Every parent knows education doesn’t stop when school lets out for the day. Children are learning around the clock and Oklahoma City boasts a variety of educational resources totally free. This month, head to one of these incredible OKC attractions to learn something new as a family.
Every parent knows education doesn’t stop when school lets out for the day. Children are learning around the clock and Oklahoma City boasts a variety of educational resources totally free. This month, head to one of these incredible OKC attractions to learn something new as a family.
491 County Street 2280, Tuttle
478-1656
Why we love it: If your kids have ever enjoyed a treat at Braum’s, they’ll love getting a behind-the-scenes peek at how their favorite menu items are made and grown. The processing plant and bakery can be toured for free (reservations must be made at least a week in advance). Visitors will learn about everything from raising calves and milking cows to how ice cream is made and bakery items are packaged for sale.
555 Elm Ave., Norman
325-3272
Why we love it: Impressive permanent collections and a unique lineup of rotating exhibits make this museum a standout. It’s one of the few museums in the metro with free admission and the attractions inside range from traditional art to interesting installations to keep young minds engaged. Schedule your visit during one of the museum’s classes or events for an added bonus.
Metropolitan Library and Pioneer Library Systems
Why we love it: These libraries offer so much more than just a place to pick up a great book. There are more than two dozen library locations between these two systems and they offer a steady stream of classes and programs, most of which are totally free for children and youth. These classes offer a chance to learn new hobbies like quilting, video gaming and cookie decorating or improve on educational lessons with lessons in subjects like reading and math.
120 David L. Boren Blvd., Norman
325-3095
Why we love it: This state-of-the-art facility has so much to teach about weather and science. Schedule a free tour (which lasts an hour to an hour and a half and is recommended for 3rd grade and up) to get an inside look at how the experts predict Oklahoma’s weather. The center is one of the few sites in the country with Science On a Sphere, a room-sized global display system that uses computers and video projectors on a giant animated globe to teach about weather and the atmosphere. Reservations required one to two weeks in advance.
5000 W. Memorial Rd.
755-0676
Why we love it: There’s so much to learn about wildlife and the outdoors at this city park, which boasts 140 acres of prairie grasses, towering trees and small ponds and creeks. Venture out on the hiking trail to discover something new about nature, or get an in-depth lesson at one of the nature center’s special programs. Park admission is free and educational programs are regularly featured at little or no cost and cover everything from meteorology to plant and animal life.
