Story time fun in OKC

When your imagination becomes the illustration – a love for books becomes real.  

I remember how much I cherished story time at home and at school as a kid.  I can even remember some of my favorite books vividly. The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes will forever be woven into what bedtime stories are made of.  Are You, My Mother? The People Could fly and those sweet little books about how to care for pets. Those are just a few that come to my mind when I think about books that made the bedtime routine so magical. 

And since we are talking about reading – let me encourage you to utilize story times in OKC at the public library and your local book stores.  

Story time at the library

My kids are four and two now – and over the past few years we have attended 123 Play with Me, baby time and toddler time. These are fantastic library programs that are free and located in a set aside room so kids can’t just get up and roam. This allows a parent to relax and watch their children actively engage in the books being read or the songs being sung. You can check the Metropolitan Library System for the schedule.  

And if that doesn’t appeal to you because maybe your kids are older … how about reading to dogs?! I love this idea and think it is a perfect way to encourage reading. Dogs won’t rush them or laugh at them. They won’t judge them if they are a little behind in their reading skills. They are quite literally the perfect audience. I’m pawsitive – this event is something your kids will never forget! 

Story time at a local bookstore

I love to see the small crowds of parents/caregivers and kids on a Saturday morning at a local bookstore for story time in OKC. Whether you choose Barnes & Noble, Common Place Books, Half Price Books or Full circle, you will be in good company.  

Kids eagerly waiting and likely discovering what’s available on the shelves! You’ll find other parents, babysitters, friends or family members who are looking forward to exploring the books that are available! 

If you haven’t gone to story time at a local shop – let me suggest Full Circle. You might find yourself having a “beauty and the beast” moment when you walk in. Remember Belle swinging on the ladder while singing about all the books she’s read. Full Circle’s architecture takes you there. Should your little one not love the idea of sitting for thirty minutes to an hour at story time — there’s a cozy little section where books and toys collide. It’s a quaint space within the bookstore.  

And I know most of us walk around like a stocked pantry – full of snacks and small meals, but if you forget them or just decide you want something prepared by someone else (because we all deserve to be pampered even in the smallest way), they do offer meals in the café. Coffee, tea and sweet treats are available too.  

Barnes and Noble also hold a place in my heart. There’s just something about it that does it for me. Maybe it’s the shared space with Starbucks, maybe it’s the toys and holiday selections, the gifts and magazines. Oh – and music and movies. The children’s section is what kid dreams are made of. A tiny stage, stuffed animals, story times on the weekend and every book known to parent and child – or so it seems. I had the pleasure of doing a Halloween book reading there and I thoroughly enjoyed it. You won’t be surprised to know I brought cake, candy, drinks and decorations. Go big or go home … yes even in storytelling to kids! 

And I can’t conclude my story time blog without suggesting a visit to Nappy Roots Bookstore! Making sure your children get a chance to check out books dedicated to other races and cultures just feels very American. We are a melting pot of people so make sure their reading experience reflects that. 

Looking for more story times in OKC? Oklahoma City boasts plenty of opportunities for your kids to hear their favorite books in new and exciting settings. Here are some story times in OKC metro for kids of all ages. For more read-aloud opportunities, see our list of best story times in the metro as voted by our readers and our editor’s picks for sensational story times.