metrofamily magazine october 2015
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See our calendar for 231 SPOOKtacular events!
OCTOBER 2015
OLD-FASHIONEDFALL FUN
7 superb autumn experiences
LABOR OFLOVE
The work of child welfare workers
HAPPY CAMPERS
Great spots to camp with kids
LASTING LEGACY
Oklahoma’s first infant
organ donor
on page 48
PartyGuide
Find 39in our annual
Great Ideas
Tr�k � Treatsaturday • october 24th
mitc h pa r k pa r k ing lo ts
fr ee ev ent • 5pm • ca ndy
edmondpa r ks .c om
Scan this to visit us at edmondparks.com
Follow us on
16LABOR OF LOVEDiscover the people who are working to improve child welfare in Oklahoma.
guide...goThe ultimate OKC family fun
52REAL MOM Get to know the mom who pioneered infant organ donation in Oklahoma.
42COOL CAMPOUTSPlan a fall family camping trip at one of these prime spots to pitch your tent.
Hay rides, campfires and pumpkin patches,
oh my! Top spots for old-fashioned fall fun.
10
6 Family Favorites Nominations
8 Editor’s Picks: Top Spots for Watching Football
22 Mom Humor: Cleaning House
24 Calendar of Events
48 Party Guide
PLUS... DON’T MISS ALL THIS
HAVE A STORYOR 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 405-818-5025 or email [email protected].
EDITORIALSarah Taylor–Publisher
Hannah Schmitt–Managing EditorLindsay Cuomo–Calendar Editor
Heather Davis, Jennifer Sharpe, Mae Kiggins, Lindsay Cuomo and
Erin Page–Contributing Writers Emily Hart and Mark Doescher–
Contributing Photographers
DESIGN & SALESStacy Noakes–Art Director
Callie Collins–Marketing Director Athena Delce, Dana Price &
Jessica Misun–Sales Kathy Alberty–Office/Distribution
Shelly Sanderson–Business Development
Circulation - 35,000 Also available as a digital edition at
www.metrofamilymagazine.com
Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc. We do not
assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The
acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products,
services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is
fraudulent or misleading in nature.
MetroFamily Magazine is a monthly magazine published by
Inprint Publishing, Inc. New Address: 318 NW 13th St Ste 101
OKC OK 73103
Phone: 405-818-5025 Fax: 405-445-7509
©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2015, All Rights Reserved.
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2015
Volume 18, Number 10
THIS MONTH, WE’RE GIVING AWAY TONS OF BIRTHDAY PARTY PACKAGES FROM INCREDIBLE LOCAL VENUES!
October brings so much to celebrate! This
issue reveals endless ways to have fall fun and celebrate the season with top spots for old-fashioned autumn activities (page 10), great places for camping (page 42) and dozens of Halloween events (page 25).
But this month also marks a serious occasion that hits home with many Oklahoma families. October is SIDS, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
Every day, 13 babies in the U.S. will be lost to SIDS and other unexpected infant deaths. Oklahoma has the seventh highest infant mortality rate in the country and two central Oklahoma families experience the loss of an infant every day.
This awareness month offers an opportunity for families to become more aware of safe sleep practices that could prevent infant death and show sensitivity and understanding to families that have lost children through miscarriage, stillbirth and infant death.
We have a special feature on page 38 to mark the
awareness month. A brave local mom shares her story of loss and hope that we know will encourage other parents whether you’ve experienced loss or not.
We also have a special online-only feature about safe sleep practices you can find at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/safe-sleep.
So as you fill your calendar with fall celebrations and trick-or-treat events, take a moment this month to read about ways to keep your own baby safe and reach out to someone who’s experienced infant loss.
Hannah SchmittEditor
WOW!
WelcomeFROM OUR EDITORThis month, we send you on old-fashioned fall adventures, give you tips for a family campout and guide you to the best party destinations in OKC.
Enter our contests to win big!
• Birthday Party Giveaway: We’re giving away eighteen birthday party packages! See page 58 for details. Enter by Nov. 1.
• OKC Philharmonic Kid’s Club Giveaway: Win OKC Philharmonic Kid’s Club memberships for kids. Enter by Oct. 30.
• Museum of Osteology Giveaway: Enter to win a family membership for four and a $50 museum gift certificate. Enter by Oct. 22.
• Elevation Trampoline Park: Win a two-hour jump session and pizza and drinks for winner and three friends. For kids 7 and up. Enter by Oct. 15.
Find more and enter at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests.
CELEBRATE
FALL WITH
HUNDREDS OF
METRO EVENTS
Calendar starts on page 24 PHOTO TAKEN BY EMILY HART WWW.NINAANDBPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
THIS MONTH’S COVER:OKC metro kids Maggie M. and Brooks G. modeled for our cover shoot in DIY costumes. Turn the page to learn more about making the costumes yourself for Halloween.
Cover shoot styled by Natalie Ann Spencer, owner of Freckles Creative Studio. Find her at www.natalieannspencer.com
BY HANNAH SCHMITTMANAGING EDITOR
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 6 OCTOBER 2015
family buzz
We’re buzzing aboutFamily Favorites
I f anyone’s ever known the truth behind the saying “laugh to keep from crying,” it’s parents. Somewhere
between trying to figure out infants and struggling through raising teenagers, parents have to find humor in the challenge.
Oklahoma City dad Ben Flint knows two things well: parenting and comedy. He combines the best of both in his upcoming comedy show, Sick and Tired: Stand-up Comedy by Parents for Parents. The goal of the event is to provide an affordable date night that’s truly worth the babysitter’s fare.
“Every time I asked parents about what they wanted in a comedy show, I heard the same three things: they want it smoke-free, they don’t want to be out too late and they don’t want to hear the f-bomb every 10 seconds,” he said. “So this is what I’ve come up with.”
Fellow comedians Brett James, Bradchad Porter, Steve “Wampus” Reynolds, Jenny
Godwin and Brian Stephens will join Flint on this show, which is the third one he’s produced.
Flint is a 40-year-old father of three and was featured in our “2015 Awesome Dads of the Metro” article in June.
When he moved to Oklahoma City in 2003, Flint got married and tossed his comedy material. Nine years later, his wife encouraged him to get back on stage with all the material he naturally accumulated over his time as a family man. He’s since performed weekly in Oklahoma City and Tulsa and traveled to Las Vegas recently to participate in the World Series of Comedy.
The show will be hosted at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) on Oct. 17 at Bistro 46 (2501 N.E. 23rd St.). The 90-minute show is smoke-free and features a full bar. Must be 21 or older to enter. Tickets are available in advance for $14 or two for $25 at Ticketstorm.com. Purchase them at the door for $18. For more details, email Ben at [email protected].
Enter to win tickets to the show by Oct. 8 by visiting www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests.
NO KIDS ALLOWED Comedy for Parents by Parents in OKC
We’re thrilled to announce nominations open this month for our 2016 Family Favorites awards! We take pride in providing this annual opportunity to reward local businesses for their service to Oklahoma City families. Each fall, our readers nominate their favorite area shops, physicians, services and facilities. In November, we’ll open voting for the top-nominated finalists to determine the winners.
FAMILYFAVORITES
The nomination period starts Oct. 15. Head to www.metrofamilymagazine.com/family-favorites-contest to let us know about your favorite local businesses. There are more than 80 categories including gyms, salons, attractions, retail shops, restaurants, car dealerships and more.
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 7 OCTOBER 2015
Make the “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”
costume on our cover!Local mom Ashley Greene made the adorable costume on our cover. The easy-to-create costume requires just a handful of supplies and is great for girls, boys and even two siblings. We’ve provided her step-by-step instructions at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/costume.
COVER SHOOT PHOTOGRAPHED BY EMILY HART OF NINA & B PHOTOGRAPHY (WWW.NINAANDBPHOTOGRAPHY.COM) AND STYLED BY NATALIE ANN SPENCER,
OWNER OF FRECKLES CREATIVE STUDIO (WWW.NATALIEANNSPENCER.COM).
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 8 OCTOBER 2015
Editor’s Picks: Best Places to Watch FootballFor many, it’s just not fall without football. Whether you’re the world’s biggest sports fan or you like the season just for the concessions and the marching band, there are tons of opportunities for you to soak up some Friday night lights or weekend college and pro ball games in the Oklahoma City metro. We’ve rounded up our best local venues for watching live football and some family-friendly places where you can watch televised games on the big screen.
Jelsma Stadium200 E. Harrison, Guthrie
Upcoming home games: 7 p.m. Oct. 9, 23 and Nov. 6.
Why We Love It: Perhaps one of the greatest local football experiences happens at Guthrie’s Jelsma Stadium. The stadium sits in the heart of downtown Guthrie and is called The Rock because of its unique 30-foot sandstone wall in the north end zone. ESPN has even named The Rock one of the best high school stadiums in the country for high school football.
Arrive at the stadium by 5 p.m. to take part in tailgating. Harrison Avenue is blocked off for fans to enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers and the band comes out to get fans pumped for kickoff.
As if the small-town excitement wasn’t enough reason to head to Guthrie for a game, the team is going on a 35-game winning streak at The Rock and they’ve won four state titles in the past 13 years.
L.W. Good Stadium & Leodies Robinson Field6724 N. MLK Ave.
Upcoming home games: 7 p.m. on Oct. 2, 15, 23 and Nov. 6
Why We Love It: Another exciting Friday night experience can be found at Millwood’s
L.W. Good Stadium and Leodies Robinson Field. The Millwood Falcons have several state championships under their belts and fans love attending their home games for the unique layout of the stadium, which is surrounded on three sides by steep grass hills. The games pack in many more fans than what can fit in traditional bleachers and the entire stadium buzzes with excitement.
Wantland Stadium100 N. University Dr., Edmondwww.uco.edu
Terrific football is played by a handful of great local teams at Wantland Stadium. The UCO Bronchos have played here more than 50 years and Edmond high schools also flock to the field on Friday nights. Games at this stadium offer an exciting opportunity for families to see high school athletes play with state-of-the-art features like artificial turf, a three-level pressbox and impressive lighting and scoreboard.
Edmond North: 7 p.m. on Oct. 2, 9 and Nov. 6. Edmond Memorial: 7 p.m. Oct. 30. Edmond Santa Fe: 7 p.m. Oct. 8, 23 and Nov. 5. UCO Bronchos: 2 p.m. Oct. 3, 17 and Nov. 7.
Bleu Garten301 N.W. 10th St. www.bleugarten.com
Why We Love It: This Oklahoma City venue is the closest you’ll get to tailgating without actually going to a stadium. Food trucks line
up to feed hungry fans and the outdoor dining court is lined with televisions where you can watch the action. Parents like this venue because the outdoor environment is family-friendly and has lawn games to keep little ones entertained.
The Garage307 E. Main St., Normanwww.eatatthegarage.com
Why We Love It: If you want to get close to the Memorial Stadium action in Norman without actually buying tickets to the game, The Garage in Norman is a great place to head with the whole family. The burger joint has a steady menu of hearty food to keep you full while you watch the game on big television screens in the restaurant. They even have some games in the back of the restaurant to occupy older kids.
The Original Hideaway Pizza230 S. Knoblock St., Stillwaterwww.thehideaway.net
Why We Love It: This Stillwater pizza stop is a must for true Pokes fans. There are plenty of Hideaway restaurants in Oklahoma City, but nothing compares to the original pizza joint. Enjoy the camaraderie of dining on delicious pizza among other Cowboys and Cowgirls while you watch the televised game. On home game days, the very-nearby OSU campus serves as the site of one of the top 25 tailgating experiences in the country according to The Daily Meal.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS EVANS AT WWW.GUTHRIESPORTSPAGE.COM
local family fun
BY LINDSAY CUOMO
Experience Old-Fashioned Fall Fun
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY P BAR FARMS, BEAVERS BEND FOLK FESTIVAL AND PUMPKINVILLE AT MYRIAD GARDENS
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 11 OCTOBER 2015
Grow with us.
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EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled
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Saint Francis Health System 6600 South Yale, Suite 1100, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136 918-502-8300 | Toll Free 800-888-9553
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If you are an experienced nurse and have a passion for quality patient care in a state-of-the-art facility, we are looking for you. We are expanding in our Trauma Emergency Center Tower and have immediate openings in the new critical care step-down unit.
To view our current openings go to www.saintfrancis.com/career
E ven with Oklahoma’s rich agricultural history, the Oklahoma City metro sometimes feels
far from the area’s farming roots. But many fall festivals and fairs in the midwestern and southern states have kept the harvest season celebrations intact and Oklahoma is no exception.
Fall is a perfect time to reach back into Oklahoma’s history and pull out some old-fashioned fall fun. Fall is about more than dressing up in a costume and going door-to-door for candy. From bobbing for apples to taking a hayride, there are endless ways to celebrate Oklahoma’s rich agricultural ties with your family this autumn. Here are seven hot spots where families of all ages can take in all this season has to offer together.
Wind Through a Corn MazeP Bar Farms in Hydro, one hour west of Oklahoma CitySince 1907, the soil at P Bar Farms flourished as a conventional farm offering a variety of produce. In 2001, the owners decided to tackle a new adventure when they cut their first corn maze. Ever since, families have flocked to the 10-acre cornfield in Hydro to explore the intricate network of twists, turns and clues. While most take about an hour, a perfectly walked path only takes about 20 minutes. The maze is cut with the help of a GPS, a mower and a crew of several volunteers. Each year, the maze debuts a new design. This year’s “Jurassic Park”-themed design was created with help from Norman’s Sam Noble Museum.
But, the maze isn’t the only fun to be had at
P Bar Farms. Load up on a hayride to pick a prize pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. Serve up a snack for some of the barn animals and play on the “countrified” playground complete with a jumping pillow called the Grasshopper. Guests can even take a spin on the train or tap in a few putts on a miniature golf course.
Their original red barn is now home to the Red Neck laser tag. Black lights, strobe lights and music all work together providing excitement for those looking for more action and adventure.
As the sun sets on October nights, visitors are in for a fright! The Corn Maze and Laser Tag get a haunted overhaul. Zombies, scary music and masked employees offer a healthy scare. The spooky features are a lot of fun but not recommended for younger kids.
P Bar Farms still operates and produces whole wheat flour and blue and yellow corn meal at Stone Stack Mill. Tours are available upon request and products, concessions and souvenirs are available for purchase at the Main Barn.
The fall festivities are open on Thursdays and Fridays, 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. until Nov. 8. Activities range from $3 to $10 with combination deals available.
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 12 OCTOBER 2015
Take a Hay Ride
Baker’s Acres in Tishomingo, two hours southeast of Oklahoma CityBehind the delicious pecan treats crafted at Baker Pecans is Baker’s Acres, the family-owned farm and autumnal hub of family-friendly fun. The whole gang can hop on a hay ride for a spin around the pasture, climb to the top of a hay mountain, weave through a corn or hay maze and pick a prize pumpkin from the patch.
Crank your way to a win during a rubber duck race where each racer pumps an old-fashioned water pump to send their rubber ducky speeding along the plastic water way. Bury your whole body in corn in a sandbox twist called the Corn Barrel. Little ones will enjoy a ride on the barrel train while older kids can peddle their way around a race track in a person-powered ATV. Photo opportunities abound at this picturesque farm. Pose with barnyard animals and cutouts where you can pretend you are a farm animal yourself.
Baker’s Acres is open Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. throughout October. Looking for a special outing for fall break? They are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 15 and 16 to welcome families. Admission is $8 for anyone ages 3 to 59 and free for kids 2 and under and seniors 60 and older.
Tip: After your fun at Baker’s Acres, head over to the Tishomingo Wildlife Refuge. Fish for some crappie or catfish and enjoy some peace and quiet. There are also several museums and the popular Pink Pistol, Miranda Lambert’s original boutique.
Ride a Ferris WheelLinde Oktoberfest in Tulsa, an hour and 40 minutes northeast of Oklahoma CityCurrently ranked as a Top 10 Oktoberfest Celebration by USA Today, Linde
Oktoberfest celebrates an authentic Bavarian culture that closely mirrors Munchen Oktoberfest. Opening Oct. 22 and continuing to Oct. 25, the 36th annual celebration is sure to meet expectations as the festival marks the grand opening of the brand new 17-acre River West Festival Park, specifically designed for Oktoberfest. While the layout and look might feel a bit different, Oktoberfest will still feature the same lively entertainment and delicious cuisine.
At the heart of the festival and on the logo is the signature Linde Oktoberfest SkyWheel. A ride to the top offers a bird’s eye view of all the colorful happenings in the six tents below. Once back down on the ground, you can enjoy more carnival rides, three internationally-known bands direct from Germany, authentic drinks and food and games and activities for kids. There is even an entire tent dedicated to dart throwing with tournaments and prizes. The festival opens at 5 p.m. on Thursday, 11 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon on Sunday. Most of the action ends at 11 p.m. each day except Sunday when the fun stops for good at 6 p.m. Admission is $5 before 5 p.m. and $10 after. Skip out on the paid parking by taking a free shuttle running between five locations: Fassler Hall, Hyatt Regency Downtown, Holiday Inn Tulsa City Center, Trade Winds Inn and Crowne Plaza.
Pick a Prime
PumpkinPumpkinville at Myriad Gardens in Oklahoma CityIn October, the Children’s Garden in the Myriad Botanical Gardens gets an autumnal face lift. From Oct. 9 through Oct. 25, thousands of pumpkins paint the gardens orange in celebration of the change of the seasons. This year, Pumpkinville takes on an old country town theme complete with a fire station, library and general store. These interactive displays are not only fun to explore but help kids connect to nature and the fall season. As families stroll through Pumpkinville, they should expect to find a few surprises in the form of a pumpkin swamp, pumpkin bowling, a jack-o-lantern toss and even a game of tic-tac-toe.
Daily crafts will be available with a selection of age-appropriate options. For an additional $5, you can paint a pumpkin to take home. Along with the daily activities, several special events are planned, including the Great Pumpkin Float, a Spooky Pooch Parade and a Halloween party featuring trick-or-treat stations and special entertainment.
On Saturdays, the Pumpkinville library will host a story time from 1 to 1:30 p.m. and every Friday, kids can learn how fresh cider is made during a cider press demonstration in the pavilion outside the Children’s Garden. For those interested in learning more about fall and its favorite produce, sign up for one of the educational programs, Why Leaves Change Colors or Truly Tasty Pumpkins. The programs are free but a $2 suggested donation is requested and registration is required.
Pumpkinville will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Oct. 24 when they close early to prepare for the Halloween Party later that evening.
Visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/pumpkinville-photos to learn more about a MetroFamily photo contest that will give you a chance to win a family vacation!
Admission is $6 for kids ages 4 to 12 years old and adults are $4. To purchase a membership, register for a class or for a complete calendar of events, visit www.myriadgardens.org.
Make S’mores over an Open FireWoodbine Farms in Ardmore, an hour and a half south of Oklahoma CityWoodbine Farms’ Pumpkin Patch is nestled on a real working farm near Ardmore, surrounded by beautiful trees and nature. This patch offers families simple classic fun like a tractor-pulled hay ride, petting zoo, two huge piles of sand and pumpkin picking. There are plenty of unique activities to keep the whole family entertained. Take a ride on a 20-foot culvert swing or claim the skies on the kids’ tight rope maze.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 14 OCTOBER 2015
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TEENS/TWEENS!TEENS/TWEENS! Challenge your kids to a Hotwheel or rubber
duck race and on weekends shoot an air-powered corn cannon.
After all that fun, settle down around the fire pit for a round of roasting. Your admission includes a hot dog. S’mores fixings are available for purchase at the concession stand. No outside food is allowed but the stand prices are reasonable. A whole s’mores kit including a metal roasting stick costs $1.
The Pumpkin Patch at Woodbine Farms is open from Oct. 1 to 30, Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 12:30 to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 and includes all the fun activities. Pumpkins, however, are an additional charge.
Dance a JigBeavers Bend Folk Festival in Broken Bow, four hours southeast of Oklahoma CityFor the last two decades, thousands of people celebrate the change of the season at the Beavers Bend Folk Festival & Craft Show in mid-November. Turn-of-the-century crafts and mountain music take center stage as nature paints a beautiful backdrop of rust and gold. Families can browse nearly 70 vendors offering vintage arts like quilting, candle-making, woodturning, paper making and blacksmithing to the tune of banjos, fiddles and dulcimer strings. Festival-goers are even treated to hands-on opportunities to learn some classic artisan skills themselves. Kids will be eager to stop by the courtyard to enjoy live storytelling, a petting zoo and a puppet show of their own making featuring their very own handmade paper puppets.
Be sure to make your way to the outdoor stage to learn how to properly dance a jig! The festival has a full line up of some the best folk musicians in the country, a few even offering free mountain dulcimer workshops each day.
Visitors are invited to bring their own dulcimers or try their hand on dulcimers provided by instructors at the event.
After all the exploring, your crew will likely be in need of refueling, and the hardest part will be choosing which delicious snack. Enjoy festival classics like turkey legs, Indian tacos, kettle corn, caramel apples and
funnel cakes down with fresh apple cider or old-time root beer.
Since the fall foliage should be in peak season during the festival, wrap up your old-fashioned fall fun with a hayride or train ride in Beavers Bend State Park.
The three-day festival starts on Friday, Nov. 13 and continues through Sunday, Nov. 15. Festival hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free.
Take a Scenic Drive
Talimena National Scenic Byway, three and a half hours southeast of Oklahoma CityWhat would fall be without the colorful display of the fall foliage? As trees ready themselves for winter, they paint the landscape with vibrant splashes of gold, orange and red. In Oklahoma, we are treated to a lengthy fall color season, stretching well into November. The Talimena National Scenic Byway offers visitors spectacular views as the 54-mile route twists and turns through the Ouachita National Forest and atop the Ouachita Mountains, the highest mountain range between the Appalachians and the Rockies. Along the scenic byway, pullouts and turnouts dot State Highway 1 showcasing the top spots to take in picturesque views and breathtaking vistas.
If you want to explore more, make a stop at Talimena State Park for a picnic or a hike. Dirt bikes and ATVs are permitted, offering an exciting way to explore nature’s beauty. Just be sure to pick up or download a map of the motorized routes. The park also offers camping and a playground. The extra beauty of this type of old-fashioned fun is yours to experience and your expense can be as little as the gas in your tank.[Editor’s Note: MetroFamily has partnered with John Rex Elementary School to present a scarecrow at Pumpkinville. Visit Myriad Botanical Gardens this fall to see our scarecrow along with a handful of other scarecrows made by locals!]
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Child Welfare:a Labor of Love
Midge Woodard has worked in child welfare in various capacities for more than 40 years.
When she experiences an especially hard day, one little girl’s face from early in her career comes back to her.
“I found a little girl in a shed in Muskogee,” Woodard said with tears in her eyes. “All she wanted was for me to take her to the park. She has kept me going because I know there could be more children living in sheds or who just want someone to take them to the park.”
ILLUSTRATIONS BY BRITTANY VIKLUNDWWW.BRITTANYVIKLUND.COM
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 17 OCTOBER 2015
Our MissionA Christ-centered ministry devoted to providing safe and stable families
for at-risk children and youth.
LILYFIELDChristian Adoption and Foster Care
VisionAt Lily�eld we serve children, youth, birth, adoptive and foster families by sharing God’s love in our community. We are committed to excellence in service and the foundation of our faith in Christ Jesus as we: • Promote safety and stability for
children • Equip, prepare and counsel birth,
adoptive and foster families • Guide children, youth and families on
a path to healing and permanency Our programs include: adoption, services for birthparents, foster care, care connect post placement counseling and independent living (for girls who have aged out of foster care so they can continue their education).
Lily�eld.org501 E. 15th, Ste. 400A, Edmond
405.216.5240
“What the system needs now is more families
to open their homes and their hearts to a child or
sibling group in need.”Jennifer Abney,
Angels Foster Family Network
After almost 30 years with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS), Woodard has worked for Sunbeam Family Services for the past 13 years and currently serves as the agency’s foster care director. She takes great pride in Sunbeam’s collaboration with OKDHS to train and recruit foster parents, as well as to place foster children in safe, supportive homes while they wait for permanency in either returning home or being adopted.
OKDHS’s partnership with private and nonprofit agencies like Sunbeam stems from the settlement of a class-action, civil rights lawsuit against Oklahoma’s foster care system. The Pinnacle Plan was launched in 2012 with an overall goal to improve foster care in our state. It is not a quick fix for the deficiencies in the foster care system, but positive change is slowly casting a new light on child welfare in our state. Woodard said the plan has launched a collaboration among local agencies like nothing she’s ever seen before in the foster system.
The development of the Pinnacle PlanIn 2008, Children’s Rights, a New York City-based child advocacy group, sued OKDHS officials on behalf of the state’s foster children, with a primary concern of children in state custody being harmed in foster homes and state shelters. The lawsuit’s settlement came in 2012, with the Pinnacle Plan. OKDHS has five years to make improvements in seven key areas, or the organization could face further legal action.
When Jennifer Abney and her husband moved to Oklahoma City from California in 2007, they were struck by the number of heinous news stories about foster care in Oklahoma. Now founder and executive director of Angels Foster Family Network of Oklahoma City, Abney and her team have been key in helping reform foster care statewide. Transitioning the recruitment, training and support of foster families to private agencies is part of the Pinnacle Plan’s initiative to recruit more foster parents.
“Using a private agency for foster care placement frees up OKDHS to focus on birth families and their situations,” Abney said. “In turn, we have become the advocates for foster families and foster children.”
The Pinnacle Plan is also focused on hiring more child welfare workers, paying them more and reducing caseloads, as well as eliminating shelters in favor of family-like settings for foster children and reducing a child’s number of placements. When the Pinnacle Plan was developed in 2012, there were about 8,500 children in state custody.
That number has topped more than 11,000 in the years since, and as of June 2015 stands at 10,764.
“All the goals and estimates of everything we wanted to accomplish in the Pinnacle Plan became outdated,” said Sheree Powell, OKDHS director of communications and community relations. “Our staff and foster parent needs have increased.”
That increase is attributed to the combination of the very public battle between Children’s Rights and OKDHS and highly publicized deaths of children who were or had been in state custody.Many case workers, judges and district attorneys became fearful of media coverage, retribution or disastrous outcomes and children were removed from their homes at an increased rate.
Currently, there are not enough approved foster homes in Oklahoma. To meet the Pinnacle Plan’s target goal of 904 new traditional foster homes in 2015, 124 new homes still are needed.
Improving foster parent support with private agencies“This new system is changing the way we foster in our state,” Abney said. “DHS has ensured that with all of the new contracted agencies, foster families are getting more support than ever before. What the system needs now is more families to open their homes and their hearts to a child or sibling group in need.”
Angels is one of four private placement agencies contracted directly with OKDHS to train, recruit and support foster parents. Other agencies, like Sunbeam Family Services and Anna’s House Foundation, are sub-contracted through one of the four primary agencies, creating a web of support
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 18 OCTOBER 2015
“Workers are able to spend more time to get
to know families and in turn cause better
outcomes and less trauma in the long run.”
Marissa Edstedt, OKDHS
for foster families, offering training, support groups, therapy and material goods.
Foster parent training has become more flexible, offered online or in foster parents’ homes and focused on trauma-based parenting. Child Welfare Specialist Dashon Sampson said the trainings make foster families better prepared to accept children who have experienced trauma into their homes, making long-term placements more feasible.
“The families have had a better understanding of the child’s reactions and behaviors to being placed in care, or to placement changes,” said Sampson. “This has greatly improved placement stability on my caseload through families appropriately responding to those behaviors, and the child in turn responding more positively to the family.”
The training and support these agencies provide has led to increased foster family retention. Abney compares the former county care retention rate of around 30 percent to Angels’ current 96 percent retention rate. Long-term placements have become the norm, with most agencies intent on moving children only to be reunited with siblings or when they need a different level of care. In 2000, the average foster child under age 3 lived in three to five locations their first year of placement. Woodard said Sunbeam has only had to move three foster children prior to permanency in her 13 years, all because they needed higher levels of care.
Sunbeam addressed the need for more foster families by hiring a full-time recruiter, allowing the agency to recruit and certify homes quickly. In 2014, 15 new homes were certified through Sunbeam; prior to that, six or seven was the agency’s record high in a year.
Foster parents benefit from having two case workers, one through OKDHS and one through their agency of choice. Agency case workers make regular visits to their foster
families, attend biological parent visitations and prepare for and attend court dates. Having the assistance of the private agencies helps foster parents and biological parents better facilitate relationships with each other, an important element of making biological parents feel more comfortable with the foster arrangement.
As a former foster parent and current OKDHS child welfare specialist, Lynette Osburn has seen incredible results when foster parents intentionally bridge with and mentor biological families.
“I was ensuring that the visitations had a purpose and modeling the behavior for the biological parents to help them become the parents they wanted to be,” Osburn said. “This contact will often result in a lifetime connection with the biological family and helps everyone work together for what is best for the children.”
Anna’s House foster parents Jeff and Laura DeGiacomo feel that agencies are better able to provide holistic support systems for foster families to succeed. He and his wife can concentrate on caring for the children placed in their home, while Anna’s House talks to DHS on a weekly basis on their behalf, answers their questions in a timely manner, prepares them for court and ensures the sometimes overwhelming paperwork is taken care of and turned in on time.
“Before, DHS workers were stretched too thin and many aspects were neglected, causing frustration and burn out,” said Jeff DeGiacomo. “I have seen some change in the way DHS operates in such a way to support and encourage foster parents in recent days. Agencies have been one of the biggest ways, but case workers have been more willing to make sure foster families have what they need, too.”
Tricia Howell, bridge deputy director for OKDHS Child Welfare Services, has encouraged change in how all OKDHS employees treat foster families, with a greater emphasis on accommodating them and showing support in every greeting, email, phone call and meeting. She credits OKDHS’s partnership with private agencies in lending more support to foster families than OKDHS was able to before.
“Families now get more time and attention than we had been able to give because of our workloads,” said Howell.
Like with any major change in an agency of its size, the process has not been perfect and there are still growing pains.
“It has been a little challenging,” said Jena Collins, child placement coordinator for Anna’s House. “There are DHS workers who aren’t familiar with agencies so they may not
know what we bring to the table. We are here to support them and support families. When there are times we aren’t in agreement about the management of the case, we just maintain a level of professionalism and respect and make sure that family is supported.”
Hiring and training staff to meet the needDespite the assistance of the outside agencies, Powell and most other OKDHS staff agree those in child welfare are still responsible for an overwhelming number of cases. Foster parents are keenly aware of it, too. Many mention their caseworkers are caring and compassionate, but overworked and overwhelmed.
OKDHS has hired more than 600 child welfare services staff members since the beginning of the Pinnacle Plan, with a goal of hiring 200 more positions this year. The influx of staff is an effort to decrease caseloads, but the hiring and training of that many individuals takes considerable time. Osburn said this process is critical to have a well-prepared workforce that understands the evidence-based solutions to meet the safety, permanency and well-being of the families served by the agency.
“The hardest thing is we actually have the need today for them to do the job,” said Howell. “It takes several months from hiring, training and shadowing. The work they do is critical; you can’t just turn someone loose.”
Howell said the majority of OKDHS workers were leaving within the first year, and they have reduced turnover by better supporting seasoned staff so new workers can take on cases in a graduated system.
“We’ve talked with our experienced staff about this strategy,” said Howell. “We recognize they are overloaded, but it’s temporary, and if we do this right, we should have staff that will stay.”
Osburn said OKDHS has done a better job of recognizing employee successes and giving raises, all in an effort to retain workers. She has seen a dramatic reduction in caseloads, with several workers at the Pinnacle Plan goal level of 15 children or below.
“Workers are able to spend more time to get to know families and in turn cause better outcomes and less trauma in the long run,” said Marissa Edstedt, child welfare supervisor in OKDHS Permanency Planning.
With reduced caseloads and private agencies supporting foster families, workers can provide improved and individualized evidence-based practices and treatment programs for biological families.
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 19 OCTOBER 2015
“I would like to see prevention services
become more of a staple within the agency and removal become the
exception, not the rule.” Dashon Sampson, OKDHS
“Services provided to our families have become much more specific, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Edstedt, which helps workers better address both the family and children’s needs and allows everyone to move forward with the healing process.
Along with increased staff and decreased caseloads, Dr. Deb Shropshire, deputy director of Child Welfare Community Partnerships, notes better accountability from top to bottom in child welfare, including a semi-recent reorganization from the field case worker to the child welfare director. OKDHS has developed a stronger relationship with the Department of Mental Health to assist with mental health services and crisis response, an improvement to a system that hasn’t been well-equipped to deal with mental health issues.
A recent grant focused on trauma and its effects will develop standardized tools for case workers to better screen foster children and pick up on more subtle trauma-related symptoms, with the intent of getting children the treatment needed sooner through a streamlined referral process.
“We’ve come a long way,” Shropshire said. “Although there is more to go, especially in terms of continuing to hire and retain child welfare case workers so they won’t be so overloaded on cases, working on better communication between workers and foster families and continuing to engage and involve all kinds of community partners in supporting these kids and families.”
Supporting families to keep kids out of the systemOKDHS is expanding its home-and-community-based services for families and, thanks to federal grant monies, adding intensive safety services, used to preserve families and keep children out of the system who can be safely cared for in their homes.
“I would like to see prevention services become more of a staple within the agency and removal become the exception, not the rule,” said Sampson. “Preventative services help families correct issues without the trauma associated with removing children from their homes when it is possible for children to remain safe in these situations.”
When a family is referred to OKDHS, their situations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether that family can work with therapists and other service providers to make improvements. Powell gives the examples of substance abuse or domestic violence not resulting in physical
abuse to the child as potentially eligible for intensive safety services rather than child removal. Certain cases of child abuse, depending on the type and severity, may also be eligible.
“There are a lot of eyes on families when they get referred to DHS,” said Powell. “If we decide a child can be maintained safely at home, there are a lot of people in that home to help us monitor. That really changes a parent’s outlook and responsibility level when someone is going to be in their house every day. And if they don’t do what they are supposed to do, or a child becomes unsafe, they can be removed immediately.”
New to this system, OKDHS will help remove barriers to accessing these services.
“We have always had services available, but it’s been up to the families to get to them,” said Powell. “If there is no transportation or they live in a rural area, those challenges can go unmet. So we prepare the families to access services and make sure they do access those services.”
While this method doesn’t 100 percent guarantee the safety of a child, neither does any foster home or biological or adopted home. According to Shropshire, evidence shows that kids function better in the long run when they stay in their homes.
“If we can get those kids and family to function better, kids in that setting have a better outcome than if you move them to foster care,” said Shropshire, who cautions community members to be “careful about judging the quality of someone’s parenting. Any one of us is one or two steps removed from where these families are. When you try to identify with people, that changes your perspective.”
Howell agrees that case workers have to separate their own values from the families they investigate.
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 20 OCTOBER 2015
“The only way we could force ourselves into better practices is
to close the two state-run shelters.”
Sheree Powell, OKDHS
“Our workers have to look at that family from the perspective that if you feel like your child or a child you love would be safe there, not that they necessarily look and act the same way you do,” said Howell.
Closing shelters in favor of family environmentsOklahoma’s two state-run shelters for foster children will be closed by the end of 2015, a huge step forward for the Pinnacle Plan but a major cause for concern among others.
“We know that if children have to be temporarily removed from their families, they are best served when they are placed with foster parents, not in shelters,” said Mason Rodgers, OKDHS foster care recruiter. “The closing of the shelters in Oklahoma City and Tulsa is a significant step for children in state custody, but it does present some challenges for DHS. We need to have additional foster homes come on board to meet this challenge.”
According to Powell, it’s been a major shift for those at OKDHS to think about how to operate without a shelter, but she notes that out-of-state child welfare advocates have been appalled by Oklahoma’s practice to place babies in shelters. Unlike a foster family setting, children in shelters have continually changing caregivers, and for very young children especially, this can permanently stunt development, translate into an inability to bond with and trust adults and even keep them from developing empathy and conscience.
“The only way we could force ourselves into better practices is to close the two state-run shelters,” said Powell.
Those better practices include foster home recruitment and better investigations at the scene when a child is removed from a home, primarily to determine if a kinship placement can be found before a traditional foster home is requested. Workers are collecting more information about potential placements at removal, including searches for family, friends and other adults the child knows and trusts. If a kinship placement is found, federal regulations allow DHS to use a shortened process to initially place a child. A background check and home walk-through are performed immediately to check for health or safety hazards. If a kinship placement is to become long-term, foster parents must go through the traditional foster parent training to receive monthly reimbursement from the state.
These policies haven’t been received well by some foster parents and community members.
Shelter usage has in fact increased over the past year. In May 2015, 13 foster children age 1 and under spent a total of 188 nights in a shelter. That number has fluctuated over the past year from 32 nights in a month to May’s all-year total, and is significantly higher than May 2014’s total of 44 shelter nights for the same age group. However, 99.3 percent of children age 1 and under did not have a shelter stay in May 2015, so the majority of foster children under age 1 are being kept out of shelters. Shelter nights from May 2014 to May 2015 increased among ages 2 to 5 and slightly increased for ages 13 and over.
The Pauline Meyer Shelter in Oklahoma City currently houses 10 children, and OKDHS is working to place them before the shelter closes in October. OKDHS is starting the same process for Tulsa, which will close by the end of the year. There are other shelters throughout the state, run by youth services and private contractors, that OKDHS will still have access to should they need to place a child temporarily. But the intent will remain that children need to be in a family environment to function properly and feel the love all children deserve to have.
Shropshire recalls a survey of teens in foster care, including a teenager at a shelter who had previously bounced from placement to placement.
“He said, ‘I just need to be in a normal family because I’ve never done that. Someday I want to be a dad and have a normal family,’” she said. “We need to surround these kids with people who won’t give up on them and will stick with them even when they don’t understand them.”
There is a shift occurring, albeit slowly, in the agency charged with serving and protecting our community’s most vulnerable residents. Tricia Howell, bridge deputy director for OKDHS Child Welfare Services, sees a leadership team that’s more open to problem solving and individualized care for each child and family. Powell notes a more supportive culture and a stronger workforce.
“For anyone who stays in this line of work, it’s way beyond a job to them,” said Howell. “Most of them are here because they feel called. They don’t put in just 40 hours a week. They may have plans on a Friday evening and something comes up, and there’s not any hesitation. You don’t have the option of telling a child or family ‘sorry, you need to wait.’”
Sampson finds great joy in helping teenagers develop permanent connections and discover their futures in school and employment. Osburn is still in contact with former foster children she’s helped, many now in college or having families of their own.
“So many of our teens just want somewhere to call home, a regular high school, to play sports and to go out with friends but because
there are not homes available they don’t always get this luxury that so many take for granted,” said Osburn.
At the end of the day, what’s needed are more foster families, and there are plenty of OKDHS workers like Osburn and Edstedt doing their part, professionally and personally, to ensure one more child has a place to call home.
“My work with DHS greatly influenced my family becoming a foster family because I saw the need for more homes every day as children need placement,” said Edstedt. “Children deserve a safe place to sleep at night and a place to have their needs met.”
[Editor’s Note: To learn more about becoming a foster parent and find volunteer opportunities to support foster
children, visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/foster.]
CURRENTLY,
THERE ARE NOT
ENOUGH APPROVED
FOSTER HOMES
IN OKLAHOMA. TO
MEET THE PINNACLE
PLAN’S TARGET
GOAL OF 904 NEW
TRADITIONAL FOSTER
HOMES IN 2015, 124
NEW HOMES ARE
STILL NEEDED.
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 21 OCTOBER 2015
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mom gets the last laugh
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 22 OCTOBER 2015
M y girls sandwich the holidays with their birthdays. My older daughter was born in November and my younger daughter was born in January. One might
bemoan the fact that we have approximately 10 straight weeks of celebration, but not me! I revel in the fact that we have approximately 10 straight weeks of a clean house.
As soon as the revelry that is Halloween slips into its sugar-induced coma, I become a woman on a mission. Just knowing that my in-laws, the neighbors, the BFFs and a merry assortment of other party-goers will be descending upon my home within two weeks is enough to light a fire under me and my buddy, Mr. Clean. Literally: Mr. Clean, the detergent. It’s not in any way, shape or form a nickname for my hubby … unless I was going for sheer irony.
I make lists and buy all the good cleaning supplies: that which is good for the environment and my family and that which promises instant
results if I’m willing to compromise the immune systems of my family. And, sometimes, I am.
I create a multi-paged spreadsheet, assigning each member of the family a job to do so I can avoid my least-favorite chores. Wait. That’s not totally what I do. I mean, sure, I am in charge. Therefore, I can give those cleaning assignments to someone else, right? (Just nod and mutter “Amen.” You know you want to.) Then, we get to work.
I threaten to donate the television to a needy family that still watches one of those with rabbit ears and tubes if the girls don’t do their part. I’m pretty sure they know I’m kidding because I really can’t give up “Criminal Minds.” But, for now, it’s a threat that gets my living room dusted.
I also threaten to give the cats away to a pack of wolves if the litter box area isn’t swept and mopped and sparkling. It’s a threat I’m willing to keep but the girls aren’t worried about. Those cats would have that pack whipped into shape the first night.
We pull the fridge out and mop behind it. We dust the light bulbs in the lamps in addition to the lamps themselves. And even though
ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY BALL, WWW.EMILYMGBALL.COM
Cleaning House
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 23 OCTOBER 2015
everyone insists on coming in through the garage, I make someone sweep and dust the front walkway. This is a task that usually falls to the baby sister because the big sister once found a spider on the walkway the day after Halloween. Sure it was a plastic spider, but “why risk it” is her motto.
Finally, with the house smelling like a chemically-supported pine forest, we are ready for the 10 weeks of birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and birthday. The other forty-two weeks of the year, we sit back and enjoy the fact that our house was once clean.
Then, last year, I got a bee in my bonnet. For real. A bee in the house. Actually, I believe it was a mutant wasp the size of a grapefruit that, I swear, spoke Spanish as it dive bombed my head. Then it flew into the corner cobweb and was never seen again. It was enough to have me not only don a haz-mat suit, but to also break out the ol’ Birthday Celebration Spread Sheet.exc. (Yes, that’s the official document’s name.)
I think because this happened at the end of the school year—that magical time between spring and summer when life is too busy
to see the dust accumulating in front of the television set and “Criminal Minds” is showing reruns—my family was a little bit too stunned at my appeal for a clean house to put up much resistance.
Oh, let’s be clear, they were sure ready to try and get out of the work, but they didn’t put up too much of a fight. In fact, the spider-phobic daughter actually swept the front stoop before she realized what she was doing. And when my younger daughter mopped the litter
box area, she kept right on mopping and did the whole laundry room. That wasn’t even on her tab of the spreadsheet to do, but I’ll take it.
Once the house was sparkling, and even though the wasp was still MIA, I was somewhat satisfied that the cats had disposed of the transmuted insect properly (this is why I won’t really give them to a pack of wolves). I marveled that the pine scent was still just as powerful in the spring as it was in the fall. I sat down to enjoy the clean house when my family approached. They had designated the younger child as their spokesperson.
“Momma?” she said with a sense of excitement in her voice, “When’s the party?”
“What party?”
“The party we had to clean the house for.”
We had the party that weekend … no particular reason, other than I really like a clean house.
Heather Davis is an Oklahoma momma, a writer and less-than-steller housekeeper. She’s the award-winning author of several humor books, all available on Amazon.com. Her website is www.Heather-Davis.net.
“Finally, with the house smelling like a chemically-supported pine forest, we are ready for the 10 weeks of birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and birthday.”
calendar
OUR CALENDAR MAKES IT EASY TO FIND FAMILY FUN IN OKC.FIND IT AT WWW.METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM/CALENDAR
events thisoctober
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 24 OCTOBER 2015
OUR WORLD: ROOTS OF CELTIC MUSIC—OCT. 4-29
Metro Library locations throughout the Oklahoma City area will come alive with the music of Ravens Three, an Oklahoma City-
based musical trio, during a concert series from Oct. 4 to 29. The community is invited to join in on the all-ages concerts to
experience the rich history of Ireland and the Celtic heritage through a lively, acoustical musical performance and dance at
every show. The concert series is a great way to introduce young children to culture and art. All the concerts are FREE and open to
the public. See website for specific locations and times. MORE INFORMATION: WWW.METROLIBRARY.ORG
Photo courtesy of Metro Library
MUSSELMAN’S APPLE SAUCE FAMILY SKATING TRIBUTE—OCT. 18
This month, several Olympics stars will skate into town, bringing their family members with them. Olympic gold medalists Scott
Hamilton, Ekaterina Gordeeva and Ilia Kulik, two-time Olympic medalist Irina Slutskaya and Olympic silver medalist Paul Wylie
and many others are on this special tour. Seven star-studded figure skaters, three ice dancing champions and their children perform on the ice to the music of platinum-selling recording
artist Kristian Bush, best known as one half of country duo Sugarland. He will perform a number of songs live during the
show. You can check out the action live at 2 p.m. at Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens). Tickets are $22 and up. If you aren’t able
to catch the live show, you certainly don’t have to miss out. Watch the nationally-televised broadcast at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22 or Sunday,
Dec. 6 on ABC.MORE INFORMATION: WWW.COXCONVENTIONCENTER.COM
(800) 745-3000
Photo courtesy of Musselman’s Apple Sauce Skating Tribute
calendar
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 25 OCTOBER 2015
10 GREAT HALLOWEEN EVENTS THIS MONTH OCT. 23-30Storybook Forest at Arcadia Lake Spring Creek Park (7200 E. 15th St., Edmond) is where fairytales come to life on a fun, not scary trail filled with roaming characters. Families can also enjoy a hayride, games and a campfire for roasting hot dogs & s’mores. Admission is $8/child on weekdays; $10/child on weekends. 5:30-8:30 p.m. 216-7471, www.edmondok.com
OCT. 22-24Boo On Bell in Downtown Shawnee (Main St. & Bell Ave., Shawnee) offers three days of Halloween Fun featuring live music, trick-or-treating, ghost tours, a zombie parade and carnival. See website for a detail schedule of events. Prices vary. 6-10 p.m. Thursday & Friday, 10-11 a.m. Saturday. 432-4131, www.seffshawnee.org
OCT. 24Garden Monster Bash at Pumpkinville in the Myriad Gardens Children’s Garden (301 W. Reno Ave.) features ghoulish garden games, eerie entertainment and spookalicious treats, all more friendly than frightening. Costumes encouraged. Preregister. Members and their kids, $7; adults, $5; non-members and their kids, $10; adults, $8. 6-8 p.m. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org
Spooksville at the Yukon Community Center (2200 S Holly Ave., Yukon) features a costume contest that even the dogs can participate in, carnival games, clowns, magicians and lots of candy. Kids, $3; adults, free. 2-6 p.m. 350-8937, www.cityofyukon.gov
OCT. 25FREE Magic Lantern Celebration in the Paseo Arts District (30th & Paseo) is a fun and unique twist on an old tradition, a night of light instead of fright. Children of all ages are invited to “come as they are” and transform themselves with the help of local artists. 3-7 p.m. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.com
OCT. 26-31Haunt the Zoo at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 N.E. 50th St.) features festive fun and trick-or-treating as costumed kids stroll through the zoo’s themed booths, festive props and carved jack-o-lanterns. Friendly mascot characters greet children as they enter. Kids, $7; adults without candy bag, $4. 6:30-8:30 p.m. nightly. 424-3344, www.okczoo.com
OCT. 30FREE 3rd Annual Fall Fest in Downtown Norman (Main St., Norman) features trick-or-treating, costume contests for adults, kids and pets, moon bounces and activities. 6-9 p.m. 366-8095, www.visitnorman.com
OCT. 31FREE Haunt Old Town in Moore (Broadway Ave., Moore) features family fun activities including trick-or-treating, face painting, inflatables, Extreme Animals, pumpkin decorating, games, music & candy. 4-7 p.m. 793-4332, www.cityofmoore.com
Oklahoma City Halloween Parade & Costume Party in Automobile Alley (N. Broadway & N.W. 13th to 4th St.) has a family-friendly feel this year. Kids of all ages are invited to participate in the parade featuring floats, marching bands, unique automobiles,
inflatables and walking groups. The post-parade street party will have a kids’ zone and
live music by SuperFreak. 7 p.m. www.okchalloweenparade.com
FREE Trick or Treat City at the Joe B. Barnes Regional Park (Reno Ave. & Douglas Blvd., Midwest City) has a Candy Village and a carnival featuring cake walk, games and inflatables. Children are encouraged to wear costumes. Candy Village, free; carnival tickets available for
purchase. 2-4:30 p.m., 739-1293, www.midwestcity.org
events thisoctober
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 26 OCTOBER 2015
OCTOBER 1 • THURSDAY6th Annual Scrabble Showdown at Castle Falls Event Center (820 N MacArthur Blvd) features a Scrabble tournament designed to raise awareness of the OKC Metro Literacy Coalition and the importance of literacy service in the community. Benefits the work done by literacy organizations around the metro area. Entry fee includes food and drinks. $25. 5-9pm. 830-2790 www.okcliteracycoalition.org
OCTOBER 1-4FREE Oklahoma Regatta Festival at the Boathouse District (725 S Lincoln Blvd) is a four-day festival celebrating rowing, kayaking, dragon boating with racing, fireworks, food, a beer & wine garden and children’s area. Thursday & Friday, 6-10pm; Saturday, 10am-10pm; Sunday, 7:30am-8pm. 552-4040, www.boathousedistrict.org
OCTOBER 2 • FRIDAYFREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts District (NW 30th & 27th Streets, Walker & Hudson Ave) features guest artists, art exhibits, refreshments, live music and food trucks on the first Friday of each month. 6-10pm. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.com
FREE Camp Fire’d Up Family Fun Night at Camp DaKaNi (3309 E Hefner Rd) features rock climbing, face painting, slingshots, inflatable obstacle course, pumpkin painting, s’more roast, hot dog cookout and outdoor movie. 6-9pm. 478-5646, www.campfirehok.org
FREE Hispanic Heritage Festival at the Purcell Library (919 N 9th Ave, Purcell) features Latin dance demonstrations, cultural foods, hands-on activities including crafts, loteria and door prizes. 6-9pm. 527-5546, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org/purcell
FREE EdFest at Edmond Farmer’s Market (25 W 3rd St, Edmond) features local beer and food, live music, kids’ activities and more benefitting Edmond Mobile Meals. Admission, free; Kidzone wristbands, $5. 6-10pm. 341-3411, www.edfestokc.com
Spider Sniffing Hike at Martin Park (5000 W Memorial Rd). The guided hunt will leave no stone unturned as participants search high and low to see what these wild web weavers have left behind. For ages 6 & up. Preregister. $5. 6:30-7:15pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active
Canterbury Choral Society presents Belshazzar’s Feast at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) features the vivid tale of the fall of Babylon. Join in on the feast as food trucks line Centennial Park before the show. $15-$55. Feast, 6pm; show, 8pm. 232-SING, www.canterburyokc.com
FREE Sensory Story Time at SOKC Library (2201 SW 134th St) is a special story time designed for children ages 2-6 who may have trouble with big crowds, are on the autism spectrum, or are prone to sensory overload. Participants and their caregivers sing songs, read stories and play with bubbles. Preregister. 10am & 2pm. Also held: 11/6. 979-2200, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org/sokc
OCTOBER 2 & 3The Oklahoma Harvest Quilt Show at the Logan County Fairgrounds (1201 S Division St, Guthrie) features 150+ quilts, a vendor mall, door prizes, demonstrations, a raffle and a country store. Special exhibits include a Quilts of Valor display and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Centennial Celebration Quilt. Adults, $5; kids (12 & under), free. 10am-5pm. 282-7634.
Fall Festivities Fireworks at Orr Family Farm (14400 S Western Ave). Enjoy a fireworks show every Friday and Saturday in October. Farm attractions close at 8:45pm. Fireworks begin at 9pm. Free with admission. Also held: Oct 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 23 & 24 and 30 & 31. 799-3276, www.orrfamilyfarm.com
OCTOBER 2-4FREE Sweet Repeats Kids Consignment Sale at the Edmond Armory (600 S Bryant, Edmond) features upscale children’s, maternity & junior clothes, along with toys, shoes, books, bedding & baby gear. Friday, 9am-6pm; Saturday, 9am-3pm; Sunday, noon-3pm. www.sweetrepeatskidsconsignment.com
A Day Out with Thomas at the Oklahoma Railway Museum (3400 NE Grand Blvd) offers little engineers and their families the opportunity to take a 25-minute ride with a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends™ series. Advance purchase recommended. Trains run from 8am-6pm. Friday, $16; Saturday & Sunday, $18; children (2 & under), free. 424-8222, www.oklahomarailwaymuseum.org
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 27 OCTOBER 2015
THROUGH OCTOBER 3FREE Chickasaw Nation Annual Meeting and Festival at various location across Chickasaw County (Tishomingo, Ada, Emet, Kullihoma and Sulphur) features the 55th Annual Meeting, cultural events, 5K and one-mile fun run, Jr. Olympics, Cornstalk Shoot, Princess Pageant, parade, movies, storytelling, stickball, traditional dance demonstrations, parent & child fishing tournament and kids activities. 8am-8pm. 580-371-2040, annualmeeting.chickasaw.net
Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival at the Cottonwood Flats Recreation Area ( 212 W Oklahoma Ave, Guthrie) features international and national bluegrass bands, children’s activities and workshops. Food vendors and concessions will be available, as well as quality acoustic instrument dealers. RV & tent camping available. $15 & up; age 12 & under free with adult. 10am-10pm. 282-4446, www.oibf.com
OCTOBER 3 • SATURDAYFREE Oklahoma Czech Festival at Yukon Czech Hall (205 Czech Hall Rd, Yukon) celebrates Czech culture with a full day of family entertainment featuring a parade, live polka music, dancing, carnival rides, petting zoo, craft show, food and Coronation Ball. Free to attend. 8am. 206-8142, www.czechfestivaloklahoma.com
FREE Pete the Cat Party at the Southern Oaks Library (6900 S Walker Ave). Celebrate all things Pete the Cat with stories, games and crafts. Preregister. 10:30-11:30am. 631-4468, www.metrolibrary.org
Halloween Costume Drop & Swap at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 NE 50th). Drop off your new or gently used child-sized Halloween costumes to the Zoo’s Guest Relations office on Sept. 28 through Oct. 2, and receive a ticket to come back and shop on Oct. 3. One ticket for the Swap will be given for each costume donated. No zoo admission required. 9am-5pm. 425-0262, www.okczoo.com
Saturday for Kids at National Cowboy & National Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) features educational activities and crafts in honor of the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos. Create beautiful papel picado and sugar skulls. Preregister. Free with general admission. 10am-noon. 478-2250, ext. 264, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org
Fieastas de las Americas in the Historic Capitol Hill Business District (SW 25th St) is a celebration of Oklahoma’s rich multicultural heritage with a family fun run & walk, colorful parade, food, games and music. Registration required for run and walk. Most activities are free. 9am-9pm. 632-0133, www.historiccapitolhill.com
FREE Market in the Park at Harrah Heritage Park (1374 N Church, Harrah) features a craft
show, Pig in the Park BBQ cook-off, bluegrass festival, pumpkin patch, kids’ area and a 5K color run. Free to attend; participation prices vary. 9am-6pm. 454-2951, [email protected]
FREE Storybook Hour at Cuppies & Joe (727 NW 23rd St). Children listen to a story while parents enjoy coffee and conversation. 10-11am. Also held: 10/17. 582-2122, www.cuppiesandjoe.com
FREE Nature Scavenger Hunt at Martin Park & Will Rogers Gardens (5000 W Memorial Rd & 3400 NW 36th St) celebrates “Take a Child Outside” week with a search for natural treasures. 10am-2pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/parks
FREE Stockyards Stampede in Stockyards City (1305 S Agnew) features a full day of fun Western activities and entertainment including old fashion food, antique car show, square dancing, live music and a Kid Zone full of entertainment for little cowboys & cowgirls. 10am-5:30pm. 235-7267, stockyardscity.publishpath.com
FREE Scat Chat at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Learn about food sources, how manure can be recycled and even what fossilized droppings teach us about the past. Preregister. 3-4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/parks
Scream “Back 2 School” Fest at Chesapeake Energy Arena (100 W Reno Ave) features Rich Homie Quan, K. Camp, Jacquees, Diggy, DJ Double J and more hip hop superstars. $26.50-$86.50. 7pm. 800-745-3000, www.chesapeakearena.com
Oklahoma State University vs Kansas State University at Boone Pickens Stadium (700 W Hall of Fame Ave, Stillwater). Prices vary. 3pm. Also held: 10/24 vs Kansas University. www.okstate.com
University of Oklahoma vs West Virginia University at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium (180 E Brooks, Norman). Prices vary. 11am. Also held: 10/24 vs Texas Tech. 325-2424, www.soonersports.com
OCTOBER 3 & 4FREE Edmond Just Between Friends Children’s & Maternity Consignment Sale at Edmond Downtown Community Center (28 E Main St, Edmond) features gently-used children’s & maternity items at huge savings. Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-3pm. edmond.jbfsale.com
OCTOBER 3-11Pumpkin Drive at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 NE 50th St) features free admission when you bring a pumpkin larger than your head. The donated pumpkins will be used to decorate the Haunt the Zoo trail. 424-3344, www.okczoo.com
events thisoctober
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 28 OCTOBER 2015
OCTOBER 4 • SUNDAYFREE Rebuilding Together Construction Derby in downtown OKC (NW 5th St between Walker & Shartel) features hand-constructed soapbox derby car races, Big Wheel racing, food trucks and a car show. Benefits Rebuilding Together. 11:30am-4pm. Race heats start at 2pm. 607-0464, www.rebuildingtogetherokc.org
FREE Open House at Christ the King Catholic School (1905 Elmhurst) for prospective students & their parents. 1:30-3:30pm. 843-3909, www.ckschool.com
Beginning Archery at Martin Park (5000 W Memorial Rd) features instruction on proper form, safety, equipment technique and mental preparation. Best suited for ages 8 and older. Equipment supplied during class time. Preregister. Also held: 10/18. $5. 3-4:30pm. 297-1429.
Pistol Pete’s Birthday Celebration at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 NE 52nd St) includes fun activities and a slice of cake with Pete while supplies last. Admission to the zoo is free when you bring a pumpkin larger than your head. 2pm. 424-3344, www.okczoo.com
OCTOBER 5 • MONDAY
Scout Day at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard St, Edmond) features a variety of activities to help scouts work towards badges in collecting, history and budgeting. Preregister. $5. 4-8pm. 340-0078, www.edmondhistory.org
FREE Paranormal Oklahoma History at the Moore Library (225 S Howard Ave, Moore). Author Jeff Provine shares ghost tales & paranormal history from central Oklahoma. Q&A to follow presentation. Preregister. 7-8pm. 739-4349, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org
FREE First Mondays for Kids at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) offers complimentary admission for kids 17 & under. General admission does apply to guests 18 and older. Adults, $8; seniors (65+), $6; kids (17 & under), free. 10am-5pm. 325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu
OCTOBER 6 • TUESDAYHalloween Candy Bowl Pottery Class at the MAC at Mitch Park (2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond). Paint a Frankenstein, monster or large candy bowl for Halloween. For ages 2 & up. $20. 5:30-7pm. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com
OCTOBER 6 & 7FREE Monthly Mini Model Build at the Lego Store in Penn Square Mall (1901 NW Expressway). Build a LEGO Angler Fish to take home. Model must be completed in store. Quantities are limited. For ages 6-14. Registration required; limited quantities available. 5pm. 840-9993, shop.LEGO.com/Minibuild-Registration
OCTOBER 7 • WEDNESDAYNature Smart Starts at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd) features nature stories, games and activities planned especially for elementary-age children. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for mess! $2. 1-3pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active
OCTOBER 8 • THURSDAYFREE The Mix: Free Outdoor Concert Series at DC on Film Row (609 W Sheridan Ave) features the best Oklahoma City bands. Food trucks begin serving at 6pm; music begins at 7pm. 607-8600, www.facebook.com/themixokc
OCTOBER 8-31Reduxion Theatre presents OKC Dead at the Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) is part haunted house, part immersion theater and part zombie hunt in a choose-your-own-adventure style play that pushes the boundaries of live theater as audience members become the most important players. Event includes zombie tagging, nerf guns and walking up and down stairs. Safety goggles are provided. Shows are approximately 45 minutes in length Thursdays-Saturdays. $18-$28. Best suited for ages 14 & up. See website for show times. www.okcciviccenter.com
OCTOBER 9 • FRIDAYFREE 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk in the Norman Arts District (downtown Norman) is a monthly celebration of the arts in Norman. 6-9pm. www.2ndfridaynorman.com
FREE LIVE on the Plaza in the Plaza District (1700 block of NW 16th) features artists, live music, special events and local shopping on the second Friday each month, rain or shine. 7-11pm. www.plazadistrict.org/live
FREE Movie Night in the Park at Kickingbird Golf Club (1600 E Danforth, Edmond) presents Strange Magic. $1 concessions available for purchase. Movie begins at dark. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com
The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo. For accommodations on the basis of disability, please call (405) 325-4712.
Sponsored by
A free, family-friendly event with games, activities and fun.
Costumes are encouraged, but not scary ones!
— Thursday, October 29 —4 to 7 p.m.
2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman, OK 73072(405) 325-4712 | samnoblemuseum.ou.edu
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 29 OCTOBER 2015
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Fenerbahçe Men’s Basketball Team at Chesapeake Energy Arena (100 W Reno). Prices vary. 7pm. Also held: 10/18 vs Denver Nuggets; 10/28 vs San Antonio; 11/1 vs Denver Nuggets. www.nba.com/thunder
OCTOBER 9 & 10Edmond Historic Ghost Tours in downtown Edmond (various locations). Learn about the history of Edmond and take a tour of the Downtown area where many founding fathers of the city lived and worked. Tour guides dressed in late 1800s and early 1900s period costumes will play the parts of deceased historical figures to bring them back to life. $7. 6-8pm. Also held: 10/23 & 24.
OCTOBER 9-11Andy Alligator’s Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch (3300 Market Place Dr, Norman) features a pick-your-own-pumpkin patch, hay bale maze, pumpkin moon bounce, corn crib, pedal tractors and s’mores station. Admission is $9.95 and includes one pumpkin or get in free with the purchase of an Unlimited Fun Pass. Also held: 10/16-18, 23-25 and 30-31. 405-321-7275.
OCTOBER 10 • SATURDAYFREE Health Fair at Western Oaks Christian Church (8100 NW 23rd St) features several health agencies, health screenings, blood drive and free flu shots to first 100 attendees. 10am-2pm. 789-8812, www.woccdoc.org
FREE Make + Take at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd). Craft a dreamcatcher art project with Native American artists. Projects are designed to be accessible and fun for visitors of all ages and all levels of art-making experience. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 1-4pm. 951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org
FREE 10th Anniversary Celebration at Cinnamon Bears (102 S Broadway, Edmond) features story time with Elsa & Anna, presentations by local experts, activities for kids, door prizes, swag bags and refreshments. 10am-5:30pm. 330-2327
Truly Tasty Pumpkins at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno). Discover some of the delicious things you can make with pumpkins and pumpkin seeds from classic pumpkin pie to pumpkin pancakes. Each child will get his or her own spiced pumpkin seeds to bake. For ages 4-10. $2 suggested donation. 11am-noon. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org
Painting in the Gardens Series with Wine & Palette at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno). Participants will be given instruction and shown the steps to create a unique and personal work of art. All ages welcome; walk-ups welcome if not sold out. Members, $10; non-members, $20. 11am-2pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org
events thisoctober
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 30 OCTOBER 2015
You are invited to attend our
Open House EventsOct. 29th-PreK
and KindergartenNov. 5th-6th thru
12th GradeDec. 10th-All Grades
9AM-11AM Meet in the Upper Elementary Lobby
Educating the whole person to glorify God
Spiritual Formation Academic ExcellenceGodly Relationships
4680 E. 2nd St., Edmond, OK 73034
405-341-2265ocssaints.org
FREE Star Wars Reads Day at Choctaw Library (2525 Muzzy St, Choctaw) and Midwest City Library (8143 E Reno Ave, Midwest City). Dress up as your favorite character, play games, have refreshments, win a book or check some out. 1-3pm at Choctaw Library and 2-4pm at Midwest City Library. www.metrolibrary.org
FREE Doctor Who Companion Club at the Moore Library (225 S Howard, Moore). Every second Saturday, Doctor Who fans can explore historical events and geek out over favorite characters and episodes. Costume encouraged. For kids in grades 6-12. Registration required. 2-3:30pm. 793-4349, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org
FREE Sciences of the Planet of the Apes at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Learn what is true and false about primate studies in these popular movies. Preregister. Ages 8+. 3-3:45pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active
Mummy & Son Dance at the Mitch Park MAC (2733 Marilyn Williams Dr) features night of dancing, ghouls, fun and food. $20 per couple, $5 each additional boy. Ages 4-7, 6-7:30pm; Ages 8-12, 8-9:30pm. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com
Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society Concert at the Oklahoma Country-Western Museum & Hall of Fame (3925 SE 29th St, Del City) features three professional bluegrass bands in concert, each playing 45-minute sets. Adults, $8; members, $5; kids (12 & under), free. 6:30-9:15pm. 677-7515, www.gobms.org
FREE Gracias Christmas Cantata at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) features three shows in one. See the Nativity story told as an epic opera, experience a heartwarming musical based on The Gift of the Magi, and enjoy the glory of Handel’s Oratorio Messiah. 7-9pm. 464-5617, www.christmascantata.us
OCTOBER 10 & 11Repticon Oklahoma City Reptile & Exotic Animal Expo at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features vendors offering reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages and related merchandise as well as live animal seminars and raffles. Adults, $10; kids (5-12), $5; kids (under 5), free. Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday: 10am-4pm. 863-268-4273, www.repticon.com
OCTOBER 12 • MONDAYFREE Home School Day at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr) features a hands-on adventure into Oklahoma’s past with gallery guides, a scavenger hunt, demonstrations and a variety of historical interpreters. No registration required. 10am-2pm. 522-0765, www.okhistory.org
OCTOBER 13 • TUESDAYStory Time Science at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52nd St) features a themed story time on the second Tuesday of each month. Free with admission. 10-10:30am. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org
OCTOBER 15 • THURSDAYThird Thursday at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum (1400 Classen Dr) features a story and craft time and discounted admission. Adults, $3; kids (under 5) free. 10am. 235-4458, www.oklahomaheritage.com
OCTOBER 15 & 16FREE Fall Break Movies at Moore Library (225 S Howard, Moore). Bring blankets, pillows and snacks to make your movie-viewing experience more comfortable. Movies to be determined. 10am-noon. 793-4347, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org
OCTOBER 16 • FRIDAYFREE 3rd Friday Block pARTy in Downtown Shawnee (Main St, Shawnee). Roam between quaint shops and stores to find unique art pieces, listen to live music and enjoy local food at this monthly event celebrating the most unique pieces of life in Shawnee. 5-8pm. 432-4131, www.seffshawnee.org
FREE Premiere on Film Row in the Film Row District (W Sheridan Ave between Dewey & Shartel) features film screenings, live music, art exhibitions and gourmet food trucks. The monthly event highlights family-friendly businesses and attractions on Oklahoma City’s famous Film Row. 7-10pm. 235-3500, www.filmrowpremiere.com
FREE Movie at the Coop at Jackie Cooper Gym (1024 E Main, Yukon) features a screen of the 1984 classic Ghostbusters on the lawn behind the gym. In case of inclement weather, movie will be shown inside gym. 7:30-9pm. 350-8967, www.cityofyukonok.com
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 31 OCTOBER 2015
PLEASE VISIT ORRFAMILYFARM.COM
FOR MORE INFORMATION!
Fun hay rides, our unique corn maze, pumpkin patch, the Farm Fun Yard, taste homemade kettle corn and fudge and make sure you check out our decoratvie pumpkins to purchase.
(405) 799-FARM (3276)14400 S. Western
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73170
COME ENJOY...
DON’T MISS OUR NEW EVENING FIREWORKS SHOWS, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS IN OCTOBER!
JOIN US FOR THE 2015 FALL SEASON
Weather permitting.
FREE ADA Expo Walk at Oklahoma Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped (300 NW 18th St) features a one-mile commemorative walk and vendor expo in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 9:30am-3pm. 800-845-8476, www.okdrs.org
FREE Bump in the Night Magic Show at Del City Library (4509 SE 15th St, Del City). Magician Michael Corley presents a magic and storytelling show complete with special effects and spooky props. Also held: 10/21 at Midwest City Library 6-7pm. 2-3pm. 672-1377, www.metrolibrary.org
OCTOBER 17 • SATURDAYFREE OU Westheimer Airport Open House & Family Festival at OU Westheimer Airport (1700 Lexington, Norman) features aircraft static displays, tours of the control tower and a children’s activities area sponsored by Sooner Flight Academy. It takes about two hours to enjoy all the activities so arrive early. 9am-4pm. 325-7231, www.ou.edu/content/airport/events/festival.html
Parents Day Out at Grace United Methodist Church (6316 N Tulsa Ave). The Single Parent Support Network offers parents a break on the third Saturday of each month. Children receive breakfast, lunch, snack and activities. Space is limited. Preregister. Members, $10/child, $20/family; non-members, $10/ child, $30/family. 10am-3pm. 917-1817, www.supportforsingleparents.org
FREE Pop Up Shops in the Park at Mineral Wells Park (901 S Division, Guthrie) features shopping, food, inflatables, face painting and live music to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. 10am-5pm. 999-6049
FREE Creatures of the Night at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) features a guided discussion about Oklahoma’s nocturnal creatures & why, for some animals, life is much better when nature’s lights turn off. For ages 6 and up. 3-4 p.m. Preregister. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/parks
ZeroK OKC at Crystal Lake (6625 SW 15th St) run-free ZeroK, an optional 5K, music festival, food trucks, pop-up shops and the OKC Energy FC Kids Zone benefiting City Care. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome, but coolers, outside food and drink are not allowed. $25 in advance; $35 at gate; kids (12 & under), free with registered adult. 5-9pm. www.zerokokc.com
FREE Heard on Hurd in Downtown Edmond (Broadway between Main & Hurd) is a pop-up celebration of all things local featuring local musicians, food trucks and businesses. 6-10pm. 715-5121, www.facebook.com/heardonhurd
Tall Tales, Magic & Majesty at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker). Features violinist
Augustin Hadelich. $19 & up. 8pm. 842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.org
Life in Color Big Bang Tour at Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens). Learn about the origins of paint through the Paint Factory and through a journey of how color was created in a colorful stage production. Must be at least 16 years old with valid ID to attend. $38 & up. 8pm. www.lifeincolor.com
FREE Apple Pie Time at Edmond Library (10 S Boulevard, Edmond). Enjoy a story and pie-making session. Ingredients provided. Preregister. 10-11am. Also held: 11/7 at Village Library 10am-noon. 341-9282, www.metrolibrary.org
Halloween Twig Art Class at Will Rogers Gardens (3400 NW 36th St). Discover your creative side using natural branches, fruits and dried flower spikes to make personal works of art. Preregister. Ages 7-12. $5. 297-1329, www.okc.gov/active
Blackland Prairie Raptors at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Get an up-close look at common raptors with the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center from Lucas, Texas and learn about these fascinating birds from the people who care for them. Ages 6+. $4. 1pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active
FREE Amazing Rubber Band Cars at Bethany Library (3510 N Mueller Ave, Bethany). Create your own car to take home based on plans in Amazing Rubber Band Cars. Kids will learn not only how to make speedy racers but also the science that makes them work. Best suited for ages 5-12. 2-3pm. Preregister. 789-8363, www.metrolibrary.org
FREE Hocus Pocus at the Norman West Library (300 Norman Center Ct, Norman) features a craft and movie time. Bring pillow, blankets and snacks. 4-6pm. 701-2644, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org
Sick & Tired 3: Stand-up Comedy by Parents for Parents at Bistro 46 (2501 NE 23rd St). Five of OKC’s best comedians are taking a break from their families to make you laugh. No diaper bags. No permission slips. Just laughs! This is an over 21, non-smoking show. $14/person or $25/couple in advance; $18 at door. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. www.ticketstorm.com
FREE Mid-America Street Fest at Charles J Johnson Central Park (100 N Midwest Blvd) features live entertainment, carnival rides, a mobile petting zoo and plenty of family-friendly fun. 11am-6pm. 405-739, www.midwestcity.org
Fall Festival at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial Dr, Sulphur) features cultural and language demonstrations, traditional games, storytelling, food arbors and stomp dance demonstrations. Free to attend, exhibit center admission applies. 10am-5pm. 580-622-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com
events thisoctober
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 32 OCTOBER 2015
OCTOBER 18 • SUNDAYOKC Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes at Wiley Post Park (2021 S Robinson Ave). Gather your friends, family and co-workers and walk to stop diabetes. Participation price varies. 1:30-4:30pm. 840-3881, www.diabetes.org/stepoutokc
Musselman’s Apple Sauce Family Skating Tribute at Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens) is a family-themed figure skating show. The skaters will each perform numbers with their children and/or spouses to the hit songs of guest artist Kristian Bush of Sugarland. $22 & up. 2pm. 800-745-3000, www.coxconventioncenter.com
FREE Open Streets OKC in Historic Capitol Hill (S Robinson between SW 23rd & 29th St). A portion of S Robinson will close to motorized traffic to encourage active transportation such as biking or walking. Accenting the fun will be a local food trucks and wellness ideas and activities. Noon-4pm. www.openstreetsokc.com
FREE History of Belly Dance at Moore Library (225 S Howard, Moore) features a presentation on the history of belly dance and its cultural origins. A six-week belly dancing class will begin the following week. 2-3pm. 793-4349, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org
OCTOBER 20 • TUESDAYGhost Footprint Shirt Craft Class at the MAC at Mitch Park (2733 Marilyn Williams Dr., Edmond). Create a BOOtiful shirt by turning your little one’s footprint into a ghost. T-shirt provided. For ages 2-5. $11. 10-11am. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com
Tiny Tuesdays at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features a come & go, open-ended Owl Babies art making project. Dress for a mess. For ages 2-5 with caregiver. Free with admission. 10am-noon. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com
OCTOBER 21 • WEDNESDAYMonster Eyeball Sculpture Class at the MAC at Mitch Park (2733 Marilyn Williams Dr., Edmond). Create a silly Halloween decoration out of foam balls, googley eyes, paint & glue. For ages 6-12. 4:30pm. $10. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com
FREE Touch, Learn, Create–Pumpkins & Popcorn at the SOKC Library (2201 SW 134th St). Kids 2-6 can explore and play at numerous sensory activity stations. Preregister. 10-11:30am. 979-2200, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org
OCTOBER 22 • THURSDAYFREE Mad Science Experiments at the SOKC Library (2201 SW 134th St) features a night of spooky science including fizzing spiders and erupting pumpkins. For kids in pre-k to 3rd grade. Preregister. 4:30pm. 979-2200, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org/sokc
An Evening with Joshua Bell at the Armstrong Auditorium (14400-BS Bryant Rd, Edmond) features one of the most celebrated violinists of his era. $45, $67, $85 & $97. 7:30pm. 285-1010, www.armstrongauditorium.org
Family-Friendly Trick-or-Treating at Harn Homestead (1721 N Lincoln Blvd) features family-friendly fall fun in a farm setting. $5 in advance or $7 at the gate. 6-8:30pm. 405-235-4058, www.harnhomesated.com
OCTOBER 22-24Boo on Bell in downtown Shawnee offers three days of Halloween fun. Activities include live music, trick-or-treating, ghost tours, a zombie parade, boo bingo, old-fashioned carnival with rides and games, hot dog & pumpkin pie eating contest, hay ride and pet costume contest. Trick-or-treating is Saturday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday & Friday, 6-10pm; Saturday, 10am-11pm. Admission varies. 432-4131, www.seffshawnee.org
OCTOBER 22-25Oklahoma! at Rose State College Hudiburg Chevrolet Center (6420 SE 15th St, Midwest City) features the classic love story of Curly & Laurey. $20 $ $25. Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm. 297-2264, www.rose.edu
OCTOBER 23 • FRIDAYAlvin & the Chipmunks Live on Stage at Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens) is a brand new interactive live show featuring music, special effects and audience participation. Everyone 1 year old and older must have a ticket. $22-$57. 2 & 7pm. 800-745-3000. www.alvinlive.com
FREE Life-Sized Candy Land at SOKC Library (2201 SW 134th St). Travel through the Gumdrop Mountains all the way to the Peppermint Forest. This is a come and go event for all ages. No registration required. 5-6:30pm. 979-2200, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 33 OCTOBER 2015
2015-2016 SERIES I CIVIC CENTER MUSIC HALL
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
FREE GLOWGA at Lion’s Park (100 Blk Main St, Blanchard) features glow-in-the-dark yoga in the park, face painting and sweet treats as well as photographers to capture all the fun. Bring your mat, towel or blanket and wear white, neon or glow-in-the-dark attire. 7:30-9:30pm. www.facebook.com/groups/YogaInTheParkBlanchard
OCTOBER 23 & 24Science Overnight of Not-So-Frightening Fun at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52nd St) features live science demonstrations, hands-on activities, planetarium show and a camp out among the exhibits, all with a Halloween twist. Costumes encouraged. Preregister. Non-members, $45; members, $35; adults, $25. 7pm. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumoklahoma.org
OCTOBER 23-25An Affair of the Heart at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) is among the largest arts and crafts shows in the nation occupying more than five buildings and offering a variety of crafts, antiques, collectibles, furniture, decorative items, jewelry and clothing. $7 per person per show. Ticket good for all three days. Friday & Saturday, 9am to 6pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. 632-2652, www.aaoth.com
OCTOBER 23-30Storybook Forest at Spring Creek Park at Arcadia Lake (7200 E 15th St, Edmond) is a not-so-scary walk through a trick-or-treat path featuring storybook characters and scenes, as well as hayrides, games and a campfire for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. See website for details. Weekdays, $8 per child; weekends, $10. 5:30 to 8:30pm. 216-7471, www.edmondok.gov
OCTOBER 24 • SATURDAYFREE OKC Hotwheels Association Show at The Crown Center (13300 S Western) features 40-plus tables of collectables for sale or trade as well as raffles and pizza. 9am-3pm. www.greaterokchotwheels.com
Spooksville at the Yukon Community Center (2200 S Holly Ave, Yukon) features a kids Halloween carnival with a dog costume contest, kids’ costume contest, games, clowns, magicians and lots of candy. Kids, $3; adults, free. 2-6pm. 350-8937, www.cityofyukonok.com
FREE Creature Myth & Tales at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Discover the truth behind these popular myths and sort the creature from the tale. Preregister. Ages 6+. 3-4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active
FREE Downtown Edmond Fall Festival at Festival Marketplace (30 W 1st St, Edmond) features seasonal fun with activities and games both kids and adults can enjoy as well as screen painting, a photo booth and large vehicles to explore. Benefits Project 66. 3:30-5:30pm. 249-9391, www.downtownedmondok.com
FREE Children’s Fall Festival at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church (3901 S Sunnylane Rd, Del City) features games, a cake walk and lots of candy. Concessions available. $1. 6-8pm. 802-5747
FREE Trunk or Treat in the Park at Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd, Edmond) features decorated vehicles and candy for kids in a safe environment. Costumes expected. 7-8:30pm. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com
FREE Pumpkins in the Park at the Noble Library (204 N 5th St, Noble). Paint pumpkins in preparation of Red Ribbon Week and Halloween. A variety of activities, in addition to pumpkin painting, will be available. 9am-noon. 872-5713, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org
Fairy Gardening Workshop at Will Rogers Gardens (3400 NW 36th St). Discover the world in miniature while planting your very own Faerie Garden. Parent or guardian must accompany children 10 and under. Preregister. $25 per garden. Noon-2pm. 297-1392, www.okc.gov/active
FREE Day of the Dead Celebration at Bethany Library (3510 N Mueller Ave, Bethany). Decorate sugar skulls and watch a special animated film from producer Guillermo del Toro offering a simple and fun introduction to Mexican cultural and spiritual beliefs. Movie rating is PG. Popcorn and all supplies for the sugar skull craft will be provided. For ages 12-18. Preregister. 1-4pm. 789-8363, www.metrolibrary.org
Why Do Leaves Change Colors? at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno). Explore why leaves change when the temperatures drop and what makes them green in the first place. Finish with a hands-on painting craft that captures the natural magic of color-changing leaves. $2 suggested donation. 1-2pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org
Halloween Glow Swim at Foster Indoor Pool (614 NE 4th St) features a Halloween party with a glow in the dark swim (with glow sticks) music, games and lots of spooky fun. For ages 13-17. Preregister. $10. 297-1424.
6th Annual Ghost Runners 5K Dog Run at Lake Hefner Stars & Stripes Park (3701 S Lake Hefner Dr) features a pet friendly 5K benefiting Heartland Weimaraner Rescue. $35. 1-4pm. www.ghostrunners5k.com
Not-Too-Spooky Halloween Party at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise, Edmond) is packed with seasonal fun. Enjoy regular Unpluggits activities plus face painting, Halloween games, prizes and crafts. Wear your costume and be entered to win free play passes. $7. 5:30-8pm. 34-7584, www.unpluggits.com
Garden Monster Bash at Pumpkinville in the Myriad Gardens’ Children’s Garden features garden games, entertainment and treats, all more friendly than frightening. Costumes encouraged. Preregister. Members, kids, $7; adults, $5; non-members, kids, $10; adults, $8. 6-8pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org
events thisoctober
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 34 OCTOBER 2015
OCTOBER 25 • SUNDAYFREE Uptown 23rd Farmers’ Market in Uptown Oklahoma City (Walker Ave between 23rd & 24th St) features vendors and artisans selling goods along with activities, live music, workshops and other fun activities. 11am-4pm. uptown23rd.com/farmers-market/
Girl Scout Fest 2015 at Kirkpatrick Family Farm (1001 S Garth Brooks Blvd, Yukon) is an annual outdoor extravaganza to celebrate all things Girl Scouts. Activities include contests and relay races. Members, $5; non-members, $10. 1-4pm. www.gswestok.org
FREE Magic Lantern Celebration in the Paseo Arts District (30th & Paseo) is a fun and unique twist to an old tradition, a night of light instead of fright. Children of all ages are invited to “come as they are” and transform themselves with the help of local artists. 3-7pm. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.com
FREE Trunk-or-Treat at New Covenant United Methodist Church (2700 S Boulevard, Edmond) is a family-friendly event with inflatables, candy, games, door prizes & free food. 6-8pm. 562-3200, www.newcov.tv
OCTOBER 26 • MONDAYYukon’s Mummy & Son Masquerade at the Jackie Cooper Gym (1024 E Main, Yukon) features carnival games, a costume contest, hot dogs, spooky music and lots of candy for boys ages 4-12 & their “mummies.” Ticket include both mom & son. $3 in advance; $4 the day of the event. 6-8pm. 350-8920, www.cityofyukonok.gov
FREE Spooky Halloween Luminaries Craft at Moore Library (225 S Howard Ave, Moore). Create spooky Halloween luminaries from glass jars. Costumes are encouraged. All supplies included. Registration required. For grades 6-12. 6:30-7:30pm. 793-4349, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org
OCTOBER 26-31Haunt the Zoo at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 NE 50th St) features trick-or-treating as costumed kids stroll through the zoo’s themed booths, festive props and carved jack-o-lanterns. Friendly mascot characters greet children as they enter. Kids, $7; adults without candy bag, $4. 6:30-8:30pm nightly. 424-3344, www.okczoo.com
OCTOBER 27 • TUESDAYSilly Painted Pumpkin Faces Craft Class at the MAC at Mitch Park (2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond). Paint a pumpkin to take home and add to your Halloween decor. For ages 2-5. $12. 10-11am. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com
FREE Spooky Origami Workshop at the SOKC Library (2201 SW 134th St). Learn basic origami folds while creating ghosts, jack-o-lanterns and more creepy crafts. For ages 7-12. Preregister. 4:30pm. 979-2200, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org/sokc
Painted Pumpkins Craft Class at the MAC at Mitch Park (2733 Marilyn Williams Dr., Edmond). Paint a pumpkin to take home to add to your Halloween decor. For ages 6-12. $12. 4:30-5:30pm. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com
FREE Brick-or-Treat in Bricktown (various locations) features trick-or-treating at 30 businesses and a free showing of Hocus Pocus in the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Trick-or-treating, 4-7pm. Movie, 7:30pm. 236-8666, www.downtownokc.com
OCTOBER 27-31HallowMarine at the Oklahoma Aquarium (300 Aquarium, Jenks) features an indoor trick-or-treat trail, games, inflatables, PeeWee Pirate Zone, treasure hunt and mermaid and pirate dive shows plus all the exhibits are open. Children (3-12), $7; adults, $10; kids (2 & under), free. 6:30-9pm nightly. 918-296-3474, www.okaquarium.org
OCT 28 • WEDNESDAYFall Festival of Treats at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (222 NW 15th in OKC and 28 E Main St in Edmond) features family-friendly trick-or-treating, bounce houses, games and food. Please no scary costumes. 232-1371, www.stlukesokc.org
OCTOBER 29 • THURSDAYFREE Open House at Oklahoma Christian School (4680 E 2nd St, Edmond) for prospective families of students entering pre-k & kindergarten. Tour campus & meet leadership. 9-11am. 341-2265, www.ocssaints.org
FREE Halloween Spooktacular at SOKC Library (2201 SW 134th St) features face painting, creepy crafts, games and prizes for best costume. All ages welcome; no registration required. 4:30-5:30pm. 979-2200, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org
events thisoctober
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 36 OCTOBER 2015
FREE Dress Up Party at Warr Acres Library (5901 NW 63rd St) features a pumpkin party with Miss Alma and her puppets Sneaky, Squeaky and Honey Bear. Costumes encouraged. Best suited for ages 3-5. Preregister. 6:30pm. 721-2616, www.metrolibrary.org
FREE Trick-or-Treat City Special Needs at the Nick Harroz Community Center (200 N Midwest Blvd, Midwest City) features a candy village and carnival with games and inflatables. Tickets available for purchase for some activities. 1-2:30pm. 739-1293, www.midwestcityok.org
FREE Halloween Flashlight Candy Scramble at the Irving Recreation Center (125 Vicksburg, Norman) features a Halloween themed funhouse including a candy hunt, haunted house and costume contest. For ages 5-11. Bring your own flashlight. Costumes encouraged. 7pm. 292-9774, www.normanfun.com
FREE Spike’s Spooktacular Fall Fest at Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) is a family-friendly event with games and fall activities. Non-scary costumes encouraged. 4-7pm. 325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum.ou.edu
OCTOBER 30 • FRIDAYFREE Annual Fall Festival at Church of the Servant (14343 N MacArthur) features a fall fun carnival midway with activities such as an inflatables, food, balloon art, games and face painting. 6-8pm. 721-4141
FREE Fall Fest at Westminster Presbyterian Church (4400 N Shartel, Ave) features dinner, games, treats and more. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. 5-7pm. 524-2204, www.wpcokc.org
Norman Mummy & Son Masquerade Ball at the Norman Recreation Center (1701 12th Ave NE, Norman) features a special night for mothers and sons to celebrate Halloween. Preregister. $8. 6-7:30pm and 8-9:30pm. 292-7275, www.normanfun.com
FREE H&8th Night Market in Midtown Oklahoma City (Hudson Ave between NW 6th & 10th St) is a monthly, family-and-pet-friendly street festival built around a lineup of the city’s top gourmet food trucks. 7-11pm. 633-1703, www.h8thokc.com
FREE Festifall at Putnam City Baptist Church (11401 N Rockwell) features inflatables, face painting, games, food, candy and photo opportunities. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No scary costumes, please. 6:30-8:30pm. 773-6900, www.pcbc.tv
FREE Fall Harvest Festivals at Recreation Centers across Oklahoma City features festive autumn crafts, family outdoor games and prizes. See website for a list of locations. 4-6pm. 297-3882, www.okc.gov/parks
FREE Fall Festival at St. Mary’s Episcopal School (505 E Covell Rd, Edmond) is a safe, fun time for the whole family with carnival-style games, an indoor bouncy house, Forever After Party Characters Elsa, Anna and superheroes, plus live music by the Sugar Free All Stars. Over 3, $15; under 3, free. 6-8pm. 341-9451, www.smesedmond.org
FREE Tractors and Treats at First Southern Baptist Church (6400 S Sooner Rd) features an evening of costumes, prizes, games and candy. 6-8pm. 732-1300, www.firstsouthern.tv
FREE 3rd Annual Fall Fest in Downtown Norman (Main St, Norman) features trick-or-treating, costume contests for adults, kids and pets, moon bounces and activities. 6-9pm. www.normanfallfun.com
Mummy & Son Dance at the Moore Community Center (301 S Howard) features a Halloween-themed dance and a haunted room for mothers & sons ages 4-14. Costumes encouraged. Preregister. $5 per person in advance, $10 per person at the door. Ghost Dance 6-7:30pm, Ghoul Dance 8-9:30pm. 793-5090, www.cityofmoore.com/fun
OCTOBER 30 & 31FREE St. Elijah Food Festival & Bake Sale at Saint Elijah Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church (15000 N May) features ethnic food from around the world available for purchase. 10am-8pm. 755-7804, wwwstelijahokc.com
OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 1Izumicon at the Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens) is a three-day comic and entertainment convention featuring well-known actors and voice actors from your favorite shows and series, panels, video games, table top gaming, dances, cosplay, Dealer’s room and an artist alley. $30-$50. www.izumicon.com
OCTOBER 31 • SATURDAYFREE Light Up the Park Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat at Meadow Lakes Park (Meadow Lake Dr & Winding Ln, Edmond) features a fall festival with carnival games, door prizes, hot chocolate, coffee, cotton candy, music and trunk-or-treat, sponsored by Henderson Hill Baptist Church. 6-9 p.m. 341-4639, www.hhbc.com
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October 9 | KickingBird Golf ClubDriving Range | Dusk
Admission is free, concessions are $1 each. In case of inclement weather, movies will be shown at the MAC at 7pm.
edmondparks.com | 405.359.4630METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 37 OCTOBER 2015
Monster Dash 5K & Fun Run at Reaves Park (2501 Jenkins Ave, Norman) features a 5k, fun run and costume contest benefiting Junior League of Norman programs. Costumes encouraged. $10-$35. 9am. 795-7056, www.facebook.com/MonsterDashNorman
FREE Harry Potter Halloween Extravaganza at the SOKC Library (2201 SW 134th St) features a Sorting Hat, Potions & Divination classes, Wand and House crafts, trivia and a photo booth. Costumes encouraged; registration required. For kids in grades 6th - 12th. 9am-4pm. 979-2200, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org
Dia de los Muertos Arts & Crafts at Will Rogers Gardens (3400 NW 36th St) features face painting, decorating sugar skulls and creating Mexican-inspired folk art. Preregister. Save $1 by registering in advance. $2. 10am-2pm. 297-1392, www.okc.gov/active
FREE Night Time is the Right Time for Scorpions at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Learn about these secretive, ancient arachnids with a local arachnologist, separate fact from fiction and find out what make these mysterious creatures sting. Best suited for ages 6 and up. Preregister. 3-4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active
FREE Haunt the Moore Library (225 S Howard Ave, Moore) features a bouncy castle, an insect petting zoo by Insect Adventure, crafts, $1 snow cones from Kona Ice and a photo booth. All ages welcome, costumes encouraged. 4-7pm. 793-4347, www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org
FREE Oklahoma City Halloween Parade & Costume Party in Automobile Alley (N Broadway & NW 13th to 4th St) features marching bands, unique automobiles, floats and spooky walking entries and a post-parade street party, kids zone and live music by Super Freak. 7pm. www.okchalloweenparade.com
FREE Trick or Treat City at the Joe B. Barnes Regional Park (Reno Ave & Douglas Blvd, Midwest City) has a Candy Village and a carnival featuring a cake walk, games and inflatables. Costumes encouraged. Candy Village is free; carnival tickets available for purchase. 2-4:30pm. 739-1293, www.midwestcityok.org
FREE Haunt Old Town in Moore (Broadway Ave, Moore) features family fun activities including trick-or-treating, face painting, inflatables, Extreme Animals, pumpkin decorating, games, music & candy. 4-7pm. 793-4332, www.cityofmoore.com
FREE Trunk-or-Treat at Edmond First Baptist Church (1300 E 33rd, Edmond) is a family-friendly night of fall fun including candy and costumes. 6-7:30pm.341-0253, www.fbcedmond.org
Boo-Tastic Block Party at E.L. Gaylord Downtown YMCA (1 NW 4th St) is a Halloween event limited to the first 250 kids and their parents. 4:30-6:30pm. 297-7700, www.ymcaokc.org
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 38 OCTOBER 2015
200 N. Bryant Ave. I Edmond405.330.7000
600 National Ave. | Midwest City405.869.7700
Ester Cobb, M.D.Family MedicineEdmond
Nancy O’Connell APRN-CNP Pediatrics Edmond
Muzaffar Saleemi, M.D.Family MedicineMidwest City
Matt Malony, MDPediatricsMidwest City
Family Medicine& Pediatrics
okcclinic.com
NOVEMBER 3-8A Christmas Story The Musical at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) features this beloved Christmas tale live on stage with exciting musical performances. Tickets go on sale Oct. 5. $20-$65. Showtimes vary. 405-297-2264, www.celebrityattractions.com
NOVEMBER 4 • WEDNESDAYUniversity of Oklahoma Women’s Basketball at Lloyd Noble Center (2900 S Jenkins Ave, Norman) against Southwestern Oklahoma State. Time TBA. Ticket prices vary. www.soonersports.com
NOVEMBER 6 • FRIDAYFREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts District (NW 30th & 27th Streets, Walker &
Hudson Ave) features guest artists, art exhibits, refreshments, live music and food trucks on the first Friday of each month. 6-10pm. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.com
Welcome to Night Vale at Rose State College Hudiburg Chevrolet Center (6420 SE 15th St, Midwest City) is a live show with guest stars, live musical guests, live music from Disparition and Cecil, the creator of Night Vale himself,
performing unheard scripts that depict a radio broadcast of the fictional town of Night Vale. $30. 8pm. 297-2264, www.rose.edu
NOVEMBER 7 • SATURDAYFREE Holiday Craft Fair at Quail Springs United Methodist Church (14617 N Penn) features more than 50 vendors offering holiday decorations
events thisoctober and more in two buildings plus a gift boutique. Lunch will be available for purchase. 9am-3pm. 755-9477, www.qsumc.org
Orr’s Gourd Wild Pumpkin Festival at Orr Family Farm (14400 S Western Ave) features pumpkin-themed festivities including pumpkin smashes and a pumpkin throwing contest. Fall decor and pumpkins available for sale. Call for pricing. 10am-9pm. 799-3276, www.orrfamilyfarm.com
FREE Pumpkin Harvest Craft Festival at the Dale Robertson Center (1200 Lakeshore Dr, Yukon) features crafters offering handmade products including candles, wood crafts, needlework and home decor. 9am-4pm. 350-8937, www.cityofyukonok.gov
Haunted Hikes at Martin Park (5000 W Memorial Rd) features several guided hikes through the woods of Martin Park to encounter snakes, spiders, bats and more as you learn how nocturnal creatures adapt to their natural surroundings and why they are important to us all. A flashlight, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes suggested. Best suited for ages 6 & up. Tours leave every 30 minutes. Preregister. $8. 7-10pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 39 OCTOBER 2015
Fall Festival of TreatsWednesday, October 28Choose from two locations!
Bounce Houses / Games / Food
Downtown OKC / 6:15-7:30 pm St. Luke’s Downtown Campus South Parking Lot
222 NW 15th (corner of NW 14th & Harvey)
Edmond / 6:15-7:30 pmDowntown Edmond Community Center
28 East Main Street
Family friendly event, please no scary costumes.
Find fall break camps, pumpkin patches, fall festivals
and more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/fall-fun-guides
2015 Fall Fun Guide
events thisoctoberWEEKLY EVENTS
FREE Evening Family Playtime at the Downtown Library (300 Park Ave) features an hour of family play time meant to help children build social skills, promote learning and discover that the library is a destination for fun. Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm. 231-8650, www.metrolibrary.org
FREE Art Adventures at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman), for ages 3-5. Young artists are invited to experience art through books. Visit site for full list of dates, books and activities. Tuesdays, 10:30am. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma
After School Archery at the MAC at Mitch Park (2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond) features a four-week class for kids ages 8-17 teaching basic archery skills on Tuesdays in October. Preregister. $40. 4:15-5pm. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com
FREE Kidz Yoga Fairy at the Belle Isle Library (5501 N Villa Ave). Kids ages 0-7 and their parents can wiggle, giggle and stretch with Darci the Yoga Fairy every Tuesday. Please bring a mat and a Boppy type pillow for babies. Preregister. 1-1:45pm. 843-9601, www.metrolibrary.org
Nature Play Group at Martin Park (5000 W Memorial Rd) introduces children ages 2-6 to nature in an encouraging environment using nature-centered play activities like hands-on games and crafts. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. $2. Wednesdays, 10:30am. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active
Toddler Story & Craft Time at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise, Edmond) features a different story each week & a related craft time. Free with paid admission. Wednesdays, 11-11:30am. 340-7584, www.unpluggits.com
FREE Bringing Books to Life in the lobby of the Crystal Bridge in the Myriad Garden (301 W Reno) every Wednesday. 10am, for ages 2-5. Books are nature-themed and based on the season. Children will also create a small craft after the story. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org
Wide-Open Wednesdays at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) features FREE admission to the community every Wednesday until Nov. 18, provided by Oklahoma Ford Dealers. 10am-5pm. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org
FREE Family Story Time at the Edmond Library (10 S Boulevard St, Edmond). Put on your pajamas and grab your favorite stuffed friend and enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and an occasional craft with the family every Thursday
evening. Best suited for families with kids ages 1-5 years old. Space is limited. Preregister. 6:30-7:15pm. 341-9282, www.metrolibrary.org
FREE Halloween Horrorfest at Midwest City Library (8143 E Reno Ave, Midwest City). Screen a different horror movie each Thursday evening during the month of October. Refreshments will be available. 6:30-8pm. 732-4820, www.metrolibrary.org
FREE Cider Press Demonstration & Tasting at the Myriad Gardens Pavilion (301 W Reno). Learn how cider is made with an old-fashioned cider press each Friday during Pumpkinville. Enjoy a taste of this delicious juice at the end. $1 suggested donation. 1-1:30pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org
FREE Story Time with Mr. Steve at Barnes & Noble (540 Ed Noble Parkway, Norman) features an interactive story time. Everyone gets a treasure and coloring pages. Saturdays, 11-11:45am. 579-8800
FREE Children’s Story Time at Full Circle Books (1900 NW Expressway). Saturdays, 10:15am. 842-2900, www.fullcirclebooks.com
FREE Children’s Story Time at Edmond’s Best of Books (1313 E Danforth, Edmond). Saturdays, 11-11:30am. 340-9202.
FREE Roller Skating Lesson at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36th St) offered each Saturday. Noon-12:45pm. $2 skate rental. 605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com
All Star Bowling for Differently-Abled Individuals at AMF Windsor Lanes (4600 NW 23rd) invites differently-abled individuals and their friends and families to bowl on Saturdays. $8. Noon-1pm. 942-5545.
Drop in Art at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features hands-on art activities for all ages. Free with paid admission. Saturdays, 1-4pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com
FREE Little Big Chefs Cooking Classes at Uptown Grocery (1230 W Covell Rd, Edmond) features easy recipes kids and adults can make together every Sunday. Preregister by Friday. Ages 5-8, 2-3pm; Ages 9-12, 3:30-4:30pm. 509-2700, www.uptowngroceryco.com
Critter Crunch at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Learn about the food sources of various animals in the wild, including snakes, turtles, fish and other reptiles. Preregister. $2. Sundays, 2-2:45pm. 297-1426, www.okc.gov/active
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 40 OCTOBER 2015
October 23–305:30–8:30p (Times may change)
(Closed on Halloween)
$8 weekdays, $10 weekend, $2
discount if purchased in advance
Volunteers please call 216–7471
Vehicles not purchasing a child’s ticket will be charged the daily entrance fee.
visitarcadialake.comSponsored by
Arcadia Lake and Edmond Electric
A R C A D I A L A K E
P R E S E N T S
events thisoctoberONGOING EVENTS
OCTOBER 2-31Fall Festivities Fireworks at Orr Family Farm (14400 S Western Ave). Enjoy a fireworks show every Friday and Saturday in October. Farm attractions close at 8:45pm. Fireworks begin at 9pm. Free with admission. 799-3276, www.orrfamilyfarm.com
OCTOBER 4-29FREE Our World: Roots of Celtic Music Concerts at the Metropolitan Library System (Various locations). Experience the rich history of Ireland through the Celtic music of Ravens Three, a local acoustic Celtic music trio. Instrumentation includes guitar, fiddle, Irish penny whistle, vocals and percussion. See website for complete schedule of show times. www.metrolibrary.org
OCTOBER 7-25Lyric Theatre presents Bernice Bobs Her Hair at Lyric at the Plaza (1725 NW 16th St) is based on the original story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and tells the story Bernice, the new girl in town. $25 & up. See website for a complete list of show times. 524-9312, www.lyrictheatreokc.com
OCTOBER 9-25Pumpkinville at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno) is a celebration of all things fall featuring crafts, games, imaginative displays and lots of pumpkins. Members, free; non-members: kids, $6, adults, $4. 10am-5pm, closed at 3pm on 10/24 for a special event. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org. Visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/pumpkinville-photos to learn more about a MetroFamily photo contest that will give you a chance to win a family vacation!
THROUGH OCTOBER 25End of the Trail: A Centennial Celebration at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) celebrates the unique history of the sculpture, End of the Trail, and the 100th anniversary of its creation. Free with admission. 10am-5pm. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org
THROUGH OCTOBERFREE Orly Genger: Terra at Campbell Park (NW 11th & Broadway) is an art installment presented by Oklahoma Contemporary. The outdoor sculpture piece is made of 1.4 million feet of recycled lobster-fishing rope and painted with terracotta-colored paint. 951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org
THROUGH DECEMBER 6FREE Immortales: The Hall of Emperors of the Capitoline Museums, Rome at the Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art (555 Elm Ave, Norman) features 20 busts of emperors, empresses and patricians, a collection from the world’s oldest museum, the Capitoline in Rome. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, until 9pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. www.ou.edu/fjjma
THROUGH DECEMBER 19FREE Celebrating Edmond History: 30 years & Counting at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard St, Edmond) features a collection of artifacts from each year since the museum opened in 1985, illustrating the eclectic nature of Edmond’s history. Admission is free, donations accepted. Tuesday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday, 1-4pm. 340-0078, www.edmondhistory.org
THROUGH JANUARY 2016FREE Enter the Matrix: Indigenous Printmakers at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 W Elm, Norman) explores how printmaking has become a matrix for cultural and artistic exchange. 10am-5pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10am-9pm Thursday; 1-5pm Sunday. 325-4938, www.ou.edu/fjjma
Through the Eyes of the Lynx: Galileo, Natural History and the Americas at Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) is a series of events and exhibits in conjunction with the University of Oklahoma’s 125th anniversary. 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday; 1-5pm Sunday. Adults, $8; seniors, $6; ages 4-17, $5; under 3 admitted free. 325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum.ou.edu
THROUGH FEBRUARY 2016FREE The Secret Life of the City Art Exhibition in the Underground of downtown Oklahoma City is a street art exhibit incorporating the work of eight central Oklahoma artists. The exhibit is free and open to the public from 6am-8pm. 235-3500, www.downtownokc.com
THROUGH MAY 2016Navajo Weavings from the Pam Parrish Collection at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) showcases 22 weavings by Pam Parrish as well as some of the other top contemporary weavers of the late 20th century. Free with admission. 10am-5pm. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 41 OCTOBER 2015
exploring oklahoma with children
WORDS & PHOTOS BY MAE KIGGINS
Great Places to Camp this Fall
Cool CampoutsCool Campouts
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 43 OCTOBER 2015
C amping is a wonderful way to slow down, disconnect from technology and
reconnect as a family. Cooler temperatures with beautiful fall colors make autumn the best time of year to camp. Oklahoma and surrounding areas offer a wide array of unique and beautiful ecosystems, from grasslands to mountains to lakes, rivers and waterfalls. There is no shortage of places to camp and enjoy the outdoors.
There are various types of camping and camping sites, all offering different levels of amenities. Here are the main types of campsites and how they differ. Choose wisely; your comfort will depend on it.
RV sites include utilities; 20 – 50 amp electrical outlets and water taps. Tents can generally be set up in RV sites but these are the most expensive sites.
Tent sites have access to water but a tap is usually not located at every camp site. Most do not have electricity; there are a few exceptions. Check with your selected park to be sure.
Primitive sites have no electricity or water. Water is usually within driving distance but bring some just to be safe.
Backpacking sites require hiking out to the site carrying all your equipment. No water or electricity available.
This is a unique year for Oklahoma. The spring was extremely wet and many trails and campgrounds have been flooded. Please call the park you intend to visit when planning your adventure to verify website information.
Here are some of the best campgrounds within a four-hour drive (or less!) from Oklahoma City.
Chickasaw National Recreation AreaLocation: Sulphur, OKTypes of Campsites: RV and tentFee: According to site typeAmenities: restrooms, showers, nature center and ranger programsReservations: http://www.recreation.gov/ or 1-877-444-6777
General Information: The Arbuckle Mountains offer some of the most beautiful views of Oklahoma. From mountain trails and vistas to lakes and waterfalls to Native American culture, this area boasts no shortage of fun and unique adventures. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area offers six campgrounds. Three are located along the shores of the Lake of the Arbuckles and the other three offer views of Rock Creek or Travertine Creek. The Point campsites have been recently renovated making them some of the nicest in the area. All sites along the creek are for tents. Sites including electrical are in The Point or Buckhorn campgrounds.
CHICKASAW NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 44 OCTOBER 2015
RED ROCK CANYON STATE PARK
Natural Falls State ParkLocation: West Siloam Springs, OKTypes of Campsites: RV and tentFee: According to site typeAmenities: restrooms, showers, playground, gift shop and office wifi
Reservations: 918-422-5802
General Information: Natural Falls State Parks holds one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state of Oklahoma, Dripping Springs. With the large amount of spring rain, rivers are running high and this is the year to visit. This park is nicely situated in the Ozark region of Oklahoma and offers five miles of hiking trails. Note the trail to Dripping Springs is handicap accessible.
Red Rock Canyon State ParkLocation: Hinton, OKTypes of Campsites: RV and tentFee: RV sites $20-$23, Tent sites $12-$14Amenities: restrooms, showers, pool and playgroundReservations: 405-542-6344
General Information: The stunning red rock canyon walls set this park apart from any other in Oklahoma. Looking for more adventure than camping? Try repelling down the 80-foot canyon walls. Autumn is especially pretty as the Caddo maples put on their fall colors. The road into the canyon is fairly steep and the park suggests RVs be shorter than 40 feet.
Arcadia LakeLocation: Edmond, OKTypes of Campsites: RV (water and electrical), tent and primitiveFee: According to site typeAmenities: restroom, showers, playground and kayak rentalsReservations: Rented on a first come, first served basis
General Information: Big sky, red rocks and gentle waters make this lake a beautiful and relaxing addition to your fall schedule. Central Park’s Cottonwood, Scissortail Campground and Baldcap Campground offer campsites overlooking the lake. Don’t miss the swimming beaches, equestrian trails or kayak rentals (found at the University of Central Oklahoma boathouse in Edmond Park).
Palo Duro Canyon State ParkLocation: Canyon, TXTypes of Campsites: RV, equestrian, primitive and backpackingFee: Site and entrance feeAmenities: restrooms, showers, nature center, trading post & grill and junior ranger programReservations: http://texas.reserveworld.com/ or (512) 389-8900
General Information: Palo Duro Canyon State Park is the second-largest canyon in the U.S. (only beat out by the Grand Canyon) is truly a unique experience just a four-hour drive from Oklahoma City. Traveling out
ARCADIA LAKE
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 45 OCTOBER 2015
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to the canyon feels like any normal drive through the panhandle of Texas (flat and boring) but the drop-off into the canyon is both sudden and stunning. This canyon offers a taste of the Southwest in Texas. The Mesquite campground at the back of the canyon is the most secluded but is also the longest drive. In addition to the camping fee, campers are required to pay the day-use fee of $5/person.
Camping TipFirst rule of camping: Do not transport firewood. Always buy it when you get to the campground. Why? Tree-killing insects and diseases can be transported in firewood.
Most insects and diseases can’t move far on their own, but they can when transported via firewood. Once in their “new” home, they do massive damage to ecosystems and communities. For more information check DontMoveFirewood.org. Most campgrounds sell firewood. Sometimes it can only be bought at the ranger station and other times it can be purchased on the “honor system.” If it can only be purchased at a ranger station, check closing times to make sure it will be available when you check in. Some area gas stations or hardware stores sell firewood as well.
Mae Kiggins is an Edmond mom and former park ranger who now travels throughout the state and beyond exploring the outdoors with her family. Read about her outdoor experiences at www.outdoorsmom.com
Community Sponsor of Exploring Oklahoma:
PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 46 OCTOBER 2015
Camping Scavenger HuntCamping Scavenger HuntOn your next camping trip, tear out this page and have your kids see how many of these items they can find.
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Birthdays are a perfect time to celebrate your child with friends and family. And whether your birthday child prefers a small gathering at their favorite hangout or a huge celebration at a top attraction in the area, there are many options to consider. Enter MetroFamily and our popular Party Guide, both below in print and online. From yoga and dance to science and even paintball, our guides provide ideas and details about incredible destinations for kids of all ages and interests. You are sure to find the perfect party idea for your child here and online at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/party-guide. And enter our ULTIMATE Party Giveaway and be eligible to win one of 19 great party packages at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/birthday-giveaway. Happy celebrating from your friends at MetroFamily Magazine!
Name Contact Description Ages Cost
Andy Alligator’s Fun Park
3300 Market Pl, Norman405-321-7275www.andyalligators.com
Twelve acres of party activities include go-kart speedway, laser tag, rock climbing, arcade, private party rooms and pizza. Water park birthday party packages also available from May 1 to Labor Day.
All ages $130+
* Arcadia Lake 9000 E 2nd St, Arcadia405-216-7470 www.arcadialakeok.com
Host your party at a pavilion with view of the lake. Add a birthday package and receive a birthday t-shirt, two bags of ice and volleyball or horseshoes for the day.
All ages $50-$200
Bethany YMCA 3400 N Mueller, Bethany405-789-0231www.ymcaokc.org
Parties include one 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, Edmond405-607-2020 9333 W Reno405-470-7000www.bouncincraze.com
Indoor play center with inflatables offering both open play and private party packages.
Up to age 12
Up to $225
* Brickopolis 101 S Mickey Mantle Dr405-516-2745www.brickopolisu.com
Three levels of fun for your party! Laser tag, mini golf, pizza/hot bar buffet and arcade games all offered overlooking the Bricktown Canal.
All ages $199+
CheekySmiles Face Painting and Body Art
Party comes to you405-651-8351www.csfacepainter.com
Face painting and body art for birthday parties and other special occasions.
All ages $75+ per hour
* Building Minds, LLC 6608 N Western Ave405-443-4530www.Building-Minds.com
Building Minds brings the celebration to you. Lego bricks and a building/game coordinator to direct the activities provided. Parties feature 90 minutes of building games and challenges. The birthday party child will receive a special t-shirt signed by the party guests.
5+ $195+
* 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. Four-hour paintball or two-hour laser tag (parents required for paintball under age 10). Now offering low-impact paintball and jr. paintball for young players.
All ages $16-$20 per person
Edward L Gaylord Downtown YMCA
1 NW 4th St405-297-7700www.ymcaokc.org
Offers several birthday party options and a multi-purpose room that seats 70 people. Basketball gym and swimming pool are available for rent.
All ages $30-$90/hour
Elevation Trampoline Park
14402 N Lincoln Blvd, Edmond &1431 N Moore Ave, Moore405-463-3335www.elevationTP.com
Two-hour birthday party package includes 80 minutes of jump time, reserved tables for two hours, two pizzas, 12 bottled waters, a shirt for the birthday child and paper goods. Party host, private court and room options available.
2+ (best for 7+)
$250+
2015 Birthday Party GuidePAID ADVERTISEMENT
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 49 OCTOBER 2015
Name Contact Description Ages Cost
Fine Arts Institute of Edmond
27 E Edwards, Edmond405-340-4481 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+
Frontier City & White Water Bay
Frontier City11501 N. I-35 Service RoadOklahoma City, OK 73131405-478-2140www.frontiercity.comWhite Water Bay3908 W. RenoOklahoma City, OK 73107www.whitewaterbay.com
Party packages include admission and a meal for up to 8 guests plus a private party area and more! Frontier City parties available April through September; White Water Bay parties available mid-May through mid-September.
All ages $300+
Garold Wayne Interactive Zoo
25803 NCR 3250, Wynnewood 405-665-5197www.gwzoo.com
Celebrate your birthday with more than 187 tigers and lions. The zoo has more than 400 animals, two party decks and a gift shop with snacks and drinks.
All ages $15-$35 per person
* Gymboree Play & Music of Oklahoma City
11940 N May Ave (Shoppes at Northpark)405-755-3445www.gymboreeclasses.com
90-minute private party time includes guided activities, paper goods and juice boxes for 20 children.
1-5 $250
* Gymboree Play & Music Norman
255 34th Ave SW, Norman405-307-8454www.gymboreeclasses.com
A 90-minute private party time includes activities led by a certified Gymboree instructor, bubbles & parachute. Choose a theme and bring your paper goods and food. Each guest ages 1-5 years (limit 15) will receive Bubble Oodles party favor.
1-5 $245
HeyDay Entertainment 3201 Market Pl, Norman405-310-3500www.heydayfun.com
Five party packages to appeal to any age or interest. Packages include party decorations, a private party space to eat and celebrate in and a Party Captain. Arcade, bowling, laser tag, ropes course, mini golf and laser tag available. The birthday child receives a gift.
6-18 $249-$379
* Jump!Zone Party & Play Center
10400 S Western, OKC405-200-1691www.jumpzoneparty.com
The biggest inflatable party place in Oklahoma City includes seven massive inflatables, five party rooms and a princess room and an arcade room where guests can win prizes.
Up to age 12
$140–$250
* Mad Science Party comes to your location405-285-9643www.okc.madscience.org
Packages include 60 minutes of hands-on demonstrations and activities plus take-home project for every child. All equipment provided, upgrade options available.
3+ $185+
Midwest City YMCA 2817 N Woodcrest Dr, Midwest City405-733-9622www.ymcaokc.org
Party packages last two hours with one hour in the pool and one hour in the party room.
All ages $100-$175
* 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+
OK WONDERtorium 308 W Franklin Ln, Stillwater405-533-3333www.okwondertorium.org
Themed party packages offered during museum hours or after hours. Stay at the museum overnight for WONDER Slumber. All events get full access to WONDERtorium exhibits and programming.
All ages $150-$600
Orr Family Farm 14400 S Western405-799-3276www.orrfamilyfarm.com
Make birthday memories with a zip line, corn maze, pony rides and more. Parties are available on Saturdays. Saturday and Sunday parties available in October only.
All ages $275+
* Paint ‘N Station 7906 N May Ave405-842-7770 www.paintnstation.com
Celebrate your birthday in a private party room for 90 minutes. Paint-and-take art, canvas & pottery choices. Your artists will enjoy painting the first half of the party and the remaining time will be for enjoying cake you provide. Paints, brushes & paint smocks provided.
All ages $10+ per person
* Paint Your Art Out 10 S Broadway, Edmond405-513-5333www.paintyourartout.net
Two-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
2015 Birthday Party GuidePAID ADVERTISEMENT
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 50 OCTOBER 2015
Name Contact Description Ages Cost
Parkhurst Ranch & Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch
720 S Henney, Arcadia405-315-7392www.parkhurstranch.com
Ride a pony, get lost in the five-acre corn maze, ride a hay wagon or get a pumpkin. Plan a party and get a private pavilion and fire pit to roast hot dogs and marshmallows.
All ages $200+
Party Galaxy Eight metro locationswww.partygalaxy.com
Retail store with party decorations for all types of themes, interests and ages.
All ages Varies
* RedPin Restaurant & Bowling Lounge
200 S Oklahoma Ave405-702-8880 www.bowlredpin.com
Parties include two hours of bowling, meals, soft drinks and optional space for cake and gifts plus waitstaff. Minimum eight children.
4+ $19-32 per child
* RIVERSPORT Adventures
725 S Lincoln Blvd405-552-4040 www.boathousedistrict.org
RIVERSPORT Adventure packages include the Youth Zone, SandRidge Sky Trail, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, the rock walls & SandRidge Sky Zip.
All ages $140+
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman405-325-4712 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 $200-$250
Science Museum Oklahoma
2100 NE 52nd St405-602-3760www.sciencemuseumok.org
Packages include admission, planetarium and science live shows, plus private party room for up to 30 people. Demonstrations available for additional fee. Discount given to museum members.
All ages $260+
* Skate Galaxy OKC 5800 NW 36th405-605-2758 www.skategalaxyokc.com
Roller skating parties including sound and light shows. You bring the cake and Skate Galaxy does the rest. Private party room and private party rentals also available.
All ages $99+
SKELETONS: A Museum of Osteology
10301 S Sunnylane405-814-0006www.museumofosteology.org
Two-hour parties include private classroom space, hands-on presentation, self-guided museum time, T-shirt for the birthday child and more. Bring your own decorations.
All ages $250 for up to 25 guests
* SoccerCity OKC 4520 Old Farm Rd405-748-3888www.soccercityokcity.com
Party includes one hour of field time in a climate-controlled building, a coach to help on the field and an enclosed party room for your celebration.
All ages $175-$250
Sooner Bowling Center 550 24th NW, Norman405-360-3634www.soonerbowl.com
Parties feature bowling, use of party area, party host, free game passes for guests and invitations. Online booking available.
2+ $149+
* 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 $225for 15 children
* Upstage Theatre & Performing Arts Studio
884 W Danforth, Edmond405-285-5803www. upstagetheatreok.com
Two-hour themed celebration where children learn about theatre and feel like a star. Princess and superhero characters can be arranged. Characters also available for off-site parties.
All ages $300+
* Velocity Dance Center
11122 N Rockwell, Suite A-11405-721-8807 www.oklahomacitydancestudio.com
Themed dance party options for girls and boys. Popular themes are fairies, princesses and superheroes. Bring your own refreshments. Ninety minutes in length including dance instruction, time for gifts and treats. Parties offered from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
3-12 $125+
Water Zoo Indoor Water Park
1900 Blvd of Champions, Clinton580-323-9966www.water-zoo.com
Birthday package includes two hours in a private party room, 10 admission tickets, 10 drinks, three pizzas and t-shirt for birthday child. Pricing and packages subject to change. Open year-round.
All ages $250+
Yoga Bliss Family Studio
300 W 33rd Street, Edmond405-216-5133www.yogablissok.com
Parties are 60 minutes and include a full class uniquely designed to fit your child’s specific interests and age group. Yoga for children incorporates books, games, postures, breath work, crafts and dancing. Full kitchen available if you wish to bring food/beverages/cake.
All ages $100 per hour
* Denotes businesses that are giving away party packages in our great Birthday Party Giveaway. Enter to win a free party at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/birthday-giveaway.
2015 Birthday Party GuidePAID ADVERTISEMENT
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Nominate your "faves" between Oct. 15 and Nov. 15 andyou’ll be eligible to win a weekend trip during the holidays to
the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas, valued at $900!
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PHOTOS BY MARK DOESCHERBY JENNIFER SHARPE
Abbey Ahern
Real Mom of the Metro
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 53 OCTOBER 2015
Let Emily Hart capture theart of your family….
Contact Emily today at:
Now taking spring portrait bookings.
During a routine ultrasound when Oklahoma City mom Abbey Ahern was 19
weeks pregnant with her third child, her unborn baby girl was diagnosed with anencephaly, a neural tube defect that leads to malformation of the brain and skull, rendering an infant incompatible with life. Determined to carry the baby to term, what followed was an incredible journey of faith, dedication and love.
Abbey, 33, and her husband Robert bravely decided to make the most of their daughter’s brief life by making sure her organs would be donated upon her death. Baby Annie, the couple’s third child, was born on June 26, 2013, and passed away 14 hours and 58 minutes after birth. Though her time in this world was brief, Annie made a tremendous contribution through LifeShare of Oklahoma by becoming the very first newborn infant organ donor in our state.
Abbey chronicled the experience in her blog, Tomorrow Will Be Kinder (www.abbeyahern.wordpress.com). The blog has encouraged countless people in Oklahoma City and beyond who have had similar experiences.
“We had eyes to see throughout this whole ordeal and we were able to see the good,” Abbey explained about her blog. “It needed to be done. It was such a public outlet to show people that even through the midst of tragedy and sadness and death, there is hope and there is light, and there can be good.”
Through their personal tragedy, Abbey and Robert pioneered infant organ donation in the state of Oklahoma. On the blog, she details the emotional experience for herself, her husband and her other daughters: Dylan, 6, Harper Lou, 4, and Iva, who will be 1 in November.
“You kind of feel like you should do something, but then God puts it on your heart and then you just have to do it. You can’t shake it,” Abbey said. “I just felt very led to do it. Every single time I sat down to write an entry, I didn’t really have to try. The words just poured out on to the screen. Once I started my blog, I spent a lot of time going back and re-reading my previous entries, and it always puts me right back in that moment. I want to remember all of it because it was such a finite time; there was a very specific
beginning, middle and end. That’s all we got with Annie. I want to remember every single bit, the good, the bad, the ugly, because it molded who I am today and I am really grateful for it.
“The most common theme people expressed to me after reading my blog was that people appreciated my honesty and that it wasn’t this beautiful picture of this horrible situation. I was brutally honest and it was so therapeutic for me to be that honest and vulnerable,” Abbey said.
Moving forward, Abbey decided that original blog was complete. Her new blog, Lovin’ and Laundry, is coming soon.
Although both originally from the Oklahoma City area, Abbey and Robert met while deployed with the Oklahoma Air National Guard in Uzbekistan. Both had enlisted right after high school; Robert was working as an airplane crew chief and Abbey was a jet engine mechanic. Deployments and a mutual passion for flying (both have pilot’s licenses) kept the couple busy traveling for work and play.
“We know that we can get through anything,” Abbey said about her marriage. “I can be at my worst and know that he will always be there, because I have been at my worst, and he’s been at his worst, and we‘re both still here.”
After 15 years of service, Abbey’s position as a mechanic with the Oklahoma Air National Guard was eliminated. She has since completed training and education to
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 54 OCTOBER 2015
become a registered nurse. Her goal is to work in pediatrics, preferably in high-risk settings such as the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The family is temporarily living in Enid while Robert completes his pilot training at Vance Air Force Base. They plan to relocate to Oklahoma City in about a year.
“You don’t realize when you are in the midst of the darkness how, looking back, everything happened at a specific junction for a reason,” she said. “I have a new respect for people in grief, whether it’s losing a parent or even a grandparent, it’s such an individual journey, and you think that people just need to get over it and move on, and it’s just not that simple.”
In addition to establishing a legacy of infant organ donation in the state, Abbey also lets Annie’s brief life continue to encourage people through distributing small business cards in honor of Annie’s life that encourage people to perform a random act of kindness. The cards are available at these Oklahoma City area businesses:
The Okay See in The Paramount on Film Row 7 N. Lee Ave.
Salon Envy 5007 N. Rockwell Ave., Bethany
Cuppies & Joe 727 NW 23rd St.
Abbey would love to hear how someone’s act of kindness impacted you. Tell her at www.facebook.com/PistolAnnieAhern
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 55 OCTOBER 2015
THE NEED
FOR
YOUR GIFT SAYS IT ALL.It says you stand behind lives in crisis across Central Oklahoma. Behind all 61 United Way partner agencies and behind our drive to mobilize kindness, one gift at a time. At StandUnitedOKC.com
SO IS OUR CAPACITY
IS GREAT.
KINDNESS
How has motherhood changed you?I believe that motherhood has totally changed my perspective on life. I feel I am more able to enjoy and see the beauty in the little things. Seeing my girls reach milestones, accomplish things on their own and become more independent each day really stirs something in me that I didn’t even know was there.
What is your favorite quote/advice about parenting/motherhood?“You get what you get and don’t throw a fit.” With a large family it is darn near impossible to make sure everyone gets exactly what they want all the time. I think that is an important lesson for the girls because life absolutely does not work that way. Because of this, they are pretty good at rolling with the punches. I feel like it also is so much more special when we are able to give them exactly what they want.
What is your guilty pleasure?“Law & Order” and boxed wine. Not necessarily in that order, but usually together.
Describe yourself in five words.Flawed, determined, loving, vulnerable, sarcastic.
How do you find balance?I believe time away from the kids helps me find balance. Robert and I have a lot of help. Our girls are so blessed with six loving grandparents and several aunts and uncles close by who all love to babysit. We are able to go out on dates regularly which I believe strengthens our marriage and makes us better parents.
Of what are you most proud?I think I’m most proud of my family’s bravery. My big girls were exposed to some pretty heavy realities at a very young age and the way they bravely dealt with them and were molded by those realities has completely blown me away. I’m proud that my husband and I were able to bravely be present for our girls while dealing with a crushing loss. I’m proud of the way my family has bravely shared our story even though so many parts aren’t pretty. When people think of bravery they usually equate it to some big heroic act, but for some people it takes bravery just to get out of bed in the morning. I am so incredibly proud that my family isn’t afraid of the unpredictability of life, we aren’t afraid of death, and we are bravely facing each and every day.
What is your favorite indulgence? My favorite indulgence is going to the salon. My older sister is my hairdresser and my younger sister is an esthetician, so not only do I like going to get pampered I get to have some good sister time as well.
What is your biggest challenge? My husband is in the Oklahoma Air National Guard and he recently began training to become a pilot. This new position will require more frequent and longer deployments. Currently my biggest challenge is the role of the military spouse. When he is deployed or in training I need to be as consistent and stable as possible for the girls and fill both of our roles as best I can, and that will be a challenging and ongoing process to figure out.
How would you describe your parenting style?I’m definitely authoritative. I have high expectations of my girls and they have strict rules for their behavior. It takes so much time and effort when they are young, but because now they know what is expected of them it makes things so much easier. They aren’t perfect, they’re kids, but I feel like they are very well behaved. Other than behaviorally, I am a freewheeling kind of mom. We rarely have a set schedule, we are constantly on the go and we love it that way. I think these styles go well together, because if they weren’t well behaved it would be so difficult to be out and about all the time.
What is on your wish list? Another baby… hint, hint, Robert…
What motivates you?Unfortunately, I’m usually motivated by stress. I do my best work when I’m up against a deadline and I think that comes from years of procrastination.
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Arcadia LakeBrickopolisBuilding MindsDodge City Paintball & Outdoor
Laser Tag of OKCGymboree Play and Music of
NormanGymboree Play and Music of OKCJump!Zone Party & Play CenterMad Science
Paint 'N StationPaint Your Art OutRedpin Restaurant & Bowling LoungeRIVERSPORT AdventuresSkate GalaxySoccer City OKCUpstage Theatre &
Performing Arts StudioUnpluggits PlaystudioVelocity Dance Center
YOUR FAMILY COULD WINGREAT PRIZES THROUGH THE
ULTIMATEBirthday Party Giveaway
With the generous support of the following partners, MetroFamily brings you the opportunity to win one of 17 great party packages! Deadline is November 1, 10 p.m.
Find more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/directories/
GOT CHILDREN? THEN YOU NEED LOTS OF RESOURCES! INTRODUCING THE “YELLOW PAGES” FOR OKC AREA PARENTS.
resourcedirectoriesFrom pediatricians to special needs therapy, birthday party
ideas and private schools, our resource directories—both
here and online—provide local parents with the information
they need to help their families and children thrive.
Check out these businesses and those you find at www.
metrofamilymagazine.com/directories/ and be sure to tell
them you found their business via MetroFamily Magazine.
Family Services, page 60Brain Balance Center of OKCFit4MomOklahoma Institute of Allergy & AsthmaFoster Care, page 61Angels Foster Family NetworkBair FoundationCircle of CareSunbeam Family ServicesParty Guide, pages 61-64Andy Alligator’s Fun ParkBouncin’ CrazeBrickopolisBuilding MindsCheeky Smiles Face PaintingGerald Wayne Interactive ZooGymboree Play & Music of OKC and NormanHeyDay EntertainmentJump!Zone Party & Play CenterMad Science of Central OklahomaMobile Laser ForcesPaint ’N StationPaint Your Art OutRedPin Restaurant & Bowling LoungeSam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural HistorySkate GalaxyUpstage Theatre & Performing ArtsWater-Zoo Indoor Water Park
Family Fun, pages 64-65Church of the Servant Fall FestivalDodge City Paintball & Outdoor Laser Tag of OKCParkhurst Pumpkin PatchQuail Springs United Methodist Church Trunk or
Treat & Chili Cook OffUnpluggits PlaystudioWestminster Presbyterian Fall FestSpecial Needs, page 66Sensational KidsTotal POSS-AbilitiesAfter School Activities, pages 66-67Club Z! In-Home TutoringFine Arts InstituteKumon of EdmondStudio J Dance StudioTwist & ShoutVelocity Dance CenterVictory DanceChild Care, page 68College Nannies + TutorsNorth Penn Creative Kids Learning CenterPrimrose School of EdmondSpontaneity Kid CareRetail/Restaurant, page 69Cinnamon BearsJimmy’s Egglearning tree toys, books & gamesOnce Upon a Child
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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 59 OCTOBER 2015
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 60 OCTOBER 2015
Brain Balance Centerof OKC
“The program changed everything. Jake’s improvement is undeniable.”- ALISON B., PARENT
How it works: The program balances and synchronizes left brain/right brain interaction. The newly strengthened connections improve behavior, social and academic performance.
• ADHD• Learning
Disabilities
• Processing Disorders
• Behavioral Issues
Brain Balance addresses:
Struggling kidsget real help at Brain Balance.
3545 W. Memorial Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73134
FREE CONSULTATION405-492-6800
brainbalancecenters.com
Edmond/OKC: (405) 607-43331810 East Memorial Road, OKC, OK 73131
Yukon/Mustang: (405) 265-1949728 S. Mustang Road, Yukon, OK 73099
You can't avoid life,let us get you back to living!
• Pediatric and adults• Highest quality therapy• Friendly and caring staff• Flexible office hours• Convenient locations
www.okallergy.com
ONE FREE WEEK
FIT4MOM® classes provide fitness, friendship, and fun for you AND your baby! Enroll for your first week free by contacting
Mary Davis at: [email protected]
facebook.com/nokcedmond.fit4mom
Now offering classes six days a week in Oklahoma
City and Edmond.Come find your village!
Find more at:www.metrofamilymagazine.com/
community
Subscribe to our e-newsletters
and follow us onFacebook, Twitter
& Instagram!
Have moreFamily
Fun!
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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 61 OCTOBER 2015
There are children in crisis situations all across the state who need a safe and loving home tonight. Have you ever thought about being a foster parent? You can be part of Circle of Care’s team as we work to provide help, healing, and hope to abused and neglected children. We stand by your side and help you navigate the paperwork and process.
Do You Have a Heart for Children?
Call our local staff today to learn more! 405-463-66261501 NW 24th Street, Suite 214, OKC, OK 73106
www.circleofcare.org
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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 62 OCTOBER 2015
Oklahoma's Original Art Entertainment Studio
10 S Broadway, Downtown Edmond, OK www.paintyourartout.net
Birthday Parties for the Young at
405-513-5333
1 844 454 9966www.gwzoo.com9:00 am - 7:00 pm
open everyday, rain or shine
Bring a Baby African Lion, Kangaroo, Camel, Tiger or Liliger along with a primate, to your Church,Party or school!GW ZOO Has the largestselection of domestic andexotic animals for parties& other events.
Bring a Baby African Lion, Kangaroo, Camel, Tiger or Liliger along with a primate, to your Church,Party or school!GW ZOO Has the largestselection of domestic andexotic animals for parties& other events.
PARTY WITH THE ANIMALS!Birthdays with GW Zoo are wild!PARTY WITH THE ANIMALS!Birthdays with GW Zoo are wild!
Upstage Birthday Parties!Edmond's Only "All-Inclusive"
Birthday Party VenueChoose from over 15 themes and
30 special characters for an unforgettable birthday party!
844 W. Danforth Rd, Edmondupstagetheatreok.com
405.285.5803Call TODAY to reserve your party!
www.Building-Minds.com405-443-4530
Birthday Partieswith Lego® bricks!
BUILDING MINDSBuilding Success ThroughHands-On Learning Fun
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.–Benjamin Franklin
Fall, Christmas, School & Company Parties
Get your group Booked today!
842-7770 paintnstation.comPaint your own pottery studio. 7906 N. May, OKC
10th Cookie ‘N Crafts Saturday 10-11:30 $15 Create your own Hot Co Co Mug14th Paint Me a Story Wed. 10:30-11:30 $10 Toddlers to pre-K Story Time & CraftArt ’N Appetizers 8th Canvas or Pottery 6-9pm 14th Canvas or Pottery 1-3Wacky Wednesdays $4 Studio Fee ALL DAY LONG!
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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 63 OCTOBER 2015
Give them the best gift ever this yearBRING A FACE PAINTER!
BIRTHDAYS, CARNIVALS, CORPORATE FUNCTIONS, FESTIVALS, PARADES, CHURCH SOCIALS,WEDDING SHOWERS, BABY SHOWERS,
BELLY PAINTING, BODY ART, HALLOWEEN MAKEUP
Cheeky Smiles Face PainterCsfacepainter.com (405) 651-8351
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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 64 OCTOBER 2015
For more information contact: Elizabeth Smallwood
[email protected](405) 310-3500 ext. 4
HeyDay Entertainment | 3201 Market Pl Norman, OK 73072(405) 310-3500 | heydayfun.com
Birthday ExtravaganzaHeyDay provides 5 fun and exciting party packages to appeal to any guest’s age or interest!
Each party package includes all party decora-tions, a private party space to eat and celebrate, and a birthday present from us to the birthday guest.
All party packages include the FUNcards for the arcade and your choice of bowling, laser tag, ropes course, mini-golf, and laser maze!
Age Range: 6-18 years oldCost Range: $249-$379
Additional Info:- Parties must be scheduled at least 10 days in advance- Parties can be booked online, over the phone, or in person- Cake products are only allowed inside HeyDay with a reserved Birthday Party Package- No other food and drinks are allowed
Join our Birthday Club!Guests receive 10% off
their party every year with a special postcard sent to the birthday guest!
A Birthday Party Coordinator is available to answer any questions
or concerns and help the party parent choose the best option for
their child!
For agesstartingat birth.
JOIN USfor classes today!
BRING INthis o�er*
a world of learning awaits!
Find a location and class schedule that works best for you at gymboreeclasses.com.Norman: Redbud Plaza, 255 34th Ave. SW, Norman, OK 73072405-307-8454 [email protected]: Shoppes at Northpark 11940 N. May Ave. OKC, OK 73012405-755-3445 [email protected]*O�er valid for new families only at participating Play & Music locations. Existing Play & Music customers are not eligible. O�er is not redeemable for cash or credit. Gymboree Play & Music may change or cancel this promotion at any time at Gymboree Play & Music’s sole discretion. Void where prohibited by law.
on us*free class
Quail Springs United Methodist Church14617 N. Pennsylvania Ave.*If you would like to enter the chili cook off, please contact Becky Hobble at [email protected] by Monday, October 19th.
Trunk or Treat and Chili CookOffFriday, October 23rd 6:00-8:00
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405-340-7584 • www.unpluggits.com
Birthday Parties!Ceramics
Paint-N-TakeIndoor Playground
Join us for our annual
Grown-ups Paint NightsParents Night Out
Not-too SpookyHalloween Party!
Sat. Oct. 24th, 5:30 - 8:00 pm
FUN FOR ALL AGES! FUN FOR ALL AGES!
Open Year Round, Groups& Walk-ons Welcome!
(405) 373-3745DodgeCityPaintball.com
16425 NW 150th in Piedmont
NewNew
New Jr. Paintball! (5yr+)8 Field Courses!
New Picnic Area!New Playground!
All-Weather Building!Birthday Parties!
New Jr. Paintball! (5yr+)8 Field Courses!
New Picnic Area!New Playground!
All-Weather Building!Birthday Parties!
Low Impact Paintball
Low Impact Paintball
PERFECT FOR YOUNGER PLAYERSPERFECT FOR YOUNGER PLAYERS
Parkhurst Pumpkin
Patch
720 S Henney Road, Arcadia, OK
405-315-7392parkhurstranch.com
Fall Fun Has ArrivedCome pick your own pumpkin from our home-grown patch, ride in a hay
wagon, get lost in our 5-acre cornfield maze, or shop in our
produce barn filled with farm fresh produce and goodies!
Live MusicWEEKLY
• Hay Rides• Corn Maze• Petting Zoo• Pony Rides
• Parties• Field Trips• Weddings
• Special Events
($1 off on Thursdays)
Open Thursday - Sunday$8 General Admission
Open Thursday - Sunday$8 General Admission
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE MOON BOUNCES, CARNIVAL GAMES, FACE PAINTING, BALLOON ANIMALS, CLOWNS, CAKE WALK, BAKE SALE. KIDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO COME IN COSTUME AND BRING THEIR TREAT BAGS. A HOT DOG SUPPER IS AVAILABLE FOR A SMALL FEE.
FRIDAY, OCT. 30, 6-8 P.M.
14343 N. MacArthur, OKC
FREETO ATTEND.
We ask guests to bring diapers or wipesas a donation for
Infant Crisis Services.
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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 66 OCTOBER 2015
PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPYOur innovative staff, state of the art facilityand FUN gives your child Poss-ABILITIES!
Serving children living with: • ADD/ADHD, Autism, Cerebral Palsy,
Developmental Delays • Handwriting Difficulties • Gross & Fine Motor Delays • Feeding Difficulty • Sensory Processing Disorder
2917 NW 156th ST.Edmond, OK
405-607-4440totalposs-abilities.com
Accepting: BCBS, Health Choice,Tricare, Indian Health Services,
Oklahoma Health Network, OSMA, Sooner Care and more...
Services Include:
(405) 840-1686www.SensationalKidsOKC.com
NOW OPEN 2nd LOCATIONServing Tinker AFB, South OKC & Moore!
Play • Learn • Thrive
We Specialize in Workingwith Children with:
• Down Syndrome • Autism • ADD & ADHD • Sensory Processing Disorder • Cerebral Palsy • Typical Children with: • Handwriting Problems • Speech-language Delays(and other types of diagnoses that may interfere with day to day skills)Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tricare, United Healthcare, Health Choice, Soonercare
Occupational TherapySpeech- Language Therapy
Social Groups
Sooner Business Park, 5701 SE 74th St, on NE corner of Sooner Road and I-240
14715 Bristol Park Blvd. - OKC/Edmond
©2014 Kumon North America
Confidence.Math. Reading.
Schedule a free placement test now at your local Kumon Math & Reading Center:
EDMOND - NORTHCovell & Kelly
405.715.1111 • kumon.com/edmond-north
EDMOND - WEST2nd & Santa Fe Ave.
405.216.9800 • kumon.com/edmond-west
You could win
BIG!Enter
all of ourcontests at:
www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests
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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 67 OCTOBER 2015
11122 N Rockwell Ave Ste A-11 OKC405-721-8807
ENROLL TODAY!
Easy online enrollmentHassle-free, all-inclusive recital
Friendly, educated staffViewing monitors to see your child’s progress
EXPERIENCE THE VELOCITY DIFFERENCE!
Join the #1 ranked cheerleading and tumbling gym in oklahoma 2015 Summit Champions • 2015 NCA Champions
2015 State Power tumbling Champions • 3 time USAF World Cheer Champions!Classes & Teams Age 4 & up ALL LEVELS
Competitive & Non-Competitive Cheer • Competitive & Non-Competitive TumblingBirthday Parties • Cheer and Tumble clinics & camps
Mark your calendar!
Saturday, February 20Cox Convention Center
20162016
Vendors: Reserve
your booth today!
CALL 818-5025 NOW!
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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 68 OCTOBER 2015
Opening this Fall
Follow us on Facebook
Date night?Doctor 's appointment?Babysitter canceled?
Please use Remachine Script Font or similar if possible
Located in Chase Plaza at Portland and Memorial405-541-9072 www.SpontaneityKidCare.com1/5 vertical: 2.25” X 6.418”
Infants - School ageWe provide an engaging curriculum for Toddlers
through PreK! CALL TODAY to reserve your space!
Class of 10 taught by fully certified teacher.
Creative Twist!Child Care
with a
405-254-3147North Penn Creative Kids
Learning Center, 150th & Penn
Our nanny and sitter services are customized to meet your
family’s individual needs, whether that’s a few evenings a month
or multiple days per week.
It’s your family. You know what you need. Tell us and we will help
find the right fit.
Nannies + SittersCustomized
Childcare Solutions
collegetutors.com/edmondok
405.513.6060Proudly Serving Edmond, OKC, Norman + More
Find dozens of ideas for
weekend and day trips around
the state!www.metrofamilymagazine.
com/exploring-oklahoma
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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 69 OCTOBER 2015
Newest Tegu Magnetic Building Blocks
find our favorites, for your favorites
newborns to teensFREE GIFT WRAP!
kids’ stu� at
GREAT PRICES!At Once Upon A Child we have all of the stu� your kids need at prices that can’t be beat! We’ve got a great selection of kids’ clothing, shoes, toys, furniture and equipment. And we pay on the spot for the stu� your kids no longer wear or use!
13801 N Pennsylvania Ave. Suite GOklahoma City, OK 73134405-286-3114www.OnceUponAChildOKCNorth.com
Join us for:• Story time with Annah & Elsa• Presentations by local experts• Activities for the littles• Door Prizes• Swag bags• RefreshmentsCheck our fb page for details
Cinnamon Bears celebrates10 years Saturday, October 10th
Cinnamon Bears
102 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK • 405-330-2327 • Mon. - Sat. 10 - 5:30
Cinnamon Bears
a baby boutique
Plan the
best party ever!
Find more about these businesses Find more about these businesses and other party ideas at:
metrofamilymagazine.com/party-guide
Fall Fun Guide 2015
Don’t miss a minute of the Fall Fun in Oklahoma City and around the state! Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, festivals, Halloween events and MORE! Enjoy the fall weather at some of Oklahoma’s best seasonal sites.
MetroFamily’s Fall Fun Guide, available atwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/fall-fun-guide
