Oklahoma City family fun is incredibly varied. The continual variety of events and activities says a lot about our metro area and how much it has grown in the past decade. Meeting newcomers and pointing out all that there is to do and see and experience here is a perk of the job; watching families who have lived in Oklahoma City for a long time get to know all that's in their area is also rewarding. I think everyone at MetroFamily feels a similar enthusiasm and it's really fun to watch our readers interact with us at events or on our Facebook page and Twitter profile. The sense of community just doesn't get old and I'm really grateful for that.
Last week, I wrote about six general venues for dads to go without moms, specifically where my husband, Mario, could take our sons as I recover from a c-section and get used to life with a newborn. Mario is from Costa Rica, so our sense of community broadens to include a lot that is new for him. Even after eight years here, we find places we've never visited and I think that must be true for Oklahoma natives as well as transplants to the state. The fact that I'm not from Oklahoma either pushes us to play tourists more than we otherwise would; there's something for everyone in MetroFamily's Weekend Picks, so we're always finding out about what's happening locally. Plus, I consult MetroFamily's calendar all the time when we have a free afternoon. It's easy to find something to get the family out of the house.
This week, I've mapped out three specific events in the near future I think my husband and sons could enjoy together:
- Delicious, Delectable Hot Chocolate Adventure at the Myriad Botanical Gardens: I haven't met a child yet who doesn't love hot chocolate. Despite its Central American origins, the winter beverage was totally new to Mario upon moving here, the first place he ever saw snow. I did a hot chocolate tasting in Grapevine, Texas recently and it was a novel experience. We just visited Myriad Botanical Gardens for the first time this past November. There's a variety of family-oriented programming going on throughout the year there and I'm sure the hot chocolate tasting will be terrific. It's going on tomorrow from 1-2 p.m.
- Free Family Day at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art: We haven't yet seen this museum in Norman and hands-on art activities are listed as part of the day. There's no admission charge this Sunday afternoon from 1-4; in fact, the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art doesn't charge admission. It'd be ideal to take Sam and Isaac, ages 7 and 3, to something they can interact with after all the cold weather. There are, in fact, so many museums in the state that we haven't yet visited. When I'm feeling better and our baby is up to being out (i.e., the flu isn't in the news every day), we'll check out more locales like this one. For now, Mario, Sam and Isaac will have to take the tour first.
- Cirque du Soleil's "Varekai" show: More and more big-name shows are coming to the metro all the time, it seems, and Cirque du Soleil is certainly well-known for its colorful costumes, amazing acrobats and unique themes. This production won't disappoint, with a variation on the story of Icarus as the plot line. I usually hesitate to take my toddler to stage performances but I'm confident he'll be fine at this one because it's sure to entertain. Tickets are still on sale and performances run from Jan. 28 – Feb. 1.
There's a lot going on this weekend and I'm sure we'll find something for Mario, Sam and Isaac to get out and go do. If you have suggestions for us, write to callie@metrofamilymagazine.com. Your family's favorite event or activity could be featured here!
