When I was a kid, it seemed like there were butterflies everywhere. White ones, yellow ones, spotted ones…and the monarchs. I loved to get one to sit on my finger, the wings slowly opening and closing until it few away.

I don’t think I see as many butterflies anymore – and definitely not as many monarchs.

You can see them again in an historic rural Oklahoma area though.

In between the towns of Washington and Cole, in McClain County, sits a building marking the Jerusalem Community Heritage Center and Park. It marks a former black community. Many residents moved away around World War II. Recently, people who live nearby decided to clean up the area, which includes an old cemetery and historical markers.

Kids love the festival, and there are tons of them around. They have different things each year, since it’s relatively new. I’ve seen face painting, clowns, a butterfly parade, and the crowning of the butterfly queen. They have food for sale and monarchs to see.

There’s a lot of awesome photo opportunities for your kids. Bring money. It’s free to go, but there’s a lot of fun things to do – like releasing a monarch or playing games – and your kids will want to do that.

This is also a port-a-potty only event. My youngest child used a port-a-potty for the first time at the Monarch Festival. She was horrified. I took a picture. (Bad mom.)

The Monarch Festival is held in September – last year on the fourth Saturday. I think the actual date depends on the butterfly migration. All in all, it’s a fun time and a neat experience for kids.

Do you know Cactus Jack’s?

I didn’t until I was looking for something different for my daughter’s birthday. She was turning 12, and I wanted something fun that wouldn’t break the bank. I found out that I really like Cactus Jack’s.

It’s a game hall…but instead of being all bling and tiny kids, it’s an old-fashioned game hall. It’s wooden paneled walls and Ms. Pac-Man and pool tables.

We went during the week, so it was pretty empty. The tokens were a good value, and the tickets were plentiful. We ended up with tons of tickets and lots of prizes. The staff was young but nice. They really took care of us and we were glad we had our party there.

Yeah, some of the stuff was broken, and it wasn’t as exciting as the kids might have liked, but I loved that I could keep an eye on everyone while we were there. The place is really big, but open, and since it was a slow night, it was easy to count heads. The best part? I liked showing my kids what a real arcade was like…not like Chuck E. Cheese, which is great it in its own right, but not a real, old-fashioned arcade.

Neighborhood seemed a little sketchy but our cars were still cool when we got back out, so maybe I shouldn’t be so judgy.

Cactus Jack’s is recommended!

Cactus Jack’s ic located at 1211 North Council Road in Oklahoma City. You can find out more at their web site: cactusjacksokc.com .