July 2014 MetroFamily Magazine Digital Edition

Ent ULT er the I

Our BIG Birthday Party Guide INSIDE!

Birt MATE hda Par y Give ty awa y (Se ep . 5)

JULY 2014

STAY COOL! BEST PLACES FOR WATER FUN IN THE METRO

Visit the nation’s only skeleton museum (right here in OKC!) 10 REASONS YOUR FAMILY WILL LOVE A TRIP TO WOODWARD

5 things you didn’t know about POPS in Arcadia OUR PICKS FOR THE BEST OUTDOOR CONCERTS AND MOVIES

Over 141 ways to find summer fun this month!

go

guide...

The ultimate OKC family fun

Volume 17, Number 7

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE | JULY 2014

10

EDITORIAL

Sarah Taylor–Publisher Brooke Barnett–Editor/Social Media Sara Riester–Assistant Editor/Calendar Nicole Nuccio Calvert, Heather Davis, Jennifer Geary, Jennifer Jackson & Jennifer Sharpe–Contributing Writers Steffanie Halley–Contributing Photographer

BEST PLACES FOR WATER FUN Five places to help your family have fun and stay cool in the metro this month.

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

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

DESIGN & SALES Stacy Noakes–Art Director Krystal Harlow­­­–Ad Design Callie Collins–Marketing Director Athena Delce, Erica Harley, Eirinn Sutphen & Dana Price–Sales Kathy Alberty–Office/Distribution Circulation - 35,000 Also available as a digital edition at www.metrofamilymagazine.com.

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

MetroFamily Magazine is a monthly magazine published by Inprint Publishing, Inc. 725 NW 11, Suite 204 OKC, OK 73103 Office:405-601-2081 Fax:405-445-7509 info@metrofamilymagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2014, All Rights Reserved.

22

“BONE”-AFIDE FUN Discover the nation’s only skeleton museum—located right here in Oklahoma City.

PLUS...

DON’T MISS ALL THIS

40

POPULAR POPS Five things you never knew about the popular restaurant and gas station in Arcadia.

6 7 8 26 20 48

44

EXPLORE WOODWARD 10 reasons why your family will love a trip to this northwest Oklahoma town.

How many kids can you coat?

Editor’s Picks: Outdoor movies and concerts Parent Power Night Mom humor: Birthday party priorities Big Birthday Party Guide Find the best birthday party venues, summer camps and more in our specialty ad guides

Welcome FROM OUR EDITOR

This month, we are sharing great venues to celebrate your child’s special day, plus fun places to help you stay cool and have a blast this summer.

L

ike most kids, my children are all about birthday parties. So much, in fact, that my 5-yearold son has recently decided that we need to celebrate his half birthday—of course, this is in addition to (not instead of ) his actual birthday. Any excuse for cake and balloons, right?

While we won’t be scheduling a second celebration for my son, we hope this issue will help you find the perfect venue to celebrate your child’s special day. Our big Birthday Party Guide begins on p. 20 and is your one-stop resource for the most popular birthday party venues in the metro.

Visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests to enter.

If you are looking for places to find summer fun, we offer some great suggestions this month. Contributing writer Jennifer Jackson shares cool things to discover at the Museum of Osteology (p. 22) and columnist Jennifer Geary gives you 10 reasons to head to Woodward for a summer getaway (p. 44).

We also kick off some incredible giveaways in July—including our popular Ultimate Birthday Party Giveaway. Enter to win one of 16 party packages, perfect for celebrating birthdays and half-birthdays alike!

Looking to beat the summer heat? Contributing writer Jennifer Sharpe looks at five cool places to find water fun around town (p. 10). Her children also weigh in on each venue—giving you a kid’s perspective on these fun

water parks and pools.

r u o t u o Check THDAY BIG BIR GUIDE! PARTeY e p. 20 S

r u o r e t n E contestsig! to win b

•

Museum of Osteology Prize Packs—Read about the metro’s own skeleton museum on p. 22 and then enter to win one of five awesome prizes. The grand prize includes a LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer Kids’ Learning Tablet bundle, including a $20 gift card to download fun, educational apps. Other lucky winners will enjoy a family membership to the museum, free admission to the museum’s Family Night event, 4-D models, museum t-shirts and more. Deadline: Thursday, July 31, 10pm

•

Ultimate Birthday Party Giveaway—Enter to win an awesome birthday party package in one of our biggest giveaways of the year! A total of 16 packages are up for grabs at some of the most popular birthday venues in the metro. Deadline: Thursday, July 31, 10pm.

•

100 Days of Summer Fun Giveaways— Follow our 100 Days of Summer Fun for great ideas, events and activities—plus, we’ll be giving away tickets and free passes all summer long. Find it all at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/100-days.

THIS MONTH’S COVER

!

W WO

Three-year-old Amelia, daughter of Kevin and Heather Lytle of Edmond.

Photographed

by Steffanie Halley (www. steffaniehalley.com).

family buzz

This month, we’re buzzing about where to catch an outdoor movie or concert and empowering yourself about important educational issues.

It’s all about family fun!

RESOURCES TO ADD TO YOUR FAMILY FUN QUOTIENT

BY BROOKE BARNETT - METROFAMILY EDITOR

How many kids can you coat?

C

hildren without winter coats often have to wait at the bus stop in freezing temperatures or end up missing school when it is too cold to walk. Now through August 31, your family can help make a difference for these students in need.

In the Oklahoma City Public School (OKCPS) district, more than 35,600 students live near or below the poverty line. OKCPS is partnering with Operation

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

6

JULY 2014

Warm to help provide brand new coats to impoverished students through the Coat-aKid program.Visit www.operationwarm.org/ OKCPS to learn how your family can make a tax-deductible donation to help purchase new coats. One hundred-percent of your donation is used to provide coats and you may designate a specific school within the district to benefit from your assistance.

A donation of $20 can provide one coat to a child in need and contributions of any amount are welcome. For more information, call 405-587-0274 or visit www. operationwarm.org/OKCPS.

Editor’s Picks: Best places to enjoy outdoor concerts and movies

I

s there anything better than spending a warm summer evening outside with family? Venues across the metro offer opportunities to enjoy evening’s more mild summer temperatures while taking in some live music or a family-friendly flick. Here are our picks for the best places to catch an outdoor movie or concert this month.

Sunday Twilight Concert Series at the Myriad Gardens 301 W. Reno Avenue, Oklahoma City 405-445-7080 www.artscouncilokc.com/twilight-concerts

Why we love it: These free, familyfriendly concerts offer a wide variety of musical styles and showcase some of the metro’s best musicians. Presented by the Arts Council of Oklahoma City, concerts are held on Sunday evenings from 7:30–9:00pm.

Bring a blanket and chairs and kick back for a musical treat in one of downtown’s most beautiful areas. Enjoy upcoming performances by singer/songwriter Sky Smeade and the Susan Hearndon Trio (July 6), a country music concert by Brian Lynn Jones & the Misfit Cowboys (July 13), the pop rock tunes of The Wurly Birds (July 20) or the Latin beats of The Salsa Shakers (July 27).

Summer Movie Series in the Boathouse District

725 S. Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City 405-522-4040 www.boathousedistrict.org Why we love it: On Friday evenings through September 5, head down to the Boathouse District to catch a free outdoor screening of favorite family movies. Movies begin at 8:30pm and are projected on the side of the Chesapeake Finish Line Tower. Popcorn and snacks are available for purchase or your family can check

SUNDAY TWILIGH T CONCER MYRIAD GARDEN T SERIES, S

out Shop 24, one of Oklahoma City’s first robotic convenience stores located near the Oklahoma River. Bring your blanket, grab a snack and enjoy upcoming screenings of 42 (July 11), The Karate Kid (July 25) and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (August 8).

Dive-In Movies at White Water Bay 3908 W. Reno Avenue, Oklahoma City 405-943-9687 www.whitewaterbay.com

Why we love it: Enjoy a movie poolside at Oklahoma’s largest water adventure park on Friday nights. Dive-in movies begin at 8:00pm and offer movies designed to appeal to teens and tweens, including screenings of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (July 18) and Iron Man 3 (July 25). If your kids are younger, you can also enjoy a screening of Frozen (July 11). Plan to arrive at the park early to enjoy the massive 42’ downhill slide of the Pipeline Wave, take a breathtaking 8’ drop into the water at Cannonball Falls or just enjoy a relaxing float down Castaway Creek. Dive-in movies are free with paid park admission.

Concerts in the Park at Hafer Park 1034 S. Bryant, Edmond 405-348-8830 www.edmondok.com

Why we love it: If your kids need to get to bed earlier, check out Edmond’s Concerts in the Park, held on Thursday evenings from 6:15–8:45pm. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy performances by the 23rd Street Jazz Band and Justin Young (July 10), Bonham Revue and Bluegrass Faithful (July 17) and Squeeze Box and Phil Smith & the Blend Project (July 24). The kids will also love that snow cones are for sale during the concerts and the nearby play equipment.

For more outdoor concerts and movies, visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/outdoor-fun.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

7

JULY 2014

family buzz

Empower yourself about current educational issues

W

ould you like to learn more about educational topics that impact your student’s future? The Oklahoma State Department of Education’s (OSDE) upcoming Parent Power Night is free to attend and aims to empower parents about pressing issues facing Oklahoma schools.

Each year, the OSDE hosts a summer education conference called Vision 2020 which offers learning opportunities, professional development and training for school administrators and teachers from across the state. The conference is designed to engage all levels of stakeholders in Oklahoma’s education system, from parents to school administrators, and provides local and nationally-recognized speakers on topics including STEM, literacy, special education, assessment and community engagement.

As part of the conference, the third annual Parent Power Night will be held on Tuesday, July 15 from 5:30-7:00pm at the Cox Convention Center (10 N. Broadway) in downtown Oklahoma City.

Parent Power Night starts with a meetand-greet with State Superintendent, Dr. Janet Barresi from 5:30–6:00pm. From 6:00–7:00pm, panel discussions for both the elementary and secondary-level will cover a variety of topics and provide an opportunity for parents to have questions answered.

Topics at Parent Power Night may include graduation requirements, third grade literacy, internet safety, advancement to careers, suicide prevention and raising your school’s grade together. The meet-and-greet and panel discussions are free and open for parents, grandparents and guardians of all grade level students in Oklahoma.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

8

JULY 2014

CAPTION

“Having informed parents involved in our schools is one of the most important factors in student success,” said State Superintendent Janet Barresi. “I’m excited to offer this free event for Oklahoma parents as they partner with us in creating a bright future for their children.”

In addition, parents are invited to attend two special keynote sessions during the Vision 2020 conference. Paul Tough, author of How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character will speak from 9:00– 10:30am on Wednesday, July 16. Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, author of Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined will speak from 9:00–10:30am on Thursday, July 17.

To attend Parent Power Night, preregister at www.okvision2020.ok.gov. Click “Free Attendee Registration” and select “Parent and Community Engagement” as the educational track that bests fits your interest. Be sure to indicate that you will attend Parent Power Night before submitting your registration.

For more information about Vision 2020 or Parent Power Night, call 405-521-4893 or email events@sde.ok.gov.

local family fun

Five places to find water fun in OKC

BY JENNIFER SHARPE - CONTRIBUTING WRITER

MITCH PARK YMCA

S

ummer heat is here!

Escape the high temperatures and cool off at these great water parks, pools and splash pads in the metro area. Here are five great ways to make a splash with your family this summer—so grab the sunscreen, hit the water and have a great time.

FAMILY-APPROVED FUN Spending time at a water park is a great way to bond as a family, so I did just that. I loaded up my two children and had them explore each of the venues with me. For each venue, my son Joseph (age 8) and daughter Jayme (age 5) weigh in with their thoughts. I’ve added some helpful mom tips as well.

MITCH PARK YMCA Eliminate worries about weather and visit the Mitch Park YMCA (2901 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond; www.ymcaokc.org) for indoor aquatic fun. This new addition to the family of metro YMCA locations features a competitive natatorium shared with Edmond Public Schools and a leisure pool area that includes a play structure, shallow swimming area, lazy river/vortex and a water slide. Lap swim lanes are also available.

The Play Dish in the leisure pool area is a play structure with steps leading to a small slide and offers all kinds of squirting, bubbling water fun. The structure sits in shallow water and is suitable for young children looking to explore. An adjacent swimming area is used for recreation, lessons and water exercise. A vortex, or lazy river, flows swiftly in a circle at one corner of the pool. The water slide is independent of the leisure pool and loops outside the building for a total length of 130’.

Children must meet both a swimming competency and minimum height requirement in order to use the slide.

Recreational swim time is offered daily, including weekends. Not a YMCA member?

Daily use fees are $10 per adult and $5 per child with a family maximum fee of $25.

Joseph’s take: “I love the water slide here! It’s really fast and it goes outside the building. At the end, you get a really strong splash!”

Mom tip: The family locker room concept is top-notch. I love that we can all share a shower and changing space comfortably, and I don’t have to send my son into a men’s locker room alone. The emphasis on safety here is very impressive.

PELICAN BAY AQUATIC CENTER Pelican Bay Aquatic Center (1034 S. Bryant, Edmond; www.edmondok.com) offers fun for all ages. Little ones will love the splash pad area. Beach entry into the pool leads to a play structure with a small slide and a lazy river wraps around the swimming area.

The “Henry the Dinosaur” toy floats in 3.5 feet and can be climbed on by guests under 48 inches. Experienced swimmers can head towards the deep end where the pool depth drops to a maximum of 12.5 feet. A climbing wall entices the strong to test their skills then plunge into the pool. Two water slides are available for guests taller than 48 inches, one open and one covered.

Life jackets are available for guests at no charge. The café serves a variety of food and beverages. There are men’s and women’s locker rooms, as well as family restrooms/changing areas. Swimming lessons are offered in the mornings, providing eight lessons for $40.

Pool fees are $7 for ages 6 and up; children 5 and under are $4. Twilight prices begin after 5:00pm, offering $5 admission for ages 6 and up and $3 admission for ages 5 and under.

Infants that cannot walk are always free. Pool hours are Monday-Wednesday, 1:00-8:00pm, Thursday-Friday 1:00-7:00pm; Saturday, 11:00am-6:00pm and Sunday, 1:00-6:00pm.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

11

JULY 2014

PARMELE PARK

Winning Wednesdays (July 2, 9, 16, 23) feature raffles at random throughout the afternoon. Every family gets a raffle ticket upon entry to the facility. Prizes include free café items, family movie packs and coupons to various venues in Edmond.

Your family can also enjoy dive-in movies at the pool, in order to stay cool and enjoy a family-friendly film. Upcoming screenings include The Sandlot on July 10 and Jingle All the Way on July 26.

Jayme’s take: “I like the play structure best because the slide is just the right size for me.”

Mom tip: Tuesdays and Thursdays are busy because several day care centers come to swim. Safety breaks happen hourly at 10 minutes before the hour and are a good time to re-apply sunscreen and hydrate.

MOORE SPLASH PADS At two new parks in Moore (www.cityofmoore.com/parks-directory), you can enjoy water fun for free! Both parks are open from 6:00am until midnight and offer free parking, restrooms and brand new splash pads.

Farzaneh Park at Apple Valley is located at 4401 Melrose Drive in The Apples neighborhoods just off of SW 42nd Street.

Apple Valley Park consists of 4.4 acres with a new playground and splash pad. The splash pad area has water shooters, fountains and buckets that dump.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

12

JULY 2014

Parmele Park is located at 1308 Janeway Avenue, which is off of 12th Street. The park is brand new and offers a large spray ground, pavilion, playground and .3-mile walking trail.

The expansive jungle-themed spray ground has all sorts of water features for kids to enjoy including fountains and structures that spray, squirt and dump water.

Joseph’s take: “At Apple Valley, I had fun getting dumped on by the buckets. At Parmele, my favorite thing was jumping through the cobra water feature.”

Mom tip: Don’t forget towels and dry clothes so kids can transition to the playgrounds.

WAKE ZONE CABLE PARK Discover Oklahoma’s extreme water sport scene just two miles east of Bricktown!

Wake Zone Cable Park (3501 N.E. 10th St, www.wakezone.com) offers a fun, encouraging atmosphere to try wakeboarding utilizing an overhead cable system rather than a boat. No experience is required and all necessary gear can be rented on site. All that you need is a bathing suit and an adventurous spirit.

Participants must be outfitted with life jackets, helmets and wakeboards. Rental boards have attached boots with Velcro straps.When you fall or let go of the cable, remove your feet from the board and swim with it to the sandy shore, then make your way back to the starting dock.

APPLE VALLEY

ANDY ALLIGATOR’S WATER PARK

Wake Zone is open Monday-Thursday, 11:00am-8:00pm; Friday, 11:00am-11:30pm; Saturday, 10:00am-11:30pm and Sunday 10:00am-8:00pm. A one-hour pass for open cable time plus all rentals costs $38. Twohour, four-hour and full day rates are also available for cable passes.

Opportunities to save are offered weekly. Pay half-price fees on Wednesday after 4:00pm. Monday is 50% off for educator’s day. Tuesdays and Thursdays offer college student discounts. Military and law enforcement receive a 25% discount anytime. Follow Wake Zone on Facebook (www.facebook. com/cablewakezone) for specials discounts offered periodically.

Lessons are a great way to start and also a great value. For $79 (individual) or $70 (group rate for up to five people), you receive all rentals, one hour of instruction, and one hour of open riding after the lesson concludes.

Wake Zone offers camps for children ages 6-17. Weekly camps are run in the mornings, afternoons or full day throughout the summer. In addition to wakeboarding, campers will water ski, kayak, kneeboard and participate in other water sports.

Joseph’s take: “It was really hard to wakeboard! I tried twice but couldn’t stay up. I want to go back to Wake Zone and try again. It was fun watching the older guys doing tricks.”

Mom tip: I’m proud of my kids for being so brave. I took three attempts and almost had it! I am definitely heading back with my husband this summer to give this another try, maybe for a date night adventure when they are open late!

ANDY ALLIGATOR’S WATER PARK Andy Alligator’s Water Park (3300 Market Pl, Norman; www.andyalligators.com/ water-park) features more than four acres of aquatic family fun, located just off I-35 at the Indian Hills Road exit in Norman.

Children 42” tall can enjoy everything that the park offers, including the Banzai Pipeline, a tube slide for single or double tubes for riders and Riptide Racer, which is the only face-first mat racer water slide in Oklahoma.

Paradise River is an 800’ long lazy river with beach entry and a 3’ depth. Tubes can be used in the river, but are not required. Cowabunga Cove is a huge play structure that squirts, shoots, dumps water and features three water slides. Bubbler’s Beach offers water spouts out of the ground and a small wet slide to entertain young water lovers under 48” tall. Hula Drive is a small stream that also has small water squirters for cooling off.

Snorkel’s Grill offers a variety of food and drink options to satisfy hungry guests. Fin’s Bar offers adult beverages as well as Icee drinks.

Andy’s Surf Shop offers gift shop fare. Lockers and private cabanas are available for rent.

Park hours are Monday-Saturday, 11:00am-

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

13

JULY 2014

WAKE ZONE PELICAN BAY

7:00pm and Sunday, noon-6:00pm. Admission fees are $18.95 for 42” and taller, $15.95 for under 42”. Seniors 60+ are $9.95 and children ages 2 and under are free. Discounts are available for purchasing tickets online or for military with a valid ID. Specials include Mom Mondays (free child admission for each paid adult), $12 Tuesdays, Kids Price for Everyone Wednesdays ($15.95), and Family Slide Fridays, where you can get 4 tickets for $44 after 3:00pm on selected dates.

Jayme’s tip: “I rode the tube slide in a double-tube with mommy and could hold on to her legs the entire time. We were flying down the path! I think I went faster on the mat slide though. The lazy river was really long, but a great way to cool off when it got hot.”

Mom tip: The location is convenient and the water park is the perfect size for my family. There was plenty to do without feeling overwhelmed by the park size. It was especially nice knowing that my daughter, being taller than 42”, could do everything.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

14

JULY 2014

Looking for more water fun? Find more ideas for local splash pads, pools and lakes to explore at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ water-fun.

JOSEPH AND JAYME SHARPE

Real mom of the metro

BY NICOLE NUCCIO CALVERT - METROFAMILY COLUMNIST

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEFFANIE HALLEY- WWW.STEFFANIEHALLEY.COM

Meet KJ Kindler HOW THE HEAD COACH OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA’S WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS PROGRAM BALANCES WINNING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH MOTHERHOOD.

C

ollegiate coach KJ Kindler has come full circle in her love affair with gymnastics. She began her training in Minnesota at the age of four and some of her earliest memories are of watching college gymnasts train. “I would watch those athletes every single day and I looked up to them. I was mesmerized by them.” As the head coach of the University of Oklahoma (OU) women’s gymnastics program, she now helps mentor the very same collegiate-level gymnasts that she once admired.

LEADING A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM Kindler attended Iowa State University as a communications major and a gymnast.

Opportunity and preparation collided when the Iowa State coach retired at the same time KJ graduated and KJ was offered an assistant coach position. “I thought it was a blessing and a great opportunity to see if this is what I was meant to do,“ she explains. Her future husband, Nebraska gymnast Lou Ball, was also brought on as an assistant coach. Coach Kindler eventually became head coach and remained at Iowa State for six years before being recruited to OU. With Lou still by her side as assistant coach at OU, the couple knew they were reaching for the stars—in this case, the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championship. “When we came here, this is what we came to do, and we knew it,” she said. “Every year was a building block working towards the national championship.”

Under her leadership, the team finished second in 2010 and missed winning the championship by .2 of a point in 2013. This year, five seniors led the team with positivity and optimism to win the first NCAA championship in OU history.

RAISING AN EXTENDED FAMILY Recruiting new gymnasts is a responsibility that KJ shares jointly with Lou. Although many might think it would be difficult to work with their spouse, the couple splits responsibilities and alternates their traveling so that one parent can be home with their two daughters, Maggie (age 7) and Adelade (age 5).

Both daughters take gymnastics lessons and Maggie competed for the first time this year.

KJ admits that she found it hard to be just a mom in the stands. “As a coach on the floor you don’t feel like you have full control over what they do.You bring them in the gym, you practice every day, you give them the best advice you can, but really they have to fly on their own,” she explains. “I felt 10 times more of that with my daughter. “ But KJ does not feel like she is the mother of two. “It’s like I have 17 other daughters,” she says referring to her gymnasts. “I am watching their academics. I am watching their social behavior. I am watching their athletics.

Every single day I know what’s going on with them.” And it’s a role she wouldn’t give up for the world, as it has been one she has trained for her entire life.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

17

JULY 2014

Here’s more about how this 44-year-old mom keeps her eyes on the prize What is your parenting style?

I like to promote creativity and I am a big believer in building self-esteem in young girls.You can’t say “You’re smart, you’re amazing” enough.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I am a vegetarian.

How has motherhood changed you?

It has definitely softened my edges.

How do you banish stress?

A pedicure, a talk with an old friend, organizing my “to do’s” gives me peace.

What is on your wish list?

A family vacation to a tropical island with a spa, dolphins and an amazing view!

What are you most proud of?

I am proud when I take risks. It is easy to be comfortable.

How do you find balance?

We are on call 24-7. We keep traditions alive and visit extended family whenever possible.

Advice for other moms?

Say “I love you” as often as you can...it will never be too much. Make time, even when it feels like you have so little of it.

What’s your biggest challenge?

Being away from home and the kids when we are in season and on the road recruiting.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

18

JULY 2014

Favorite quote or advice about motherhood?

“When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.” – Sophia Lauren

QUICK FACTS ABOUT KJ: • What are five words that describe you? Reliable, driven, strong, creative and passionate.

• What is your favorite indulgence? Chocolate, a pedicure and Kate Spade.

• What’s on your playlist?

Adele, Mumford and Sons, Muse and Cold Play.

• What’s your favorite TV show? Anything on Bravo. I am a reality TV sucker!

• Coffee or tea? Coffee

2014 Birthday Party Guide

Let MetroFamily help you find the perfect venue for parties in the Oklahoma City metro.

Name

Contact

Description

Ages

Cost

Abrakadoodle OKC

113 W Main St, Moore 405-759-7977 www.abrakadoodle.com/ok-metrooklahoma-city-register

Arty Party packages include themed canvas painting or multimedia art projects, plus options including Arty Faces face painting, party favors, custom videography & more. Can be held at your location.

2-14 Parties for ages 15+ available

$275$550

Andy Alligator’s Fun Park

3300 Market Pl, Norman 405-321-7275 www.andyalligators.com

Party activities include go-kart speedway, Bayou Blaster Boats, batting cages and pizza. Water park birthday party packages also available.

Arcadia Lake

9000 E 2nd St, Arcadia 405-216-7470 www.arcadialakeok.com

Host your party at a pavilion with view of the lake. Add a All ages birthday package and receive a birthday t-shirt, 2 bags of ice and volleyball or horseshoes for the day.

$50-$200

Be Wild for Art

209 24th Ave NW, Norman 405-307-9971 www.bewildforart.com

Choose a pottery painting, glass fusing or canvas painting party package. Includes party room, assistant and all materials.

All ages

$16$35 per person

Bethany YMCA

3400 N Mueller, Bethany 405-789-0231 www.ymcaokc.org

Parties include 1 hour in the pool or gym and 1 hour in a party room. Available on Saturdays (4-6pm) or Sundays (5-7pm).

All ages

$120$140

Bouncin Craze & Bouncin Craze II

14901 N Lincoln Blvd, Edmond 405-607-2020 www.bouncincraze.com

Indoor play center with inflatables offering both open play and private party packages.

Up to age 12

Up to $225

All ages

$130+

9333 W Reno, OKC 405-470-7000 www.bouncincrazeii.com

Bouncin Craze Delivery

9333 W Reno, OKC 405-603-4058 www.bouncincrazedelivery.com

Delivers inflatables to your birthday party, church or corporate event.

All ages

$100$1,000

Dodge City Paintball & Outdoor Laser Tag

16425 NW 150th, Piedmont 405-373-3745 www.dodgecitypaintball.com

All equipment provided (building, bathrooms, grill). Bring your charcoal & food. 4-hour paintball or 2-hour laser tag (parents required for paintball under age 10).

All ages

$16$20 per person

Edward L Gaylord Downtown YMCA

1 NW 4th St, OKC 405-297-7700 www.ymcaokc.org

Offers several birthday party options and a multipurpose room that seats 70 people. Basketball gym and swimming pool are available for rent.

All ages

$30-$90/ hour

Fine Arts Institute of Edmond

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

90-minute art parties include hands-on project with all materials provided plus paper goods and gift for the birthday child.

4+

$200+

Gallery Farm

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

Celebrate your child’s birthday with an equestrian flare.

Guests will have a mini riding lesson and play horsethemed games. Basic and themed party options available.

3-16

$225$350

Gymboree Play & Music

405-755-3445 www.gymboreeclasses.com

90-minute private party time includes guided activities, paper goods and juice boxes for 20 children.

1-5

$225

Jo’s Famous Pizza

900 S. Kelly Avenue, Edmond 405-340-7070 www.josfamouspizza.com

Party package includes set up/clean up, personal pizzas, All ages play dough balls, kid’s drinks, kitchen tour and chaperone.

Minimum of 5 children.

$9.95 per child + gratuity

Jump!Zone Party & Play Center

10400 S Western, OKC 405-200-1691 www.jumpzoneparty.com

The biggest inflatable party place in Oklahoma City includes 6 massive inflatables, 5 playsets and 4 party rooms.

$140– $250

Mad Science

Party comes to your location 405-285-9643 www.okc.madscience.org

Packages include 60 minutes of hands-on demonstrations 3+ and activities, plus take-home project for every child. All equipment provided, upgrade options available.

$185+

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

2201 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas 1-888-WE-JOUST www.medievaltimes.com

Includes four-course feast, thrilling live performance, option to be knighted & more. Birthday guest FREE with the purchase of one full-price adult ticket. Call for reservation.

All ages

Varies by number of guests

Midwest City YMCA

2817 N Woodcrest Dr, Midwest City 405-733-9622 www.ymcaokc.org

Party packages last 2 hours with 1 hour in the pool and 1 hour in the party room.

All ages

$50/hour

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

20

JULY 2014

Up to age 12

Name

Contact

Description

Ages

Cost

Mobile Laser Forces

405-259-9300 www.mobilelaserforces.com

Customizable indoor/outdoor laser tag with different options of play available for varying prices.

6+

150+

Museum of Osteology

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

Two-hour parties include classroom space, hands-on educational presentation, self-guided museum time, T-shirt for the birthday child and more.

All ages

$250 for up to 25 guests

Oklahoma Aquarium

300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks 918-296-3474 www.okaquarium.org

Packages include discount aquarium admission, use of party room, tables & chairs.

All ages

Varies by number of guests

OKC RIVERSPORT

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

RIVERSPORT Adventure packages include the Youth Zone, SandRidge Sky Trail, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, the rock walls & SandRidge Sky Zip.

3+

$139+

Oklahoma Railway Museum

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

Parties held in 1921 wooden caboose or 1927 passenger All ages car. Coloring books and paper hats provided. Packages with or without train rides.

$100$250

Paint ‘N Station

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

Creative 90-minute parties include painting and space for cake and gifts.

All ages

$10+ per person

Paint Your Art Out

10 S Broadway, Edmond 405-513-5333 www.paintyourartout.net

2-hour birthday parties including artist-led instruction, cake & gift time. 10 guest minimum; additional guests $17-$22 each, 50 maximum allowed.

5–16

$200– $250

Partytime Inflatables

2704 Larkspur Rd, Moore 405-708-1122 www.partytimeinflatables.com

Rent a bounce house, wet slide, dry slide, combo or All ages obstacle course. Delivery, set up and take down included.

Mention MetroFamily for $25 off first rental!

$100$425

Pelican Bay Aquatic Center

1034 Bryant Ave, Edmond 405-216-7655 www.edmondok.com

Party package includes cabana for 90 minutes. Choose Birthday Blast or Extravaganza package and enjoy swimming and cake.

All ages

$200+

RedPin Restaurant & Bowling Lounge

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

Parties include 2 hours of bowling, meals, soft drinks and optional space for cake and gifts plus waitstaff. Minimum 8 children.

4+

$19-32 per child

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History

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

Dino Birthday packages vary but include a guided tour, Discovery Room time and party space for up to 25.

Discounts available for museum members.

5-12

$150$250

Science Museum Oklahoma

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

Packages include admission, Planetarium and Science Live shows, plus private party room for up to 30 people.

Demonstrations available for additional fee.

All ages

Members $225+; NonMembers $260+

Skate Galaxy OKC

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

Roller skating parties including sound and light shows.

All ages

$99+

SoccerCity OKC

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

Party includes 1 hour of field time in a climatecontrolled building, a coach to help on the field and enclosed party room.

All ages

$175$250

Unpluggits Playstudio

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

Two hours private party room, paint’n play admission and craft, plus Invitations, paper goods and party assistant. Paint-your-own pottery parties for ages 8+.

2-12

$225 for 15 children.

Underground Entertainment Complex

Party comes to your location 405-412-7095 www.undergroundec.com

Delivers a custom mobile car track with small remote control cars for up to 8 children at a time. Race along the track or just drive around for fun!

5+

$250+

Velocity Dance Center

11122 N Rockwell, Suite A-11, OKC Party package includes 45-minute themed dance 405-721-8807 instruction (themes include Angelina Ballerina, princess, www.oklahomacitydancestudio.com fairy, pop star, superhero, disco, etc.)and more.

3-10

$125+

Wake Zone Cable Park

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

Package includes 2 hours of ride time and all equipment needed to wakeboard, kneeboard or waterskate, plus use of picnic area and grill.

7+

$250+

Water Zoo Indoor Water Park

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

Birthday package includes 2 hours in a private party All ages room, 10 admission tickets, 10 drinks, 3 pizzas and T-shirt for birthday child. Pricing and packages subject to change.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

21

JULY 2014

$250+

5 “bone”-afide reasons to visit the Museum of Osteology

T

here is truly no other museum like it in the Oklahoma City area—or anywhere else in America for that matter.

Focusing on the form and function of the skeletal system, this museum offers an up close look at skulls and skeletons from all corners of the world. Here are five reasons to explore this unique museum and give your kids a new appreciation of the natural world.

BY JENNIFER JACKSON - CONTRIBUTING WRITER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MUSEUM OF OSTEOLOGY

On the edge of south Oklahoma City, a modest-looking brick building sits in a stark contrast to the neighboring industrial businesses.

The sign out front identifies it as the Museum of Osteology—the only museum of its kind in the nation.

A windowed foyer is adorned with exotic and dangerous-looking horned creatures stripped down to bare bone. Inside, two stories of specimens greet you and offer up enough science, wonder, discovery and questions to occupy minds of all ages for a solid afternoon.

The bones of creatures of the sea are suspended in the air, while skeletons that once roamed far off lands perch on their stands; teeth, fangs and tusks exposed for examination. The rest of the museum delivers fascinating skeleton specimens of countless variety. The delicate bones of birds, snakes and woodland creature are artfully, and sometimes humorously, arranged alongside the massive skulls of bison and impressive skeletons of primates. There is most likely an example of your favorite type of animal housed as a skeleton behind the museum’s panes of glass.

The Museum of Osteology was the brain child of Jay Villemarette, owner of Skulls Unlimited. After years of helping hunters, hospitals and museums create their own skeletal trophies,Villemarette had amassed his own impressive collection of wildlife from around the world. In 2010, he opened the doors of the museum and created a landmark new attraction in central Oklahoma. Over the past four years, the museum staff has created an innovative selection of events for both families and adults that highlight the science and discovery of osteology.

SELF-GUIDED TOURS The museum is open Monday through Friday 8:00am–5:00pm, Saturdays from 11:00am– 5:00pm and Sundays from 1:00pm–5:00pm.

Guests can embark on self-guided tours that allow them to look a giraffe in the eye (or rather, eye-socket) or examine Oklahoma’s state bird, the Scissortail Flycatcher at its most basic and bony level. Museum staff have developed a scavenger hunt that encourages deeper exploration of the museum’s 7,000 square feet. For younger guests, parents can choose from a selection of books available

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

23

JULY 2014

at the ticket office that give details and facts about their child’s favorite variety of animal before locating its skeleton within the collection. A Children’s Discovery area

on the second floor allows for hands-on exploration. Knowledgeable staff are available for questions and the museum store is well stocked with bits to bring the experience home.

First-time visitors can expect to be greeted by helpful and friendly staff, ready to answer questions and point out the location of any particular favorite types of animal.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES The Museum of Osteology offers a unique style of birthday party. For $250 ($225 for museum members), parents can reserve two hours of a private room, admission for up to 25 guests and a fun and educational hands-on experience designed around the birthday child’s favorite animal. Tablecloths and a selection of birthday accoutrement are included in the fee. Advanced registration is required.

FAMILY NIGHT EVENTS The museum offers family-friendly events throughout the year. On Friday, August 22, the museum is partnering with the Chickasaw Nation to offer a class on basket weaving, tying anthropology to osteology through a shared cultural link and appreciation of Oklahoma culture and history. Advanced registration for all Family Night events is required and costs vary by event.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

24

JULY 2014

MURDER MYSTERIES AND BONE HEISTS Murder Mysteries are adults-only events that make for a unique night out. From date night to a night out with friends, adults join museum staff for a catered dinner, a fictional murder mystery and a compelling investigation delving into forensic osteology.

Murder Mysteries are scheduled in advance and pre-registration is required. The event costs between $50 and $60 per participant.

Participant packets are mailed out in advance of the date with character lead sheets for those who would like to be in character for the evening.

Kids are invited to a similar, more kid-friendly experience at the museum’s Bone Heists. Using evidence planted by museum staff, families are invited to solve the riddle of who stole a bone from the museum’s collection. Cost for this event is $15-$25 for participating children and $10-$15 for accompanying adults. A catered dinner is provided at the event.

Advanced registration is required for both events.

ON-SITE CLASSES & EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH Core to the museum’s educational mission is ongoing education & science literacy.

With classes available for preschool through college, these sessions allow for students to learn how to “read” a skeleton. A wide

range of classes is offered for school, daycare and organized groups. From “Tooth and Eye-‘Dentification’” to “Forensic Osteology,” students are given hands-on opportunities to

explore specimens and experience science at a level carefully designed for their age group.

A successful partnership with the Oklahoma Energy Resource Board has allowed for

the creation of all-age appropriate classes covering The Story of Oil and discovering the importance and role of micro-fossils.

Museum staff are continuing to brainstorm ideas for new programming, children’s programming and family-oriented activities.

Since opening to the public, the museum’s educational activities have been well-received and continue to grow each year. Families with young children, particularly non-readers, can expect to spend an hour to an hour and a half exploring. For families with readers or extremely curious kids, two to three hours would be well within reason.

VISITING THE MUSEUM The Museum of Osteology is located at 10301 S. Sunnylane Avenue, approximately two miles south of I-240 in Oklahoma City.

Admission for ages 13 and up is $7, ages 3-12 is $6 and under 3 are free. For more information or to register for any of the classes, courses or events, call 405-814-0006 or visit www.museumofosteology.org.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

25

JULY 2014

mom gets the last laugh

ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY BALL, WWW.EMILYMGBA

Birthday party priorities

LL.COM.

BY HEATHER DAVIS - METROFAMILY COLUMNIST

I

love birthdays but maybe, perhaps more than that, I love birthday parties. Before the second blue line was fully across the pregnancy test, I was planning my future party animal’s first birthday party.

Every year, each of my daughters gets a party that is rivaled only by her future party the very next year. We invite all of her little friends and their little friends and our cousins and our cousins’ friends. We have METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

cupcakes, cookies and cake along with every flavor of ice cream that comes in those little single serve cups. I unapologetically pull out all the stops and leave all of the birthday partiers wanting more.

This year, I decided to add one other party to my already busy schedule. I decided to throw myself a birthday party. The first task I tackled was the guest list. This was absolutely no problem. I invited everyone I had ever met in my whole entire life. I don’t think that thirty-six thousand people is a single person too many.

26

JULY 2014

Next, I set the menu. I’d feature chips and dips, veggies and dip and cookies and dip. Well, not really dip for the cookies...I thought I’d just set out random tubs of whipped cream by the cookies. (Someone would dip the cookies in the cream.You know they would!)

I’d put out fresh fruits veggies along with some pickles and olives for the weirdos who like that sort of thing. I’d have burgers—my favorite!—dogs, brats and sausages steaming hot from the grill. While the coals were still hot, we’d all roast some marshmallows and make s’mores.

From the ceiling fans, I’d hang streamers in my favorite colors. I’d have balloons in every room and beaded curtains in every doorway.

Guests would be given a party hat when they entered along with a noisemaker and bubbles to set the festive spirit. When the sun went down, we’d all go outside and spell out “Happy Birthday!” with sparklers.

I’d play some ‘80s music for the folks who planned to mingle outside. I mean, who wouldn’t want to listen to some Culture Club and Debbie Gibson while sipping sweet tea from a plastic cup? Inside, I’d have the Texas Hold ‘Em table set up for those who were feeling lucky, a game of Trivia Pursuit going strong on the dining room table and a never-ending tower of Jenga on the coffee table.

In the front room, the karaoke singers would be endlessly singing Billy Joel, Beach Boys and Abba hits. On the television, of course, would be playing one of my all-time favorite movies: Grease. We’d be watching the sing-along version.

This party was going to be epic. It was going to be off the chain. It was going to be so many other trendy clichés that I can’t even name them all.

I even planned to set up my own photo booth in the corner of the living room which would include props and a suggested Instagram hashtag, #MommasBirthday.

I presented my elaborate plans, which were all color-coded and tabbed in my super sleek birthday binder to my family. I confirmed that my daughters could invite their friends too— more presents for me! Um...I mean, the more the merrier. Then my husband said six words that stopped my partying pulse.

“We’ll have to clean the house.”

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

27

JULY 2014

Clean the house? Dang. This man thought of everything. I glanced around the living room at the five flip-flops. Just five. Not five pair, understand, five individual shoes. I watched the cat knock the stack of DVDs over, again.

And as I shook my head at the daunting task of cleaning my house for my birthday party, I noticed that one of my daughters had written her Spanish vocabulary words in the dust on the TV stand. She hasn’t taken Spanish since December. My birthday is in June.

Maybe we could just have a backyard bash.

We could grill out while guests mingled around the pool and sat on the patio. We could fire up the fire pit and that would be close enough. Except that we’d have to pick up the back yard since our big, black lab likes to tear things up and our blue heeler likes to bury those things. So, really, guests could just stand on the three-foot walkway around the pool. Or side step the mounds and holes and dog bombs.

Or…I could show a movie in my driveway and have everyone bring their own snacks. It’s my party—I won’t clean if I don’t want to.

calendar

events this

july

OUR CALENDAR MAKES IT EASY TO FIND FAMILY FUN IN OKC. FIND MORE AT WWW.METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM. SUMMER FUN AT THE OKC ZOO— THROUGHOUT JULY The Oklahoma City Zoo is offering many ways for families to have fun this summer. To make the most of cooler temperatures, the Zoo opens at 8:00am daily (through August 24) for the Morning Zoo Rise program and stays open until 8:00pm on Saturdays (through August 30) as part of the Stay Late and Play program. Way Back Wednesdays are held every Wednesday in July and August, offering $1 admission and $1 Safari Voyage boat rides, carousel rides and sea lion shows. The Zoo offers free admission for everyone on Thursday, July 17 for Sales Tax Appreciation Day, in recognition of the passing of a dedicated sales tax for the Zoo in 1990. Wild Tuesdays Story Time Safaris are held at 9:30am and 10:30am every Tuesday in July in the Children’s Zoo. Sessions include “wild” stories for ages 11 and under, a craft activity and a juice box, plus a visit from a Zoo keeper. Story Time Safari is free with paid admission.

MORE INFORMATION: www.okczoo,com PHONE: 424-3344 Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma City Zoo

THE ART OF THE BRICK: PERMISSION TO PLAY EXHIBIT—THROUGH SEPTEMBER Science Museum Oklahoma is the first museum in Oklahoma to host a one-of-a-kind, traveling LEGO® exhibition featuring awe-inspiring and thought-provoking sculptures by award-winning artist Nathan Sawaya, all made from LEGO® bricks. Families can challenge their own creativity as they use the iconic bricks to discover art, engineering, geometry and architecture in a fun and accessible way. This 1,400 square-foot exhibit combines art and science and is on display though September. Exhibit admission is included in museum general admission ticket prices.

Admission is $12.95 for adults (age 13-64), $10.95 for children (age 3-12) and seniors (over age 65). For more information about Nathan Sawaya and his artwork, visit www.brickartist.com.

MORE INFORMATION: www.sciencemuseumok.org PHONE: 602-6664 Photo courtesy of Science Museum Oklahoma

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

28

JULY 2014

calendar

THE LITTLE MERMAID—JULY 8–12 Bring the whole family “Under the Sea” with Ariel and her friends during the Oklahoma premiere of the Broadway version of Disney’s family-friendly classic. Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma presents a fully-staged production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid from July 8–12 at the Civic Center Music Hall.

The production stars Tony Award nominee Emily Skinner (pictured) as the deliciously evil sea witch Ursula and Broadway star Amanda Lea LaVergne as Princess Ariel. Performances will be held Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm and Saturday at 2:00pm. Tickets begin at $35 and can be purchased at the Civic Center box office, Lyric’s box office or online.

MORE INFORMATION: www.lyrictheatreokc.com PHONE: 524-9310 Photo courtesy of Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma

NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS PROGRAMS AT THE METRO LIBRARY SYSTEM—THROUGHOUT JULY Every summer, a major component of the Metropolitan Library System’s summer reading programs is an ongoing schedule of presentations and programs offered through the Neighborhood Arts program. This summer, the Neighborhood Arts programs include live music, opera, science and more. Through July 11, families can enjoy a “Fiesta de Musical” with Alegria Real as they lead families on a musical journey through Latin America. From July 7-11, kids can celebrate the wonders and joy of the scientific process at a multimedia concert presented by Monty Harper. Then, take a musical nature walk from July 14-18 with Lisa and Laura of the band Chasing James, complete with acoustic guitar and violin. The Cimarron Opera presents The Ugly Duckling from July 14-25, a fun adaptation of the classic tale set to music. Lastly, learn about scientists and their discoveries with Al Bostick, Sepia Scientist.

See website for performance dates and times at specific libraries.

MORE INFORMATION: www.metrolibrary.org Photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Library System

MAKE + TAKE AT OKLAHOMA CONTEMPORARY— JULY 12 Help your child develop creative skills at these free, come-and-go programs offered by Oklahoma Contemporary on the second Saturday of each month from 1:00–4:00pm. Projects are designed to be accessible and fun for children of all ages, but are most appropriate for ages 5–13. No art-making experience required and all supplies are included. July’s project will reuse billboard vinyl to make small vinyl animals.

MORE INFORMATION: www.oklahomacontemporary.org PHONE: 951-9000 Photo courtesy of Oklahoma Contemporary

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

29

JULY 2014

events this

july

THROUGH AUG 30

Weekly Walk-ups in the Children’s Garden at the Myriad Gardens features a different fun activity each day of the week. $1-$2 fee per child applies for most activities. Monday-Saturday, 10am-noon.

445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org.

THROUGH JULY 3

FREE Neighborhood Arts Presents Adam & Kizzie Ledbetter— NurserEEDO at the Metropolitan Library System Libraries blends storytelling with original music & new musical technology. See website for schedule. www.metrolibrary.org.

THROUGH JULY 4

LibertyFest in Edmond is a week-long celebration featuring several family-oriented events, including a concert, road rally, kite fest, rodeo, car show, food fest, pageant, parade & fireworks. See website for schedule. 340-2527, www.libertyfest.org.

THROUGH JULY 11

FREE Neighborhood Arts Presents Alegria Real—Fiesta de Musical at the Metropolitan Library System Libraries features a musical journey through Latin America. See website for schedule. www. metrolibrary.org.

JULY 3–4

FREE Freedom Fest at Chisholm Trail Park (500 W Vandament, Yukon) & Yukon City Park (2200 S Holly, Yukon) features a live outdoor country music concert, OKC Philharmonic, free watermelon & ice cream, fireworks display & more. See website for details. 350-8937, www.cityofyukonok.gov.

JULY 3–18

Antony & Cleopatra presented by Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park at the Myriad Gardens Water Stage presents the story of two powerful leaders caught

between desire & duty. $15 general admission, $10 military/seniors/students.

Thursday-Saturday, 8pm (no show 7/4). 2353700, www.oklahomashakespeare.com.

JULY 4 • FRIDAY Find more 4th of July fun

at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/independence-day-fun OKC Redhawks vs. Iowa Cubs at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 S Mickey Mantle). 7:05pm. 218-1000, www. okcredhawks.com. Other home games this month: 7/5-10, 17-24. Home games in August: 8/2-5, 7-11, 20-27.

FREE Norman Day Celebration at Reaves Park in Norman includes activities, food vendors, live music, fireworks & more.

Fireworks around 9:45pm. www.normanfun.com.

Annual Hometown Celebration at Leonardo’s Children’s Museum (200 E Maple, Enid) features games & prizes. 10am-noon.

580-233-2787, www.leonardos.org.

FREE 2014 Bethany Freedom Festival at Eldon Lyon Park celebrates our nation’s independence with pony rides, inflatables, carnival rides, games, festival food, car show, shopping & fireworks. 10am11pm. 789-2146, www.cityofbethany.org.

FREE Celebration in the Heartland 4th of July Festival at Buck Thomas Park (1903 NE 12, Moore) features live entertainment, vendors, food, inflatables, children’s activities, music, car show & more. Fireworks at dusk.

10am-10pm. 793-5090, www.cityofmoore.com.

FREE Tribute to Liberty at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park in Midwest City features live music & fireworks. 6pm. www. midwestcityok.org.

FREE Bricktown 4th Fest in Lower Bricktown features live music with a view of the fireworks from the

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

30

JULY 2014

(THROUGH JULY 7) Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. 8pm. www. welcometobricktown.com.

JULY 6 • SUNDAY

FREE Plaza Sunday in the 16th Street Plaza District features sidewalk chalk, crafts, art demonstrations, food trucks, live music & more. Held the 1st Sunday of every month.

1-4pm. www.plazadistrict.org.

JULY 6–11

International Finals Youth Rodeo at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center in Shawnee features contestants from across the US competing in barrel racing, breakaway roping & bareback riding. 2757020, www.shawneeexpo.org.

JULY 7 • MONDAY

FREE Admission at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) on the first Monday of each month. 10am-5pm. 325-4712, www. snomnh.ou.edu.

FREE OKC Improv Sparks a Reaction at the Moore Library (225 S Howard, Moore) features a guided improv acting workshop for teens. Preregister online. 2-3pm. www.pls.lib.ok.us. Also held: 7/8 Tecumseh, 9 McLoud, 10 Blanchard, 11 Newcastle.

FREE Ooh! Aah! Mad Science at the Norman Library (225 N Webster, Norman) features various amazing chemical reactions & science experiments. 2pm & 7pm. www. pls.lib.ok.us. Also held: 7/8 at Purcell Library.

JULY 7–11

FREE Neighborhood Arts Presents Monty Harper & Songs from the Science Frontier at the Metropolitan Library System Libraries features an interactive multimedia concert inspired by current scientific research. See website for schedule. www.metrolibrary.org.

events this JULY 7–13

july

US Senior Open at Oak Tree National (151 W Oak Tree, Edmond) features more than 150 professional and amateur professional golfers over the age of 50. $20+, kids 17 & under FREE with paid adult. www.2014ussenioropen.com.

JULY 8 • TUESDAY Water Inflatables at Bouncin Craze (14901 N Lincoln, Edmond). $20/child. 10am-8pm.

607-2020, www.bouncincraze.com. Also held: 7/22 Bouncin’ Craze II (9333W Reno).

FREE Misty Copeland Book Signing at OKC Ballet (7421 N Classen) features the American Ballet Theatre soloist signing her book “Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina.” Books available for purchase.

Preregister. Noon-1:30pm. 843-9898, www. okcballet.com.

JULY 8–12

Disney’s The Little Mermaid presented by Lyric Theatre at the Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker). $35$68. Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2pm & 8pm. 524-9312, www. lyrictheatreokc.com.

JULY 9 • WEDNESDAY

FREE Weather School—News Channel 4 at SW OKC Library (2201 SW 134) features weather education for kids.

Preregister. 10-11am. www.pls.lib.ok.us.

Also held: 7/22 at Moore Library.

JULY 10 • THURSDAY

Dive-N-Movie Night The Sandlot at Pelican Bay (1034 S Bryant, Edmond) offers special rates for baseball teams wearing jerseys, a chance to win Redhawks tickets & more. $5. FREE swim, 8pm; Movie, 9pm.

216-7649, www.edmondok.com/parks/ pelicanbay. Also held: 7/26 Jingle All the Way.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

32

JULY 2014

JULY 11 • FRIDAY

FREE Sensory Sensitive Teen Movie Night at the Norman Library (225 N Webster, Norman) offers a movie night specifically for teens with autism or other disabilities. See website for titles. 5:307:30pm. www.pls.lib.ok.us. Also held: 7/18 & 25.

FREE Norman’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art is a monthly celebration of the arts connecting the downtown arts district with galleries, performance halls & Campus Corner. 6-10pm. 360-1162, www.2ndfridaynorman.com.

FREE Art a la Carte at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) includes live music, films & an art activity. 6:308:30pm. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma.

FREE LIVE on the Plaza in the Plaza District (NW 16th between Classen & Penn) on the second Friday of each month includes art walk, local artists, live music & shopping. 7-11pm. www.plazadistrict.org.

Movies at the Mitchell screens The Goonies at Mitchell Hall Theatre at UCO. $5-$8. 7:30pm. www.mitchellhalltheatre. com. Also held: 7/18 Ghostbusters, 7/25 Honey I Shrunk the Kids, 8/1 The Lost Boys.

FREE Family Movie Series 42 at the Boathouse District (725 S Lincoln).

Concessions available. Movie at dusk. 5524040, www.boathousedistrict.org.

FREE Movie Night at the Park The Best Game Ever Played at KickingBird Golf Driving Range in Edmond. Food & drinks available for purchase. Movie at dusk.

359-4630, www.edmondparks.com.

Dive-In Movies Frozen at White Water Bay (3908 W Reno) feature outdoor movies in the water park. Movies start at dusk. FREE with park admission. 943-9687, www.whitewaterbay.com. Also held: 7/18 Catching Fire, 25 Iron Man 3.

(THROUGH JULY 12)

JULY 11–13 The Gondoliers presented by Cimarron Opera at the Nancy O’Brien Center for Performing Arts (1809 Stubbeman, Norman) tells the story of two kings, three queens & the people’s takeover of a kingdom. $20 adults, $15 students & seniors. Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2pm & 8pm; Sunday, 2pm. 364-8962, www. cimarronopera.org.

JULY 11– AUG 3 How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying presented by Poteet Theatre (222 NW 15) is a musical comedy following the rise of a lowly window washer to high-powered executive. $25. ThursdaySaturday, 8pm; Sunday, 3pm. 609-1023, www.poteettheatre.com.

JULY 12 • SATURDAY

FREE Hooked on Fishing Classes at South Lakes Fishing Pond East (SW 119 & Meridian) for ages 5-15. Young anglers learn fishing basics including knot-tying, casting, fish identification, angler etiquette & fishing regulations. Preregister. 8-10am.

755-4014, www.okc.gov/lakes/lessons. html. Also held: 7/19 at Metro Tech Springlake, 7/26 at Edwards Park Lake.

Pizza Pie Party at the Myriad Gardens Pavilion for ages 7+ teaches kids about the plants used to make pizza. Park House chefs will guide them through dough making & harvesting fresh herbs & vegetables to add to their own pizzas. Preregister. $13 members, $15 nonmembers. 10am-noon.

445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org.

Doll Making Class at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi) for ages 8+. Participants learn basic sewing skills & look at historic dolls from different cultures while making cornhusk, rag & cotton dolls.

Includes lunch. Preregister. $50. 10am-3pm.

522-3602, www.okhistory.org.

FREE Take pART in the Fair (Youth Session) at the Hobbies, Arts & Crafts Building at State Fair Park for ages 8-15 offers class options including cooking, crochet, watercolors & oil pastels, mask making and jewelry making. Some classes require $5 supply kits. Preregister. 10am3pm. 948-6731, www.okstatefair.com/ content/creative-arts-competitions.

FREE Make + Take Crafts at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center (3000 General Pershing). Enjoy a comeand-go craft with your family. 1-4pm. 9510000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org.

FREE Odyssey Leadership Academy at Downtown OKC Library. Learn more about the vision & values of Odyssey & hear about the latest developments for Odyssey as they prepare for an August 2015 launch date. 3-4:30pm. www. odysseyleadershipacademy.org.

Girl Scout Badge Classes at the Museum of Osteology (10301 S Sunnylane) includes a badge class & museum admission.

Preregister. $10/scout, additional children & adults pay regular museum admission.

Brownies, 11am-12:30pm; Juniors, 1-2:30pm; Cadettes, 3-4:30pm. 814-0006, www.museumofosteology.org.

Sit. Stay. Art! at Graphite Elements & Design (1751 NW 16) features art depicting pets awaiting adoption at Pets & People, food, raffles & more. $10 in advance, $15 at door. 7-11pm. www.sitstayart.org.

FREE Christmas in July at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang, Mustang) features a candy cane hunt for ages 10 & under and a screening of Frozen. Candy cane hunt, 7:30pm; movie, 8:30pm. 3763411, www.cityofmustang.org.

Full Moon Bike Ride at the Myriad Gardens is an hour-long ride through various downtown-area routes. Lights & helmets required. $5 suggested donation/rider. 9pm.

445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

33

JULY 2014

events this

july

JULY 13 • SUNDAY

FREE Summer Breeze Concert Series at Lions Park (Flood & Symmes, Norman) features live music by The John Arnold Band in an outdoor setting. 7:30pm. www.pasnorman.org. Also held: 7/27 Larry Mitchell Trio.

JULY 14–18

FREE Neighborhood Arts Presents Chasing James & Chasing Music at the Metropolitan Library System Libraries features a musical nature walk with Lisa & Laura with acoustic guitar, violin & shakers of all kinds. See website for schedule. www. metrolibrary.org.

JULY 14–25

FREE Neighborhood Arts Presents Cimarron Opera—The Ugly Duckling at the Metropolitan Library System Libraries features an adaptation of the classic tale set to music. See website for schedule. www.metrolibrary.org.

JULY 16–20 Jack & Jill: What Happened at the Top of the Hill at Oklahoma Children’s Theatre (2501 N Blackwelder) features a mysterious twist on the classic children’s tale. $10 adults, $7 ages 2-12, under 2 FREE. Wednesday-Friday, 10am & noon; Saturday-Sunday, 2pm. 951-0011, www. oklahomachildrenstheatre.org.

JULY 17 • THURSDAY

FREE Sales Tax Appreciation Day at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington) offers FREE admission for all guests. 8am-5pm.

424-3344, www.okczoo.com.

FREE Make Your Own LEGO Movie at the Southwest OKC Library (2201 SW 134) allows children in grades 2-6 to make their own LEGO movie. Preregister. 2-4pm. www.pls.lib.ok.us.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

34

JULY 2014

JULY 18 • FRIDAY

A Night at the Museum at the Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) allows participants to explore the museum after it closes. Preregister. Includes 1 adult & 1 child. $20 members, $30 nonmembers, $10 extra member, $15 extra nonmember. 7:309:30pm. 325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum.org.

Girls Night: The Musical at OCCC Visual & Performing Arts Center Theater (7777 S May) is a comedy about five girlfriends on a wild night out featuring famous female empowerment hits. For mature audiences. $35-$45. 8pm. 682-7579, www.occc.edu/tickets.

JULY 19 • SATURDAY

Youth Triathlon Series at the Mitch Park YMCA (2901 Marilyn Williams, Edmond) for ages 15 & under offers competitive events featuring swimming, biking & running. $35-$40 members, $50 nonmembers. 7am. 297-7770, www. ymcaokc.org.

Geekapalooza at Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma (6100 N Robinson) features scientific discovery through First LEGO League, hands-on science experiments, robots & more. Includes lunch & Girl Scout fun patch. Ages 5+. Preregister. $5/person.

9am-2:30pm. 528-4475, www.gswestok. org/geekapalooza.

Kids Pottery Class at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi) for ages 7+. Each student will complete a vessel & decorate it with tools provided. Includes lunch. Preregister. $50. 10am-4pm. 5223602, www.okhistory.org.

Golf Family Fun Night at KickingBird Golf Club (1600 E Danforth, Edmond). Play 9-holes with the family including special junior tees, FREE putting course, $2 range tokens & food & beverage discounts. $7 green fees, $7 carts. 5pm. 341-5352, www. kickingbirdgolf.com.

(THROUGH JULY 25) Edmondopoly at Chitwood Park in Edmond features a life-size Monopoly game with Edmond businesses, includes food & prizes. 5pm. www.edmondparks.com.

OKC Wolf Pack Men’s Roller Derby vs. Cowtown Butchers at the Cox Convention Center. $15 adults, children FREE with paid adult. Women’s bout, 6pm; Men’s bout, 7pm. www.okcwolfpack.com.

Bowling for Rhinos at Heritage Lanes (11917 N Pennsylvania) supports rhino conservation in Asia & Africa with a familyfriendly bowling event including shoe rental, three games of bowling, dinner, door prizes & t-shirt. $25/bowler. 7pm. www.okczoo.com.

FREE Date Night in the Park at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang, Mustang) screens Casablanca in the park.

8:30pm. 376-3411, www.cityofmustang.org.

JULY 20 • SUNDAY

FREE Family Day at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) features hands-on activities for the entire family.

1-4pm. 325-4938, www.ou.edu/fjjma.

JULY 21 • MONDAY

FREE Sticky, Slimy, Stinky! at the Norman Library (225 N Webster, Norman) explores what makes sticky, stinky & slimy creatures with activities, stories & live animal demonstrations from the OKC Zoo. 2pm & 7pm. www.pls.lib.ok.us.

JULY 21–25

FREE Neighborhood Arts Presents Al Bostick—Sepia Scientist at the Metropolitan Library System Libraries features a program about scientists & their discoveries. See website for schedule. www. metrolibrary.org.

JULY 22 • TUESDAY

Beautiful Butterflies at the Crystal Bridge Conservatory (301 W Reno)

explores facts about butterflies with butterfly observation & making your own mini butterfly garden. $8 members, $10 nonmembers. 10-11am. 445-7080, www. myriadgardens.org.

JULY 22–26 Spamalot presented by Lyric Theatre at the Civic Center Music Hall features the musical highlights of Monty Python. $35+. TuesdayThursday, 7:30pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2pm & 8pm. 524-9312, www.lyrictheatreokc.com.

JULY 24 • THURSDAY

FREE Astronomy Night in the Garden at the Myriad Gardens features members of the OKC Astronomy Club helping with stargazing on the Great Lawn. 8:30-10pm.

445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org.

JULY 24–27

Pericles presented by Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park at the Civic Center Music Hall features a Mediterranean magical mystery tour. $15, $10 students/ seniors/military. Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2:30pm. 403-1750, www. oklahomashakespeare.org.

JULY 24–AUG 2 Children of Eden presented by Upstage Theatre at Mitch Park Amphitheater (2733 Marilyn Williams, Edmond) features the story of Adam & Eve & Noah & the Ark in a contemporary musical written by the composer of Wicked. All ages. $18 adults, $10 students, kids under 4 FREE. ThursdaySaturday, 8-10pm. 285-5803, www.upstagetheatreok.com.

JULY 25 • FRIDAY

FREE Train Talk with Oklahoma Railway Museum at the Southwest OKC Library (2201 SW 134) features a talk about the history of trains in Oklahoma & fun train facts. Preregister. 2pm. www.pls.lib.ok.us.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

35

JULY 2014

events this

july

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

FREE Family Movie at Church of the Savior (5600 NW 63) in the south parking lot. Snacks available. Title TBA. 8pm. 7215421, www.cotsokc.org.

FREE Family Movie Series The Karate Kid at the Boathouse District (725 S Lincoln). Concessions available. Movie at dusk. 552-4040, www.boathousedistrict.org.

JULY 25–26

Edmond Quilt Festival at Oklahoma Christian University (2501 E Memorial, Edmond) features traditional, art & modern quilts as well as door prizes, an artisan market, vendors & a quilt raffle. $7. 3411938, www.edmondquiltguild.us.

JULY 26 • SATURDAY

Celebrating the National Day of the American Cowboy at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63) features live music, roping lessons and crafts for kids. Time TBA. 4782250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.

FREE OKC Hot Wheels Association Show at The Crown Center (13300 S Western) features 40+ tables of collectibles for sale or trade, raffles, pizza, downhill races & more. 9am-3pm. www. greaterokchotwheels.com.

Dog Days of Summer at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington) for ages 5-12 features a critter tale, animal enrichment & a make-ntake activity with LEGO bricks. Preregister. $15 member, $18 nonmember. 10-11:30am.

425-0218, www.okczooed.com.

Hand Printed Fabric at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi) for ages 16+. Students create an original design, print one-yard of cotton fabric from their design & learn how to create one-of-a-kind METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

36

JULY 2014

clothing from their fabric. Preregister. $30.

10am-1pm. 522-3602, www.okhistory.org.

Krazy Daze in downtown Edmond features a themed sales event that encourages visitors to shop locally. 10am5:30pm. www.downtownedmondok.com.

FREE Internet Cat Video Festival at the Myriad Gardens screens a 75-minute romp through the Internet’s finest cat video offerings. Pre-screening festivities include food trucks, live music, ice cream & face painting. Pre-show, 7pm; Movie, 9pm. 4457080, www.myriadgardens.org.

JULY 28 • MONDAY

FREE Moore Teen: Sci-fi Trivia Competition at the Moore Library (225 S Howard, Moore). Teens in grades 6-12 can see who has the most comprehensive knowledge of sci-fi entertainment.

Preregister. 2-3pm. www.pls.lib.ok.us.

JULY 31 • THURSDAY

FREE Movie in the Park at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang, Mustang) screens The LEGO Movie in the park.

Concessions available. 8:30pm. 376-3411, www.cityofmustang.org.

AUGUST 1 • FRIDAY

FREE Open House @ Velocity Dance (11122 N Rockwell). 6-7:30pm. www. oklahomacitydancestudio.com. Also held: 8/2 @10-11:30am, 8 @ 6-7:30pm, 9 @ 10-11:30am.

AUGUST 1–3

Cover Kids Search and Back to School Bash at Quail Springs Mall (5501 W Memorial) includes tax-free shopping, kid’s activities & ability to enter MetroFamily’s 2014 Cover Kids Contest.

Friday, 6-8pm; Satuday, noon-4pm; Sunday, noon-3pm. www.metrofamilymagazine. com/cover-kids.

(THROUGH AUGUST 9)

AUGUST 1 • FRIDAY

Single Parent Family Day at metro area Buy For Less stores features discounts on groceries for Single Parent Support Network membership card holders. The Buy for Less on Northwest Expressway will offer all-day activities including inflatables, School Supply giveaways, car seat checks & more.

10am. www.supportforsingleparents.org.

AUG 4 • MONDAY

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

AUG 5 • TUESDAY

Party & Event Expo at the State Fairgrounds features OKC’s top party & event professionals under one roof. $10.

3-7pm. www.partyeventexpo.com.

FREE Monthly Mini Model Build at Penn Square Mall’s Lego Store. Children 6-14 can build a new model on the first Tuesday of every month. Quantities limited.

5pm. 840-9993, www.stores.lego.com.

AUG 5–9 A Little Night Music presented by Lyric Theatre at the Civic Center Music Hall. $35+. Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2pm & 8pm. 524-9312, www. lyrictheatreokc.com.

the Boathouse District (725 S Lincoln).

Concessions available. Movie at dusk. 5524040, www.boathousedistrict.org.

AUG 8–9

Women of Faith Tour at the Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens) is an event for Christian women with speakers & workshops. $49+.

888-49-FAITH, www.womenoffaith.com.

AUG 9 • SATURDAY

FREE Arcadia Lake Sweep at Spring Creek Park. Participants will help clean up the Arcadia Lake area & receive a t-shirt & brunch. Bring gloves. 7-10am. 216-7471, www.arcadialakeok.com.

Shark Mania at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington) for ages 4-12 explores the world of sharks. Preregister. $12 member, $15 nonmember. 10-11:30am. 425-0218, www.okczooed.com.

Find all our helpful summer resources at

www.metrofamilymagazine. com/summer

AUG 8 • FRIDAY

Overnight Family Zoo Snooze at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington) for ages 4+ with adult features a guided night hike with zoo animals, campfire stories, popcorn, games, continental breakfast & more.

Preregister. $30 child, $15 adult. 7pm-9am.

425-0218, www.okczooed.com.

FREE Family Movie Series Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 at

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

37

JULY 2014

events this

july

WEEKLY EVENTS

Summer Movie Fun at Harkins Theatre (150 E Reno) features different family movies each week during the summer. $5/10 movie season pass, $2/movie at the door. MondayFriday, 9:45am. www.harkinstheatres.com/SMF. Passport to Imagination Craft Classes at participating Michaels stores feature 2-hour themed classes for ages 5-12 that meet three times weekly through August.

See website for schedule. Preregister. $2.

Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 10am-noon. www.michaels.com/passport.

Monday Night Family Swim at Mustang Aquatic Center (1201 N Mustang, Mustang). $3/ person, $10/family. Mondays in July, 7:30-9:30pm.

376-3411, www.cityofmustang.org.

Summer Kids Movie Series at the Warren Theatre (1000 S Telephone, Moore) features a kid-friendly movie each week. See website for titles. $2/person, $15/season pass.

Tuesdays & Thursdays through July 31, 10am.

735-9676, www.warrentheatres.com.

Wild Tuesdays Story Time Safari at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington) for ages 11 & under on Grandma’s Porch in the Children’s Zoo includes “wild” stories, a craft activity & a juice box plus a visit from a zookeeper. FREE with admission. Tuesdays in July, 9:30am & 10:30am. 425-0262, www.okczoo.com.

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark Tinseltown (6001 N Martin Luther King) features kid-friendly movies on Tuesdays through August 5. See website for titles. $5/ten movies, $1/show. Tuesdays, 10am.

424-0461, www.cinemark.com.

Okietales at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi) for ages 5-9 features books & stories, museum exploration & an activity each week. Preregister. $2, includes museum admission. Tuesdays, 10:30am. 522-3602, www. okhistory.org.

Way Back Wednesdays at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington) offers $1 admission, concession & ride deals. Wednesdays through August. 8am-5pm. 424-3344, www.okczoo.com.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

38

JULY 2014

FREE Night Time Stories in the Garden at the Myriad Gardens Children’s Garden provides stories for the whole family just before SONIC Summer Movie Nights.

Wednesdays through August 13, 8:30-9pm.

445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org.

FREE Movies on the Great Lawn at the Myriad Gardens features a family-friendly movie each week. See website for titles.

Wednesdays through August 13, 9pm. 4457080, www.myriadgardens.org.

FREE Concerts in the Park Series at Hafer Park in Edmond features musical performers in an outdoor setting. Thursdays in July, 6:15-8:45pm. 359-4630, www.edmondok. com/parks/rec.

FREE Concerts in the Park at Chisholm Trail Park (500 W Vandament, Yukon). See website for schedule. Concessions available.

Thursdays through August 7, 7-8:30pm. www. cityofyukonok.gov FREE Nature Story Time at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) for ages 2-6 features stories to help children discover the world of nature, followed by an activity or outdoor hike. Saturdays, 10am. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks.

Drop in Art at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features hands-on art activities for all ages. FREE with paid admission. See website for themes/activities. Saturdays, 1-4pm.

236-3100, www.okcmoa.com..

FREE Sunset Cinemas at Charles J. Johnson Central Park at Town Center in Midwest City screens a family movie outdoors.

See website for titles. Sundays in July at dusk. www.midwestcityok.org/sunset-cinemas.

FREE Sunday Twilight Concert Series at the Myriad Gardens Great Lawn. See website for schedule. Sundays, 7:30-9pm. www. artscouncilokc.com.

events this

july

ONGOING EVENTS

THROUGH AUG 22

FREE Jason Willaford: Vinyl Exposed at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center (3000 General Pershing) features works of art crafted from recycled billboard vinyl. 951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org.

paintings, sculptures & works on paper dating from the 17th-19th centuries from the original school of fine arts in Paris. 236-3100, www. okcmoa.com.

THROUGH SEPT 1

Morning Zoo Rise at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington). The Zoo will open at 8am to allow guests to enjoy cooler morning temperatures. 8am-5pm. 424-3344, www. okczoo.com.

FREE Blue Star Museums provides FREE admission for active military members & their families to participating museums across the country through Labor Day. Available to military ID holder & immediate family members. See website for details & full list of participating locations. www.bluestarfam.org/ Programs/Blue_Star_Museums.

THROUGH AUG 31

THROUGH SEPT 15

THROUGH AUG 22

FREE Admission at the MabeeGerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee) through August.

Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, 1-4pm.

878-5300, www.mgmoa.org.

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

Hungry Planet: What the World Eats at the Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) explores food & nutrition around the world. 325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum.org.

FREE Admission at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee) throughout the months of July and August presented by Ad Astra & St. Gregory’s Abbey.

Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, 1-4pm.

878-5300, www.mgmoa.org.

THROUGH SEPT 14 FREE Oil & Wood: George Bogart & Jim Henkle at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) pairs the work of two distinguished professors emeriti of the OU School of Art & Art History. 325-3272, www. ou.edu/fjjma.

Totemic Taxonomy at Science Museum Oklahoma Satellite Galleries (2100 NE 52) features art by Peter Froslie & Cathleen Faubert that explores totems within the context of the 21st century. FREE with museum admission. 602-6664, www. sciencemuseumok.org.

THROUGH SEPT 27

Fore: Look Back at Golf in Edmond at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard, Edmond) examines how individual golfers & the game of golf as a whole have both been successful in Edmond. 340-0078, www. edmondhistory.org.

THROUGH SEPT

Art of the Brick: Permission to Play at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52) features an interactive exhibit with sculptures created out of LEGO bricks & an area where families can build, play & create. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org.

THROUGH OCTOBER Stingray Bay at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington). See & touch live stingrays. $3 entry fee, plus regular Zoo admission.

424-3344, www.okczoo.com.

Gods & Heroes: Masterpieces from the Ecole Des Beaux-Arts, Paris at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch) includes 142

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

39

JULY 2014

local shopping

5 things you never knew about POPS

You may be familiar with its iconic 66-foot soda bottle, but can you guess how long it takes to clean the floor-to-ceiling glass shelves?

BY BROOKE BARNETT - METROFAMILY EDITOR

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY POPS RESTAURANT

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular customer, here are five interesting facts to know about this popular stop on Route 66. We got the inside scoop from POPS staff—and now we are sharing it with you.

P

OPS is a must-see Oklahoma landmark in its own right.

This ultramodern gas station showcases thousands of colorful soda pop bottles. In addition, POPS includes a popular restaurant featuring a traditional soda fountain, mouth-watering burgers and handdipped milk shakes that serves approximately 475,000 people each year.

To learn more about this popular tourist attraction, we spoke with with POPS General Manager Marty Doepke to get answers to some interesting questions about the venue’s history, best-selling sodas and more.

POPS GAS PUMP

of soda pop featured in the building? If so, think again! The name POPS is actually a tribute bestowed by the owner for his own father, whom he affectionately calls “Pops.”

FACT #2: THE MOST POPULAR SODAS With more than 600 choices of bottled beverages, are you curious as to what the most popular flavor might be? And what specific soda has been sold the most in POPS history? Wonder no more! “Dublin Dr Pepper is our best selling soda ever,” Marty reveals.

“And root beer is the number one flavor sold overall, with more than 80 varieties available.” And speaking of root beer, POPS’ own Round Barn Root Beer is a proprietary house blend that is available only in Arcadia.

FACT #3: THE WEIRDEST SODAS

FACT #1: IT’S NOT ACTUALLY NAMED AFTER SODA Have you always assumed that the name POPS is inspired by the more than 650 types

If you’ve ever browsed the shelves at POPS, you might have noticed bacon-flavored or peanut butter-flavored sodas. Interested in knowing which one Marty would consider to be the weirdest? “There are too many in the running for most unusual,” he explains. “But some of the top contenders would be Beefdrinker’s Teriyaki Beef Jerky Soda or Lesters Fixins’ Ranch Dressing Soda. We also feature sodas with some pretty unusual names, including Avery’s Kitty Piddle or Pimple Pop. There are some unusual fruit sodas, too, including Sioux City Prickly Pear and Hot Lips Marionberry.”

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

41

JULY 2014

POPS MERCHANDISE

And POPS sodas truly come from all over the world. “In terms of soda that has traveled the farthest distance, we feature Bundaberg sodas from Australia,” Marty adds. POPS features sodas from 13 different countries, including Austria, Italy, England, El Salvador, Brazil, Lebanon, Canada, Jamaica and Mexico.

FACT #4: HOW MUCH DOES A GIGANTIC, LIGHT-UP SODA BOTTLE WEIGH? Every night, the 66-foot tall soda bottle structure lights up with hundreds of LED lights, twinkling in an array of colors and patterns. But how did the signature soda bottle and straw come to reside outside the building? “The outside soda bottle weighs over four` tons and was delivered in one piece,” Marty shares. “It was made by WW Steel in OKC and took an entire day to bring it from downtown to Arcadia.”

FACT #5: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CLEAN ALL THOSE SHELVES? If you struggle to keep your shelves dusted at home, just imagine the daunting task facing POPS staff. With dozens of glass shelves lining the walls all around the building and hundreds of bottles of soda artistically arranged on those shelves, keeping them clean is a year-round job. But just how long does it take to clean the shelves at POPS? “Roughly two weeks.,” Marty says. “Restaurant staff are assigned two shelves to clean each shift, excluding weekends. It’s all monitored on our shelf chart. Once the chart is filled, we start over again.”

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

42

JULY 2014

VISITING POPS POPS is located northeast of Oklahoma City and approximately five miles east of Edmond, at 660 W. Highway 66. The store is open daily from 6:00am–10:00pm and lunch and dinner are served from 10:30am–9:00pm. Breakfast is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00am–10:30am.

While you are visiting POPS, be sure to take in another interesting attraction. found just down the road. Arcadia’s Round Barn (107 E. Highway 66, Arcadia; www. arcadiaroundbarn.com) was originally built in 1898 and has become one of the most photographed landmarks on Route 66. More than 100 years old, the restored barn is 60’ in diameter and two stories tall. A gift shop on the bottom floor offers Round Barn t-shirts, Route 66 memorabilia and other souvenirs.

The barn is open seven days per week from 10:00am–5:00pm and admission is free.

For more information, call 405-928-7677 or visit www.route66.com.

Plan the perfect summer getaway in Woodward

I

f you are looking for a summertime trip that’s not too far away but still seems like a real vacation, Woodward is just the place to go! From exploring caves to seeing an authentic sod house, you won’t find a more familyfriendly way to make memories than this charming northwest Oklahoma town.

BY JENNIFER GEARY - METROFAMILY COLUMNIST PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER GEARY AND PROVIDED BY WWW.WEBZINEONLINE.COM

CRYSTAL BEACH WATERPARK

exploring oklahoma CRYSTAL BEACH PUTT PUTT

CRYSTAL BEACH PARK Woodward is a wonderful place for families because there is a wide variety of things to do and almost everything there is extremely affordable. For my kids, Crystal Beach Park (gowoodward.com/local-attractions/ crystal-beach-park) was the highlight of the trip. This beautiful park is filled with trees and is a gathering place for the entire community. We saw families holding parties, having picnics and just enjoying the evening, but the park is large enough that it never seemed crowded.

My kids were immediately drawn to the unique play structures in the park, such as the giant climbing ropes (kind of like a ship’s rigging) and the hamster wheel. There are several different play areas throughout the park and they all have enough variety to be fun for toddlers and bigger kids alike.

If your children tire of playing on the playgrounds—which actually never happened with my kids!—there are several other attractions at the park that are sure to grab their interest. The Kiwanis run a train in the park each evening that’s only $1 per rider and is a great way to take a trip around the park.You can also tour the lake in the park on a paddle boat. If you prefer to stay on land, there is an 18 hole putt-putt golf course.

If you have the time, plan to spend a day at Crystal Beach because you’ll also want to check out the Crystal Beach Waterpark for a terrific way to stay cool during the hot summer afternoons. The main pool has a play structure and two large slides and also features a zero-grade entry. There are also deeper areas for bigger swimmers, but one of the things I love most about this pool is that the set up enables you to keep an eye on kids in both parts of the pool at the same time. If you have younger children, they’ll enjoy the shaded wading pool area, too.

WOODWARD THEATRE ON MAIN STREET

Admission to the waterpark is extremely affordable, at just $5 for adults and $4 for ages 12 and under. If you need to eat while you’re there, the snack bar is stocked with yummy Dairy Queen goodies at affordable prices.

GRAB A BITE Once you’ve fully explored the park, there are several other great places in town you’ll want to visit. The downtown area boasts many shops and boutiques and is a nice place to spend some time. If you get hungry, try the Polly Anna Cafe (an old fashioned diner) or Cafe Eden, a quiet little sandwich shop with the most delicious paninis you’ll ever taste. When you’re planning your trip, check out the Woodward Theatre’s schedule (www.woodwardartstheatre.com) and see if anything will be playing in this beautifully restored theater while you’re in town.

PLAINS INDIANS AND PIONEERS MUSEUM Also in town, you don’t want to miss the Plains Indians & Pioneers Museum (www.pipm1.info). This museum tells the story of the settlement of northwest Oklahoma and the tribes who lived here before.

Visitors might be familiar with some of the general information presented here, but the exhibits do an amazing job of telling stories about the town and its settlers that make the history come alive.You’ll leave wondering why you’ve never heard of Temple Houston before and identifying with stories from the 1947 Woodward tornado—the deadliest one in state history.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

45

JULY 2014

SOD HOUSE MUSEUM

The museum also has a gallery with exhibits of an old-fashioned bank, post office, doctor’s office, and other local businesses, as well as a firehouse from nearby Fort Supply.

BOILING SPRINGS STATE PARK Not far from downtown Woodward is Boiling Springs State Park (www.travelok. com/listings/view.profile/id.672), one of the most beautiful parks in the state. Hike the meandering trails though the forest and be on the lookout for wildlife, because chances are good that you’ll spot a deer or other creature while you’re out. One of our favorite things from our hike was the log tepee located on the River Trail.

or from town, or Woodward makes a great base if you want to take a day trip!

Just about half an hour from town is Alabaster Caverns State Park (www.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.110), which features the world’s largest natural gypsum cave that is open for public tours. Tours of the cave leave every hour on the hour and it takes about 45 minutes to travel the 3/4 mile trail. The tour is a wonderful way to stay cool while taking in some amazing sights and you might even spot a bat or two. Please note that tours may feature areas that can be difficult for toddlers and young children to

If you’ve worked up a sweat on the trails, cool off in the park pool, which features a large slide and a rock climbing wall. The park also has new playground equipment, too. If you enjoy camping, sites are available as well as RV hookups and cabins.

WOODWARD ELKS RODEO Nearly 22,000 rodeo fans head to Woodward each July for the oldest professional rodeo in Oklahoma. Scheduled for July 16–19, the 84th Annual Woodward Elks Rodeo (www.woodwardelksrodeo.com) features bull riding, calf roping barrel racing and children’s activities. Be sure to catch the longhorn cattle drive through downtown, parade, live music and more.

ALABASTER CAVERNS Not far from Woodward are some other sites you may want to see while you’re in the area.You can visit these venues on the way to

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

46

JULY 2014

ALABASTER CAVERNS

LITTLE SAHARA STATE PARK

navigate. RV and tent camping is also available at the park if you want to extend your stay.

LITTLE SAHARA STATE PARK & SOD HOUSE MUSEUM Just outside of Waynoka is Little Sahara State Park (www.travelok.com/listings/ view.profile/id.4581), which has over 1600

acres of ever-changing sand dunes that vary in height from 25 to 75’. This area is extremely popular with off-road vehicle enthusiasts, and if you’d like to give it a try, you can rent different types of vehicles at nearby Stewarts ATV & Buggy (www.stewartsatvandbuggy.com). If you’d just like to watch, be sure to visit the new observation tower, where visitors can use built-in binoculars (they even have childsized ones!) to check out the action.

Just outside the small town of Aline is the Sod House Museum (www.okhistory. org/sites/sodhouse.php), which was built to preserve and display the only remaining sod house in the state that was built by a homesteader. The Oklahoma Historical Society acquired the building in the 1960s and built the museum around the sod house so visitors can tour it and see related items from the time period.

Woodward is just over two hours away so you can use your vacation time enjoying the sights instead of driving. Take I-40 west to Exit 108 for US-281 North and you’ll be there in no time. Happy travels!

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

47

JULY 2014

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

CRYSTAL BEACH

METROFAMILY’S EXPLORING OKLAHOMA PROJECT IS SPONSORED BY:

specialty

guides

48 48 49 49 51 52 54

THE BEST FAMILY RESOURCES, SHOPPING IDEAS, RESTAURANTS AND MORE Find what you need here in MetroFamily’s Specialty Guides!

Find even more online at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/directories.

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE RETAIL/RESTAURANT GUIDE CHILD CARE GUIDE FAMILY FUN GUIDE FAMILY SERVICES GUIDE PARTY GUIDE AFTER SCHOOL/CAMPS GUIDE

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

RETAIL/RESTAURANT GUIDE

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

48

JULY 2014

CHILD CARE GUIDE

FAMILY FUN GUIDE

JULY 2014

49

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

FAMILY FUN GUIDE

BEAT THE HEAT Indoor Playground · Ceramics Paint-N-Take · Free Wi-Fi Birthday Parties Parents’ Night Out

405-340-7584 • www.unpluggits.com

575 Enterprise Drive, Edmond (South of 15th, off Kelly)

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

50

JULY 2014

FAMILY FUN GUIDE

FAMILY SERVICES GUIDE

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

51

JULY 2014

PARTY GUIDE

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

52

JULY 2014

Come see why we’re the global leader in classes for kids.

PARTY GUIDE

Call to r u book yo! party

$20 Off Party

*Just mentio n this ad! (not combined with other offers)

405.755.3445 www.gymboreeclasses.com

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

53

JULY 2014

AFTER SCHOOL/CAMPS GUIDE

Open to girls & boys ages 18 months to 9 years, Lil’ Kickers is a nationally-proven, age-appropriate program designed to teach children soccer (plus a whole lot more) in an atmosphere that is effective and FUN!

C OU HECK SU T OU CA MME R MP R S!

Call today about our:

Birthday Party Packages Indoor Soccer Leagues Rent fields for 4520 Old Farm Road (south of Meridian off 122nd) sports/activities Oklahoma City • 405-748-3888

www.soccercityokcity.com

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

54

JULY 2014