Opportunities to learn and grow abound in OKC. Check out these noteworthy examples happening in the Oklahoma City metro!
Science Museum Oklahoma opens new exhibit, receives national honor
Science Museum Oklahoma has launched its latest temporary exhibit in smART Space. “POV: Perspectives in Anamorphic Art” offers an immersive experience that blends art and science through the use of optical illusions, inviting visitors to discover how finding the right viewpoint can reveal an entirely new perspective.
In other news, SMO was recently honored as one of the nation’s top science museums, securing the No. 6 position in Newsweek’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. This recognition places the museum among prestigious institutions in major cities like Chicago, New York and San Francisco, emphasizing the museum’s role as a leader in science education in Oklahoma and nationwide.
Oklahoma City Council approves sites for MAPS 4 Youth Centers
Part of the MAPS 4 funding supports four new youth centers in Oklahoma City. With a budget of $118 million, these state-of-the-art centers will benefit children of all ages in the metro. The facilities will offer after-school and summer programs and serve as important hubs for education, recreation and mentorship. They will also provide crucial support and intervention services.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County will operate the centers, and the programming will include athletics, art, health, educational resources and more.
The Oklahoma City Council has approved these sites for the new youth centers:
- Woodson Park: 3403 S May Ave.
- S. Santa Fe Ave. & SE 66th St.
- Northeast Boys & Girls Club: 1501 NE 36th St.
- Melrose Community Center: 7800 Melrose Ln
Dive into summer reading — and earn prizes
Summer vacation does not have to mean a vacation from reading! The summer months are a great time for children to expand their literary world, learn to enjoy reading for fun, sharpen skills and bridge the gap between school years with a Summer Reading Program.
Both the Metropolitan Library System and the Pioneer Library System provide kids and adults opportunities to track reading and earn prizes. Visit your local library for more details, or check out metrolibrary.org/summerreading or pioneerlibrarysystem.org.
Norman Public Schools announces new Spanish Language Academy for upcoming school year
Norman Public Schools is launching a Spanish Language Academy for PreK through fifth grade students in the 2025-26 school year. Located on the campus of Truman Primary and Truman Elementary, the Spanish Language Academy is open to all families, both inside and outside the district. Families residing within the district will be given priority enrollment.
The Spanish Language Academy is designed for students to develop proficiency in both Spanish and English, ensuring students excel academically while fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
According to NPS, research supports the idea that starting language acquisition early, especially through bilingual education, has many benefits. Studies indicate that early language learning enhances students’ overall language capacity, leading to stronger problem-solving and listening abilities.
Find our Best of the Month lists, including the top 10 FREE events and best events for toddlers, teens and date night. Special thanks to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art for their sponsorship of Best of the Month lists.
