AKokcSu14Cover.pdf 1 5/16/14 2:50 PM

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EDITOR’S NOTE / 4

FEATURESTen Ways To Be A Great Dad / 6The Do's & Don'ts Of Summer Camps / 14Siblings / 16Family-Friendly Music Festivals / 26

RESOURCE GUIDESCamp Connection Guide / 10Party Guide / 22

AKokc CUSTOmERAPPRECIATION NIGHTSThank YOU For Your Support / 5

GOING PLACESCalendar of Events / 20

S U M M E R 2 0 1 4Summer time is finally here... this year is flying by! School is winding down, vacations are around the corner. Planning activities for and with the kids can definitely be another job in itself, but spending time together with your kids is very important. It shows them you care and love them. This time of year means freedom from school, freedom to roam, have fun and PLAY hard!

Our Summer Activities and Camp Guide will help you choose fantastic and fun destinations for vacation mem-ories. As a bonus, we are giving you the opportunity to win FREE event passes or tickets to exciting adven-tures such as: ice skating, baseball with the RedHawks, Frontier City/White Water Bay or the Science Museum! The only way you can get these great prizes and more is to visit our Facebook page and follow the rules.

Making time as a family is very important, especially to me and my kiddos. Now, speaking of taking time, re-member to hang out with the wonderful dads in your life! Treat them to some of our Summer fun activities.

I hope this issue succeeds in delivering the resources needed to make your family life run a bit smoother. We strive to make AmeriKidz fulfilling and informative, but still absolutely FULL of FUN!

Lastly, I'd like to thank SIX very important and special people in my life who mean the WORLD to me. Thank you so much for the encouraging words, standing be-side me and never giving up on me. I couldn't have done it without you! You all are my LIFE. I'd also like to thank everyone for your support of our great ad-vertisers. It is because of YOU that we are able to continue offering AmeriKidz to the community. Please remember to say, "I saw you in AmeriKidz!"

Thank you and God bless,

Keep In Touch(NO REALLY, WE MEAN IT!)We love to hear form you. Don’t forget to become a fan on Facebook.com/AmeriKidzOKC and get daily updates, enter contests, share pictures and chat with other families. You can check us out at AmeriKidz.com, too, or follow us.

4 AmeriKidzOKC.com

Jason SPRING 2014

AmeriKidz.comAmeriKidz.com

PartyGuide

SUMMER CAMPS ISSUESUMMER CAMPS ISSUE

Ask a 12Year Old,

They Know

Everything

405-436-8758 Popzybowes@gmail.com

Dad Background1.pdf 2/16/11 6:34:18 PM

Studies demonstrate that healthy father-child re-ODWLRQVKLSV�KHOS�FKLOGUHQ�ÀRXULVK�ZKHQ�LW�FRPHV�WR�coping and adapting, solving problems, staying in school and developing longer lasting relationships. ,QYROYHG� GDGV� DOVR� ZLQ�� HQMR\LQJ� EHWWHU� RYHUDOO�health, higher self-esteem and a more positive VHOI�LPDJH�� ³6WXGLHV� VKRZ� WKDW� ZKHQ� IDWKHUV� DUH�involved in the lives of their children, both parent DQG�FKLOG�ZLQ�´�VDLG�6X]LQ�%DUWOH\��([HFXWLYH�'LUHF-tor of the Children’s Trust Fund. “All parents need and deserve the skills and support needed to be the best parent they can be. We applaud our dads RQ�)DWKHU¶V�'D\�DQG�WKURXJKRXW�WKH�\HDU�±�WKH\¶YH�JRW�RQH�WRXJK�MRE�´

1.RESPECT YOUR CHILD’S MOTHERIf you are married, keep your marriage strong and vital. If you aren’t married, it is still important to respect and support the mother of your children.

2. SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILDREN+RZ� D� IDWKHU� VSHQGV� KLV� WLPH� WHOOV� KLV� FKLOGUHQ�ZKDW¶V�LPSRUWDQW�WR�KLP��%\�VKDULQJ�WLPH�ZLWK�\RXU�children, you tell them they are important to you.

3. EARN THE RIGHT TO BE HEARD7RR�RIWHQ�D�IDWKHU�RQO\�VSHDNV�WR�KLV�FKLOGUHQ�ZKHQ�WKH\� KDYH� GRQH� VRPHWKLQJ� ZURQJ�� %HJLQ� WDONLQJ�ZLWK�\RXU�NLGV�ZKHQ� WKH\�DUH�\RXQJ��SUDLVH� WKHP�and take time to listen to their ideas and problems.

4. DISCIPLINE WITH LOVEAll children need guidance and discipline, not as punishment, but to set reasonable limits. Remind your children of the consequences of their actions DQG�SURYLGH�PHDQLQJIXO�UHZDUGV�IRU�JRRG�EHKDYLRU�

5. READ TO YOUR CHILDREN%HJLQ�UHDGLQJ�WR�\RXU�FKLOGUHQ�ZKHQ�WKH\�DUH�YHU\�\RXQJ��,QVWLOOLQJ�\RXU�FKLOGUHQ�ZLWK�D�ORYH�IRU�UHDG-LQJ�LV�RQH�RI�WKH�EHVW�ZD\V�WR�HQVXUH�WKH\�ZLOO�KDYH�D�OLIHWLPH�RI�SHUVRQDO�DQG�FDUHHU�JURZWK�

(continued on page 8)

Dad Article Su14.indd 1 5/15/14 4:12 PM

8 AmeriKidz.com

Dad Background2.pdf 2/16/11 6:42:12 PM

(continued from page 6)

6. SHOW AFFECTIONChildren need the security that comes IURP� NQRZLQJ� WKH\� DUH� ZDQWHG� DQG�loved by their family. Parents, especially fathers, QHHG� WR� IHHO� FRPIRUWDEOH�DQG�ZLOOLQJ� WR�KXJ� WKHLU�FKLOGUHQ��6KRZLQJ�DIIHFWLRQ�HYHU\�GD\�LV�WKH�EHVW�ZD\�WR�OHW�\RXU�FKLOGUHQ�NQRZ�WKDW�\RX�ORYH�WKHP�

7. EAT TOGETHER AS A FAMILYSharing a meal together can be an important part of family life. It gives kids the chance to talk about ZKDW�WKH\�DUH�GRLQJ�DQG�LV�D�JRRG�WLPH�IRU�IDWKHUV�to listen and give advice.

8. BE A TEACHER AND A ROLE MODEL$� IDWKHU�ZLOO� VHH� KLV� FKLOGUHQ�PDNH� JRRG� FKRLFHV�EHFDXVH�KH�KDV�WDXJKW�WKHP�DERXW�ULJKW�DQG�ZURQJ�DQG�HQFRXUDJHG�WKHP�WR�GR�WKHLU�EHVW��%\�GHPRQ-strating honesty, humility and responsibility, fathers FDQ�VKRZ�WKHLU�FKLOGUHQ�ZKDW�LV�LPSRUWDQW�LQ�OLIH��$�GDXJKWHU�ZKR�JURZV�XS�ZLWK�D�ORYLQJ�IDWKHU�OHDUQV�WKDW�VKH�GHVHUYHV�WR�EH�WUHDWHG�ZLWK�UHVSHFW�

9. REALIZE THAT A FATHER’S JOB IS NEVER DONE(YHQ� DIWHU� FKLOGUHQ� DUH� JURZQ� DQG� OHDYH� WKH�

KRPH��WKH\�ZLOO�VWLOO�ORRN�WR�WKHLU�IDWKHUV�IRU�ZLVGRP�and advice. Fathers continue to play an essential part in the lives of their children as they make de-FLVLRQV�DERXW�HGXFDWLRQ��MREV��PDUULDJH�DQG�VWDUW-LQJ�WKHLU�RZQ�IDPLOLHV�

10. REACH OUT TO OTHER PARENTS FOR SUPPORT'LVFXVV�SDUHQWLQJ�ZLWK�RWKHU�SDUHQWV���ERWK�PRPV�DQG�GDGV��6KDUH� LGHDV��VROYH�SUREOHPV��¿QG�RXW�ZKDW�RWKHU�SDUHQWV�DUH�GRLQJ� WR� WDFNOH� LVVXHV�RI�discipline, safety, and communication. Get to NQRZ� WKH�SDUHQWV�RI� \RXU� NLG¶V� IULHQGV��&RQVLGHU�MRLQLQJ�RU�VWDUWLQJ�D�GDGV¶�JURXS�LQ�\RXU�DUHD��<RX�FDQ�OHDUQ�D�ORW��¿QG�VXSSRUW�DQG�FDPDUDGHULH�DQG�HQMR\�SDUHQWLQJ�PRUH�ZKHQ�\RX�DUH� IULHQGV�ZLWK�other parents.

This article appears courtesy of OneToughJob.org, a par-

enting website owned and operated by the Massachu-

setts Children’s Trust Fund.

Dad Article Su14.indd 2 5/15/14 4:12 PM

AmeriKidzOKC.com 9

Camps

DANCE (cont'd)

Community Dance CenterOKCPhone: (405) 208.5508www.okcu.edu/CommunityDance

Oklahoma Children's Theatre2501 North Blackwelder, OKCPhone: (405) 606.7003www.OklahomaChildrensTheatre.org

Tippi Toes DanceServing OKC, Edmond, Moore, Norman & YukonPhone: (405) 361.3620www.TippiToesDance.comemail: tracy@tippitoesdance.com

FAMILY FUNGW Interactive Zoological Park25803 North County Road 3250Wynnewood, OK 73098-9156Exit 64/17A off I-35Phone: (405) 665.5197Fax: (405) 665.1050www.gwzoo.org

mobile Laser ForcesServing all of OklahomaPhone: (405) 259.9300www.MobileLaserForces.com

Science museum OklahomaOKCPhone: (405) 602.3760www.ScienceMuseumok.org

(continued on page 13)

10 AmeriKidzOKC.com

DAY CAMP Academy of Dance Arts Yukon405.324.7600www.AcademyDanceArtsok.com

Blazers Ice Centre8000 S I-35 Service RdOklahoma City, OK 73149Phone: (405) 631.3307www.blazers-icecentre.com

Cleveland County Family YmCANorman405.364.YMCA (9622)www.YMCAnorman.org

Game On! Theatre & musical Camp@ Oklahoma Children's Theatre, OKCPhone: (405) 606.7003www.OklahomaChildrensTheatre.org

metro Gymnastics7420 Broadway ExtOklahoma City, OK 73116Phone: (405) 848.5308www.metrogymokc.comemail: metrogymokc@sbcglobal.net

mAm (martial Arts ministries)3601 S. Broadway, Suite 1500EdmondPhone: (405) 418.7388www.maministries.com

Primrose School Summer CampEdmondPhone: (405) 285.6787www.PrimroseSchools.com

Science museum OklahomaOKCPhone: (405) 602.3760www.ScienceMuseumok.org

DAY CAMP (cont'd)

Summer Arts Camp@ Oklahoma Center for Arts EducationUCO, EdmondPhone: (405) 974.3754www.ocae.net

Tippi Toes Princess CampServing OKC, Edmond, Moore, Norman & YukonPhone: (405) 361.3620www.TippiToesDance.comemail: tracy@tippitoesdance.com

RESIDENT CAMPCamp mcFaddenKaw Lake (near Ponca City)Phone: (580) 762.9955www.CampMcFadden.com

And More Fun Activities...ARTS & CRAFTSPaint ‘N StationOKCPhone: (405) 842.7770www.PaintnStation.com

DANCEAcademy of Dance Arts YukonPhone: (405) 324.7600www.AcademyDanceArtsok.com

AmeriKidzOKC.com 11

Camps

Enroll now! 405-602-3760

Week 1 June 16-20 (reg. deadline June 9)

Week 2 June 23-27 (reg. deadline June 16)

Week 3 June 30-July 4 (reg. deadline June 23)

Week 4 July 7-11 (reg. deadline June 30)

Week 5 July 14-18 (reg. deadline July 7)

Week 6 July 21-25 (reg. deadline July 14)

Six 1-week campsRegister for 2 or more and

receive a 10% discount.9am–5pm each day

open to students grades 1st-6th grade

ScienceMuseumOk.orgtwitter.com/ScienceMuseumOk facebook.com/ScienceMuseumOk

youtube.com/user/ScienceMuseumOk instagram: @ScienceMuseumOk

5840 N. Classen Blvd, Suite 3

Oklahoma City, OK 73118405-418-8881 | uptownkidsstyle.com

12 AmeriKidzOKC.com

Camps

AmeriKidzOKC.com 13

Camps

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INDOOR PLAY CENTERSBouncin CrazeEdmond Phone: (405) 607.2020

Bouncin Craze 2OKCPhone: (405) 470.7000www.BouncinCraze.com

Heritage Lanes Bowling OKCPhone: (405) 755.7575www.HeritageLanesOkc.com

Jump!ZoneOKCPalagio Shops on S. WesternPhone: (405) 200.1691 www.JumpZoneParty.com

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AmeriKidzOKC.com 15

AmeriKidzOKC.com 17

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20 AmeriKidzOKC.com

Calendar

Saturday 31Drop-in Art on Saturdays!Families are invited to join the Oklahoma City Museum of Art every Saturday to create works of art inspired by the museum's collection, exhibitions, and special events throughout the year. No advance registration is required. 1-4pm. Information: 236.3100 x 231 or okcmoa.com.

Tuesdays in June and JulyWild Tuesdays Story Time SafarisThe Oklahoma City Zoo hosts Wild Tuesday Story Time Safaris every Tuesday in June and July. Two story ses-sions will be held each week at 9:30am and 10:30am at Grandma’s Porch in the Children’s Zoo. Sessions in-clude “wild” stories, a craft activity and a juice box, plus a visit from a Zoo keeper. Each session, geared towards children 11 and under, lasts approximately 25 minutes. Free with paid Zoo admission. Information: 425-0262

Tuesday 3 – August 5Bouncin Craze IIFor those hot summer days and you want to play in the water but don’t want to beat the crowd or stand in long lines to get wet. Well now you don’t have to. Go see Bouncin Craze for cool, wet fun. Every Tuesday 10am -8pm. Information: 607.2020

Thursday 5 - Saturday 7Red Earth FestivalWhen the 28th Annual Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival is held in Oklahoma City in 2014, more than 1200 American Indian artists and dancers from throughout North America will gather to celebrate the richness and diversity of their heritage with the world. During the Red Earth Festival Oklahoma City is at the center of Native American art and culture in America. Information: 427.5228 or redearth.org

Friday 6World Ocean's DayWhat’s the commotion? The ocean! Friday, June 6, is World Ocean’s Day at the Oklahoma City Zoo! And to celebrate, the Zoo is planning family-fun activities from 10am to 2pm. in the Noble Aquatic Center: Aquaticus. Learn about the world’s oceans and aquatic inhabitants and how Oklahomans are connected. Free with paid Zoo admission. Information: 425-0218

Saturday 7Chisholm Trail FestivalA Taste of Louisiana on the Chisholm Trail will feature the Kid’s Kreative Korral, Living History Reenactments, Chicken & Crawfish Races, Live Music, Pony Rides, Gunfights and more! Admission is FREE. Location Kirk-patrick Family Farm, 1001 Garth Brooks Blvd. 9am-6pm.Information: 350.8937 or cityofyukonok.gov.

Drop-in Art on Saturdays!Families are invited to join the Oklahoma City Museum of Art every Saturday to create works of art inspired by the museum's collection, exhibitions, and special events throughout the year. No advance registration is required. 1-4pm. Information: 236.3100 x 231 or okcmoa.com.

All-American Fishing DerbyBring the kids out for a day of fishing fun at the annual All-American Kids Fishing Derby, held at Arcadia Lake. Open to ages five through 15, kids are invited to bring their fish-ing rods, equipment and bait to try their luck at catching the biggest fish. Don't forget to bring a lawn chair, sun-screen and sunglasses. The fishing contest starts at 8am, and the final weigh-in is at 11am. Prizes will be awarded in various categories at noon. Concessions and worms will be for sale at the event site. Parents must accompany children. Information: 216.7471 or arcadialake.com.

Thursday 12 – August 14Concerts in the ParkOffers a different type of music each week, including country, jazz, classic rock, patriotic, classical and pop. Bring your lawn chairs or blanket, snack on tasty con-cessions that will be available while relaxing with family and friends. Take in a beautiful summer evening in the park listening to the sounds of local entertainers per-forming for the crowds. Held inside Chisholm Trail Park each Thursday, 500 W. Vandament Avenue. FREE to the public from 7-8:30pm. Information: cityofyukonok.gov

Friday 13 & Saturday 14Sibshops with Don MeyerSibshops are opportunities for brothers and sisters of children with disabilities, special health care needs and mental illness to obtain peer support and education within a recreational setting. Sibshops are 3- hour events open to school-aged children 5-15, generally held monthly on a Saturday morning, offering lively, recreational activities interspersed with information and discussion activities. St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 9:00am-3:00pm (lunch is included). Information: 271.5700 x 47801.

Sunday 15

HappyFather’s Day!

(continued on page 24)

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22 AmeriKidzOKC.com

BLAZERS ICE CENTRE8000 S I-35 Service RdOklahoma City, OK 73149631.3307www.blazers-icecentre.com We offer 3 great birthday packages to meet all your party needs, from personalized cakes, guest of honor receives a T-shirt, heated party room and FREE skate passes for each child + tons of fun. Check out the party packages on our web site for more information on a variety of parties.

BOUNCIN CRAZENew Location: 9333 W. Reno Ave., OKC470.700014901 N. Lincoln Blvd., Edmond607.2020www.bouncincraze.comBouncin Craze takes care of all your party needs. Offer-ing food, private party rooms, and a nice large room of inflatable fun. Check out the “party packages” page on the web site for more information on a variety of parties.

CLEVELAND COUNTY FAmILY YmCA1350 Lexington Avenue, Norman364.YMCA (9622) www.ymcanorman.orgThe guest of honor receives a T-shirt and all partygoers (up to 25 total) enjoy an hour in the pool and time in our decorated party room. We help set up and clean up! Parties are sched-uled on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and require a week's advance notice. Call to reserve your pool party today!

EDmOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY & mUSEUm 431 South Blvd., Edmond 340.0078 www.edmondhistory.orgEdmond Historical Society & Museum hosts kids birth-day parties and gatherings. We supply the space, tables and entertainment. You supply the decorations and food. Private, Semi Private and open hour parties available. Visit our website or call to schedule your next outing!

GW INTERACTIVE ZOOLOGICAL PARK25803 North County Road 3250, WynnewoodExit 64/17A off I-35665.5197www.gwzoo.orgWant to be the most popular of all your friends and throw the best birthday party around? Then have your event at G.W. Zoo. General Admission included along with FREE use of one of our two party decks. We can pro-vide the cake, drinks and utensils (priced below). Come and party with the Animals! Celebrate like never before! Birthdays at the Garold Wayne Interactive Zoological Park are wild! WE CAN COME TO YOU!!!

HERITAGE LANES BOWLING 11917 N. Penn Ave., OKC755.7575www.heritagelanesokc.com We are a 40-lane, smoke free bowling center offering a full service Pro Shop, Snack Bar and Bar, Leagues, Company Parties, Company Training, Birthday Parties, Day Care Groups, Fundraising Events, and Glo Bowl! Book your next outing with us.

JUmP!ZONE PARTY & PLAY CENTERSW 104th & Western, OKCPalagio Shops on South Western200.1691www.jumpzoneparty.comOklahoma's Largest Indoor Inflatable Party and Play Cen-ter. Jump!Zone provides active fun for all ages. Jump!Zone has 6 massive inflatables, 5 playsets and 4 private party rooms. Jump!Zone is your party headquarters. Check our website for Family Fun Night and Open!Play hours.

mAm - mARTIAL ARTS mINISTRIES3601 S. Broadway, Suite 1500, Edmond418.7388www.maministries.comBirthday parties for up to 15 kids include fun games and a high-energy karate lesson. Birthday kid gets to break a real board and lead the cake cutting ceremony.

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LET THE FUN BEGIN

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AmeriKidzOKC.com 23

Activities & Entertainment

24 AmeriKidzOKC.com

Calendar

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Sunday 15Father's Day at the Oklahoma City ZooTake dad on your own Zoo safari for Father’s Day, Sun-day, June 15. All dads get in free with any paid zoo admission! Regular admission is $8 for adults, and $5 for children ages 3 – 11 and seniors age 65 and older.Information: 425-0262.

Tuesday 17 – August 12Bouncin Craze For those hot summer days and you want to play in the water but don’t want to beat the crowd or stand in long lines to get wet. Well now you don’t have to. Go see Bouncin Craze for cool, wet fun. Every Tuesday 10am -8pm. Information: 607.2020.

Friday 20ZoobilationCome on, let’s celebrate Zoo style! The Oklahoma Zoo-logical Society (OZS) and the Oklahoma City Zoo invite you to Zoobilation on Friday, June 20, from 7-11pm. Zoobilation is OZS’s annual no-tie gala and largest fundraising event for the Zoo. The Zoo’s Children’s Zoo provides a fun and whimsical setting for the evening’s festivities including gourmet bites from Oklahoma City’s favorite restaurants, adult beverages such as our signa-ture Zootini, a silent auction and live music! This 21-and-over event is limited to 700 guests. Individual tickets are $100. Zoobilation will be held rain or shine. Information: 425-0612 or visit www.zoofriends.org.

Saturday 21 – July 4LibertyFestThis week long patriotic celebration honors the birth-day of the nation, as well as the heritage of Oklahoma. Come to LibertyFest to feel the excitement of one of the largest Independence Day celebrations around, to be entertained by top-notch festival events and to be dazzled by the largest fireworks display in the Oklahoma City metro area. Information: 340.2527.

Friday 27Cardboard Boat Regatta InformationThe 6th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta at Arcadia Lake, Edmond Park off 2nd Street, is a great new event for your LibertyFest Celebration!! Gather your material, rally the troops and start building your boat. Information: 359.4630 or libertyfest.org.

Saturday 28 & Sunday 29KiteFestThe sky will be painted with hundreds of kites flown by any-one who wants to “go fly a kite.” Candy drops from a large kite will occur several times during the day for the kids. So, for a fun filled two days of kite flying or just kite watching, come to Mitch Park. FREE. Information: 341.5477 or libertyfest.org.

Sunday 29A Taste of EdmondThe long warm days of summer will usher in the LibertyFest 2014 Taste of Edmond in Downtown Edmond. 40+ restau-rants from around our area will provide visitors with lip-smack-ing delicacies and comfort food that is beyond compare. A Taste of Edmond is a fundraiser for LibertyFest, ensuring the festival for years to come. You can't beat the price for all you can eat event. This is truly a family affair located at the Fes-tival Market Place. 6:30-8:30pm. Information: libertyfest.org.

Thursday 3 – Friday 18Shakespeare in the ParkOklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents "Antony & Cleopatra." This production will take place on the Myriad Botanical Gardens Water Stage in downtown Oklahoma City as part of Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park's 30th anniversary season. Information: Myriad Botanical Gar-dens Water Stage 301 W Reno Ave, 235.3700.

Friday 4FreedomFestYukon's Freedom Fest celebrates our nation's indepen-dence with a full day of holiday fun. This festival kicks off in the morning at Yukon City Park with a children's parade, featuring creative and patriotic displays. Enjoy free water-melon, free ice cream and live music. Following is a per-formance by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, along with a huge fireworks display at dusk. Watch the Freedom Fest grand finale as spectacular fireworks light up the night sky while music sets the mood. Chisholm Trail Park 500 W. Vandament. Information cityofyukon.org.

Fourth of July CelebrationCelebrate our nation's freedom downtown Oklahoma City. The Myriad Botanical Gardens offers FREE Admis-sion all day long to guests wearing red, white & blue. Information: 297.3995.

Sunday 27 & monday 28Krazy Daze Sales EventKrazy Daze Sales Event in Downtwon Edmond. Great Bargains, Great Savings and Great Food. 10am– 5pm. Information: downtownedmondok.com.

AmeriKidzOKC.com 25

Activities & Entertainment

Assignment given: cover the family-friendly nature of one of the biggest country music festivals in the nation - Stagecoach - held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Over 50,000 people attend. There were over 60 musical acts this year, ranging from old-school country and bluegrass to the newer rock-based country. The one, small detail that led AmeriKidz to send us on this little adventure? Chil-dren 10 and under are free with a paid adult pass.

I’m sorry. Children? And they’re FREE? Nothing is free anymore, especially a ticket to a huge three-day music festival with one of the best lineups we’ve ever seen. Ok, we’ll bite. We’re curious to see if this is for real.

Our initial reaction was echoed by colleagues and friends. “No. Why? People bring their kids to that? Are you kidding me? You’re going, though, right?”

Yes, yes we are. I mean, really, twist my arm. We’ll gladly suffer through the desert heat and wind �ZKLFK�ZDV�DZIXO�WKH�¿UVW�QLJKW���:H¶OO�KXQW�GRZQ�those families crazy enough to drag their kids along. They’re probably just doing it because they couldn’t ¿QG�D�EDE\VLWWHU�IRU�WKH�ZHHNHQG��ULJKW"�:URQJ�

Stagecoach began in 2007, and is considered a “cousin” festival to Coachella, which takes place the

two weekends prior. A major difference between the two festivals: Stagecoach has an area dedicated to NLGV��WKH�+DOISLQW�+RRWHQDQQ\��DQG�DQ�RI¿FLDO�FRGH�of conduct festival-goers are asked to follow. Now, GRQ¶W�JHW�PH�ZURQJ��WKLV�LV�GH¿QLWHO\�D�URZG\�IHVWLYDO��but I was pleasantly surprised at the effort taken to cover all country music fans, at any age.

From the get-go, access is pretty easy. Wristbands DUH�SLFNHG�XS�RIIVLWH��DQG�SDUNLQJ�DW�WKH�SROR�¿HOGV�LV�free. Lawn chairs and beach blankets are allowed to save a spot in the incredibly large Mane Stage area. We were surprised to see how many kids were walk-LQJ�LQ�ZLWK�WKHLU�IDPLOLHV��7KLV�ZDV�GH¿QLWHO\�QRW�D�babysitter-less situation. This was a family vacation.

7KH�ODUJH��VSUDZOLQJ�SROR�¿HOGV�JLYH�SOHQW\�RI�URRP�to roam and not feel like a packed-in sardine. Three separate stages cater to the bands, with some play-ing the Mustang and Palomino stages, while bigger acts take to the Mane Stage.

7KHUH�DUH�SOHQW\�RI�RSSRUWXQLWLHV�WR�¿QG�VKDGH��IRRG�and drink (including an annual BBQ competition on-VLWH���DQG�DFWLYLWLHV�WR�NHHS�WKH�NLGGRV�HQWHUWDLQHG��An enormous Playstation Experience semi truck was a favorite among the older kids, as well as most RI�WKH�GDGV��/LWWOH�JLUOV�ZHUH�EHLQJ�RXW¿WWHG�LQ�WKHLU�FRXQWU\�EHVW��EULQJ�RQ�WKH�UKLQHVWRQHV��DW�YHQGRUV�located throughout the venue.

AmeriKidzOKC.com 27

The Halfpint Hootenanny was by far the most kid-friendly area. Hosted by local Girl and Boy Scout troops, the large, air conditioned tent included crafts, games, a petting zoo, blacksmith workshops, face painting, live performances and a gigantic hen named Henny Penny. As a bonus, they offer a free tag-a-kid service. Lost little ones are no fun!

Stagecoach has become a yearly tradition that thou-sands of people from all over the US look forward to. As attendees families have grown, they are able to experience a safe and lively festival where good

times and family-friendly values still exist (I have to mention that even the musicians kept it clean. I was WKRURXJKO\�LPSUHVVHG���

I may have been skeptical, but I consider the weekend to be a total success. Thank you, Stagecoach, for thinking of everyone, and making sure the next generation of country music fans is secured. Family-friendly, indeed.

28 AmeriKidzOKC.com

Activities & Entertainment

Celebrate Your Birthday With Us

Bronze Package- $9010 Skaters- 1/4 Sheet CakeSkating Only

Silver Package- $13512 Skaters-Heated Party Room1/4 Sheet Cake-2 Soda Pitchers

Gold Package- $17515 Skaters- Heated Party Room

1/4 Sheet Cake- 3 Soda Pitchers

3 Pizzas

Limited spots available, reserve yours now!Contact Cindy at

(405)-631-3307 or cindy@blazers-icecentre.com

4 Week Class - $658 Week Class - $125

7:30am-5:30pm Monday-Friday

June 2nd - August 15th

Learn to Skate

30 AmeriKidzOKC.com

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mETRO GYmNASTICS7420 Broadway Ext, Oklahoma City848.5308www.metrogymokc.comemail: metrogymokc@sbcglobal.netCome enjoy your private party at Metro Gymnastics. Each party has one of our wonderful staff members instructing your 90 minute party. Our staff will lead the children around the gym through obstacle courses, swinging on the bars and of course playing in the pit! Our staff will also help with opening presents and cake time. You bring the cake, drinks and paper goods, we supply the FUN!

mOBILE LASER FORCESServing all of Oklahoma259.9300www.mobilelaserforces.comemail: info@mobilelaserforces.comMake life easier by having Mobile Laser Forces come to your next birthday party, church event or team get-together. We bring awesome laser tag to you anytime and anywhere (indoors, outdoors, daytime or nighttime). Ages 6 to 80. For the ultimate laser challenge call or email today!

PAINT ‘N STATION7906 N. May, OKC842.7770www.paintnstation.comEnjoy 90 minutes of fun creative birthday painting par-ties! Select a piece of pottery from our 2,000 sq. ft. studio and we provide the paints and brushes and fire it for you. We'll paint the first half and PARTY last half. Call or visit our website for more information.

SCIENCE mUSEUm OKLAHOmA2100 NE 52nd St., OKC602.3760 www.sciencemuseumok.orgemail: Bookabirthday@sciencemuseumok.orgYou bring the cake, we’ll take care of the rest. Birthday party packages include museum admission for 16 chil-dren and access to a private room for up to 2 hours. Add one of our science demonstrations to make the experi-ence completely unforgettable.

TIPPI TOES DANCE OKCServing OKC, Edmond, Moore, Norman & Yukon361.3620www.tippitoesdance.comemail: tracy@tippitoesdance.comWe come to your party and offer ballerina and dance par-ties for the birthday star and friends in a fun and kid-friend-ly way! The prices of our parties vary depending on the length and details. Information is available upon request.

UPTOWN CANDY / UPTOWN KIDS5840 N. Classen Blvd, Suite 3, Oklahoma City418.8881www.uptownkidsstyle.comUptown Candy is in the Classen Curve shopping center. Sweet or sour, chocolate or vanilla, all of those flavors and more will be available at Oklahoma City’s new boutique candy store. But Uptown Candy isn’t confined to its four walls. The other part of the business will be a candy bar catering service, where people can treat guests at parties or events to a large selection of their favorite candies.

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Children’sApparel

RoomDecor

Girls - Infant to Tween Boys - Infant to 4T

www.MarissasRoom.com

3224 S. Broadway #124, Edmond, OK 73013405-285-7777

Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 10-6

Baby Registry!

StorkLand & Kids Too6917 N. May Ave., OKC 73116

405.767.1234www.storkland.com

$10 Offyour next purchase

of $25 or more