August brings new learning opportunities—a new school year, new after-school activities and other opportunities to engage your children in educational experiences. Since learning is not just limited to school, here are our picks for the best places to learn outside the classroom.
Science Museum Oklahoma
2100 N.E. 52nd Street, Oklahoma City
405-602-6664
www.sciencemuseumok.org
Why we love it: Combining two floors of science learning with an ever-changing array of exhibits and programs makes Science Museum Oklahoma the perfect place to get your kids fired up about learning. From exploring the weather to watching things explode in the free Science Live demonstrations, this hands-on museum takes interactive learning to the next level. And with more then eight acres of interactive exhibits, an IMAX theatre and planetarium, it is a great place to take kids of all ages. [Editor’s Note: Save on admission with our Kids Pass coupon,]
Myriad Botanical Gardens
301 W. Reno Avenue, Oklahoma City
405-445-7080
www.myriadgardens.org
Why we love it: Your child can explore plants from around the world in this 17-acre urban park. Inside the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, kids can come face-to-face with more than 2,000 varieties of plants, plus a 35-foot waterfall. But perhaps most impressive is the year-round schedule of events and classes offered. Ranging from free movie screenings to themed events in the Children’s Garden to educational programming for kids, the Gardens offer ample opportunity to engage children in learning about the natural world.
Chickasaw Cultural Center
867 Charles Cooper Memorial Road, Sulphur
580-622-7130
www.chickasawculturalcenter.com
Why we love it: Your kids can learn about Native American culture in this state-of-the-art facility located about 90-minutes from the Oklahoma City metro. The Center offers interactive exhibits exploring Chickasaw tribal history spread across 109 acres, including a traditional tribal village, sky terrace, outdoor amphitheater and research center. The perfect combination of tribal history and modern technology allows kids to become totally immersed in the vibrant history and celebrate the ongoing culture of the Chickasaw Nation. Families also have the oportunity to attend stomp dances, cultural classes and seasonal events offered throughout the year.
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
555 Elm Avenue, Norman
405-325-3272
www.ou.edu/fjjma
Why we love it: Develop a love of art in your child by exploring one of the finest university-based art museums in the nation. With nearly 16,000 objects in its permanent collection, the museum is a perfect way to introduce your child to impressionism, 20th-century American art, traditional and contemporary Native American art, Southwestern art and more. Admission is always free, so you can explore the museum at your own pace. Art Adventures, offered every Tuesday at 10:30am, allows children ages 3–5 to experience art through books and hands-on activities. Family Days are offered periodically on Sunday afternoons, including hands-on art experiences for the entire family. Drop by on Tuesdays at noon for special 30-minute live concerts provided by the University of Oklahoma School of Music. See website for concert schedule.
