Oklahoma City family fun gives us all something to look forward to, whether it's a big event like one of the 10 selected in each week's edition of Weekend Picks or just a quick outing.
The first week of June brings up all that we want to plan and do and see in the next three months, with summer's promise of a more relaxed schedule. My sons are 8, 3 and 5 months and here's what we're looking forward to soon:
- Chuggington Live! Isaac, my toddler, loves the TV series and related characters. Watching it come to life next week at Civic Center Music Hall, is something I know he'll enjoy. You can enter to win a family-pack of five tickets here; the contest ends June 2 and two families of fellow fans will be thrilled, I'm sure, to see the show as well.
- Summer reading and related programs: It's time to enroll Sam, Isaac and even Gabriel in the Metropolitan Library System's"Every Hero Has a Story" Summer Reading Program, which starts June 1. What I love about this program is that kids don't have to be independent readers to participate. I can read to Isaac and Gabriel and that absolutely counts for participation. The benefits of reading aloud top the list of why I want my sons to take advantage of the program, besides the obvious challenge of preventing the summer slide. Adults can participate too and it's probably fair to say that I enjoy the program more than anyone in our family, between reading to my younger children, watching my soon-to-be third grader read on his own and finding new books to enjoy myself. PBS Kids, Barnes & Noble and Scholastic are just a few of the other initiatives available this year too. Find a complete list of similar programs here.
- Picking fruits and vegetables: MetroFamily's new Pick-Your-Own Farms Guide reminded me that we have a date pending to go back to Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree & Blackberry farm. I promised Sam and Isaac we'd return to see the blackberry portion of the business this past December when we bought our Christmas tree. An afternoon of dirt, sun and something to show for it will make for a memorable way to start the summer.
- Touch-a-Truck: Last year was the first time my family attended this local event. It's a hands-on experience with fire trucks, ambulances, police motorcycles and other vehicles that my sons normally marvel at from the confines of their booster seats. This year's event is on Saturday, June 6 at UCO and we'll honk horns, see engines and climb on all that's available to see up-close. A $2-donation is suggested and proceeds benefit the Edmond Hope Center.
- Water play: Sam has been asking me for a month what date Pelican Bay will open. Water play is a great reprieve from the summer heat and reinforces swimming skills gained throughout winter lessons. I can't wait to pack everyone up, spray some sunscreen and hit the pool. Here's a list of the best pools, splash pads and water parks in the OKC metro, as suggested by our readers.
Have a suggestion about the best way to spend a summer day? It could be featured in a blog post soon. Write to callie@metrofamilymagazine.com and we just might try it out!
