Parenthood leads you to do some strange things.
In my life before kids, I could never have imagined wandering the aisles of the Bass Pro Shop looking at fishing lures and deer stands. But that's where I've found myself many times, with my babies in strollers or packs and not a cry out of them.
The thing is, I'm not the only mom who discovered the calming effect of the Bass Pro. Where you would expect to see mostly guys in camo, you find babies – sometimes lots and lots of babies.
The first time I took my girls, then 7 months old, was because I thought they would like to see the fish in the big fresh water tank. It's not the Oklahoma Aquarium, which my kids love, but it's free.
Well, the people at Bass Pro must know their demographic because at Christmastime they turn the store into Santa's Wonderland.
Santa made himself comfortable among the hunting and fishing gear just after Halloween and he'll be there through Christmas Eve.
It's a good place to go if you're looking for fun and free entertainment for your kids or grandkids.
Everything is free: a photo with Santa, crafts and activity tables, a laser arcade, moving holiday trains. The craft tables change each week until Christmas, with different ornaments you can make and take home to put on the tree.
Santa's Wonderland at Bass ProWhen: Hours fluctuate, but in general Santa pictures are from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Crafts are from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Games and activities are from open to close.
Where: Bass Pro Shop, 101 Bass Pro Drive in Broken Arrow
Cost: Free
For more: Go to
tulsaworld.com/basspro for a full schedule.
