MetroFamily April 2014 digital edition by MetroFamily Magazine

Sum2014 m CA er M Gui P de! (Se e p. 50)

APRIL 2014

THE BEST PLACES TO HAVE FUN WITH TEENS & TWEENS IN OKC

Our Insider’s Guide to local farmers markets PLAN A PERFECT FAMILY GETAWAY TO SOUTH DAKOTA

Our picks for the best picnic spots in the metro 5 WAYS TO MAKE HISTORY COME ALIVE IN GUTHRIE

Over 164 family-friendly events this month

guide...

The ultimate OKC family fun

Volume 17, Number 4

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014

EDITORIAL

Sarah Taylor–Publisher Brooke Barnett–Editor/Social Media Sara Riester–Assistant Editor/Calendar Alison Atyia, Heidi Brandes, Nicole Nuccio Calvert, Heather Davis, Jennifer Geary, Jennifer Sharpe & Mark Smith–Contributing Writers

Fun for Teens & Tweens

Discover five places in the OKC metro perfect for older kids to have a great time with friends & family.

GOT 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.

DESIGN & SALES Kristi Dunkle–Art Director Callie Collins–Marketing Director Athena Delce, Dana Price–Sales Kathy Alberty–Office/Distribution

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.

Circulation - 35,000 Also available as a digital edition at www.metrofamilymagazine.com.

EAT LOCALLY Our insider’s guide to the amazing things you will find at four local farmers markets.

PLUS... DON’T MISS ALL THIS

DISCOVER GUTHRIE Five ways to let history come to life for your family in this incredible town.

SUMMER GETAWAY Looking for the perfect summer vacation? Consider heading north to South Dakota!

MetroFamily honored with national awards

Editor’s Picks: Six picnic spots in the OKC metro

2014 March for Babies Ambassador Family

Meet our April Real Mom of the Metro

Changing lives with the OKC Ballet

Mom humor: Momma camp

Summer Camp & Activities Guide

Find the best birthday party venues, summer camps and more in our specialty ad guides

Welcome FROM OUR EDITOR

This month, we are helping you to get prepared for the best summer ever—from summer camps and activities to great vacation and day trip ideas!

y daughter has a framed photo on her dresser from her first “real” summer camp last June. It shows her on stage with her fellow theatre campers, smiling triumphantly after their first performance. It is a moment frozen in time of an experience that she will never forget. Are you ready to plan an unforgettable summer for your kids? Our 2014 Summer Camp Guide is here!

with your whole family. Find camp information beginning on p. 50. If you have tweens or teens, you won’t want to miss our article on p. 10, where contributing writer Alison Atyia explores five local venues that are especially fun for In addtion to enjoying the beautiful older kids. Columnist Jennifer spring weather this month, it is Geary takes us on a trip back time to start thinking about what in time in Guthrie (p. 46) and types of activities, camps and contributing writer Heidi Brandes events you would like to share shares why South Dakota might with your children this summer. just be the ideal summer vacation And with so much to do in the for your family (p. 24). OKC metro, we are here to help Whatever summer holds for you, connect you to the best our city I hope that the next few months has to offer. are full of your own pictureThis month, our Summer Camps perfect moments. & Activities Guide lists over 70 of the best day and overnight Enjoy! camps taking place this summer, as well as fun activities to enjoy

E H T D FIN t s e b s ’ a OKC areCAMPS & SUMMER S! E I T I V I T AC See p. 50

r u o r e t n E contestsig! to win b Visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests to enter.

Enter to win free registrations to the Princess Run & Little Dude Dash, scheduled for May 4, 2014 in the OKC Boathouse district.

• Princess Run & Little Dude Dash registration giveaway—deadline: April 11. Get active with your kids at one of the most fun kids runs around! The 5th Annual Princess Run Festival and Little Dude Dash will take place on Sunday, May 4th.These1.2 mile run/ walk events in the OKC Boathouse district are designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle in kids ages 12 and under. Enter to win one of six pairs of registrations to the race! • Sister Act Ticket Giveaway—contest dates: April 15–May 12. Called “ridiculously funny,” this riotous musical is a tribute to the universal power of friendship. Recommended for ages 13+.Two winners will win family 4-packs of tickets to the opening night performance on May 20. • Keep up with the latest contest and family fun information by following MetroFamily on Facebook (www.facebook.com/metrofamily),Twitter (www.twitter.com/metrofamily) and Google+ (https://plus. google.com/+MetroFamilyMagazine). THIS MONTH’S COVER

! W WO

Eight-year-old Murphy Barnett of Norman is the daughter of MetroFamily Editor Brooke and husband Jason of Norman.

family buzz

It’s all about family fun!

This month, we’re buzzing about awards, inspirational families and great places to enjoy a picnic with your family.

RESOURCES TO ADD TOYOUR FAMILY FUN QUOTIENT

BY BROOKE BARNETT - METROFAMILY EDITOR

MetroFamily honored with national awards

etroFamily is excited to be honored with four national editorial and design awards by the Parenting Media Association (PMA). PMA’s Editorial and Design Awards Competition recognizes excellence in journalism, photography and design achieved by publishers, editors, writers and designers of member publications. A panel of judges from the University of Missouri School of Journalism reviewed entries to select the winners in each category. In the category of METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

publications with circulations of 25,001-44,999, MetroFamily was honored with a Gold Award for general website excellence, a Gold Award in the service feature category, a Silver Award for best e-newsletter and a Bronze Award for our monthly humor column. “We’re thrilled to have been recognized by our industry as being one of the best and I’m so proud of our team for making it happen,” said Sarah Taylor, publisher. “We strive for the best for our readers and it is gratifying to win awards that let us know we are on the right path.” For more information, visit www.parentmedia.org.

Editor’s Picks: Best places to picnic in the OKC metro

pring weather is here and it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy some outdoor fun with your family. Pack a lunch and head to one of these beautiful places in the metro for a fun picnic with your family.

Hafer Park

9th Street & Bryant, Edmond 405-359-4630 www.edmondok.com/parks Why we love it: This picturesque, tree-shaded park includes a fishing pond, three playgrounds, grills and plenty of picnic pavilions, tables and a gazebo. Enjoy the popular walking trail, too. During the summer, enjoy Thursday evening concerts by family-friendly bands and musicians.

Myriad Botanical Gardens 301 West Reno, Oklahoma City 405-445-7080 www.myriadgardens.org

Why we love it: Nestled right in the middle of downtown Oklahoma City, the Children’s Garden at the Myriad Botanical Gardens is an oasis of fun with interactive play areas, water features, beautiful plants and ample space to enjoy nature. Plus, you can cool off in the Thunder Fountain splash pad after you eat.

Martin Park Nature Center 5000 West Memorial Road, Oklahoma City 405-755-0676 www.okc.gov/parks

Why we love it: The serene environment of Martin Park Nature Center was named a regional “Ten Best” parks and playgrounds in National Geographic’s “The Best of Everything for Families, 2009”—and we couldn’t agree more. Beautiful walking trails, a Pollinator’s Playground, a Nature Education Center and shady picnic pavilions make this a great natural getaway located right in the middle of the city.

Stars & Stripes Park

3701 South Lake Hefner Drive, Oklahoma City 405-297-2756 www.okc.gov/parks Why we love it: This park, located along the south shore of scenic Lake Hefner, has lots of playground equipment and picnic tables—plus, you can enjoy watching sailboats, flying kites and feeding the ducks.You can also stretch your legs on one of the most popular walking and jogging trails in town.

Kirkpatrick Gardens at Science Museum Oklahoma 2100 N.E. 52nd Street, Oklahoma City 405-602-6664 www.sciencemuseumok.org

Why we love it: Spending the day at Science Museum Oklahoma? Adjacent to the south side of the building, you’ll find the Kirkpatrick Gardens. This outdoor sanctuary features benches and picnic tables and is the perfect way to soak in some sun while taking a break from exploring science-based fun indoors.

Andrews Park

201 West Daws, Norman 405-366-5472 www.normanfun.com Why we love it: This spacious park features separate playgrounds for toddlers and older kids, plus a gazebo, picnic tables, basketball court and a winding sidewalk perfect for walking or bike riding. Covered pavilions are also available and a colorful splash pad (opens May 25) allows kids to cool off on warm days.

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family buzz A local nonprofit needs funding to host a free community concert.

Join the cause with the March for Babies Ambassador Family

BY MARK SMITH—CONTRIBUTING WRITER

L The nonprofit posts a project on power2give.org, and you make a donation.

Your support helps the idea come to life and brings the community together.

aci Perez agreed to take on the responsibility of being the March for Babies Ambassador Family because she understands what it is like to lose a daughter. She was pregnant with triplets and went into premature labor sixteen weeks earlier than normal. “Two of our girls did not survive the prematurity,” Laci said. “We have one surviving triplet. Her name is Betsy and she is five now.” Every year, more than half a million babies are born prematurely and more than 120,000 are born with serious birth defects in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While not all premature babies experience complications, being born too early can increase the risk of both shortand long-term health problems. March of Dimes sponsors walking events to raise awareness and empower families who are affected by premature births. To help them spread the message and promote advocacy, the organization’s leaders select a family each year to represent them during the walks and other events. The Oklahoma City chapter selected the Perez family—Tony, Laci and Betsy—as this year’s Ambassador Family. “We’ve been involved with the March of Dimes and March for Babies foundations for five years now,” Laci said. “They chose us this year to represent them and their cause at this year’s walk.”

Give directly to local arts and cultural projects that move you. power2give.org/centraloklahoma

Betsy spent four months in the hospital following her birth. She weighed less than two pounds and was 12 inches long. Doctors gave her a 30 percent chance of survival.

powered in central Oklahoma by METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

PHOTO COURTESY OF

KRYSTAL INMAN PHO TOG

RAPHY

While Betsy is now a healthy child, Laci said she wanted to find ways to increase awareness and help other families who have experienced similar situations. For that reason, her family joined March for Babies. Formerly known as WalkAmerica, the organization is part of March of Dimes and covers nearly every state in the U.S. “We will be at the March for Babies Walk, and we will be raising money,” Laci said. “All of the money we raise will go to March of Dimes for research and comforting the families who have lost babies.” March for Babies has raised more than $2 billion since it started in 1970. More than 70 cents of every dollar raised in March for Babies is spent on research and programs to help prevent issues related to premature birth, according to the organization’s website. “Our goal is to be the national ambassadors, traveling the entire world raising awareness for premature births and representing the March of Dimes nationally,” Laci said. “We just want to continue spreading awareness and teaching others what we have learned.” Your family can join the Perez family and support the important work of the March of Dimes. In the metro, the March for Babies walk will be held in Norman on April 26 and in Oklahoma City on May 3. To register, visit www.marchforbabies.org.

have fun, at summer camp.

summer camp at the mac! volunteer opportunities for ages 13+ child care for all camps

A Variety of Interesting Camps:

computer

theatre

dance

adventure

science

art

local family fun

Best places to have fun with teens & tweens BY ALISON ATYIA—CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ANDY ALLIGATORS CLIMBING WALL

WAY

POLE POSITION RACE

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

hen your kids were little, there were story times, play dates and afternoons at the park. Opportunities abounded to get out and explore the world with your little one—but “Mommy & Me” classes just don’t have the same appeal once your child is older. When it comes to spending quality family time with teens and tweens, it can be more challenging to find fun activities that older kids will love and that families can enjoy together. Knowing the importance of continuing to connect and have fun together, we are pleased to share five venues in the OKC metro that are perfect for spending time with your teen—and may even earn you a “Coolest Mom Ever” award. GET JUMPING Elevation Trampoline Park and Family Fun Center (14402 N. Lincoln Blvd, www.elevationtp.com) houses five separate trampoline courts where the floors and walls are all made up of trampolines.You can challenge your teen to a fun game of air volleyball or basketball—and younger siblings can enjoy playing on a Kids Court specifically for ages 2-6. Enjoy jumping on the trampolines together and practice new tricks landing in Elevation’s state-of-the-art foam pit. “With over 10,000 square feet of trampolines, there is plenty of fun for everyone,” explains Elevation owner Marc Taylor. “Come enjoy open jump time on our massive main court, which is larger than a basketball court. We also have two trampoline sport courts made for dodge ball and basketball. This is your chance to try and dunk like the pros! You’ll be amazed at how much fun you can have.” Open Jump is $11 for the first hour and $6 for each additional hour.

POLE POSIT

ION RACEWAY

GET RACING Pole Position Raceway (2905 N.W. 36th St, www.polepositionraceway.com/oklahoma-city) is an indoor go-karting experience like none other. Tweens, teens and the whole family will experience real head-to-head racing at up to 45 miles per hour. “Pole Position Raceway has invested over $10 million in the latest go-kart technology,” explains Ken Faught, president of Pole Position Raceway. “Our development team created the world’s best electric kart, and nothing else compares. Our high-performance electric karts accelerate quicker and handle better than any other indoor competition kart on the planet.” The racing action takes place inside Pole Position’s comfortable state-of-the-art, climate-controlled facilities and there are no smelly fumes. “The end result is North America’s best motor sports entertainment venue, and nowhere else can you find the adrenaline rush created by this type of side-by-side race action,” Ken continues. Kids are $11.95 (at least 48” tall and able to safely drive), youth are $17.95 (at least 56” tall and 13 years of age), and adults are $19.95 (56” minimum height requirement) per race. Pole Position also offers group events and party packages. [Editor’s Note: Bring in this article and receive $5 off adult and youth races.] GET PLAYING Fun and food never stop at GattiTown (5833 N.W. Expressway, www.gattitownokc. com). Great pizza and a huge gameroom to play with friends is just the beginning of the excitement at this venue.

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GATTITOWN’S GAMES AND PIZZA BUFFET ELEVATION TRAMPOLINE PARK

ELEVATION TRAMPOLINE PARK PHOTO COURTESY OF: SHELLEY ALEXANDER

PHOTO BY SHELLEY ALEXANDER

Admission to GattiTown includes an all-youcan-eat pizza, pasta, salad and dessert bar. After satisfying your teen’s appetite, head to the Midway for some game-playing fun. Within the music- and light-filled Midway, you will find multi-level video and interactive games, bumper cars, miniature golf, an indoor go-kart racetrack and more. “GattiTown is everything teens love,” says Michelle Talley, marketing and event sales manger at GattiTown. “Before heading to GattiTown, check out our Facebook page (www.facebook. com/GattitownOKC) and sign up for our email club on our website to insure you are up-todate on the latest specials and coupons.” And all this fun doesn’t have to break the bank. Purchase the Gatti’s Combo for $16.99 per person for unlimited buffet, drink and a $15 game play card. The Super Combo is $28.99 per person and allows unlimited buffet, drink, unlimited attractions, unlimited video games and a $5 game card. Avoid the crowds by visiting Monday through Thursday, when the buffet is only $3.99 per person. On Fridays and Saturdays, buffet prices are $6.99 for adults, $4,99 for ages 8-12, $3.99 for ages 4-7 and kids 3 and under are free.

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GET LASER TAGGING HeyDay Family Fun Center (3201 Market Place, Norman; www.heydayfamilyfun.com) features the largest laser tag area in the state— over 7,000 square feet on two levels, allowing up to 40 people to play simultaneously. HeyDay features an arcade with approximately 50 games. “We also have an indoor ropes course above our large arcade,” adds HeyDay general manager Brad Little. “It has16 elements to traverse in a multi-path jungle of ropes, balance beams, planks and more.” HeyDay also features an 18-hole mini-golf course and plans are underway for a two-level bowling alley with 16 lanes downstairs and eight lanes upstairs. The new bowling alley will be open for operation in September 2014. Laser tag is $7.38 per 15-minute session, the ropes course is $7 per 15-minute session and mini-golf is $7 per 18 holes. A weekday pass provides unlimited attractions for $24.99 and is available Monday-Thursday. On weekends, passes are $29.99 and include unlimited laser tag and access to the ropes course, a small one-topping pizza and drink. [Editor’s note: Purchase a $20 game card and get an extra $5 in free credit with our Kids Pass coupon available at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/kidspass.)

HEY DAY OBSTACLE COURSE

GET SPLASHING Andy Alligator’s Fun Park (3300 Market Place, Norman; www.andyalligators.com) has eight acres of extraordinary fun. It features interactive attractions for the entire family such as a 32’ climbing wall, batting cages, water-blasting bumper boats, mini bowling, mini Gator Golf, go-karts, a game room and more. “Enjoy all the fun while feasting on some freshly-made pizza from Andy’s Cafe & Pizzeria, located on-site” adds Kyle Allison, general manager. Next door is Andy Alligator’s Water Park, open May through September.Enjoy a relaxing float down the Paradise River or plunge down the Banzai Pipeline or Riptide Racer water slide. Water Park admission is $15.95 for children under 48” and $18.95 for all others. Season passes begin at $79.99 and pass holders save 10 percent on all food and beverages, retail purchases and cabana rentals. Check the website for daily specials during the week and online ticket discounts. Parking is free. So grab your teen and check out these fun venues in and around Oklahoma City— and let the bonding begin!

ANDY ALLIGATOR’S BA

NZAI PIPELINE.

PHOTO BY BRETT MAR LEY

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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2014 Performing Arts Summer Camps June 2-August 1, 2014 •Acting, Singing, Dancing, Claymation, Improv, Making A Musical and More! •Entering K-12 grades •One, two and three week camps •Full and half-day options

04.12.14

227 E Main Street • Downtown Norman • (405) 310-2129

www.soonertheatre.com

Festi val of the Chi l d Saturday, May 3rd

10 AM to 4 PM Over 50 areas of FUN! Yukon City Park. $5 in advance or $7 the day of. Adults FREE. Kayaking, Archery, Crafts, Music, Animals!

outh’s Time

(405) 350-8937 or cityofyukonok.gov

to Shine! .com/cityofyukonok.gov @cityofyukonok

Real moms of the metro

Meet Jennifer Sharpe

JOE & JENNIFER SHARPE WITH DAUGHTER JAYME (AGE 5) AND SON JOSEPH (AGE 8). BY NICOLE NUCCIO CALVERT - METROFAMILY COLUMNIST PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEFFANIE HALLEY- WWW.STEFFANIEHALLEY.COM

HOW THIS BUSY SPORTS WIFE HITS A THREE-POINTER BY BALANCING FAMILY, CAREER AND VOLUNTEERISM

riginally from New York, Jennifer Sharpe completed her graduate work in athletic training in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Providing emergency, preventative and rehabilitative care, she became a collegiate athletic trainer for the University of Connecticut. There she met her husband Joe, also an athletic trainer, and the two fell in love.

Once they married, Jennifer says, “It became obvious that we both would not be able to be athletic trainers, because our work hours would conflict.” Her husband’s career took them on a journey across many states before they finally found themselves residing—and thriving—in Oklahoma. BECOMING OKLAHOMANS The Sharpe family moved to Oklahoma five years ago, when Jennifer’s husband Joe was named as the head athletic trainer for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also serves as the head athletic trainer for the USA Basketball Men’s Senior National Team and his schedule requires a lot of travel and dedication. After having lived in Connecticut, Minnesota and North Carolina, the Sharpes found that adjusting to life in Oklahoma has been easy. “I like all of the people in Oklahoma that I have met through my husband’s job,” Jennifer explains. “Everyone here is so nice, they are all really good people. Our children have been blessed with the opportunity to have many adventures, including fun travel and meeting many interesting people.”

spent coordinating the logistics of her husband’s travel schedule and their busy family life. “Weekends are the hardest because Joe is working on most Saturdays and Sundays, so even if he is in town, he isn’t necessarily home at times when most kids have both parents around,” she explains. “My kids can be sensitive to Joe’s absences, and it hurts me to see them upset when their dad is away. I am always accessible for my children. I am able to drop anything for my kids if I have to and that is the way it has always been. “ With the kids now both in school, Jennifer says it has also been a year of self-discovery. “When you have kids, you lose your identity in a huge way,” she points out. “I think I am at a phase where I am trying to reclaim what my identity is.” Lately she has been contemplating her career with her combined role as mother and core of her family. “Right now, my goal is just to stay put and give my kids stability while they’re in school,” she explains. And she finds that to be a winning combination. “With motherhood, having my identity change to ‘mom’ has had a large personal impact. For a long time, I felt like I had forgotten who the real person was underneath the spit up, dirty diapers, and baby babble. I finally feel like now, with my children growing older, I am re-claiming who I was to some extent but also moving forward creating a new identity as a mom of older children. This is an interesting and exciting time in my life.”

Since moving to Oklahoma, Jennifer has become an active volunteer. She volunteers as part of a group affiliated with the Thunder that does charitable work in the community, coaches her daughter Jayme’s (age 5) soccer team and serves as the homeroom mom in her son Joseph’s (age 8) second grade class. At Crossings Community Church, Jennifer volunteers in the coffee shop and leads a women’s Bible study group. She says this has stretched her out of her comfort zone and that she enjoys spending time with women from all different places and different life experiences. REDISCOVERING HERSELF On the professional front, Jennifer is a contributing writer for MetroFamily and often takes her kids with her on assignments to explore local venues, saying “kids are the best critics out there!” Jennifer adds that most of her time is

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Here’s more about how this 37-year-old mom manages the home court How do you find balance in your life? I’m still looking for it! Mainly with exercise and spending time with friends when I can. Reading and cooking also help me unwind. Advice for other moms? It’s cliche but the time goes by so fast! I always tell moms to network with other moms, especially in the baby years when it’s easy to become isolated. I always felt re-assured knowing that I wasn’t alone and so I try to encourage other moms to find that peer support as well.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you? I played NCAA Division I volleyball in college. How do you banish stress? I run a lot! I completed my first full marathon last year (the OKC Memorial Marathon) and I am currently planning to run it again this year. What inspires you? My husband’s commitment to his job and his professional accomplishments is a huge inspiration for me. Since we both have similar degrees, certifications and educational backgrounds, I find it awesome that he has been able to stick with the profession and rise to the top of his field. What is on your wish list? A larger house.

What is your parenting style? I try my best to use the principles of the “Love and Logic” philosophy as much as possible. We talk a lot about the importance of respecting adults, treating others as we would like to be treated and having good manners. Favorite advice about motherhood? Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

QUICK FACTS ABOUT JENNIFER: •

What are five words that describe you? Mother, athletic, busy, motivated, tired.

•

What is your favorite indulgence? Dessert (which I indulge in all the time)

•

What can’t you live without? My sunglasses. I can’t survive the Oklahoma sun without them.

•

What’s your favorite family outing? We love the beach.

•

What’s your guilty pleasure? Pedicures.

What is the biggest challenge in your life? Making sure our kids are happy and taken care of. What is on your wish list? More travel. More golf. More date nights. Less clutter. What are you most proud of? Graduating Summa Cum Laude from college and receiving a full scholarship to graduate school, where I wrote an award-winning Master’s thesis. What motivates you? Deadlines! I hate to admit it but I am at my best under pressure. I love to cross things off a to-do list. WANT TO MEET MORE REAL MOMS? ONLINE: www.metrofamilymagazine.com/real-moms

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Oklahoma City Ballet: Arts exposure for all ages PHOTOS PROVIDED BY OKC BALLET

BY JENNIFER SHARPE—CONTRIBUTING WRITER

he staff of the Oklahoma City Ballet believes that a community’s strength is defined partly by the quality of life enjoyed by its residents—and that the arts are a critical element for community members of all ages. “Experience in the arts as a child is such an important part of

the development process,” explains Shane Jewell, executive director of Oklahoma City Ballet. “It is true that children in the arts test better in math and science, but I believe the biggest benefit is teaching them what it is to have a passion. Having a true passion for something teaches children how to grow in a way that nothing else can.”

2020

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In addition to a commitment to helping grow an understanding, appreciation and lifelong interest in ballet and the arts, Oklahoma City Ballet is a strong supporter of art exposure for all children. The organization looks to connect with and create younger fans through extensive community outreach programs, a prestigious dance school and special family activities at matinée performances. OUTREACH PROGRAMS Oklahoma City Ballet’s community outreach efforts impact more than 5,200 children across the state each year through its BalletReach and ArtsReach programs. OKC Ballet also offers free and discounted tickets to performances to certain groups, free family matinée events and a pre-performance lecture series at no cost. ArtsReach serves about 100 Title-I schools across central Oklahoma. The program begins with an eight-week curriculum provided to each school that explains common ballet terms, positions, history, famous dancers and stagecraft. At the end of the eight weeks, students attend special child-friendly performances by Oklahoma City Ballet at the Civic Center Music Hall. The ArtsReach program began more than 20 years ago with 1,500 students and has impacted more than 175,000 students and educators since inception. The program is offered free of charge to students and schools, thanks to the support of both local and national charitable foundations. BalletReach brings fully-accredited ballet classes to elementary and high school students at no cost to participants. The program uses a curriculum developed by the Dance Center of Oklahoma City Ballet that encompasses both ballet technique and academics. The Ballet provides all of the materials required for the course, including shoes, books, yoga mats, resistive elastic bands, music and costumes. All of the students in the class are beginners and meet during a set class period, five days a week.Younger students are exposed to ballet positions, basic technique, key terminology and movement. High school students learn about ballet history and styles, music appreciation, theater terms, body strength and conditioning. After each semester, schools present an end of term performance for teachers, parents and community members, complete with choreography and costumes. BalletReach is currently in four schools in Oklahoma City and one school in Ada. THE DANCE CENTER The Dance Center of Oklahoma City Ballet offers recreational ballet classes and also prepares young dancers for a professional role in the arts. With a foundation in classical ballet technique, the school nurtures young

dancers, fosters self-discipline and provides tools for self-expression. Throughout its 40-year history, The Dance Center has placed students in scholarship programs with many prestigious companies. A new accreditation with the American Ballet Theatre, America’s National Ballet Company® will make The Dance Center of Oklahoma City Ballet School only the seventh certified school in the country using the ABT® National Training Curriculum.

Oklahoma City Ballet’s community outreach efforts impact more than 5,200 children across the state each year through its BalletReach and ArtsReach programs. At The Dance Center of Oklahoma City Ballet, children as young as age 2 can participate in “Mommy & Me” classes. A full range of class options, including jazz and hip-hop, are offered at different age and ability levels. Chance to Dance, a Saturday morning class offered at the Dance Center, is for boys and girls ages 5-10 with Down Syndrome. Geared towards the specific learning styles and needs of the dancers, students learn the same material and benefit in the same way as participants in other classes. “Spatial awareness, musicality, rhythm, social connection, physical strength, flexibility, gross and fine motor skills, axial movements and locomotor movements are all increased by taking this class,” explains Jane Vorburger, school director. “The presentation of the lessons is designed to make the dance class more accessible for the learning styles of the students.” A Summer Intensive program is available for students ages13–23, and this summer will feature instruction from American Ballet Theater ballerina Misty Copeland. Copeland began her dance training as a 13-year-old, and, in just a few short years, has reached the pinnacle of the ballet world as an African American soloist with American Ballet Theater. PROJECT PLIÉ The Oklahoma City Ballet also offers dance training and scholarships to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County through a partnership with American Ballet Theatre’s Project Plié program. Project Plié is focused on increasing ethnic diversity in ballet dancers while actively supporting interested kids who might not have access to dance training.

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PROJECT PLIÉ DANCERS

have fun,

swimming. pelican bay opening soon! Saturday, May 24 memorial day weekend Monday, March 31 passes go on sale previous pass holders Monday, april 14 all program registrations begin

mark your calendar! 4 0 5 . 2 1 6 .7 6 4 9 open positions, accepting applications

Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs are mentored and taught free of charge by Oklahoma City Ballet’s professional dancers in the Boys & Girls Clubs’ dance studio. Each year, five students from these classes will be awarded one-year scholarships to Oklahoma City Ballet’s professional training program, complete with shoes and uniforms. Project Plié looks to attract and assist promising dancers of color, eventually creating a stronger pipeline of performers from underrepresented groups. Establishing a racially-diverse cast of performers will hopefully expand the ballet’s reach to a broader audience. Gerald Pines, a company dancer who joined the Oklahoma City Ballet in 2010, currently teaches the Project Plié classes at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County. Pines’ personal experiences and struggles from his youth growing up in Maryland inspired him with the desire to instruct the Boys & Girls Clubs students. “As a kid, I did not have many opportunities to get out of my neighborhood, get a better education or get involved in many activities, but I was lucky enough to have a teacher take me in with dance and she guided me along and pushed me,” Pines shares. “Dance has taken me around the world and taught me discipline. It’s been the best thing for me. I just want to give other kids a chance to try and learn as well.” PUBLIC PERFORMANCES The Oklahoma City Ballet performs four shows throughout the year at

the Civic Center Music Hall, including a popular staging of The Nutcracker in December. Single performance tickets and season ticket subscriptions are available. The 2013-2014 season culminates with Beauty and the Beast, performing April 18-19. Inspired by the original 1740 Barbot de Villeneuve story, this performance is an all-new telling of the familiar love story with a new score played by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. Fantastic sets, costumes and dazzling special effects will make this show an awesome experience for children and adults. Performances will be held on Friday, April 18 at 7pm, and Saturday, April 19 at 2pm and 8pm. [Editor’s Note: Join MetroFamily Magazine at the Saturday matinée performance for hands-on activitiesone hour prior to show time.] For more information on the outreach efforts of Oklahoma City Ballet, visit www.okcballet. com/outreach.

MOUNT RUSHMORE

The perfect vacation awaits in South Dakota

PHOTOS BY HEIDI BRANDES AND COURTESY OF SOUTH

DAKOTA DEPT. OF TOURISM

his summer, take a trip north into a wild state filled with mountains, forests, roaming buffalo and so much American history that your family may feel it has stepped back in time. If you are looking for the perfect family vacation, it can be found in South Dakota. Millions of Americans have discovered the fun and adventure in this unique place. Tourism is the second largest industry in South Dakota, and it is a destination that offers deep outdoors fun, a glimpse into history, a chance to pan for gold and parks where you can ride up alongside buffalo as they graze the pristine flatlands.

BY HEIDI BRANDES - CONTRIBUTING WRITER

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

While you could spend an entire month exploring the family-fun activities in South Dakota, chances are you may only have three or four days. So, here are five places you don’t want to miss—all great reasons to visit South Dakota this summer. THE BADLANDS An almost eerie landscape of strange columns and peaks, the Badlands National Park (www.nps.gov/badl) is one of the most unique sights in North America. Formed by soft sedimentary rocks and clay-rich soils eroded by wind and water, the rugged beauty of the Badlands also contains some of the world’s richest fossil beds. The Junior Ranger’s Program for children allows youth to uncover ancient fossils while learning about the geology of the area. A daily fossil talk takes dinosaur-obsessed kids on a 15- to 20-minute walk through the history of fossils and why fossil preservation is important. The program is a 30-minute adventure that allows kids to walk, play games, explore the Badlands and, at the end, every kid earns a Junior Ranger badge or patch. Parents are welcome. Families can also explore the Badlands by hiking, taking a GPS adventure, camping and more. The Badlands have new, updated cozy cabins located near the Visitor’s Center and a restaurant serving Indian tacos and buffalo burgers. The restaurant’s extensive gift shop sells local cheese and made-inSouth Dakota items. WALL DRUG—NORTH AMERICA’S #1 ROADSIDE ATTRACTION Nestled next to South Dakota’s Badlands is one of the largest and most advertised roadside attractions in North America. Famous for its billboard advertising and antlered jackrabbits called jackalopes, Wall Drug Store (www.walldrug.com) is a huge working pharmacy featuring souvenirs, Native American artifacts and one of the state’s most extensive Western art collections. Wall Drug got its start during the Depression years by offering free ice water to thirsty travelers in 1931. Today, the family-owned and run business still offers five cent coffee. Don’t miss the Wall Drug Donuts. These sugary, dense beauties are practically irresistible.

The kids will love watching the roaring animated T-Rex and giant jackalope, and mom and dad will enjoy gourmet coffee and shopping in this 76,000 square foot wonderland. Free admission means your family can explore a panning and mining experience, props in the outdoors picnic area, South Dakota jackalopes, a Train Station Water Show and more. RAPID CITY Whether you’re flying or driving to South Dakota, make Rapid City (www.visitrapidcity.com) your home base. This city of roughly 69,000 offers a short drive to everything you need to see in the Black Hills country, but has amusing family-friendly attractions of its own. Indoor and outdoor water parks, the City View Trolley (www.rapidride.org/city-view-trolley.php), interactive museums, galleries and wildlife parks are just a few of the exciting activities your kids will love. Be sure to take a trip to the Outdoor Campus West (http://gfp.sd.gov/outdoor-learning/outdoor-campus/west), which provides outdoor education experiences such as learning to fish, discovering the native animals and hiking for youth and adults. Funded by the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, Outdoor Campus West includes a large pond stocked with trout and bass, perfect for any age or level of angler. While in Rapid City, check out Reptile Gardens (www.reptilegardens.com), which is home to more reptiles than any zoo in the world, including everything from rare and dangerous snakes to lumbering ancient tortoises. Reptile Gardens includes a walk through a rainforest with native lizards and free-flying birds and daily shows featuring alligators, snakes and wild birds. Need a place to eat after a full day of fishing and discovering reptiles? Check out the popular Americana restaurant Sanford’s Pub and Grub (www.thegrubandpub. com) at 306 7th Street or the famous Firehouse Brewing Company (www. firehousebrewing.com) at 610 Main Street. CUSTER STATE PARK Nestled deep in the Black Hills, Custer State Park (http://gfp.sd.gov/stateparks/directory/custer) is home to one of the largest publicly-held buffalo herds

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shares historical and educational information about the park. Tours begin at the State Game Lodge. Custer State Park is also home to the annual Buffalo Roundup in September when the ground shakes with the thunder of thousands of buffalo. Families can watch cowboys and cowgirls herd the buffalo into corrals for annual vaccinations and herd management. HISTORIC MOUNT RUSHMORE CHILDREN LEARN TO PAN FOR GOLD AT THE BIG THUNDER GOLD MINE

in the world. With its clear mountain streams, towering pine forests and miles of undisturbed wilderness, the park offers hiking, exploring and gorgeous scenery. Four lodges at the park offer accommodations ranging from rustic to upscale, and each can arrange on-site activities including fly-fishing and chuck wagon suppers. This park, located on 71,000 acres of spectacular terrain, also has several scenic drives

your family can take, including exploring the granite spires of Needles Highway and the animal-rich Wildlife Loop Road. It’s not uncommon to see the dainty antelopes or majestic buffalo roaming free in the park. To get a closer view, take a Jeep Safari Adventure at the park. Open air Jeeps take you to herds of buffalo, elk and deer while the driver

No trip to South Dakota is complete without visiting the awe-inspiring and patriotic vision of Mount Rushmore (www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm).Visited by nearly three million people a year, Mount Rushmore was the dream of Danish-American Gutzon Borglum and his son, Lincoln Borglum. The sculptures took 14 years to complete and Mount Rushmore became part of the National Park Service in 1933. Mount Rushmore features 60-foot sculptures of the heads of four United States presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. A short but steep hike brings visitors to different viewing areas at the park. In the summer,

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APRIL 27 - MAY 3

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APRIL 2014

rangers also lead families on interpretive walks. The park includes a gift shop, bookstore and an ice cream shop. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Ready to pack your bags and explore all that South Dakota has to offer? Head to www.travelsd.com for more information, vacation guides and tools to plan your perfect summer trip.

BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK

If those attractions aren’t enough for you, don’t worry. The Black Hills Country has hands-on activities that bring kids deep inside the gold mining era and chugging along in a real 1880’s train in the town of Keystone (www.keystonechamber.com). A popular stop for those visiting Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park, this little town is home to the Big Thunder Gold Mine (www.bigthundermine.com). Family-friendly tours explore an authentic 1890’s gold mine and children can learn to pan for gold—and every child is guaranteed to find a treasure. Also, don’t miss taking a two-hour round trip ride on the 1880 train (www.1880train. com). This vintage steam train winds through the Black Hills between Keystone and Hill City, bringing back the romance of traveling in a bygone era.

CUSTER STATE PARK

Oklahoma’s premiere camp for kids with special needs is Camp ClapHans

☺ Overnight camp for boys & girls ages 8 to 16

☺ To register visit www.campclaphans.com Deadline is April 24, 2014. ☺ Camp runs Sunday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon ☺ 1:1 Camper to Camp staff ratio ☺ For more information contact Camp Director Kyle Cottrell at 405.307.2814 or kcottrell@jdmc.org

Camp ClapHans 2002 East Robinson St. Norman, Oklahoma 73071 405.307.2814

A summer camp project of the J. D. McCarty Center for children with developmental disabilities

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

mom gets the last laugh

ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY BALL,WWW.EMILYMGBALL.COM.

Sign me up: imagining Momma Camp

BY HEATHER DAVIS - METROFAMILY COLUMNIST

y youngest daughter is beside herself. Since she was old enough to know that “Camp Nana” wasn’t really a camp and watching the Disney Channel while eating wafer cookies in Nana’s bed wasn’t really a camp activity, she’s begged us to go to a camp that was really a camp. Well, this is her summer to go to a real camp. She still has several weeks until we actually take her to her “home away from home in the woods by the river,” but that METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

hasn’t stopped her from packing and repacking while incessantly talking about everything she’ll be doing while away. “I can’t wait to float the river and swim in the pool and hike up the mountain and paint a ceramic garden troll and braid a bracelet and roast marshmallows and collect rocks. And…” she continued after taking in a deep breath, “I can’t wait to do it all again next year!” I sat in her room listening to her as she continued to give a potential play-by-play of her week at camp, leaving no possible detail left unsaid. I nodded my head when she needed

APRIL 2014

affirmation, gasped when she mentioned the wildlife she may or may not encounter and laughed when she proposed cabin prank after cabin prank—including stolen undergarments, shaving cream and the aforementioned wildlife. While I was very happy that my baby girl was excited about her first venture at a real sleepaway camp, I have to admit I was also just a tiny bit jealous. I’d had my turn at summer camp when I was her age. I really didn’t want to go to summer camp with her (see the aforementioned shaving cream and wildlife comments). I think, more than anything, I wanted a week away. And that’s when it hit me…I wanted a Momma Camp. Stick with me, here; I think I’m on to something with this Momma Camp idea. At Momma Camp, there would be no washing machines and there certainly would be no dryers. When we had dirty clothes, we would wad them up into balls and shove them in the corners of our suitcases. And, if we wanted to

wear the same black yoga pants and gray Bon Jovi T-shirt every single day of camp, no one would judge us. In fact, we’d probably be complimented on our great fashion sense every morning when we strolled out of our cabins looking well-rested and refreshed.

When it was dinnertime, someone else would cook. Everyone would like it, and the words “gross,” “yuck” and “again?!?!” would never be uttered. We could eat food while it was still warm, and—best of all—we wouldn’t have to wash the dishes.

You see, we’d each have a bed to ourselves for the whole night. The whole night, my friends! No one would come tip-toeing into our bedrooms at an ungodly hour and wake us by asking for a cup of water, no one would crawl in bed and immediately steal our covers and no one would stand over us at the first sign of light in the morning wanting help unwrapping a cereal bar and finding the television remote.

We could soak in the bathtub each evening without any squeaky toys floating in the bubbles with us. We could take a shower each morning and the hot water would never run out. No one would knock on the door when we were bathing and holler through the door, “Daddy told me to come ask you…”

Speaking of television remotes, we’d always have control. At Momma Camp, we’d watch endless hours of talk shows and countless chick flicks without anyone rolling his or her eyes at us, sighing because he was missing the big game or whining that there’s a new tween concert on right that very minute.

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ALVE WW.G

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APRIL 2014

My Momma Camp was a fine fantasy indeed. I sighed big when my camp-dreaming daughter brought me back to reality. “Do you think I’ll have fun, Momma?” she said with an anticipatory look of satisfaction upon her hopeful little face. I sighed and said, “I know I would.” She didn’t need to know we fantasized about two very different camps.

calendar

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events this

OUR CALENDAR MAKES FINDING FAMILY FUN IN OKC EASY— PLUS FIND EVEN MORE AT METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT—APRIL 8–13

Regarded as one of the most enduring shows of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat comes to the Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) from April 8-13, starring Broadway and television star Diana DeGarmo. Joseph is the irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son. The show blends pop, country and rock into an uplifting, technicolored story of Biblical proportions. Performances will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00pm, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00pm and Sunday evenings at 7:00pm. Tickets begin at $15 and are available online or at the Civic Center Box Office.

MORE INFORMATION: www.celebrityattractions.com PHONE: 297-2264 Photo courtesy of Celebrity Attractions

WILD WEST DAY IN NORMAN—APRIL 12

Step back into the wild west for a day! In celebration of the culmination of the Pioneer Library System’s Big Read literature appreciation program, the library system is bringing a dose of the Wild West to Norman on Saturday, April 12. The festivities kick off with Norman’s annual ‘89er Day Parade at 10:00am which includes an historic wagon train moving down Main Street in downtown Norman. Following the parade, a Family Fun Fair will be held at the Cleveland County Fairground (615 E Robinson) from 11:30am-2:00pm. The Fun Fair will include a variety of booths, games and activities. The event concludes with a performance of Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Show at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds from 2:00-5:30pm—the first time the show has been presented in Norman and the first time in several years the show has been presented anywhere outside of the historic Pawnee Bill Ranch in Pawnee. Admission to all events is free. MORE INFORMATION: www.pioneer.lib.ok.us PHONE: 801-4500

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Photo courtesy of the Pioneer Library System JANUARY APRIL 20142014

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OKC MUSEUM OF ART’S FAMILY DAY—APRIL 13

Enjoy free art activities and performances at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s Free Family Day on Sunday, April 13 from 12:00–5:00pm. The event highlights the special exhibition, “Come On Down” by Lisa Hoke and will take place throughout the Museum (415 Couch Drive). “Come on Down” is a colorful, monumental wall frieze, measuring 15 feet high and spanning more than 150 feet, that uses an assortment of everyday materials to confront the notion of mass production in America. The event will feature live entertainment from the Sugar Free All Stars and Spaghetti Eddie, as well as magician Michael King. Attendees will have the opportunity to make recycled art wristbands and pinwheels, sun prints, black and white landscapes, and much more. Families can also enjoy guided tours of the Museum, face painting and story times presented by the Metropolitan Library System. MORE INFORMATION: www.okcmoa.com PHONE: 236-3100 Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art

EASTER ACTIVITIES & EVENTS—ONGOING

Dye your eggs and get the baskets ready! It’s Easter time in OKC and there are plenty of fun events taking place in the metro. Whether you are looking for Easter-themed activities, egg hunts or places to take Easter Bunny photos, our 2014 Easter Fun Guide is your comprehensive resource for everything Easter in the metro. One of the fun events included in the Easter Fun Guide is the Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno, OKC), which will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, April 19 and is designed for children ages 10 & under. Preregistration is required and admission is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. For more information, call 445-7080 or visit www.myriadgardens.org.

MORE INFORMATION: www.metrofamilymagazine.com/easter Photo courtesy of the Myriad Botanical Gardens

ARTS TREK AT THE MABEE-GERRER MUSEUM— APRIL 12

Arts Trek at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee) is an innovative cultural experience that combines an arts festival with a performance-filled walk across the St. Gregory’s University campus. The event kicks off at 10:00am on Saturday, April 12, and is free and open to the public. Performances held throughout the walk include folk, opera, and choir music, as well as dancing in the traditions of India, Native American Indian Matachinas, Ireland and the Middle East. An arts festival will be held from 10:00am to 4:00pm, featuring over 40 local artists and crafters. A variety of local food vendors will be available, as well as local wineries. MORE INFORMATION: www.artstrek.org PHONE: 878-5300 Photo courtesy of the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art

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events this THROUGH APRIL 6

Jesus Christ Superstar at the Sooner Theatre (101 E Main, Norman) is the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber that recounts Christ’s final days. $20-$25. Friday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm. 321-9600, www. soonertheatre.org.

THROUGH APRIL 10

Hansel & Gretel presented by the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre (2501 N Blackwelder) is the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale using audience participation, improvisation, music & dance. $10 adults, $7 children ages 2-12. Tuesday & Thursday, 11:30am; Saturday & Sunday, 2pm. 606-7003, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org.

THROUGH APRIL 12

FREE Arbor Day Art Show at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard) features Arbor Day Poster Contest entries & winners from participating Edmond Schools. TuesdayFriday, 10am-5pm; Saturday, 1-4pm. 3400078, www.edmondhistory.org.

THROUGH APRIL 13

Come on Down at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch) is a contemporary mural installation that challenges the irony of mass production in America. 236-3100, www. okcmoa.com.

THROUGH APRIL 20

George M. Sutton: Exploring Art & Science at the Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) features 75 watercolor paintings. 325-4712, www. samnoblemuseum.org.

APRIL 3–6

Sugar & Spice Children’s Consignment Sale at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center (1700 W Independence, Shawnee). Many items half-price Saturday, $1 charity sale Sunday. Thursday-Friday, 9am-8pm;

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Saturday, 8am-2pm; Sunday, 2-3pm. 2752020, www.sugarandspicesale.com.

APRIL 3–20

Jesus Christ Superstar presented by the OKC Theatre Company at the Civic Center Music Hall features a loosely-based Biblical account of Jesus’ life following the traditional Easter story. Recommended for adults & children 7+. $25. 297-2264, www. okctheatrecompany.org.

APRIL 4–6

Sweet Repeats Children’s Consignment Sale at the Edmond Armory (600 S Bryant, Edmond). Many items half-price on Saturday. Friday, 9am-6pm; Saturday, 9am-3pm; Sunday, noon-3pm. www. sweetrepeatskidsconsignment.com. FREE 38th Annual Medieval Fair at Reaves Park in Norman features arts, crafts, food, games, educational exhibits, demonstrations & ongoing entertainment at seven stages. 10am-7pm. www.medievalfair.org.

APRIL 4–5

FREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts District features more than 60 artists in 17 galleries. Friday, 6-10pm; Saturday, noon-5pm. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.com.

APRIL 4–19

Lend Me a Tenor presented by Poteet Theatre (222 NW 15) is a comic musical about mistaken identity. Rated G. $20. Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 3pm. 609-1023, www.poteettheatre.com.

APRIL 5 • SATURDAY

Aquarium Run at the Oklahoma Aquarium (300 Aquarium, Jenks) features a 1-Mile Fun Run, 5K, & half-marathon to benefit the aquarium, followed by a postrace party with family-friendly activities and FREE admission for registered runners. $15+. 7:15am. 918-296-FISH, www.okaquarium.org.

(THROUGH APRIL 8) FREE Saturdays for Kids—Self Portraits at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63). Children ages 4-12 will create a self-portrait. Includes museum admission. Preregister by noon on 4/4. 10am-noon. 478-2250, www. nationalcowboymuseum.org. Shake IT for CF Zumbathon at CrossPointe Church Community Center (2601 24th Ave SE, Norman) features food, drinks, prizes & complimentary childcare. Proceeds benefit research for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. $25. 10am. 850-2036. FREE Junior Canoe/Kayak Team Open House in the Boathouse District on the Oklahoma River provides an overview of the sport for youth in grades 2-9. Event includes time for the child to get on the water in various types of boats to give the sport a try. 10am. 552-4040, www.boathousedistrict.org. Also held: 4/12, 26. MetroFamily’s Kids Fest & Education Expo at the Cox Convention Center includes live entertainment, inflatables, roaming costumed characters, petting zoo, STEM safari, informational booths door prizes & more. $5 adults, children ages 18 & under FREE. Print a $1 off coupon at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ kids-fest. 11:30am-4:30pm. www. metrofamilymagazine.com. FREE Putnam City Early Bird Classes at Putnam City Center (5604 NW 41) for parents with children up to age 5 & prenatal classes. Childcare available. Preregister. 1011:30am & 1-2:30pm. 491-7626, www. putnamcityschools.org. Also held: 4/8 at 6pm. Drop-In Drawing at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch) is a comeand-go drawing session throughout the permanent collection & special exhibition galleries for all ages. FREE with paid admission. 2-4pm. 236-3100, www. okcmoa.com.

OKC Barons vs. Charlotte Checkers at the Cox Convention Center. $16+. 7pm. 232-GOAL, www.okcbarons. com. Other home games this month: 4/6, 16, 18, 19. OKC Philharmonic Classics—Ma Plays Schumann at the Civic Center Music Hall features Yo-Yo Ma, cello. $15+. 8-10pm. 842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.org.

APRIL 5–6

Redbud Classic in Nichols Hills Waterford Complex Building (NW 63 & Pennsylvania) features 10, 33 & 50 mile bike tours as well as a timed 10K/5K race & kids fun run. Benefits Anna’s House Foundation. Fees vary. See website for schedule. www. redbud.org.

Easter Bunny Pictures in the Food Court at The Outlet Shoppes at OKC (7624 W Reno) benefits Shriners of OKC. $5 donation. 10am-6pm. www. theoutletshoppesatoklahomacity.com. Also held 4/12-13, 4/19.

APRIL 7 • MONDAY

FREE Admission at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) on the first Monday of each month. 10am-5pm. 3254712, www.samnoblemuseum.org.

APRIL 7–8

FREE Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair at the Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua, Norman). Students from PreK-high school present mastery of native languages. 325-4712, www. samnoblemuseum.org.

APRIL 8 • TUESDAY

Read Across Oklahoma 2014 at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington). Preschoolers & guests will enjoy a day of storytelling, reading-related activities, PBS Kids characters & more. FREE with paid admission. 9am-1pm. 425-0262, www.okczoo.com.

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events this Homeschool Day at the Harn Homestead Museum (1721 N Lincoln) for ages 4-12 features hands-on learning activities in the schoolhouse, farmhouse & barn. Preregister. $8/student, up to 2 parents admitted FREE. 10am-1:30pm. 235-4058, www.harnhomestead.com.

APRIL 8–13

Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat presented by Celebrity Attractions at the Civic Center Music Hall. $15+. Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2pm & 8pm; Sunday, 2pm & 7pm. www.celebrityattractions.com.

APRIL 10 • THURSDAY Oklahoma History Educational Day at the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie features a re-enactment of the Oklahoma Land Run. $7. 11am. 235SPUR, www.rncfr.com.

APRIL 10–12

RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie features 7 events over 3 days & concerts by Randy Rogers Band & Rodney Atkins. 282-RIDE, www.lazye.com.

APRIL 11 • FRIDAY

Jingle-Jangle Mingle at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63) kicks off the Western Heritage Awards with entertainment & hors d’oeuvres. Meet honorees & special guests. Preregister. $30 members, $40 nonmembers. 6pm. 478-2250, www. nationalcowboymuseum.org.

Tornado Alley Roller Girls Roller Derby at the Cox Convention Center. Doors open at 5:30pm. $12 in advance, $15 at the door, children 12 & under FREE. 6pm. www.okcrd.com.

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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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APRIL 2014

(APRIL 8–APRIL 12) Parents Night Out at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise, Edmond) includes crafts, playground games & pizza for kids ages 4+ while parents enjoy a night out. Preregister. $25/child. 6:3010pm. 340-7584, www.unpluggits.com. OKC Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans at Chesapeake Energy Arena. See website for ticket information. 7pm. www.nba.com/thunder. Other home games this month: 4/16. OKC Redhawks vs. New Orleans Zephyrs at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 S Mickey Mantle). 7:05pm.

218-1000, www.okcredhawks.com. Other home games this month: 4/12-14, 24-30. Next month: 5/1, 6-13, 27-31.

APRIL 12 • SATURDAY Frontier City’s Opening Day (11501 NE Expressway) for the 2014 season. 478-2140, www.frontiercity.com. The Color Run 5K at Remington Park/ Adventure District benefits ZooFriends. $40/person team runners, $45/person solo runners. 9am. www.thecolorrun.com/ oklahoma-city.

Summer Youth Academy 2014 An exciting summer education program for girls and boys 9- to 14-years-old.

Visit us online and plan your SYA schedule soon!

mntechnology.com/summer-youth-academy

Enrollment starts at 7:30 a.m. | Thursday, April 17. All classes are held at MNTC's Franklin Road Campus.

364-5763, x7260

facebook.com/summeryouthacademy

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

FREE ACT Practice Test at College Tutors Learning Center (1333 N Santa Fe, Edmond). Preregister. 9am-noon. 5136060, www.collegenanniesandtutors.com/ edmondok. Gatewood Gator 5K at Gatewood Elementary School (1821 NW 21) raises funds for a running track & physical fitness equipment at Gatewood Elementary & surrounding inner-city community. $30/5K, $15/1-mile. 9:30am. www.signmeup.com/98225.

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events this R o n C a r p e n t e r J r. R e d e m p t i o n Wo r l d O u t r e a c h Greenville, SC R e v. O n g S e k L e a n g M e t r o Ta b e r n a c l e K a u l a L u m p u r, M a l a y s i a

Conference Hosts: B i s h o p To n y & K a t h y M i l l e r Senior Pastors of The Gate

Come join us for our annual conference called “Affecting Destiny” happening 3/26 3/28! You don’t want to miss these days and nights It is a free event! Visit our website for more details.

DAILY EVENTS

FREE City of Moore Easter Egg Scramble at Buck Thomas Park in Moore features pictures with the Easter Bunny & age-divided hunts. 10-11am. 793-4332, www. cityofmoore.com. FREE Norman 89ers Day Parade “True Grit” on Main Street in Norman. 10am. 667-8711, www.norman89er.com.

FREE Easter Celebration at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (967 Cooper Memorial, Sulphur) features an age-divided egg hunt, appearance by the Easter Bunny, magic performances & a family film in the Anoli’ Theater. Exhibit Hall $6 adults, children 12 & under FREE. Family Film $6 adults, $3 for children, children 3 & under FREE. 10am5pm. www.chickasawculturalcenter.com. FREE Arts Trek at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee) features live performances along an art walk, as well as crafters, art organizations, performers, food vendors & more. 10am-4pm. 878-5300, www.artstrek.org. FREE Festival of the Four Winds at the Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) celebrates the tribal nations in Oklahoma with art, culture, dance, traditional foods, games & art activities. 10am-8pm. 325-4127, www.aii.ou.edu.

April 16th!!! IT’s FREE!!

Egg Hunt for all ages!

www.thegatechurch.tv facebook.com/thegateokc

FREE Family Fun Fair at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds (615 E Robinson, Norman) presented by the Pioneer Library System features activities recreating the era of “True Grit” with game booths, exhibits, demonstrations, performances, costumed characters, a petting zoo & old time food. 11:30am-2pm. www.pls.lib.ok.us. FREE Earth Fest at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) features ecofriendly talks & demonstrations on invasive species, bees, aquapontics & rain barrels as well as visits with Cycler the Robot & Mother Earth & nature-inspired kids activities. 1-4pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

FREE Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Show at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds (615 E Robinson, Norman) features a recreation of Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Show with trick roping, trick shooting, trick riding & more. 2-5:30pm. www.pls.lib.ok.us.

Fairy Tale Ball “Adventure Oz” at the Petroleum Club of OKC (100 N Broadway) benefits the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre & features a Tween’s Ball, Children’s Ball & Adult Ball with dinner, games, live auction & more. See website for details. $150 adult seating area, $75 Tween Ball, $50 Children’s Ball. 5:30-10pm. 606-7003, www. oklahomachildrenstheatre.org. Stories at the Stafford at the Stafford Air & Space Museum (3000 E Logan, Weatherford) features a screening of the movie Apollo 13 in celebration of the newest exhibit in honor of the day the first human went into space. FREE members, $7 nonmembers, children 5 & under FREE. 7pm. 580-772-5871, www.staffordmuseum.com. Spring Sampler Evening of Art at the Oak Tree Country Club (700 Country Club, Edmond) features live & silent auctions, buffet & more to benefit the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond. $150/ couple. 7-10pm. 340-4481, www. edmondfinearts.com. “Be a Super Hero” Fundraiser at Skate Galaxy OKC (5800 NW 36). Dress like a super hero & Skate Galaxy will donate to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. $10. 7pm. 605-2758, www. skategalaxyokc.com.

APRIL 13 • SUNDAY

Make Promises Happen Day at Frontier City (11501 NE Expressway) is a day of safe fun for special needs guests & their families, provided by Central Christian Camp. A portion of proceeds benefits the “Make Promises Happen” program. 282-2811, www. centralchristiancamp.org.

(APRIL 12–APRIL 13) Caring Bunny Photos for Children with Special Needs at Penn Square Mall (1901 NW Expressway) includes special steps taken to reduce sensory triggers. 11am-noon. www.simon.com/mall/Penn-Square-Mall.

Zoo (2000 Remington). Celebrate little elephant Malee’s 3rd birthday with cake for thousands, party favors while supplies last, fun for the elephants & activities. FREE with paid admission. 1-3pm. 4250262, www.okczoo.com.

FREE Family Day at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch) includes live performances by Spaghetti Eddie & the Sugar Free Allstars, hands-on art activities, face painting, story times, family tours & more. Noon-5pm. 2363100, www.okcmoa.com.

FREE Easter Egg-Stravaganza at St. Matthew United Methodist Church (300 N Air Depot, Midwest City) features age-divided egg hunts, children’s activities, prizes & more. 2-4pm. 732-6831, www.stmatthew.org.

Malee’s Birthday Bash at the OKC

FREE Easter Carnival & Egg Hunt at New Covenant United

Methodist Church (2700 S Boulevard, Edmond) features inflatables, games, a petting zoo, food & candy. 2:30-4:30pm. 562-3242, www.ncovenant.org. FREE Annual Easter Celebration & Egg Hunt at Church of the Servant (14343 N MacArthur) features agespecific egg hunts, crafts, cookies & punch, Easter Bunny photos & an opportunity to paint pottery. Small fee applies for pottery & each family is asked to bring a dozen filled eggs per child. Preregister by 4/9. 3-4:30pm. 7214141, www.churchoftheservant.com.

NOW OPEN FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY The Science Of Rock ‘n’ Roll Exhibition illustrates the art of music composition and careers in the music industry. Components include hands-on activities, musical interactions where visitors create their own compositions, remix famous songs and even use state-of-the-art technology to record themselves singing, playing a real guitar and drumming like rockstars. Historical artifacts, animated videos, Instrument displays, interactive kiosks and cutting-edge technology help to create an experience like none other. www.sciencemuseumok.org The Science of Rock ‘n’ Roll is organized by Elevation Productions and distributed by Exhibits Development Group.

Hurry, exhibition closes May 3rd.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

april

events this DAILY EVENTS

FREE Festival of Spirituals presented by the Cimarron Opera at First Presbyterian Church (555 S University, Norman) features students & guest singers performing original arrangements of spirituals. 6pm. 3648962, www.cimarronopera.org.

APRIL 14 • MONDAY

Gorilla Golf 2014 at the Fairfax Golf Club (2905 N Sooner, Edmond) features a four-person scramble including 18 holes. Proceeds support the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. $125 individual, $475 team of 4. 9am shotgun start. 425-0612, www.zoofriends.org. FREE 2014 Children, Youth & Families Picnic Celebration at the North Plaza & North Lawn of the Oklahoma State Capitol (2300 N Lincoln) features more than 60 different activity areas, entertainment, family leadership training & more. 3:30-7:30pm. 230-1900, www.namioklahoma.org.

APRIL 14–19

FREE ‘89er Celebration in Guthrie features music, food, baseball games, a car & motorcycle show, a carnival, parade, 5K run, rodeo, dance & more. 282-2589, www.89erdays.com.

APRIL 15 • TUESDAY

Tiny Tuesdays – Relief Sculpture Landscapes at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch) features a come-and-go, openended art-making activity geared towards ages 2-5 with parent or caregiver. FREE with paid admission. 10am-noon. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com. FREE Classics for Kids presented by Reduxion Theatre at the Choctaw Library introduces children ages 3+ to Shakespeare & the classics. 6:30pm. www. metrolibrary.org. Also held: 4/22 (Midwest City, 7pm), 4/24 (Belle Isle, 7pm), 4/26 (Edmond, 2pm), 4/29 (Warr Acres, 7pm).

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

Easter Egg Hunt at Bouncin Craze Locations (14901 N Lincoln in Edmond & 9333 W Reno) features an egg hunt, crafts & cupcake/cookie decorating. $7.50/child. 7pm. 607-2020, www. bouncincraze.com. Oklahoma Community Orchestra Concert at OC Hardeman Auditorium (2501 E Memorial, Edmond) features the winners of the Young Artist Competition. $10 at the door. 7:30pm. 425-5530, www. okorchestra.org.

APRIL 16 • WEDNESDAY FREE Toilet Training at Easter Seals Oklahoma (701 NE 13) offers training for parents & family members who have a loved one with developmental disabilities or those who are interested in learning behavioral strategies. Preregister. 4pm. 239-2525, www.eastersealsoklahoma.org.

FREE Eggstravaganza at the Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) features crafts, games, face painting, photos with the Easter Bunny & an egg hunt. 4-7pm. 325-4712, www. samnoblemuseum.org. FREE Treasure Hunt at the Gate Church (7700 N Council Rd, OKC) features an egg hunt with over 30,000 eggs, bounce houses, FREE food, prizes & more. 6pm. www.thegatechurch.tv.

APRIL 17 • THURSDAY FREE Yappy Hour at Bickham-Rudkin Dog Park in Edmond features live music, food vendors, entertainment & more. 4-7pm. 216-7636, www.edmondok.com.

APRIL 18 • FRIDAY

Bright Night of Girl Scouts at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52) features an overnight stay at the museum with hands-on activities, IMAX films, Science Live! & science experiments Preregister. $45/child, $25/adult, $5/ scout badge. 6pm-7am. 602-3760, www. sciencemuseumok.org.

(APRIL 13–APRIL 21) “At the Throttle” at the Oklahoma Railway Museum (3400 NE Grand). Participants ages 18+ get an opportunity to run a steam locomotive under the supervision of a qualified engineer. $125 for 30 minute session. 8am-4:30pm. 4248222, www.oklahomarailwaymuseum. org. Also held: 4/25.

APRIL 18–19

Beauty & the Beast presented by OKC Ballet at the Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) is a ballet inspired by the original 1740 Barbot de Villeneuve story with music performed by the OKC Philharmonic. $25+. Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm & 8pm. 848-8637, www.okcballet.com. [Join MetroFamily for hands-on activities immediately before the Saturday matinée performance.]

APRIL 19 • SATURDAY

Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno) for children age 10 & under. Preregister by 4/17. $5 members, $10 nonmembers. 10am. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org. Easter Celebration at the Orr Family Farm (14400 S Western) features pictures with the Easter Bunny & egg hunts for children ages 11 & under. $10.50/person. 10am-6pm. Hunts at 11:30am, 1:30pm & 3:30pm. 799-3276, www.orrfamilyfarm.com. Hippety Hop at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington) features a critter tale, animal enrichment & a make-n-take activity with LEGO bricks for ages 5-12. Preregister. $15/child member, $18/child nonmember. Parents FREE with child. 10-11:30am. 425-0218, www.okczooed.com. FREE Spring Diaper Bazaar/ WAHM Marketplace at Green Bambino (5120 N Shartel). Buy, sell or trade used cloth diapers, diapering accessories & baby carriers. Handmade items also available for purchase. 10:30am-12:30pm. 848-2330, www. green-bambino.com.

APRIL 19–20

Steam Train Rides at the Oklahoma Railway Museum (3400 NE Grand) hosts Flagg Coal #75, a restored 1930s-era coal-burning saddle tank steam locomotive. Ride in vintage 1920s & 30s passenger cars, on an open flatcar or caboose. Advance ticket purchase recommended. $18 ages 3+, under 3 FREE. 9:15am, 11:15am, 1:15pm & 3:15pm. 424-8222, www. oklahomarailwaymuseum.org. Also held: 4/26-27.

APRIL 20 • SUNDAY

Easter Sunday Brunch at the Park House Restaurant at the Myriad Gardens features a buffet including a variety of seasonal specialties & traditional brunch items. Preregister. $39.95 adults, $13.95 children 12 & under, children ages 3 & under FREE. 11am-3pm. 232-PARK, www.myriadgardens.org.

HOPabaloo at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington) features brunch & activities including Tiny Tot Egg Scrambles for children ages 2-5. Call for brunch reservations. Brunch is $17 for adults, $12 for children 3-11 & seniors 65 & older, children ages 2 & under FREE (includes Zoo admission). HOPabaloo activities FREE with paid admission. 10:30am & noon. 1-3pm. 424-3344, www.okczoo.com. Pitch, Hit & Run at Yukon Community Center Baseball Fields (2200 S Holly, Yukon) features a baseball skills competition including pitching, hitting & running for boys & girls ages 7-14. Boys, 1pm; Girls, 2:30pm. 3548442, www.cityofyukonok.gov.

APRIL 21 • MONDAY

Come Blow Your Horn presented by Bethesda, Inc. at Local (2262 W Main, Norman) benefits Bethesda’s mission to help child victims of abuse & features food, live & silent auction & entertainment by Steven Streetman. $50. 6pm. 225-4124, www.bethesdaok.org.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

apri

events this DAILY EVENTS APRIL 22 • TUESDAY

FREE Bus Rides provided by METRO Transit in support of Earth Day. 6am-7pm. 235-7433, www.gometro.org.

APRIL 22–25

Land Run at the Harn Homestead Museum (1721 N Lincoln) for ages 4-12 features learning activities centered around life in territorial Oklahoma with a reenactment of the Land Run at noon. Preregister. $8/student. 10am-1:30pm. 235-4058, www.harnhomestead.com.

APRIL 22–27

FREE Festival of the Arts at the Myriad Gardens features a celebration of the visual arts, performing arts & culinary arts including vendors, children’s activities, shopping & more. TuesdaySaturday, 11am-9pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm. 270-4848, www.artscouncilokc.com/ festival-of-the-arts.

APRIL 24 • THURSDAY An Evening with Midori at the Armstrong Auditorium (14400 S Bryant, Edmond) features a violin recital by Midori. $42+. 7:30pm. 285-1010, www. armstrongauditorium.org.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

APRIL 24–26

FREE Norman Music Festival 7 in downtown Norman features live music, children’s area, crafts & more. See website for schedule. www. normanmusicfestival.com.

APRIL 24–27

Rogers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific presented by OKC Repertory Theatre at the Kirkpatrick Auditorium at OCU (2501 N Blackwelder) $30 matinee, $35 evening, $8 student or military w/ ID. Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm. www.cityrep.com.

(APRIL 22–APRIL 25)

APRIL 25 • FRIDAY

Outdoor Classroom at Frontier City (11501 NE Expressway) Frontier City turns into a learning lab with educational exhibits & programs. Tickets must be ordered in advance. 478-2140, www. frontiercity.com. Also held: 5/2.

FREE H&8th Night Market (Hudson & 8) features a family- & pet-friendly street festival built around gourmet food trucks, live music & more. 7-11pm. www.h8thokc.com.

APRIL 25–26

FREE USA Canoe/Kayak Flatwater Sprint Team Trials in

the Boathouse District features more than 100 athletes competing in 200M, 500M & 1000M races on the Oklahoma River. See website for schedule. 9am. www.oklahomariverevents.org. Family Invertebrate Fossil Field Trip at the Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua, Norman). Children 7+ with an adult experience a journey into Oklahoma’s Paleozoic past & a trip to a site to find a variety of marine fossils to take home. Price includes one child & one adult. Preregister. $90 members, $45 additional member, $110 nonmembers, $55 additional nonmember. Friday, 6:307:30pm; Saturday, 9am-4pm. 325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum.org.

OKC Philharmonic POPS—Neil Sedaka at the Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) features one of the world’s most popular entertainers performing with the OKC Phil. $15+. 8pm. 842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.org.

APRIL 25–MAY 9

Alexander & the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day presented by the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre (2501 N Blackwelder) based on the popular children’s book. Recommended for grades K-3. $10 adults, $7 ages 2-12. Wednesday & Friday, 11am; Saturday & Sunday, 2pm. 606-7003, www. oklahomachildrenstheatre.org.

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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

apri

events this APRIL 26 • SATURDAY National Guard Appreciation Day at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington) offers $1 per person admission for all military personnel & their families with a coupon available at the Zoo’s front entrance on the day of the event. 9am-5pm. 424-3344, www.okczoo.com.

FREE Walk A Mile In My Shoes Foster Care Awareness Walk at the Bricktown Ballpark raises awareness for the plight of children in foster care. Participants are encouraged to bring a new or used suitcase to carry or pull during the walk. Suitcases may be donated to Oklahoma’s foster children. Preregister. 9am. www. walkamilefostercareevent.com. FREE 14th Annual Miracle Car Show at Tinker Federal Credit Union (4140 W I-40) benefits Children’s Miracle Network & features classic & custom vehicles, craft & food booths. 9am-3pm. www.tinkerfcu.org. FREE Natural Parenting Expo & Great Cloth Diaper Change at the OKC Fairgrounds features vendors & information regarding cloth diapers & natural parenting. 9am-3pm. www. clothdiaperoklahoma.org. March for Babies at Andrews Park (201 W Daws, Norman) benefits the March of Dimes. See website for fundraising information. 10am. 943-1025, www.marchforbabies.org. Evening EscApe at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington) raises funds for great ape conservation. Includes wine & dinner, a behind-the-scenes tour of Great EscApe & silent auction. Ages 12+. Preregister. $50/ticket. 6:30-8:30pm. 425-0612, www.zoofriends.org. OKC Energy Soccer vs Orlando City at Bishop McGuinness Catholic HS Stadium (NW 50 & Western). $1 discount if purchased in advance. $8+.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

7pm. www.energyfc.com. Home games in May: 5/10, 16, 31.

APRIL 26–27

Iron Thistle Scottish Festival at the Kirkpatrick Family Farm (1001 S Garth Brooks, Yukon). Medieval times come to life with clans dressed in authentic attire, live Celtic music, Celtic dancing, mass pipe & drum bands. Features a genealogy tent, traditional Scottish food, children’s play area & Medieval games. $5, children 9 & under are FREE. Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm. 354-8442, www. cityofyukonok.gov.

APRIL 27 • SUNDAY

Party for the Planet at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington) is a family-fun Earth Day celebration including live entertainment, Keeper Connections & “I Spy Safari” for children ages 11 & under. FREE with paid admission. 11am-3pm. 425-0262, www.okczoo.com. Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon in OKC includes a marathon, marathon relay, half-marathon, 5K & kids’ marathon. Benefits the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Prices vary by race. See website for details. 6:30am. www.okcmarathon.com. OKC Philharmonic Discovery Series—Fiesta! at the Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) features a one-hour family concert designed for ages 4-12 with music of celebration from around the world. Children’s activities in the lobby including the instrument playground available one hour prior to event. $9/person general admission. Activities, 1pm; Concert, 2pm. 842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.org.

APRIL 27–MAY 3

Just Between Friends Children’s Consignment Sale at State Fair

(APRIL 26–MAY 4) Park. Many items half-price on Friday & Saturday. $3 admission on Sunday. Sunday, noon-9pm; Monday, 10am-9pm; TuesdayThursday, 10am-4pm; Friday, 10am-9pm; Saturday, 10am-1pm. www.okc.jbfsale.com.

MAY 2 • FRIDAY

Annual Charity Auction at the OKC Farmers Public Market (311 S Klein) is western-themed with silent & live auctions benefiting Infant Crisis Services. $50. 5-10pm. 5283663, www.infantcrisis.org.

MAY 2–3

OCHEC OKC Homeschool Convention at the Cox Convention Center features workshops, vendors, speakers & other activities for homeschool families. See website for details. $49 family registration, $35 teen track, $25 shopping only pass (prices increase 4/18). www.ochec.com.

MAY 2–4

Norman Friends of the Library Better Book Sale at the Norman Library (225 N Webster, Norman) offers a wide selection of coffee table, rare & collectible books for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Norman Library. Friday, 6-9pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. 701-2600, www.pls.lib.ok.us. FREE Downtown Edmond Arts Festival (Broadway & 2, Edmond) features artists & crafters, food, performing artists, children’s area & more. Friday-Saturday, 10am-8pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. 249-9391, www.downtownedmondok. com.

MAY 3 • SATURDAY 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. FREE Prague Kolache Festival on Main Street in downtown Prague offers dance, song, food, crafts, parade, carnival rides & more. 567-4866, www. praguekolachefestival.com. FREE El Reno Fried Onion Burger Day in downtown El Reno features live entertainment, arts & crafts, food, games, rides & more. 262-8888, www. elrenoburgerday.com. March for Babies at the Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno) benefits the March of Dimes. See website for fundraising information. 9am. 943-1025, www. marchforbabies.org. Festival of the Child at Yukon City Park (2200 S Holly, Yukon) features over 50 areas of activities including crafts, storytelling, kayaking, moon bounces, performing arts stage & more. $5 in advance, $7 day of the event, adults FREE. 10am-4pm. 354-8442, www.cityofyukon.gov.

MAY 3–4

May Fair Arts Festival 2014 at Andrews Park in Norman features arts & crafts vendors, entertainment, food vendors, children’s area, Art & Sole Run & more. Saturday, 9am-8pm; Sunday, 11am5pm. www.norman.assistanceleague.org.

MAY 4 • SUNDAY

5th Annual Princess Run & Little Dude Dash at the OKC Boathouse District (725 S Lincoln) features a 2K run for ages 12 & under as well as a FREE Family & Kid Festival. $25+ plus fees. Festival, 1-5pm; Run, 2pm. www. princessrun.com.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

JOIN OUR E-CLUB! Get exclusive oﬀers and early notice on specials. www.WATER-ZOO.com

events this

april WEEKLY EVENTS

FREE Discovery Room programs at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua, Norman). See website for details. 325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum.org. FREE Art Adventures at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) includes hands-on art fun for children ages 3-5 with adult. Tuesdays, 10:30am. 325-3272, www. ou.edu/fjjma. FREE Story Time at Norman Public Library West (3000 Norman Center Court, Norman) for ages 2-PreK. Tuesdays, 10am. www.justsoyouknow.us. Baby & Me Classes at Abrakadoodle (113 W Main, Moore) for ages 2-5 with parent or caregiver. Toddlers will explore art & develop fine motor skills. $75/month or $25/ drop-in nonmembers. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10-11am. 759-7977, www.facebook.com/ abrakadoodleokc. 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, 11-11:30am. 340-7584, www.unpluggits.com FREE Story Time at Cuppies & Joe (727 NW 23) features stories & a treat. Held the 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month. 9am. 5282122, www.cuppiesandjoe.com. Saturday Kids at Abrakadoodle (113 W Main, Moore) features a creative activity for children ages 7-14. $20 members, $30 nonmembers. Saturdays, 10am-noon. 7597977, www.facebook.com/abrakadoodleokc. FREE Children’s Story Time at Full Circle Books (1900 NW Expressway). Saturdays, 10:15am. 842-2900, www. fullcirclebooks.com. FREE Storytime with Mr. Steve at Barnes & Noble (540 Ed Noble Parkway, Norman) features stories for all ages. Saturdays,11am. 579-8800, www. barnesandnoble.com. FREE Children’s Story Time at Edmond’s Best of Books (1313 E Danforth, Edmond). Saturdays, 11-11:30am. 340-9202, www.bestofbooksedmond.com.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

FREE Crafts for Kids at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) features a new craft each Saturday for ages 3+. Saturdays, 11am3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com. FREE Skating Lessons at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36) for all skill levels. Saturdays, noon-12:45pm. 605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc. com. Drop in Art at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features hands-on art activities for all ages. FREE with paid admission. See website for themes/activities. Saturdays, 1-4pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com. All-Star Bowling for DifferentlyAbled Individuals at AMF Yukon Lanes (500 E Main). $8/week includes 3 games & shoes. Saturdays, 1pm. Email dbrakefield@ yahoo.com to verify schedule. 354-2516. FREE Green Earth Gang for ages 9-13 works on conservation projects at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial). Saturdays, 2-5pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/ parks/martin_park. Saturday Night Movies at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial Blvd, Sulphur) features a movie on the four-story screen in the Anoli’ theater. See website for titles. $2 children, $3 adults, $5 combo package including popcorn & bottled drink with ticket. Saturdays, 6:30pm. 580-622-7130, www. chickasawculturalcenter.com. FREE Performing Arts at Plaza Mayor at the Crossroads (7000 Crossroads) features mariachi bands, singing, dancing and celebrations of Hispanic culture. Sundays, 1-6pm. 631-4422, www.plazamayorok.com.

events this

april ONGOING EVENTS

THROUGH MAY 4

The Science of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52) illustrates the art of music composition and careers in the music industry with hands-on activities, musical interactions, instrument displays and more. Exhibit requires additional admission fees. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org.

THROUGH MAY 11

Allan Houser & His Students exhibit at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63) presents a look at Houser as teacher & mentor. 478-2250, www. nationalcowboymuseum.org. Walter Ufer: Rise, Fall, Resurrection at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum includes 50 works by the famed American painter & works by his contemporaries. 478-2250, www. nationalcowboymuseum.org.

THROUGH MAY 16

FREE Chuck Webster: Untitled at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing) features quasi-abstract paintings & drawings referring to animals, plants, architecture & human bodies. 951-0000, www. oklahomacontemporary.org.

THROUGH MAY 18

FREE Allan Houser Drawings: The Centennial Exhibition at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) celebrates the distinguished Chiricahua Apache artist, with 100 of his drawings. 325-4938, www.ou.edu/fjjma.

THROUGH JUNE 1

Ansel Adams: An American Perspective at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch) features nearly 60 photographs by the iconic American photographer. 236-3100, www. okcmoa.com. Brett Weston: Land, Sea & Sky at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch) includes 150 photographs by Brett Weston. 236-3100, www. okcmoa.com.

THROUGH AUG 31

Oklahoma Society of Impressionists at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi) depicts Oklahoma’s historic landmarks, landscapes & items from Oklahoma heritage. 522-0765, www.okhistory.org.

THROUGH SEPT 15

Totemic Taxonomy at Science Museum Oklahoma Satellite Galleries (2100 NE 52) features art by Peter Froslie & Cathleen Faubert that explores totems within the context of the 21st century. FREE with museum admission. 602-6664, www. sciencemuseumok.org. Brandice Guerra: Wunderkammer at Science Museum Oklahoma Satellite Galleries (2100 NE 52) features a display of art & natural history curiosities in paintings that include natural history objects such as preserved specimens, species of taxidermy, old scientific devices & antique anatomical models. FREE with admission. 602-6664, www. sciencemuseumok.org.

THROUGH OCTOBER

Stingray Bay at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington). See & touch live stingrays. $3 entry fee, plus regular Zoo admission. 424-3344, www.okczoo.com.

Find Easter egg hunts, Easter-themed events, bunny photos and more in our

2014 EASTER FUN GUIDE www.metrofamilymagazine.com/easter

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

4TH OF JULY PARADE IN GUTHRIE

OKLAHOMA TERRITORIAL MUSEUM

DOWTOWN HISTORIC GUTHRIE

5 ways to bring history to life in Guthrie

t only takes a short drive to go back in time more than one hundred years when you visit Guthrie. Founded in 1887 (and originally called Deer Creek), Guthrie was Oklahomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last territorial capital and first state capital. Though the capital moved to Oklahoma City in 1910, Guthrie is still home to beautifully-restored buildings and has many museums and events that help bring the past alive for visitors every day.

BY JENNIFER GEARY - METROFAMILY COLUMNIST

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER GEARY & COURTESY OF THE GUTHRIE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU.

exploring oklahoma Many of the venues you’ll want to be sure to visit are in the Guthrie Historic District, which contains over 2,000 buildings and covers 1,400 acres. Several of the sites are on the National Register of Historic Places and the area itself is considered a National Historic Landmark. Downtown Guthrie is also home to a thriving commercial area including many gift and antique shops. MUST-SEE MUSEUMS If you visit Guthrie, the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and The Carnegie Library (402 E. Oklahoma Avenue, www.okterritorialmuseum.org) is a perfect first stop in Guthrie. The museum covers the history of the area from the first Indian removals in the 1830s to the land runs and early statehood to the changing of the capital from Guthrie to Oklahoma City. The exhibits give visitors a clear picture of what daily life would have

OKLAHOMA FRONTIER DRUGSTORE MUSEUM

been like for homesteaders in Oklahoma Territory in the late nineteenth century through displays of household goods, toys and even an original ‘89er cabin. Take some time to page through the catalogs the homesteaders would have shoppingfrom and you’ll be amazed at some of the things they could purchase! Upstairs, be sure to visit Camp Guthrie, the dress up area for kids 10 and under, where your children can see what they would have worn each day as they performed the chores required of children on a farm. The second Carnegie Library to be built in Oklahoma and the oldest one still standing in the state today, Guthrie’s Carnegie Library is now part of the Guthrie Museum Complex and is attached to the Oklahoma Territorial Museum. The library has been a part of some of the most important events in the history of the area, including the inaugurations of the last governor of the territory and the

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first governor of the state. The library currently houses exhibits on Oklahoma music and on the strange tale of Elmer McCurdy, the outlaw whose mummified body was discovered during the filming of a TV show more than 60 years after his death.

OKLAHOMA SPORTS MUSEUM

FIRST CAPITAL TROLLEY FIRST-CLASS SIGHTSEEING

OKLAHOMA SPORTS MUSEUM JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED Just down the street a few blocks is the Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum (214 W. Oklahoma Avenue, www.drugmuseum.org). The museum is just what the name describes: an amazing and extensive collection of pharmacy and drugstore memorabilia, from medications to makeup and everything in between. Take some time to peruse the shelves and you’ll find some amusing and surprising remedies for many common ailments. The museum is also surprisingly kid-friendly. The staff encouraged my children to explore behind the counters and even gave them demonstrations of how to serve sodas and sundaes at the ice cream counter. Next door to the museum is the Apothecary Garden, which is home to many medicinal herbs and plants. With benches, a fountain and fish pond, this is a lovely place to sit back and relax while enjoying the sights and scents of the garden. FOR THE SPORTS FAN Just down the street is the Territorial Capital Sports Museum (315 W. Oklahoma Avenue, www.territorialcapitalsportsmuseum. org), is a necessary stop for the sports fans in your family. The museum fills 13,000 square feet and has displays covering football, basketball, baseball, golf, rodeo and the Olympics.Your children will recognize current athletes and teams and will also be able to learn about Oklahoma sports heroes from the past.

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If you want to hear the scoop on many of Guthrie’s famous residents and where they lived and worked, the First Capital Trolley Tour (www.firstcapitaltrolley.com) should be at the top of your list. Catch the trolley at the corner of 2nd and Harrison for a 45-minute ride that will take you back in time and all around town. The recorded narration shares interesting stories behind many of the historic buildings, such as the Blue Bell Saloon where the famous cowboy actor Tom Mix was a bartender and bouncer and the opera house where a young Lon Chaney worked as a stagehand. Riders also get to see many different architectural styles in the homes of prominent Guthrie residents of the past. While some of the information might be more in-depth than children really want to know, both of my children enjoyed the ride and seeing all the buildings in town. It’s very different from the strip centers we’re used to seeing today! CELEBRATING THE LAND RUN April is a terrific time for your trip to Guthrie because you can enjoy the annual ‘89er Celebration (www.89erdays.com). Guthrie is the only community in the state that has been officially recognized by Governor Proclamation as the celebration site for the Land Run of 1889, and they celebrate in a big way! This year’s festivities will take place from April 14-19 and include events for everyone in the family. There will be music, food, baseball games, a car and motorcycle show, a carnival and more during the week. On Saturday, there will be a parade (the largest in the state) as well as a 5K run, a rodeo and a dance. Guthrie is only an easy half-hour drive from Oklahoma City, so there’s no need to worry about planning a huge trip. Just head north on I-35 until you see Exit 153 on your left. Traveling north on US-77 will lead you right into town. Enjoy your trip to the past!

OKLAHOMA TERRITORIAL MUSEUM

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN GUTHRIE

[Editor’s Note: Find more ideas for fun weekend getaways and day trips in Oklahoma at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/Exploring-Oklahoma.]

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Summer Camp Guide

Our 2014 Summer Camp & Activities Guide is here to help you plan the best summer ever. Search for camps here and online at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/summer-camp-guide.

Venue

Contact

Dates

Fees

Details

Abrakadoodle OKC Art

113 W Main St, Moore 405-759-7977, www.abrakadoodle.com/OK01

March 17- August 8

$30–$173

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Half & full day themed art camps offered through Edmond Parks & Rec, Yukon Parks & Rec, Moore Parks & Rec, Sylvan Learning Centers (South OKC & Belle Isle) and Abrakadoodle Art Studio in Moore.

Academy of Dance Arts

718 S Mustang Rd, Yukon 405-324-7600, www.academydanceartsok.com

June 9–July 25

$80–$100 per week

Day camp; before/after care, no scholarships. Half & full day dance camps for boys & girls ages 3-12 years old, including ballet, hip hop, tumbling & cheer.

Active Learning Services

Heritage Hall, 1800 NW 122nd St, OKC Metro Christian Academy, 6363 S Trenton, Tulsa 888-652-4377, www.activelearningcamps.com

Session I: June 2-6 (OKC) Session II: July 14-18 (OKC) June 23-27 (Tulsa)

Chess $290-$445; Video Game Creation $315-$505

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Active Learning Camps for ages 6-13 offer professional chess instruction for kids of all abilities. Video Game Creation camps for ages 7-15 provide campers opportunity to create their own arcadestyle or platform video game or animation. Half-day classes available.

Alma Music Studio

Green Bambino, 5120 N Shartel, OKC 405-600-4458, www.almamusicstudio.com

June 3–August 29

$65 per month

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Kindermusik, an early childhood music & movement program, is offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for newborns through age 5.

Building Minds, LLC

6608 N Western, OKC 405-443-4530, www.building-minds.com

June 9–August 1

$150

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Camps for ages 6-13 using LEGO® bricks in hands-on building projects to teach about science, engineering, wind and solar power, air pressure and home energy sources.

Cadence Equestrian Center Camp ClapHans

14150 S Air Depot Blvd, Edmond 405-348-7469, www.cadenceequestrian.com

June 16–August 1

$375 per week

Beginner & intermediate horse camps for ages 6–12 to learn about horses & provide riding instruction. No previous riding experience necessary.

2002 E Robinson St, Norman 405-307-2814, kcottrell@jdmc.org www.campclaphans.com

June 15–July 23 Register by April 24

$325 per week

Overnight camp; scholarships available. For ages 8–16 with developmental disabilities. Five 4-day sessions run from Sunday afternoon to Wednesday evening. 1:1 ratio of camp staff to campers. Activities include canoeing, fishing, archery, horseback riding, arts, crafts & more.

Camp DaKaNi 3309 E Hefner Rd, OKC

June 1–July 25

$180–$325

Day & overnight camps; before/after care available, scholarships available. Day camps for ages 5–13 from 9:00am–3:30pm include zipline, rock climbing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, sports & more. Overnight camps for youth entering middle school through high school include rock climbing, repelling, team sports, arts, crafts, fishing, archery, performance arts & more. Camp C.A.N.O.E. (Children with Autism Need Outdoor Experiences) open to children with autism in grades K-12.

Camp Invention

800-968-4332, www.campinvention.org

June 9–July 25 Locations in OKC, Tulsa, Edmond, Miami & Poteau

Varies

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. For children entering 1st-6th grade; includes a hands on, interactive curriculum incorporating science, math, art, invention, creativity & problem solving.

Camp McFadden

9137 E Hartford, Ponca City 580-762-9955, www.campmcfadden.com

June 8–August 1

$150 short session; $300 full week

Overnight camp; scholarships available. For ages 6-18; activities include arts & crafts, ropes course, canoeing, kayaking & horse riding.

405-254-2080, www.campdakani.org

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Summer Camp Guide Venue

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Casady School

Contact

Dates

Fees

Details

9500 N Penn, OKC 405-749-3181, www.casady.org/extendedprograms

June 2–July 18

$79–$239

Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships. Recreational, athletic & academic offerings throughout the summer for students in grades PreK-12. Most camps are morning or afternoon options that meet Monday–Thursday. Friday options available.

Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center Child Care, Inc.

507 S 4th St, Enid 580-237-1907, www.csrhc.org

June 9–13

Call for fees

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. History Explorers Day Camp includes fishing, historic skills and exhibit building.

Multiple locations 405-942-1250, www.childcareinc.com

May 1–August 31

$120 per week

Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships. Full-service care for ages 5–12 up to 10 hours per day, Monday–Saturday. Field trip/ activity fee in addition to weekly tuition.

Childcare Network

14300 N Western Ave, Edmond; 1909 E 15 St, Edmond; 4500 E I-240 Service Rd, OKC; 3232 NW 150 St, OKC; 7901 NW 85 Terrace, OKC; 1050 SW Grand Blvd, OKC 800-432-1806, www.childcarenetwork.com

June–August

$120 per week

Day camp; before/after care available, scholarships available. Campers explore a new theme each week, including “Wizards & Wonders” and “Blast into Outer Space.”

Childtime

Multiple locations 877-217-9528, www.childtime.com

Ongoing

Varies

Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships. Great Summer Escape camps for ages 5–12, ranging from outdoor adventure to sports, music, drama & more.

ClubZ! In-Home Tutoring

3200 E Memorial Rd, Ste 600, Edmond 405-478-3515, www.clubztutoring.com/okc

June 1–July 31 Register by May 16

Call for fees

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Summer small group or one-on-one tutoring for grades K–12. All subjects taught by certified teachers. Jump Start Reading for grades 1-3; Art of Writing grades 5-12; Master Study Skills grades 5-12.

Creative Arts Enid

222 E Maple, Enid 580-540-8952, www.creativeartsenid.com

June 2–26 July 7–31

Call for fees

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Half-day summer camps held Monday–Thursday. Ages 5-6, Budding Artist; Ages 7-12, Art Adventures or Acrylic Painting; Ages 9-12, Photography or Watercolor. Ages 8 & up, Knit or Crochet (parents can take the class with their child.)

Crossings Christian School

14400 N Portland Ave, OKC 405-842-8495, www.summeratcrossings.com

May 27–August 7

$75–$140

Summer@Crossings offers Biblically-integrated sport and enrichment camps for PreK-12. Sports include basketball, baseball, soccer, softball, volleyball & more. Enrichment camps include American Girl, photography & more.

Edmond Parks 2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond & Recreation 405-359-4630,

June–August

$100–$300

Day camp; before/after care available, scholarships available. Camps for ages 2–12 with topics including video game design, web design, Abrakadoodle Art, Mad Science, Tippi Toes dance, Kindermusik, Kid Co. Theatre, baton twirling & more.

Fine Arts Institute of Edmond

27 E Edwards, Edmond 405-340-4481, www.edmondfinearts.com

June–August

$95–$215

Day camp; no before/after care, scholarships available. Week-long camps for students in 1st–8th grade with hands-on opportunities in visual and performing arts.

Firehouse Art Center

444 S Flood, Norman 405-329-4523, www.normanfirehouse.com

June 2–August 1 Register by June 2

$90–$160

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Children’s Summer Art Program for ages 5–13 offers five summer sessions running Monday–Friday, focusing on Oklahoma Priority Academic Student Skills & a different artist each session.

First Presbyterian Church of Edmond

1001 S Rankin St, Edmond 405-341-3602 x233, www.fpcedmond.org

June 9–13 Register by May 30

$65

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. UW Summer Sports Camp for ages 4–12, held 9:00am-12:15pm. Offers sports instruction in soccer, basketball, cheer, football & Team 45 for ages 4–5.

www.edmondparks.com

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Venue

Summer Camp Guide

Gallery Farm

Contact

Dates

Fees

Details

8900 Cemetery Rd, Noble 405-990-8963, www.galleryfarm.us

June–July

$225–$425

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships Beginner, intermediate & advanced camps for ages 6+ held in covered arena. Offers instruction in riding & horse care with an emphasis on safety, plus equestrian-related crafts & activities. Western or English riding style offered. Held Monday–Friday.

The Gate Church

7700 N Council Rd, OKC 405-728-7700, www.thegatechurch.tv

June–August Register by May 23

Cost is based on income

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Full-day camp for Kindergarten–5th grade, includes outside activities & indoor crafts.

Gaslight Theatre

221 N Independence, Enid 580-402-3002, www.gaslighttheatre.org

May 27–June 22

$250

Day camp; no before/after care, scholarships available. Half-day sessions for children who have completed Kindergarten–grade 5.

Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma

6100 NW 76 St, OKC 405-528-4475, www.gswestok.org

March–August

Free–$500

Day & overnight camps; no before/after care, scholarships available. Camps for all ages, includes archery, canoeing, hiking, crafts, riding horses & STEM camps.

The Goddard School

6001 E Covell Rd, Edmond 405-330-1313, www.goddardschool.com

June 2–August 15

Call for fees. Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships. Goddard Leap into Literacy program for children ages 6 weeks–8 years old.

The Goddard School

17440 N Western Ave, Edmond 405-348-4442, www.goddardschool.com

June 2–August 15

Call for fees. Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships. Goddard Amazing Animals program for children ages 6 weeks–12 years.

Harn Homestead Museum

1721 N Lincoln Blvd, OKC 405-235-4058, www.harnhomestead.com

June 2–6

$150

Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships. Themed daily activities centering around pioneer life, insects, farm animals, nature and recycling for ages 6–11.

Henderson Hills Baptist Church

1200 E I-35 Frontage Rd, Edmond 405-341-4639, www.hhbc.com

August 4–7 Register by July 18

$150

Overnight camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Henderson Hills Kids Kamp for kids who have completed 3rd–5th grade. Held at Sky Ranch Cave Springs.

iCan Bike– OKC

Oklahoma City Community College, 777 S May Ave, OKC 405-607-4440, www.icanbike.org

August 4–8 Register by July 18

$150

Day camp; no before/after care, scholarships available. This five-day camp teaches individuals ages 8+ with special needs how to ride a conventional bike using adapted bicycles.

505 E. Covell, Edmond KaleidEscape 405-341-9541, at St. Mary’s www.smesedmond.org Episcopal School

June 2–27

$170/week

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Offers four one-week sessions for children ages 4-11 in arts & crafts, drama, music, science, water play & PE. Camp hours are 8:30am–2:30pm daily.

Kanakuk Kamps

1353 Lake Shore Drive, Branson 417-266-3000, www.kanakuk.com

May 31–August 9

$1,040– $4,080

Overnight camp; no before/after care, scholarships available. A summer camp for boys and girls ages 6–18 years old located in SW Missouri, committed to developing dynamic Christian leaders & offering over 70 activities, sports & more.

Keystone Adventure School & Farm

19201 N Western Ave, Edmond 405-216-5400, www.keystoneadventureschoolandfarm.com

May 27–July 31

$125–$275/ week

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Half-day Fun on the Farm camp for age 3. Full-day Summer on the Farm and Junior Farmer camps for ages 4–12. Half-day Tech on the Farm camp for ages 7–13.

Kumon Math & Reading

Edmond–West: 245 S Santa Fe, 405-2169800; Edmond–North: 775 W Covell, 405-715-1111, www.kumon.com

Ongoing

$125 per subject per month

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. For preschool–high school. Kumon will design an individualized lesson plan to help your child achieve success in math & reading & develop strong study skills & confidence. For remedial and advanced students.

L’Alliance Française

PO Box 414, OKC 405-748-0868, www.afdokc.org

July 7–10 Register by June 30

$119

Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships. Colonie de vacances, a French summer camp for 3rd–6th graders from 9am-noon. Teaches vocabulary, games, songs & more.

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Summer Camp Guide

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Venue

Contact

Dates

Fees

Details

LaPetite Academy

See website for locations 877-217-9530, www.lapetite.com

Ongoing

$119

Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships. Best Summer Ever camps for ages 5–12, ranging from outdoor adventure to sports, music, drama & more.

Leonardo’s Children’s Museum

200 E Maple, Enid 580-233-2787, www.leonardos.org

June 2–27; July 7–August 1

Call for fees

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. For ages 4–12. Nine weeks of art & science exploration. Choose morning, afternoon or full day sessions for one or more weeks.

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art

1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee 405-878-5300, www.mgmoa.org/creative-arts-camp

June 9–August 1

$50–$60 (discounts available)

Day camp; no before/after care, scholarships available. Week-long, two-hour long creative arts camps for kids 8–13, each with a different theme and taught by a different artist.

Mad Science

PO Box 30983, Edmond 405-285-9643, www.okc.madscience.org

June–August

$95–$125

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Camps for PreK–6th grade, held at various locations. Themes include LEGO® Mindstorms Robotics; Machines, Bridges, Concoctions & Bugs; Jr. Explorers Club and Secret Agents Lab.

Moore Norman Technology Center

4701-12th Avenue NW, Norman 405-364-5763, www.mntechnology.com/ summeryouthacademy

June 2–26 Enrollment begins April 17

$70–$135

Day camp; no before/after care, scholarships available. Summer Youth Academy 2014 program offers one-week sessions Monday–Thursday (half- & full-day) for ages 9–14.

Oklahoma Center for Arts Education

University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond 405-974-3754, www.ocae.net

June 9–July 25

$150–$300 per week

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Half- or full-day week-long camps for ages 7+ cover topics including interior design, graphic design, drama, art, chamber music, rock music camp, jazz music, choral music, dance & more.

Oklahoma Children’s Theatre

2501 N Blackwelder, OKC 405-606-7003, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org

May 27–August 15

$100–$450

Day camp; before/after care available, scholarships available. Full-day camps for ages 3–13, topics include theatre, dance, puppetry, musical theatre, stage combat, film making, video game design, speech & debate & more.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

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

June 3–August 8

$120/ members, $130/nonmembers

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. A variety of age-appropriate, thematic four-day sessions based on the museum’s exhibitions & permanent collections.

Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center Oklahoma History Center

3000 General Pershing Blvd, OKC 405-951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org

May 27–August 15

$165 per week

Day camp; before/after care available, scholarships available. Visual & performing art camps for ages 5–13. Activities vary throughout the summer.

800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, OKC 405-522-3602, www.okhistory.org

July 9–11

$40

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. History Pioneers Junior Curator Camp for ages 8–12, 10am–3pm daily. Participants will learn how to handle artifacts, write labels, research and create their own exhibit to display.

Orr Family Farm

14400 S. Western, OKC 405-799-3276, www.orrfamilyfarm.com

June 17-20 (Register by June 9) July 15-18 (Register by July 7)

$160+tax

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. For grades K–6th. Include pony ride, animal care & grooming, fishing, scavenger hunts, crafts & more.

930 N Portland Ave, OKC 405-713-1125, http://oces.okstate.edu/oklahoma

May 28–July 16

$10–$40

Day camp; no before/after care, scholarships available. OSU Extension Youth Summer Workshops for ages 9–19 including Babysitting 101, Pizza and Pie, Junior Master Gardening, Kids in the Kitchen, sewing, Food Showdown & photography.

1928 Goddard Ave, Norman 405-325-1635 flightcamp.ou.edu

June 2–July 18 Partial Scholarship Application deadline May 1

$470–$625

Day camp; before/after care available, scholarships available. Summer flight camps for ages 6–18 to learn the principles of flight through hands-on activities demonstrating science, technology, engineering & math.

OSU Extension –Oklahoma County OU Sooner Flight Academy

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Summer Camps Guide

Venue

Contact

Dates

Fees

Details

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History Science Museum Oklahoma

2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman 405-325-1008, www.samnoblemuseum.org

June–August

$55–$70

Day camp; no before/after care, scholarships available. For ages 4 (with adult)–14. A variety of camp sessions cover a range of science-related topics.

2100 NE 52 St, OKC 405-602-3760, www.sciencemusuemok.org

June 16–July 25

$235–$250

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Full day, week-long camps for grades 1–6, includes activities, shows & exhibits.

Soccer City

4520 Old Farm Rd, OKC 405-748-3888, www.soccercityokc.com

June–August

$75–$150

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Recreational & advanced soccer camps for ages 4–16.

SPARK Summer Program at First Presbyterian Church

1001 NW 25, OKC 405-525-0018

June 2–July 30

$125 per week (3-5 days) or $25 per day (1-2 days)

Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships. SPARK 2014 Mystery Detectives camp includes swimming, field trips, classes, crafts & interactive learning. $55 enrollment fee, 15% discount for multiple children.

Studio J School of Dance

420 S Santa Fe Ave, Edmond 405-348-3377, www.studiojdanceok.com

July–August

$70–$250

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Week-long ballet camps for ages 3–7 ending with a studio performance. Also, summer session dance classes for ages 3–18.

techJOYnT

8328 Glade Ave, OKC 405-345-5010, www.techjoynt.com

June 1–August 22

$10–$15 per hour

Overnight & day camp; before/after care available, scholarships available. Video game, graphics design, app development, robotics & programming camps for ages 8–18.

The Studio of the Sooner Theatre

227 E Main St, Norman 405-321-9600, www.soonertheatre.com

June 2 –August 1

$125–$400

Day camp; no before/after care, scholarships available. One-, two- & three-week camps with full& half-day options for grades K–12. Topics include musical theatre, theatre dance, voice, improvisation, claymation, acting & more.

Trinity School

321 NW 36 St, OKC 405-525-5600, www.trinityschoolokc.org

July 8–31

$300–$600

Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships. Summer Academy for grades K–12 focuses on intensive reading therapy, math & language arts through multi-sensory instruction.

Twist and Shout Training Center

14801 N Lincoln Blvd, Edmond 405-775-9491, www.shouterspirit.com

June 1–July 30

$100

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Two-hour, four-day camps for ages 4+ in tumbling & cheer. Training in all levels of tumbling & cheer, competitive & recreational teams.

Velocity Dance Center

11122 N Rockwell Ave, OKC 405-721-8807, www.oklahomacitydancestudio.com

June–August

$40–$200

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Themed dance camps for ages 3+, including Angelina Ballerina and princess. Summer session classes also available for 3+ in ballet, jazz, tap & hip hop.

Victory Dance

4401 N MacArthur Blvd, OKC 405-717-1250, www.victorydance.tv

June 9–August 1

$45–$75

Day camp; no before/after care, no scholarships. Two-week camps offered for ages 3–18 in various dance styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, Broadway, pom, lyrical & more. Also, three-day princess camps in July. Registration opens May 1.

Wake Zone Cable Park

3501 NE 10, OKC 405-702-4040, www.cablewakezone.com

April 28–August 29

$160–385

Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships. Half- or full-day camps for ages 6–17 includes basic equipment & wakeboard instruction.

Westminster School

600 NW 44 St, OKC 405-524-0631, www.westminsterschool.org

June 9–20

Varies

Day camp; before/after care available, no scholarships. Camp Invention for grades 1–6 to invent bionic gadgets, design motor-powered vehicles & more. Building Minds Camps for grades 1–5 to learn about motorized machines, renewable energy & pneumatics.

YMCA Camp Classen

10840 Main Camp Rd, Davis 580-369-2272, www.ymcaokc.org

June 8–July 19

$595–$695 per week

Overnight camp; scholarships available. Resident camps in the Arbuckles of southern Oklahoma emphasizes learning skills, developing character, making friends, encouraging self-reliance & developing a love for nature.

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Summer Activities Guide

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Venue

Contact

Dates

Fees

Details

Bouncin Craze & Bouncin Craze II

14901 N Lincoln Blvd, Edmond 405-607-2020, www.bouncincraze.com 9333 W Reno, OKC 405-470-7000, www.bouncincrazeii.com

Monday & Wednesday, 10am–6pm, Tuesday, 10am–8pm, Friday 10am–5pm

$7.50+

Indoor inflatable fun, game rooms, crafts and snack bar. Special water inflatables on select Tuesdays.

Chickasaw Cultural Center

867 Cooper Memorial Dr, Sulphur 580-622-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com

Ongoing

Free, some exhibits have fees.

One of the largest tribal cultural centers in the United States & shares the history of the Chickasaw people through art, exhibits & performances.

Dodge City Paintball & Outdoor Laser Tag of OKC Museum of Osteology

NW 150th & Gregory Rd, Piedmont 405-373-3745, www.oklahoma-paintball.com

Open every weekend, summer hours from 5–9pm.

$16–$30

10 laser tag courses, paintball, junior paintball for ages 5+, swingset, grills, all-weather building. Group rates available.

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

Ongoing

$7 for ages 13+, $6 for ages 3–12

Provides educational exhibits & activities to help visitors understand biology via skeletons of animals from around the world. Offers field trips and educational outreach for summer groups & camps.

Oklahoma History Center

800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, OKC 405-522-3602, www.okhistory.org

June 1–July 31

$2 per week

Held each Wednesday at 10:30am, Okietales is a reading and storytelling time for ages 5–9 that explores different history books & topics each week. Includes admission to the museum. Preregister.

RedPin Bowling Lounge

200 S Oklahoma, Lower Bricktown, OKC 405-702-8880, www.bowlredpin.com

Open daily

$4–$15

Enjoy made-from-scratch food, wait-staff service at the lanes and kid-friendly features like automated bumpers and bowling ramps. Reservations accepted.

Skate Galaxy OKC

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

June–August

Summer public roller skating session from 11am–2pm, as well as private lessons and free Learn to Skate sessions Saturdays at noon.

Unpluggits Playstudio

575 Enterprise Drive, Edmond 405-340-7584, www.unpluggits.com

June 1–August 1

$20 per session

Pottery painting technique workshops held each Wednesday from 2–4pm for ages 5–13.

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Bouncin Craze II features Art N Craze, offering drawing, painting, coloring & chalk stations.

APRIL 2014 APRIL 2014

local shopping

An insider’s guide to local farmers markets

BY BROOKE BARNETT - METROFAMILY EDITOR PHOTOS COURTESY OF EDMOND FARMERS MARKET

April marks the opening of the local farmers market season in the OKC metro. From fresh produce to local honey, grass-fed beef to baked goods, today’s farmers markets offer great options for healthy eating— no matter your schedule or budget. These weekly markets also serve as social centers of the community, bringing farmers and consumers together.

“I

never dreamed in a million years that I would be operating a farmers market,” explains Diane Self, recreation program manager with the City of Edmond. “But now I can’t imagine living without it. It’s a very social environment. You get to meet the people that are selling you the food. Market vendors are very proud of their products and the time and hard-earned money they spend producing it. It’s like you are shopping from your family.”

FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHOPPING For Diane, it is this family-friendly atmosphere that makes shopping at a farmers market such a special experience. “Farmers markets make it possible to teach children about healthy eating and fresh food. It’s a chance to show them how something that is fresh can taste so much better,” she recalls. “Going to the farmers market is actually time you spend with your family and you don’t get that at the grocery store. It’s important for kids to know who grew their food.” In addition to giving children first-hand access to local farmers and other producers, farmers markets offer many other benefits. The produce sold in the markets is often picked within 24 hours of selling, so it maintains higher nutritional content and can often be sold with less handling and packaging. Buying from local farmers also helps keep money in the community and reduces pollution and waste caused by shipping food long distances. And as many loyal customers will attest, freshly picked, locally grown food simply tastes better, offers better variety and is healthier. Ready to take your family on a food adventure? Here are four local farmers markets to explore this season.

OSU-OKC FARMERS MARKET The OSU-OKC Farmers Market (400 N. Portland, www.osuokc.edu/farmersmarket) offers 100 percent Oklahoma-grown produce in a year-round market setting. “We are all about keeping it local and helping the vendors,” explains Heather Kay, OSU-OKC’s assistant vice president of business and industry training & economic development. “Our vendors offer fresh produce year-round, whether it is seasonal or grown in a greenhouse.We also have a number of 100 percent organic growers.”

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

In addition to produce, OSU/OKC Market offers a variety of handmade items, including baskets, soaps, lotions, local honey, eggs, pecans, dog treats and baked goods. “It’s incredible to see families getting their kids involved and teaching them that food doesn’t just come from the grocery store,” Heather explains.

“It’s so valuable for kids to get to learn directly from the farmers.” Market hours vary throughout the year, but the market is open from 8:00am–1:00pm every Saturday during the summer season. The market is held in an indoor pavilion, providing shelter from the wind and heat during the summer months. The market also offers special events throughout the season. “We have local musicians come out and play every month, plus a lecture series on gardening and more,” Heather adds. “And you won’t want to miss our baked goods. We feature some really good scones.They are the best!”

EDMOND FARMERS MARKET The Edmond Farmers Market (26 W. 1st, Edmond; www.edmondok.org) opens on April 12 at Festival Market Place in downtown Edmond and Diane Self says that the local produce is most plentiful beginning in June.The market is held outdoors under a pavilion, so rainy weather doesn’t keep the marketing from happening. “We’ve only closed two or three times in the past three years,” she adds.The market is open every Saturday from 8:00am–1:00pm through October.

In addition to local farmers with fresh produce, the Edmond Market also features local food manufacturers. “This includes baked goods, wine, honey, salsa, jams, jellies, spice mixes, pastas, teas, eggs, beef and blended cheeses,” she explains. “It’s all great stuff without lots of preservatives. And it’s nice when you know exactly who is making what you are eating.” Beginning on June 4, the Edmond Market is open on Wednesdays from 8:00am–1:00pm, continuing through August 13. In addition to the regular weekly vendors, the Wednesday market offers a “Junior Market” where youth have the opportunity to sell their items and “learn while they earn.”

MOORE FARMERS MARKET The Moore Farmers Market is held on the south side of the Moore Community Center (301 S. Howard, Moore; www.cityofmoore.com) on Thursdays from 4:00–7:30pm and Saturdays from 8:00am–12:00pm, beginning May 22 and continuing through August 30. “It’s a simple market, smaller in nature than some of the larger markets,” says Teresa Smith, special events coordinator with the City of Moore. “Our customers are very loyal.

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APRIL 2014

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We have some who show up right when the opens every week, ready to get the best stuff our vendors have to offer.” The market offers locally-raised fruits and vegetables, as well as spices, incense, wines, jellies, salsa and barbecue sauce. “As the season progresses, the market gets busier and the produce gets more and more plentiful,” Teresa adds. “It’s a great place to find watermelons, cantaloupes, tomatoes, okra, squash, spinach and more. Ms. Nettie, our spice lady, is one of my favorite vendors. She has so many great spices and teas. I love her chili spice.” Teresa anticipates that the market will continue to grow and says that the market will eventually relocate to the city’s new central park. “We will have an area specific to the Farmers Market in the new park,” she says. “We hope to move the market in the next two to three years.”

NORMAN FARMERS MARKET For more than 30 years, the Norman Farmers Market (615 E. Robinson, Norman; www.clevelandcountyfair.org) has provided local growers with an opportunity to sell their agricultural products and has served as a place for community members to find a wide variety of homegrown local items. In 2012, the Norman Farm Market was honored as one of the top 20 medium level farmers markets in the nation. The market opens on Saturday, April 5 and continues through October 29. Saturday hours are 8:00am–12:00pm.This season, instead of Wednesday mornings, the market will be open on Tuesday evenings from 4:00–8:00pm. “Before this change, customers had to try to make it to the market on their

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

lunch hours and then try to keep their produce cool or refrigerated until after work,” explains Wanda Danley, administrative secretary at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds. “Now, they can easily stop by on their way home from work and we can make it a more festivallike atmosphere.” The market will also add nine new vendors this season, offering everything from fresh produce to goat’s milk soap, pet treats and more. On Saturday, May 17, the market will host its annual Market Celebration to welcome the new season.The event will include live music, demonstrations and prize giveaways. “It is a great chance for families to come out,” Wanda says. “We’ll be giving away trips to Branson, Dodge City, Roman Nose State Park and more.” “We’re hoping to have a lot more early crops this year,” Wanda adds. “Plus we have honey, herbs, spices, trees and shrubs all season long.” Find a list of what produce is available each month at www.clevelandcountyfair.org/whatisinseason.html. Ready to find the best local produce in the OKC metro? Find a farmers market near you in MetroFamily’s Guide to Farmers Markets, available at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/farmers-markets.

APRIL 2014

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

specialty Pediatric Occupational Therapy

guides

THE BEST FAMILY RESOURCES, SHOPPING IDEAS, RESTAURANTS AND MORE

Find what you need here in MetroFamily’s Specialty Guides— and find even more online at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ directories.

60 SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE 61 PARTY GUIDE 62 EDUCATION GUIDE

Accepting: BCBS, Health Choice, Tricare, Indian Health Services, OSMA, Sooner Care and more...

PARTY GUIDE

Plan the

best party ever! Find more about these businesses and other party ideas at: metrofamilymagazine.com/ party-guide

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RETAIL/RESTAURANT GUIDE FAMILY FUN GUIDE AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES SUMMER CAMPS GUIDE

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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

PARTY GUIDE

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Birthday packages starting at $150. Parties for children ages 5 to 12. For more information or to book your very own Dino Party, call or email us at

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APRIL 2014

EDUCATION GUIDE RETAIL/RESTAURANT GUIDE

Summer Programs

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METROFAMILY METROFAMILY MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

JANUARY APRIL 20142014

We’ll pay $$$ on the spot for your gently used kids clothing, toys & equipment. Sell us the things your kids have outg�own! No appoint�ent necessar�. Plus, we’ve got low prices on ever��hing your kids need as they g�ow! Put a little spring in your step and visit us today!

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Check our website for free classes and events!

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APRIL 2014

RETAIL/RESTAURANT GUIDE

Your Kids are Growing!

RETAIL GUIDE Newest Tegu Magnetic Building Blocks

FAMILY FUN GUIDE

ceramics paint-n-take birthday parties indoor playground wi-fi

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

FAMILY FUN GUIDE

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Your child CAN get ahead this summer!

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES GUIDE

Small Group or One-on-One Training

Specia

l Sum

mer

Rates

Summer Enrichment Jump Start Reading (Grades 1-4) Art of Writing (Grades 5-12) Master Study Skills (Grades 5-12)

Oklahoma Sport

Fencing

24 NW 144 Circle, Edmond oksportfencing.com 755-4195

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APRIL 2014

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

NOW ENROLLING

Summer Classes & Camps designed for Boys & Girls

www.acadeMYDANCEartsok.com (405)324-7600

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

& classes!

• All-inclusive recital • Easy online enrollment • University trained instructors.

Velocity Dance Center

721-8807 • oklahomadancestudio.com

11122 N Rockwell Ave, Suite A-11 • OKC SUMMER CAMPS FEATURE HANDS-ON BUILDING PROJECTS

and a world of fun! • Ages 6-10: Engineering fun with LEGO ® bricks

(405)443-4530

Now Enrolling!

Summer Classes Camps Fall Classes

• Ages 11-14: Use scale model building products to learn about home energy sources such as water, electricity, heating and cooling

Half-day, week-long camps held at various locations around the metro area.

Camp DaKaNi

Summer Camp 2014 Register Today! campdakani.org

Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Boys Only Hip Hop, Contemporary & Clogging

For more information call [405] 254 2080

420 S. Santa Fe Ave., Edmond

405-348-3377

www.studioJdanceok.com

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APRIL 2014

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Enroll NOW for fun Now! summer camps

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Where big ideas become the next big thing. Only at Camp InventIOn. Camp Invention inspires confidence in curious children like yours. Not just for a day or a week, but for a lifetime.

Act Now and Save Big. $25 off through March 28. Sign up at CAMPINVENTION.ORG

S.T.E.M.

Brought to your community by local educators. Locations throughout Oklahoma!

In partnership with United States Patent and Trademark Office, an Agency of the Department of Commerce

Start the Spark

for your student at Trinity’s Summer Academy

3 to 5 day camps for ages 6-18 Canoeing, kayaking, shing, camping, archery, horseback riding, ropes course and more...

Multi-sensory Instruction with Certified Teachers Grades K-12

July 8 - July 31, 2014* Tues/Wed/Thurs

Power-up Classes: • Intensive Reading/Language Arts & Math • Intensive Reading Therapy (small group and private)

• Summer Fun

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

(580)762-9955

campmcfadden.com Serving intelligent children who learn differently

321 NW 36th • OKC 405-525-5600 www.trinityschoolokc.org *See website for detailed schedule.

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APRIL 2014

no riding

o 4 pm e.

pm nce. Must

2014

Have Fun Horsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;n Around

Enrollment begins March 31, 2014 Classes begin June 2, 2014

put: Enroll

5 minutes

Contact Pamela Byers (405) 990-8963 pamela@galleryfarm.us www.galleryfarm.us

Gallery Farm is located in Noble, just 15 minutes SE of Norman

normanfirehouse.com | 405.329.4523

www.fpcedmond.org or Call (405) 341-3602 x267

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

r 6/23-27, 8

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

taught by native French speakers for

L’Alliance Française d’Oklahoma City Kids Camp:

For grades 3-6 held at Casady School July 7-10 9am to Noon

call 405-748-0868 e-mail afdokc@gmail.com visit www.afdokc.org

Summer Program

June 2 to July 30, 2014

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2 First Presbyterian Chur ch NW 25th & Western in OK C

More Information

DHS Facility

call SPARK oﬃce at

525-0018

or email us at tish@fpcokc.org or

Stop By!

Call today about our: • Birthday Party Packages • Indoor Soccer Leagues • Rent fields for many different sports/activities

SUMMER YOUTH CAMPS

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MAY 27 - AUGUST 15, 2014

MYSTERY DETECTIVES

Summer Art Camps May 27 – August 15 Ages 5-13

(405)748-3888 4520 Old Farm Road • Oklahoma City, OK For more information and to enroll, visit

(south of Meridian off 122nd)

oklahomacontemporary.org

405.951.0000

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APRIL 2014