Spring is upon us, and there’s no better way to spend the day than taking a stroll at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. With fun activities, exhibits, and interactive learning opportunities for the whole family, we are very excited to sponsor the Eye Spy Safari cards now through November 1.
Wander through the Zoo searching for clues at the seven Eye Spy stations, each one representing a different species. Once your child “spots” the clue, he or she scratches the symbol off of the Eye Spy Safari card to reveal the secret letter, all while learning about the OKC Zoo’s animals and the challenges threatening their wild counterparts.
After your child has hit each safari station and has scratched off all of the clues, they can turn in the card at the Safari Shop located in the Global Plaza to receive a prize.
“We are excited to partner with the Oklahoma City Zoo and share Eye Spy Safari with young Zoo guests,” Dean McGee Eye Institute’s executive director of development Jim Durbin says. “This rewarding program is a great opportunity for children and their parents and grandparents to enjoy quality time together exploring the Zoo while providing an outlet for nature-focused discoveries.”
Children 11 and under can pick up Eye Spy Safari scratch-off cards at guest services and all cards are free with general admission.
Other Activities at The OKC Zoo
After you complete your safari, there’s plenty more to do at the Zoo. Exciting exhibits such as Explorikeet Adventure and Stingray Bay provide hands-on learning opportunities and memories that will last. You can also hit the trails to visit the new Sanctuary Asia exhibit and enjoy some exercise along the way. Visit the OKC Zoo’s event page for more activities for your family to enjoy this summer.
Prepping for a Sun-Safe Visit
Before you head out the door, do a quick check to make sure you have the right clothes and gear to protect you and your family from the sun. Try to wear protective clothing, such as loose, long sleeves in light colors when possible. Other gear you can wear to protect your eyes from the sun include Ultraviolet (UV) blocking sunglasses and a hat. If you need a lunch break from your safari hunt, rest in a shaded area to take a break from the heat.
Of course, don’t forget to apply a strong sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher every couple of hours (especially on your face) while you’re enjoying your time at the Zoo.
Why You Should Protect Your Eyes
Excessive exposure and damage from UV rays can cause vision loss and in extreme cases, a corneal sunburn. This is why you should choose sunglasses that block at least 99-100 percent of UV sun rays. Even if you have the right sunglasses, the fit is also important to limit how much sunlight reaches your eyes from above or on the sides of your eyes.
Eye Care for the Whole Family
It’s crucial to make eye care a priority for your family. For adults, we recommend having a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, if not more, depending on your circumstances.
We also believe it’s essential that children receive regular eye exams to detect any possible vision issues that may interfere with their learning. There are many simple vision problems that can be easily corrected with proper diagnosis and treatment, such as corrective lenses.
From basic family vision to advanced medical and surgical treatment, our team of knowledgeable eye doctors will help correct your vision and make recommendations based on your specific needs.
From all of us at Dean McGee Eye Institute, we hope you enjoy your Eye Spy Safari!
