2008 Family Favorites

TREATS & EATS Eating out is a favorite activity of TulsaKids readers. In every category, we received long lists of restaurants, ranging from all American burgers to more exotic fare such as Thai or Lebanese cuisine. Here are the winners in this hotly contested category. Fast Food Sonic, America’s Drive-In Sonic, America’s Drive-In, cruised to an easy first place win in the fast food. Since the first Sonic opened in Stillwater, OK in 1953, Sonic carhops have been serving up icy drinks, corn dogs, footlongs, burgers, tots and ice cream treats, all at “Service With The Speed of Sound.” Others top mentions: Taco Bueno Chick-fil-a McDonalds Wendy’s Best Kids’ Menu Red Robin Families love the busy, noisy, fun Red Robin. Nobody really notices if your three-year-old gets restless. A menu to color, a covered cup and tried-and-true favorites such as corndogs, burgers, chicken fingers and mac’n’cheese makes Red Robin’s Kids’ Menu an easy favorite. Others top mentions: Chick-fil-a Chili’s Cheddars Sonic Applebee’s Place to Practice Your Manners McGill’s, Chili’s, Mahogany’s, Ollie’s and Fleming’s Besides “Home,” we had a 5-way tie in this category. Families dining out with kids picked McGill’s, Chili’s, Mahogany’s, Ollie’s and Fleming’s as the best places to teach table etiquette. Others top mentions: Molly’s Landing Tei Kei’s Charlie’s Chicken Steak & Ale Polo Grill Burger (local) Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili Once again, last year’s burger winner placed first with TulsaKids readers. Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili has several locations around Tulsa (the first being the tiny place on 15th Street). The Ron’s Special, the Sausage Burger, the Chili Burger – it’s so hard to decide. Try any of them and you’ll know they’re made fresh and served hot. (Get the onions fried in). Others top mentions: Goldie’s The Brook Brownie’s Webber’s Claude’s Pizza (local) Hideaway Topping the list of the molten mozzarella discs that we love so much is Hideaway. Last year’s winner is still a Family Favorite to satisfy those Friday night pizza cravings. OSU fans familiar with the original Stillwater restaurant were quick to embrace the Tulsa version and introduce it to their families. Others top mentions: Mazzio’s Salvastano’s Brothers Pizza Pie Hole Restaurant for a Cultural Experience Shogun This was a close contest, since families seem to have their own cultural favorites. Shogun adds some entertainment value to the cultural experience with the cook-at-your-table, knife-twirling show. Others top mentions: Pei Wei Lana Thai Osaka India Palace Tsunami Mexican Food Los Cabos Mexican Grill & Cantina Families looking for Mexican food love Los Cabos at RiverWalk Crossing in Jenks. A new location is also open next to Bass Pro Shops in Broken Arrow. From tacos to Tilapia, the food is fresh and flavorful. The busy restaurant has live music during warm weather – a fun family outing. Others top mentions: El Tequila Chimi’s Ted’s Esondida Family-Friendly Brunch/Breakfast BBD Long-time Tulsa favorite BBD is also a family favorite of TulsaKids readers. With two locations, the original on Brookside and another at 81st & Harvard, BBD is more than omelets and French toast – it’s a warm, casual gathering place for friends and family. Others top mentions: IHOP First Watch Mimi’s Cafe Pastries/Donuts Krispy Kreme There’s something about those warm donuts coming off the assembly line that attracts families to Krispy Kreme. And getting a free donut while you stand in line makes the waiting so much easier. Others top mentions: Merritt’s Daylight Donuts Ready Made or Make Your Own Meals Pass Your Plate In recent months, the Tulsa area has seen a rise in places where moms and dads can go to put together delicious and nutritious meals for their families. Pass Your Plate is the top pick for parents in this category. They provide everything you need to put together several family meals – all in one place at one time. A great concept for busy families. OUT & ABOUT TulsaKids readers are active families, whether they’re playing, visiting a museum or going to the theater. Here are some of their favorite spots. Cultural Spot/Museum Philbrook Museum of Art World-class collections, exciting traveling exhibits, a restaurant, a beautiful setting and gorgeous grounds all make Philbrook the place to go for a complete cultural experience. Activity backpacks for kids and free Saturday morning art studios for children attract families to the museum. Others top mentions: Gilcrease Hiking Trail Hunter Park When Tulsans want to get out for a little exercise with the kids, they head to Hunter Park in South Tulsa. And it’s no wonder. With a pond, trails, play equipment and plenty of open spaces, Hunter is the spot to spend the day. Others top mentions: Riverparks Woodward Park/Rose Garden Children’s Theater Spotlight The all-volunteer children’s productions in the historic Spotlight Theatre on Riverside Drive took the number one spot as the place to expose kids to live theater. The shows, such as “Annie,” “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” and “The Wizard of Oz,” feature local actors of all ages. TOthers top mentions: ulsa Performing Arts Center Heller Theatre Festival/Event Mayfest Tulsa’s annual arts and entertainment festival, Mayfest, is a downtown tradition that draws visitors and locals alike. Featuring art from across the country, great food, a KidZone and a multitude of music, Mayfest invites families to get outdoors and enjoy the fun. Others top mentions: Tulsa State Fair Playground/Park LaFortune Park LaFortune Park has it all, whether your toddler wants to swing, your teen wants to swim or you want to play golf. The three-mile jogging track and tennis courts will also help keep you in shape. So grab a picnic dinner and meet the family at LaFortune. Others top mentions: Hunter Park Area/neighborhood for shopping/dining/entertainment/hanging out Brookside The description of this category is a little long, but it just begins to cover what Brookside has to offer. From fine dining to casual eateries, art galleries, eclectic shops, clothing boutiques and entertainment venues, most independently owned, all make Brookside a popular family destination. Others top mentions: RiverWalk Crossing Utica Square Mall Woodland Hills Mall Woodland Hills, Tulsa’s largest mall, attracts shoppers from across Green Country. A variety of venues from large department store anchors to specialty shops such as Abercrombie & Fitch, J. Crew, Gap, Sephora, Apple Computer, The Disney Store and Gymboree, Woodland Hills is a shopper’s paradise. A special “Kidgits” kids’ club and a carousel in the mall make it a favorite of Tulsa moms. Others top mentions: Promenade Utica Square Family-Friendly Oklahoma Weekend Grand Lake When Tulsans head out of town for a weekend, they like to get back to nature at beautiful Grand Lake. Water recreation abounds here, whether you want to swim, fish, boat, or just enjoy the scenery. Oklahoma City Norman Indoor Attraction The Oklahoma Aquarium For unique and educational indoor family entertainment, the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks tops our list. Where else can you find otters, sharks, a coral reef and hundreds of fresh and salt water fish? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to see a Giant Pacific Octopus? Families are always surprised and delighted by what they find. Others top mentions: Incredible Pizza Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum Bounce U Outdoor Attraction The Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum Whether the weather’s warm or a polar bear day, families flock to the Tulsa Zoo to spend time outdoors. Voted America’s Favorite Zoo, the Tulsa Zoo has interactive exhibits, exotic animals, birds and reptiles and a petting zoo. See the animals, take a ride on the train, have lunch and walk through the indoor exhibits. Others top mentions: Big Splash RiverWalk Crossing Tulsa State Fair Sports Team Tulsa Drillers America’s favorite sport is also Tulsa families’ favorite sport. The weather heats up and so does the action at the Tulsa Drillers baseball diamond. Families love to spend summer evenings watching their hometown team. Others top mentions: Tulsa Ice Oilers The University of Tulsa GET THE PARTY GOING Celebrations are a big part of any family, whether it’s a child’s birthday party or a graduation. Our readers suggest these places to fill your party needs. Entertainer Top picks for party entertaining were Mad Science, Huffy the Clown and Professor “B” Looney (Steven Smith). Colorful, wacky science experiments, Huffy (who also does fire safety) and the crazy and educational character “B” Looney were tied for the number one spot for party entertainment. Party Rentals Ehrl’s Party Supply Tulsa parents know that they can create almost any kind of party with the help of Ehrl’s. Whether they need paper goods, goodie bag trinkets or a fog machine, Ehri’s has it. Place to Buy Party Favors Party America Tulsa families want choices and they can find what they need for kids’ parities at Party America. It’s a one-stop-shop for favors from Spiderman to Fairy Princess themes. Party Spot (other than home) Tie: The Little Gym and Incredible Pizza Our two winners this year cover all ages if you’re planning a party. The Little Gym keeps young kids engaged and active, while providing a party room for the cake and presents. Incredible Pizza is a tried-and-true favorite, offering games, bowling, bumper cars and indoor go-carts. Oh, and pizza. Place to Get a Cake Merritt’s Bakery At Merritt’s, cakes are not just cakes – they’re works of art. Families can get cakes to suit any personality, for any occasion and have come to trust this long-time Tulsa family bakery to make any day special. PLACES TO LEARN AND GROW Where do TulsaKids readers take their kids for preschool, Mother’s Day Out or classes? Here are some of their top picks for learning: Mother’s Day Out Asbury United Methodist Church Preschool Great facilities, a loving staff and fun, educational activities for children from infants through age 4 make Asbury a favorite place for parents to take their young children. Others top mentions: Kirk of the Hills Jenks First Baptist Boston Avenue Methodist All-Day Care            Miss Helen’s Private School For working families, Miss Helen’s was the top pick of parents for educational, developmentally appropriate childcare. Not just a daycare, Miss Helen’s has been serving Tulsa’s children since 1954. Others top mentions: Rhema Marquette ECDC Preschool Miss Helen’s Private School Families also chose Miss Helen’s as a winner in the preschool category this year. Miss Helen’s has been a part of the early childhood education scene for over 50 years. Others top mentions: Kirk of the Hills Asbury Regent Preparatory Extracurricular Class/Program The Little Gym Promoting health and fitness in children, The Little Gym provides a safe and appropriate place for kids to use some energy. TulsaKids readers flip over The Little Gym’s fun programs for kids. Others top mentions: Brook Fine Arts Miller Swim South Tulsa Dance Company Theatre Arts Camp Camp Loughridge An all-around outdoor Christian day camp, Camp Loughridge is a favorite of Tulsa families. Parents like the healthy sports and nature activities and the added bonus that it’s just a short 15 to 20 minutes from Tulsa. Others top mentions: YMCA New Life Ranch Sports/Athletics The Little Gym TulsaKids readers voted The Little Gym as the top pick in yet another category — sports and athletics to keep little ones healthy and active. Others top mentions: South Tulsa Dance Company Soccer City Whiteside Recreation Center Theater/Music/Drama Theatre Arts, Inc. Number one for teaching area kids and teens how to perform is Theatre Arts in Broken Arrow. Whether kids have dreams of stardom, or just want the fun of performing in a summer musical, Theatre Arts is a show-stopper. Others top mentions: Brook Fine Arts South Tulsa Dance Company Janell Whitby School of Music Dance/Gymnastics/Cheer South Tulsa Dance Company For the amateur or the professional South Tulsa Dance Company is a favorite of Tulsa area families. Others top mentions: Tulsa World of Gymnastics Miss Shelly’s The Little Gym Academic Tutoring Kumon Voted number one in a competitive category, Kumon tops the list for helping kids with math and reading. Using a pretest to identify where kids are, Kumon is a self-paced program designed to help kids master concepts. Others top mentions: Sylvan Oxford Art Studio/Classes Philbrook The Philbrook Museum of Art wins in another category! Truly a Tulsa favorite, Philbrook’s art classes have inspired more than one generation of students. From free Saturday morning workshops for children to classes during the school year and extended summer workshops, Philbrook gives art to the community. Others top mentions: Purple Glaze Young Rembrandts Tulsa Stained Glass BABY & ME Having a baby is a life-changing and miraculous experience. Tulsa parents chose their favorite places to help them through pregnancy, delivery and beyond. Maternity Clothes Motherhood Maternity TulsaKids moms are fashion forward and fashion conscious, even when they’re pregnant. Their number one choice to turn to for the best-looking maternity clothing is Motherhood Maternity. Others top mentions: Pea in the Pod Place to Have a Baby St. Francis Health System St. Francis Health System takes care of moms before, during and after baby comes, all in a family-centered atmosphere, so moms and dads feel supported through this exciting time. Others top mentions: St. John’s Hillcrest SouthCrest Pre- & Post-Partum Classes St. John’s Health System Whether it’s labor & delivery education, breastfeeding or exercise before or after baby comes, moms know they can find everything they need at St. John’s. Others top mentions: St. Francis Natural Lullabies Most Unique Baby Gifts Kathleen’s Kids TulsaKids readers know where to find the best, one-of-a-kind baby gifts. Kathy Marshall, owner of Kathleen’s Kids, takes personal pride in stocking her store with items that make her the number one parent pick for baby gifts. Others top mentions: Lazy Daze J. Spencer Primarily Kids Perfect Touch Place to Stock Up on Baby Items Babies R Us The best baby superstore, Babies R Us has everything new parents need for their newborn, from cribs to clothing to diapers. Grab a shopping cart and go. Baby Furniture Babies R Us Babies R Us wins in another category. This time, readers chose Babies R Us as the place to get affordable baby furniture. With a big selection to fit any nursery, readers make this a one-stop-shop for all things baby. Others top mentions: Mathis Brothers Pottery Barn Kids Peek-a-boo Baby More Than Dreams Baby Announcements You’re Invited TulsaKids moms know how special it is to have a baby, and they want the best when it comes to sharing that miraculous event with friends and family. You’re Invited allows parents to give announcements that personal touch. Others top mentions: Paper Chase Photographer Chris Claussen For the second year, readers chose Chris Claussen as the best photographer for capturing images of their families. An artistic eye and personal touch put Claussen photography at the top of the list. Others top mentions: Moto Photo Don Kreitsweister Ervin’s Studio B SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP Moms shop for everything and everybody – kids, dad, home, pets, even vacations. Where do TulsaKids readers like to shop? We’re happy to see from our list this year that they like to buy local! Children’s Wear Kathleen’s Kids Local favorite Kathleen’s Kids wins in a third category! Our readers shop here for fashion-forward, fun, play-able clothing. Others top mentions: GAP Gymboree Target Children’s Place Children’s Shoes TIE: Trippet’s and Feet First This category was a flat-out tie for a family favorite. Both Trippet’s and Feet First are locally owned and operated. Our readers like the styles, the superior service and the quality they find at both shoe stores. Others top mentions: Target Payless Stride Rite Children’s Dressy Clothing Kathleen’s Kids Kathleen’s Kids is at the top of the list in yet another category, proving that TulsaKids readers like the variety of items they can find at this store, from baby gifts to clothing for special occasions. Others top mentions: Dillard’s Kohl’s Moms’ Boutique X&Y Young, hip and unique, (visit X&Y on MySpace) this is not your mother’s boutique. Located at trendy RiverWalk Crossing in Jenks, X&Y is our readers’ top choice for style. White House Black Market Others top mentions: Perfect Touch Donna’s Furniture Mathis Brothers Huge and diverse, this Oklahoma City-based furniture store has everything a family needs to furnish a home, top to bottom. Moms like convenience and can shop at the Tulsa location or online. Others top mentions: Pottery Barn Room’s Today Snow’s Furniture Ethan Allen Independent Toy Store Kiddlestix Kiddlestix knows how kids play and have been providing the toys they love for years. Our readers love the high quality, educational, colorful and imagination-sparking toys, not to mention the personal service. (Great free gift-wrapping!) Others top mentions: Primarily Kids Apple Tree Consignment Shop Children’s Orchard Families love the Children’s Orchard for its affordability and vast variety of clothing, toys and nursery items. This consignment store tops the list for helping busy families stretch their dollar without sacrificing style and quality. Others top mentions: Echo Shop Bearlee New Just Kidstuff Just Between Friends sale FOR GROWN-UPS Moms and dads are people, too, so we included this category for those times when you actually have time to yourself. Date-Night Restaurant Mahogany’s, Melting Pot, In the Raw, PF Chang’s, Fleming’s Wow! This was a first. Tulsa has so many great restaurants that we had a 5-way tie for the top spot. Our readers voted (in no particular order) Mahogany’s, Melting Pot, In the Raw, PF Chang’s and Fleming’s as their favorite places to go on a date. Others top mentions: Los Cabos Charleston’s Biga Bonefish Grill Lucky’s Salon or Spa Ihloff Salon and Day Spa TulsaKids readers voted this full-service salon as their top pick. Kids, dads, moms, grandparents – everybody can get pampered at Ihloff. A Tulsa institution with two locations, this salon does it all. Others top mentions: Salon Savvy Bellavista B. Jolie Indigo Marshons Family Car Honda Whether it’s a van or a sedan, Tulsa families tend to tool around in Honda’s. These days, the reliability and gas mileage go a long way with parents. Others top mentions: Ford Chevy Toyota Health Club Sky Fitness & Wellbeing TulsaKids readers like to stay fit and active. When they’re looking for a gym, they put Sky Fitness & Wellbeing as their favorite for its state-of-the-art equipment, luxurious locker rooms and focus on overall health. Others top mentions: All-American Fitness Aspen YMCA St. Francis Curves Fit for Her Bank or Credit Union Arvest Bank TulsaKids families like convenience and service and they find it at Arvest Bank. With early and late hours, friendly staff and full-service banking, Arvest fills the bill. Others top mentions: Bank of Oklahoma Tulsa Teachers Credit Union