MetroFamily Magazine September October 2024

Jump Bac k INTO F

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024

Healthy Families Guide

The best in local wellness resources & expert advice

Urban Hiking Explore downtown OKC on foot

ALL Top pum pkin pat ches, festivals and fam ily adventu res

Homeschool Days September 18 10 AM - 2 PM Online pre-registration is required

See you at Fall Y'all!

October 16th - 18th 10 AM - 2 PM Recommended for children ages 3 - 8

Visit OklahomaHOF.com for more info.

1400 Classen Drive, Oklahoma City 405.235.4458

PHOTO STATIONS!

WILDLIFE FROM AROUND THE WORLD!

TREAT TENTS!

General Admission and Official Trick-or-Treat Bag Required

OKCZOO.ORG

Contents Features 41 HEALTHY FAMILIES GUIDE

ON THE COVER Naomi is the winner of our 2024 Cover Kids contest in the 6-7 age category.

A second grader in Edmond, Naomi enjoys math and art, plus she plays soccer, basketball, golf and tennis. She likes to figure out how things work and wants to be a PreK teacher when she grows up. Her favorite places to visit in the metro are Science Museum Oklahoma and Frontier City.

PHOTO BY FOTO ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE MYRIAD GARDENS’ PUMPKINVILLE

Local wellness resources & expert advice

42 SCHOOL ANXIETY

SOLUTIONS How to understand, support and empower your child — and yourself

44 IS MY TEEN VAPING?

50

A parent’s guide to protecting against the dangers

50 SCHOOL YEAR

HEALTH GUIDE Essential tips for parents from local pediatricians

DINNER ON THE DOUBLE

52

Easy recipes for busy parents (that your kids will actually eat!)

55 UNDERSTANDING

MEDICAL SPAS Treatment options, questions to ask and the value of self-care

Departments 6

CONNECT WITH METROFAMILY Take advantage of our top seasonal resources

10 NEW & NOW

Local happenings for families

PHOTO BY FOTO ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY

14

12 INSPIRATIONAL FIRST

AMERICANS Meet FAM’s new CEO, Dr. Kelli Mosteller

EXPLORING OKLAHOMA

WITH CHILDREN Where to find STEM family fun around the state

20 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The season’s best pumpkin patches, fall festivals & frugal fun

46 LOCAL FAMILY FUN

Urban hiking: Explore downtown OKC on foot

56 MOM TALK

Wellness lessons learned from the late Richard Simmons

62 LAST LOOK

Take your family underground to OKC’s hidden tunnels

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Letter from the Editor 2023

2023

2023

2023

2023

2023

Publisher Sarah Taylor Editorial & Marketing Director Erin Page Digital Editor Lindsay Cuomo Art Director Stacy Noakes Assistant Editor Emiley Bainbridge Account Executive Dana Price Events Director Casey Shupe Operations Director Morgan Harris Content & Account Specialist Renee Filippo Advertising & Distribution Manager Kelli Newsome Contributing Writers Umo Callins Sally Hoch Christina Mushi-Brunt Contributing Photographer Bridget Pipkin Contact us Mailing address: 6608 N. Western Ave., #458 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 Phone: 405-601-2081 tips@metrofamilymagazine.com metrofamilymagazine.com MetroFamily Magazine is published bimonthly. Copyright 2024 by MetroFamily HoldCo, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or MetroFamily HoldCo, LLC. 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.

I

f you’ve followed MetroFamily for any length of time, you know not much gets our team more excited than fall fun (some of us may or may not start putting out pumpkins in August). We consistently hear from readers that this is one of your favorite times of year, too.

In addition to pumpkin-related fun, readers have been asking for more health and wellness content, with an emphasis on mental health. With that in mind, in this issue you’ll find our first Healthy Families Guide.

While our kids’ health is top of mind for us as parents, I know from experience that our own health needs often fall by the wayside. Before you peruse these pages, stop and consider when YOU last made a health appointment. If it’s been awhile, make a list of who you’re due to see and start scheduling.

I’m living proof that caring for yourself first as a parent will have long-lasting positive effects for your entire family.

Two years ago, at the age of 39 and as I was training for my eighth half marathon, I was diagnosed with an extremely rare heart condition, which classified me in heart failure and necessitated the placement of a pacemaker/ defibrillator. This past spring, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, followed by a total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine therapy.

Both times, something felt off. I put off the appointments for a bit but eventually relented, knowing I needed answers. In both cases, I was told because I’d listened to my body and sought help, life-saving interventions were available.

I’m confident I’m here for my family today, making fall fun plans, because I have made the time to take care of myself. (And that includes regular therapy appointments, too.)

I also know taking care of yourself as a parent is not easy or inexpensive.

Even as I grumble about going to my many doctor’s appointments, it’s never lost on me how fortunate I am to have a flexible job, insurance, the means to pay for out-of-pocket expenses, transportation and childcare. If you’re in the same boat, I invite you to consider your blessings, too. And if you need assistance with health and medical costs, please visit metrofamilymagazine. com/healthcare-resources to find local organizations that can help.

I hope you enjoy all the fall fun your family can handle this season — but first, I hope you prioritize your health and wellness. You’re worth it.

With hope,

Erin Page Managing Editor

Proud member of

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

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

5

Connect with MetroFamily

Your Parenting Playbook

Check out 4 opportunities to learn, have fun and take advantage of local resources from MetroFamily in September and October.

for OKC in September & October Our primary goal at MetroFamily is to make life easier for local parents. Through our bi-monthly magazines, robust website, blogs by local parents and exciting events and contests, we seek to tame parent overwhelm and infuse joy into your families.

The best way to get all the family fun and parenting resources from MetroFamily is to sign up for our FREE e-newsletter. You’ll receive bite-sized timely news, top weekend events, info on our contests to win fabulous prizes, seasonal guides and real-life parenting tips straight to your email inbox. Sign up at metrofamilymagazine.com/subscribe. 

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Help us choose our 2025 Cover Kids

We need your help to determine which Cover Kid hopefuls will appear on our magazines in 2025. Vote for your favorite photo submissions daily through Sept. 10. The top five finalists in each category will be interviewed by a panel of local judges.

Cast your vote today at metrofamilymagazine.com/ coverkidssearch.

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6 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

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Plan your family’s autumn adventures

Pumpkin patches, hayrides and fall festivals, oh my! Plan your family’s ultimate autumn with our Fall Fun Guide, including fairs and festivals around the state; fall hikes; a nature scavenger hunt; Fall Break camps and activities; Insta-worthy pumpkin patches; Halloween, trick-ortreat and DÍa de los Muertos events, plus much more at metrofamilymagazine.com/fall.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MYRIAD GARDENS

PHOTO BY FOTO ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

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2024 Oklahoma State Fair tickets ON SALE NOW!

Connect with MetroFamily

September 12-22

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Receive a free outside gate admission ticket with all Arena tickets purchased by September 11.

OUTSIDE GATE ADMISSION Adult: $12 advance, $16 regular Child: $7.50 advance, $10 regular Discount offer ends September 11

CARNIVAL RIDE ARMBANDS

You can SAVE $10 when you purchase an advance carnival ride armband. Advance prices are good through September 11. *Each armband will have a $1 activation fee added.

Mon – Thur: $25, regular $35 Fri – Sun: $40, regular $50

FEATURING RANCH BRONC RIDING AND BULL FIGHTS Friday, Sept 20, 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept 21, 7 p.m.

Box Seat (all ages): $30, Upper Level Reserved Adult (12+): $25, Upper Level Reserved Child (2-11): $15. Tickets purchased by September 11 receive free outside gate admission.

Join us at Geekapalooza MetroFamily is hosting the biggest STEAM Festival of the year — and we can’t wait to see your family there!

Geekapalooza is Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rose State College.

The festival brings families together to experience how science, technology, engineering, art and math are fun for all ages. Through hands-on projects and expo booths hosted by local leaders, attendees learn about robotics, the science of flight, coding and geoscience.

Plus, enjoy drones, 3D printing, geode smashing, a portable planetarium, food trucks and a scavenger hunt contest with grand prizes!

Tickets are just $5 per child when you register in advance, or $8 at the door.

Adults and kids under 2 are free.

Register now and save! 

PRESENTING SPONSOR

9 PERFORMANCES Visit okstatefair.com for ticket prices & performance information

3 WAYS TO BUY TICKETS OKC Fairgrounds Box Office,

405-948-6800 or okstatefair.com

8 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

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Get our magazines delivered For just $25 annually, become a MetroFamily Insider and receive a mailed subscription to MetroFamily Magazine, free tickets to MetroFamily events (including Geekapalooza on Nov. 9!) and other special offers. Join today at metrofamilymagazine.com/insider.

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With over 25 years of experience, the team at MetroFamily knows what works to reach local parents who want the best for their kids. We'll help you set and accomplish goals within your budget to engage our active audience.

Our next print issue will highlight holiday fun as well as local shopping and business leaders. Print ad deadline is Oct. 9.

Contact us today and we'll get you connected to thousands of OKC area active and engaged parents!

405-601-2081 • info@metrofamilymagazine.com METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

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New & Now

Fall Favorites

4 newsworthy happenings for families

BY EMILEY BAINBRIDGE. PHOTOS PROVIDED.

See the universe at Love’s Planetarium Opening Sept. 20, the Love’s Planetarium at Science Museum Oklahoma features some of the most advanced equipment in the world for families to see the stars, planets and more. This new space provides an exciting, engaging approach to space education and a creative platform to explore subjects like physics, chemistry, art, history and math.

Pivot helps youth facing housing instability In July, Pivot opened 15 tiny homes in Oklahoma City designed to help youth facing housing instability after aging out of foster care. The new homes were made possible through a grant from Oklahoma Human Services. Various local designers and groups helped decorate and furnish the homes.

Pivot is a nonprofit that works with young people ages 12 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, alone or disengaged.

The organization provides programs and services that focus on meeting housing and basic needs, education and job assistance.

PHOTOS BY KALYN MCMAHON

10 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

Experience Picasso at OKCMOA Pablo Picasso has arrived at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art! Picasso and the Progressive Proof: Linocut Prints from a Private Collection displays 17 progressive proofs and two published linocuts, which explore Picasso’s artistic process and one of printmaking’s most fascinating and demanding mediums, the linoleum cut print. The exhibition examines the printmaking of the legendary Spanish artist during the last years of his life.

Picasso and the Progressive Proof will be on display through Jan. 5. Kids ages 17 and under always receive free admission to museum.

PABLO PICASSO, PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG WOMAN AFTER CRANACH THE YOUNGER II ( TRIAL PROOF OF ALL FIVE BLOCKS ), 1958, LINOCUT. GEISER BAER 1053BI. PRIVATE COLLECTION. © 2024 ESTATE OF PABLO PICASSO / ARTISTS RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS ), NEW YORK

Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma Festival & 5k celebrates 30th anniversary The 30th annual Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma’s Festival and 5k is Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Myriad Gardens. Starting at 8 a.m., the event kicks off with a one-mile Fun Run and a USATF-sanctioned 5k race. At 10 a.m., participants and the community can join the awareness walk, followed by a free festival featuring a DJ, food trucks, carnival games, inflatables and inclusive entertainment for all ages.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

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Inspirational First Americans Meet FAM’s new CEO, Dr. Kelli Mosteller

BY ERIN PAGE. PHOTOS PROVIDED.

D

r. Kelli Mosteller’s journey from rural Oklahoma to CEO of the First Americans Museum is a testament to the profound influence of her Citizen Potawatomi Nation heritage and a lifetime dedicated to preserving Indigenous culture.

Mosteller grew up in Comanche, Okla., a small town of less than 2,000 people. Her heritage was an integral part of her childhood, thanks in large part to her grandmother.

“Having Potawatomi history and art around us was important,” said Mosteller. “We went to a Native summer camp in Lawton, we had Johnson-O’Malley activities [federally funded supplemental education for Native students] after school … I was in a world where many people around me were Native.”

That immersion and pride in her culture inspired her career. Even before her first day at Oklahoma State University, she declared a history major and never wavered across 13 years of higher education. She earned her doctorate from the University of Texas and completed her dissertation on the Citizen Potawatomi Nation while also serving as executive director of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center in Shawnee. She held that position for 12 years; then she became executive director of Harvard University Native American Program in 2022.

Mosteller returns home as CEO of First Americans Museum, a role for which her extensive experience in Indigenous cultural preservation, museum management, tribal community engagement and academia have prepared her well. Beyond her technical experience, her enthusiasm for mentoring youth, respect for her ancestors and unbridled joy in her Native and Oklahoma heritage uniquely position her to lead FAM into the institution’s next phase.

Dr. Mosteller shared her visionary plans to amplify FAM’s impact here in Oklahoma City and around the globe.

SPONSORED BY

How have your professional experiences prepared you for your role at FAM? The journey really started while working on my PhD at the University of Texas. Tribal leadership reached out, said the director position was open at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center and they wanted to talk to me about it.

I was so honored to be asked to join that team. Taking on this position while finishing my dissertation, I don’t think I understood how integral it would be to furthering my knowledge of my community.

I was knowledged in literature and chronology, but when you start talking to people about their history and what it means to them, you get such a deeper understanding.

In my first few weeks on the job, we got permission to rebuild the museum exhibits and galleries. I was new to the museum side of things, so I learned on the job. I did that work under the best circumstances — when we had grants and plans and time — and under the most stressful — when the museum was flooded, we had insurance claims and had to tear out exhibits and start fresh.

I was also able to work with FAM [before opening] as they made sure each tribal community could tell their own story and represent their history the way they wanted to. And I’ve seen the response to the

12 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

exhibits, phenomenal programming and educational opportunities.

That is something FAM is doing better than anyone — from FAMcamps to bringing in Indigenous cultural conventions — they are embracing the renaissance in Oklahoma. Tribes are at the center of that, and we need to make sure people understand how integral we are to the history and future of this state.

What are your priorities as FAM’s CEO? First, I want to get familiar with the staff and see where they need support. My next priority is in-depth, targeted outreach to tribal communities. There are 39 tribes in Oklahoma, and we have a varied range of sizes, resources and geographies, and I want to make sure every tribal community is feeling that outreach and deep engagement.

I’m focused on helping open the FAMily Discovery Center, which will [have] permanent exhibits targeted to kids and families. So often we hear adults say they didn’t learn much about Native people in school. I am looking forward to this space where kids are not only familiar with Native history but also learning unique things about these dynamic tribes and how to think from an Indigenous point of view. I don’t think people quite appreciate how unique Oklahoma is in this capacity — to have 39 tribes that represent everything from southeast cultures to woodlands cultures. FAM is perfectly positioned to help share those histories. We can all be proud of these cultures as Oklahomans and as Americans.

I’m also looking forward to the opening of OKANA [Resort and Indoor Waterpark], which will open FAM to a new audience. OKANA will bring people to this part of OKC [to] see and discuss Native heritage and culture — and see how tribes are thriving.

Do you have a favorite exhibit at First Americans Museum?

I’m glad to see how much care and attention FAM puts into telling the stories of Native veterans.

At the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center, we have the long room dedicated to our veterans. We went through several iterations until we came to the current one, honoring the spirit of what it means to be in the military. We organized veterans alphabetically so families would be grouped together. In some cases, we have three, four, five generations of the same family who all served.

This honors the history and legacy of what it means to be Native American and a military veteran. We had strong warrior societies even before the United States began. For Native people, the history of military service is intertwined with what it means to take care of family and homeland.

What makes FAM such a great place for families to visit?

FAM is a cultural institution where families can visit, and time after time, there will be something new to see. It’s a way for families to learn together and spend time together. When you see this as your cultural institution and that this history belongs to you as a resident of Oklahoma City, that’s an opportunity to take pride in that history.

Construction is ready to start on the FAMily Discovery Center, and the space will be open in early-to-mid 2025. If you’ve visited, you’ve seen Grandmother Turtle marking where it will be, and she will serve as a guide to the immersive space. The space has a storybook, pop-up feel that will take you through various elements of the cultures in Oklahoma today.

Meet more inspirational First Americans at First Americans Museum! The museum is open Wednesday through Monday, and the third Sunday of each month is free for kids 12 and under. Learn more here. 

How do you hope to continue to serve as a role model for Indigenous youth?

I came from a small, rural community — we didn’t even have AP classes — and now I’ve been at Harvard. I had a wonderful childhood, but there was no one in my orbit who left home to do things outside of our small community.

I hope with my life experience that I can be an auntie and relative and friend to say to young people — whether their goal is to stay in their community and work, leave and come back with experience or go out into the world and show people what Indigenous people can do — ‘whatever you can imagine is possible.’ I learned at Harvard that what kids need is encouragement and support. If I can be that person for even one kid in our community, I have done my job.

Editor’s note: This article is part of a series produced in conjunction with First Americans Museum to share the stories of inspirational modern-day First Americans. Find the full series at metrofamilymagazine.com/inspirational-first-americans.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

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Exploring Oklahoma with Children

STEM Adventures Await!

Discover Oklahoma’s best STEM experiences, near and far ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY SALLY HOCH

A

s a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) enthusiast raising two children, I’m committed to finding the best immersive, creative and fun STEM experiences for my kids. And the good news is we don’t have to go far! Here’s a roundup of my favorite museums, outdoor adventures and hands-on opportunities right here in Oklahoma that your family can explore this fall and beyond.

NEAR

MATH ENTHUSIASTS SHOULD STOP BY “FINITY” TO SEE THE FIVE POLYHEDRA AT THE ENTRANCE TO SCIENCE MUSEUM OKLAHOMA.

Makerspaces at Metropolitan Library System “Focus on the process, not the product,” says the sign outside the door. “Be prepared to tinker, play and problem-solve.”

The 3D printers were already whirring as we walked into the Belle Isle Library Makerspace. Free to the public, and best suited for patrons ages 9 and up, the MLS Studio probably owns that creative machine you want to try. There is a soldering station, a stop-motion animation studio and sewing machines.

The computers are loaded with Procreate, Adobe Creative Suite and Blender. There’s even a Cricut, a Brother embroidery machine and, of course, crafting supplies like markers, scissors and glue.

I worried my children, younger than the target age group, would get hurt or break something valuable in the space, but the librarian, Lindsay, showed us the button makers, which were the perfect age-appropriate project we could tackle (with help). My kids drew and cut paper for their buttons, then Lindsay helped them load the button machine. The kids took the lever-pulling part of the job very seriously and emerged from the studio as owners of the most impressive buttons OKC has ever seen!

Patrons need a library card number to reserve the space for up to two hours at a time. The MLS Studios are free to the public and located at the Almonte, Belle Isle and Bethany libraries.

Learn more at metrolibrary.org.

14 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

EVEN THE YOUNGEST VISITORS CAN ENJOY THE BUTTON MAKER AT THE BELLE ISLE LIBRARY MAKERSPACE.

SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology “Our beetles clean the bones,” a tour guide announced, pointing to a small terrarium, as my daughter and I entered SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology.

I had to stash away his words about the beetles to ponder later because above us hung a gigantic humpback whale skeleton, spanning nearly the entire length of the museum. And that’s just one of almost 500 skeletons to see in this space!

“Cheetah! Giraffe! Penguin!” my daughter yelled, pointing to skeletons with glee.

Upstairs, a video plays on loop, including a clip from Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs,” where Mike Rowe helps clean the massive humpback whale bones. Watching the clip while gazing over the whale skeleton, I remembered the tour guide’s words.

My daughter and I returned to the little terrarium and gained a whole new appreciation for the flesh-eating Dermestid beetles. We decided together – we’ll let them keep their job!

SKELETONS is located in south Oklahoma City. Learn more at skeletonmuseum.com.

YOUNG SCIENTISTS CAN SEE NEARLY 500 SKELETONS AT SKELETONS: MUSEUM OF OSTEOLOGY.

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. Check out even more close-to-home suggestions for family STEM experiences, organized by genre.

SCIENCE

ENGINEERING

Step inside the Inasmuch Crystal Bridge Conservatory and you immediately feel the heat and humidity rise. That’s because you’re stepping into a new climate ecosystem where tropical rainforest plants thrive. Cross the suspended cylinder, and you’ll arrived in a desert ecosystem, a haven for cacti and succulents. With around 900 plant varieties and a new Mango Room featuring experiments, STEM activities and microscopic investigations, a trip to the Myriad Gardens is a must for all budding botanists. Check out their fall activity schedule at myriadgardens.org.

How do engineers design buildings to keep them from collapsing? That’s what kids learn at the OKCNM STEM Lab. Participants use giant touch screen tables to test building materials against threats like natural disasters and blast waves from explosions to determine how to create buildings that withstand those threats.

TECHNOLOGY

MATHEMATICS

Myriad Gardens, OKC

National Weather Center, Norman Suitable for all ages and free to the public, National Weather Center public tours highlight nationwide meteorological advances, including state-of-the-art technology. Between weather balloons, mobile mesonet trucks, radar trucks, new weather drones (called “coptersondes”) and a demo mesonet tower in the parking lot, the National Weather Center leads the way for the nation in weather research and tech. Find the tour schedule at ou.edu/nwc/visit.

Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum, OKC

Best suited for middle schoolers (though appropriate for ages 4th grade through adults), STEM Lab access is available with group tickets and field trips. The museum also hosts regular family STEM nights. Find out more at memorialmuseum.com.

Science Museum Oklahoma, OKC You thought we could write a STEM article and NOT include Science Museum Oklahoma? Never! SMO is a fun experience for every member of the family. For your mathematics enthusiast, check out the PiShop in CurioCity and the rotating sculpture “Finity,” consisting of the five polyhedra, in front of the entrance.

The Planetarium at SMO is set to reopen with a state-of-the-art optical mechanical starball projector in September. Learn more at sciencemuseumok.org.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

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Exploring Oklahoma with Children

FAR Discovery Lab

“Hey, there’s a place in Tulsa I want to check out,” I said to a friend, a local doctor with three children.

Bless her heart, she signed up for the experience, and the seven of us – two STEM nerds and five children – drove to Tulsa for a day trip.

At the entrance of Tulsa’s Discovery Lab, a gigantic tunnel hung above our heads. But we didn’t have time to ogle because our 6-yearolds were racing to take off their shoes.

Upon closer inspection, the tunnels are made completely of packing tape, demonstrating their strength and power in synergy. Kids can climb, play and slide through the tunnels, which are even strong enough to hold adults, including those parents who would rather keep both feet on the floor but need to save their suddenly-afraid-of-heights 4-year-old (it’s me!).

Founded in 2007 as a “museum without walls” by a group of moms who saw a need for STEAM experiences in the community, the Discovery Lab is now a full-fledged museum with intentional, immersive exhibits. They introduce big concepts in hands-on ways, such as a solar energy roller coaster, powered by kids with a flashlight.

Another exhibit, Ballapalooza, demonstrates the value of systems as children help balls move through tubes with vacuums and simple machines. When an oil derrick in the center fills, an alarm sounds and balls shoot into the sky. Children laugh, throw their hands in the air and start scooping up wayward balls again. All five of our children played in Ballapalooza for over an hour, rushing to stand beneath the falling balls as soon as the alarm bell rang.

At the end of the day, we had five exhausted kids on the road trip home. The only regret was no one napped in the car! Plan your visit at discoverylab.org.

SLIDE THROUGH TUNNELS MADE OF PACKING TAPE AT TULSA’S DISCOVERY LAB.

Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge

The Salt Plains are just what they sound like – a flat, barren, salty escape – leftover from when an ocean covered most of Oklahoma.

The salt creates unique selenite crystals with a brown hourglass shape inside. Located northwest of OKC near Jet, Okla., it’s the only place in the world to dig for these crystals.

After a two-hour road trip, we exited the car and noticed the ground beneath us was … white! It’s salt!

My son held his first crystal in the air after only a few minutes of digging.

We gawked at the weird hourglass shape, then we took to the ground. We dug, talked, laughed and cheered as we hunted for our collective haul. We came home with a bucket full of the strange crystals. (Note: The limit is 10 pounds per person!)

Before we left, my son dared me to lick the salty ground. I’m here to report back so you don’t have to try it – it absolutely (obviously!) tastes salty!

Bring your own shovels, buckets, spades and water. Plus, don’t forget hats and sunscreen. The dedicated dig site is open from April 1 to Oct. 15.

Visit fws.gov/refuge/salt-plains for more info.

EXPERIENCE IMMERSIVE, HANDS-ON STEM FUN AT DISCOVERY LAB.

DIG FOR SELENITE CRYSTALS AT THE GREAT SALT PLAINS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE NEAR JET, OKLA.

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Wherever your STEM family travels take you this fall, plan to round out the season at MetroFamily’s Geekapalooza! The best family STEAM event of the year, Geek will be held Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rose State College. Through handson projects and expo booths, attendees learn about subjects like robotics, the science of flight, coding and geoscience.

For children ages 2 to 17, admission is $5 in advance or $8 at the door. Adults and kids under 2 are free. Register and learn more at metrofamilymagazine.com/geekapalooza.

THE DEDICATED DIG SITE AT GREAT SALT PLAINS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE IS OPEN THROUGH OCT. 15.

Kids Programs

Whether your child loves the arts, STEM, sports or all of the above, find the perfect fit for their interests.

See all the programs online.

LIL’ KICKERS

Ages 18 months-9 years learn soccer skills at their age-appropriate level.

“

WE EMPHASIZE FUN! ENROLL TODAY!

“ - COACH

JOHN WOODEN

Email Hayden for availability hayden@soccercityokcity.com

Register now at ymcaokc.org/thunder ymcaokc.org/sports

Learn to ride

Horses!

Ask about our

Super Start Package

CADENCE EQUESTRIAN

$10 per month Ages 6-17 3PM-6PM

Now Enrolling!

OFFERED YEAR ROUND. AGES 4 & UP.

Register at cadenceequestrian.com METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

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Saturday, Nov. 9 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Rose State College

1910 Hudiburg Drive, Midwest City

Join MetroFamily for the biggest STEAM Festival of the year! Geekapalooza brings families together to experience how science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) are fun for everyone. Through hands-on projects and expo booths hosted by local leaders, learn about robotics, the science of flight, coding and geoscience. Plus, enjoy drones, 3D printing, geode smashing, a portable planetarium, food trucks and a scavenger hunt contest with grand prizes!

Register in advance and save! For kids 2-17, tickets are $5 in advance or $8 at the door.

Adults and kids under 2 are free.

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

19

Calendar of Events OKC Family Fun in September and October Contents

31 Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day

21 Things to do in September

33 Date night ideas

28 Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month

34 Fall festivals worth the drive

29 Things to do in October

38 Halloween fun

36 Pumpkin patches in the metro 40 November sneak peek

20 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

PUMPKINVILLE AT MYRIAD GARDENS

Things to do in September SEPT. 3-7 McClain County Free Fair at McClain County Expo Center (2101 Hardcastle Blvd, Purcell) features livestock competitions, food contests, a stick horse rodeo, kiddie tractor pull, youth corn hole contest and more. See website for schedule. mcclaincountyfair.com

SEPT. 4-7 Pottawatomie County Free Fair at Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center (1700 W Independence, Shawnee) features livestock competitions, arts & crafts, fair food, midway games, live entertainment and carnival rides. Free to attend. See website for schedule. freefair.org

SEPT. 5 Up in the Sky: Understanding Meteorology at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd) features interactive activities to learn about basic weather concepts. Create windsocks, identify clouds and more, weather permitting. Preregister. Best suited for ages 5-12. $2. 10-11am. okc.gov/parks

SEPT. 5-8 Cleveland County Free Fair at Cleveland County Fairgrounds (615 E Robinson St, Norman) features carnival rides & games, live entertainment, livestock competitions & exhibits, a petting zoo, wiener dog races, baby crawl races and more. Free to attend. See website for schedule. clevelandcountyfair.org

SEPT. 6 Pepper Festival at Choctaw Creek Park (2001 N Harper Ave, Choctaw) features live music, vendors, food and a pepper eating contest. Free to attend. 6-8pm. mychoctaw.org

SEPT. 6-7 Western Days Festival at Wild Horse Park (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang) features a fun run, parade, best dressed cowboy & cowgirl contest, art show, car show, live music, games and more. Free to attend; participation prices vary. See website for schedule. mustangwesterndays.com

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER HORTON & JOY HAMPTON METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

21

Calendar of Events

PHOTO BY JANA CARSON

SEPT. 7

SEPT. 8

Piedmont Founders Day in Olde Town Piedmont (Piedmont & Jackson, Piedmont) features a parade, 5k, inflatables, kids’ obstacle course, train rides, pony rides, a petting zoo and more, plus a vintage, boutique and craft sale. Free to attend. 7am4pm. piedmontokfoundersday.org

Pawsitively Pampered Dog Wash & Craft Show at Yukon National Bank (1550 Garth Brooks Blvd, Yukon) features a dog wash fundraiser benefitting Pets and People Humane Society, a no-kill animal shelter in Yukon. Pamper your dogs and enjoy shopping, food trucks and more. Free to attend.

10am-4pm. facebook.com/ petsandpeoplehumanesociety

Walk-N-Roll for Spina Bifida Oklahoma City at Bluff Creek Park (11301 N Meridian Ave) features an awareness event benefiting Cure SMA. Preregister. Fundraising encouraged. 9am-noon. curesma.org FREE Family Nature Hike at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd) features a gentle morning wildlife hike. Park staff will answer questions about wildlife and nature. Preregister. All ages welcome.

9:30-10:30am. okc.gov/parks

FREE Admission to Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr).

Visitors of all ages receive access to the museum at no cost on the second Sunday, thanks to the Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program. Noon-5pm.

Also held: Oct. 14. okcmoa.com

22 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

SEPT. 12-16 Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars at Jim Norick Arena (333 Gordon Cooper Blvd) features an all new production bringing to life some of Disney’s brightest stars. $20-$70.

See website for schedule. okstatefair.com

SEPT. 12-22 Oklahoma State Fair at OKC Fairgrounds (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features concerts, food & shopping vendors, shows, exhibits, games, carnival rides and more. Adults, $15; kids (6-11), $10; kids (5 & under), free. Buildings, 10am-9pm, until 10pm on weekends. okstatefair.com

SEPT. 12-29 Hamlet at Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park (2920 Paseo) features an outdoor production of William Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy. $24 & up. Thursday, 7:30; Friday & Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 7:30pm. okshakes.org

SEPT. 13 Goin’ West Music Fest at National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) features talented singer-songwriters and rising country stars, including festival headliner Kylie Morgan. $25; all-inclusive pass, $75. 6pm. nationalcowboymuseum.org FREE Plazadelic LIVE! on the Plaza in the Plaza District (1700 block of NW 16th St) features local artists, live music, local shopping and more. Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colors, music and activities that celebrate the spirit of the psychedelic era’s freedom and expression. Also held: Oct. 11 — Ghoul’s Night. 6-10pm. plazadistrict.org FREE OKC Ballet Under the Stars at Scissortail Park (415 S Robinson Ave) features excerpts from classical ballet and modern dance performed by professional dancers and local students.

Attendees can also participate in a family dance class. 5:30-8pm. okcballet.org

SEPT. 14 FREE Children’s Fishing Derby at Ten Acre Lake (15600 NE 10th St) features an age-divided fishing derby for kids. Prizes will also be awarded to anglers who catch tagged fish. Food trucks will be on site. All ages welcome. 8-11am. mychoctaw.org FREE Second OHOF Saturdays at Oklahoma Hall of Fame (1400 Classen Dr) features story times, crafts and activities to learn about a hall of fame member. All ages welcome. 9am2pm; sensory-friendly, 9-10am. Also held: Oct. 12. oklahomahof.com Harrah Day at Harrah Heritage Park (1374 N Church Ave, Harrah) features a parade, live music, corn hole tournament, a car show, vendor booths, food trucks, activities for kids, fireworks show and more.

9:30am-9:30pm. harrahchamber.com Grillstock BBQ & Music Festival at Buck Thomas Park (1691 Buck Thomas Dr, Moore) features a BBQ competition with four categories, a chili cook-off, people’s choice tastings & voting, live entertainment, a beer garden, vendor booths and more. Free to attend; tasting, $10-$15 per person. 10am-7pm. grillstockok.com Curiousiday: Monarch Marvels at Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) features hands-on activities and themed crafts that explore the lives of insects. All ages welcome. Free with admission. 10am-4pm. Also held: Oct. 12 – Dynamic Decay. samnoblemuseum.ou.edu

FREE Move Your ScissorTAIL Block Party at Scissortail Park - Sports Pavilion (403 SW 10th St) features free fitness classes, a DJ, food trucks and more. 11am-4pm. scissortailpark.org FREE Second Saturday at Oklahoma Contemporary (11 NW 11th St) features a family-focused day of art-making, performances and gallery adventures for visitors of all ages. September’s theme is Budding Builders. 1-4pm.

Also held: Oct. 12 – Monster Suncatchers. oklahomacontemporary.org FREE Uptown Outside in Historic Uptown 23rd (N 23rd Street) features a blockparty style event with food, music, art and community. Activities include a kids’ area, vendor market, skate park and more.

4-10pm. uptown23rd.com/uptown-outside

SEPT. 15 FREE Concert at Scissortail Park (415 S Robinson Ave) features a live, outdoor concert by OKCPhil. 8:30pm.

Also held: Oct. 11 – The Indigo Girls, 8pm. scissortailpark.org

SEPT. 15 AT&T Sunday Fun Day at First Americans Museum (659 First Americans Blvd) features free admission to the museum galleries for ages 4-12, plus educational presentations, family gallery activities and a guided docent tour of the exhibitions.

11am-5pm. Also held: Oct. 20. famok.org

UPTOWN OUTSIDE IN HISTORIC UPTOWN 23RD. PHOTOS BY NATHAN POPPE METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

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Calendar of Events SEPT. 18 Homeschool Days at Oklahoma Hall of Fame (1400 Classen Dr) features self-facilitated and staff-led activities for the whole family. Fun, engaging activities explore the science of flight.

Preregister. Adults, $7; kids (4 & up), $5. 10am-2pm. oklahomahof.com

SEPT. 19 Can You Hear the Dogwood Bark? at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd) features a group discussion about trees and their importance in the ecosystem, hands-on activities including leaf sorting and bark rubbings, and an outdoor tree identification session. Best suited for ages 5-12.

Preregister. $2. 10-11am. okc.gov/parks

SEPT. 20 Loves Planetarium Grand Opening at Science Museum Oklahoma (2020 Remington Pl). See the worldclass, high-caliber planetarium in action exploring space, physics, art and more, plus astronomy activities and the Destination Space exhibition. Free with admission.

See website for showtimes. sciencemuseumok.org/planetarium Friday Night Bites at Moore’s Central Park (700 S Broadway Ave, Moore) features a food truck festival with live music, lawn games and inflatables. Free to attend. 6-9pm. cityofmoore.com

SEPT. 20-22 Route 66 Balloon Festival in Arcadia (212 OK-66, Arcadia) features balloon competitions, rides and glows, plus live music, vendors and activities for kids.

Prices vary. Adults, $15; parking, $5.

7am-10pm. oklahomaballooning.com FREE Old Volks Show at Wild Horse Park (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang) features cars from the earliest makes and models and beyond as well as food trucks and music from the 60s & 70s. Free to attend.

8am-3pm. vwclubofoklahoma.org

24 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY VISIONARY BALLOONWORX

Oklahoma City’s favorite fall festival is back!

Explore creative displays featuring a myriad of mythical creatures made from over 30,000 pumpkins, gourds, haystacks, and mums.

$9 per person (ages 2 and under free) FREE admission for Myriad Gardens members!

Enjoy games, pumpkin painting, education programs, free daily crafts, face painting, unlimited rides on Mo’s Carousel with admission, and plenty of fall photo ops!

Sunday – Thursday | 10am-5pm Friday – Saturday | 10am-6:30pm (Closed on Mondays)

Sponsored by Devon Energy, Delta Dental, and Tinker Federal Credit Union

Visit myriadgardens.org for more information.

Calendar of Events SEPT. 21 Little Red Heart 5k at Stars and Stripes Park (3701 S Lake Hefner Dr) features a 5k and activities including balloon art, face painting, photo opportunities and more, all benefiting LifeShare Foundation. $45. 9am-noon. littleredheart5k.org Migrating Monarchs 101 at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave). Learn about monarchs and their great migration from Canada to Mexico. Best suited for ages 6-16. Preregister. Member, $6; nonmember, $8. 11am-noon. myriadgardens.org FREE Heard on Hurd Street Fest in Edmond (Broadway Ave, 1st & Hurd, Edmond) features a street festival with local food, unique shopping and live music.

6-10pm. mycitizens.bank/heard-on-hurd

SEPT. 22 India Food & Arts Festival at Scissortail Park (300 SW 7th St) features food, clothing, jewelry and cultural stalls from different regions of India, plus Bollywood-style dances, classical temple dances, a fashion show,

live music and traditional art workshops.

Free to attend. 11am-9pm. facebook. com/IndiaFoodAndArtsFestival

SEPT. 25

OKC Phil Discovery Family Series Concert - The Conductor’s Spellbook at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features classic and popular songs played by a full orchestra. Pre-concert activities include an instrument playground and other handson activities. Best suited for ages 4-13. $9.

2pm; pre-concert activities, 1pm. okcphil.org

SEPT. 22-28 FREE Plaza Walls Mural Expo in the Plaza District (1745 NW 16th St) features muralists painting new creations. The new murals will be debuted at the Plaza District Festival on Sept. 28. plazawalls.org

SEPT. 24 Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features a live orchestra playing the iconic musical score to highlights and favorite moments from the series. $29 & up. 7pm. okcbroadway.com

Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse Live in Concert at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features the Academy Award-winning film from Sony Pictures Animation accompanied by a full orchestra, a skilled scratch DJ on turntables, and percussion and electronic instrumentalists. $29 & up. 7pm. okcbroadway.com

SEPT. 27 Fourth Friday Block Party in the West Village District (W Sheridan Ave) features a block party with market vendors, live music, art exhibits, open houses and giveaways from participating businesses.

Free to attend. 6-10pm. Also held: Oct. 25. westvillageokc.com/fourth-Fridays Night Market in the Wheeler District (1701 S Western Ave) features vendors, live music, food trucks, drinks and more. Free to attend. 6-9pm. Also held: Oct. 25. wheelerdistrict.com

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Pioneer Library System Touch A Truck at Cleveland County Fairgrounds (615 E Robinson St, Norman) features fire engines, ambulances, mobile maker spaces, tow trucks, police vehicles and more.

Drivers and experts will be on hand to answer questions about the equipment.

Benefits the PLS Cleveland County locations. Quiet hour, 9-10am; engines on, 10am-noon. plsfdn.org/touch-a-truck FREE Monarch Festival at Mollie Spencer Farm (1001 Garth Brooks Blvd, Yukon) features monarch-related crafts for kids, local gardening experts, a seed ball-making station, face painting and more. Preregister.

9am-noon. molliespencerfarm.org FREE Tinkerfest at Science Museum Oklahoma (2020 Remington Pl) features free museum admission plus hands-on interactive activities that introduce children to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). 9am4pm. sciencemuseumok.org/tinkerfest FREE OU Westheimer Aviation Festival at Max Westheimer Airport (1700 Lexington Ave, Norman) features STEM events for kids, static displays showcasing various types of aircraft and more. 9am-2pm. ou.edu/airport Alpaca Farm Day at Magnolia Blossom Ranch (2901 NW 16th St, Newcastle) features alpacas, activities for kids, live demonstrations and farm tours.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. $10; kids (under 2), free. 10am2pm. magnoliablossomranch.com FREE Plaza District Festival in the Plaza District (1700 block of NW 16th St) features a wide array of performing artists, visual artists, live musicians, food and children’s activities. Oklahoma City’s own Josh Fudge will headline the festival. Noon-10pm. plazafest.org FREE CU in the Park at Scissortail Park (415 S Robinson Ave) features a free country music concert starring Jordan Davis, CMA Song of the Year winner. All ages welcome. 7pm. scissortailpark.org

SEPT. 29

SEPT. 28 Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma Festival & 5k at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features an awareness walk, 1-mile fun run and a 5k, plus festival activities including raffles, inflatables, giant bubbles, games and more. 5k, $50; walk & festival, free to attend. 8am-noon. dsfestivaland5k.com

FREE El Reno Air Show & Community Day at El Reno Regional Airport (6600 Mustang Field Rd, El Reno) features an air show, helicopter rides, inflatables, food trucks and more. 8am-3pm. facebook. com/davidschultzairshows

Mesta Festa at Perle Mesta Park (1900 N Shartel Ave) features a beverage garden, live music, family activities, sand volleyball, local artists and pop-up shopping booths.

Benefits the Mesta Park Neighborhood Association. Free to attend; beer garden wristbands, $25. Noon-6pm. mestapark.org

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

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Calendar of Events

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month SEPT. 13 FREE Celebración: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at Andrews Park (201 W Daws St, Norman) features vendors, artists, dancers and performers showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic community, hosted

by Norman Central Public Library.

6-8pm. facebook.com/normanokparks

SEPT. 15 FREE Fiestas Patrias OKC at Oklahoma City Community College (7777 S May Ave) features a celebration of Hispanic culture showcasing the rich heritage and contributions of the Hispanic community filled with vibrant music, traditional dances, cuisine and more.

2-10pm. facebook.com/OTripleC

SEPT. 21 Festival of the Matachines at Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine (700 SE 89th St) features the dance and drama of

PHOTOS BY TANGO PR

the Matachines, a traditional Spanish dance troupe. Dancers will perform throughout the day. Free to attend.

8am-8pm. archokc.org/matachines

SEPT. 28 FREE Fiestas de las Americas at Calle Dos Cinco in Historic Capitol Hill (3019 SW 25th St) features a celebration of Oklahoma’s rich multicultural heritage with the Parade of the Americas, family

activities and live entertainment. 10am9pm. facebook.com/CalleDosCinco

OCT. 12 FREE Hispanic Fiesta at Scissortail Park (415 S Robinson Ave) features a celebration of the Hispanic culture representing multiple countries through music, dance, food and a vendor showcase. 5-10pm. scissortailpark.org

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OCT. 4

MJ the Musical at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features a musical centered on the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. Best suited for ages 8 & up. $43 & up. Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2 & 8pm; Sunday, 1:30 & 7pm. okcbroadway.com

Sesame Street Live: Say Hello at Rose State College Performing Arts Center (6000 S Prosper Blvd) features Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and other friends from Sesame Street. $41 & up. 6pm. okcciviccenter.com

OCT. 3 The Royal Games at Hillside Manor (1498 E Interstate Dr, Norman) features a garden party with fun, games and hands-on learning for children and their caregivers. Kids can interact with their favorite fairytale characters and participate in various activities. Benefits McClain County library branches. $10.

5-7pm. plsfdn.org/the-royal-games FREE VIBES Artwalk in downtown Edmond (Broadway from 2nd to Edwards St, Edmond) features local artists, live entertainment and art experiences. 6-9pm. edmondvibes.org

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OCT. 4-5 Asian District Night Market Festival at Military Park (2520 N Classen Blvd) features Asian food vendors, cultural demonstrations, a fashion show, live music, an eating competition and more.

5-11pm. facebook.com/asiandistrictok

OCT. 4-6 Oklahoma Regatta Festival at RIVERSPORT OKC (725 S Lincoln Blvd) features a three-day celebration of rowing, kayaking, dragon boating, whitewater rafting and family fun. Free to attend; parking, $10. See website for schedule. riversportokc.org Greek Fest at St. George Greek Orthodox Church (2101 NW 145th St) features authentic Greek food, dancing, music and more. $20 per family. Friday & Saturday, 10am-10pm; Sunday, 11am4pm. facebook.com/okcgreekfest

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

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Calendar of Events OCT. 5 Oklahoma Czech Festival at Yukon Czech Hall (205 N Czech Hall Rd, Yukon) features a parade, polka music, live entertainment, carnival rides, a petting zoo, Czech food, a craft show and more. Free to attend.

8am-5pm. czechfestivaloklahoma.com Market in the Park at Harrah Heritage Park (1374 N Church, Harrah) features a craft show, music, a kids’ area and more. Free to attend. 9am-6pm. cityofharrah.com A Child’s World 5k at Ruby Grant Park (3110 W Franklin Rd, Norman) features a 5k showcasing the five developmental skills for children. Benefits Crossroads Youth & Family Services, Inc. $15 & up.

9-11am. crossroadsyfs.org/childsworld5k FREE Folklife Festival at Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr) features cultural practitioners, heritage professionals, crafts and more. The festival will be held predominantly outdoors. Museum admission is complimentary for festival guests. All ages welcome. 10am-3pm. okhistory.org

OCT. 5-6 Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity Family Disc Golf Tournament at Cobblestone Creek Golf Course (1350 Cobblestone Creek Dr, Norman) features competitive play, family-friendly fun and community support.

Prices vary. Saturday, 8am-9:30pm; Sunday, 9am-5pm. facebook.com/RoseRockHabitat

OCT. 5-13 Rhea Lana’s of Norman-Moore Children’s Consignment Sale at Sooner Mall (3301

W Main St, Norman) features high-quality, gently-used items including clothes for infants through teens and maternity, shoes, baby equipment, furniture, toys, books, décor and more. $5-$15. See website for schedule. norman.rhealana.com

OCT. 6 FREE International Festival at Legacy Park (1898 Legacy Park Dr, Norman) features music, food and global exploration in an Epcot-inspired journey with live music, international cuisines and themed areas representing different cultures.

1-5pm. facebook.com/normanokparks

OCT. 10-12 Banjo Fest at American Banjo Museum (9 E Sheridan Ave) features performances, jam sessions, workshops and more. Prices vary. See website for schedule. americanbanjomuseum.com

OCT. 11-13 Oklahoma Highland Gathering at Choctaw Creek Park (2001 N Harper Rd, Choctaw) features Highland games, live performances, Celtic vendors, global cuisines and more. Day pass, $10; weekend pass, $15; kids (10 & under), free. Friday, 5-9pm; Friday, 5-9pm; Saturday & Sunday, 9am-5pm. unitedscotsok.com Charlotte’s Web at Oklahoma Children’s Theatre (2501 N Blackwelder Ave). Revisit the timeless magic of a story that’s touched the hearts of generations of families with universal themes of friendship and selflessness. $12. See website for show times. oklahomachildrenstheatre.org

30 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

OCT. 12 Chisholm Trail Festival at Mollie Spencer Farm (1001 Garth Brooks Blvd, Yukon) features living history re-enactors, a variety of foods, live entertainment, vendors, live music, activities for kids and more. Free to attend.

10am-5pm. yukonok.gov

Indigenous Peoples Day OCT. 14

OCT. 19

FREE Indigenous Peoples Day at First Americans Museum (659 First Americans Blvd) features cultural performances, educational demonstrations, stickball games and food trucks.

Gallery admission (not required to attend) is discounted to $5. 10am-4pm. famok.org

FREE Red Earth Parade and Fallfest at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features a parade, an arts market and a youth Powwow celebrating Indigenous People’s Day. 10am-5pm. redearth.org

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FIRST AMERICANS MUSEUM

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Calendar of Events OCT. 12-13

OCT. 18-19

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party at Paycom Center (100 W Reno Ave) features Hot Wheels Monster Trucks competing in battles. $20 & up. Saturday, 12:30 & 7:30pm; Sunday, 2:30pm. paycomcenter.com

FREE Arcadia Route 66 Neonfest at Arcadia Homestead (13100 Old Hwy 66, Arcadia) features neon displays, neon campfires, a film festival and more. Free to attend. See website for schedule. facebook.com/ArcadiaNeonFest

PHOTO BY ROBERT GEHL

OCT. 20

OCT. 19 OCT. 16-18 FREE Fall Y’all Family Fun at Oklahoma Hall of Fame (1400 Classen Dr) features themed crafts, story time, games and more. Story time is held on the half hour. All ages welcome.

10am-2pm. oklahomahof.com

OCT. 18 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night at Scissortail Park (300 SW 7th St) features a 1-mile awareness walk in honor of those touched by blood cancers. All ages welcome. Free to attend; fundraising encouraged. 5:30-8:30pm. lightthenight.org

FREE Mama Mixer & Market at Wheeler Ferris Wheel (1701 S Western Ave) features locally owned businesses, pop-up shops plus free fall themed activities for kids including bounce houses, face painting and more.

9am-1pm. facebook.com/mamasmoments.co FREE Stockyards Stampede in Historic Stockyards City (S Agnew Ave) features a longhorn parade, authentic chuckwagons, live music, a kids’ corral and a Made in Oklahoma market. 10am-3pm. stockyardscity.org FREE Fish Hatchery Open House at H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery (10940 N Meridian Ave). Learn how the city’s fishery management program helps maintain fish populations in Oklahoma City waters. 11am-2pm. okc.gov/parks

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FREE SweatFest OKC at Scissortail Park (415 S Robinson Ave) features free fitness classes, local vendors, food trucks and more. 6am-6pm. sweatfestokc.com

OCT. 26 Archaeology Day at Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) features real-life archaeologists, games and activities like sandbox excavations and atlatl demonstrations. Free with admission.

10:30am-2:30pm. samnoblemuseum.ou.edu Festival of Freaks at OKC Fairgrounds Centennial Building (609 Kiamichi Pl) features local vendors selling spooky wares, a costume contest, trick or treating for kids (while supplies last) and more. $5; kids (3 & under), free. 11am6pm. facebook.com/festivaloffreaks

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32 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

Date night ideas SEPT. 18-OCT. 6 Once on This Island at Lyric’s Plaza Theatre (1727 NW 16th St) features the Caribbean-inspired tale of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues a wealthy boy from the other side of the island and with whom she falls in love despite the island’s societal norms. $25 & up. See website for show times. lyrictheatreokc.com

SEPT. 20 FREE BOB: Dylan Meets Marley at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features a tribute concert honoring the legendary Bob Dylan and Bob Marley.

Hear from Oklahoma’s favorite bands, including Beau Jennings and the Tigers, Carter Sampson, Casii Stephan, Chase Kerby, Brandon Holder and more. 8-10pm. myriadgardens.org

SEPT. 21

SEPT. 27

OKC presents Opening Night with Midori! at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) featuring Alexander Mickelthwate, conductor, Midori, violin, and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. $27 & up. 8pm. okcphil.org

Zoobrew at OKC Zoo (2101 NE 50th St) features tastings from local and national breweries, wines and specialty cocktails, plus food trucks and zoo attractions.

For ages 21 & up. $70 & up; designated drivers, $20. 4-9pm. okczoo.org

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Calendar of Events

Fall festivals

worth the drive SEPT. 26-OCT. 6 Tulsa State Fair at Expo Square (4145 E 21st St, Tulsa) features carnival rides, attractions, concerts, creative arts, food, livestock competitions & more. Adults, $15; military, seniors & kids (5-12), $10; kids (under 5), free. Fair opens most days at 10am. tulsastatefair.com

SEPT. 27-28 Chalk It Up Art Festival in downtown Broken Arrow (1st & Main St, Broken Arrow) features a chalk art competition, live music, street performers and more. Free to attend. Friday, 5-9pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm. arts302.com

PHOTOS BY CALEB RICKETTS

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34 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

Stop in or call to book your party 9410 N. May Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK, 75120 405-395-2844

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Rock Island Arts Festival at Rock Island Depot (100 Chickasha Ave, Chickasha) features fine art displays, crafter booths, live music and entertainment as well as a children’s creation station, bounce houses, a giant sand pile and more. Free to attend. Friday, 11am-9pm; Saturday, 10am-8pm. rockislandartsfestival.org

OCT. 11 Cheese Festival in Watonga (Main Street, Watonga) features a parade, live music, vendors and a wide range of cheeserelated activities, including tastings and cooking contests. Free to attend.

Friday, 11am-6pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm. facebook.com/watongacheesefestival

OCT. 11-13 Fall Festival at Rustic Roots (105340 Greer Rd, Lamont) features live music, pumpkin patch and farm activities such as hayrides, petting zoo, corn maze and

more. 2-64, $12; 65 & up, $6. 10am8pm. rusticrootsevents.com

OCT. 12 Fall Fest at McLoud Veterans Memorial Park (401-499 W Hinchley St, McLoud) features live music, food trucks, craft vendors, face painting, inflatables, a tractor show, pumpkin stand and more. Free to attend.

11am-5pm. mcloudchamber.com

OCT. 18-20 Robbers Cave Fall Festival at Robbers Cave State Park (4575 NW 1024th Ave, Wilburton) features arts & crafts, classic car show, food, carnival rides, entertainment and more. Free to attend. Friday & Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 9am-4pm. originalfallfestivalatrobberscave.com

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SUNDAY | SEPTEMBER 22, 2024 | CIVIC CENTER

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

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Calendar of Events

Pumpkin patches in the metro SEPT. 17-OCT. 29 Sunshine Shelly’s Pumpkin Patch (7110 N Harrison, Shawnee) features pumpkins and ornamental gourds for sale, a corn maze, hayrides, kiddie train, corn cannon, petting zoo, yard games, picnic areas and more. $7; kids (1 & under), free with paid adult. Some activities require an additional fee. No admission required to pick pumpkins. See website for hours. facebook.com/sunshineshellys

SEPT. 20-OCT. 6 Wings Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch at Wings Special Needs Community (13700 N Eastern, Edmond) features a petting zoo, yard games, hayrides, inflatables, photoops and pumpkins of all shapes and sizes plus other fall décor for sale. $8; family 4-pack, $25; kids (2 & under), free. Friday & Saturday, 10am6pm; Sunday, 1-6pm. wingsok.org

SEPT. 18-NOV. 3 Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch (720 Henney Rd, Arcadia) features pony rides, mazes, hayrides, petting zoo, games and more. $13; kids (3-12), $10, kids (2 & under), free. Wednesday-Friday, 1pmdark; Saturday, 10am-dark; Sunday, noon-dark. parkhurstranch.com

SEPT. 19-OCT. 31 The Pumpkin Patch at Katiebug’s Sips & Sweets (7 NW 9th St) features a variety of pumpkins, fresh local flowers and fall treats. Prices vary. Wednesday-Saturday, noon6pm. facebook.com/katiebugsokc

Admission Includes UNLIMITED: Pony Rides (75lb. weight limit), Petting Zoo, Tractor Rides, Mystery Maze, Giant Slides, Playgrounds, & A FREE Pie Pumpkin per paid guest while supplies last!

SEPT. 25 -OCT. 31, 2024 CHESTER’S PARTY BARN 5201 CIMARRON RD NW PIEDMONT, OK. 73078

36 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

TUES- SAT 9AM-6PM & SUNDAYS 1-6PM For More Information

www.chesterspartybarn.fun

SEPT. 21-NOV. 9 Orr Family Farm (14400 S Western) features hayrides, a pumpkin patch, corn maze and fun fall activities. Some activities may require additional fees. $19.95 & up; kids (2 & under), free. See website for hours. orrfamilyfarm.com

SEPT. 25-OCT. 31 Pumpkin Patch at Chester’s Party Barn & Farm (5201 Cimarron Rd, Piedmont) features a petting zoo (zoo food sold separately), giant slides & playground area, pony rides (75 pound weight limit), hayrides, a mystery maze, barnyard games, pumpkin chunkin’ and more, plus live entertainment and face painting (sold separately) on the weekends.

Admission includes one pumpkin pie pumpkin per paid guest while supplies last. Annual memberships available. Ages 2-10, $13 + tax; ages 11-64, $7 + tax. 1 & under and seniors ages 65 & up, free; Tuesday-Saturday, 9am6pm; Sunday, 1-6pm. chesterspartybarn.fun

SEPT. 28-OCT. 20 Pumpkin Patch at Cross Timbers Christmas Tree Farm (2161 Harrison

Ave, Harrah) features pumpkins, fall décor, photo opportunities, a haystack slide, farm animals and a barrel train.

Prices vary. Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 1-6pm. crosstimberschristmastrees.com

OCT. 4-20 Pumpkinville at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features imaginative displays, hand-crafted games, fall-themed activities, local vendors and unlimited rides on Mo’s Carousel. $9; members & kids (2 & under), free. Sunday-Thursday, 10am5pm; Friday & Saturday, 10am-6:30pm.

Closed Mondays. myriadgardens.org

OCT. 5-27 Pumpkin Patch at Walnut Woods (5217 W Simmons Rd, Edmond) features pumpkins for purchase, a maze, yard games, zip line, slingshot, hayrides, a petting zoo, giant slides, horse rides (additional charge) and more. $8; seniors (65 & up) & kids (2 & under), free. Saturday & Sunday, 10am-5pm. visitwalnutwoods.com

QR code OR include web address: metrofamilymagazine om/fall-fun

Fall Fun GUIDE

Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, festivals We’ve made it easy to find all the fabulous fall fun in the OKC area & around the state!

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

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Calendar of Events

Halloween fun

OCT. 25 Monster Mash Halloween Dance at The Station Recreation Center (700 S Broadway Ave) features a spooky night to enjoy with the family with a haunted room, treats and games. Costumes encouraged. All kids 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. $10 in advance; $15 day of. 6-8pm. cityofmoore.com

OCT. 5-27 41st Annual Haunt the Zoo at Oklahoma City Zoo (2000 Remington Pl) features family-friendly decorations, photo opportunities and candy stations throughout the Zoo. Zoo admission required. Trickor-treat bags, $8; members, $7. Saturday & Sunday, 9am-4pm. okczoo.org

OCT. 23-30 Storybook Forest at Arcadia Lake (7200 E 15th St, Edmond) features a fun, not-scary trail filled with roaming characters and treats. Additional activities include carnival games, hayrides, campfire, concessions and story time. All tickets must be purchased online in advance. $15 per child; $5 per adult. 5:308:30pm. Storybookforestok.com

OCT. 12 Curiousiday Spooktacular: Dynamic Decay at Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) features themed activities exploring decomposition to learn how nature recycles. Free with admission.

10am-4pm. samnoblemuseum.ou.edu

OCT. 17 Haunt the Harn at Harn Homestead (1721 N Lincoln Blvd) features an outdoor trickor-treating event with old-fashioned games and crafts. Friendly costumes encouraged.

Ages 2 & up, $8 in advance, $10 at the door. 6:30-8:30pm. harnhomestead.com

OCT. 25-27 ScaryTale Park at Scissortail Park (655 S Robinson Ave) features candy stops with popular characters and scenes, crafts, photo ops, entertainment and more. Kids (3 & up), $10; adults, $3; members, free. Friday, 4-9pm; Saturday & Sunday, 3-9pm. scissortailpark.org

OCT. 24 HalloWest at National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) features trick-or-treating, crafts, a maker space, face painting, historic re-enactors and more.

Costumes encouraged. Member, $15-$20; nonmember, $20-$25; kids (12 & under), free. 5:30-8pm. nationalcowboymuseum.org

OCT. 26-27

Halloween Train at Oklahoma Railway Museum (3400 NE Grand Blvd) features a ride on a decorated train, candy, Halloween scavenger hunt, mini-golf course, costume contest and more. Family friendly costumes encouraged. 13 & up, $15; kids (3-12), $8; kids (under 3), free.

1/3 Square: X 4.75” 11am-5pm.4.8542” See website for departure schedule. oklahomarailwaymuseum.org

HAUNT THE HARN

OCTOBER 17, 6:30-8:30pm $8 advanced tickets available at harnhomestead.com or $10 at the door.

Tickets are required for everyone ages 2 and up.

OCT. 28 FREE Brick-or-Treat in Bricktown (Reno Ave & Mickey Mantle Dr) features trickor-treating at local businesses, roaming characters, balloon artists, street performers and more. Bring your own candy bags to collect treats. Best suited for ages 14 & under. 4-7pm. welcometobricktown.com FREE Trunk-or-Treat at Quail Springs United Methodist Church (14617 N Penn Ave) features decorated trunks, games and lots of candy. Costumes encouraged; bring bags to collect treats.

All are welcome. 6-7:30pm. qsumc.org

OCT. 31 FREE Haunt the Hill in Historic Capitol Hill (SW 25th Street from Hudson to Robinson) features games, trunk-ortreating and more. Costumes encouraged.

5-7pm. historiccapitolhill.com

405-235-4058 1721 N. Lincoln Blvd Oklahoma City

harnhomestead.com

38 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

Halloween Harvest at OKC Recreation Centers (various locations) features glow-in-the-dark activities, games, face painting, food, arts & crafts and more. Costumes encouraged. Prices vary. 6-8pm. okc.gov/parks

HAUNT THE ZOO. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY OKC ZOO. METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

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Calendar of Events

November sneak peek NOV. 2-3 Oklahoma City Train Show at OKC Fairgrounds Pavilion (3212 Wichita Walk) features operating model train displays and vendors with railroad memorabilia and an assortment of trains and railroad items. Adults, $14; kids (12 & under), free. Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 10am-4pm. okctrainshow.com

NOV. 3 OKC Festival of Vida Muerte Day of the Dead Celebration at Scissortail Park (415 S Robinson Ave) features interactive activities, community ofrendas, authentic food, cultural market, art, music, dancing, a dog parade and more. Free to attend. Noon-9pm. facebook. com/okcfestivaldevidaymuerte

NOV. 6-10 Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

The Musical at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features a heart-warming holiday musical with hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” (written by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss) from the original animated series.

Best suited for ages 5 & up. PRICE TBA. See website for show times. okcbroadway.com

NOV. 9 MetroFamily’s Geekapalooza: A STEAM Festival for Kids at Rose State College Student Union (1910 Hudiburg Dr, Midwest City) features hands-on projects and expo booths hosted by local leaders about subjects such as robotics, the science of flight, coding and geoscience. All ages welcome. $5 in advance; $8 at the door; adults & kids (under 2), free.

10am-2pm. metrofamilymagazine. com/geekapalooza

JAMES SCHULTZ AS THE GRINCH, AERINA DEBOER AS CINDY-LOU WHO AND W. SCOTT STEWART AS OLD MAX IN THE TOURING COMPANY OF DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL. PHOTOS BY JEREMY DANIEL.

Veterans Day 5k at Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd, Edmond) features a 5k run and family activities benefiting The Hugs Project OKC. $20-$30.

2-4pm. thefinalsalute.enmotive.com

40 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

ME TRO FA MILY ’ S

Healthy Families Guide

When we ask local parents about their biggest concerns in raising their kids, we consistently hear your family’s health is number one on your list — and that you’re seeking help on a wide variety of topics, from easy meals kids will actually eat to social-emotional learning resources and mental health supports to self-care ideas.

To help address these timely concerns, we’ve gathered advice and resources from trusted local experts in the following section.

Find even more family health resources here. 

42 School Anxiety Solutions: How to understand, support and empower your child — and yourself

44 Is My Teen Vaping? A parent’s guide to protecting against the dangers

46 Local Family Fun: Get moving together on an urban hike in downtown OKC

50 School Year Health Guide:

Essential tips for parents from local pediatricians

52 Dinner on the Double: Easy recipes for busy parents (that your kids will actually eat!)

55 Understanding Medical Spas:

Treatment options, questions to ask and the value of self-care

56 Mom Talk: Wellness lessons learned from the late Richard Simmons

Healthy Families Guide 41

Navigating Stress and Anxiety as Kids Return to School

SPONSORED BY

How to understand, support and empower your child — and yourself

BY ERIN PAGE

A

s kids re-enter the classroom this fall, it’s natural for them to experience a mix of excitement and apprehension. For some, however, these emotions can escalate into anxiety that affects their well-being and academic performance. Understanding the signs and symptoms and knowing when to seek help are crucial for parents, but so is knowing how to regulate your own emotional responses during a time of year that’s chaotic for caregivers, too.

“All transitions can be stressful,” said Traci Bartley, licensed clinical social worker and Behavioral Health Director for Aetna Better Health® of Oklahoma. “The body can’t tell the difference between good stress and bad stress, and everybody feels the impact of the seasonal shift of this transition in different ways.”

The good news? The start of the school year is the perfect time to incorporate whole-family habits to support everyone’s mental health. Bartley offers six key strategies for parents to help kids manage school-related worries, beginning with regulating our own stress first.

Model good mental health practices.

Children mirror their parents’ behaviors, including how they manage stress or anxiety.

When parents regulate their emotions well, kids follow suit. This process can begin with a heightened awareness of where you, as the parent, feel stress in your body.

“Your body will let you know,” said Bartley. “If you know your shoulders get tense [when you’re stressed], pay attention and then tap into self-care and coping strategies.”

Know what triggers your stress responses (like running late to the school pick-up line) and remove or alleviate what you can. Then, consider what forms of self-care are most beneficial for you.

“That could be going to therapy, going to the gym, regulating your breathing,” suggests Bartley. “Show your kids how you take care of yourself. Social-emotional learning is one of the best things parents can contribute to a child’s life.”

Schedule regular family meetings.

Set aside time weekly to discuss family logistics and conduct a mental health check-in.

“Oftentimes people wait to have conversations until they’re in a crisis or there’s an argument,” said Bartley. “Family meetings keep everyone on the same page, plus you can work on mental health skills.”

After you’ve addressed chores, work and activities, have everyone rate their mood, name what they’re thankful for or give a compliment to another family member. Family meetings can also address conflicts.

Encourage dialogue and practice active listening.

Help kids develop a vocabulary around feelings. Schedule a family night to watch one of the Inside Out movies, then discuss which emotion you identified with most and why.

“Using things in popular culture to stimulate conversation — like books or movies — is a nice jumping off point for family connection and conversation,” said Bartley.

While extended time in the car can feel like a drag, kids often open up during these intervals when you’re not looking directly at each other.

Approach kids with curiosity, rather than judgement, when trying to gauge the status of their mental health and focus on open-ended questions.

“When behavior changes, it can be really scary,” said Bartley. “But don’t go into worst-case-scenario mode. When you’re afraid, you look for ways to control a situation, and that can invite a power struggle as the child is also trying to maintain control. Be brave in those moments and focus on being curious and learning more.”

Avoid minimizing or dismissing kids’ feelings, even when they don’t seem like a big deal as an adult. There may be something more beneath the surface.

With teens in particular, respect their boundaries and spend intentional time with them without asking an overload of questions.

“You might say: ‘I sense that you don’t want to talk right now and I respect that. I would love to hear about your day when you want to share,’” said Bartley. “That leaves the door open.”

Practice healthy coping skills.

Share the coping strategies that work for you and encourage kids to try them. Make time to have fun together as a family — perhaps playing a sport or visiting a local museum or park.

42 Healthy Families Guide

“Positive activities relieve stress,” said Bartley. “Kids don’t always need to talk things out.”

Talk with kids about safe adults with whom they can share worries. You, as the parent, can also check in with these individuals if you’re concerned about your child’s mental health to see if they’re noticing signs of anxiety.

“Since the pandemic, families have become pretty isolated,” said Bartley. “The U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness as a public health crisis. Loneliness has an impact on health, especially for children. Sometimes kids are more willing to share with a teacher or another safe person. The more trusted people in a kid’s life, the better.”

Recognize the signs of anxiety.

Anxiety manifests differently depending on a child’s age.

Younger children may exhibit regression in developmental milestones like eating and sleeping, especially when their routine changes.

For older kids, even when they’re excited to see their school friends, they can still experience stress. Signs of anxiety could include irritability, major behavior changes or avoidance of activities or people they once enjoyed.

While stress is normal for kids during the back-to-school transition, any regressive behaviors or major behavior changes that last longer than a month could indicate anxiety.

Seek help.

If you notice persistent signs of anxiety in your child, Bartley recommends a visit to your family physician to discuss concerns. Ask if they employ a behavioral health clinician.

“We’re seeing more behavioral health clinicians being integrated into those settings,” said Bartley. “You can go to your child’s pediatrician and get the advice of a mental health professional who will also work with your child’s school and provide holistic, comprehensive care.”

When seeking a therapist, find out which providers are covered by your insurance and what benefits your plan provides. Many employers offer employee assistance programs that include free counseling.

Parents can call or text 988, Oklahoma’s Mental Health Lifeline, in a crisis situation or with questions or concerns about a child’s mental health, or their own. Operators are locally licensed and certified health crisis specialists who answer calls, connect with and dispatch local services and mobile crisis teams as needed.

In the midst of ensuring your child’s immunizations are up to date, scheduling their well-checks and meeting their mental health needs, parents should consider what preventative services you’re due for as well.

“Those regular check-ups are a form of self-care,” said Bartley. “Kids often come first, but those regular checks with your PCP are crucial for your own health and your family’s health as well.”

Editor’s note: Learn more about behavioral health benefits offered to members by insurance companies like Aetna Better Health here. 

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Healthy Families Guide 43

Is My Teen Vaping?

A parent’s guide to protecting against the dangers of vaping

I

n a poll conducted by Mott Children’s Hospital, about 60 percent of parents whose teens vape have no idea.

That chilling reality comes with a lot of questions — from health risks to signs your teen could be vaping. Here’s a breakdown of what you should know and how to protect children from the dangers of vaping.

SPONSORED BY

Why are vapes popular?

According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, more than one in five Oklahoma high school students report vaping, and most of them started with a flavored product. With more than 15,000 flavors of vapes on the market, many are aimed specifically at addicting young people. Vaping often appears in media, which makes kids think it’s safe. The tobacco industry has also made vaping more enticing with discounted prices, event sponsorships, tech-inspired designs and false claims about mental health benefits.

Despite laws prohibiting vape sales to minors, teens find ways to get the product. Some online vape retailers have lax age-verification processes, and some even boast “discreet shipping” to conceal vape purchases. Teens can also get vapes from peers or other acquaintances who sell for a profit.

Why is vaping bad for teens?

Many people don’t realize the most popular vapes are made and distributed by tobacco companies, according to the Truth Initiative. Like any tobacco product, vaping poses significant health risks, especially for young people. One big risk?

Addiction. Most vapes contain high levels of nicotine, and teens who vape are nearly seven times as likely to use cigarettes later in life. Vapes also contain several harmful chemicals known to cause cancer.

The health risks of vaping

Vaping can cause immediate health issues. Lung irritation may trigger wheezing, asthma attacks and shortness of breath.

It also causes dry mouth, which can lead to dental issues.

Long-term vaping can lead to respiratory issues, an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal and kidney disorders, reproductive health issues and infertility, resistance to chemotherapy and other medicines, and, of course, addiction.

Nicotine from vapes can also disrupt teens’ mental health significantly — worsening anxiety, depression, impulsivity and learning abilities. The tobacco industry often claims their products help mental health. According to the Truth Initiative, four out of five teens try vaping to cope with depression or anxiety. However, nicotine actually makes mental health struggles worse.

44 Healthy Families Guide

Common types of vapes

Vapes come in many shapes and sizes. Pod-based vapes are small, often USB-shaped devices that look like phone chargers, hard drives or adaptors. Pen vapes are ultra-sleek and easy to hide among school supplies. Disposable vapes are designed with discretion in mind, often resembling highlighters, earbud cases or toys.

Signs your teen is vaping

Vaping can affect teens physically and mentally. Watch for physical signs like nosebleeds, nausea, headaches, dehydration, a constant cough, mouth sores or skin changes. Unexplained sweet scents, strange batteries or chargers, and the delivery of unmarked packages may also be warning signs.

As teens begin to struggle with nicotine addiction, their behaviors and routines may change as well. They may experience intense mood swings, oversleep, struggle to concentrate, lose interest in hobbies or sports, and spend more money than usual.

Even if your teen exhibits one or more of these symptoms, don’t immediately assume they’re vaping. Hormones, stress and typical development can present similar changes. Invite open and honest conversation about changes you’re seeing rather than making accusations.

Other nicotine products

There are other nicotine products on the market growing in popularity among teens. Cigarette use has declined over the decades but still poses a threat. While smokeless tobacco, like dip or chew, is more common in rural areas, nicotine pouches — such as Zyn and On! — are becoming more popular everywhere. These pouches contain high levels of nicotine that put youth at risk of addiction and other health issues.

Talk with your kids

One of the best strategies parents can employ to help kids remain tobacco free is having open, honest conversations about vaping. These ongoing discussions can help combat the temptation teens face around vaping.

Not sure how to start the conversation? Find age-specific conversation starters and guides to help keep the conversation going at TalkAboutTobacco.com from Tobacco Stops With Me. Plus, parents can explore options to prevent vaping and find judgment-free support.

Remember: You play a vital role in protecting your child from a lifetime of addiction.

Kids are curious about vaping.

Answer their questions, share facts and open a dialogue with our age-appropriate conversation guides.

Start the conversation at

Healthy Families Guide 45

Local Family Fun 6

Urban Hiking Explore downtown Oklahoma City on foot

BY MORGAN HARRIS. PHOTOS BY HARRIS AND PROVIDED.

I

s it really hiking if you aren’t walking on dirt paths? As a passionate explorer of urban landscapes, I choose to define hiking as any walk undertaken with the intent to discover the wonders of my environment. The heart of downtown Oklahoma City has changed so much in the past decade, and it’s the perfect locale for your family’s next adventure.

Before you walk — park Parking in downtown Oklahoma City can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. All metered parking is free on the weekends.

Early on Saturday mornings, there is almost always plenty of parking around the north and west sides of Scissortail Park and starting your hike there is an easy option, although you could park anywhere along the route and adjust your starting point accordingly.

If you plan your hike on a weekday, you will likely need to pay for parking. I use the Flowbird app that connects to all the parking meters downtown. This will save time and the hassle of walking to the nearest parking meter. If your hike takes longer than expected, you can easily add more funds from your phone.

SPONSORED BY

46 Healthy Families Guide

PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT OKC

About the route This urban hike spans approximately 3 miles and can be completed in about an hour at an adult’s walking pace. I like to start and end at The National, located at the corner of Robinson and Park avenues. But the route is flexible. If you’re unfamiliar with downtown or planning your explorations on a weekday when parking downtown can be difficult, park near the boathouse on the west side of Scissortail Park instead.

From the west side of Scissortail, find the path that leads over the bridge, then curve to the right around the lake and head toward Union Station. Next, walk east to cross over I-40 via the Skydance Bridge. Explore the park south of I-40, then return north across the bridge.

Keep going north along Robinson Avenue.

As you travel north, you’ll pass Scissortail’s splash pad and children’s playground. If the kiddos need a break from walking, these are great places to pause and play.

Continue north to cross the intersection of Robinson and Oklahoma City Boulevard.

Cross the street at Reno and enter the Myriad Gardens. Stick to the east side of the park and keep heading north.

Using the walk lights for safety, cross Sheridan and travel north on Robinson. As you approach Main Street on your right, take a peek to your left to discover one of my favorite sculpture parks. One more block north and you’ll come to Park Avenue, where you cross Robinson to arrive at what used to be the First National Bank. Now called The National, it houses shops, restaurants, a hotel and apartments. Head inside the main doors on Robinson Avenue and take the escalators up to enjoy the beautiful Great Hall.

When you exit The National, turn left to walk south along Robinson Avenue and head back to the Myriad Gardens. Wander

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southwest past the Crystal Bridge and cross the suspension bridge over the lake.

Don’t miss the Children’s Garden, Thunder Fountain (open during the summer) and Mo’s Carousel.

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Prepare for your adventure One of the beauties of urban hiking is its accessibility. No specialized gear required – just slip on walking shoes and dress for the weather. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat, particularly during the hot summer months. I prefer to wear SPF long-sleeve shirts over short sleeves and sunscreen, even in hot weather.

Exit the gardens at the south entrance to the Crystal Bridge and walk east to Robinson, back toward Scissortail Park. You did it!

This hike is great any time of year, but it’s especially lovely in early fall. Different seasons bring different colors, flowers and vistas, so there’s always something to see.

Looking for something a little longer? You can easily extend the journey exploring off-shoot paths and the attractions along the way. Wander through the Myriad Gardens, linger at the playgrounds and embrace the spirit of exploration.

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“TAKING FLIGHT: LIGHT AS A FEATHER” BY JASON KLIMOSKI AND LESLEY CHANG STANDS AT THE CORNER OF OKLAHOMA CITY BOULEVARD AND SOUTH ROBINSON STREET IN SCISSORTAIL PARK.

Healthy Families Guide 47

Local Family Fun Top spots along the route • Pause for the view of the Oklahoma City skyline as you walk north across Skydance Bridge.

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• Venture onto the winding wood chip path just south of the Skydance Bridge.

It’s a short path that inspires a sense of wonder amidst the urban jungle.

• Stop in to The National and ride the escalator up into The Great Hall. This public space is awe-inspiring. Whether you bring a book to read or a card game to play with the family, this sanctuary offers a respite from the bustling city outside. While you’re there, grab a coffee from The Gilded Acorn on the ground floor.

• Union Station is not just a relic of the past but will soon become a community hub. After years of service as a passenger rail station, the building has been underutilized or empty for decades.

Fortunately, it was well-cared for and is slated to become an event center.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT OKC

• The Scissortail Farmer’s Market takes place on Saturdays, April through October, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Consider parking near the northeast corner of Scissortail Park and adjusting your route to end near the market. Pick up some locally grown fruits, vegetables and even bison meat before heading home.

PHOTO BY DEBBIE MURNAN

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48 Healthy Families Guide

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Bathroom breaks One of the most family-friendly aspects of this hike is the abundance of restroom facilities along the route. At Scissortail Park, you’ll find restrooms at the boathouse on the west end, the playground across from the Convention Center and near the soccer fields on the south end. Plus, there are public restrooms at the Myriad’s Children’s Garden and in The National just off The Great Hall. Whether you’re wrangling toddlers or older kids, relief is always within reach.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT OKC

Urban adventure awaits I love downtown Oklahoma City. My husband and I lived in the area years ago, before there was quite as much to do and enjoy. Returning now feels like entering a whole new world, full of activity, beautiful plants and art installations. Urban hiking is a perfect mix of adventure and convenience, especially for families wanting to connect with nature in the city.

So put on your walking shoes, load up the family and start exploring downtown Oklahoma City.

Healthy Families Guide 49

School Year Health Guide Essential school health tips for parents from local pediatricians SPONSORED BY

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s children return to classrooms this fall, parents can help ensure they thrive by prioritizing sleep, nutrition, vaccinations, asthma management and anxiety relief measures. Pediatric experts with Bethany Children’s Health Center share their top back-to-school health tips for parents.

Start with the basics Summer is often a time when rules surrounding nutrition and sleep are more relaxed, and pediatrician Dr. Michael Coffey, medical director of general pediatrics at Bethany Children’s Health Center, recommends setting kids up for success by ensuring children get plenty of sleep each night.

“A student in elementary or middle school is likely to need between 10 and 12 hours of sleep each night, and your high schooler should try to get a solid nine hours of sleep each night, with eight hours being the minimum,” said Dr. Coffey.

Dr. Coffey also recommends emphasizing the importance of eating three meals a day and ensuring kids eat breakfast in particular.

“This meal is crucial to give your child’s brain and body the fuel they need to perform their best at school,” said Dr. Coffey.

Parents should also check on their child’s immunization status.

According to pediatrician Dr. Molly Khoury of Bethany Children’s Health Center’s Pediatric Clinic, children are due for updated vaccines that protect against several serious illnesses at ages 4 and 11.

“Many parents don’t realize while we have effective vaccines to prevent infections from illnesses such as tetanus and pertussis (a nasty bug that causes whooping cough), we unfortunately don’t have good treatments if your child does become infected with these,” explained Dr. Khoury. “I understand these sound like infections from days long ago; however, we have started to see them more frequently.”

Managing asthma Dr. Khoury also recommends seasonal flu shots, especially for children with a history of asthma or any chronic lung disease.

Additionally for children with asthma, make an appointment with your child’s primary care provider to review asthma management and develop an asthma action plan to have on file with their school.

50 Healthy Families Guide

“It is often advisable for children with asthma to have an inhaler and space chamber at school – carried in their backpack if they are old enough to use the inhaler independently or sent to the school nurse to be used as needed,” added Dr. Coffey. “If your child is old enough, discuss their asthma symptoms with them as these can be more apparent to your child before others notice coughing or wheezing.”

Preventing illness Back to school often means back to germs, but some simple preventative measures can help decrease the number of illnesses kids sustain throughout the school year.

“First, encourage your child to wash their hands at school and have them wash their hands as soon as they arrive home prior to eating their after-school snack,” said Dr. Khoury. “Second, have your children take off their shoes and leave them by the door when they arrive home. There are likely many viruses lurking on those shoe soles that you don’t want to be tracked into the house.”

Calming back-to-school anxiety Times of transition can increase the likelihood of both short-term and longer-term anxiety.

Pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. Alexandra Roth of Bethany Children’s Health Center says signs of anxiety include headaches or stomachaches, difficulty with bedtime routines as kids anticipate waking up for school the next day, or reluctance to board the bus or get out of the car in the carline.

For younger children and those with learning or social differences, picture books about going to school or being the new kid in school can help ease transitions.

“If there’s a topic that a parent thinks their child is worried about, a book can give you both a shared way to talk about it,” explained Dr. Roth. “It can help set expectations for what going to school looks like and help prepare the child.”

Parents can also focus on problem solving with their children and teens and acknowledging their worries.

“Sometimes as adults, we try to encourage our kids and might accidentally minimize or dismiss their worries or feelings,” said Dr. Roth. “We might say something like: ‘It will be fine, don’t worry about it!’ Instead, we can find the grain of truth in that fear and recognize it.”

Children with special needs typically have long and detailed individualized learning plans shared amongst teachers, administrators and caregivers. Beyond these plans, parents can ease the transition to a new classroom for both the child and the teacher by creating a onepage summary about their child to share with the teacher. Dr. Roth recommends using short, simple terms that tell who your child is, what they are working on, situations where your child shines best and areas that are challenging.

“It helps you as a family write the story of who your child is and what you’re hoping for this coming year,” shared Dr. Roth.. “It can be a quick introduction in addition to the big, formal plan.”

If signs of stress persist after a couple of weeks, or symptoms get worse, additional conversations with your child about their stressors, with classroom teachers about signs they are noticing at school and with your child’s pediatrician about next steps may be warranted.

With thoughtful planning and preparation when it comes to kids’ health issues, parents can ease the back-to-school transition and help ensure a successful year ahead for their children.

Editor’s note: Bethany Children’s Health Center provides pediatric primary care, behavioral health and other specialized medical and therapy services to children in Oklahoma. Learn more about Bethany Children’s and the planned expansion of outpatient services at bethanychildrens.org.

Healthy Families Guide 51

Dinner on the Double Easy recipes for busy parents (that your kids will actually eat!)

BY UMO CALLINS. PHOTOS BY FOTO ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY.

With school in full swing, many families are shifting their focus to quick and easy family dinners.

If you’re like me, you’re thinking about transitioning to the fall schedule with a change of routine, going to bed and waking up earlier, and extracurricular activities. Another shift for many families is more concentration on meal planning and meal preparation. With many activities during the school year for my family of five, we plan dinners ahead, with a focus on easy, simple and nutritious meals. This helps us minimize dining out frequently and ensures everyone gets the nutrients we need.

Here are my favorite quick and easy dinner ideas to prepare for my family on busy weeknights.

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UMO CALLINS, HER HUSBAND AND TWO OF THEIR THREE KIDS PREPARE DINNER TOGETHER.

Air Fryer Taquitos

These are so tasty and a great option for Taco Tuesday with a twist. Plus, they are customizable with your tortillas, protein and fixings of choice. You can also make them meatless with beans in place of the meat. We love adding diced bell peppers.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 tortillas of choice • 1 cup prepared protein of choice (like chicken, steak or beans) • Mix-ins of choice, like cheese or diced bell peppers • Cooking spray • Garnishes like salsa, guacamole or avocado DIRECTIONS:

1. Divide the protein among the 4 tortillas, placing down the middle. Add mix-ins as desired.

2. Roll into a taquito.

3. Place taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer, ensuring they are not touching.

Mist with cooking spray.

4. Cook at 400 degrees for 6 to 14 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them.

5. Serve with preferred garnishes.

Sweet Potato Ground Turkey Skillet This is a fall favorite. I purchase cubed sweet potatoes to make the process as simple as possible. Butternut squash works, too.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 pound ground turkey • 2 teaspoons spices of choice (like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, chili powder) • 10-15 ounce package cubed sweet potatoes (or butternut squash) • 10-15 ounce package diced bell peppers and onions • 1 cup mozzarella cheese • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Grab-and-go Rotisserie Chicken This is our go-to meal for hectic evenings or when we simply don’t feel like cooking.

It’s easy, quick, delicious and nutritious.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add oil to skillet, heat to medium high and add turkey. Break into small pieces, stirring occasionally until cooked through.

2. Add spices and diced bell peppers and onions; cook until onion is soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.

3. Add ½ cup water and cubed sweet potatoes.

4. Cover and cook for 6-8 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender.

5. Uncover and add mozzarella and cilantro.

6. Serve with a side salad.

INGREDIENTS:

• Rotisserie chicken, removed from the bone • Salad kit or steamable veggie • Steamable brown rice or quinoa DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare salad kit or steamable veggie according to package instructions.

2. Prepare steamable brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions.

3. Plate chicken, salad or veggie, and brown rice or quinoa, and enjoy!

Customizable Sheet Pan Meal Sheet pan meals are perfect for busy families because everything cooks on one pan! I love pairing chicken with Brussels sprouts, but you can include a combination of broccoli, potatoes, carrots, and apples or grapes. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the finished pan for extra flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, stems removed, cut in half or quarters • 2 teaspoons seasonings of choice (like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper) • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F. 2. Toss chicken and Brussels sprouts (or veggies/fruits of choice) with olive oil and then with seasonings of choice to coat evenly. Place on rimmed baking sheet in a single, even layer.

3. Bake for 15 minutes. Rotate pan; bake for another 5-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sprouts are tender.

4. Remove pan from oven and drizzle on balsamic vinegar.

5. Enjoy!

These go-to dinner recipes for busy evenings are easy to prepare, versatile and customizable, so your family can get creative with swapping out ingredients and make them over and over again with new twists. I make weekly menus to remove the guesswork from what we’re going to eat, and that also makes grocery shopping so much easier.

My biggest tip as we transition into the school year is to keep your family’s meals simple, fun and balanced. Enjoy establishing a routine and finding options that work for your family.

Editor’s note: Umo Callins is a registered dietitian and fitness coach who specializes in wellness and sports. She owns and operates her private practice Well Rooted Health and Nutrition in Oklahoma City and co-owns 180Physique Athletics, a sports performance and sports nutrition business, with her husband, James. Umo is a proud mother of three kids.

Connect with her on Instagram and TikTok @ Sassy.Sports.Dietitian.

Healthy Families Guide 53

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VISIT OKC.GOV/PARKS FOR MORE INFO OR SCAN THE QR CODE

Understanding Medical Spas Treatment options, questions to ask and the value of self-care

BY ERIN PAGE. PHOTO PROVIDED.

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What questions should someone ask when going to an injector/aesthetician for the first time?

With a background in general surgery and emergency medicine, Hale pivoted to specialize in aesthetic medicine nearly a decade ago, bringing a unique blend of medical expertise and artistry to her practice.

How do you help your patients reach their goals?

otox, fillers and laser treatments, oh my! Navigating the world of medical spas can feel like entering a labyrinth of overwhelming and confusing treatments.

Kayla Hale, physician assistant and owner and CEO of Halestorm Aesthetics, serves as a compassionate, knowledgeable guide.

Hale shared her expertise with MetroFamily on medical spa treatment options, empowering patients to make informed choices on their wellness journeys.

Do most of your patients focus on treatments like injections or lasers?

Most of our patients focus first on medical grade skincare. If you have skin concerns, don’t feel comfortable makeup free or just don’t know where to start, we offer complimentary virtual consultations. Patients can also book with our aesthetician for a custom facial. She evaluates your skin, uses products based on your needs, answers questions and makes recommendations.

What treatments are popular this fall?

Especially if you are seeing a practitioner for injections or lasers, ask if they have a medical license and what their medical degree is in — then ask how long they’ve had that degree and how long they have specialized in the field of aesthetics. Those numbers are often different; for example, I’ve been a PA for 10 years but I’ve been injecting for eight.

I’m invested in my patients — I spend time with them and truly care about them. I focus on full facial treatment plans, which is typically a 6-to-12-month plan based on their concerns.

Sometimes that includes fillers and Botox; or if someone doesn’t want injectables, we focus on skin treatments, lasers and bio stimulators.

Because of my experience, I drive the treatment plan. I recommend having a provider who’s willing to say ‘no’ if a certain treatment isn’t in the best interest of the patient.

What does self-care look like for you as a busy wife, mom and business owner?

I am big on a nighttime routine to help my body relax and ensure I get the rest I need.

I spend most of my days investing in other people, which I absolutely love. But I have to refill my cup to be able to do that every day. And I know I am more patient when I take time for myself.

SPONSORED BY

Many people are going to be working on reversing summer pigment with retinols, pigment correctors, chemical peels and lasers in clinic.

IV therapy is going to be important with fall illnesses coming up. We offer six IVs, including immunity, metabolism and hydration, plus we can customize therapies. We can also administer tests for strep, flu, COVID, UTIs and dehydration, as well as do blood work.

Editor’s note: Learn more about Halestorm Aesthetics at halestormaesthetics.com.

Healthy Families Guide 55

Mom Talk

Sweatin’ to Wellness Lessons learned from the late Richard Simmons

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA MUSHI-BRUNT

I

f you are part of the Baby Boomer or Gen X community, fitness guru Richard Simmons is a name that is likely familiar to you. He is known for his workout videos with titles such as “Sweatin’ to the Oldies.” Simmons passed away on July 13, 2024, the day after his 76th birthday.

In writing this piece about health, I reflected on Simmons’ influence on total wellness. I remember watching his workouts on television as a kid in the ‘80s and thinking they were mildly amusing. Now, rewatching them as a middle-aged adult, I have a deep respect for him and how he revolutionized the fitness world. His positivity, charm and inclusivity is a rare sight on TV back then and even these days. He made fitness and health both fun and accessible for everyone. I found three quotes by Richard Simmons that describe my own wellness journey.

“Your health is your wealth.

Invest in yourself.”

Among all the things Simmons said, this one stuck out to me the most. I celebrated my 49th birthday this summer. Based on the average lifespan, it’s likely I now have fewer birthdays ahead of me than behind me. That is a sobering thought. As a parent, it’s really sobering. However, this quote is a call to focus on health as an asset to be built up, nurtured and protected.

I pay more attention to how my body is feeling now. I no longer put off reaching out to my health care providers when I’m feeling “off.” I move more on a daily basis. I make healthier food choices to fuel my body.

But, it’s not just my physical health I’m investing in; it’s my mental and emotional health as well. Maintaining a regular therapy schedule has been one of the most significant investments I’ve made in myself.

While these investments have certainly benefited me, they have also benefited my family. I have been able to do things I likely wouldn’t have been physically or mentally able to do with my family before. The payoff includes being able to try new things with my kids, like ziplining with my youngest child. Or having the confidence to do a cartwheel on stage in front of an audience full of students, families and guests at our daughters’ dance studio recital.

56 Healthy Families Guide

“Embrace the process.

Change takes time, but every step forward is progress.”

I have been on my wellness journey for over two years. What I’ve learned is that it’s a life-long process. The changes I’ve felt and seen are slow but steady. There have been months I didn’t feel like I was making much progress. Yet, when I look back at old photos or read old journal entries, I can see it.

The process has included figuring out what works and doesn’t work for me. It’s taught me to accept that change does take time.

And when setbacks happen, I know I can get back up and take the next step forward.

“Fitness is not just about physical strength but mental and emotional well-being as well.”

I can’t emphasize enough how adopting this view of fitness has helped me on my wellness journey. The connection between the body and the mind is a powerful one. Simmons drew attention to that connection throughout his workouts. You can’t watch his videos and not feel happy because of the confidence, positive attitude and enthusiasm he and those on his videos show.

Doing a couple of Simmons’ workouts this week definitely boosted my well-being. The pace of physical movement was slow to moderate but challenging enough that I felt like I had done something good for my body. The music and positivity made me feel happy.

As I continue to engage in regular physical activity, my body has gotten stronger and my endurance has improved. The same can be said about my mental and emotional well-being.

I noticed this most when I took a 6-week adult ballet class at my daughters’ dance studio last spring. First of all, I have a new-found respect for ballerinas — ballet is hard! The physical aspects of ballet were evident as the class progressed. Ballet required me to strengthen muscles I don’t normally use.

Ballet also required focus. I needed to pay close attention to the positioning of almost every part of my body: my feet, hands, head, etc. To do ballet safely and correctly meant slowing my mind down.

Beyond the actual ballet lessons, the social aspect of being in the class with other adults trying something new was great for my mental and emotional well-being. We didn’t take ourselves too seriously and thoroughly enjoyed the class and each other’s company.

As you begin or continue your own wellness journey, don’t forget to slow down enough to celebrate not just the physical strength you gain but the impact your journey can have on your mental and emotional well-being.

Editor’s note: Christina Mushi-Brunt is a former professor turned freelance writer and public health research consultant. Christina and her husband have three kids, and they reside in Moore, where she is active in the education community.

Looking k r o w e m for ho t i s i V ? p hel ! y r a r b i Metro L

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Find homework help in-person or online by scanning the QR code or visiting metrolibrary.org/homework

(405) 231-8650 | metrolibrary.org

Healthy Families Guide 57

Thank you to our sponsors, vendors and attendees for making MetroFamily’s first two events of the year so successful!

Thrive Fest was held June 1 at Mitch Park YMCA, and Kids Fest was held April 20 at Rose State College. A great time was enjoyed by all!

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58 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

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61

Last Look

Parent Pundits

Bite-sized wisdom from local parent contributors “Did you know downtown OKC is home to a secret tunnel system?! OK, maybe it’s not exactly a secret, but it’s definitely a unique and lesser-known attraction in the city I’ve called home since birth.”

Erin Page shares her multi-generational adventure through OKC Underground, downtown’s tunnel system that has been in operation for 50 years. Built to provide foot traffic an out-of-the-weather alternative route between many of downtown’s buildings, OKC Underground was renovated in 2006. Compared to the dated tunnel system of her youth, a walk through OKC Underground now feels like visiting an art and history museum rolled into one, with photo galleries, art installations, historical photos and rainbow-hued lighting in unique patterns.

Learn more about how to access the tunnels and what not to miss on your visit here.  Erin Page is managing editor of MetroFamily, and she and her spouse live in the heart of Oklahoma City with their three kids. Follow more of her family’s adventures @metrofamilyokc.

PAGE’S THREE KIDS AND PARENTS IN FRONT OF THE MURAL “WE MAKE OUR OWN MOUNTAINS” BY JASON PAWLEY AND SEAN VALI.

62 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024

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