2023 Family Favorites - MetroFamily Magazine
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Where OKC parents find fun & resources

2023 Family Favorites

Reading Time: 13 minutes 

Our annual Family Favorites award campaign relies on nominations and votes from our readers to determine the best family-friendly local businesses in the Oklahoma City metro. Just receiving a nomination for a Family Favorite award is great recognition and winning one means you’re really doing things right!

From kids programs and health services to restaurants and places for family fun, find the top-rated places and services below as determined by more than 27,000 votes. These businesses, attractions, professionals and non-profits are the reason the Oklahoma City metro is a great place to raise a family.

Editor’s Note: For each category, the winner is listed at the top and finalists are listed in alphabetical order. 

 

Kids Programs

 

Art Studios/Art Instruction

ArtWorks Academy of Performing Arts 

Alisa Nelson Art Studio

Artsy Rose Academy

Fine Arts Institute of Edmond

Oklahoma Contemporary

ArtWorks Academy offers one of the most diverse arts education programs in the metro. Their camps and classes are guided by a longstanding commitment to providing students with a comprehensive arts education. Classes are offered in dance, music, theatre, Dance Cirque and art.

 

 

Dance Studio

ArtWorks Academy of Performing Arts

Oklahoma Youth Ballet

Studio J Performing Arts Center

Tippi Toes Dance Edmond

Velocity Dance Center

 

Gymnastics/Cheer Training Facility

Metro Gymnastics

Bounce Academy Gymnastics

Dynamo Gymnastics

Oklahoma Gold Gymnastics

Twist and Shout Training Center

Metro Gymnastics has been proudly serving the Oklahoma City and Edmond area for the past forty-two years, providing recreational and competitive gymnastics programs for all ages. At Metro, kids build self-esteem and confidence while learning gymnastics, tumbling and aerial silks.

 

 

Martial Arts Studio

Christian Karate Academy

Legacy Taekwondo

Poos Taekwondo

Premier Martial Arts North Oklahoma City

The Summit Martial Arts

 

Music Instruction

ArtWorks Academy of Performing Arts

Canterbury Voices

Kismet Arts Studio & Theatre

Reclaiming Arts

Upstage Theatre & Performing Arts

 

Sports Instruction

Soccer Allies

i9 Sports

RIVERSPORT

SCORE OKC

SoccerCity of Oklahoma City

 

Sports League

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City

Edmond Soccer Club

i9 Sports

RIVERSPORT

SoccerCity of Oklahoma City

 

STEM Class/Camp

Science Museum Oklahoma

Camp Trivera, Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma

iCode Edmond

Mad Science, Central Oklahoma

Rose State College

 

Swim Instruction

Oklahoma Swim Academy

Aqua-Tots Swim Schools Oklahoma City

Goldfish Swim School – Edmond

Mercy Fitness Center, Edmond I-35

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City

 

Tutoring/Learning and/or Virtual School Assistance Center

Edmond Learning Academy

Advanced Learning and Intervention Services LLC

Encouraging Words

Kumon Math and Reading Centers

Mathnasium

Edmond Learning Academy exists to bring hope to families, help students thrive, and restore the child/parent relationship. They create customized educational solutions for kindergarten through 12th-grade students and have completed over 40,000 tutoring lessons.

 

Camps

 

Day Camps, Arts

ArtWorks Academy of Performing Arts

AR Workshop Edmond

Oklahoma Children’s Theatre

Oklahoma Contemporary

Reclaiming Arts

ArtWorks Academy offers one of the most diverse arts education programs in the metro. Their camps and classes are guided by a longstanding commitment to providing students with a comprehensive arts education.

 

 

Day Camps, Multi-Activity

Oklahoma City Zoo

Oklahoma Contemporary

RIVERSPORT

Rose State College

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City

Since 1902, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden has been connecting explorers of all ages with the world’s wildlife and wild places. The Zoo’s award-winning camps provide opportunities to learn about wildlife and ways to preserve the natural world.

 

Day Camps, Sports

ArtWorks Academy of Performing Arts

Metro Gymnastics

RIVERSPORT

SoccerCity of Oklahoma City

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City

Metro Gymnastics has been proudly serving the Oklahoma City and Edmond area for the past forty-two years, providing recreational and competitive gymnastics programs for all ages. At Metro, kids build self-esteem and confidence while learning gymnastics, tumbling and aerial silks.

 

 

Sleep-Away Camps

Camp E-Ko-Wah, Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma

Camp DaKaNi, Camp Fire

Camp Ozark, Arkansas

St. Crispin’s Summer Camp

YMCA Camp Classen

 

Specialty Camps

Make Promises Happen, Central Oklahoma Camp & Conference Center

Camp CANOE, Camp Fire

Camp Courage, Calm Waters

OKC Summer Camp, Hearts for Hearing

OWL Camp, New View Oklahoma

The mission of Central Oklahoma Camp and Conference Center is to enrich lives through inclusive outdoor experiences. Their Make Promises Happen program has been providing inclusive and accessible outdoor recreation and summer camp experiences to children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities for more than 40 years.
NewView Oklahoma camps provide a transformative and inclusive experience for individuals who are blind or have low vision, empowering them to explore new possibilities and build lasting friendships in a supportive environment with engaging activities and specialized training. While NewView doesn’t cure vision loss, their staff can help you or a family member better navigate life and improve independence.

 

Child Care

 

Child Care Center

Sunbeam Family Services’ Early Education Centers

The Goddard School

Special Care, Inc.

Spontaneity Kid Care

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City

 

Mother’s/Children’s Day Out

Quail Springs United Methodist Church Early Childhood Program

Back to Earth School

Edmond Church of Christ Sonshine School

Edmond First United Methodist Preschool & Mother’s Day Out

New Covenant Church Children’s Day Out, Edmond

 

Community Support 

 

Church for Families & Children

Life.Church

Crossing Community Church

Edmond Road Baptist Church

New Covenant Church, Edmond

Quail Springs United Methodist Church

 

Family Volunteering Opportunities

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

Citizens Caring for Children

Moore Food & Resource Center

Peppers Ranch Foster Care Community

Sisu Youth Services

 

Nonprofit Organizations that Serve Families/Children

Sunbeam Family Services

Homeless Alliance

Oklahoma Contemporary

RIVERSPORT Foundation

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City

 

Education

 

Charter School

Dove Schools

ASTEC Charter Middle School/High School

Epic Charter Schools

John Rex Charter School

Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy

Dove Schools is a district of nine high-performing public charter schools in Oklahoma. Dove provides tuition-free college preparatory education with a focus on STEM and character. With a current enrollment of over 3000 students and 100% of seniors accepted into at least one college, Dove has served Oklahoma families for over 20 years.

 

Private Schools, Preschool

Oklahoma Christian School

Back to Earth School

Quail Springs United Methodist Church Early Childhood Program

St. Mary’s Episcopal School

Warm World

The QSUMC Early Childhood Program serves families with children ages 2 months through four years old. Their mission is to provide children with a fun, safe, and loving environment that develops spiritual, academic, social and physical skills.

 

Private Schools, Elementary

Mercy School Institute

Heritage Hall

Southwest Covenant Schools

Trinity School at Edgemere

Westminster School

Trinity School at Edgemere educates students with learning differences, each according to their specific needs, and they do it in a supportive and encouraging environment.

 

 

Private Schools, Secondary

Trinity School at Edgemere

Casady School

Crossings Christian School

Heritage Hall

Odyssey Leadership Academy

 

Public School Systems, Elementary

Edmond Public Schools

Deer Creek Public Schools

Mustang Public Schools

Oklahoma City Public Schools

Yukon Public Schools

 

Public School Systems, Secondary

Edmond Public Schools

Deer Creek Public Schools

Mustang Public Schools

Oklahoma City Public Schools

Yukon Public Schools

 

Specialty Schools

Trinity School at Edgemere

Back to Earth School

The Classroom Collective

Keystone Adventure School and Farm

Special Care, Inc.

 

Employment

 

Company with Work-From-Home Benefits

Sunbeam Family Services

Farmers Insurance Call Center

FORVIS, LLP

Honestly (formerly Thrive OKC)

Oklahoma Hall of Fame

 

Family-Friendly Place to Work

Circle of Care Inc.

405 Vet Animal Hospital

Hearts for Hearing

Oklahoma Hall of Fame

Sunbeam Family Services

 

Places for Teens to Work

Chick-fil-A

405 Vet Animal Hospital

Braum’s Ice Cream & Dairy Stores

Oklahoma City Zoo

RIVERSPORT

 

Health & Fitness

 

Boutique Fitness Businesses

CYCLEBAR

180Physique

Club Pilates

Stretch U

This Land Yoga

 

Chiropractor

Hackney Chiropractic

ChiroHer

Living Roots Chiropractic

Radiant Life Chiropractic

Young Life Chiropractic

 

Dentist for Children/Family

Dental Depot

Dr. Thai-An Doan, Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Michael Hampton, Family Dentistry

Northview Dental

Olive Dental

 

Eye Care Provider

Hefner Eye Care & Optical Center

Children’s Eye Care, PLLC

Innovative Eyecare, Vision Source

Shields Family Eyecare Center

Vision Source Midwest City

 

Family Fitness Center

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City

New Limits Academy | Mixed Martial Arts in OKC

One Greatness Fitness

Santa Fe Family Life Center A Sports & Fitness Complex

The Station at Central Park

 

Hospital

Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center

Lakeside Women’s Hospital

Norman Regional

Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health

 

Medical Spas/Esthetician

Bliss Medical Spa

Longevity OKC

Omni Lux Med Spa

Opal Aesthetics

RefineU MedSpa

 

Mental Health Services/Counseling

HALO Project

Calm Waters

Integrated Therapy Solutions of Oklahoma, LLC

Rachael Schlittler

Sunbeam Family Services

 

Midwife

Dawn Karlin, Bliss Birth Services

Taryn Goodwin, Spirited Birth Midwifery

Brandy Harris, Willow Birth Services

A Labor of Love Midwifery

Mosaic Midwifery, LLC

 

OB/GYN

Dr. Michelle Brunnabend

Dr. Darren Goff

Dr. Kayci Lewis

Dr. Wesley Vaughan

Dr. Misty Wayman

 

Orthodontist

Orthodontic Associates

Craig & Streight Orthodontics

Dental Depot

Orthodontic Arts

Orthodontic Specialists of Oklahoma

Serving the Oklahoma City and Edmond areas, the board-certified orthodontists at Orthodontic Associates work as a team to develop a patient treatment plan to provide each patient a beautiful, healthy smile. Treating kids, teens and adults using Invisalign or modern braces, they use only the highest quality orthodontic treatments available.

 

Pediatrician/Family Doctor, north

Edmond Pediatrics

Dr. Erica Faulconer

Dr. Timothy Fricker

Dr. Melanie Marshall

Dr. Tammy R. Maschino

Edmond Pediatrics serves the Edmond area with three locations. Their team of medical providers is there to help parents through the tough moments and provide the support and care your family needs.

 

Pediatrician/Family Doctor, south

Just Kids Pediatrics 

Caring Pediatrics

Dr. Misty Hsieh, Mercy Clinic Primary Care

Dr. Adrienne Kesinger

Norman Pediatrics Associates

 

Pediatrician/Family Doctor, west

Just Kids Pediatrics

Dr. DeKoda Bost

Dr. Russell Ingram

A Place to Grow Pediatrics

Total Healthcare Partners

 

Pediatrician/Family Doctor, east

Fusion MD

Dr. Noor Jihan Abdul-Haqq, Peace of Mind Pediatrics

Dr. Taylor Craft

Just Kids Pediatrics

Dr. Courtney Swartz

 

Best Place to Have a Baby

Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center

Lakeside Women’s Hospital

Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health

The Oklahoma City Birth Center, LLC

 

Urgent Care Clinic

Care+ Pediatrics Urgent Care

Family First Urgent Care

Just Kids Pediatrics

Mercy-GoHealth Urgent Care

Oklahoma ER & Hospital

Care+ Pediatrics Urgent Care offers high-quality, efficient and effective medical care to kids in the greater OKC area. As one of the few independent pediatric urgent care clinics in Oklahoma City, their board-certified pediatric providers pride themselves on caring for children in a warm and kid-friendly environment.

 

Local Shopping

 

Baby Boutique

Cinnamon Bears

Khanh

Max Mamas

Swaddle

Thrive Mama Collective

 

Book Store

Full Circle Bookstore

Best of Books

Commonplace Books

Deer Clan Books

Nappy Roots

 

Car Dealership

Bob Moore Subaru

Bob Howard Toyota

Diffee Ford Lincoln

Edmond Hyundai

Fowler Volkswagen of Norman

 

Consignment/Resale Shop or Event

Once Upon A Child

Clothes Mentor

Just Between Friends

Rhea Lana

Sweet Repeats

 

Farmers Market

Farmers Market at Scissortail Park

Eastside Fresh Market

Edmond Farmers Market

Lakeview Market

Norman Farmers Market at The Well

 

Gift Boutique

Plenty Mercantile

Blue Seven

Persimmon Hill at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Scissortail Gifts

Shop Contemporary

 

Grocery Store to Find Healthy Food

Sprouts Farmers Market

Conscious Community Co-op

The Market at EastPoint

Natural Grocers

Uptown Grocery Co.

 

Toy Store

Learning Tree Toys, Books & Games

Excavations Museum Store at Sam Noble Museum

HobbyTown Edmond

Persimmon Hill at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Toy Base 10

Learning Tree Toys, Books & Games is a trusted destination for developmentally appropriate toys, books and games, offering a carefully curated selection of products that inspire curiosity, creativity and critical thinking in children of all ages.

 

Locally-owned Restaurants 

 

Breakfast/Brunch

Neighborhood JAM

Café Contemporary

Harvey Bakery & Kitchen

Hatch Early Mood Food

syrup.

 

Coffee Shop

Not Your Average Joe

Café Contemporary

Café Evoke

Coffee Jerks

StellaNova

 

Cultural Experience

Café Kacao

Café Antigua

Nunu’s Mediterranean Café

Queen of Sheba

ZABB THAI OKC

 

Date Night

The Jones Assembly

FRIDA southwest

Red PrimeSteak

Signature Grill

Taco Nation

 

Family-Friendly/Casual Dining

Hideaway Pizza

Empire Slice House

The Garage Burgers & Beer

The Mule

Stacy’s Place

 

Food Truck

Big Truck Tacos

The Beet Box

Bondi Bowls

The Saucee Sicilian

Wondervan Pops

 

Patio Dining

Redrock Canyon Grill

Bar K

Big Truck Tacos

Kindred Spirits

RIVERSPORT’S Big Water Grill

 

Sweet Treats

Pie Junkie

Boom Town Creamery

Harvey Bakery & Kitchen

Perets Dessert & Coffee Bar

Roxy’s Ice Cream Social

 

Pizza Night

Hideaway Pizza

Empire Slice House

The Hall’s Pizza Kitchen

Jo’s Famous Pizza

Pryor’s Pizza Kitchen @ Selah

 

Parties 

 

Balloon Business

Party Mami 

Balloon Bestie OKC

Balloon Masters

D. Schmidt Designs

OC Events

 

Place to Buy Party Food/Supplies

OKC Sweets

9oh6 Baking Co.

Kandice with a Kake

Party City

Salami Mami

 

Party Entertainment

SweetArt FacePaint & More

Arena51

Blossoms Play Co.

Okie Artistry Face Painting

Pilar Designs Face Painting

Arena51 provides family-friendly Nerf battles and holds the biggest Nerf events in OKC. Parties with Arena51 start at $150 and come with everything you need for an epic indoor or outdoor Nerf battle. All you have to do is provide the location.

 

Party Planner

Chelsey Flint Events

Balandra Events

Marisa Made Party & Event Planning

Party with the Mami

Unveiled Events & Design

 

Party Venue

Metro Gymnastics

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Oklahoma City Zoo

Oklahoma Contemporary

RIVERSPORT

Since 1902, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden has been connecting explorers of all ages with the world’s wildlife and wild places. Book your customizable Zoo party celebration in three easy steps.

 

Yard Sign Company

Yard Signs by Jen

Card My Yard

Hallmark Your Card

Sign Gypsies

Simply Sign It

 

Places/Events

 

Animal Experience

Oklahoma City Zoo

Chester’s Party Barn & Farm

Extreme Animals

Magnolia Blossom Ranch

Orr Family Farm

Since 1902, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden has been connecting explorers of all ages with the world’s wildlife and wild places.

District

Midtown

Boathouse District

Bricktown

Paseo Arts District

Plaza District

Oklahoma City’s cozy Midtown community is located just north of the business district in downtown OKC. It features shopping, restaurants, bars, housing, lodging, and many professional services. Midtown is known for its historic preservation, local and independent merchants, as well as diverse, welcoming neighbors.

 

Family Restroom

OnCue

Love’s Travel Stops

Oklahoma Contemporary

Science Museum Oklahoma

Target

OnCue is a growing innovator in the Oklahoma and Texas convenience store markets, with its success built through a people-first mindset, community connectivity, sustainability efforts and food service expansion. OnCue employs more than 1,500 team members dedicated to creating exceptional customer experiences. OnCue is honored to be named Top Workplace by The Oklahoman, Top Workplace USA and voted Best Convenience Store in all major cities it operates.

 

Free/Low-Cost Attraction for Family Fun

Scissortail Park

Metropolitan Library System

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Oklahoma Contemporary

Oklahoma Hall of Fame

Scissortail Park in OKC is a vibrant urban oasis that brings Oklahoma’s natural beauty to life in a safe, welcoming and playful environment. With its engaging play spaces including a spacious splash pad, sports courts and scenic walking trails, Scissortail Park in OKC is a popular gathering place for families.

 

Indoor Fun/Amusement Venue

Science Museum Oklahoma

Breakaway Indoor Playground

Main Event

The Play Pit

We Rock the Spectrum

At Science Museum Oklahoma, science is not just a subject but an adventure. SMO is home to over 390,000 square feet of hands-on science experiences, art and history. Explore the Science Floor, create in the Tinkering Garage, gaze at the stars in the Kirkpatrick Planetarium, take flight in the Aviation Gallery and much more.

 

Local Place to Take Out-of-Town Visitors

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Oklahoma City Zoo

Oklahoma Contemporary

RIVERSPORT

 

Museum for Children & Families

Science Museum Oklahoma

Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Oklahoma Contemporary

Oklahoma Hall of Fame

 

Outdoor Fun/Amusement Venue

Oklahoma City Zoo

Arena51

Frontier City

RIVERSPORT

Scissortail Park

 

Park

Scissortail Park

E.C. Hafer Park, Edmond

Martin Park Nature Center

Mitch Park, Edmond

Piedmont Community Park

 

Place for a Family Picnic

Scissortail Park

E.C. Hafer Park, Edmond

Myriad Botanical Gardens

RIVERSPORT

Will Rogers Gardens

 

Place for Toddler Fun

Oklahoma City Zoo

Breakaway Indoor Playground

Bubba Play Indoor Playzone

Science Museum Oklahoma

We Rock the Spectrum

 

Place for Tween/Teen Fun

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Arena51

Factory Obscura

Oklahoma City Zoo

RIVERSPORT

 

Place to Explore Nature in Oklahoma

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Arcadia Lake

Martin Park Nature Center

RIVERSPORT

Robbers Cave State Park

 

Place to Swim

Pelican Bay Aquatic Center

Hurricane Harbor

Moore Aquatic Center

Vernie Snow Aquatic Center, Kingfisher

Westwood Family Aquatic Center, Norman

 

Splash Pad

Scissortail Park

Barnett Field Splash Pad, Edmond

Myriad Botanical Gardens

Piedmont Community Park

Veterans Park Splash Pad

 

Service Providers 

 

Animal Service Business

405 Vet Animal Hospital

Camp Bow Wow

Four Paws Grooming & Boarding

K9 University

The Tail Wagon LLC

 

Animal Rescue Organizations

Oklahoma Humane Society Adoption Center

405 Animal Rescue

Bella SPCA Rescue Center

Haven of Hope Rescue Foundation

Safe Haven Animal Rescue

 

Car Repair

Wells Automotive Repair

Dwain’s Automotive

Freeman Collision Center

H&H Auto Tech

Magic Repair OKC

 

Family Law Attorney/Firm

The Law Office of Courtney Lee PLLC

Ball Morse Lowe PLLC

Hopkins Law and Associates

Law Offices of Angela J. Smith, Advocacy Inc. PC

Postic & Bates, P.C.

 

Family/Child Photographer

BB Hill Co, Bethany Hill

Charis Elisabeth Photography

Foto Arts Photography

Photography by Jaylene Schaul

Robyn Waggoner Photography

 

Foster Care/Adoption Agency

Circle of Care Inc.

Angels Foster Family Network, OKC

The Anna’s House Foundation

Lilyfield

Sunbeam Family Services

 

Heat & Air Service Company

Airco Service

Hill & Company Service, Inc.

Hunter Heat and Air

Prudhom Heating & Air Conditioning

TS Heat & Air

 

House Cleaning & Organization

Clean as a Mother

Bee Organized Oklahoma City

Collected Home 405

The Maids of OKC

Pixie Dust Cleaners

 

Insurance Agent/Agency

Erica Clay, Safeguard Insurance Agency, Inc.

The Beckman Company

CPC Insurance

MVP Insurance

Aaron Whitlock, Farmers Insurance

 

Outdoor Living

Nelson Landscaping

Amini’s Galleria

Echelawn Complete Lawn and Landscape

Patio Galaxy Edmond

Signature Landscape, LLC

 

Place for Pampering Parents

Bella Strada Salon and Spa Suites

Three Graces Day Spa

Global Touch Massage & Ashiatsu

Thrive Mama Collective

udånder

 

Realtor

David L Sterling, Metro First Realty

Nicole Carrel, Sage Sotheby’s Int’l Realty

The Duncan Gals Real Estate, Keller Williams Central Oklahoma

Terra Myers, Keller Williams Edmond

Lauren Sargeant, Keller Williams Central Oklahoma

 

Special Needs Therapy Service

Sensational Kids, Inc

ABA Co-op

Brain Balance of Oklahoma City

Encouraging Words

Integrated Brain Health

Integrated Brain Health specializes in diagnostics with a systematic approach focused on the whole brain to find the why behind the behaviors. They have highly trained multi-disciplinary intake and assessment clinicians who look across multiple areas of developmental, emotional and neurological functioning to determine the best treatment options.

 

Storm Shelter

Ground Zero Shelters, Co.

Biggs Storm Shelters

EF5 Tornado Shelters

Flatsafe Tornado Shelters

Oklahoma Shelters

 

Veterinarian 

405 Vet Animal Hospital

Danforth Animal Hospital

Edmond East Animal Hospital

Harvest Hills Veterinary Hospital

Warr Acres Animal Clinic

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