We’re at an age gap in our family where my oldest is in school but my youngest is still home for now. While the house suddenly seems oddly quiet, I’m looking forward to soaking up time with my baby, Millie, who is just 16 months old. It’s rare that she and I get time alone together, as usually she’s the happy tag-along to our already established chaos. Here are some of our favorite activities around the metro, geared directly to her age group:
Metropolitan Library System Classes: Hands-down the best toddler entertainment and learning environment – the library. The kids’ section is partitioned off so you don’t live in fear of disturbing the peace, and is fully stocked with learning toys and, of course, loads of books. There are also weekly classes for babies and toddlers that are totally free and really enriching.- The Copley: Sit and enjoy an expertly-crafted latte while kids play with “new to them” toys in an enclosed, clean, safe and controlled play area. Sounds like a dream, right? The Copley offers a private room for rent in 1.5 hour shifts for just $30. The room accommodates 12 and is open by reservation only. Perfect for a sibling date or playdate with other littles who are missing their bigs! Tip: order the Morning Lifestyle Bowl with scrambled eggs and chicken. Everything in the bowl is fresh, healthy, and soft enough for babes still “gumming” their food.
- Junction Coffee: Two coffee shop highlights in one post because we all know mom needs it, right?? While my family typically enjoys the Junction Coffee Bus that travels around the metro in the cooler months, they do have a permanent location in Automobile Alley, too! Visit the kids’ corner near the back complete with books, puzzles, games and a really impressive coffee cup wall art installation.
- Metro Parks: This one might be obvious but OKC has some great wobbly-toddler friendly parks. Some of our favorites are Sparrow Edgemere Park and Myriad Gardens. Check out these reader-recommended parks throughout the metro as well!
- Sweet Friends Bakery: On top of making gorgeous custom cakes and cupcakes, this place is truly toddler-friendly. The shop opened in March 2023 and has been a hit ever since! There are several toy and book areas including a dramatic play “barista” station. Yummy snacks and a cozy atmosphere lend well to a calm and relaxed change of scenery. The space is also available for parties or other events, and they host baking classes throughout the year.
- Bubba’s Play Zone: While admittedly this is more of a favorite to bring both kids (it’s nice to have a buddy at an indoor playground!), it is a place where I can bring Millie for a little stimulation and socialization time, too. The entire playset is huge, but there are some lower-levels that she feels comfortable climbing (that I also fit through). There is also a designated toddler area that is smaller, but as a true baby of the family, she always tends to want to keep up with the big kids.
- At-home fun: If you’ve followed along with MetroFamily blogs in the past, you know we are big on “reframing” to make a space more fun. Is the weather too hot or rainy? Take the water table inside or attach Magnablocks to the garage door. Do the kids need to burn energy while you need an extra cup of coffee? Don’t underestimate the powerful combo of couch cushions and balloons. Need a change of scenery on a dime (literally)? Walk the mall and throw pennies at the fountain. The good thing about this age group is that everything is “new,” so anything can be majorly entertaining, no matter how simple. As long as the activity promotes togetherness (for the family) and sanity (for mom) it is fair game in our book!
Metropolitan Library System Classes:
Metro Parks: This one might be obvious but OKC has some great wobbly-toddler friendly parks. Some of our favorites are Sparrow Edgemere Park and Myriad Gardens. Check out 
At-home fun: If you’ve followed along with MetroFamily blogs in the past, you know we are big on “reframing” to make a space more fun. Is the weather too hot or rainy? Take the water table inside or attach Magnablocks to the garage door. Do the kids need to burn energy while you need an extra cup of coffee? Don’t underestimate the powerful combo of couch cushions and balloons. Need a change of scenery on a dime (literally)? Walk the mall and throw pennies at the fountain. The good thing about this age group is that everything is “new,” so anything can be majorly entertaining, no matter how simple. As long as the activity promotes togetherness (for the family) and sanity (for mom) it is fair game in our book!When in doubt or if you are in need of inspo, check out our monthly list of things to do with toddlers, including event-specific places to go perfect for these energetic little people! Also, here’s a roundup of mommy and me classes across the metro area. We hope this provides a little outlet of fun for you and your little ones this school year!
Kirsten Holder is a transplant from Michigan but calls the “land that is grand” her home. She graduated from Oklahoma City University and is passionate about the arts, community development and small business. She is the senior project manager for MetroFamily Magazine, and lives in a historic pocket in OKC with her young kids Jimmy and Millie, husband Andrew and their new puppy, Roserock.
