MetroFamily Magazine June 2017

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TEAM

Festi Geek val

a p June alooza 24 page 42

JUNE 2017

Playground Perfection

Top play places just in time for summer

Delight Your Dad

Exciting events to attend with dad

Gulf Coast Getaway Ideas for an exciting summer trip

See our calendar for 184 June events!

2017

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Souled Out and Champaign Jam Classic Pop/Variety R&B/Variety Thursday, June 8

Bonham Revue and Red Dirt Road Band Bluegrass Christian Southern Rock Thursday, June 29

Nasty Weather Classic Rock Thursday, July 13

Michael Fresonke Jazz Combo and Claire Piersol Band Jazz Thursday, July 20 Mike Black and The Stingrays and O.K. City Chorus Old Rock Barbershop Thursday, July 27

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JUNE 2017

Features 6 Geekapalooza An event designed to introduce kids to STEAM 10 Fighting Back Helping kids with mental health conditions thrive 38 Meet Chris Castro Get to know this local dad 44 Exploring Beyond Oklahoma Summer adventures along the Mississippi Gulf Coast

In Every Issue

8 Editor's Picks Top spots for summer movies

6

16 Mom Humor Neverending summer wishes 18 Local Family Fun Thrilling playgrounds perfect for summer 22 Calendar of Events 44 Real Kids of OKC Meet an infant with a rare condition 46 Kid Review Unpluggits Playstudio

10

38

Dog Days of Summer: The Summer Classic Series Dog Show is happening at the end of the month and your kids have a chance to participate! Learn more at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/dogshow.

Enter our Contests!

Website Only

10 Reasons to Celebrate July 4th in Edmond: LibertyFest is a popular summer event for lots of reasons. We break down the top 10 at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ libertyfest.

4 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

Long summer days can be difficult to fill with little ones at home. Our summer guides are full of ideas to entertain like: • Outdoor concerts and movies • Pick-your-own farms • Vacation Bible Schools • Family-friendly day trips • Farmers markets • Area playgrounds and parks Find them all at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/summer.

Sundae Funday Photo Contest: Follow @metrofamilyokc on Instagram and hashtag your summer images #okcfamilyfun for a chance to win sundaes for the whole family every week from Freddy's Frozen Custard.

The Hilton Anatole Giveaway: Register before June 30 to win a $1,200 value package that includes a weekend stay for four at their Dallas resort, fun at the JadeWaters pool complex and $100 in credit toward a spa treatment or food/beverage.

Find more and enter at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/contests.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Celebrating

Dads

One of the most memorable parts of J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan" is a conversation between Mrs. Darling and Michael.

Sarah Taylor

“There are many different kinds of bravery," Mrs. Darling said. "There's the bravery of thinking of others before one's self. Now, your father has never brandished a sword nor fired a pistol, thank heavens. But he has made many sacrifices for his family, and put away many dreams."

Managing Editor

"Where did he put them?" Michael asked.

Publisher

Hannah Schmitt

Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo

Contributing Writers

Heather Davis, Erin Page, Mae Kiggins, Jenn Morris

Contributing Photographers Kimera Basore & Emily Hart

Contributing Illustrator Brittany Viklund

Art Director Stacy Noakes

Marketing Director Callie Collins

Sales

Athena Delce, Dana Price

Project Manager Jessica Misun

Office/Distribution Kathy Alberty

Mrs. Darling answered, "He put them in a drawer. And sometimes, late at night, we take them out and admire them. But it gets harder and harder to close the drawer... He does. And that is why he is brave.”

Reading this, it's tough to say whether "Peter Pan" is a children's story or more of a parenting manual. In preparing our Dad Issue, I thought about this quote often and considered the sacrifices I see dads making all around me, the most obvious under my own roof. Marriage made my husband a lot less self-serving. But parenthood is another animal. Parenting asks you to put away every desire and elevate someone else's needs above your own.

In less than a year of being a dad I've already seen my husband close the drawer on dreams over and over again. And the best part is knowing that even though it's got to be hard, he does it with a smile on his face for the

love of someone who can't even show gratitude yet. He learned how to do this from his own Dad, dads he knows personally and dads he'll never even meet but reads about in issues like this one.

So to my own husband, all the dads featured in this issue and every other dad out there choosing to close the drawer even when it's hard: thank you and happy Father's Day. Hannah Schmitt Editor

Business Development Shelly Sanderson

Contact us

318 NW 13th St Ste 101 OKC OK 73103 Phone: 405-601-2081 Fax: 405-445-7509 info@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2017 by Inprint Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

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Proud member of

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

This Month’s Cover Marigold Castro, 1, appears on this month's cover with her Dad, Chris. The toddler gives generous smiles and hugs, obviously adores her brother and is already a pro at the piano.

If you look closely at the cover photo, you'll see Marigold wearing a hearing aid. Her mom, Tricia, explained the family found out Marigold had permanent hearing loss when she was just a week old.

"We were really confused and we didn't know what that would look like for her life," Tricia said.

Marigold was referred to Hearts for Hearing, a comprehensive hearing health program in Oklahoma City. The 1-year-old goes to listening and speech therapy every other week.

"It's been amazing to see what they've done," Tricia said of the program. "She's saying her

first words. It's always exciting when your kids say their first words but even more so with Marigold. Without a lot of help, and support and early intervention those moments wouldn't happen. We appreciate so many things with Marigold and it's just beautiful to see. It forces you to let go of some of the little things."

Learn more about the Castro family with our special feature on Chris on page 38.

Marigold's outfit provided by Collected Thread. Photo by Emily Hart www.ninaandbphotography.com METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

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FAMILY BUZZ

Local STEAM Program Aims to Educate MetroFamily is partnering with Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma to host Geekapalooza on Saturday, June 24. This event will highlight STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) topics through hands-on activities to get kids excited about learning.

We asked Adrianne Covington Graham, the executive director of Central Oklahoma STEM Alliance (COSTEMA), to tell us about why this type of education and enrichment is important for young learners.

print color by number sheets that require addition, subtraction and multiplication, talk about the technology needed to create a new game and make something as simple as cooking dinner a STEM lesson by asking your child to measure out ingredients. Most importantly, make it fun and engaging. Kids love to learn and if you can tie that learning into a fun activity, those concepts are more likely to stick with them when they enter the classroom.

MFM: What is COSTEMA?

MFM: What can kids gain by participating in STEAMrelated activities?

Graham: COSTEMA’s mission is to inspire PK-12 students through purposeful experiences to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

We are doing this through hands on-activities like offering a private screening of “Hidden Figures” for high school girls and hosting a statewide Kite Festival.

Our main focus, however, is with providing our teachers with the skills and resources to help them successfully integrate STEM education concepts in their daily curriculum.

COSTEMA is sponsored by the Oklahoma Engineering Foundation (OEF), a 501c3 nonprofit organization established to encourage students to pursue engineering degrees. As a regional alliance, COSTEMA’s mission falls in line with that of OEF and allows us to focus on students and teachers within our district–all schools that feed into Francis Tuttle Technology Center and MetroTechnology Centers. Finally, we believe that the arts are seamlessly integrated into science, technology, engineering and math concepts as our teachers are finding creative ways to engage students through hands-on projects that incorporate design/drawing facets, team work, creative thinking and relationship building.

MFM: Should parents care about their kids getting exposure to STEAM topics?

Graham: Yes! It’s vital that parents engage in their child’s education at an early level and work with them at home, on the weekends and during breaks on age-appropriate STEAM learning activities. There are so many free resources that can be accessed online or in your neighborhood to provide interactive STEM activities at home: take them outside and talk about the different kinds of insects you find, search for shapes in the clouds and talk about the atmosphere,

6 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

Graham: Research supports that capturing students’ interest in STEM content in the elementary and middle grades can ensure students are on track to complete the needed coursework for adequate preparation to enter STEM degree programs. In 2015, only 54 percent of the Oklahoma workforce was prepared to fill STEM jobs in our state. So as we engage our students in STEM education activities and provide additional tools and resources for teachers to further integrate STEM concepts in the classroom, our state as a whole benefits. Our students are better prepared to handle the course work and teachers feel more confident in teaching STEM, which will result in a natural increase in the number of students seeking post-secondary education. We have to recognize that our efforts today to engage students in STEM will pay off ten-fold in their future success, and ultimately, the success of our state.

I realize it’s hard for a 5 year old to think about what he/she will be doing in 20+ years, but as parents, we know that we want our kids to have a multitude of opportunities to ensure success and that happens through STEM education.

Flip to page 42 to learn more about the businesses and organizations that are involved with Geekapalooza. The event will be offered in two identical sessions for families: 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

June 24 at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (OSSM) campus (1141 N. Lincoln Blvd., near 10th and Broadway).

Admission is $10 per family (up to six people; additional people in the group will be charged $5 each). Get your tickets and learn more at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/geekapalooza.

ENGAGE LEARNING IS A LOCAL PROGRAM THAT GUIDES MIDDLE SCHOOLERS THROUGH A DESIGN AND BUILD LEARNING EXPERIENCE. PHOTO PROVIDED.

Screen Time to Snapchat:

Helping women through

Keeping kids safe in the digital age Parents are more aware than ever before of the impact screens and social media feeds have on their kids. New concerns arise almost daily when it comes to topics like protecting kids online and keeping technology ageappropriate. We've partnered with Cox Communications to bring our readers information from local experts on safety in the digital age. Starting June 6, we're rolling out weekly videos online where leading experts will share important information about keeping kids of all ages safe online.

The video series is hosted by Lawton native and former Miss America Lauren NelsonFaram and Alison Jacobson, a national spokesperson for family safety who runs the Safety Mom blog.

Nelson-Faram was selected to help facilitate the conversation because when she was in the pageant circuit her main platform was internet safety for kids. Nelson-Faram explained she became passionate about the topic after she and some friends were targeted in a chatroom as young teens.

"I was about 13 and that's when AOL chatrooms were really big," she said. "A couple friends and I were in a chatroom and a stranger asked 'ASL?'" The stranger was an older man asking the girls for their age, sex and location. Not understanding the threat, the girls answered.

"He immediately knew how old we were, that we were girls and that we lived in Lawton," she said. "Nothing happened that night but a couple weeks later he sent inappropriate photos of himself to my friend.

That incident in my life was the reason I got involved in the topic."

Now Nelson-Faram has two kids of her own, ages 1 and 3, making her more passionate than ever about keeping kids safe in the digital age. And although the mom of two

life.

LAUREN NELSON-FARAM

ALISON JACOBSON

admits parents are always surrounded by information and tips to help keep kids safe online, she aims to bring new awareness and attention with the video series.

"Alison (Jacobson) is a leader in this realm and is actively learning new technology and new ways to keep kids safe," she said. "We hope that every video will give parents a new nugget that maybe they haven't even thought of."

On the two-to-three-minute videos, Jacobson and Nelson-Faram will tackle common questions many moms have about online safety and awareness. Here are the informative videos in the series:

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June 6: Learn about the biggest mistakes parents make when it comes to protecting kids online.

June 13: Discover the social media channels that are the greatest threats to children June 20: Get informed about how to have tough conversations with your kids about online activities June 24: Master techniques to help you use technology to your advantage at home

Top: Donald K. Rahhal MD; Devin G. McAdams, MD; Beverly A. Vavricka, MD; Misty Wayman, MD Bottom: David Melendez, MD; Karen Eyler Wilks, MD

Visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ internetsafety to access the weekly videos.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

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4140 W. Memorial Road, Suite 500 Oklahoma City, OK 73120

(405) 755-7430 www.centerforwomen-okc.com

EDITOR'S PICKS

Top Spots for Summer Movies PHOTOS OF EDMOND'S MOVIE NIGHT @ THE PARK BY SANDEE BRADY

Summer break means long days to fill. Oklahoma City is bursting at the seams with opportunities for summer fun and a family favorite is watching a movie together.

We've rounded up some great places to watch both classics and new blockbusters both indoors and out.

Indoors: Harkins Theatres Bricktown This theater offers special morning screenings for thrifty parents. Films like "The LEGO Batman Movie" and "Secret Life of Pets" are shown at 9:45 a.m. on weekday mornings. Purchase a season pass to the Summer Movie Fun Series and get admission to up to 10 films for just $5 per person.

Cinemark Tinseltown This is another family-friendly theater offering discounted admission for kids during their Summer Movie Clubhouse. A $5 season ticket gets you admission to up to 10 movies shown at 9 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Titles include classics like "Iron Giant" and recent films like "Trolls" and "Sing."

Warren Theatre This popular Moore theater's Summer Kids

8 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

Series is a crowd favorite. Kid-friendly shows play on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer and season tickets are $15 per person. Titles slated for this summer include "The Peanuts Movie," "Hotel Transylvania 2" and "Night at the Museum 3."

[Editor's Note: Season passes are not required for any of these programs.

Individual tickets can be purchased to these films.]

Outdoors: SONIC Summer Movies at Myriad Botanical Gardens Tossing a blanket out on the Great Lawn and settling in for a kid-friendly movie has become a summer tradition for many Oklahoma City families. Films show most Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. throughout the summer and are totally free. Street parking also is free downtown after 6 p.m.

Outdoor Movie Series at Lions Park This Norman park welcomes families select Friday nights throughout the summer for outdoor movie screenings. The free movie screening starts at sundown but head to the park at 7 p.m. for other kid-friendly activities like live music, inflatables and face painting.

Movie Night @ The Park at Mitch and Stephenson Parks These two Edmond parks welcome families on certain Fridays all spring and summer for hit movies under the stars. The films start at dusk and are free to attend. Concessions are available for purchase.

For detailed information about all these events plus hundreds more ideas for summer fun, see our Ultimate Summer Fun Guide at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/summer.

JIMMY MORRIS AND HIS SON JACOB. PHOTO PROVIDED.

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Things

About Being a Stay-At-Home Dad The most recent data from the Pew Research Center shows the number of stay-at-home dads almost doubled between 1989 and 2012. More dads than ever before are staying home while moms work and Oklahoma City father Jimmy Morris is one of them. For our Dad Issue, we asked him to tell us a little bit about his experience.

1

Tell us about your family and what circumstances led to you being a stay-athome dad.

My name is Jimmy Morris. I'm 44 my wife, Mary, is 37. We have a son, Jacob, who is 9 months old. I am a stay-at-home dad and my wife is a G.I.-certified Nurse Practitioner.

After 14 years of marriage and years of foreign missions we decided to start a family. After endless discussions we decided that I couldn't compete with my wife's career (she's brilliant!) therefore I was going to be a stay-at-home dad. When we locked down this decision, I was nervous but excited. One of the deciding factors was the astronomical cost of quality childcare. The first try was unsuccessful when my wife miscarried with the pregnancy. This was the most painful,

confusing and devastating thing I had ever experienced. But the second try brought us a perfect baby boy!

2

How did you feel about being a stay-at-home dad at first and has that changed over time?

After Jacob was born, my feelings about being a stay-at-home dad began to change. This was the most selfless thing I have ever experienced not to mention the sleep deprivation, being peed on, puked on and even pooped on. I never knew how hard it would actually be. My life as I knew it was over!

After adjusting to focusing 100 percent of my time and energy on Jacob, the rewards started rolling in. He changes every day and loves unconditionally. Every time I think I can't make it another second, he looks up at me and smiles and I realize that it's all worth it!

3

What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you about fatherhood?

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The best advice I ever received was to be careful about my words and actions around Jacob. I am already seeing myself in Jacob—the way he reacts, smiles and accepts others. I was given that advice by an elderly friend who regretfully is seeing some of the negative effects of his own actions in his children.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

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Fighting back:

Helping kids with mental health conditions thrive

BY ERIN PAGE

I

solated. Overwhelmed.

Confused. Parents of children with mental health conditions shoulder heavy emotions, maybe no more so than at the beginning of a child’s journey into treatment and recovery. In truth, they aren’t as alone as they feel: according to the National Institute of Health, as many as one in five children have a mental health condition. The lack of awareness, education and access to resources has created a staggering stigma for these children and their families.

10 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

“Years ago, I would have had no problem telling people I have hypothyroidism but I was less likely to tell them I take an antidepressant,” said Lori Wharton, a board member of Mental Health Association Oklahoma and frequent speaker on mental health. “Now I’m open that I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I have people come up to me after I speak and say ‘I’m going to start talking about it, too.’ I feel like I’m giving them some freedom and some peace.”

That was not the case for Wharton when her then-12-year-old daughter’s depression and anxiety culminated in two suicide attempts. Because early intervention is key to successful treatment, Wharton works tirelessly to connect other families to mental health resources. Mental health conditions present in a variety of ways in children, from anxiety and depression to Autism Spectrum

Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). According to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, of the more than 40,000 Oklahoma County children with a mental health condition in 2015, only 24 percent received services.

“Intervening at the right time and with the right treatment can make a big difference to the person this child becomes and the quality of life this child will have,” said Dr. Naveena Boindala, child and adolescent psychiatrist for INTEGRIS Mental Health, Spencer.

For Boindala, the primary factor in determining a treatment plan is how much the mental health condition is affecting a child’s sense of who they are.

“Children are constantly in the process of figuring out their identity,” said Boindala, “asking themselves questions like: ‘Am I a

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Plan your summer family adventure at okaquarium.org. good kid? Am I lovable? What am I good at? Is the world a good place? Can I trust people?’”

If a child’s untreated mental health condition leads to behavior problems, she might assume she is a bad kid, isn’t smart or that others don't like her.

“If this child thinks this about themselves for long enough, they start to believe it,” said Boindala.

Often before parents seek mental health treatment for their child, they must first come to terms with the condition for themselves.

“I fear that stigma for my kids and I think every parent does,” said Jenna Cunningham, whose sons deal with anxiety. “You have to let it be and know it’s okay as long as we are working toward finding a solution.”

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As Wharton explored the treatment options for her daughter, she quickly learned patience would be essential in helping her get better.

“The expectations were to get a therapist and medication and things will get better,” said Wharton. “Those were unrealistic expectations. Just like you might see several general physicians to make a decision, it’s even more like this with a counselor or psychiatrist. You have to find the right fit.”

Wharton’s daughter tried a handful of medications before the family settled on what was best for her. Though mental

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

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health conditions often have a higher chance of recovery if treated with therapy and medication in tandem, the type of treatment for each child is highly variable. Parents and medical professionals consider the cause of the mental health condition, family history and the child’s response to therapy.

While psychologists like Dr. Lisa Marotta in Edmond don’t prescribe medication for their patients, through testing and symptom severity, Marotta helps parents determine when medication may be recommended.

“I typically make a referral for additional evaluation, be it academic, emotional, sensory or medical, and add this data to the overall treatment plan to help parents make an informed choice,” said Marotta.

“A psychiatrist, developmental pediatrician or primary care physician will take testing and recommendations under consideration in a parent meeting to provide additional information about the risks and benefits of medication. An informed parent is a child’s best advocate.”

In therapy sessions, Marotta guides patients to break the cycle of negative self-talk and learn to remain hopeful even when life feels difficult. She helps her young patients with anxiety, depression and behavior challenges understand their symptoms and then identify and express their feelings.

“Counseling empowers the client to listen and respond appropriately to ‘gut feelings’ to

navigate more comfortably through life,” said Marotta.

Patients learn techniques for relaxation, conflict management, anger and stress management, assertiveness and other social skills to build healthy relationships. Marotta helps family members develop strategies that promote good mental health at home.

“When parents bring their child into services and participate in treatment, they are modeling for their child that it is acceptable to seek counseling when they have symptoms,” said Marotta. “Once symptoms are improved the task of counseling is to build lifestyle changes in the child and family that will help support mental health and resilience.”

When Marotta’s patients “graduate” from therapy, they identify symptoms together that would indicate they should return.

“If symptoms return, additional support and fine tuning of emotional coping skills are often all that are required to help get young people back on track,” said Marotta.

That same focus on supporting the family is paramount at Red Rock Behavioral Sciences’s Planet Rock in Oklahoma City, where a multidisciplinary group of clinicians diagnose children with mental health conditions, provide therapy to develop healthy coping strategies and prescribe medication if needed. By engaging parents

and teaching them the coping mechanisms their children are learning, Dr. Wana Ellison and staff empower families to discuss and encourage strong mental health at home, from improving nutrition to understanding mindfulness.

“We can train our brain to think healthy,” said Ellison, chief operating officer of outpatient offices for Red Rock Behavioral Sciences. “We can learn and practice cognitive processing and become our own therapist when we beat ourselves up or have little hope for the future.”

Because Cunningham’s sons’ anxiety is directly related to dyslexia and school performance, their family has employed reading therapy to combat the dyslexia, in turn reducing their anxiety. When Cunningham’s oldest son started pre-k, he experienced profound anxiety, including severe nausea that sent him to the bathroom most days before school.

“At school he’s a star pupil with no behavioral issues,” said Cunningham, whose son innately hid his symptoms at school. “He was very social and a smart kid. Everything appeared normal except this severe stress before school.”

Their older son’s anxiety was nearly debilitating when he was officially diagnosed with dyslexia in the second grade. As intake specialist of the ReadWrite Center, where her sons receive reading therapy, Cunningham learned that dyslexia and anxiety often go hand in hand.

“They know they’re bright and should be getting what the rest of their peers are getting,” said Cunningham. “They know ‘kids are reading higher levels and faster than me.’”

While reading therapy focuses on providing the boys tools to manage dyslexia, it also involves talk therapy, mindfulness and decreasing negative self-talk. After a month of reading therapy, Cunningham noticed a significant decrease in her oldest son’s anxiety, though it still peaks during state testing. Her younger son no longer gives up when work gets difficult, but his anxiety occasionally presents as physical ailments.

He worries that if he can’t perform well at school, his teacher will see him having a hard time and think he’s stupid.

“The irrational thinking is a vicious cycle,” said Cunningham. “When you go to school and your anxiety is high, it’s harder to perform. If you can’t calm down to do your school work, you don’t perform well. Then it reiterates to your brain all the negative things it was telling you.”

12 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

Making mental health a priority at home In one of the treatment rooms at Planet Rock, a large image of trees spans one wall, with a couch opposite where patients can recline. They practice deep breathing or mindfulness techniques so when they encounter a trigger in the outside world, they can close their eyes, remember the image and calm their body’s natural responses.

Ellison said techniques like deep breathing, studying a favorite picture or listening to music help ground kids in the present, focus and break the cycle of worrying about the future.

She also recommends teaching children a “body, mind and spirit check,” where children mentally scan their whole body to determine what feels out of place and how to correct it. Like when Cunningham’s son worries about school performance, Ellison urges parents to employ the modulating effect to exchange worries for positivity.

“When we are angry, sad, mad or happy, pay attention to that feeling and measure it on a scale of one through 10,” said Ellison.

“Use self-talk to decrease the negative and increase the positive. Our brain can train those unhealthy feelings and we can realize our feelings will subside.”

When kids tend toward absolute thoughts like “I am worthless” or “I never do anything right,” which often lead to isolation or even self-harm, Planet Rock therapists teach them to challenge and replace those unhealthy thoughts with truth.

“Ask yourself, ‘Am I always worthless and will I never have worth?’” said Ellison. “By challenging and replacing that unhealthy thought, even by a small margin, the negative feelings and unhealthy behavior can decrease.”

Relaxation techniques are another popular tool for children with mental health conditions. Cunningham has found guided meditation videos on YouTube especially helpful when one of her sons developed insomnia about a month prior to state testing.

“He’d lay down and his brain would just go and go,” said Cunningham. “He’d ask things like, ‘What if I fail? Do colleges see these test scores?’ The videos have been a saving grace at nighttime.”

Cunningham taught her sons their minds can play mean tricks on them, and how to recognize those tricks. Now reading above his grade level, her oldest son still has messages of failure and uncertainty playing in his head.

“We identify the fear and understand that it’s a real fear by not downplaying it,” said Cunningham. “Then we talk about the tools they have that can help them when they feel this way. Sometimes they need to take a break and relax so they can find those tools.”

Like Ellison recommended, Cunningham asks them what they know about themselves to be true, like the fact they are both succeeding in reading therapy or that they can spell difficult words even when it doesn’t come naturally. In the Cunningham household, they give their boys’ anxiety a name, like Roger or Fred, and they might say, ‘I can see Roger is really getting to you today.’

“It becomes a separate function of themselves,” said Cunningham. “It helps them to identify that it’s not who they are.”

Perhaps the best things parents can do at home with kids with mental health conditions are to listen without judgment and embrace and honor their kids’ feelings.

Wharton urges all parents to talk to their children about typical sadness versus depression, or typical worries versus anxiety. When her daughter was undergoing treatment for depression, she journaled about her feelings and experiences.

“She couldn’t verbalize them, but she could write them and then share with me,” said Wharton.

Support for the caretakers The stress and worry of caring for a child with a mental health condition, and its everchanging nature, takes a toll on parents’ emotional and physical well-being.

“Anxiety may present in a different way today than tomorrow or the next day,” said Cunningham. “I’m constantly reevaluating, ‘Are you really sick or is this anxiety? Does your stomach really hurt or did something happen at school today?’ It’s constant and overwhelming.”

Because mental health conditions tend to run in families, it’s not uncommon for a child’s symptoms and treatment to bring parents face-to-face with similar struggles.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

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“Parents need to take care of their mental health,” said Wharton, who acknowledged she had been living with undiagnosed General Anxiety Disorder. “I lost myself in it all. I had to get myself help so I could help my daughter.”

After years of uncertainty, misdiagnoses and multiple medications, when Loren Lewis’ son was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in his 20s, she felt both a sense of relief and of worry.

“Now you know why your loved one is acting this way,” said Lewis, volunteer sponsorship officer for the Edmond/North OKC branch of National Association of Mental Illness.

“But it’s extremely stressful because you’re constantly monitoring behavior for whatever is going to happen next. You can’t let your guard down.”

Though Lewis said for many parents the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions appear so gradually they can be mistaken for a typically moody teenager, her son’s shift in behavior was dramatic.

Even with the support of professionals, his delusional behavior, communication with imaginary people and suicide attempts leave Lewis overwhelmed and exhausted. The support groups provided by NAMI, which are free to the public, are of great comfort to the family. Lewis has received advice on doctors, counselors and books to read. In addition to support groups, NAMI offers education and advocacy programs to these families and the public.

“Knowing you’re not alone and getting it off your chest is a huge relief,” said Lewis. “The help the other families give is invaluable.”

Fighting the stigma starts at home “So often we as parents look at our kids and expect perfection,” said Cunningham. “We think how they are is a reflection of who we are, but that’s not always true.”

That mindset can lead parents to normalize or ignore signs of mental health conditions in children. The longer a mental health condition remains untreated, the higher the risk a child will develop habits of behaving and thinking that negatively affect their social behavior, learning ability and very identity. Marotta acknowledges it can be confusing for parents to know when to seek help, but that all parents should know the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions in children and call the child’s pediatrician with initial concerns.

“Intervention at the early stages of symptoms results in less emotional impact and fewer negative coping habits,” said Marotta.

Children with mental health conditions are at increased risk for adult disorders, substance addiction and suicide. Combating those negative risks, and early identification of symptoms, starts at home.

“Parent-child communication is a foundational skill for managing stress,” said Marotta. “When the message is that it is okay to express your feelings and seek help or support when it is needed, many of the small problems of childhood can be resolved without intervention. Open communication also makes intervention easier for those bigger mental health challenges.”

Considering Inpatient Treatment When children or teens have mental health conditions that have escalated or can’t be managed on an outpatient basis, inpatient treatment may be necessary.

“Treatment that is not feasible or would have taken several months on the outside are accomplished in a few weeks by a specialized treatment team dedicated to the care of each child,” said Dr. Naveena Boindala of INTEGRIS Mental Health-Spencer.

Inpatient treatment can be useful for patients experiencing suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, severe aggression or the like. In addition to ensuring patients are safe, the team notes and addresses patterns of mood or behavioral change, sleep patterns, medications and side effects to better identify causes for the condition and determine the best therapeutic interventions.

Here are some inpatient treatment options available in the Oklahoma City area:

Cedar Ridge Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital & Residential Treatment Center 6501 N.E. 50th St. 405-605-6111 St. Anthony Behavioral Medicine Center 1000 N. Lee Ave. 405-272-6216 INTEGRIS Mental Health 2601 N. Spencer Rd., Spencer 405-427-2441 Red Rock Behavioral Health Crisis Unit 4400 N. Lincoln Blvd.

405-424-7711

14 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

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Never-Ending Summer Wishes

ILLUSTRATION BY BRITTANY VIKLU

I

started during Spring Break. I got out my trusty notebook and colorful pens and made my summer to-do list. I know some people might argue that making a summer to-do list two months in advance is wishing my life away.

Maybe so.

Or maybe … I’m getting a jump start on everything I need to get done and want to get done so I can prioritize and maximize my time in the best way possible.

Who am I kidding? It’s so I won’t forget what all I want and need to get done.

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ND, WWW.VIKLUNDMADE.COM

The first on my list is my reading list. Oh sure, Goodreads is a great place to keep track of my quintessential To Be Read list. And I do use Goodreads quite a bit for that very reason. But, when I make my summer reading list, I pull the titles that will be fun and light and deep and meaningful and guiltless and mandated and … well, I just pull the titles I really want to read so I can talk about them the rest of the school year when I don’t have time to read anything but classroom newsletters.

Next, I create my Home List. This is the summer the linen closet will get cleaned plum out, friends. Those of you who have followed my summer to-do list know that every year, cleaning out the linen closet gets its own special line, written in green for a fresh, clean space, in all caps because it’s just that important. And every year, the linen

closet is neglected and my green-inked line never does get a check mark beside it or a black Sharpie line drawn through it. It’s a tough one, but I feel confident that this is the year it’ll happen. Or maybe it won’t. Shrug. I don’t know.

Also added to my Home List is to mop the kitchen floor. It stays swept. Mostly. Mopping is a different beast during the school year.

If I am home long enough to actually mop it, then that means others will be home and without any time passing at all, the floor will actually have footprints on it from people I live with (read: my family) who will take three steps onto the wet floor then stop and ask, “Did you mop?” before continuing to walk on the floor. So, one day this summer is devoted to mopping. Just one day. I’m not Martha Stewart, for goodness sakes. Any more days of mopping and I’d just come across as snooty.

I make a shopping list because in the summer I plan on going to farmers markets every time the local farmers pick a radish (for salads), a cucumber (for sun pickles) or harvest honey

(for my sweet tooth). I’m also going to hit up the thrift stores for cheap sheets that I can turn into summer picnic blankets and possibly a picnic basket so we will have something to do on those summer picnic blankets I’m going to make. (Yeah, I know, when it’s not picnic season I’ll be tossing those suckers in the linen closet … but this is the year I’ll actually clean it out, remember?)

Finally, I create my Have Loads of Fun list.

Since last August, right after we bought school supplies, I started my Have Loads of Fun Next Summer Pinterest board.

I’ve pinned three different ways to make homemade bubbles. One of them hails from the UK. We’re going to get fancy this summer and make bubbles from British dish soap instead of Dawn. I’m sure those bubbles will be so much fancier than the three bottles of bubbles I could buy for a dollar at the dollar place. I’ve also excitedly pinned a method for making a Crockpot meal outside in the fire pit. Ahhhh … doesn’t it seem lovely to stand out in the 100-degree weather whilst cooking a foil-covered meal instead

of standing in an air conditioned kitchen making a PB & J? Wait. Don’t answer that.

So, as we stand at the dawn of summer, June’s freshness beckoning us to jump fullheartedly into the season, I hold my notebook in my excited and eager little hands, ready to be productive and take advantage of all that the most precious time of the year has to offer us. I flip through the five, six, 10, 12, 20, wait …29 (29?!) pages of my book and realized that in order for me to complete my summer lists, I’m going to need more than three months.

Do you think we could get a reprieve on school starting until at least next March?

Heather Davis is an Oklahoma momma, writer and lover of all things summer. She is the author of "Life with Extra Cheese" and her new book "Mondays with My Daughter" is available through Amazon.

You can contact her through her website, www.Heather-Davis.net.

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

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LOCAL FAMILY FUN

Perfect Parks

10 can't-miss metro playgrounds

BY MAE KIGGINS

The easiest and cheapest form of summer fun is visiting local parks. But what happens when you have been to the same park hundreds of time? It is time for a change of scenery!

With summer upon us, here are 10 parks to visit in the OKC area that are sure to entertain.

Stars and Stripes Park Address: 3701 S. Lake Hefner Dr. Theme: Spaceships Restrooms: Yes Water fountains: Yes Amenities: This park is beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Hefner. It offers four separate play structures and each is designed for different age groups. If you have multiple kids, this is the park for you. There are walking trails around the lake, plenty of picnic tables and ducks and geese.

Don’t Miss: Views of Lake Hefner

Martin Park Nature Center Address: 5000 W. Memorial Rd. Theme: Nature Restrooms: Yes. The nature center building is under construction until fall 2017. Until then, there are portable bathrooms on site.

Water fountains: In nature center Amenities: This is one of the most beautiful spots in Oklahoma City. The playground overlooks a large pond and is complete with a viewfinder (like giant binoculars). There are miles of trails, an observation tower, bridges, benches, spring creek and wildlife viewing blinds.

Don’t Miss: When the renovations are complete this fall, live animals and educational activities for all ages will be available.

In the meantime, there are plenty of amenities to enjoy.

Earlywine Park Address: 3101 S.W. 119th St. Restrooms: Portable or at nearby YMCA Water fountains: Yes Amenities: Earlywine is full of tree-lined open spaces, walking trails, tennis courts, picnic tables and playgrounds.

Don’t Miss: The Earlywine Family Aquatic Center.

Call (405) 297-1418 or (405) 297-1419 for more information.

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Freedom Trail Park Address: 1865 S Holly Ave., Yukon Theme: Early Oklahoma Restrooms: Yes Water fountains: Yes Amenities: This park is just plain fun. The park has a fenced-in toddler play area, large map painted on the ground, Oklahoma-themed play equipment, sand pits for digging, plenty of trees for shade and it overlooks a picturesque pond.

Don’t Miss: Freedom Trail Park is connected to Chisolm Trail Park by a short walking trail. Chisolm Trail Park offers some beautiful walking trails and is the site of the historic Chisolm Trail.

Kite Park Address: Corner of Lenox Ave. and Bedford Dr. in Nichols Hills Restrooms: No Water fountains: No Amenities: Fun and unique park with many swings settled in a stunning neighborhood.

Don’t Miss: The unique climbing structure and digging toys.

Joe B. Barnes Regional Park

Cooked-to-order steakburgers, crispy shoestring fries and creamy frozen custard...

Address: 8700 E. Reno Ave.,

Midwest City Restrooms: Yes Water fountains: Yes Amenities: The largest playground is a wooden play structure that is completely fenced and includes a Tot Lot. The walking trails are treelined. The restrooms, pavilion and water fountains are fairly new and well maintained.

Check out the Reno Swim and Slide and the large dog park.

Don’t Miss: The snow cone shack right next to the wooden playground

FreddysUSA.com METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

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Central Park Address: 700 S Broadway St., Moore Theme: Trains Restrooms: Across parking lot at community center Water fountains: Across parking lot at community center Amenities: Kids love this unique park. It is brand new and offers a wide selection of equipment perfect for toddlers and younger kids.

There is a large water park at the community center, picnic tables, shelters and walking trails.

Don’t Miss: The chance to see a real train in person. Don’t worry; there is a fence that separates the train tracks from the parking lot.

Wild Horse Park Address: 1201 N. Mustang Rd., Mustang. Just north of the Aquatic Center.

Restrooms: Yes, at the nearby library Water fountains: Yes, at the nearby library Amenities: This beautiful park boasts playgrounds, baseball fields, tree-lined walking trails, and is home to the Mustang Aquatic Center.

Don’t Miss: A new playground is currently under construction just south of the library. It will include a splash pad and be accessible to children with disabilities. The grand opening is scheduled for June 3. Call (405) 376-3411 for more information.

Andrews Park Address: 201 W. Daws St., Norman Restrooms: Yes Water fountains: Yes Amenities: This park has just about everything: new, fenced toddler playground, splash pad, tennis courts, walking trails, plenty of trees for shade, a gazebo, amphitheater and a large new pavilion.

Don’t Miss: The free skate park on-site

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Chitwood Park Address: W. 1st St. & S. Story St. in Edmond Theme: Spaceships Restrooms: Portable bathrooms on-site, permanent bathrooms at the splash pad Water fountains: Yes Amenities: Kids never get tired of the spaceship theme or the open fields Don’t Miss: Newly-expanded splash pad just across the street [Editor's Note: Find a comprehensive guide to metro parks at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/Metro-Parks. Throughout the summer, we'll be highlighting other great metro parks on our Facebook page. Find us at www.Facebook.com/MetroFamily.]

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Edmond Native Encourages Others to 'Love Real Food'

BY KATHRYNE TAYLOR OF COOKIEANDKATE.COM

Parents of picky eaters, take heart! I was the pickiest of eaters when I was young. I went through a peanut butter sandwich phase—no crust, hold the jelly, white bread only. I would only eat canned green beans—certainly not my grandmother’s gardenfresh green beans. I always loved pizza, and still do, of course. Fortunately, my Mom always made sure to offer salad and fresh fruit at the dinner table. I’m pleased to report that my taste buds have expanded exponentially since I left for college.

The fresh ingredients on the table back then generally came from the produce section of a grocery store. These days, I enjoy picking up my produce at farmers markets whenever possible. I like to talk to the vendors and find out more about the food they brought with them. It's also fun to watch kids find their favorites and ask questions about fruits or vegetables they haven't seen before. They're probably more likely to try new tastes when they’ve helped pick them out!

My parents never would have guessed that I would grow up to become a food blogger and write a cookbook, but that has happened. If you’re wondering what to cook with your surplus farmers market finds, there are many choices of appropriate recipes in my new cookbook, “Love Real Food: More Than 100 Feel-Good Vegetarian Favorites to Delight the Senses and Nourish the Body.”

BIO: Edmond native Kathryne Taylor is the personality behind the blog Cookie and Kate (cookieandkate.com), now ranked as the No. 1 vegetarian cooking blog in the country. In six years, the vegetarian and all-natural food blog has grown from a hobby to a full-time project, and now garners more than two million visits per month. Kathryne researches, develops, cooks, photographs and writes every recipe on the blog. She now lives in Kansas City. Her cookbook “Love Real Food” is published by Rodale.

[Editor's Note: Kathryne is the daughter of MetroFamily publisher, Sarah Taylor and her husband, John. Find mom-approved recipes from Kathryne at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/loverealfood.]

KATHRYNE TAYLOR AND COOKIE

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

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June

Sun

Mon

Tue

Find all these June events and hundreds more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/calendar 4

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FREE Peace, Love & Goodwill Festival at Myriad Gardens from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

FREE Sugar Free Allstars Concert at Southern Oaks Library at 10:30 a.m.

FREE Junior Golf Clinic at Westwood Park Golf Course from 9 – 10 a.m.

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PAW Patrol LIVE: Race to the Rescue at Civic Center Music Hall at 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Harkins Bricktown Summer Movie Fun Series presents The Secret Life of Pets at 9:45 a.m.

FREE Doughnuts with Dads Story Time at the Moore Library at 10 a.m.

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FREE Rhythmically Speaking Performance at the Northwest Library at 10:30 a.m.

FREE Extreme Animals at the Edmond Library at 3 p.m.

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FREE LibertyFest KiteFest at Mitch Park from 9:30 – 4 p.m.

FREE Science Unites! at Norman Central Library at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse presents Shrek the Third at Tinseltown at 9 a.m.

perfect for preschoolers

great for teens

date night idea

fitness event

Happy Father’s Day

worth the drive

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Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

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FREE Bricktown Beach, open daily all summer long

FREE H&8th Night Market in Midtown from 5 – 11 p.m.

Children’s Garden Book Festival at Myriad Gardens from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. through June 11

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Okietales at the Oklahoma History Center weekly at 10:30 a.m.

deadCENTER Film Festival through Sunday

FREE Red Earth Parade Downtown at 10 a.m.

FREE Chandler Ice Cream Festival at Tilghman Park from noon – 5 p.m.

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Tulsa International Balloon Festival through Sunday

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents Taming of the Shrew at Myriad Gardens at 8 p.m.

Upstage Theatre presents Grease at Mitch Park at 8 p.m.

FREE Jazz in June at Brookhaven Village from 6 – 10:30 p.m.

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FREE SONIC Summer Movies presents Sing at Myriad Gardens at 8 p.m.

Bring It On: The Musical at Pollard Theatre at 8 p.m.

FREE Rogue One Movie in the Park at Lions Park in Norman from 7 – 11 p.m.

Geekapalooza: A STEAM Festival for Kids at Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics from 9 a.m-noon and 1-4 p.m.

(Tickets required.)

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FREE Moana At the Movies at Moore Library at 2 p.m.

International Mud Day at Myriad Gardens from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

FREE Fiesta Fridays in Historic Capitol Hill from 7 – 10 p.m.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

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CALENDAR #OKCFAMILYFUN

JUNE 1-7 NCAA Women’s College World Series at ASA National Softball Hall of Fame & Museum (2801 NE 50th St). College teams will compete for the National Championship title. Single game and all session tickets available. $20-$45. See website for tournament schedule. 866-208-0048, www.okcallsports.org

JUNE 2 • FRIDAY FREE H&8th Night Market in Midtown (815 N Hudson) features a family- and petfriendly street festival built around a lineup of the city’s top gourmet food trucks and live music in conjunction with the Pro-Am Classic bike race. 5-11pm. www.h8thokc.com

JUNE 2-4 Oklahoma City Pro-Am Classic in Downtown OKC (various locations) features three days of racing for both the amateur and elite cyclist. Friday night's National Calendar race in Midtown rolls through H&8th Night Market giving attendees a front row seat to the action while they dine on local food truck fare and enjoy live music.

Free to attend. See website for a complete schedule of events. www.okcpac.com

JUNE 3 • SATURDAY FREE Fishing Days in OKC Parks and Lakes (various locations). The City of Oklahoma City offers free fishing on the first Saturday of each month. No city permit is required; however a state license is needed for anyone 16 and older. Regular fishing regulations apply. 297-1426, www.okc.gov FREE Family Fun Fest at Wildhorse Park (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang) features the season opening of the Wildhorse Farmers Market and the grand opening of Brittany's Play Adventure, a brand new, all-inclusive playground. Activities include live music, face painting and food trucks. 8am-2pm.

990-5590, mustangparksfoundation.com The Creek Run at Quail Creek Park (Quail Creek Rd) features a 5K and onemile fun run through the Quail Creek neighborhood and a party in the park with local food trucks. Benefits the Quail Creek Beautification Project. $20-$40. 8:30-11am.

751-5661, www.quailcreek.org FREE Tic Tac Toe Game Workshop at Home Depot (various locations). Build a wooden tic-tac-toe game and personalize

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the game board and pieces. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin, while supplies last. Preregister. 9am-noon. www.homedepot.com/workshops NAMIWalk Oklahoma at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features a 5K and one mile run benefiting the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Activities include a DJ, photo booth, poster making station, therapy dogs, resource tables, face painting, glitter tattoos and the splash pad. Prices vary.

9:30am. 607-6018, www.namioklahoma.org Edmond Electric Touch-a-Truck at UCO (Main & Hurd on Baumann, Edmond) features life-size vehicles and community support leaders like police officers, firemen, construction workers and more. $2 suggested donation. Benefits the Edmond Hope Center. 9am-noon. 216-7729, www.edmondok.com Trucks for Tots on the lawn behind Whole Foods (62nd & Grand Blvd). Meet and interact with community heroes and take a peek inside the exciting vehicles they drive every day. See firemen, police, EMS, undercover police, construction vehicles, storm chasers, Infant Crisis Services' BabyMobile and more. Infant Crisis Services will also be accepting new or gently used clothing in sizes newborn to 4T. Free to attend, donations accepted.

9am-1pm. 528-3663, www.facebook.com/ InfantCrisisServices/ Chisholm Trail Crawfish Festival at Kirkpatrick Family Farm (1001 Garth Brooks Blvd, Yukon) features a Wild West Show, Kid's Kreative Korral, living history reenactments, crawfish races, a goat grab, live Cajun music, pony rides, gunfights and more. Free to attend. 9am-5pm. 350-8937, www.cityofyukonok.gov Junk Utopia OKC at State Fair Park Centennial Building (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features a wide variety of vendors specializing in all types of high quality vintage and antique items and handmade items including reclaimed wood, metal and architectural salvage and more. Free to attend. 9am-5pm. 810-6977, www.revolve-productions.com FREE Storybook Hour at Cuppies & Joe (727 NW 23rd St). Children listen to a story while parents enjoy coffee and conversation. 10-11am. Also held: 6/17.

528-2122, www.cuppiesandjoe.com

FREE Saturday for Kids at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St). While creating their own rug, children will learn about color, texture, design, and how making rugs out of rags was a practical way for pioneer women to reuse old clothes, keep a house warm and decorate the home. For ages 4-12. Preregister; free for children and accompanying adults. 10am-noon. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org Foster Walk 17 at the Oklahoma State Capitol (2300 N Lincoln Blvd) features an awareness walk in celebration of Foster Parent Month. Activities include face painting, a balloon release, live music, tribal activities, caricature drawings and bounce houses. Preregister. 10am-2pm.

123-456-7890, www.crowdrise.com/ OklahomaCityOKFosterWalk FREE How-To Festival at Norman West Library (300 Norman Center Ct, Norman) features hands-on demonstrations by library staff and partners from local businesses and community organizations. The PLS Maker Mobile will be here to show off 3-D printing, CNC routing and laser cutting. 10am-4pm.

701-2644, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org First Saturday Hands-on History at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zudhi Dr) features a variety of activities throughout the museum including crafts, coloring, hands-on carts and educational trunks. Free with admission. 1-4pm.

521-2491, www.okhistory.org FREE Animal Architects at the Downtown Library (300 Park Ave). Learn about amazing animal architects and their construction projects from the Oklahoma City Zoo. Preregister. 2-3pm. Also held at other libraries on June 10, 13, 16 & 29.

231-8650, www.metrolibrary.org FREE The Science of Star Wars at the Midwest City Library (8143 E Reno Ave, Midwest City). Families can spend an hour together at the library, creating, exploring and generally geeking out over all things Star Wars. For all ages. 2-3pm. Also held: 6/28 at Southern Oaks & 7/1 at the Downtown library. 732-4828, www.metrolibrary.org FREE Red Brick Nights Street Festival in Downtown Guthrie (2nd & Harrison Ave, Guthrie) features rotating pop-up shops, food trucks and live music, on the first Saturday each the month. 5pm; music, 7pm. Also held: 7/1. 282-1947, www.guthriechamber.com/red-brick-nights

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

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Night at the Museum | Secret of the Tomb Friday | June 9 | Stephenson Park | Starts at Dusk Free Admission | Concessions $1 each | EdmondParks.com | 405.359.4630

The Edmond Historical Society and Museum will stay open late and have fun projects to do.

Follow us on

CALENDAR #OKCFAMILYFUN

Oklahoma Songwriters Festival at ACM@ UCO Performance Lab (329 E Sheridan Ave) features a showcase of the finest local musicians and songwriters as well as special guest pros from musical hubs like Nashville, Los Angeles and Austin. $25-$40. 7pm. www.oklahomasongwritersfestival.com

JUNE 3 & 4 Repticon Oklahoma City Reptile & Exotic Animal Expo at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features reptile pet vendors offering supplies, feeders, cages and merchandise as well as live animal seminars and raffles. Adults, $10; kids (5-12), $5; kids (4 & under), free. Saturday, 10am5pm; Sunday, 10am-4pm. 863-268-4273, www.repticon.com

JUNE 3-11 Children’s Garden Festival at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave). The Children’s Garden will transform into a colorful and magical place inspired by Eric Carle’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Enjoy crafts, activities and imaginative displays that will capture the essence of one of the most beloved children’s stories. Non-members, $6, members & kids (3 & under), free. 10am5pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

JUNE 4 • SUNDAY Sensory Sensitive Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese (2201 Interstate Dr, Norman) features fewer people, dimmed lighting, the music and show turned down or off and limited appearances from Chuck E. Prices vary.

9-11am. 366-8200, www.chuckecheese.com FREE Peace, Love & Goodwill Festival at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features music, food, kids activities, shopping and more in benefit of the youth programs of Goodwill. Kids can enjoy a creation station, inflatables, hair braiding, face painting, corn hole and more. Some activities require the purchase of an arm band or tickets. 10am9pm. www.peacelovegoodwill.org Chaparral Family Sundays at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 S Mickey Mantle Blvd) features mascot meet & greets, player autograph sessions, inflatables, face painting, craft stations, train rides and photo stations. Kids also get to run the bases following the game. Activities begin 30 minutes prior to game time. $8 & up.

1:30pm. Also held: 6/11 & 25. 218-1000, www.okcdodgers.com

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Faith Night Concert at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 S Mickey Mantle Blvd). Christian rock band Sanctus Real will perform a postgame concert. Fans will receive tickets to both the concert and the OKC Dodgers game, as well as an OKC Dodgers hat. $15. 2pm. 218-2100, www.okcdodgers.com FREE Kite Making Workshop at the Belle Isle Library (5501 N Villa Ave). Families can create tetrahedron kites made out of tissue paper and straws then participate in a small kite festival to show off their creations.

2-3:30pm. 843-9601, www.metrolibrary.org

JUNE 5 • MONDAY FREE Movie Making for Teens at the Moore Library (225 S Howard Ave, Moore).

Learn about video production and work in groups to produce an original video.

Preregister; space is limited. 1-5pm. Also held at other libraries on 6/2 & 6/13.

793-5100, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org FREE Summer Reading Dance Party at the Norman Central Library (225 S Webster Ave, Norman) features groovy tunes to celebrate summer. Best suited for ages 5-10; all ages welcome. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join. 2-2:45pm. 701-2600, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org FREE Science Unites at the Midwest City Library (8143 E Reno Ave, Midwest City) features a presentation by Science Museum Oklahoma. Observe the wonder of collaboration and teamwork through amazing experiments and spectacular action. 3-4pm.

Also held at other libraries 6/13, 17 & 24.

732-4828, www.metrolibrary.org Milky Chance in Concert at the Diamond Ballroom (8001 S Eastern Ave). The band presents The Blossom Tour 2017. $29. 7pm.

866-977-6849, www.diamondballroom.net Family Night Out at OKC area Papa Murphy's (various locations). Papa Murphy's will donate 15% of pre-tax sales to Oklahoma Make-A-Wish. Prices vary. www.papamurphys.com

JUNE 5-16 FREE Sugar Free Allstars Concerts at the Metropolitan Library System (various locations) features a high energy rock show dance party experience. All ages welcome.

See website for times and locations. www.metrolibrary.org

JUNE 6 & 7 FREE Junior Golf Clinic at Westwood Golf Course (2400 Westport Dr, Norman).

Kids ages 8-17 can try out the game of golf with supervised instruction on the putting green and driving range. No registration required. 9-10am. 292-2700, www.normanok. gov/parks/westwood-golf-junior-programs

JUNE 6 • TUESDAY FREE Science Unites at the Moore Library (225 S Howard Ave, Moore) features a presentation by Science Museum Oklahoma.

Observe the wonder of collaboration and teamwork through amazing experiments and spectacular action. 2-3pm. Also held: 6/26 at Norman Central Library. 793-5100, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

JUNE 7 • WEDNESDAY Full Moon Bike Ride and Run at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features a leisurely hour-long ride through downtown and training runs. $5 suggested donation.

Season passes available. All ages welcome.

8-9:30pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

JUNE 7-28 Oklahoma City Jazz Festival (various locations) showcases some of the best jazz musicians in Oklahoma and beyond and features jazz, jazz rock, hip hop, rhythm & blues and other genres of music. Audiences can enjoy live performances at both indoor and outdoor venues. Many of the concerts are free to attend. See website for times and locations. 630-7668, www.okcjazzfest.com

JUNE 8-11 deadCENTER Film Festival in Downtown OKC (various locations) features new short films, documentaries, comedies, scary monster movies and some of the best independent films from around the world and all over Oklahoma. All Access Pass, $150; individual tickets, $10. See website for a full list of films and show times. 246-9233, www.deadcenterfilm.org FREE Endeavor Games at UCO (100 N University Dr, Edmond) is a nationally recognized competition that allows athletes with physical disabilities to participate in a multi-sport event including archery, cycling, paratriathlon, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, shooting, swimming, table tennis, track and field and wheelchair basketball. See website for a complete schedule of events. 974-3160, www.endeavorgames.com

JUNE 9 • FRIDAY FREE Red Earth Parade at Myriad Gardens (Reno & Sheridan Ave) features vibrant American Indian tribes in full tribal regalia. The parade will circle Myriad Botanical Gardens, and visitors are encouraged to bring chairs to watch the display. 10am. 427-5228, www.redearth.org FREE OKC Zoo Presentation: Camouflage at the Belle Isle Library (5501 N Villa Ave). Learn how colors and patterns help animals hide in this presentation by the OKC Zoo. The zoo will bring some colorful friends for an interactive program. 2-2:45pm.

843-9601, www.metrolibrary.org FREE Ben Franklin LIVE! at the SOKC Library (2201 SW 134th St) features History Alive presenter Stephen Smith as Ben Franklin. 6-7pm. Also held at other libraries on 6/11, 17 & 23. 979-2200, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org FREE 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk in the Norman Arts District

(downtown Norman) features a monthly celebration of the arts in Norman. 6-9pm. www.2ndfridaynorman.com Family BINGO Night at the Yukon Community Center (2200 S Holly Ave, Yukon) features a night of BINGO and prizes. All ages welcome. Concessions available for purchase. Preregister; space is limited. $3. 6:30-8:30pm. 354-8442, www.cityofyukonok.gov FREE Outdoor Movie Series at Lions Park (450 S Flood Ave, Norman) features a screening of Sing, inflatables, face painting, music, arts & crafts and more. Activities begin at 7pm; movie at sundown. Also held: 6/23 showing Star Wars Rogue One. 366-5472, www.facebook.com/normanfun FREE LIVE on the Plaza in the Plaza District (1700 block of NW 16th St) features artists, live music, special events, local shopping and more on the second Friday of the month. 7-11pm. www.plazadistrict.org/live/

Mommy Son Luau at Reno Swim & Slide (101 S Douglas Blvd, Midwest City) features an after-hours pool party with swimming, limbo and big splash contests. Ticket includes a hot dog, chips and a drink. $5. 7:30-9:30pm.

739-0066, www.midwestcityok.org FREE Movie Night @ the Park at Stephenson Park (S. Littler Ave & E 4th St, Edmond) features a screening of the Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. Edmond Historical Society & Museum will stay open late and have fun projects. Concessions available for purchase. Movies begin at dark.

359-4630, www.edmondparks.com

JUNE 9 & 10 World’s Oceans Day at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 NE 50th St) features family-fun activities to guide guests to discover beautiful and diverse ocean creatures and habitats, how our actions affect them and how we can protect our oceans.

Free with admission. 10am-2pm. 424-3344, www.okczoo.org

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Last chance to register for

CALENDAR #OKCFAMILYFUN

JUNE 9-11 Red Earth Festival at the Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens) features American Indian artists, dance competitions and hands-on activities provided by native organizations. Adults, $11; kids (18 & under), free. Friday, 10am-7pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm. 427-5228, www.redearth.org

Sessions begin June 19 Register today!

Oklahoma Modernism Weekend at First Christian Church (3700 N Walker Ave) features a myriad of activities, including an outdoor flea market, fashion show, ultra-lounge dance party, vintage car show, mid-century modern market, architectural tours and more. Prices vary. See website for schedule. www.okcmod.com

JUNE 10 • SATURDAY FREE Kids’ Fishing Derby at Arcadia Lake’s Spring Creek Park (7200 E 15th St, Edmond). Kids ages 5-15 compete to see who can catch the biggest fish.

Preregister. Concessions & worms available for sale. 7:30am-noon. 216-7471, www.edmondok.com Indie Trunk Show at The Pavilion (3212 Wichita Walk) features more than 200 local artists, crafters, makers and boutiques from Oklahoma. $6; after 3pm, free. 10am-5pm. www.indietrunkshowokc.com FREE Dogapalooza at Bob Moore Subaru (13010 N Kelley Ave) features free dog washes, food trucks, music, pet adoptions, pet vendors, a reduced cost micro-chipping station, photo booth and more. Donations are accepted and proceeds go to Oklahoma Animal Welfare. 10am-2pm. 749-9049, eblast.mooreandscarry.com/bms/0320417/ index.html FREE Around the World Learning Event at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May Ave) features crafts and activities that explore the world. No reservation required; best suited for ages 3 & up. 10am-3pm. 858-8778, www.LakeshoreLearning.com

1700 Northeast 63rd Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Mon – Sat, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sun, Noon – 5:00 p.m.

(405) 478-2250 nationalcowboymuseum.org/ summercamp

FREE See You Saturdays at the Gaylord Pickens Museum (1400 Classen Dr) features special activities for the whole family including a conversation series, themed museum tours, immersive crafts and a chance to collect Hall of Fame Heroes. 10am-5pm. 235-4458, www.oklahomahof.com

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Indian Taco Sale and Indie Market at the OK Choctaw Tribal Alliance (5320 S Youngs Blvd) features traditional Indian tacos and other native dishes as well as native vendors selling crafts and handmade goods. Proceeds benefit the OK Choctaw Tribal Alliance. 11am-2:30pm. 596-9092, www.facebook.com/okchoctawtribalalliance FREE OSU Museum of Art Family Day at Oklahoma State University of Museum of Art (720 S Husband St, Stillwater) features free, hands-on art activities for visitors of all ages and abilities, connected to the exhibitions on view. 11am-3pm. 744-2780, museum.okstate.edu/calendar/family-day-17 FREE Family Make + Take Art Project at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd) features an art-making project inspired by works of art on view at the museum. All ages and all levels of artmaking experience welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 1-4pm.

951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org FREE Tinker Inter-Tribal Council Powwow at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park (8700 E Reno Ave, Midwest City) features American Indian traditional dance including a youth dancing exhibition, men's fancy dancing, women's southern cloth and buckskin divisions as well as singing, art, jewelry and food. 1-11pm. 734-1345, www. facebook.com/TinkerInterTribalCouncil/ FREE Michael Corley Show at the Southern Oaks Library (6900 S Walker Ave) features a program filled with mind reading, levitation and more. 2-3pm. 631-4468, www.metrolibrary.org FREE Beats & Bites Festival at Riverwind Casino (1544 W State Hwy 9, Norman) features local food trucks and live entertainment from Pat Green and Shawna Russell under the stars. 6-11pm. 322-6000, www.facebook.com/RiverwindCasino Dive-in Movie at The Station Aquatic Center (700 S Broadway Ave, Moore) features a poolside screening of Moana. $5. 8:30-11pm. 793-5090, centralpark. cityofmoore.com

JUNE 10 & 11 FREE deadCENTER Film Festival kidsFEST at Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) & Harkins Theatre (150 E Reno Ave) features a series of family friendly short films. Saturday, 11am; Sunday, noon. www.deadcenterfilm.org

PAW Patrol Live: Race to the Rescue at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave). Ryder summons Marshall, Chase, Skye, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma and the newest pup, Everest, to rescue Mayor Goodway and to run the race in her place. $17 & up.

Saturday & Sunday, 10am & 2pm. 297-2264, www.okcciviccenter.com

JUNE 13 • TUESDAY

JUNE 15 • THURSDAY

FREE Doughnuts with Dads Story Time at the Moore Library (225 S Howard Ave, Moore). Enjoy doughnuts with dad as well as books and music about Father's Day and a special craft project. If dad is not available, bring another person you adore. 10-11am.

793-5100, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

FREE Art in the Park at Hafer Park (1034 S Bryant Ave, Edmond). Enjoy art in the park and use nature and natural items as inspiration. Preregister. For ages 2 -12. 9:3010:30am. Also held at Chitwood Park 7/13.

359-4630, www.edmondparks.com

JUNE 11 • SUNDAY

FREE Movie Making for Teens at the Norman Central Library (225 N Webster Ave, Norman). Learn about video production and work in groups to produce an original video.

Preregister; space is limited. 2-6pm.

701-2600, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

Across the Universe at Sam Noble Museum (2401 S Chautauqua Ave, Norman). Explore comets, asteroids, meteors and more in the Great Balls of Fire exhibit. Non-members, $30; members, $20 (includes one adult & one child). Preregister. 6-8pm. 325-4436, samnoblemuseum.ou.edu

JUNE 14-16

JUNE 15-17

Emancipatory Education Conference at the Downtown Library (300 Park Ave). Hear from community leaders and educators from the public, private and charter spheres speak to the changing form of education in Oklahoma. $100. 9am-3:45pm. 417-839-0470, www.emancipatoryconferences.com

FREE Jazz in June at Brookhaven Village (3700 W Robinson St, Norman) features a long list of jazz musicians. See website for complete schedule and list of performers.

Thursday & Friday, 7-10:30pm; Saturday, 6-10:30pm. www.jazzinjune.org

FREE Family Day at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm Ave, Norman). Explore art in the museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions and enjoy a variety of hands-on art activities for the entire family.

1-4pm. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma FREE Ben Franklin LIVE! Norman West Library (300 Norman Center Ct, Norman) features History Alive presenter Stephen Smith as Ben Franklin. 2-3pm. 701-2644, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

Special Offer!

Photo Session 5x7 Custom Print 8 Mini-Wallets 1 Low-Res Social Media Image

All of your favorite pose!

One Child

$49.95*

Two Children

$69.95*

*Ages 1-12. Child makeovers additional. Children under 18 must be accompanied by legal guardian. Offer valid with standard color finish/paper only. Shipping may apply. Limit one special per customer per family during each promotional period please. Not valid with any other offer. Storybook wardrobe varies by location.

405-848-9933 glamourshots.com

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

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SUMMER

STARTS

WITH OKC

PARKS! CAMPS Breakthrough Basketball Fit For Youth Golf Nature Performing Arts Science & STEM Soccer & Futsal

ATHLETICS Midsummer Heat Youth Soccer Tournament

For more information, call (405) 297-2211 or register online at okc.gov/ parksignup

CALENDAR #OKCFAMILYFUN

JUNE 16 • FRIDAY FREE Animal Architects at The Village Library (10307 N Penn Ave). Learn about amazing animal architects and their construction projects from the Oklahoma City Zoo. Preregister. 10-11am. Also held at Warr Acres Library from 10:30-11:30am 6/29. 755-0710, www.metrolibrary.org FREE Science of Star Trek at the SOKC Library (2201 SW 134th St) features a fun exploration of the science behind Star Trek through stimulating discussion and exciting hands-on activities. Preregister, space is limited. 6-7pm. 979-2200, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org FREE Filmography: Oklahoma Film Series at 21c Museum Hotel (900 W Main St) features screenings of classic art house films. June’s film is Kehinde Wiley: An Economy of Grace. 8pm. 982-6900, www.21cmuseumhotels.com/oklahomacity/ blog/2017/filmography/

JUNE 16 & 17 FREE Shawnee Trail Days in Downtown Shawnee (various locations, Shawnee) features a variety of pioneer and American Indian events including branding demonstrations, working chuck wagons, gunfighters, square dancers, wood carvers and more. Friday, 5-10pm; Saturday, 8am10pm. 432-4131, www.seffshawnee.org/ trail_days.htm Farming Heritage Festival at Shawnee Feed Center (40006 Hardesty Rd, Shawnee) features antique tractors and farming equipment, demonstrations, a tractor parade, face painting and a petting zoo. Friday, 8am-5pm; Saturday, 8am-noon. 623-2834, www.oktractorclub.com

JUNE 17 • SATURDAY Historic Tours in Downtown Edmond (various locations). Learn about the structures and residents throughout downtown on guided, educational walking tour. Photos will be shown on the tours, revealing changes through the decades. Preregister, scheduled by appointment only. $5. 715-1889, www.edmondhistoricpreservationtrust.com Miles 4 Smiles at Baptist Children’s Home (16301 S Western Ave) features 56, 44, 27 and 10.5 mile bike ride benefiting the Baptist Children's Home followed by a free lunch for registered riders. $20-$55. 7am3pm. 691-7781, www.miles4smilesokc.com

@okcparks

okc.gov/parks

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Equality Run at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features a 5K, 10K and family fun run benefiting Freedom Oklahoma. $20-$45. 7:30-11am. register.chronotrack. com/r/27092 FREE Stop-Motion Academy at Norman Central Library (225 N Webster Ave, Norman). Over the course of this one-day boot camp, teens will also learn tips and tricks to take their stop-motion films to the next level. Preregister. 10am-4pm. 701-2600, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org Made in Oklahoma Wine, Beer and Food Festival at Reed Conference Center (5750 Will Rogers Rd, Midwest City) features an extensive variety of wine and beer samples from local producers as well as food tastings and culinary delights from several of Oklahoma’s premier restaurants. Admission, free; 10 tastings, $20. 10am-6pm. 739-1293, www.madeinoklahomafestival.com Father’s Day Cruise on the Oklahoma River (all landings). Dads ride free on all public ferry cruises. $6-$15 for family members. 11am-5pm. 702-7755, www.okrivercruises.com Father’s Fun Run at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave). Take a walk, jog or run around the Gardens and then enjoy fun relay games with dad. Try your luck at a watermelon-eating contest, sack races, 100 yard dash and three-legged races. Members, $10; non-members, $15. 11am-2pm.

445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org FREE A Child’s Introduction To Music Making Workshop at the Norman West Library (300 Norman Center Ct, Norman).

Children aged 5-8 will learn basic music theory and structure and how it feels to make music. Children participants will be provided beginning instruments to take home (supplies are limited) to further their musical growth and curiosity. 11am12:30pm. www.jazzinjune.org Buzzing Bees at Myriad Gardens Terrace Room and Children’s Garden (301 W Reno Ave). Dive into the mind of a bee and learn why bees buzz, what attracts them and why they are so important. Preregister; best suited for ages 6 -10. Members, $7; non-members, $9. 2-3:30pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org Reel Classics at The Paramount (701 W Sheridan Ave) features a screening of classic films in the cinema. $5. Films, 4 & 7pm. 631-9389, www.theparamountokc. com/#paramountokc

Eats on 8th Food Truck Festival in Midtown (NW 8th St & Harvey Ave) features gourmet food trucks, live entertainment and more. Free to attend. Noon-8pm. 234-7960, www.facebook.com/EatsonEighth/ OKC Mile at Remington Park (1 Remington Pl) features AMA Pro Flat track motorcycle races, food trucks and a fun zone in the infield for the kids. Adults, $35-$42; kids (6-15), $10-$12; kids (5 & under), free. Gates open at 2pm; opening ceremonies, 6:30pm.

580-320-3550, www.okcmile.com FREE Heard on Hurd Street Fest in Edmond (Broadway between 1st & Hurd, Edmond) features local food, unique shopping and live music on the third Saturday each month. 6-10pm. www.citizensedmond.com/heardonhurd.htm Moore Daddy Daughter Dance at The Station Recreation Center (700 S Broadway Ave, Moore) features dancing, cookies, punch and door prizes for dads and their daughters ages 4-14. $10, in advance; $15, at the door. 6-8pm. 793-5090, centralpark. cityofmoore.com

FREE Paseo Arts District Fairy Ball at First Christian Church (36th & Walker Ave) features an enchanted world of make believe, costumes and dancing. Children are invited to come dressed as a character from an enchanted garden. They can add finishing touches to their costumes with flowers and more at the ball. 7-9pm. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.com Luxurious Patterns Drop-in Art at Oklahoma City Museum (415 Couch Dr).

Celebrate the opening of the Kehinde Wiley: A New Republic exhibition with a family craft time inspired by the works on display in the exhibit. Free with admission. 11am-4pm.

236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

JUNE 18 • SUNDAY FREE Admission for Dads on Father’s Day at the following venues. (Most offer dads free admission with the purchase of a paid admission. Please contact selected venue as policies & offers vary.)

• Oklahoma Aquarium, 10am to 6pm

• Oklahoma City Museum of Art, noon to 5pm • Sam Noble Museum, 1 to 5pm • Chickasaw Cultural Center, noon to 5pm • Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum, noon to 6pm • Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, 1 to 4pm • Crystal Bridge Conservatory, 11am to 5pm • Oklahoma River Cruises, all scheduled ferry cruises • National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, noon to 5pm

JUNE 19 • MONDAY FREE Cimarron Opera presents The New Kid at the Norman Central Library (225 N Webster Ave, Norman), an opera production that demonstrates that being different is not a bad thing when it is what makes us special and unique. 2-3 & 6:30-730pm. Also held: 6/20 & 6/29 at other libraries. 701-2600, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

OPENING DAY DROP-IN ART

J U N E 1 7, 1 1 A M - 4 P M FREE WITH ADMISSION

Kehinde Wiley (American, b. 1977). Randerson Romualdo Cordeiro (detail), 2008. Oil on canvas, 48 x 36 in. (121.9 x 91.4 cm). Private collection, Golden Beach, Florida, courtesy of Roberts & Tilton, Culver City, California. © Kehinde Wiley. (Photo: Robert Wedemeyer, courtesy of Roberts & Tilton)

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WE MAKE YOUR SMART KID EVEN SMARTER! ©2017 Kumon North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

CALENDAR #OKCFAMILYFUN

JUNE 19-23 & 26-30 Weekly Walk-ups at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) feature fun activities that explore and celebrate the plant world.

Activities vary by each day’s theme. $2 suggested donation. 10am-noon. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

JUNE 19-30 FREE Rhythmically Speaking Performance at the Metropolitan Library System (various locations) features a tale of adventure in space called Seventeen Bowls of Blackbean Chile. See website for times and locations. www.metrolibrary.org

ES

FOR AG

Give your child an academic advantage that lasts a lifetime.

SCHEDULE A PARENT ORIENTATION TODAY!

Kumon Math & Reading Centers of EDMOND - NORTH • 405-715-1111 775 W. Covell Rd., #150, Edmond, OK 73003 EDMOND - WEST • 405-216-9800 245 South Santa Fe Ave., Edmond, OK 73003 NORMAN • 405-364-1600 1320 N. Interstate Dr., Norman, OK 73072 OKLAHOMA CITY - NORTH • 405-752-2000 9300 N May Ave., Ste. 200, Oklahoma City, OK 73120 OKLAHOMA CITY - NORTHWEST • 405-721-7323 6220 Northwest Expy., Oklahoma City, OK 73132 OKLAHOMA CITY - SOUTH • 405-691-8900 10600 S. Pennsylvania Ave., #5, Oklahoma City, OK 73120 YUKON - SOUTH • 405-265-0075 501 S. Mustang Rd., Yukon, OK 73099

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JUNE 20 • TUESDAY FREE Extreme Animals at the Edmond Library (10 S Boulevard, Edmond). Travel around the world with Extreme Animals' zoo-to-you program and learn about different creatures and their habitats up close. 3-4pm. 341-9282, www.metrolibrary.org Concert at the Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheatre (2101 NE 50th St) features performances by Collective Soul and Our Lady Please as well as special guest Tonic. $25 & up. Doors open at 6pm; show, 7pm.

602-0683, www.thezooamphitheatre.com

JUNE 21 • WEDNESDAY FREE SONIC Summer Movies at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) feature an outdoor screening of Sing, food trucks and family activities. The Children's Garden and Thunder Fountain will be open as well. Premovie activities, 8pm; movie, 9pm. Also held: 6/28 with the 1984 film The Karate Kid. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

JUNE 22 • THURSDAY Community Giving Day at Whole Foods Market (6001 N Western Ave). Five percent of sales during the Whole Foods Market Community Giving Day will be donated to the Oklahoma City Zoo Foundation.

Zoo representatives will be at Whole Foods offering fun activities during the afternoon. 8am-10pm. 879-3500, www.wholefoodsmarket.com FREE Take pART in the Fair Classes at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features creative arts instruction to help participants gain skills that may be used to enter the Creative Arts Competitions at the Oklahoma State Fair. Adult session is open to ages 16 & up. Participation is free

32 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

but space is limited and pre-registration is required. Materials and supplies are needed for some sessions. If required, supply kits are $5 per session. 10am-3pm. 948-6731, www.okstatefair.com FREE Ping Pong Mania at The Station Recreation Center (700 S Broadway, Moore) features a family friendly evening of ping pong. All experience levels welcome.

Staff will be on hand offering tutorials of how to play. Best suited for ages 6 & up.

Kids 6 & under must be accompanied by an adult. 7:-9:30pm. 793-5090, centralpark. cityofmoore.com

JUNE 23 • FRIDAY FREE Outdoor Movie Series at Lions Park (450 S Flood Ave, Norman) features a screening of Star Wars Rogue One, inflatables, face painting, music, arts & crafts and more. Activities begin at 7pm; movie at sundown. 366-5472, www.facebook.com/normanfun

JUNE 23-25 SoonerCon at Reed Conference Center (5800 Will Rogers Rd, Midwest City) is a celebration of speculative fiction art, literature, geek pop culture and fandom, features special guests, workshops, performances, gaming, films and panels with creative and STEM industry professionals. $25-$100. See website for a complete schedule of events. 595-7147, www.soonercon.com

JUNE 24 • SATURDAY Geekapalooza: A STEAM Festival for Kids at Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (1141 N Lincoln Blvd) and hosted by MetroFamily Magazine and Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma encourages families to learn about STEAM topics through hands-on expo booths, demonstrations, robotics and short workshops, all focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

Geek costumes are encouraged as there will be a contest. $10 per family (up to six people). Families choose to attend one of two sessions, held 9am-noon & 1-4pm. www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ geekapalooza/ Conquer The Gauntlet Race at John Nichols Scout Ranch (1210 S County Line Rd, Mustang) features a grueling 4 mile race with over 25 obstacles and challenging terrain to maneuver though. There will be

a 1/2 mile course with approximately five obstacles available for kids ages 5-11. $20 & up. 8am-12:30pm. 918-510-3261, www.conquerthegauntlet.com Survive N' Thrive Single Moms Conference at Crossings Community Church (14600 N. Portland Ave) features a wide range of breakout session topics, including self-defense techniques, family finances, effective parenting skills, protecting children in cyberspace and more. Childcare is available for $5 per family, for birth through 11 years old, on a first-come, firstserved basis. $25-$30. Friday, 6:30-9pm; Saturday, 8:45am-4:30pm. 812-5137, www.singlemomsconference.org FREE Stars & Stripes River Festival at RIVERSPORT Adventures (800 Riversport Dr) features a 4th of July themed festival with on-the-water fun with food trucks, RIVERSPORT Adventures, whitewater rafting and racing throughout the day.

Festivities end with a fireworks show on the banks of the river. 10am-10pm. 522-4040, www.riversportokc.org

FREE Library Day at Sam Noble Museum (2401 S Chautauqua, Norman) features complimentary admission to the museum with valid library card. Pioneer Library Systems will be on hand for those interested in signing up for a library card. 10am-5pm.

325-4712, samnoblemuseum.ou.edu FREE Children's Festival at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial Dr, Sulphur) features storytelling, arts and crafts, traditional games, horticulture exhibits and stomp dance demonstrations. Fees apply for admission to the exhibit halls and some activities. 10am-5pm. 580-622-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com Americana Fest at the American Banjo Museum (29 E Sheridan Ave) features live music by local favorites including Horseshoe Road, Lucas Ross, Steel City Jug Slammers and Steelwind as well as crafts and hands-on musical activities for the kids, summertime treats for everyone and door prizes. Adults, $10; kids (15 & under), free with paid adult. 11am-5pm. 604-2793, www.americanbanjomuseum.com

Faerie Gardening at Will Rogers Gardens (3400 NW 36th St). Plant your very own sprite-sized garden to attract faeries into your life. Preregister. Adult accompaniment required for children under 10. $25 per garden. Noon-2pm. 297-1392, www.okc.gov Gypsy Glam Roadshow Music and Wine Festival at Tony's Tree Plantation (3801 S Post Rd) features Oklahoma wineries, breweries, live music, shopping with vendors, face painting, inflatables, photo stations, food trucks and a playground. Benefits The Bella Foundation Animal Rescue. Adults, $10; under 21, free. 5-10pm. 455-7700, www.oklahomagypsyglam.com

JUNE 24 & 25 FREE LibertyFest KiteFest at Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd, Edmond) features demonstrations by experienced kiters, Kite Candy drops, a night kite fly, silent auction and more. The Night Kite Fly will happen after sundown on Saturday, weather permitting. All proceeds support KiteFest.

9:30am. www.libertyfest.org

SOME SUPER HEROES DON’T HAVE CAPES On Father’s Day, we celebrate dads and all male adult role models as we recognize how important it is for children to grow up with men who are committed, responsible and involved. Dads need support to be the best parents and caregivers they can be, and the Y is dedicated to providing both resources and opportunities to further involve them in their children’s lives.

15 LOCATIONS

FIND YOURS AT YMCAOKC.ORG METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

33

CALENDAR #OKCFAMILYFUN

LibertyFest Rodeo at Carl Benne Arena (300 N Kelley, Edmond) features bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, calf roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling and team roping. Adults, $10; kids (11 & under), $5. 8pm. www.libertyfest.org

JUNE 27-JULY 1 Million Dollar Quartet at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) tells the story of the unforgettable night where Sam Phillips brought together icons Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley for a famed recording session, and includes such hits as Great Balls of Fire Blue Suede Shoes and Walk the Line. $30-$90. TuesdayThursday, 7:30pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday 2 & 8pm. 524-9312, www.lyrictheatreokc.com

JUNE 28 • WEDNESDAY FREE SONIC Summer Movies at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features an outdoor screening of the 1984 version of Karate Kid, food trucks and family activities.

The Children's Garden and Thunder Fountain will be open as well. Pre-movie activities, 8pm; movie, 9pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

JUNE 28-JULY 2 Summer Classic Dog Show at State Fair Park Bennett Events Center (3101 Gordon Cooper Blvd) features over 189 breeds competing in a Westminster-style, American Kennel Club confirmation show. Kids can participate in the AKC PeeWee event or the MECU Kid Show, on Saturday. Adults, $7; kids (under 12), free. 8am-5pm. 210-0976, www.okcsummerclassic.com

JUNE 29 • THURSDAY International Mud Day at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave). Make mud pies, mud cupcakes, mud creatures and more. House of Clay will be on site for some “make and takes” like seed bombs and nature stamps.

A rinse station and public restrooms will be available. Preregister. Members, $5; nonmembers, $10; adults accompanying their children, free. Best for ages 2-12, 11am-2pm,; best for adults, 6-8pm. All ages welcome both sessions. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org FREE LibertyFest Concert in the Park at UCO (100 N University Dr, Edmond) features a mixture of light classics, marches and patriotic music performed by an 88-member band from area high schools, college students and community members.

34 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

Following the concert the audience will be treated to free watermelon and ice cream on the lawn in front of Mitchell Hall Theatre.

7:30pm. www.libertyfest.org

JUNE 30 • FRIDAY FREE Fiesta Fridays in Historic Capitol Hill District (SW 25th between Harvey and Robertson) features hot food, cold beverages, live music, dancing, shopping and activities for kids. 7-10pm. 623-0133, www.historiccapitolhill.com Dive-In Movies at White Water Bay (3908 W Reno Ave) feature a pool side screening of Sing. Free with admission. Movie starts at dusk. 943-9687, www.whitewaterbay.com

JUNE 30-JULY 2 USA vs Canada Border Battle at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex (2801 NE 50th St) features the USA Softball Men's Slow Pitch National Team against Canada.

All-session: $12, Single Session: $5. See website for game times. 425-3422, www.teamusa.org

JULY 1 • SATURDAY FREE Blanchard's Independence Celebration (NE 10th & HWY 62, Blanchard) features fireworks, food, live music and special activities just for kids including a petting zoo, pony rides and inflatables. Activities, 6pm; fireworks, 10pm. 485-9392, www.cityofblanchard.us

JULY 2 • SUNDAY LibertyFest Road Rally at Earl’s Rib Palace (2121 S Broadway, Edmond) is a scavenger hunt on wheels. The car with the most correct answers and having the closest time and mileage to the ideal time and mileage is declared the winner. $10 per vehicle. 10am6pm. www.libertyfest.org LibertyFest A Taste of Edmond at Festival Market Place (30 W 1st St, Edmond) features 40-plus restaurants from around the area serving up delicious delicacies and comfort foods. Proceeds benefit LibertyFest. $12 in advance; $17 day of; kids (10 & under), free.

6:30-8:30pm. www.libertyfest.org

JULY 3 • MONDAY FREE Red, White & Boom!

Independence Day Concert at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features a free concert followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Bring lawn chairs to enjoy the show. Entry & parking are free. Concert,

8:30pm; fireworks, 10pm. 232-7575, www.okcphilharmonic.org

JULY 4 • TUESDAY Freedom Fest at Yukon City Park & Chisholm Trail Park (2200 S Holly & 500 W Vandament, Yukon) features live music, kids crafts, a children's parade, free ice cream & watermelon, a hot dog eating contest, fireworks both days and more. See website for a schedule of events. 350-8937, www.cityofyukonok.gov FREE Cherry Bomb Triathlon at Yukon City Splash Pool (2200 S Holly Ave, Yukon).

Kids ages 8 - 13 can swim, bike and run throughout Yukon City Park. Distances vary by age group. All competitors must have their own bike and wear a helmet. Preregister.

8-10am. 350-8920, www.cityofyukonok.gov LibertyFest in Edmond (various locations) feature a parade, carnival rides, live music, FREE watermelon while supplies last, fireworks and more. Most activities free, prices vary. Parade, 9am; ParkFest, 6-9pm; fireworks, 9:30pm. www.libertyfest.org Bethany Freedom Festival at Eldon Lyon Park (7400 NW 36th St, Bethany) features a parade, pony rides, inflatables, carnival rides, games, festival food, car show, shopping and fireworks. 10am-11pm. www.cityofbethany.org Celebration in the Heartland at Buck Thomas Park (1903 NE 12th St, Moore) features live entertainment, vendors, food, inflatables, children's activities, music, car show and more. Free to attend. 10am-10pm.

793-5090, www.cityofmoore.com Norman Day Celebration at Reaves Park (2501 Jenkins Ave, Norman) features fun activities like a doggie parade, inflatables, food vendors, live music, fireworks and more. Free to attend. Noon-10pm; fireworks, 9:45pm. 366-5406, www.normanfun.com FREE Tribute to Liberty at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park (8700 E Reno Ave, Midwest City) features musical concerts, food trucks and a fireworks display. Activities, 6pm; Fireworks, 9:45pm. 735-2281, www.midwestcityok.org Fish and Fireworks at Oklahoma Aquarium (300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks) features half-price admission and access to the back grounds for viewing of Jenks fireworks. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. Adults, $7.98; kids (3-12), $5.98, kids (2 & under), free. 6:30pm.

918-296-3474, www.okaquarium.org

Keeping Your Kids Safe in the Digital Age

A SERIES OF VIDEO SHORTS JUNE 6 - The Biggest Mistake You’re Making About Online Safety JUNE 13 - Social Media Threats and Which Ones Are the Worst JUNE 20 - Conversations with Your Kids – It’s Time to Get Tough JUNE 27 - Score One for Mom - Using Technology to Your Advantage Find the videos on MetroFamilyMagazine.com

MEET OUR SPEAKERS Lauren Nelson was crowned Miss America 2007 at the age of 20. She traveled the country speaking on behalf of her platform and the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Lauren was named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans in 2008.

Since passing on the title, Lauren continues traveling the country speaking at women’s conferences and youth retreats. She has co-authored two books with her friend, Robin Marsh. Lauren is the co-host of Discover Oklahoma and serves as spokesperson for Comanche County Memorial Hospital in Lawton.

Lauren’s most treasured titles are wife and mom. Lauren is married to Randy and they have a son and daughter, Mason and Dawson.

Alison Jacobson has dedicated her life to educating women about issues that affect not only themselves, but everyone in their family. Alison is the mom of four children, step-mom to another four and care giver for her husband with Multiple Sclerosis and son with intellectual disabilities.

Alison also understands personal tragedy.

In 1997, she lost her first son to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It was from this tragedy that she developed her passion as a family safety and wellness advocate.

Her ability to connect with people while providing important information has made Alison a popular guest on many national television shows including The Today Show, Fox & Friends and Good Morning America. Alison reaches millions of parents every month with advice on how to raise self-confident kids in a healthy, happy and safe environment.

WATER PARK

NOW OPEN DAILY!

CALENDAR #OKCFAMILYFUN

FREE Story Time at Moore parks (various

locations) features a story time a different city park led by Moore Public Schools. All ages welcome. Mondays, 10am. 793-5090, www.cityofmoore.com

FREE Manic Mondays at Jackie Cooper Gym (1024 E Main St, Yukon) features a variety of sports and games, every Monday in June. For ages 8-12. Mondays, 1-2pm. 350-8920, www.cityofyukonok.gov

Don’t miss a day of fun by purchasing a Season Pass.

FUN NEW FOR 2017

PARK SEASON PASS UPGRADE

*

Available to Water Park Season Pass Holders

Includes Daily 3-hour Wristband good for Go-Karts • Miniature Golf • Rock Wall • Rookie Go-Karts • Laser Tag • Bumper Cars • Frog Hopper

ONLY

5 9 95

$

With th e purch ase of Water a Park Se ason P ass

(405) 321-7275 •

fit

3300 MARKET PL NORMAN, OK *Must purchase a Water Park Season Pass to receive Fun

and includes a 3-hour reusable wristband valid any day the park is open through 12/31/17.

Museum (1400 Classen Blvd) features a story and craft time as well as other fun activities provided

by Calvert's Plant Interiors and OSU-OKC Farmers Market. Thursdays, 10:30am. 523-3230, www.oklahomahof.com

FREE Summer Concert Series at Hafer Park (1034 S Bryant Ave, Edmond) features an outdoor concert by local bands. Thursdays, 6:15-8:45pm.

359-4630, www.edmondok.com/concerts FREE Concerts in the Park at Chisholm Trail Park (500 W Vandament, Yukon) features outdoor concerts of a variety of musical genres. Thursdays, 7-8:30pm. 350-8937, www.cityofyukonok.gov

Wild Tuesdays Story Time Safaris at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 NE 50th St). Kids 11 and under are invited to hear stories read by guest story tellers, meet a keeper and enjoy a snack—all on Grandma’s Porch in the Children’s Zoo. FREE with admission. Tuesdays, 9:30 & 10:30am. 424-3344, www.okczoo.org

FREE Friday Fun Days in Yukon parks (various locations) features fun activities for kids including a turtle race, a carnival and magic show every Friday morning all summer long. Fridays, 10am. 354-8442, www.cityofyukonok.gov

Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) for ages 3-5. Young artists are invited to experience art through books. Tuesdays, 10:30am. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma

FREE Wheeler Criterium in the Wheeler

District (1701 S Western Ave) features fast-pace flat track bike racing, live music and food trucks.

Tuesdays, 5-8:30pm. www.facebook.com/ wheelercrit Storytime Science at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52nd St) features a story and corresponding hands-on science activity in various locations throughout the museum.

Best suited for kids ages 6 & under. Free with admission. Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30am. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org

FREE Play in the Park at Moore parks (various

locations) features fun games and activities at a different park every Friday throughout the summer. Best suited for ages 6-14. Parent must be with children at all times. Fridays, 10-11am.

793-5090, www.cityofmoore.com

FREE People vs Boardom at the Norman Central Library (225 N Webster, Norman) features a summer long series of Dungeons and Dragons. Both new and experienced players are welcome; open to kids in grades 7th-12th. Drinks and popcorn snacks will be provided. Space is limited; first come, first serve. Fridays, 1-5pm.

701-2600, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

FREE Community Helpers Story Time at

FREE Summer Nights Concert Series at Central Park Amphitheater (700 S Broadway Ave, Moore) features music by local bands underneath the starts at the amphitheater. Fridays, 8-10pm.

793-5100, www.cityofmoore.com

Okietales at Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zudhi Dr) features a one-of-a-kind reading and storytelling time where kids can hear and see history. Best suited for ages 5-9. Admission includes museum admission following the program. $2. Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30am.

522-3602, www.okhistory.org

FREE Children’s Story Time at Full Circle Books (1900 NW Expressway). Saturdays, 10:15am. 842-2900, www.fullcirclebooks.com

the Moore Library (225 S Howard Ave, Moore).

Enjoy books, music, stories and games with local community helps. Wednesdays, 10-11am.

793-5100, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

FREE At the Movies at Moore Library (225 S Howard Ave, Moore) features screenings of family friendly films like Moana and Charlotte’s Web. Preregister, all ages welcome. Wednesdays, 2-4pm. 793-5100, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org Edmond Library (10 S Boulevard, Edmond).

Pajamas welcome. Preregister, best suited for families with kids ages 1-5 years old. Thursdays, 6:30-7:15pm. 341-9282, www.metrolibrary.org

FREE Rhythm and Rhyme at the Yukon

Community Center (2200 S Holly Ave, Yukon) features literacy, motor and verbal skill building activities. Parent must accompany child at all times. Best suited for ages 4 & under. Thursdays, 10:30am. 354-8442, www.cityofyukonok.gov

Park Season Pass Upgrade. Fun Park Season Passes not sold seperately. Fun Park Season Pass begins immediately

FREE Summer Thursdays at Gaylord-Pickens

FREE Art Adventures at Fred Jones Jr.

FREE Family Story Time at the

AndyAlligators.com

WEEKLY EVENTS

36 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

FREE Story Time at Commonplace Books (1325 N Walker Ave) features a weekly story time with pastries and juice. Saturdays, 10:30am.

551-1715, www.commonplacebooksokc.com Roller Skating Lesson at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36th St) offered each Saturday.

Noon-12:45pm. $2 skate rental. 605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com All Star Bowling for Differently-Abled Individuals at Bronco Bowl (133 N Mustang Rd, Mustang) invites differently-abled individuals and their friends and families to bowl on Saturdays. 11am-1pm. Cost to $8.25. 942-5545.

Cartoon Cruises on the Oklahoma River at Exchange Landing (1503 Exchange Ave).

Watch classic cartoons aboard a river cruiser.

Adults, up to $15; kids (7-12), up to $7.50; kids (6 & under), free. Saturdays, 1:15-2:45pm. www.okrivercruises.com

CALENDAR #OKCFAMILYFUN

JUNE 9-JULY 1 Bring It On: The Musical at Pollard Theatre (120 W Harrison Ave, Guthrie) features a highflying journey filled with the complexities of friendship, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness. $15-$30. Thursday-Sunday, 8-10pm. 282-2800, www.thepollard.org

THROUGH JUNE 11 FREE Lester Harragarra: Photos of Northern

Plains Culture at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd) features beautiful, large-scale photographs taken at powwows and other cultural gatherings. Monday-Thursday, 9am-10pm; Friday-Saturday, 9am-5pm. 951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org

OPENING JUNE 13 FREE Picher, Oklahoma: Catastrophe, Memory, and Trauma at Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art (555 Elm Ave, Norman) explores the undoing of ghost town of Picher, Oklahoma, a once mining boomtown that was hit by a tornado on May 10, 2008. The lead and zinc mining that had given birth to the town had also proven its undoing, earning Picher the distinction of being the nation’s most toxic Superfund site in 2006. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, until 9pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma

THROUGH JUNE 19 National Weather Center Biennale at National Weather Center (120 David L Boren Blvd, Norman) focuses on weather in contemporary art. The Biennale art exhibit features the prize winning art pieces and other selected works and is free and open to the public.

Photo ID needed for check in. 7am-7pm daily.

325-3095, www.ou.edu/content/nwcbiennale.html

THROUGH JUNE 24 Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents The Taming of the Shrew at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features the hilarious tale of sweet tempered daddy’s girl, Bianca. She can have her pick of suitors- but not until her sister, the acidtongued Kate can be married off. Adults, $20; students, $15. Thursday-Saturday, 8pm. 235-3700, www.oklahomashakespeare.com

THROUGH JUNE 30 Scavenger Safari for Kids at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 NE 50th St). Explore animal habitats and learn about conservation. Scavenger Safari cards are available for kids ages 3-11 at the Zoo’s Guest Services and ZOOfriends’ offices throughout the summer. Participation is free with Zoo admission and kids get a prize when they complete their card. Free with admission. 9am5pm. 424-3344, www.okczoo.org

THROUGH JULY 9 Lowell Ellsworth Smith: My Theology of Painting at National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) explores this personal process and approach. Featuring watercolor studies and Smith’s own words and observations,

ONGOING EVENTS

it introduces the man, his methods and his belief in the power and potential of creative energy.

Free with admission. Adults, $12.50; kids (6-12), $5.75; kids (5 & under), free. Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

THROUGH AUGUST 12 FREE Remembering World War I at the

Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard, Edmond) marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the global war. The EHS&M is participating in the World War I Centennial Commission’s “Poppy Program” and is selling packets of poppy seeds to help fund the creation of the National WWI Memorial in Washington DC for $2. Tuesday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday, 1-4pm. 340-0078, www.edmondhistory.org

Don’t let an accident spoil your summer fun!

THROUGH AUG. 20 Cowboys & Indians by Harold T. "H" Holden and Mike Larsen at Gaylord-Pickens Museum (1400 Classen Dr) features drawings, paintings and sculptures by the prolific Oklahoma artists and Oklahoma Hall of Fame Members Harold T. “H” Holden and Mike Larsen. Adults, $7; kids (6-17), $5; kids (5 & under), free. Tuesday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm. 235-4458, www.oklahomahof.com

THROUGH AUG. 31 FREE Bricktown Beach outside of the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (3 S Mickey Mantle Blvd) features a large sand-filled outdoor park area with umbrellas, lounge chairs, sand volleyball equipment and outdoor games. Bricktown Beach is free to enter and is open to the public 24 hours a day. www.downtownokc.com Backyard Bugs at Science Museum Oklahoma (2020 Remington Pl) takes Oklahoma’s amazing insects to a larger-than-life level with giant animatronic insects, interactive exhibits and live insect displays to give visitors a unique perspective of a bug’s world and reveal the fascinating complexities of our six-legged neighbors. Free with admission. Adults, $15.95; kids (3-12), $12.95; kids (2 & under), free. Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org

If you or your child has to wear a cast this summer, make sure it is a water cast so that swimming or bathing is not a problem!

John W. Anderson, M.D.

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon Fellowship Trained in Pediatric Orthopedics

THROUGH OCT. 29 Bodies Revealed at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52nd St) allows visitors get an up-close look inside the skeletal, muscular, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory and other life-sustaining systems of the human body. Museum admission plus exhibit: adults, $25.95; kids (3-12), $18.95.

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 9am6pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org This is just a sampling of the current museum exhibits that can be found around town.

Discover more at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/museums.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

37

405-947-0911 ext 270

www.okortho.com

At Home With

Chris Castro

BY HANNAH SCHMITT PHOTOS BY EMILY HART

CHRIS AND TRICIA CASTRO WITH THEIR KIDS BENNY (7) AND MARIGOLD (1)

C

hris Castro became a dad seven years ago when he and his wife, Tricia, welcomed their son, Benny. The couple also has a 1-year-old daughter, Marigold, who appears on this month's cover with Chris.

The family of four lives in Oklahoma City where Chris works as the art director for the creative firm Choate House and Tricia teaches at Christ the King Catholic School. Both of them have art backgrounds so their house is full of evidence of their creative endeavors—art and photography

38 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

on the walls, a rocking llama Chris made Marigold for her first birthday and a guitar he's currently learning to play. Chris shared his thoughts on raising creative kids, starting family traditions and the value of making memories with his kids.

What were your early thoughts about fatherhood?

I met Tricia when we were going to the University of Oklahoma.

So we started dating really young but I think we both wanted kids even from early on. If I could ever imagine having kids with anyone it was her. There was one time I had a little slip of the tongue really early on in dating. We were talking about parenting for some reason

and I just started a sentence with, "When we have kids," and that was just really weird. I remember asking my Dad once how I would know when I found the person I was supposed to marry. He always just said, "you just know."

I never understood that until I met her. We both love to cook and I remember one day when we were dating we went to the Asian market and picked up some stuff and we were cooking together. I looked at her and I just knew. I called my Dad and told him I finally understood what he meant. It was such an abstract thought until that very moment. I was in love right off the bat.

Tell us about your parenting style.

Tricia and I have really different approaches and I'm very aware that I need her to balance me out. We were raised in polar opposite ways. Wherever I have an inadequacy she's so good at stepping in and filling the gap. Not to sound cheesy but our parenting style really revolves around just having fun. We're also big on communication. I grew up in a family where we had every meal around the table with the TV off. That's important to us now.

But I never want my kids to think that's some kind of old-fashioned thing. I want them to think it's fun. I let Benny pick out some music before we sit down. We have a no-phones rule and a no-Pokemon rule at the table. That's hard to enforce sometimes but it's been great to just have that time to really connect and communicate with everybody.

You and Tricia are both very creative. How do you foster creativity in your kids?

Tricia's been really good at that. The best advice I got from her was just to plant the seed but don't force them to do anything. Let them start an activity but when they're done with it, let them walk away. I try to just let them approach it in their own way. A common mistake is to want them to pursue something so badly that there's pressure there. Then it kind of takes away the whole point of being creative.

I also learned a lot about this from my own parents. My Dad came from a family where everybody did the same thing. They were all schoolteachers or teachers at a university in Mexico. Being a teacher is a really wellrespected thing there. My Dad really wanted to be a carpenter but everyone gave him a hard time about that. In some ways I grew up in a strict household but he always encouraged us to do whatever we loved. He could draw really well so when I was a kid I would watch him draw and he'd give me a piece of paper and let me draw. My Dad was really good

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

39

about not telling me how to do something but letting me figure it out on my own. I'm more structured than he was but the practice of doing something instead of always doing it right is important.

Do you have any special traditions you do at home?

A lot of things really revolve around eating for us because Tricia and I just love to cook and we love to eat. With kids, it can be a little bit of a challenge sometimes. We try to be considerate of their preferences but we also always encourage them to eat what we eat.

Benny tries whatever we eat but if he doesn't like it he doesn't have to eat it. It's fun that food has played such an important role in my relationship with Tricia and now it plays a big role in the whole family. We like going to the farmer's market together. We like to try new places. Benny's favorite restaurant is Golden Phoenix (2728 N. Classen Blvd.).

The steamed lemongrass chicken has been his favorite dish since he was really little.

The restaurant is not a typical Chinese place.

There's a whole roasted pig and barbecue ducks hanging from the ceiling. It's a fantastic restaurant but it's not the typical place a kid would pick out. I love sharing experiences like that with him, though.

Another favorite tradition is a book Tricia started called Sunday Thanks. We think of things all week that we're thankful for and then when we sit down to dinner on Sunday we write them all down and talk about them.

We write down where we are, who's with us and what we're eating. It's a place to put specific things from that week, not just what we're thankful for in general. That really facilitates conversation and I love that she does that.

What's been your favorite stage of fatherhood so far?

Each moment is so great. When Benny was 6 months old and he started really interacting with me, I thought it couldn't get any better.

But then when he was about 2, I was working a job that let me spend a lot of time at home and we'd always have these long mornings hanging out together and I thought that was the best. But now that he's 7 and he plays sports and he likes going to football games or the movies with me, it's like I'm hanging out with a really good friend. It's amazing.

It's the sweetest time. Marigold goes to bed early and sometimes Tricia falls asleep early too, so Benny and I just watch a football game and have a snack together and that's just my favorite thing. The weird part of parenting is where you think you don't want

40 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

your kids to get any older. But then they get older and everything changes and you just love every minute. Knowing what's in store with Marigold makes me that much more excited. I always wanted a daughter so to know that just around the corner will be a lot of memories I can make with her and that's just a blast.

What stage are you looking forward to the most?

Now that Benny's in school, he and Tricia ride to school together so I'm getting to spend more one-on-one time with Marigold. I'm

excited for her to get a little older so we can do more things together and I can continue with her the kind of relationship that I have fostered with Benny. There's also something so nice about seeing the relationship form between your kids. Marigold is still so young but she loves her brother and Benny is so great with her. I'm looking forward to seeing more of that relationship between them.

[Editor's Note: This interview has been edited for style and clarity. To learn more about Marigold, our cover model on this issue, go to page 5.]

Oklahoma of Department

Libraries

Oklahoma Department of

Libraries Oklahoma Department

Libr ar ies

Don't miss Geekapalooza! June 24

ENGAGE LEARNING. PHOTOS PROVIDED.

Hands-on fun designed to engage kids ages 3 to 14 in STEAM subjects of science, technology, engineering, art and math AND help families learn about STEAM programs in the metro area.

Hosted at Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (1141 N. Lincoln Blvd., near 10th and Broadway, OKC).

Choose one of these sessions to attend: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.

Tickets are just $10 per family (up to 6 people; additional family members are $5 each) Find details and purchase tickets at

www.metrofamilymagazine.com/geekapalooza

STEAM Programs in the OKC Area Experts agree that the jobs of the future will be STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) related. Parents concerned about their childrens' future want to make sure they have every opportunity to explore these subjects. Geekapalooza is designed to help spark interest in STEAM and to connect them to programs to learn more.

The following is a sampling of STEAM programs that are available for kids in the OKC area.

More information and resources can be found at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/STEAM. ASTEC Charter Schools

Engage Learning

Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma

ASTEC serves a culturally-diverse group of students, grades 6-12. The vision of ASTEC is to have learners interacting in a classroom that focuses on the core values of content, character, competency and community.

Content and instruction are research-based and integrate math, science and technology into a liberal arts curriculum.

Engage Learning is a dynamic design/ build learning experience committed to transforming middle school students into “problem seekers.� Students work in small teams where they collaborate with subject matter experts, educators and each other to imagine, design and build real-world STEMintensive public installations that will have a lasting impact on the community.

Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma partners with the community to ensure that girls of all ages get the STEM education and mentoring they need. Girls Scouts also provides hands-on and collaborative opportunities to learn about STEM through initiatives such as STEM signature events, Devon Geology STEM Kits and EPSCoR STEM Kits.

405-947-6272 2401 N.W. 23rd St., #932, OKC www.asteccharterschools.com

42 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

703-310-9090 engagelearning.org

405-528-4475 www.gswestok.org

IFLY INDOOR SKYDIVING

Oklahoma Railway Museum

405-300-4359 13600 Pawnee Dr., OKC www.iflyworld.com/oklahoma-city

Skeletons: Museum of Osteology

405-424-8222 3400 NE Grand Blvd., OKC www.oklahomarailwaymuseum.org

The STEM Education Program uses iFLY’s unique vertical wind tunnel facility to teach students about engineering, the forces of drag and gravity, terminal velocity and more. The curriculum has been designed by teachers and STEM professionals.

K12, Inc.

855-482-3769 www.k12.com/ok K12, Inc. provides an individualized, online education tailored to each student’s specific needs. The rigorous curriculum includes subjects such as art, music, world languages, and AP® courses. High school students can earn college credits with concurrent enrollment courses at local colleges and universities. Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities and lessons are integrated in all content areas at every grade level.

Mad Science Central Oklahoma 405-285-9643 okc.madscience.org

Mad Science specializes in educational and entertaining programming for children that presents science in a visual and interactive manner which sparks their imagination.

Programs are designed for children (PreK to middle school) on topics such as electricity, anatomy, space technology and robotics.

Mad Science offers after school programs, school assembly programs, birthday parties and camps.

Focusing on the science and history of trains, this museum is open for families year round (Thursday-Saturday, 9am-4pm) and on the first and third Saturdays of April through August for train rides. The museum also offers field trips, scouting programs and a Teaching Trunk that can be checked out for classroom use.

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

The Museum of Osteology focuses on the form and function of the skeletal system displaying hundreds of skulls and skeletons from all corners of the world. Hands-on exhibits and scavenger hunts engage people of all ages and help illustrate the natural symmetry of skeletons.

Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (OSSM) 405-521-6436 1141 N. Lincoln Blvd., OKC www.ossm.edu

This nationally-recognized public school for Oklahoma juniors and seniors provides quality education with an emphasis on science and mathematics. About half of the students have research internships that augment their instruction.

Science Museum Oklahoma 2020 Remington Pl., OKC 405-602-6664

Science Museum Oklahoma offers informal STEAM opportunities to thousands of visitors annually. With exhibits and artifacts covering 350,000 square feet, hands-on learning experiences are near limitless. In addition to Science Overnights, camps and themed days, guests can experience the exhibit “Bodies Revealed,” a comprehensive exploration of the human body, through Oct. 29.

www.metrofamilymagazine.com/geekapalooza Thank you to our generous sponsors for making Geekapalooza possible.

Community Partner

Supporting Partners

STEAM Advocate

STEAM Partner

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

43

EXPLORING BEYOND OKLAHOMA

BY JENN MORRIS PHOTOS FROM JENN'S MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST VACATION

A

s seasoned travelers, the beach is one of our family’s favorite destinations. We’ve visited Bolivar Peninsula, Texas, San Diego, California, even as far away as Lincoln City, Oregon. For this trip, we decided to scout out a lesser known saltwater destination, the Mississippi gulf coast.

With 44 miles of coastline and 359 miles of tidal shoreline, this inexpensive destination is made for families. Shallow water on the beaches in Biloxi and Gulfport are fun for people of all ages, especially younger family members. Going to the beach is a given, but if you’re looking for fun things to do before and after your sandy adventures, here are eight ways to make memories in Mississippi: 1. History abounds along the gulf coast.

Take the family downtown to stroll among historical architecture and interesting shops. Ocean Springs has a robust art scene. See local talent on display at Coastal Magpie, an art gallery and store right in the heart of town.

2. Another can’t-miss stop is the OhrO’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi.

Parents will be impressed with the unique architecture, not to mention interactive exhibits full of area history. Kids will enjoy exploring the Pleasant Reed Interpretive Center.

3. Set out from Biloxi on the Sailfish, a living marine adventure cruise run by the Biloxi Cruise Company. This 70-minute trip highlights the process of how shrimp are caught and how they end up on the plate. The whole family will enjoy inspecting the catch from the nets as the captain identifies ocean life and uses the time as an educational opportunity for kids. Trips are available daily and times vary by season and weather. Visit www. biloxishrimpingtrips.com for rates and available times.

4. Learn more about marine life at The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies

(IMMS). This is an actual research facility that responds to and rehabilitates marine mammals. Reservations for tours are required and can be booked online at www.imms.org. IMMS has been a staple in the Gulfport community since 1984.

They have responded to area disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, rescuing and rehabilitating countless animals. Take a half-day tour of the facility. Hear from marine biologists, researchers and meet a wide array of animals in their care, including dolphins!

5. For families wanting to experience life on the water, visit Biloxi Boardwalk Marina to rent a pontoon boat for the day. Load up a cooler with drinks and snacks to bring onboard, troll out to nearby Deer Island for dolphin sightings then head into the bay to fish. Kids love adventuring down the rivers and streams off the bay.

Onboard maps and GPS ensure you won’t get lost. As an added treat, there are numerous restaurants along the river.

Plentiful docks allow you to tie up your boat and pop in for a bite to eat. Be sure to keep an eye out for the wide variety of water birds, fish, turtles and even alligators!

6. While you tour downtown Ocean Springs, be sure to stop for a donut at The Tato-Nut Shop. This is a one-of-a-kind breakfast the kids will relish. Make sure to get there early as lines tend to form, especially on the weekends.

7. With locations in Ocean Springs and Biloxi, you can’t go wrong with any meal at McElroy’s. Our favorite location was McElroy’s on the Bayou at Ocean Springs. Watch the water while you eat and keep an eye out for the alligator that shows up along the water’s edge. Eat like a local and order the shrimp and grits and beignets for dessert.

8. When you step onto this quirky compound of all things eclectic, you’ll soon know why this dive warranted its own Food Network show. True to its name, The Shed BBQ is in a semirenovated shed. The casual eatery features plenty of space to tie up a boat.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

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Mississippi Gulf Coast Vacation: Mom Tips If your family is looking for a fun destination, gulf coast Mississippi will not disappoint. Our kids, 6 and 9 years old, still talk about this vacation and cannot wait to go back. A combination of southern hospitality, amazing adventures and much needed time with family, made this a vacation to remember.

Getting There Getting to the Mississippi coastline requires either a quick flight to Gulfport or a 12-hour road trip. There are no non-stop flights to Gulfport out of Oklahoma City, so expect about five hours of travel time with a layover in Dallas or Houston if you fly.

Our family decided to drive and set out on the 12-hour trip from Oklahoma City to our beach rental home in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. We made the drive in two days, stopping in Little Rock, Ark. to spend the night.

46 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

The best part of driving was the opportunity to see the sights along the way. We set out from Arkansas on day two and dropped south toward the Mississippi Delta region.

One of our favorite finds was a small country store in Dermott, Ark. The appropriately-named Amish and Country Store (3040 US-65) is the perfect stop to get a delicious bite to eat and learn more about the area Amish and Mennonite community. On our trip, the store owner was sweet enough to offer homemade cookies to the kids and tell us more about the store, which is staffed by members of the Amish and Mennonite community. Their bakery produces fresh breads and other baked goods. Canned items include chow chow, salsa, jams and jellies.

While there we selected a loaf of fresh baked bread, still warm from the oven. We combined this with homemade jelly for a tasty afternoon snack. The loaf of bread was gone before we reached the Mississippi state line.

Staying There The Mississippi gulf coast offers plenty of accommodations on any budget. For lively activities within walking distance, Gulfport or Biloxi are good options. Numerous hotels and rentals are located near the beach with activity options both day and night.

For those looking for a quiet beachfront outside the hustle and bustle of Biloxi, head two miles east over the bridge to Ocean Springs. This beachside community was established in 1699 as the first French outpost of French Louisiana.

Visit vrbo.com or airbnb.com to find a list of rental homes and condos, many right on the water. Vacation rentals are a great option for families looking for value and space. Prices start at $99 depending on the rental size and location.

Our family rented a four-bedroom, threebathroom ocean front home in Ocean Springs along Belle Fontaine Road. This quiet area provides ocean views, plentiful seabird sightings and views of the barrier islands.

The kids had a blast running right out the front door and onto the sand.

[Editor’s Note: Jenn Morris is a freelance writer and mom of two who recently moved from Oklahoma City to Tennessee.

She’s a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma. When not writing, she loves traveling with her husband and kids. Find more stories from Jenn at fumblingtowardsfriday.wordpress.com.]

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

47

THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN • SPIRAL GARDEN VILLAGE GARDEN

MILKWEED Monarch butterflies cannot survive without Milkweed.

WELCOME to our GARDENS A CHICKASAW ADVENTURE

Help us fight declining numbers of Monarchs.

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Discover many garden adventures!

Join us for a celebration of the role gardens play in our lives.

In working gardens, landscapes and demonstrations, we share the tools and traditions that have shaped our culture.

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

EVAN KLINGENBERG, AGE 1. PHOTO BY MARK DOESCHER.

BY ERIN PAGE

Lauren and Sam Klingenberg were in the beginning stages of the in vitro process when they found out they were pregnant with their first child. The kindergarten teacher and landman were thrilled. After losing Sam’s mom to a terminal illness and Lauren’s dad being diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder during her pregnancy, their families were ready for the joy of a new baby. And since Evan Klingenberg’s birth on Oct. 19, 2015, he has taught them more about life, love and happiness than they ever knew possible.

48 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

At 6 months old, Evan was diagnosed with Menkes disease, a copper deficiency that is fatal. Affecting 1 in 100,000 to 250,000 newborns, Menkes is more common in boys and is characterized by kinky hair, failure to thrive and deterioration of the nervous system. Since his diagnosis, countless doctor visits and many stints in the hospital, Evan’s smiles and happy demeanor have anchored Lauren and Sam as they choose to live life with their baby boy to the fullest. Lauren shares Evan’s story:

What concerns did you have about Evan as an infant?

The second Evan was born, we noticed his hair was coarse and kinky. He slept a lot, more than most kids. When you normally pick up a newborn they have some stability

in their core but Evan never did. At 2 months old, he would scream through tummy time. I was so determined to help him learn to move his head from side to side but he just wasn’t. I asked our doctor about it, but because he was hitting all other milestones, the doctor wasn't worried. When Evan was 4 months old, I felt like I should push. He wasn’t holding his head up or rotating it. We got a referral to a neurologist in Norman and they wanted to run some tests. I prepared myself for it to be bad, that my child would have special needs.

in tow on the plane, and I remember thinking ‘life doesn’t have to be so bad.’ Five days after we got home, we were back in the hospital for 18 days because of fever and high heart rate. We’ve been in and out of the hospital since with viruses, fever, trouble breathing and irregular heartbeat.

The doctors are treating the symptoms and controlling what they can. We have a nurse who comes five days a week and it’s nice to have two sets of hands on deck. When we’re home and he’s good, he’s really good.

What was the day of Evan’s diagnosis like for you and Sam?

How do you move forward and live your life, despite Evan’s illness?

On April 18, the doctor walked in with paperwork, sat down and said, “I’m so sorry.

Evan has Menkes Disease.” She explained it’s a copper deficiency and he’s missing proteins that help absorb copper. It’s what helps your brain, muscles and hair grow. The first thing I asked was, “Will he die of this?” She nodded her head and I asked when. She said “three years.” The whole night I just cried and held him. If you catch Menkes within the first 10 days of a baby’s life, they can receive copper therapy, but we were catching it late at nearly 6 months. A simple blood test can tell. Evan was pre-jaundiced as a newborn and had blood drawn every day for a week. If we’d just tested for it, we would have caught this.

But we can’t keep asking ourselves, “What if.” We’re praying for miracles.

I realized God didn’t do this to Evan. He put things in place and people in front of us who helped us and will continue to help. I made a choice: I didn’t want to be mad, I want to be happy. I don’t think about it most days, that I’m going to lose him. I believe God gives special kids to ordinary people because He knows we can do it and that there’s nothing too big. The selfish part of me wants him to be here forever, but my plans are different.

I have the rest of my life to cry about this.

Now, I’m going to fight and so are Evan and Sam, my husband. I’ve got a great kid and he’s going to change the world.

What has it been like caring for Evan since his diagnosis?

Evan had just turned 6 months, so we had a party for him, not knowing if he’d even turn 1. We had been accepted into a copper study at the National Institute of Health (NIH), but before we were supposed to leave, we were at the doctor’s office and Evan turned blue and started having seizures. We were admitted into the hospital to get the seizures under control and even though everything looked normal, we found out he had been seizing pretty continually. They had to intubate him and put him into a medically-induced coma.

On our third wedding anniversary, he was extubated and we got to hold him. The next day he was scheduled for a G-tube surgery.

I cried because I knew he was never going to get to experience food. But, four months after that he was doing great. He was happy, smiling and most of the seizures didn't present signs or symptoms.

We did get to go to NIH, where the doctor said he has a classic case of Menkes and was happy he was so social and still had his eyesight. Then all summer, Evan was excellent and we were able to go on vacation.

With suction, pulse ox monitor and oxygen

What support systems have been especially helpful to you?

Hope Link (www.okchopelink.org) is a group of moms of kids with special needs and rare and undiagnosed disorders. It has changed my life because they are going through the same things we are. It’s their normal, which is now our normal. They’ve helped us get answers and it’s been amazing just to have a group of women who care just as much about your child as they do their own.

How do you advise parents and kids to interact with children with special needs?

Don’t make it the elephant in the room. Most people are more than willing to share their story. You can ask questions and let your kids ask questions. When we were at a hotel pool this summer, one of the kids asked about Evan’s MIC-KEY button, so I explained that we feed him straight through his tummy.

Help your kids have those conversations. I don’t want people to change how they are around me because of my child’s disabilities and I also still want to learn about your child’s milestones. It’s nice for me to talk about Evan but I still want to hear about you and the struggles you go through, too. If you don’t have the words to say, sometimes the best thing is to not even talk but just be there.

What do you wish other parents and parents-to-be knew about Menkes and other rare diseases?

If you have a gut feeling, go with it and don’t take no for an answer. If you don’t think something’s right, it probably isn’t. There were a lot of symptoms Evan didn’t have, but he did have kinky hair and was prejaundiced. Low body temperature can be a big factor for a lot of rare diseases. Most people have a family history—a brother, uncle or first son who has died from Menkes.

We didn’t. Now we know I’m a carrier.

To administer medication, you have to know a baby has Menkes within 10 days. Not that we’d get pregnant this way again, but we could check while a baby was still in utero to see if he carries it. The day he was born, we’d already have medication waiting. Until there’s more awareness about Menkes and it’s on the newborn screening, most parents don’t know to look for it. My goal is to get enough funding to help make Menkes part of newborn screening for all babies. I get to share Evan’s story and if I can save one family from going through this, it’s huge.

What milestones have been especially sweet to watch Evan conquer?

Evan doing anything besides lying there means everything. Every small moment is way bigger than I ever thought it would be.

He’s so happy and gets so determined to do things. It was hard when he got his G-tube because before, he had been drinking from a bottle and breastfeeding. He started swallow therapy and got to try applesauce. His face was like, ‘Oh! What was that?!’ Now if you put anything near his mouth, he has that reflex to open his mouth. When my parents were recently in town, he rolled from his back to his side for the first time. He can move his head from side to side while lying on his back, he’s been able to hold his head up once someone positions it for him and he can sit up with full assistance. He can give high fives with assistance and show No. 1 with his finger. He’s started to babble more, and sometimes he’ll mimic the sounds we make. I’ve heard him say what sounded like ‘mama’ and later ‘dada.’ After he was intubated, we hadn’t really heard him laugh.

He’d smile but not make sounds. But recently he started giggling when Sam was on the floor with him and now he’s doing that more.

What words best describe Evan?

Happy and brave.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

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Resource Directory From pediatricians to special needs therapy, birthday party ideas and private schools, our resource directories— both here and online—provide local parents with the information they need to help their families and children thrive. Check out these businesses and those you find at metrofamilymagazine.com/directories and be sure to tell them you found their business via MetroFamily Magazine.

The “Yellow Pages” for OKC area parents.

51

Health & Fitness (page 51) Bump to Baby & Beyond Program (OU College of Nursing) Dr. Laura Ballinger, DDS Oklahoma Institute of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

54 55 56

56

Allison’s Fun Inc. Dust Bowl Lanes & Lounge

57

Forever After Parties

52 54 55 56

St. John’s Episcopal School

Restaurants & Shopping (page 57) Jimmy’s Egg

PhotosOKC

Mobile Laser Forces

Special Needs (page 52)

Education (page 56)

Once Upon A Child North OKC

Mad Science of Central Oklahoma

Skate Galaxy OKC

Twist & Shout

learning tree toys, books & games

Frontier City/White Water Bay

Myriad Gardens

The Studio of Sooner Theatre

Youth Tech, Inc.

Dr. Santiago Reyes, Pediatric Pulmonologist

52 53

SoccerCity OKC

Velocity Dance Center

OU College of Nursing

Party (pages 52-53)

Oklahoma History Center Junior Curator Camp

58 59

Family Fun (pages 58-59) Arcadia Lake, City of Edmond Dodge City Paintball & Outdoor Laser Tag of OKC

Sensational Kids

Harn Homestead

TOTAL POSS-ABILITIES

My Gym Children’s Fitness Center

Summer Camps (pages 54-56)

Oklahoma WONDERtorium

Artsy Rose Academy

Unpluggits Playstudio

Cadence Equestrian Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma (Camp DaKaNi) Childcare Network Edmond Fine Arts Institute

59 59

Edmond First United Methodist Church Camps First Lutheran Preschool Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma

59

Family Services (page 59) Vesta Foundation Solutions

Foster Care (page 59) Saint Francis Community Services

Child Care (page 59) Primrose School of Edmond

Find more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/directories 50 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

FREE Special Offer!

Maternity Coaching and Education Bump to Baby & Beyond ™ .

A program designed to support individuals during the birthing experience and life transition that comes with the addition of a new baby.

Call (405) 271-8767 to learn more about the pricing for Bump to Baby & Beyond Bundles!

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As a family dentist, she welcomes kids (and their parents) to experience quality, gentle dentistry in a relaxing environment.

Call for an appointment today and receive a FREE kids Sonicare toothbrush with complete exam, X-rays and cleaning!

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Breathe Easier Santiago Reyes, MD Pediatric Pulmonology

For Appointments Call 405-945-4495 Specializing in respiratory diseases of children and adolescents including asthma, cystic fibrosis, respiratory infections, chronic and acute respiratory conditions.

Board certified in pediatric and pediatric pulmonology.

Serving Oklahoma for over 20 years.

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

Most major insurance accepted including SoonerCare INTEGRIS Professional Building D 3366 Northwest Expressway, Suite 330, Oklahoma City

Get your tickets today!

You can't avoid life, let us get you back to living!

June 24

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405-607-4333 | okallergy.com Dr. Amy L. Darter, MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI

Dr. Jason M Bellak, MD

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Dr. Laura Ballinger knows kids.

PARTY GUIDE

421 NW 10th • 405.609.3302 dustbowlok.com

Family Favorites

We come to you!

Call us for your child’s next birthday party!

405-285-9643

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MOONBOUNCES • SLIDES • OBSTACLE COURSES • WATER SLIDES

PICK-UP A MOONBOUNCE FOR ONLY $175 FOR THE ENTIRE WEEKEND!!

For more info, call or log on to

www.AllisonsFunInc.com (405) 447-1118

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

Birthday Parties start at $350 for up to 8 guests, includes admission, a meal and a reserved party area!

Patio Parties at White Water Bay include admission and a meal with a private area for a reserved time.

BBQ Bash and Picnic in the Park at Frontier City include a meal with a reserved area.

Special rates available for all groups with 15 or more people! Save up to 50% off general admission!

Little League, Daycare, Family Reunions let us help plan your event and make it one of a kind!

PARTY GUIDE

BIRTHDAY PARTIES OR GROUP GATHERINGS!

Contact group sales at GroupSales@FrontierCity.com or 405-478-2140 x 214 for more information.

Have more

Family Fun!

Play • Learn • Thrive

Now offering Sensational Yoga for children!

Subscribe to our popular e-newsletters and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Summer sessions in June and July

Find more at: www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ community

www.SensationalKidsOKC.com

See our website for more information!

Services Include: Occupational Therapy & Speech- Language Therapy for Children of All Ages & Abilities In-network providers for the following insurance companies: BC/BS Tricare United Healthcare Health Choice Soonercare Oklahoma Health Network

(405) 840-1686

SPECIAL NEEDS

Two locations to serve you

14715 Bristol Park Blvd., Edmond 5701 SE 74th St., OKC

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

53

SUMMER CAMPS

Performing Arts Summer Camps

Non-audition summer camps now enrolling!

One, two and three-week camps for PreK-12th grade in Magic, Musical Theatre, Acting, Dance and more!

May 30 - August 4

(405) 321-9600

www.soonertheatre.com

#1 RANKED CHEERLEADING AND TUMBLING GYM IN OKLAHOMA

2017 teams forming

summer camps

3 x USASF World Champs! • 2 x Summit Champs! • 21 23 x NCA Champs! • 16 x National and 68 x State Power tumbling Champs!

Classes & Teams - Age 4 & up ALL LEVELS

Competitive & Non-Competitive Cheer & Tumbling • Birthday Parties • Cheer and Tumble Clinics & Camps

Edmond 405-775-9491 • Muskogee 918- 913-7833 • Norman 405- 573-9974 • Tulsa 918-622-58673

Family Favorites

Explore your imagination and creativity this summer!

Youth Tech Inc. Computer Camps, Ages 6-17 Video Game Design 3D Game Design Gaming Academy Animation Web Design Movie Makers iGame Creators

877-984-2267

View camp schedule www.youthtechinc.com 54 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

Camps held in Edmond at the MAC, 2733 Marilyn Williams Dr.

Summer Camp - Ages 3-5 June 5 - 16 All About Me and My Family June 19 - 30 It's a Bug's Life July 3 - 14 The Great Outdoors July 17 - 28 Master Chef July 31 - Aug. 11 Put Me In the Zoo

2 Week Sessions - $200

Choose the dates or attend all summer!

Space is limited so CALL TODAY! First Lutheran Church and Preschool 405-235-1013 1300 N. Robinson Ave / OKC For more information visit www.firstlutheranschoolokc.org

• Birthday Party Packages • Indoor Soccer Leagues

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

Also enroll for Lil Kickers Summer Session, 6/12-8/26!

405-748-3888

Call TODAY!

Easy online enrollment Hassle-free, all-inclusive recital Friendly, educated staff Viewing monitors to see your child’s progress

Today

11122 N Rockwell Ave Ste A-11 OKC

405-721-8807

admin@oklahomacitydancestudio.com

www.oklahomacitydancestudio.com

Horse Camp

Camp Cadence 2017 Beginner Full Day June 5- June 9 June 19 - June 23 July 17 - July 21 July 24 - July 28 Ages 5-13 No experience necessary 9:00 am – 3:00 pm* Monday – Friday $395/per camper *before/after care available from 8:309:00 am & 3-5:30 pm; $75 additional cost

Beginner Half Day May 29 - June 2 June 12 - June 16 June 26 - June 30 July 10 - July 14 July 31- Aug 4 Ages 5-13 No experience necessary 9:00 am – Noon Monday – Friday $235/per camper

CADENCE EQUESTRIAN Enroll online at: www.cadenceequestrian.com

(405) 348-7469 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

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SUMMER CAMPS

Experience the Velocity difference!

Enroll

Enroll NOW for summer camps!

SUMMER CAMPS

NOW ENROLLING FOR PRE-K 3 TO 8TH GRADE

Summer Camp 2017 Sign up today at campdakani.org (405)254-2080

Connecting Children with the Outdoors!

Zip-lining Rock Climbing Hiking Kayaking Archery Arts & Crafts and much more!

$210/per week 9:00 am - 3:30 pm (Extended Care Available)

Junior Curator Camp Oklahomans in Space Ages 8 - 12 July 17 - 21, 10am - 3pm Learn how to handle museum artifacts • Learn how to research history • Learn how to build an exhibit • Limited to 20 campers-CALL NOW $100 fee includes all meals and materials.

•

(405) 522-0793 OkHistory.org education@OkHistory.org 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive/OKC

56 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

Educating the whole child because the best education requires more than just books.

Our mission at St. John’s is to provide an excellent education set in the Episcopal tradition that instills a life-long love of learning and achievement with a lasting habit of caring and contributing to our community.

St. John’s Episcopal School 5401 N. Brookline Oklahoma City, OK 73112

www.stjohnsokc.com Call 405-943-8583 for more information and schedule a tour

EDUCATION

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

RESTAURANTS & SHOPPING

Come in to see this working ferris wheel!

Smaller versions available

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

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FAMILY FUN

ATTENTION Non Members!

Come play at MY Gym's practice & play times (open play) for just $10/child!

Paint a Father’s Day Gift!

Tuesdays 12:15 4:25 pm Thursdays 12:15-5:55 pm ages 3 months - 6 years

Birthday Parties

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

www.mygym.com/edmond or call 405-324-9182

405-340-PLUG • www.unpluggits.com

838 W Danforth/Edmond

ARCADIA LAKE’S

KIDS FISHING DERBY SAT. JUNE 10, 2017 7:30 A.M.– NOON SPRING CREEK PARK KIDS AGES 5–15 FREE EVENT

Fun for the entire family!

Open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm Harn House tours at 11, 1:30 & 3.

Registration from 7:30–9 a.m., fishing at 8 a.m. and final weigh-in at 11 a.m. Concessions and worms will be for sale at the event site.

Parents must accompany children.

216-7471 Open Year Round, Groups & Walk-ons Welcome

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New Low Impact Perfect For Players 6 Yrs & Up

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58 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

Birthday Parties All-Weather Building

Picnic Area Brand New Course!

16425 NW 150th, Piedmont

From summer concerts to Father’s Day events & 4th of July celebrations...

FIND YOUR WONDER THIS SUMMER

FAMILY SERVICES

Plan the Best summer Ever!

Experts in Sinking Concrete Bowing Walls Nasty Crawl Spaces CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE! 405-698-1109 | vestafamily.com

Find the go-to guides for

Oklahoma WONDERtorium’s expertly designed exhibits inspire curiosity to learn through play... because a child’s best work is PLAY.

#OKCSummerFamilyFun at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/summer

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Texas-sized fun, all in one glorious place!

Now – September 4, 2017 Enjoy family fun inspired by the Lone Star State: • Junior chef camp, Hank’s Outlaw Scavenger Hunt, kids crafts and Build-A-Bear Workshop® • Escape the Wild West Escape Room and Crazy Pete’s Panning Adventure interactive experiences • Rock Out Glow Party, Legends of the Lone Star Wild Wild West Show and Friday Night Fireworks • Aquafina® Splash Party, Paradise Springs resort pool & lazy river, dining events and so much more!

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Designed to spark your kid's interest in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) with hands-on fun in robotics, coding, geo-sciences and more!

• Compete in the “geek” costume contest • Food trucks • Stage entertainment

Saturday, June 24

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Choose a session, either 9am-noon or 1-4pm Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (OSSM) 1141 N. Lincoln Blvd. (near NW 10th and Broadway) Just $10/family (up to 6 people; $5 per additional person)

Limited quantity available so get yours TODAY! Tickets are transferrable.

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Kid Review: Unpluggits Playstudio

Kid reviewer’s name: Samuel Roldán Age: 10

What made the experience stand out?

I had been to Unpluggits before but this was the first time I was able to play with both of my brothers there. Our baby, Gabriel, is old enough to play now that he’s 2. My brother, Isaac, is 5, so all of a sudden, we can do new things together like air hockey because he can follow instructions. It’s not very often I go somewhere that all three of us can play games or do art together.

What was the best part?

I painted a piggy bank at Unpluggits when I was little and I wasn’t sure they would have anything interesting for older kids. There are Pokémon figures you can make, though. I was glad it wasn’t just for little kids because sometimes we go places that are just for my younger brothers, which is okay since patience is a virtue, but I was happy to have a good time too.

What was the worst part?

I wanted to paint a figure but I have to take some money back to do that.

Will other kids like this venue and why?

Kids will like this venue because they can do what they want to do without worrying so much about the mess. We don’t get out as many paints or glitter or art supplies at our house since we’d have to worry about staining the floor or leaving a mess that would make my Mom feel upset. I know I make her life harder when I try to do crafts at home and my projects take some turns I don’t expect, like splatters and spills or this one time I left out permanent markers and

62 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2017

my brother drew on our fancy chairs. That was the day I learned stain remover doesn’t always work. Unpluggits has art supplies that we don’t have at home and you’re allowed to use them. When you get tired of making art, there’s a playground, a sandbox, an air hockey table and some toys you can use instead. You can do more than one thing while you’re there.

Would this venue be enjoyed by your siblings? Why or why not?

Yes, they had a great time because they were busy and no one made us sit still or use a mop after.

If you could do this again knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?

I would take my allowance to be able to paint more figures and leave more time in my schedule to be there longer. Isaac learned how to use a pulley and what that is while we were on the playground so I’d get a book at the library about how those work or YouTube it first because I couldn’t explain how exactly.

Does what you saw match up with anything you're learning in school or have seen before in a book, on TV, etc.?

My art teacher, Mrs. Crabaugh, let us make some ceramic figures in school this year and I noticed there’s an area where you can make and paint those too. I love art and my family sees a lot of it at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and in books. I want to be a geologist when I grow up but I need art with color to make me happy so I would like to study both of those in college.

What do you think you'll remember most about Unpluggits?

Playing with my brothers is what I’ll remember most, especially because none of us thought much about cleaning up. Art shouldn’t be stressful. You should just play and paint and not worry.

Get more tips for exploring Oklahoma City with your kids at our Weekend Warrior blog, http://www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ Weekend-Warrior.

Join us at 10:30 a.m. to noon every Thursday from Memorial Day to Labor Day for FREE story time, craft, and activity. Families with young children will enjoy a great day of fun and inspiration!

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Rock & Roll Day Discovery Day Lollipop Day Take Your Plants for a Walk Day

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Join us the 2nd Saturday of every month for FREE, uniquely-themed programming geared for all ages!

JUNE 10: TRIBAL TRADITIONS

Artist Spotlight: Mike Larsen 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

All Day Crafts and Guided Tours Collect your very own Oklahoma Hall of Fame Hero card set!

Picture Yourself!

This interactive gallery allows you to step inside the gilded frames of Oklahoma Hall of Fame members and experience their inspirational stories.

Our NEW experiences are: · Address the People · Slam Dunk · Medicine #OHOFPictureYourself

JULY 8: WE THE PEOPLE

All Day Crafts and Guided Tours Collect your very own Oklahoma Hall of Fame Hero card set!

Picture yourself This interactive gallery allows you to step inside the gilded frames of Oklahoma Hall of Fame members and experience their inspirational stories.

Our NEW experiences are: · Address the People · Slam Dunk · Medicine #OHOFPictureYourself

Celebrating 90 Years of Telling Oklahoma’s Story Through its People!

SHARE YOUR STORY!

AUGUST 12: COWBOYS, OUTLAWS, & LAWMEN

Artist Spotlight: Harold T. “H” Holden 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

All Day Crafts and Guided Tours Collect your very own Oklahoma Hall of Fame Hero card set!

Picture yourself This interactive gallery allows you to step inside the gilded frames of Oklahoma Hall of Fame members and experience their inspirational stories. Our NEW experiences are: · Address the People · Slam Dunk · Medicine #OHOFPictureYourself

Oklahoma Hall of Fame – Gaylord-Pickens Museum 1400 Classen Drive (N.W. 13th and Shartel) Oklahoma City, OK, 73106

OklahomaHoF.com (405) 235-4458

@OKLAHOMAHOF