Originally published August 21, 2008

It doesn’t always take money for a family to entertain themselves. With a little bit of research, the options for free family fun can be tracked down. One example is the weekly Story Time at Muskogee Public Library.

Small children listened carefully to a story Wednesday morning at the library. At certain points in the story, they cheerfully repeated back a funny phrase.

“Click, clack, moo!” they said. “Click, clack, quack!”

The story about a farmer and the animals on his farm was read aloud by Rhonda Lee, early literacy coordinator. The book reading was part of Story Time, a free event held each Wednesday for preschoolers and their parents.

Malachi, 4, son of Jenny Havens, said he had a favorite part of the books Lee presented.

“I like the pictures,” he said.

His favorite book of all is “The Three Billy Goats Gruff.” He also is gaining social skills and “made friends with Delaney and Dakota,” two other youngsters who attend regularly.

Lee followed book reading with song time. During the first tune, as they sang about different parts of their body, they would tap their heads, shoulders, knees and toes in sync with the song.

Brandi O’Dell, mother of 2-year-olds Delaney and Dakota, said she would probably bring her children even if the event was not free of charge.

“We’ve been coming here a year,” she said. “They love the singing and the books. She does a lot of the same books each week. They like that because they’re familiar with it. And she always has a craft activity.”

O’Dell said Story Time has become part of her children’s development.

“They’re learning the love of books,” she said. “It’s been socially for them to make friends. And they love Miss Rhonda. I just have to say ‘Today is library day,’ and they’re ready to go. It’s a good time for us to do something together.”

Her son has changed because of the library event.

“Dakota is very bashful when he gets around a larger group of kids,” she said. “He has been getting involved in the singing and dancing. It has helped him come out of his shell.”

Another parent who said she would bring her kids even if Story Time wasn’t free was Laura Hulsey. She has been bringing Ethan, 8 months, and Lydia, 2, for nine weeks.

“It took her a while to warm up to it, but the last four weeks she has been clapping and jumping up and down,” Hulsey said about daughter Lydia. “I’m a stay-at-home mom, so my daughter needs more interaction. I bring her here to do more activities.”

Hulsey said she has seen mostly other mothers with their kids, but also a few dads. Her kids have already grown in the class.

“They learn better language skills,” she said. “She gets quiet around other people, then she gets home and jabbers about it.”

Lee said Story Time is set up with specific goals in mind.

“I try to read stories where they can repeat a phrase and ask questions,” she said. “Story time gives the parents ideas for things they could be doing at home. When you are reading to them they develop positive feelings about books. It also gives them a larger vocabulary. It helps them to hear the sounds of words, and makes it easier for them when they enter school.”

Five free family activities
• Frisbee golf at Civitan Park.
• Splash pads at Elliott, Spaulding and Honor Heights parks.
• Skateboard park at Love-Hatbox Sports Complex.
• Walking or hiking along Centennial Trail.
• Kids 15 and younger can fish at Honor Heights Park.

If you go
WHAT: Story Time.
WHERE: Muskogee Public Library, 801 W. Okmulgee Ave.
WHEN: 10 a.m. Wednesdays.
ADMISSION: Free.
INFORMATION: 682-6657.

In the video below, Kim Hunter shares ways to take advantage of free entertainment and recreation in the area.