I’m a work-at-home mom. During the school year, this works well; I can usually get everything done that needs doing while the kids are at school. In the summer, however, it’s a whole ‘nother story!
I’m determined that for every morning spent hanging around the house so mommy can work, we’ll find a fun activity around the area that we can participate in. And since we’re budgeting, I’m all about finding as many FREE fun activities as I can!
One Saturday during the school year as we were running errands, we happened to stop by our local library on the way out to conquer our to-do list. Then on the way home, we hit the park since the weather was so unseasonably lovely. Upon leaving the park, my kids both said “This has been the best day ever! The library and the park!” and that was a lightbulb moment for me.
What better free resources does our community provide than libraries and parks? I resolved that once a week, we would find a park and a library, all around the metro to visit. I quickly realized that once a week might be an unattainable goal, but certainly we could venture out at least 4 or 5 times before school resumes. And then
First up, we hit the Moore Public Library and Veteran’s Park. The Library is near the intersection of I-35 & Fourth Street in Moore, and it’s the first library I ever visited in the Metro, so I have a deep and abiding love for this place. With a schedule packed full of fun family-friendly events and a gigantic Children’s area to engage my kids (when they were toddlers and now that they are nearing tweens). The computer banks provide a break when they’re tired of reading (gasp!), and toys and puzzles and a puppet theater will keep smaller kids happy.
After our library trip, we headed east on Fourth to Veteran’s Park. Once upon a time, this park was a dirt patch with antiquated equipment; in recent years it’s been renovated and now features updated play equipment, walking trails, a creek and memorial to local military veterans. There are huge trees in this park, providing ample shade for picnics or just a lie-down in the grass. A covered pavilion adjacent to the play area can be rented for your activities and there are restrooms on-site (always important!).
Visit www.cityofmoore.com/locations/veterans-memorial-park for more information on Veteran’s Park; visit www.pls.lib.ok.us fore more on the Moore Public Library.
