Summer is the perfect time for families to find STEAM fun in OKC (STEAM = science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). As a mother of three โ Nadia, 14; QJ, 6; and Nuri, 1 โ Iโve discovered a wealth of activities that cater to different age groups. Whether itโs through visits to Science Museum Oklahoma, the Innovation District or other educational adventures, thereโs something for everyone.
Here are some fantastic STEAM fun activities around OKC that your family can enjoy:
Science Museum Oklahoma is a treasure trove of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that fascinate kids and adults alike. We frequent this museum often because it offers something for each of my children. CurioCity, a 20,000-square-foot exhibit designed for younger children, features areas like Tinkering Garage and Wunderground that stimulate creativity and curiosity. QJ and Nuri love exploring here. Older kids like Nadia can delve into the mysteries of the universe in Destination Space, an engaging exhibit that covers everything from space travel to the solar system. Additionally, the museum offers summer camps and workshops tailored to various ages, providing in-depth exploration of scientific concepts, which are great for keeping kids engaged and learning during the summer break.
The Oklahoma City Innovation District hosts a variety of STEM-focused events throughout the year that appeal to a wide range of interests and ages. Family STEM Nights often including interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and guest speakers from various STEM fields. Itโs a perfect way to spend an evening together learning and having fun. Teen Tech Nights, which focus on advanced technology topics such as coding, robotics and engineering challenges, are perfect for Nadia, and anyone in her age group. Maker Fairs feature projects from local innovators and provide a hands-on experience for kids of all ages, inspiring creativity and innovation. QJ loves seeing all the cool inventions and getting to try out some projects himself.
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden offers several STEAM-related programs. We love visiting the zoo, and the educational programs make each visit even more enriching. Zoo Troop Programs are age-specific and focus on different aspects of animal science and conservation, making them great for Nuri and QJ. Summer Safari Day Camps, designed for children from kindergarten through eighth grade, blend fun with learning about wildlife and nature conservation. The zoo also offers Wild Encounters, special experiences where kids can get up close and personal with some of the zoo’s animals. We had the honor of checking out the Zooโs Gorilla Trek VR and the kids absolutely loved it.
For a more profound educational experience, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum offers STEAM-related educational programs. The STEM: Mapping the Murrah program uses GIS mapping technology to teach students about the bombing and its aftermath, combining history with technology. Nadia finds this program particularly intriguing. Various youth programs and workshops cater to different age groups, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The Metropolitan Library System offers a wide range of programs and resources for children of all ages. Our family often visits the library and we always find something engaging. STEAM story times incorporate basic science and art concepts into fun, engagingย activities for the youngest ones like Nuri. Tween and Teen STEAM Programs for older kids and teens, including Nadia, offer hands-on experiments, coding classes and creative art projects.
Myriad Botanical Gardens provides an excellent setting for STEAM fun in OKC. We love spending time outdoors and the gardens offer plenty of educational opportunities. Programs like Reading Wednesdays and Weekly Walkups offer nature-based learning and craft activities suitable for QJ and Nuri. Nadia can get involved in teen volunteer programs that include learning about horticulture, conservation, and garden maintenance. Family workshops often involve gardening, biology, and environmental science, providing hands-on learning experiences for the whole family.
Oklahoma City is brimming with opportunities to engage children of all ages in STEAM fun. From the interactive exhibits at the Science Museum Oklahoma to the educational programs at the Innovation District and the Myriad Botanical Gardens, thereโs something to inspire curiosity and learning in every corner of the city. By exploring these resources, families can foster a love for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics in their children. By sharing our family’s experiences and the rich variety of STEAM activities available, I hope to inspire other families to embark on their own educational adventures this summer. Whether you have a toddler, a school-aged child or a teenager, there’s a wealth of opportunities to explore, learn, and grow together STEAM fun in OKC.
Sasha is a proud Liberian woman now living in Oklahoma City, where she juggles her roles as a wife, mother, social media influencer, and life saver. She loves cooking, having fun Friday kitchen dance sessions with her family, exploring the city, and showing the real side of motherhood. Sasha is passionate about inspiring other moms to keep going and reminding them they are fantastic no matter what. Connect with her on Instagram and Facebook @NyemadyesLifestyle.
