didn’t get to see their kids turn 18 and go to college and they probably never imagined they’d be taking care of their kids as adults.

But they overcome obstacles and they enjoy life. I’m just happy to be a part of that.”

Her biggest advice to other mothers is to never be afraid to ask for help.

“Women are prideful,” she said. “Put away the pride and lead by example because you

are a role model. If you don’t like something your kids are doing then take a look at yourself because they probably got it from you.”

Leading by example doesn’t mean you have to always be perfect, Stephanie said, but it does mean being able to admit when you’re wrong.

“Your story is not yours,” she said. “You need to be sharing it with other people so they can get something from it and be inspired by it. Whether you’re a stay-athome mom, a working mom, a soon-to-be mom, whatever, someone else is dealing with the same things you’re dealing with.”

(they divorced in 2011) because his mother was having some substance abuse and mental health issues.

“My stepson had two half-siblings (Devin and Hannah), they all had the same mom,” she explained. “So eventually those two half-siblings went into state custody so my husband and I took them in as foster kids.”

When her husband began dealing with substance abuse issues of his own, Jenny made the difficult decision to divorce. When she divorced, she had to make the decision whether she would keep the foster kids and adopt them or send them back into state custody. After some soul-searching, prayer and support from her large family, she decided to keep the foster kids and adopt them. The adoption was made final in October 2013.

“My main deciding factor in taking this on was that I wholeheartedly believe that a lot of this is cyclical,” she said. “They don’t know any different if they’ve grown up around certain behaviors. I wanted to expose them to the love and the kind of family I grew up in.

I wanted to expose them to a different way of looking at life and reacting to life.”

Finalist Jenny Monroe

Walking into Jenny Monroe’s office in the Edmond Police Department headquarters, it’s easy to see her kids are pretty crazy about her. She beams showing off the sticky notes written by her kids that litter her desk.

“I’m blessed to have you” and “You’re the best mom I have ever had” are just a couple of the messages stuck on the edges her computer screen.

Jenny, the department’s public information specialist, says her family story is “a little hard to follow.” That’s an understatement.

Jenny is raising four kids, only one of them biologically hers. The oldest is her stepson, 19-year-old Wesley. Next is two adopted children: 17-year-old Devin and 14-yearold Hannah. Her biological daughter, Mackenzie, is 8.

When her stepson was 4 years old, he came to live with Jenny and her then-husband

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CHANGE

LIFE A CHILD’S

She has hard days, she admitted, where she asks herself why she took so much on alone. But looking at those sweet notes from her kids and seeing them flourish and grow, she knows she made the right decision.

Like our Awesome Mom winner and other finalist, Jenny doesn’t necessarily believe she’s any more special than any other mom.

She’s inspired by other moms around her and draws encouragement from the rest of her family. She works with many police officers who have foster kids themselves and relies on them to help her get through difficult times. Her advice to other moms is to never be afraid to ask for help and remember to make time for yourself.

While many would agree Jenny deserves an “Awesome Mom” title, no one actually even calls Jenny “mom.” Her stepson and his half-siblings have called her “Jenny” or “Jen” since they came to live with her. Her daughter, the youngest of the bunch, just followed suit.

“It is very heartwarming when they’re talking about me to other people and they refer to me as ‘mom,’” she said. “When they talk about their mom to their friends, they’re talking about me. That means a lot.”

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Find out how at

www.AngelsFosterOKC.org

405.285.6193

local family fun

Dig In!

ARIANNA, 12, AND AKILAH, 8, PREPARE SOIL AT THE JUBILEE PARTNERS URBAN HARVEST PROGRAM

Easy, expert tips to get your family garden started

BY HANNAH SCHMITT & LINDSAY CUOMO

PHOTOS BY ANGIE GAINES DOSS

For as little as the price of a take-out meal, your family can experience the joys of gardening and a delicious and nutritious harvest. This is part two of a four-part series about gardening with kids. Last month, we revealed some of the benefits of gardening at home. Read on to find easy expert tips for starting your own garden at home this spring.

Weaver and his Urban Harvest team have 40 community gardens in central Oklahoma.

The gardens grow a variety of produce, including about 6,000 pepper, tomato and herb seedlings that will be harvested this year and shipped to partner food pantries.

Weaver believes there are endless benefits to teaching kids to garden. There’s been a lot of research in the last 10 years, he said, showing direct links between kids gardening and having an increased interest and willingness to eat new foods and try fruits and vegetables.

“If you’re the kid who took that radish seed, put it in the ground, watered it every day and it grew,” he said, “then you’re more likely to try it than if I just put a radish on a plate in front of you.”

When it comes to knowing whether your kids are old enough to start gardening, Weaver said it’s in the best interest of parents to start as early as possible. Even if kids aren’t old enough to do major garden work like planting or watering, they’re never too young to watch and they can participate as they’re able.

“You can’t plant a garden and expect an 8-year-old to tend it,” he said. “You should expect to tend it, but your kids should be engaged so they can feel like they’re part of it and responsible for it. Empowered kids from the age of 10 and up can be in charge of something. As long as you’re committed to having a home garden and it being your responsibility, you can allow your kids to be part of it and it can be a really powerful thing for your family to do together.”

Photo credit: Courtesy of Life Like Touring

Y

ou’d be hard-pressed to find someone in Oklahoma City who has more experience gardening with kids than Mason Weaver. He’s the director of the Regional Food Bank Urban Harvest program, an educational gardening program that teaches kids a new skill and alleviates hunger by growing food for after-school programs throughout the metro area.

VICTOR, 6, PREPARES THE GROUND FOR PLANTING AT THE JUBILEE PARTNERS URBAN HARVEST PROGRAM

Expert Tips If you’re planning to start a garden for the first time, Weaver recommends a raised bed garden. Here are a few tips he has for getting started: Invest in a good gardening book. Weaver’s favorite books for gardening with kids are “Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots” by Sharon Lovejoy and “The Victory Garden Kids Book” by Marjorie Waters, which is out of print but can be checked out at most libraries.

If you’re gardening with kids, be conscious about how large your raised bed is. Do not choose a bed that is four feet wide if you’re expecting children with short arms to help plant, harvest or dig weeds in the center of the bed.

If you want to plant on top of bermuda grass, start by digging up the grass where you plan to set the raised bed. Many people think laying down weed barrier or newspaper will keep grass from growing into the bed, but bermuda grass can grow through those materials.

Run a piece of nylon twine to denote a path for walking. It’s difficult for children to remember where things have been planted.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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- Plant a container garden - Create gardening crafts - Learn basic garden design - Explore the world of insects For ages 7-11 Cost: $125 per child/per session Snacks provided. Campers must bring a brown bag lunch and drink.

Register online at www.okc.gov/active Will Rogers Gardens 3400 NW 36th St Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-297-1392

EZEQIEO, 10, WATERS THE GARDEN AT THE JUBILEE PARTNERS URBAN HARVEST PROGRAM

Getting Started If Weaver has you convinced that starting a family garden is a good idea, it’s time to purchase some supplies. We’ve asked Colin Brooks with Marcum’s Nursery (169 N. Main, Goldsby) to help provide some tips and favorite products for getting started.

First, you’ll need to determine your garden’s location. One main ingredient for success is a sunny spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight or more, Brooks said. Beyond that, the sky is the limit. Backyard gardeners can use just about anything to grow their vegetables from a five-gallon bucket to raised bed. Here are a few suggestions:

Free Used nursery pots

Free-$10 A new or re-used bucket or storage container with drilled drainage holes (must hold three to 10 gallons) $5-$50 Decorative pots $40 & up Halved whiskey barrel planters $30-$50 Earthbox gardening systems

@okcparks For more information about programs and activities, call 405-297-2211

$20-$20 Growbags Container gardens will require frequent watering, especially during the hottest summer days. Options like self-watering planters can stretch watering up to four days in between.

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Next, you’ll need a high quality garden soil. Container gardens need a potting mix.

Brooks recommends one with a mix of bark, peat moss, vermiculite and coarse perlite.

A raised bed garden needs a more soil-like mix that incorporates compost, top soil and drainage aggregate like professional potting mix.

“Gardening will certainly put your kids head and shoulders above the majority of kids in America in terms of knowledge of the world around them.”

Mason Weaver, Urban Harvest director

20 quarts for $8; 40 quarts for $11 or 2.8 cubic foot for $19: Professional Sungro Potting Mixes.

Plants need nutrition, just as we humans do.

Here are options to feed your veggies: $2.50/lb.: Osmocote 14-14-14, a slow-release fertilizer incorporated with the potting soil at planting time. $6.50/40 lb. bag: Redbud Compost, made at Marcum’s Nursery, is an organic fertilizer that will last all season.

Now, it’s time to select your tasty treats! Smaller items like lettuce, spinach, greens, herbs and root crops like carrots can be started from seed in place. They are quite easy to grow and produce long lasting harvests. For the larger vegetables, Brooks advised transplants are the easiest way to get started and are available at most nurseries and garden centers.

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Seeds: $ 1.00-$3.00 Transplants: $ 1.25 each to $ 3.00 for six depending on size

To save on garden square footage, Brooks recommends using dwarf varieties. Here are his top picks: · Beans: Tendercrop, Bush Blue Lake & Contender · Beets: Bull’s Blood & Ruby Queen · Carrots: Scarlet Nantes, Danver’s, Napoli & Little Fingers

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· Lettuce: Any kind except romaine varieties · Peppers: Any kind, just remember the hotter the pepper the longer it takes to produce

natural family chiropractic care.

· Radishes: Champion, Sparkler and Early Scarlet Globe · Spinach: Bloomsdale Long-Standing · Summer Squash: Early Yellow, Crookneck, Straight-neck · Swiss Chard: Bright Lights · Tomatoes: Celebrity, Early Girl, Jet Star, Patio, Sun-gold, Super Bush, Sweet 100, Roma, Rutgers & Yellow Pear

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MAY 2015

5715 N. Western Ave., Suite B Oklahoma City, OK 73118

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mom gets the last laugh

By Any Other Name

ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY BALL, WWW.EMILYMGBA

W

hen I first found out I was pregnant, I was so excited to get started on, well, everything. I scoured all the baby catalogs and stores and found the perfect nursery set (Old McDonald’s Farm).

I found all the right stuffed animals for decorating. I made some curtains from bandanas. I painted the nursery walls red and used a thick rope for the chair rail. We bought a bed, a dresser and a bookshelf. I bought clothes and stocked up on diapers and filled our cabinets with baby shampoo, baby lotion and baby oil. I would spend the next 30 weeks sniffing the good scents of Dreft, alternated with Baby Magic.

That’s right. I had completed the nursery and was ready for my baby when I was barely 10 weeks pregnant. We had only had one ultrasound and I wasn’t even certain what I was looking at when I

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stood in the nursery, holding the ceramic frame that read, “Baby’s First Picture.”

My exhausted husband stood at the nursery door as I pushed out my barely-showing belly as far as I could and said, “What now?”

“I think we’re ready,” I smiled, arching my back trying to look much more pregnant than I actually was.

A few weeks later, a friend had an in-home jewelry party. At this party, a jeweler (actually, she was a very talented bead crafter) designed jewelry while we sat around, nibbled on cheese and crackers and drank sangria—or grape juice for me.

I was strolling through the rows of beads in my friend’s dining room, fingering each one that caught my eye when another party-goer came up beside me. “I take it by your ‘Bun In The Oven’ shirt that you’re expecting.”

“Oh yes,” I smiled, placing my hand on my virtually nonexistent belly.

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“You should get yourself a mother’s bracelet,” she offered.

A mother’s bracelet? WOW. How had I, in all my baby prep shopping, not already purchased a mother’s bracelet? None of the pregnancy books had even mentioned a mother’s bracelet. Clearly, I needed new books.

I swallowed my pride and felt my neck redden at the thought of how ignorant my next question would make me appear: “What’s a mother’s bracelet?”

“Well, it’s a bracelet with your children’s birthstones. You can also add names— either their name or what they call you,” she explained, extending her hand and consequently her wrist, from which dangled a beautiful multi-colored bracelet with the word “Mama” strung between gorgeous blue beads. “I have five boys. There was no way all of their names would fit.”

Since I had no idea if I would have a boy or a girl and since my plan was to have four or five children, I couldn’t use their names or either gender indicative colors. Although, I did plan to have a boy, girl, boy, boy and

finally another girl. (By the way, I ended up with two girls when I decided to sober up off the mommy sauce and stick with a man-onman defense.)

I chose some gender-neutral green beads and had a mother’s bracelet made.

But should it say, “Mom?” No, way! It sounded like a grown child phoning his or her mother to make sure she hadn’t fallen in the shower. The thought of my yet-to-be born child living away from me made my cry right there in the middle of my friend’s living room. A bracelet that simply said “Mom” would do nothing but reduce me to a blubbering mess.

Maybe it should say “Mother.” Then I had a flashback to my teen years when I really wanted to go to the mall without supervision, and my mother told me that there could not possibly be any good outcome from that little venture. I distinctly recall huffing the word “Mother” as I stiff-legged back to my room to call my friends and tell them I would not be going to the mall. I couldn’t wear a bracelet that said “Mother” without rolling my eyes.

already claimed the name “Nana” and they sorta rhymed. I didn’t want my child to call out “Mama” in the middle of the night but my mind to accidentally hear “Nana” and believe that my baby preferred a grandparent over me. My heart literally broke at the thought.

Wearing “Mama” on my wrist would break my heart and cause me to be bitter toward my own mother … um, I mean mom.

Bringing me off my emotional roller coaster, the already-braceleted super “Mama” of five touched my arm. “Don’t worry about a bracelet right now,” she comforted, “I’m sure you’ll be a great mommy.”

Mommy! That’s it! I left the party that evening sporting my gorgeous new bracelet that read “Mommy.”

Twenty-eight weeks later, I officially became a mommy. About six months after that, my daughter started babbling. She called me “Duck.”

Heather Davis is a proud momma of two and a writer. She blogs at www.Minivan-Momma. com.

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MAY 2015

local shopping

Green Goodies

Meet the “Cupcake Wars” winner serving up tasty treats on Classen Curve

BY LINDSAY CUOMO - CONTRIBUTING WRITER PHOTOS BY HANNAH SCHMITT & CONTRIBUTED BY GREEN GOODIES

I

f you’ve ever hosted a birthday party or kidfriendly event and tried to juggle the allergies and food sensitivities of other kids in planning the menu, Tiffany Magness feels your pain. After several years as a social worker, Magness became a stay-athome mom when her son was born about seven years ago. It was then that she picked up a new hobby: baking.

By her son’s first birthday, she had perfected her baking skills and was excited to create a cake for everyone to enjoy. The child of a close friend with food allergies threatened to throw a kink into her plan.

“I wanted everyone to be able to eat cake at my son’s first birthday,” she said. “I fell in love with baking and providing treats for people who had special dietary needs or restrictions.”

Six years ago, her newfound hobby turned into a business for Magness. She’s the owner of Green Goodies in Oklahoma City’s Classen Curve. The menu has grown from just cupcakes and coffee to include an entire lunch menu.

While the menu of gluten-free and vegan options reveals the cupcake shop caters to diners with allergies and sensitivities, Magness prides herself on offering food that everyone likes to eat.

Proving the delectability of what you’ll find at Green Goodies, Magness and her thenhead baker Kerstin Bellah won the popular Food Network show “Cupcake Wars” in 2013.

“It was an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience that I am so grateful for,” she said. “Very stressful, though, I have to say.

We gave the competition everything we had, so the recognition felt great.”

Magness uses a farm-to-table approach on her entire menu, sweets included. Her team makes everything from scratch daily, from the cupcakes and salted caramel sauce to their soups, sandwiches and salads. Magness assures her offerings are hormone-free, antibiotic-free and organic.

“We are a café and cupcakery that tries to offer food that everyone can enjoy no matter their restriction or allergy,” she said. “We put extra time and care into our products.

Whether by choice or dietary restriction, I want to have something for everyone.”

“I fell in love with baking and providing treats for people who had special dietary needs or restrictions.”

Tiffany Magness, Green Goodies owner

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For Kelly Gospodarek, an Oklahoma City mom who recently moved here from Colorado, Green Goodies is a very special place. A few years ago, she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that is triggered by gluten. The National Foundation of Celiac Awareness estimates 18 million people have gluten sensitivity. Typically, Gospodarek and others with similar limitations have trouble finding food options that work when dining out.

“Green Goodies is a place I can come and just order straight off the menu,” said Gospodarek. “It is so nice to have options and not have to special order or choose the one gluten-free thing on the menu.”

Going gluten-free meant giving up bread, which she described as her favorite food

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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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MAY 2015

group. But at Green Goodies, she doesn’t have to make that sacrifice.

“I love that I can enjoy a real sandwich,” Gospodarek said.

No matter your parties’ dietary needs or choices, everyone can find something delicious at Green Goodies. Kids meals (priced at $5) offer a choice of grilled cheese, ham or turkey sandwiches with chips or fruit. For the adults, Green Goodies offers a selection of soups like a fire roasted tomato basil and sandwiches like the Goodie Club or the knife-and-fork roast beef. The shop gives you even more choices with the create-your-own, customizable sandwich or salad option. Another bonus for the budgetconscious: nothing on the menu is more than $11.

“You can’t leave Green Goodies without indulging in a cupcake.”

After your meal, stay for one of the shop’s famous cupcakes. Flavors include classics like chocolate with sprinkles and the customer favorite: salted caramel.

Green Goodies cupcakes come in several options: classic, gluten-free, vegan and sugar-free. No matter the style, all are preservative and trans-fat free. Some options are available daily while others are available by special order. You can satisfy your sweet tooth with their Green Hostess cupcake, a vegan version of the Hostess classic. Their sopapilla cheesecake cupcake is another favorite, which combines vanilla, cinnamon and cream cheese flavors sweetened with a drizzle of honey.

Special order cupcakes are available for parties and events but must be made in advance and there is a one-dozen minimum order required. Cupcakes can be made gluten free and vegan, sugar free and gluten free or soy free.

Green Goodies is located at 5840 N. Classen Blvd., #5. They are open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. They serve lunch Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reach them at 842-2288 or www.greengoodiesokc.com and see news and specials at www.facebook.com/ greengoodiesbytiffany.

Green Goodies is one of many top-notch destinations for sweet treats in the Oklahoma City metro. Our readers have voted these other great eateries Family Favorites in MetroFamily Magazine’s annual awards for local businesses: Eileen’s Colossal Cookies

1333 N. Santa Fe Ave. in Edmond 216-0244, www.eileenscookies.com/ locations/edmond-ok

Pie Junkie

1711 N.W. 16th St. in Oklahoma City 605-8767, www.piejunkie.com

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La Baguette Bistro

7408 N. May Ave. in Oklahoma City 840-3047, www.labaguettebistro.com

GiGi’s Cupcakes

1636 24th Ave. N.W. in Norman 801-2525, www.gigiscupcakesusa. com/normanoklahoma Find all our Family Favorites at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/family-favorites

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Leonardo’s Children’s Museum

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art 1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee 405-878-5300 – www.mgmoa.org

Museum of Osteology

10301 S Sunnylane Rd, OKC 405-814-0006 – www.museumofosteology.org

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Check www.metrofamilymagazine.com/Exploring-Oklahoma for great Oklahoma travel ideas and more!

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$2 off general admission, limit 4 per visit.

Cannot be combined with other discounts/coupons.

1 free child’s general museum admission (up to age 12) with paid adult general museum admission. Good for up to 4 people.

Expires 4/30/16 MFMKidsPass2015 Not to be combined with other offers.

Expires 4/30/16 MFMKidsPass2015 Not to be combined with other offers.

Expires 4/30/16 MFMKidsPass2015 Not to be combined with other offers.

OKC National Memorial & Museum

Oklahoma History Center

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

415 Couch Dr, OKC 405-236-3100 – www.okcmoa.com

Paint N’ Station

620 N Harvey, OKC 405-235-3313– www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org

800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, OKC 405-522-0765 – www.okhistory.org

7906 N May Ave, OKC 405-842-7770 – www.paintnstation.com

$2 off regular admission (limit 1).

Children 5 & under FREE.

Buy one adult admission get one adult admission FREE.

Spend at least $25 and receive $5 off your entire purchase. 1 discount per visit.

Expires 4/30/16 MFMKidsPass2015 Not to be combined with other offers.

Expires 4/30/16 MFMKidsPass2015 Not to be combined with other offers.

Expires 4/30/16 MFMKidsPass2015 Not to be combined with other offers.

RIVERSPORT Adventures

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History

Pawnee Bill Ranch & Museum

1141 Pawnee Bill Rd, Pawnee 918-762-2513 – www.pawneebillranch.com

725 S Lincoln Blvd, OKC, Boathouse District 405-552-4040 – www.boathousedistrict.org

2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman 405-325-4712 – www.samnoblemuseum.ou.edu

$3.00 off one Wild West Show (June 12-13, 2015) child’s ticket with the purchase of one adult ticket plus a one-time 10% off museum store purchase.

$5 off Adventure Day Pass.

Limit to 4 per visit.

1 free child’s admission for each paid adult admission.

Limit 2 children per coupon.

Expires 4/30/16 MFMKidsPass2015 Not to be combined with other offers.

Expires 4/30/16 MFMKidsPass2015 Not to be combined with other offers.

Expires 4/30/16 MFMKidsPass2015 Not to be combined with other offers.

Skate Galaxy

Tom Stafford Air & Space Museum

Unpluggits Playstudio

5800 NW 36th Street, OKC 405-605-2758 –www.skategalaxyokc.com

3000 Logan Rd, Weatherford 580-772-5871 – www.staffordmuseum.com

575 Enterprise Dr, Suite 110, Edmond 405-340-7584 – www.unpluggits.com

$2 off regular admission with this coupon. Limit one coupon per family per visit.

Buy one adult admission, get one adult admission free.

$1 off paint ‘n play admission for up to 4 people.

Limit one coupon per visit.

Expires 4/30/16 MFMKidsPass2015 Not to be combined with other offers.

Expires 4/30/16 MFMKidsPass2015 Not to be combined with other offers.

Wake Zone Cable Park

Water Zoo Indoor Water Park

Expires 4/30/16 MFMKidsPass2015 Not to be combined with other offers.

Unpluggits Playstudio

575 Enterprise Dr, Suite 110, Edmond 405-340-7584 – www.unpluggits.com

3501 NE 10th, OKC 405-443-3636 – www.cablewakezone.com

1900 Blvd of Champions, Clinton 580-323-9966 – www.water-zoo.com

$3 off workshops. Mention coupon when registering.

50% off any hourly cable pass.

Good for first visit only.

10% off full day admission on Fridays with coupon.

(Not valid during March 2016.)

Expires 4/30/16 MFMKidsPass2015 Not to be combined with other offers.

Expires 4/30/16 MFMKidsPass2015 Not to be combined with other offers.

Expires 4/30/16 MFMKidsPass2015 Not to be combined with other offers.

2015-2016 Kids Pass

Kids Pass coupon must be presented to admission personnel to receive discount. *Good through April, 2016 or as specified.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com/Exploring-Oklahoma METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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MAY 2015

G ood t h ru April, 2016*

calendar

may

events this

OUR CALENDAR MAKES IT EASY TO FIND FAMILY FUN IN OKC. FIND IT AT WWW.METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM/CALENDAR

SHREK THE MUSICAL—THROUGH MAY 23 Everybody’s favorite ogre takes the stage for a one-month run at the Pollard Theatre (120 W Harrison Ave, Guthrie). Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, Shrek the Musical is part romance, part twisted fairytale and all hilarious, family fun. Follow along as Shrek rescues Princess Fiona with the help of his friend Donkey. In the aftermath, Shrek and Fiona question what they know about love, happiness and what it means to be a hero. The show is best suited for ages 4 & up. Tickets are $27.25 for adults and $16.25 for students. See website for a list of show dates & times.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.THEPOLLARD.ORG PHONE: 282-2800 Photo courtesy of Pollard Theatre

39TH STREET JAZZY FEST—MAY 16 39th Street (between Young Blvd & Penn Ave) will be rocking during their annual Jazzy Fest. Some of the hottest local performers in jazz, rock, hip hop, electro, indie and Americana music will entertain guests all day long. The 2015 festival line-up includes Aaron Newman and the OK Caravan, Jabee, The Wurly Birds, Miss Brown to You, The Smooth Soulful Sax & Axe and more. Drawing on their tie to historic Route 66, cool motorcycles will be on display from groups like Tombo Racing, Ray’s Custom Cycles and Indian Motorcycles of Oklahoma.

Operating from noon to 6 p.m., their Kidszone features a giant Jenga game, inflatables, crafts, face painting, sidewalk chalk murals, tape and balloon artists, yard games, popcorn and snow cones as well as interactive performances. Entry is FREE. 11am-8pm.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.JAZZYFEST.COM PHONE: 778-6375 Photo courtesy of Jazzy Fest

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calendar 25TH ANNUAL CHUCK WAGON GATHERING & CHILDREN’S COWBOY FESTIVAL—MAY 23 & 24 Grab the family and make your way to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) for their 25th Annual Chuck Wagon Gathering & Children’s Cowboy Festival. This Memorial Day tradition, sponsored by The Dogwood Foundation, is celebrated in a four-part festival offering food, entertainment and special museum exhibits in a fun atmosphere perfect for the whole family. Kids will love taking part in old-fashioned activities like making butter, going on pony rides and decorating festive bandanas.

Special appearances by fun characters will delight the whole family. Enjoy historical re-enactments of Western heritage icons like Annie Oakley or take a ride around the festival grounds on a stagecoach or covered wagon. Enjoy live music from famed artists like Red Steagall, Jim Garling, Don Edwards and Oklahoma’s own Mountain Smoke.

Of course, a big draw to the event is the authentic chuck wagon cooking. Sample fire-cooked stew, brisket, biscuits, beans and more from award-winning chuck wagon cooks and even take home a complimentary recipe booklet to make your favorites at home.

Don’t miss your chance to meet the award-winning author of the Hank the Cowdog book series, John R. Erickson, on Saturday. On Sunday, a highlight will be dancing by the Scissortail Traditional Dance Society. The festival has been named one of the Top 100 Events in North America by the American Bus Association and Outstanding Children’s Festival by the Frontier Country Marketing Association.

Admission is $15 and includes festival activities, museum admission and tasting bowls to sample chuck wagon food. Members and ages 12 and under are free. Event is presented from 10am-4pm Friday and Saturday.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.NATIONALCOWBOYMUSEUM.ORG PHONE: 478-2250 Photo courtesy of National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

DISCOVER AVIATION & AIRSHOW SPECTACULAR— MAY 23 & 24 Enjoy heart-pounding action at the Discover Aviation & Airshow Spectacular presented by the Sundance Flight Academy at Sundance Airport (13000 N Sara Rd, Yukon). This free event features pilots from across the nation.

Due to the overwhelming excitement of last year, this year’s event has expanded to two days of fun. Spectators get the chance to learn about different careers in aviation, meet career pilots and watch them in action, enjoy a play area just for kids and try culinary delights from local food vendors. Entry & parking are free. The gates open at 9am and the air show begins at noon.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.SUNDANCEAIRPORT.COM PHONE: 373-3886 Photo courtesy of Carbon Fiber Airshows

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MAY 2015

may

events this Since 1925

With FOUR metro locations, a large medical staff & office hours including Saturdays, we make your treatment plan convenient for YOU

THROUGH MAY 8 The Emperor’s New Clothes at Oklahoma Children’s Theatre (2501 N Blackwelder) features a Caribbean musical adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. Adults, $10; Students, $8; Kids (2-12), $7.

See website for show times. 606-7003, www. oklahomachildrenstheatre.org

MAY 2 • SATURDAY Festival of the Child at the Yukon City Park & Community Center (2200 S Holly Ave, Yukon) celebrates children with over 50 areas of fun activities including kayaking, moon bounces, crafts, pony rides, storytelling and more.

Activities are held rain or shine and are geared for kids 12 & under. $5 in advance; $7 day of; Adults, free. 10am-4pm. www.cityofyukonok.gov

FREE Kids Workshop at Home Depot (at participating locations). Children ages 5-12 complete a picket fence photo frame project.

Registration requested. 9am-noon. www. homedepot.com May Day Celebration at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno). Discover May Day customs from around the world, play May Day inspired games, create your very own daisy crown and enjoy a jovial dance around the maypole performed by the Prairie Dance Theatre Youth Company. Members, $7; non-members, $9.

10am-noon. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org FREE Clubhouse Grand Opening at Lincoln Park Golf Course (4001 NE Grand Blvd) features a family golf fun day with a junior golf clinic, golf demonstrations, lessons, inflatables and more. 10am-3pm. 424-1421, www.okcgolf.com

Gregory M. Metz, M.D., Richard T. Hatch, M.D., Warren V. Filley, M.D., and Shahan A. Stutes, M.D., (Seated, l-r) Stefanie E. Rollins, APRN-CNP, Karen L. Gregory, DNP, Patricia I. Overhulser, M.D., Florina Neagu, M.D., and Laura K. Chong, M.D.

Lewis & Clark Journals at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Learn about the journals that aided in the expansion of our country and make your own Lewis & Clark journal. $4. 3-4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/ parks/martin_park

FREE Smile Saturday Family Celebration in Deep Deuce (16 NW 2nd St) features live music by the Sugar Free Allstars and Denver Duncan, food and family activities like a Maypole, facepainting, foosball and more sponsored by Dental 32. 11am-3pm. www.dental32okc.com

Call today to make an appointment with the Allergists at the Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic

Cowboys of Color Rodeo at Jim Norick Area (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features over 200 culturally diverse cowboys and cowgirls battling it out in traditional rodeo events including bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, bronc busting and barrel racing. $12-$23. 7pm. 948-6800, www.okstatefair.com

MAY 2 & 3

405/235-0040

FREE Comic Book Day at participating retailers across the country offers a free comic book to all customers to introduce new readers to the comic book medium. Details at www.freecomicbookday. com

www.oklahomaallergy.com at the Oklahoma Health Center 750 N.E. 13th Meridian Medical Tower (Across from Mercy Hospital) 13321 N. Meridian, Suite 100 Edmond at Fisher Hall 3560 S. Boulevard Norman Physician’s Building (Across from Norman Reg. Hospital) 950 N. Porter, Suite 102

Facebook for daily allergy reports

FREE VDubs on Western Car Show at the Will Rogers Theatre Parking Lot (4322 N Western Ave) features a collection of the ever popular Volkswagen automobiles. Everyone is encouraged to dress in the spirit of the 1970s and the Volkswagen heyday. 10am-2pm. www.vwclubokc. org FREE Academy of Fine Arts & Character’s Spring Fling at Crossings Community Church Pavilion (14600 N Portland Ave) features live music by academy students and activities for children including arts and crafts, painting, cookie decorating, instrument making, maypole, food and more. Donations accepted. 10am-2pm. www.crossingsokc.org/academy

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MAY 2015

FREE May Fair Arts Festival at Andrews Park (201 W Daws St, Norman) features more than 30 artists and quality craftsmen, top area performers, artists demonstrations, children’s art activities, a student art show, great food and more. Saturday, 9am-7pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. 321-9400, www.assistanceleaguenorman.org FREE To A New Children’s Consignment Sale at 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. Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. www.toanew.com

MAY 2-31 The Renaissance Festival at the Castle of Muskogee (3400 West Fern Mountain Rd, Muskogee). Experience the beauty and grandeur of Renaissance England right here in Oklahoma.

The festival features costumed performers and artisans, Renaissance music, magic, comedy, juggling, jousting, tomfoolery, arts, food and drink. Open weekends and Memorial Day, 10:30am-6pm. See website for pricing. www. okcastle.com

MAY 3 • SUNDAY

MAY 5 • TUESDAY

FREE Family Day at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features live performances, films, hands-on activities, drawing in the galleries, family gallery experiences, story times, photos with Mr. Cherry Limeade and more.

Admission and all activities FREE. noon-5pm.

236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

FREE Mini LEGO Build at the Lego Store in Penn Square Mall (1901 NW Expressway). Kids ages 6-14 can build a LEGO Koala mini model to take home. FREE while supplies last. 5pm. 8409993, Stores.Lego.com

History in Harmony Choir Concert at Immanuel Baptist Church (1289 Northcliff Ave, Norman) features a performance recognizing the signing of the Magna Carta, the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War and the 50th anniversary of “The Sound of Music” through song. Adults, $5; seniors & kids, $3. 4pm.

250-6579, www.normansingers.org

MAY 4 • MONDAY FREE Admission to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman). Enjoy complimentary admission to this exciting museum of natural history. 10am5pm. 325-4712. www.snomnh.ou.edu FREE Community Workout at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno). Local gym barre3 offers a free workout class at the Gardens on the first Monday each month. Bring mat and a bottle of water. 7pm. www.myriadgardens.com Full Moon Bike Ride & Run at the Myriad Botanical Gardens Great Lawn (301 W Reno) features a leisurely one-hour ride with routes planned by Schlegel Bicycles and timed chooseyour-distance training runs. Lights and helmet required. $5 donation suggested. 6-9pm. 4457080, www.myriadgardens.org

MAY 4-7 Oklahoma City Dodgers vs New Orleans Zephyrs at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 Mickey Mantle Dr). Ticket prices vary. 7:05pm.

Also held: May 16-19, vs Iowa Cubs; May 29-31, vs Fresno Grizzles. Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday, 7:05pm; Wednesday, 11:05am. www. okcdodgers.com

MAY 4-12 FREE Classics for Kids by the Reduxion Theatre at the Metropolitan Library System (various locations). The silly Professor Spillsby takes kids on a treasure hunt in Italy to find an important artifact of classical literature to learn about the heroines in Shakespeare’s plays.

Best suited for kids ages 5-12. See website for schedule. www.metrolibrary.org

Tuesday Night Classics at Harkins Theatres (150 E Reno Ave). Watch Clueless on the big screen.

Also held: May 12, Bill Madison; May 19, Rebel without a Cause; May 26, Pretty in Pink. $5.

7pm. 231-4747, www.harkinstheatres.com

MAY 5-10 Million Dollar Quartet at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) is inspired by the electrifying true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Enjoy timeless hits like “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Ring of Fire” and “That’s All Right.” $20-$65. See website for showtimes. www. celebrityattractions.com

MAY 7 • THURSDAY FREE Mother’s Day Make & Take at Capitol Hill Library (334 SW 26th St). Paint a flowerpot, create a card or make a cute coaster for your mom.

4:30-6pm. 634-6308, www.metrolibrary.org FREE On the Lawn at the Chesapeake Lawn (NW 62nd & Western Ave) is a whole family event focusing on fun and relaxation for all age groups featuring a variety of activities including yard games, moon bounce, movies & live music.

5-8pm. 293-3033, www.visitwesternavenue.com FREE Artist in the Park at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Explorers of all ages can explore nature through art. Meet with a visiting artist and talk about their nature inspiration. 6-8:30pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/ parks Opening Reception for America’s Road: The Journey of Route 66 at Gaylord-Pickens Museum (1400 Classen Dr) features the history of one of the world’s most famous highways and landmarks through the work of artist Caryl Morgan. Adults, $7; seniors (62+) & students (6-17), $5; 5 & under, free. 5-7pm. www.oklahomahof.com Ascription at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) is the world premier of the interactive opera inspired by the life of art forger Mark Landis. Members, $10; non-members, $15.

7 & 8pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

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MAY 2015

YOUTH CAMPS + CLASSES ENROLL NOW

A Walk in the Park at Wheeler Park (1120 S Western Ave) is a 5K and one-mile walk to benefit the Parkinson Foundation of Oklahoma.

Prices vary. Register at 1pm. Event starts at 2pm. www.walkinthepark2015.kintera.org

FREE Oklahoma Arts Day at the State Capitol (2300 N Lincoln Blvd). Hundreds of arts advocates from across Oklahoma will rally to raise awareness of the economic and social impact of the arts. See website for the day’s schedule of events. 8am-3pm. www. oklahomansforthearts.org/arts-day

Youth Arts Classes Saturdays Summer Arts Camps 5/26 - 8/7 Ages 5-12 and 13-16 Learn more and enroll: oklahomacontemporary.org

or call: 405 951 0000

may

events this MAY 8 • FRIDAY 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) features artists, live music, special events, local shopping and more on the second Friday each month, rain or shine.

7-11pm. www.plazadistrict.org/live

EXPERIENCE LIVING CULTURE

Movies on the Prairie Series at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd) features an outdoor showing of Jurassic Park. Blankets, lawn chairs and bug spray recommended. $5 donation suggested. 9:15pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active

MAY 8-17 CASA of OK County’s Playhouse Parade at Penn Square Mall (1901 Northwest Expressway) features a chance to win a custom-built playhouse constructed by local artisans. Proceeds benefit CASA of Oklahoma County. Raffle tickets are $10 for one or $25 for three. Winner announced at 5pm May 17. 713-6612, www.okcountycasa.org

MAY 9 • SATURDAY FREE OKC Garden Fest at Oklahoma City Farmer’s Public Market (311 S Klein Ave) features Oklahoma herb & plant growers, wineries, produce, garden art, gifts and local food trucks. 9am-4pm. 255-1701, www. okcfarmersmarket.com Spiro Mounds 37th Birthday Bash & 10th Annual Archaeology Day at Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center (18154 First St, Spiro).

Learn more about the past and historic artifacts.

Adults, $4; seniors, $3; kids, $1. 9am-5pm. 918962-2062, www.okhistory.org

FE ATURING T HE

Chikasha Poya

e xhibit center WWW.C H I C KASAWC U LTU R A LC E N T E R .CO M SULPHUR, OK • 580.622.7130

Science on Saturdays at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52nd St) features an exciting science adventure where attendees will do experiments. Preregister. Members, $20; non-members, $25. 1-4pm. 602-6664, www. sciencemuseumok.org FREE Make + Take at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd) features an art-making project inspired by works of art on view at Oklahoma Contemporary. Projects are designed for all ages and abilities. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. All supplies provided.

951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org

CONNECT WITH US METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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MAY 2015

FREE Felty Flowers craft at the Edmond Public Library (10 S Boulevard St, Edmond).

Craft a handmade bouquet for mom, step-mom or grandma. Supplies, snacks and instructions provided. For ages 12 -18. 2-4pm. Preregister.

341-9282, www.metrolibrary.org Bone Dig & Fossil Walk at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Explore the park on a fossil hunt and learn about how they may have been formed. Kids can also dig in a manmade bone bed. Preregister. $4. 3pm. 2971429, www.okc.gov/parks FREE 8th Anniversary Celebration at GaylordPickens Museum (1400 Classen Dr) offers interactive crafts, Mona Lisa face painting and a moon bounce. Food trucks Super Juice & Saucee Sicilian will be there. 9am-5pm.

235-4458, www.oklahomahof.com FREE Hooked on Fishing Lessons at Oklahoma City Parks (various locations). Young anglers learn fishing basics including knot-tying, casting, fish identification, angler ethics and fishing regulations. Open to boys and girls ages 5-15 and held on select Saturdays in May, June & July.

Poles, tackle and bait are provided during the class. Also held: May 23. Preregister. 8-10:30am.

297-1426, www.okc.gov/lakes/ Mother’s Day Flower Arranging Class at Will Rogers Gardens (3400 NW 36th St). Make mom a beautiful bouquet using unique containers and a bounty of beautiful blooms. $10 per bouquet.

10am-noon.297-1392, www.okc.gov/active Mother’s Day Celebration at Orr Family Farm (1440 S Western Ave). Moms and their families can enjoy the zip line, train rides, petting zoo and mining for gemstones. $10.50; Moms are free.

10am-6pm. 799-3276, www.orrfamilyfarm.com Painting in the Gardens Series with Wine and Palette at the Crystal Bridge Conservatory (301 W Reno). Participants will be given instruction and shown the steps to create a unique and personal work of art. All ages and walk-ups welcome. Members, $25; non-members, $35.

11am-2pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org DIY Flower Bouquets at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno). Learn about popular Mother’s Day flowers and create your own beautiful bouquet for your mom. Best suited for ages 8 & up. Preregister by May 5. Members, $30; non-members, $35. 2:30-4pm. 445-7080, www. myriadgardens.org

Opening Day at Andy Alligator’s Water Park (3300 Market Pl, Norman). 11am-6pm. 321-7275, www.andyalligators.com Oklahoma City Energy vs Los Angeles Galaxy II at Taft Stadium (NW 27th St & May). $8-$44. 7pm.

Also held: May 23 vs Sacramento Republic FC; May 31, vs Austin Aztex; June 5, vs Portland Timbers 2. 235-KICK, www.energyfc.com PAMBE Ghana Fest at St. Paul’s Cathedral (NW 7 and Robinson) is a celebration of Ghana culture.

Funds from the event will support the La’Angum Learning Center, a Montessori-based school in northern Ghana. Bring folding chairs or blankets to enjoy entertainment on the grass. $8 per person, $15 a couple and free for children 12 and under.

6-9pm. www.pambeghana.org Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society Concert at the Oklahoma Country-Western Museum & Hall of Fame (3925 SE 29th St, Del City) features three professional bluegrass bands on the second Saturday of each month. Adults $8.00; members $5.00; kids (12 & under), free. 6:309:15pm. 677-7515, www.gobms.org

MAY 9 & 10 FREE Oklahoma Orchid Society Mother’s Day Show and Sale at Will Rogers Expo Hall (3400 NW 36th St) features exhibits, orchid sales, raffles and auctions. 10am-4pm. 478-5789 Mother’s Day Celebration at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial Dr, Sulphur) features free cookies and tea in the cafe, children’s craft and stomp dance celebration.

Mothers receive free admission to the Chikasha Poya Exhibit Center. Adults, $6; moms & kids under 12, free. Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday, noon5pm. 580-622-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter. com Mother’s Day Cruises at Oklahoma River Cruises (300 SW 7th St). Moms ride free Saturday and Sunday on all scheduled ferry cruises. www. okrivercruises.com

MAY 10 • SUNDAY FREE Mommy, Me, Wine & Tea Party at Canadian River Vineyards (7050 Slaughterville Rd, Lexington) features a FREE glass of wine for all moms, a farmers market and lawn games, as well as tastings & tours. Scissortail School of Art will host two art workshops. $20 & up. Noon-4pm.

872-5565, www.canadianriverwinery.net

Mother’s Day Tea at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd) features tea & biscuits and a discussion about animal moms and kids.

Preregister. $6 2-3pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/ parks Mother’s Day Brunch at the Park House (125 Ron Norick Blvd) features a buffet including delicious items from the Park House Restaurant.

Reservations required. Adults, $39.95; kids 12 & under, $13.95; kids 3 & under, free. 10am-3pm.

232-PARK, www.parkhouseokc.com Mother’s Day Brunch at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) features a special menu prepared by the museum’s Dining on Persimmon Hill restaurant. Museum admission included. Reservations required. 11am3pm. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

MAY 12 • TUESDAY Story Time Science at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52nd St) features a themed story time on the second Tuesday of each month.

Free with admission. 10-10:30am. 602-6664, www. sciencemusuemok.org

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND DESIGN • UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

SUMMER ARTS CAMP 2015

THEATRE THEATRE ARTS ARTS

*High School Drama Workshop I June 8-12 – “Hairspray, Jr.” Ages 13-18. Classes in props, music, movement and acting. *Drama Day Camp I July 6-10 – “Peter Pan, Jr.” Ages 7-12. Classes in acting, make up, scenes, movement, and music.

Drama Day Camp II – July 13-17 – “Into the Woods, Jr.” Ages 7-12. Classes in acting, make up, scenes, movement, and music.

High School Drama Workshop II July 20-24 – “Willy Wonka, Jr.” Ages 13-18. Classes in props, music, movement and acting.

Drama Day Camp III July 27-31 – “Annie, Jr.” Ages 7-12. Classes in acting, make up, scenes, movement, and music. *Productions presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

MUSIC MUSIC

Flute Camp – June 15-18 Ages 11-16. Daily master classes, music theory, flute choir and performances.

ACM@UCO Rock Camp I – June 15-19 Ages 10-18. Daily techniques jam sessions coached by ACM@UCO faculty.

Jr. High All-State Choir – June 15-19 Grades 7-9. Focusing on All-State audition music, group activities, and sectionals.

Summer Jazz Workshop – July 5-10 Ages 14-18. Daily master classes, combos, improv, theory and jazz history.

High School All-Sate Choir – July 6-10 Grades 10-12. Focusing on All-State audition music, group activities, and sectionals.

Strings Chamber Music – July 13-17 Ages 11-18. Placement Auditions on July 11.

Daily theory small groups and ensembles.

ACM@UCO Rock Camp II – July 13-17 Ages 10-18. Daily techniques jam sessions coached by ACM@UCO faculty.

MUSIC/ART/DANCE MUSIC/ART/DANCE

Summer Opera Workshop – July 20-25 Grades 9-12 & Incoming UCO Freshman.

Daily voice and movement classes.

Residential w/room and board.

Music Bridge Workshop – July 27-29 Incoming UCO music majors. Daily music theory, aural skills, and chamber music.

Day workshop or residential options available.

High School Art Workshop – July 20-24 Ages 15-18. Daily classes in art history, drawing, painting, sculpture and professional networking opportunities.

Dance & Down Syndrome “Teen Beach” – June 8-12 Ages 13+. Daily jazz class, rehearsals and music class.

Summer Dance Workshop – June 15-19 Ages 12+. Classes in Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary and Hip-Hop. ALDRIDGE FOUNDATION

www.ocae.net • Early Bird Discounts if enrolled by April 30 • 405-974-3784 METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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MAY 2015

may

events this

FREE

Summer Camps!

Three camps to enjoy this summer hosted by Summit UMC at Edmond’s Cimarron Middle School (3701 S Bryant Ave).

Sports Camp:

June 14-16 from 6-8pm, dinner provided Ages 3 to 5th grade

Arts Camp:

June 28-30 from 6-8pm, dinner provided Ages 3 to 5th grade

Masterpiece Camp:

For kids with special needs and their siblings, grades K-12 July 27-29 from 6-7:30pm

Pre-register today!

Email summitokkids@gmail.com Late registrations accepted.

Join us for worship.

Services held at Cimarron Middle School every Sunday at 10:40 am.

www.summitok.org

MAY 13 • WEDNESDAY

MAY 15 & 16

FREE Oklahoma City Youth Jazz Ensemble at the UCO Jazz Lab (100 E 5th St, Edmond) features big band jazz presented by students.

Doors open at 6pm, performance is at 7pm. 3597989, www.ucojazzlab.com

FREE May Daze Festival in Downtown Blanchard (Main St, Blanchard) marks the unofficial start of summer with live music, a carnival, food, shopping and games. 10am-8pm. 485-8787, www. blanchardchamber.publishpath.com

MAY 14 • THURSDAY

MAY 15-17

The Mix: FREE Outdoor Concert Series at DC on Film Row (609 W Sheridan Ave) features the best local Oklahoma City bands every second Thursday of the month through October. Food trucks begin serving at 6:30, music begins at 7pm.

607-8600, www.facebook.com/themixokc

World Premier of Rising Starr at Mitchell Hall Theatre (100 N University, Edmond) highlights the professional career of Oklahoma native Kay Starr including unforgettable hits like Wheel of Fortune, The Rock and Roll Waltz, The Man Upstairs and many more. $35. 7:30pm. 974-3375, www.mitchellhalltheatre.com

MAY 14-16 Native American New Play Festival at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) features two days of dramatic readings, singers and dancers, storytelling, food and other cultural events that celebrate Native American history and culture.

Visit website for a full list of events. Also held: May 21-23. $10 & up. www.okctheatrecompany. org

MAY 15 • FRIDAY FREE 3rd Friday Block pARTy in Downtown Shawnee (Main St, Shawnee). Roam between quaint shops and stores to find unique art pieces, listen to live music and enjoy local food at this monthly event celebrating the most unique pieces of life in Shawnee. 5-8pm. 432-4131 FREE Premiere on Film Row in the Film Row District (Sheridan between Dewey & Shartel) features film screenings, live music, art exhibitions and gourmet food trucks. The monthly event highlights family-friendly businesses and attractions on Oklahoma City’s famous Film Row. 7-10pm. 235-3500, www. filmrowpremiere.com FREE Movie Night in the Park at Hafer Park (1034 S Bryant Rd, Edmond) features an outdoor showing of Disney’s Big Hero 6. Concessions available for $1. Movie begins at dark. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com FREE Southern Sounds Concert Series at the Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno). Bring a blanket and enjoy a free performance by the The Lone Bellow band. All ages welcome at this family-friendly show. 9-11pm. 445-7080, www. myriadgardens.org

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Faultline presented by Perpetual Motion Dance at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd) is an original concert of modern and aerial dance that blends stunning visuals and technical ingenuity. $15 in advance, $18 at the door, Students & Seniors, $10. Friday & Saturday, 8pm ; Sunday, 2pm. 206-2843, www. perpetualmotiondance.org

MAY 16 • SATURDAY FREE Storybook Hour at Cuppies & Joe (727 NW 23rd St). Children listen to a story while parents enjoy coffee and conversation. 10-11am, 528-2122, www.cuppiesandjoe.com West Fest at Putnam City West High School (8500 NW 23rd St) features family 3K & 5K fun runs followed by a car show, carnival games, craft fair, auction and food. Proceeds benefit PC West programs. Prices vary. 10am-4pm. 314-5380, www.friendsofpcwest.com/west_fest Walk MS of Central Oklahoma at Wild Horse Park (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang) features a family-friendly walk to benefit the National MS Society. Participants can enjoy complimentary food and entertainment before and after the event.

No cost to register; participants encouraged to fundraise. 10am. 918-770-7266, www. nationalmssociety.org FREE Harrah Heritage Fest & Chili Dog Fun Run at Harrah Heritage Park (1374 N Church Ave, Harrah) features local musicians, food, a chili cook-off and other fun activities. During the Chili Dog Fun Run, participants assemble a chili dog along the way and dig in at the end. Registration is required, and a trophy is given to the victor.

Activity prices vary. 10am-6pm. 424-2951, www. cityofharrah.com

FREE 39th Street Jazzy Fest in the 39th Street District (NW 39th St) features some of the hottest local performers, motorcycle show, KidsZone and more. 11am-8pm. www.jazzyfest.com FREE 24th Annual Tuttle Ice Cream Festival in Downtown Tuttle (3rd & Main St, Tuttle) features live music and performances, a classic car show, an antique tractor show, parade, ice cream eating contest, an Ice Cream Princess Pageant, kids’ games, food and vendor booths and crafts. 9am-4pm. 381-3775, www.facebook.com/ TuttleIceCreamFestival Oklahoma Land Rush at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Learn about Oklahoma history and then stake your own claim. Participants are encouraged to decorate their wagon. Enjoy a period-authentic meal afterwards. Preregister. $18.

Noon-2pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/parks Historic Tours in downtown Edmond (various locations). Learn about the structures and city history on a 45-minute, educational walking tour.

Photos will be shown on the tours, revealing changes through the decades. $5. 3:30-5:30pm. 715-1889 FREE Relay For Life of Cleveland County at Norman High School (911 W Main St, Norman) honors local cancer survivors and remembers loved ones lost while raising funds to benefit the American Cancer Society. Survivor lap begins at

5pm, FREE dinner following. Registration is free, donations encouraged. 5-11pm. 841-5807, www. relayforlife.org/clevelandcook FREE Heard on Hurd in Downtown Edmond (Broadway between Main & Hurd) is a pop-up celebration of all things local featuring local musicians, some of the metro’s best food trucks and local businesses. 715-5121, www.facebook. com/heardonhurd Super Fan 5K & Lil’ Duey’s Fun Run at The Railhouse (102 W Eufaula St, Norman).

Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite sports team’s gear while running or walking to support the Mary Abbott Children’s House and the Norman Public School Foundation. $20-$35. 8am.

310-2133, www.superfan5k.org FREE BikeMoore Group Ride at Buck Thomas Park (1901 NE 12th St, Moore) is a family group ride promoting safe cycling. The tour offers two route options: a five mile ride that goes by 4 Moore parks and a 2.75 mile neighborhood tour. 9:30am. 793-5053, www.cityofmoore.com/ bikemoore FREE Indie Trunk Show at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features more than 200 local artists, crafters, repurposers, boutiques and small businesses offering homemade, vintage and repurposed items. 10am-5pm. www. indietrunkshowokc.com

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Golf Family Fun Night at Kickingbird Golf Club (1600 E Danforth Rd, Edmond). Play nine holes with the family. Kids can also enjoy the Junior tees set-up, free putting course and driving range. $7 green fee; $7 carts. 5pm. 341-5350, www. kickingbirdgolf.com 2015 Oklahoma Strong Run in Moore (Marketplace Drive between NW 36th & Indian Hills) celebrates the resilience and rebirth of Oklahomans and benefits the Oklahoma Strong Monument. 5K, $35; Fun Run, $30. 8am. 226-7363, www.oklahomastrongmonument.com Armed Forces’ Day at Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial Dr, Sulphur) honors veterans and current active military with FREE admission to the Chikasha Poya Exhibit Center and special discounts in the gift shops. 10am-5pm.

580-622-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com Opening Day at White Water Bay (3908 W Reno).

10:30am-6pm. 943-9687, www.whitewaterbay.com FREE Screening of Sing-a-long Sound of Music at the Myriad Botanical Gardens Great Lawn (301 W Reno). Bring chairs or a blanket and ready your voices to enjoy an outdoor screening of Sing-along Sound of Music. General admission is free, VIP packages available. Pre-show begins at 8pm; film at 9pm. 445-7080, www.ticketstorm.com

may

events this MAY 17 • SUNDAY

MAY 21-23

FREE Family Day at the Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art (555 Elm Ave, Norman). Experience the exhibit A World Unconquered: The Art of Oscar Brousse Jacobson and create landscapes of your own. 1-4pm. 352-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma

Native American Play Festival at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) features two days of dramatic readings, Native singers and dancers, storytelling, food and other cultural events. $10 & up. See website for schedule. www. okctheatrecompany.org

FREE Summer Breeze Concert at Lions Park (400 S Flood, Norman). Bring seating, refreshments and enjoy the Handsome Devils Band. 7:30pm. 307-9320, www.pasnorman.org

MAY 18 • MONDAY

12

$

LARGE

An 8-corner DEEP!DEEP!™DISH pepperoni and bacon pizza with a crispy bacon wrapped crust.

AVAILABLE ALL DAY HOT-N-READY® 4-8PM

New Kids on the Block: The Main Event Tour at Chesapeake Energy Arena (100 W Reno Ave).

Pop icons New Kids on the Block team up with special guests TLC and Nelly for an ultimate summer concert. $26.50 - $89.50. 7pm. www. chesapeakearena.com

MAY 19 • TUESDAY Tiny Tuesdays at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features a come-and-go Foam Plate Printmaking, geared towards children ages 2-5 with a parent or caregiver. Dress for mess!

Free with admission. 10am-noon. 236-3100, www. okcmoa.com Don’t Fry Day at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 NE 50th St) features activity stations, sunscreen samples and UV bracelets to teach about ways to help reduce rising rates of skin cancer and to promote sun-safe behaviors. Free activities in the Zoo’s Global Plaza. Free with admission. 10am2pm. 425-0262, www.okczoo.com.

MAY 20 • WEDNESDAY Weird Al Yankovic’s The Mandatory World Tour at Hudson Performance Hall (2820 N May Ave) features his new songs Handy, a parody of Iggy Azalea’s Fancy; Foil, his take on Lorde’s Royals and Tacky from Pharrell’s Happy and more. All ages welcome. $40 & up. 7:30pm.

721-8066, www.dcfconcerts.com

MAY 21 • THURSDAY Video Games Live at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) is a multimedia concert experience featuring music from the most popular video games. $45-$70. 8pm. 842-5387, www. okcphilharmonic.org

Plus tax where applicable Available at participating locations. ©2014 LCE, Inc. 47624

Third Thursdays at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum (1400 Classen Dr) features a story and craft time for families to enjoy together. $3 and includes museum admission. Kids under 6 are FREE. 10am. 235-4458, www.oklahomahof.com METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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MAY 22-24 FREE Mayor’s Red Dirt Ball at Medicine Park’s Town Center Mainstage (Medicine Park).

Explore the quaint landscape of Medicine Park and enjoy music, food and fun at the three-day festival. See website for performance schedule.

580-529-2525, www.medicinepark.com

MAY 22-25 Chris Neal’s “Future Stars” Calf Roping Competition at Lazy E Arena (9600 Lazy E Dr, Guthrie) features a variety of youth professional roping events all Memorial weekend long. Prices vary. See website for schedule. 282-7433, http:// chrisnealsfuturestars.com/schedule/ Celebration of Freedom in Hobart (507 S Main St, Hobart) features free concerts, a Patriot Parade, Wild Hog Fly-in, Motorcycle Poker Run and more. Stop by the free kids’ area for some bouncing family fun. See website for schedule of events. 580-726-5900, www. tommyfranksmuseum.org/celebration-of-freedom

MAY 23 • SATURDAY FREE 66 Festival in Bethany (Ashbury & College Ave) is a family-friendly event featuring food, downtown sidewalk sales, antiques, commercial exhibits, classic car show, children’s activities and a variety of live entertainment. See website for schedule of events. 321-0155, www. facebook.com/BethanyImprovementFoundation Pottery Class at Martin Park (5000 W Memorial Rd). Learn to make your very own plant pot made from natural bisque during this two-part class.

2-5pm. Also held May 30 from 2-4pm. For ages 14 & up. Preregister. $50. 297-1429, www.okc. gov/parks FREE The Artesian Arts Festival in downtown Sulphur features more artists, food and activities than ever before. More than 70 Native American artists will present their best work in a festival atmosphere where visitors can enjoy live music and local food. 10am-10pm. 580-272-5520, www. chickasaw.net

MAY 23 & 24 FREE Discover Aviation & Airshow Spectacular at Sundance Airport (13000 North Sara Rd). Spectators get the chance to learn about different careers in aviation, meet career pilots and watch them in action. Also enjoy an area for kids and plenty of concessions. Free parking. 9am. www.sundanceairport.com/discover-aviation Chuck Wagon Gathering & Children’s Cowboy Festival at National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) features two days of Old West-themed fun from stagecoach and pony rides to rope making and more. Admission is $15; members & kids 12 & under, free. 10am4pm. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum. org FREE Memorial Day Celebration at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial, Sulphur) features cultural demonstrations, traditional games and a family film in the Anoli’ Theater. Fees apply for films and admission to the exhibit halls. 580-622-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com.

Big Hero 6 May 15 | Hafer Park | Dark

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

MAY 23-25 FREE Paseo Arts Festival in the Historic Paseo Arts District (3022 Paseo St.) features more than 80 artists selling original works and dozens of musicians performing on two stages. A free children’s area allows future artists to explore the arts. Saturday & Sunday, 10am-8pm, with music until 11pm; Monday, 10am-5pm. 525-2688, www. thepaseo.com

June 12 | Shannon Miller Park | Dark

Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer July 10 | Stephenson Park | Dark

Into the Woods August 14 | Bickham-Rudkin Park | Dark

MAY 25 • MONDAY FREE OKC Hot Wheels Association Show at The Crown Center (13300 S Western) features 40plus tables of collectables for sale or trade, raffles and pizza. 9am-3pm. www.greaterokchotwheels. com

Admission is free, concessions are $1 each.

In case of inclement weather, movies will be shown at the MAC at 7pm. edmondparks.com | 405.359.4630

MAY 26-29 FREE Library Treasure Scavenger Hunt at Ralph Ellison Library (2000 NE 23rd St). Find hidden clues throughout the building and earn a library treasure. For ages 9-12. 9am-9pm. 4241437, www.metrolibrary.org

MAY 27 • WEDNESDAY May Flowers Class at the Myriad Botanical Gardens Children’s Porch (301 W Reno) features an up-close look at flowers. Kids can even taste edible flowers. $2 suggested donation. 11amnoon. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

MAY 28-JUNE 3 NCAA Women’s College World Series at ASA National Softball Hall of Fame & Museum (2801 NE 50th St). College teams will compete for the National Championship title. Single game and all-session tickets available. Ticket prices vary.

236-5000, www.ncaa/championships/softball/d1

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Follow us on

may

events this MAY 29 • FRIDAY FREE H&8th Night Market on Hudson Ave (between NW 6th & 10th St) is a monthly familyand-pet-friendly street festival built around a lineup of the city’s top gourmet food trucks.

7-11pm. 633-1703, www.h8thokc.com FREE Movie in the Park: Big Hero 6 at Little River Park (700 SW 4th St, Moore). Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and celebrate the beginning of summer with an outdoor showing of Big Hero 6. Arrive early to enjoy free popcorn and $1 snow cones. 7-11pm. Movie starts at 9pm.

793-4332, www.cityofmoore.com

MAY 30 • SATURDAY

show for the entire family. Doors open at 7pm, performance is at 8pm. $10. Reservations suggested. 359-7989, www.ucojazzlab.com

MAY 31 • SUNDAY FREE Summer Breeze Concert at Lions Park (400 S. Flood, Norman). Bring seating, refreshments and enjoy the Steel Wheels Band.

7:30pm. 301-9320, www.pasnorman.org Let’s Go to the Movies Concert at Oklahoma Christian University (2501 E Memorial Rd) features the Oklahoma Community Orchestra and special guest performer, Dr. Heath Jones. $12.50 in advance, $15 at the door. 7:30pm. 425-1990, www.okorchestra.org FREE Composting Workshop with Home Depot at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Explore different options for your backyard composting needs. Best suited for ages 14 and up.

Preregister. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/parks

De Soto’s Adventure at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Learn about De Soto’s adventures, his quests for gold and his lasting impact on North America by listening to historical re-enactors of some of the key men in his expedition. Preregister. $4. 3-3:45pm. 2971429, www.okc.gov/parks

JUNE 1 • MONDAY

Kidathlon at Will Rogers Family Aquatic Center (3201 N Grand Blvd). Swim, bike and run your way to summer fun. Participants must bring their own equipment, including swimwear, running gear, bike and helmet. $30. 7am. 297-1424, www. okc.gov/parks/kidathlon

FREE First Mondays for Kids to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman). Kids enjoy complimentary admission. Also held: June 8, 15, 22 and 29. 10am-5pm. 325-4712. www.snomnh. ou.edu

FREE Summer Kick-off at Will Rogers Family Aquatic Center (3201 N Grand Blvd). Kick off your summer with some swimming and oldfashioned carnival fun. 10am-2pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov

FREE Storytime at Parmele Park (1308 N Janeway Ave, Moore) features an outdoor, interactive story time by the Moore Public Library, every Monday in the month of June.

Please bring a blanket or lawn chair and your sun block. 10-11am. 793-4484, www. pioneerlibrarysystem.org/moore

Opening Day at Pelican Bay Aquatic Club (1034 S Bryant, Edmond). 11:30-7pm. 359-4630, www. edmond.com/parks/pelicanbay FREE Summer Reading Program Kickoff at the Moore Library (225 S. Howard, Moore).

Celebrate summer reading with a parade starting at City Hall and ending at the library with fun activities. 10am. 793-4347, www. pioneerlibrarysystem.org/moore FREE Super Summer Reading Kickoff at the Piedmont Library (1129 Stout St N, Piedmont) features fun activities for the whole family including food trucks, local vendors, exotic animals and crafts and games under the setting sun. 5:30-8pm. 373-9018, www.piedmontlibrary. org Heath Jones in Concert at the UCO Jazz Lab (100 E 5th St, Edmond) offers a live jazz

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JUNE 1-26 FREE Safety Town at Sooner Mall (3301 W Main St, Norman) educates ages 5-6 about bicycle, street and personal safety. Preregister.

Monday-Friday, see website for schedule. 3600341, www.soonermall.com/events

JUNE 4-7 One-Man Lord of the Rings at the Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker). Charles Ross recreates the enchanting world of Middle-Earth with nothing more than elbow pads and his outrageous imagination, taking his audience on a journey through the trilogy. Matinee, $30; Evening, $35. Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 1:30 p.m. www. okcciviccenter.com

JUNE 5-7 Red Earth Festival at the Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens) features American Indian artists and dancers from throughout North America. The celebration kicks off on Friday with a parade at 10am. Adults, $11; Kids are free. 4275228, www.redearth.org Oklahoma City Nationals Drag Boat Racing at the Oklahoma River features three days of high speed racing action. Friday, fans can view the high-powered boats and meet the contestants. Saturday features qualifying races throughout the day. Sunday, the action continues with elimination and finals racing. Adults, $20; Kids 12 & under are free. 231-0912, www. okcmotorsports.com

JUNE 6 • SATURDAY FREE Kids All-American Fishing Derby at Spring Creek Park at Lake Arcadia (SE 15th St, Edmond). Young anglers ages 5-15 accompanied by an adult can compete for prizes. Bring bait and supplies. Registration, 7:30am; Derby, 8am; Weigh-in, 11am; Prizes, noon. 216-7470, www. arcadialakeok.com FREE Rock the Boat Festival on the Bricktown Canal (Between Reno & Sheridan Ave) features a full day of family-friendly activities, free water taxi rides, live music, pop-up retail shops, bounce houses, face painting and appearances from superheroes and princesses. Family Festival, noon-6pm; Music, noon-midnight. www. welcometobricktown.com

JUNE 7 • SUNDAY Chuggington Live! The Great Rescue Adventure at the Civic Center (201 N Walker Ave) is a live-action, musical children’s show, based on the popular television series featuring the train-tastic adventures of the Chuggington trainees Wilson, Brewster and Koko. $25-$50. 2pm. 297-2264, www.celebrityattractions.com World Oceans Day at Oklahoma Aquarium (300 Aquarium Ave, Jenks) celebrates our underwater world with special activities and explores what a big role water plays in the health of our planet.

Adults, $15.95; seniors & military, $13.95; kids (3-12), $11.95. 10am-6pm. 918-296-3474, www. okaquarium.com

Summer family fun ahead!

Find it all at

www.metrofamilymagazine. com/summer

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2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman, OK 73072 (405) 325-4712 | samnoblemuseum.ou.edu MAY 2015

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo.

For accommodations on the basis of disability, please call (405) 325-4712.

may

events this FREE Evening Family Playtime at the Downtown Library (300 Park Ave) features an hour of family play time meant to help children build social skills, promote learning and discover that the library is a destination for fun. Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm. 231-8650, www.metrolibray.org FREE Maker Mondays at the Downtown Library (300 Park Ave) feature an evening of artistic expression with a different art or craft project each month. Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm. 2318650, www.metrolibrary.org 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.

Visit site for full list of dates, books and activities.

Tuesdays, 10:30am. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma FREE Tuesday Noon Concerts at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) features 30-minute concerts performed by OU School of Music students and faculty. Noon on Tuesdays, 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma Nature Play Group at Martin Park (5000 W Memorial Rd) introduces children ages 2-6 to nature in an encouraging environment using nature-centered play activities like hands-on games and crafts. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. $2. Wednesdays, 10:30am. 2971429, www.okc.gov/active Toddler Story & Craft Time at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise, Edmond) features a different story each week & a related craft time.

FREE with paid admission. Wednesdays, 1111:30am. 340-7584, www.unpluggits.com FREE Bringing Books to Life in the lobby of the Crystal Bridge in the Myriad Garden (301 W Reno) every Wednesday. 10am, for ages 2-5.

Books are nature-themed and based on the season.

Children will also create a small craft after the story. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org FREE Crafts for Kids at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) hosts a different craft each week.

Come-and-go, no reservation needed. Saturdays, 11am-3pm, ages 3 and up. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com FREE Children’s Story Time at Full Circle Books (1900 NW Expressway). Saturdays, 10:15am. 842-2900, www.fullcirclebooks.com FREE Children’s Story Time at Edmond’s Best of Books (1313 E Danforth, Edmond). Saturdays, 11-11:30am. 340-9202.

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WEEKLY EVENTS

FREE Nature Story Time at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) for ages 2-6 features stories to help children discover the world of nature, followed by an activity or outdoor hike.

Saturdays, 10am. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks FREE Storytime with Steve at Barnes & Noble (540 Ed Noble Parkway, Norman) features a silly story time with Steve Galindo. Saturdays, 1111:45am. 579-8800.

FREE Roller Skating Lesson at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36th St) offered each Saturday.

Noon-12:45pm. $2 skate rental. 605-2758, www. skategalaxyokc.com All Star Bowling for Differently-Abled Individuals at AMF Windsor Lanes (4600 NW 23rd) invites differently-abled individuals and their friends and families to bowl on Saturdays. $8. Noon-1pm. 942-5545.

Drop in Art at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features hands-on art activities for all ages. FREE with paid admission.

Saturdays, 1-4pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com Discovery Times at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) features interactive activities for preschool and elementary children. FREE with paid admission. Saturdays, 2pm; Sundays, 2:30pm. 325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu FREE Little Big Chefs Cooking Classes at Uptown Grocery (1230 W Covell Rd, Edmond) features easy recipes kids and adults can make together every Sunday. Preregister by Friday.

Ages 5-8, 2-3pm; Ages 9-12, 3:30-4:30pm. 5092700, www.uptowngrocery.com Critter Crunch at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Learn about the food sources of various animals in the wild, including snakes, turtles, fish and other reptiles. Preregister. $2. Sundays, 2-2:45pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/ parks

Find numerous special Mother’s Day events at

www.metrofamilymagazine. com/mothersday

may

events this

ONGOING EVENTS

THROUGH MAY 10

THROUGH JUNE 21

FREE Beyond the Battlefield: Depictions of War at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) examines war and conflict as depicted by artists of the modern world. Particular focus on World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 1-5pm.

325-7696, www.ou.edu/fjjma

FREE Women of the World Exhibition at the Oklahoma State Capitol North Gallery (2300 N Lincoln Blvd) features the work of Norman photographer Shevaun Williams. The collection offers a taste of her well-recognized architectural images in addition to expressing her admiration for the women she has photographed during her travels around the world. 521-2931, www.arts. ok.gov

Ansel Adams: Masterworks—From the Collection of the Turtle Bay Exploration Park at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd) features a collection of 47 works by renowned photographer Ansel Adams which he called “The Museum Set.” 10am-5pm daily. 478-2250, www. nationalcowboymuseum.org Intent to Deceive: Fakes & Forgeries in the Art World at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) spotlights more than 60 works by some of the world’s most notorious con artists. Several ingenious forgers are profiled in this exhibition representing some of the most infamous scandals of our time. Free with admission. TuesdaySaturday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

THROUGH JULY 12 Conflict Cast in Bronze at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) remembers the fallen and honors those who served in war focusing on the Goodacre’s Vietnam Women’s Memorial and Laura Gardin Fraser’s Robert E. Lee & Stonewall Jackson Memorial. Free with admission. 10am-5pm. 4782250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org Warhol: The Athletes at the Oklahoma Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features famous portraits of professional and Olympic athletes. Free with admission. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, til 9pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

MAY 7-AUGUST 29

THROUGH SEPTEMBER

America’s Road: The Journey of Route 66 at Gaylord-Pickens Museum (1400 Classen Dr) shares the history of and fascination with one of the world’s most famous highways through paintings, photographs, narrative and music.

Free with admission. Tuesday-Friday, 9am5pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm. 235-4458, www. oklahomahof.com

Archery Classes at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Using instruction guidelines from the National Archery in the Schools Program, classes will guide students new to archery on proper form, safety, equipment technique and mental preparation. Best suited for ages 8 and older. Held the first Sunday of May, June, July, August and September. Preregister. $5.

2pm. www.okc.gov/parks

THROUGH MAY 24 Shrek the Musical at Pollard Theatre (120 W Harrison Ave, Guthrie) features everybody’s favorite ogre as he rescues a princess with the help of his friend Donkey. See website for show times. Students, $16.25; adults, $27.25. 282-2800, www.thepollard.org

THROUGH JUNE 14 FREE National Weather Center Biennale Art Exhibit at the National Weather Center (120 David L. Boren Blvd, Norman) features an international juried exhibition presenting “Arts Window on the Impact of Weather on the Human Experience.” Guest must present a photo ID to view exhibit. Monday-Saturday, 10am5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. www.ou.edu/content/ nwcbiennale

“WILL and WILEY: THE MEN, THE BEARS” Zoozeum Exhibit at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 NE 50th St) features the true story of Zoo ambassador grizzly bears, Will and Wiley.

Learn the story behind these two bears and the Oklahomans they are named after. Free with admission. 9am-4pm. 424-3344, www.okczoo. com

THROUGH OCTOBER FREE Orly Genger: Terra at Campbell Park (NW 11th & Broadway) is an art installment presented by Oklahoma Contemporary. The outdoor sculpture piece is made of 1.4 million feet of recycled lobster-fishing rope and painted with terracotta-colored paint. 951-0000, www. oklahomacontemporary.org

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resource

directories

GOT CHILDREN? THEN YOU NEED LOTS OF RESOURCES! INTRODUCING THE “YELLOW PAGES” FOR OKC AREA PARENTS. From pediatricians to special needs therapy, birthday party ideas and private schools, our resource directories—both here and online—provide local parents with the information they need to help their families and children thrive.

Check out these businesses and those you find at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/directories/ and be sure to tell them you found their business via MetroFamily Magazine.

45-49: Summer Camps

45 46 47 48 49

Active Learning Services (Chess/Video Game Creation) Alliance Francais d’Oklahoma City Arctic Edge Building Minds Camp DaKaNi (Camp Fire) Camp McFadden (at Kaw Lake) Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Crossings Summer Programs Fine Arts Institute Journey off the Map (Henderson Hills Baptist Church) Integris Health Fun & Fit Camp Nanny McDee’s Oklahoma Sport Fencing OU Sooner Flight Academy Sierra Club Nature Camp Soccer City Studio J Dance Studio The Dance Department Twist & Shout Youth Tech, Inc. Velocity Dance Center Summer Camps & Programs Victory Dance Summer Camps & Programs West Camp & Jr. West Camp (Westminster Presbyterian Church)

50-51: Party

50 51

51 52

51: Family Services

52

Sensational Kids Total POSS-Abilities

49

Just Kids Pediatrics

52: Education

KUMON Learning Centers, Edmond

52: Special Needs 53: Family Fun

53

Dodge City Paintball Harn Homestead Paint ’N Station Paint Your Art Out Stafford Air & Space Museum

54: Retail/Restaurant

49: Child Care

Cougar Care North Penn Creative Kids Learning Center Primrose School of Edmond

Abrakadoodle Allison’s Fun Be Wild for Art Bouncin Craze Frontier City/White Water Bay Jump!Zone Mad Science Mobile Laser Forces Paint Your Art Out Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History Skate Galaxy Water Zoo Indoor Water Park

54

Green Bambino Jamberry Nails Jimmy’s Egg learning tree toys, books & games Once Upon a Child

Find more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/directories/ METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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MAY 2015

taught by native French speakers for

Alliance Française d'Oklahoma City

• Kids (ages 5-10) 5-week sessions Saturdays 10:00am - 11:00am • Adult classes, 6-week sessions Levels 1 & 3 Tuesdays Levels 2 & 4 Thursdays 6:00pm - 7:30pm Class Dates & Registration www.afdokc.org/education/french-classes Contact Us & Info email afdokc@gmail.com call 405-748-0868 visit www.afdokc.org

Spend the days outdoors!

Sierra Club Nature Camp

- catch bugs - swim - cook $100 includes lunch, snacks & a shirt July 13-17, 9AM-4PM - Ages 5-11 Kirkpatrick Farm in Yukon Contact Traci 405-820-0682 or Email naturecampokc@gmail.com for information

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MAY 2015

SUMMER CAMPS

French Classes

SUMMER CAMPS

CREATING FRIENDSHIPS ONE STEP AT A TIME

11122 N Rockwell Ave Ste A-11 OKC

405-721-8807

info@oklahomacitydancestudio.com

www.oklahomacitydancestudio.com

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MAY 2015

Jr.

&

SUMMER CAMPS

Camp Camp

Enroll your child today for Westminster’s Summer program for ages 4-10!

In this eight week Christ focused program your child will learn about God through Legos, Exotic Animals, Snow Cones, Sports, Reading and Science.

Call 405-524-2204 for more information.

Space is limited so register soon!

Explore your imagination and creativity this summer!

Youth Tech Inc. Computer Camps, Ages 6-17 Camps held in Edmond at the MAC,

Video Game Design 3D Game Design Gaming Academy Animation Web Design Movie Makers iVideo Game Design

2733 Marilyn Williams Dr.

877-984-2267

View camp schedule www.youthtechinc.com

AND SO MUCH MORE!

JUNE, JULY, AUGUST REGISTER EARLY LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE 3501 NE 10TH/OKC (2 MILES EAST OF BRICKTOWN)

Enroll NOW for summer camps!

• Birthday Party Packages • Indoor Soccer Leagues

Check our website for details and enrollment! soccercityokcity.com Six different weekly camps for ages 4-16 4520 Old Farm Road, OKC held from June through August. (west of Meridian, south of 122nd) $95/camp; half-day sessions held from 9-12 & 1-4.

Also enroll for Lil Kickers Summer Session June 8-August 29

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MAY 2015

405-748-3888

Call TODAY!

SUMMER CAMPS

SUMMER

BUILDING MINDS

AT CROSSINGS

Building Success Through Hands-On Learning Fun

Camps With Integrated Biblical Values

Summer Camps with Lego® bricks!

www.Building-Minds.com

405-443-4530

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

–Benjamin Franklin

ENROLL TODAY!

ACT Prep • Photography • Painting • Baseball • American Girl® • Basketbell • Science • Legos® & Much More!

PreK - 12th grade

Crossings Christian School – 14400 N. Portland Ave., OKC (405) 842-8495 • www.summeratcrossings.com

NOW ENROLLING Adventure Camp 3 to 6 day camps for ages 6-18

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

*6 weeks to 12 yrs.* All Day Childcare Christian & Academic Based M-F 6:30am to 6:30pm

Where Kids Want to Be!!!

Summer of FUN Program!

School Age 6-12 yrs.

Laser Tag, OKC Zoo, Express Clydesdale Ranch and many more exciting things all Summer long!

Limited Openings!

Call Today!

Two week teen kayak trips available

6009 NW Expressway

(405)722-8902

Sign Up Today!

Mention this ad for a $ 10 discount.

the coolest camp around

ARCTIC EDGE 12TH ANNUAL

Summer Day Camp for ages 7 & up Located along the west shores of Kaw Lake (near Ponca City)

May 26th - August 14th, 7:30am - 5:30pm Register early to ensure your camper’s spot!

All counselors are First Aid & CPR Certified DHS Approved

580-762-9955 • campmcfadden.com

Ice Skating • Basketball • Swimming Martial Arts • Workout Class • Gymnastics Line & Hip Hop Dancing

For information about Kaw Lake, phone the Kaw Lake Association:

580-762-9494 or 877-671-6985 kawlake.com

14613 N. Kelly • 748-5454 • arctic-edge.com METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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MAY 2015

Twist & Shout Est. 1996

2015-16 Teams Forming Now! Ages 4 & Up

NOW ENROLLING!

USASF World

• Summer Camps Champions 2014  • Birthday Parties NCA National • Preschool Tumbling Champions • Tumbling for All Levels  • Recreational Cheer Power Tumbling High • Competitive Cheer Point Champions • Power Tumbling ShouterSpirit.com

COUGAR CARE

All Day Pre-School Program Ages 3 & 4 M-F 7am to 6pm $20 per Day or $100 per Week

Located at NW Expressway & Portland at PC School’s Coronado Heights Elementary

Call Today! 245-8826

1/5 vertical: 2.25” X 6.418” Edmond 775-9491 | Norman 573-9974 | Tulsa 918-622-5867

Child Care with a

Creative Twist!

Sign up today! weekend picks

Infants - School age

Now Enrolling for Summer Program K - 5th grade

405-254-3147

North Penn Creative Kids Learning Center, 150th & Penn

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MAY 2015

Make the most of your family time with Weekend Picks, MetroFamily’s weekly e-newsletter with all the best OKC family fun. Delivered to your inbox each Thursday, it features the top local events so you can plan for the weekend. metrofamilymagazine.com /weekend-picks

CHILD CARE

SUMMER CAMPS

JOIN A HIGHER STANDARD OF CHEERLEADING AND TUMBLING!

PARTY GUIDE

!

ES

I RT

PA

S E PARTIE AWESOM N PLAY PE GREAT O RENA A BIGGEST

• Party Rooms • Cubs Cove • Water Slides • Wave Pool • Splash Zone • Lazy River And Much More!

$2 OFF

Open Play 1 per child Exp. 05/2015

Book your party online for a Free JZ T-shirt!

(405) 200-1691 Palagio Shops - SW 104th & Western www.jumpzoneparty.com Join Club JZ for Discounts

BOOK NOW! water-zoo.com

580-323-9966 x1

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82º year round!

MAY 2015

PARTY GUIDE

MOONBOUNCES • SLIDES • OBSTACLE COURSES • WATER SLIDES

PICK-UP A MOONBOUNCE FOR ONLY $165 FOR THE ENTIRE WEEKEND!!

URGENT CARE FOR JUST KIDS

Newborn to Teens

Just Kids Urgent Care provides the peace-of-mind you need when injuries or illnesses occur after hours, on weekends or holidays.

• Asthma • Coughs & Wheezing

• Fever • Fracture Evaluation • Sore Throat

• Sports Injuries • Stomach Flu

URGENT CARE HOURS Mon-Fri: 5-9pm | Sat, Sun & Holidays: 9am-5pm

2809 SW 119th OKC, OK 73160

For more info, call or log on to

www.AllisonsFunInc.com (405) 447-1118

JustKidsUrgent.com

405-757-7818

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MAY 2015

FAMILY SERVICES

• Cuts & Minor Burns • Ear Aches & Infections

EDUCATION

Math. Reading.

Confidence.

This summer, put your child on the path to a lifetime of learning.

You could win

BIG!

Schedule a free placement test now at your local Kumon Math & Reading Center:

Enter all of our contests at:

EDMOND - NORTH • Covell & Kelly

405.715.1111 • kumon.com/edmond-north EDMOND - WEST • 2nd & Santa Fe Ave.

405.216.9800 • kumon.com/edmond-west

www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests ©2014 Kumon North America

Walk In Craft and Pottery Paint Studio with Indoor Playground!

Play • Learn • Thrive

Services Include:

Occupational Therapy Speech- Language Therapy Social Groups We Specialize in Working with Children with:

HUGE Selection of Piggy Banks To Paint and Take Home Same Day.

• • • • • •

Down Syndrome Autism ADD & ADHD Sensory Processing Disorder Cerebral Palsy Typical Children with: • Handwriting Problems • Speech-language Delays (and other types of diagnoses that may interfere with day to day skills) Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tricare, United Healthcare, Health Choice, Soonercare

Birthday Parties Grownups Paint Nights Toddler Time Every Wednesday

www.SensationalKidsOKC.com

NOW OPEN 2nd LOCATION

FAMILY FUN

SPECIAL NEEDS

(405) 840-1686

Serving Tinker AFB, South OKC & Moore!

Sooner Business Park, 5701 SE 74th St, on NE corner of Sooner Road and I-240 14715 Bristol Park Blvd. - OKC/Edmond

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MAY 2015

FAMILY FUN

ARCADIA LAKE’S

KIDS FISHING DERBY SAT. JUNE 6, 2015 7:30 A.M.– NOON SPRING CREEK PARK KIDS AGES 5–15 FREE EVENT Registration from 7:30–9 a.m., fishing at 8 a.m. and final weigh-in at 11 a.m. Concessions and worms will be for sale at the event site.

Parents must accompany children.

216-7471

New Low Impact Paintball

PERFECT FOR YOUNGER PLAYERS

Special Paint Times

May 5th Mommy and Me May 12th Welcome Y’all Canvas

AGES! FUN FOR ALL

paintnstation.com Paint your own pottery studio 7906 N. May, OKC • 842-7770

New Jr. Paintball! (5yr+) 8 Field Courses!

New Picnic Area!

New Playground!

All-Weather Building!

Birthday Parties!

(405) 373-3745

DodgeCityPaintball.com 16425 NW 150th in Piedmont Open Year Round, Groups & Walk-ons Welcome!

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MAY 2015

FAMILY FUN

We BUY & SELL gently used kids’ stuff.

Stafford’s flown Apollo X spacesuit

Great Affordable Family Outing!

Named Smithsonian Affiliate, 2011 Unique Gift Shop (580) 772-5871 www.staffordmuseum.org

3000 E. Logan Rd - Weatherford, OK 73096

We pay CASH on the spot for kids’ clothing, shoes, toys and baby gear. Plus we’ve got everything your kids need at prices that can’t be beat!

13801 N Pennsylvania Ave • N Oklahoma City 73134 405.286.3114 • www.OnceUponAChildOKCNorth.com

Thanking area moms for all you do for your families—

Happy Mother’s Day!

Now open Sundays 12-4

5120 N Shartel Ave. (405) 848-2330 GreenBambino.com

For a list of upcoming events, visit our website!

Do you want the

MANICURED LOOK for twice the wear and half the price?

Contact me today! 405-408-6077 www.got2lovemynails.jamberrynails.net

Ms. De, Jamberry

Independent Consultant on FB

ALSO: WONDERFUL product for a Jamberry Birthday Beauty Day!

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MAY 2015

RETAIL/RESTAURANT

Named One of the “Must See” Attractions in Oklahoma!