Liichokoshkomo’

Let’s play! Come celebrate the debut of Liichokoshkomo’, a place for children and families to learn and play right in the Museum’s backyard, during a spring break sneak peek, March 14 – 20, 2020.

Liichokoshkomo’ (pronounced Lee-cho-kosh-ko-MO) is a Chickasaw phrase for “Let’s play,” a trailblazing play space dedicated to providing learning through STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) as children explore and try new things. The outdoor experience was thoughtfully designed to engage both the hands and minds of visitors for hours of family entertainment. The space also proudly showcases the many cultural influences that came together to build the American West.

 “Liichokoshkomo’ will help give children and their families a hands-on connection with the West,” said Museum President & CEO Natalie Shirley. “This is a place where generations can learn by playing, sparking their curiosity and creating lasting family memories, all right in the heart of Oklahoma City.”

The $15 million project includes an intertribal village that represents seven tribes (Caddo, Chickasaw, Hopi, Kiowa, Navajo, Pawnee and Ancient Puebloan), rail car and train depot, trading post, pioneer wagon, sod house, playground, waterfall and much more. Families will be able to create their own American West stories as they interact with the various features within the adventurous space such as exploring a prairie schooner wagon for a “journey” West, grinding corn, adding to a community loom weaving and an assortment of other daily activities.

Spring Break Sneak Peek Themed Activity Days

Saturday, March 14: Taste of the West – A day of food demonstrations with traditional foods from across the American West. Sample foods like hardtack, cornbread, fry bread and grape dumplings.

Monday, March 16: Crafts at the Cowboy – Children will become makers for the day by flexing their creative muscles with crafts, pottery, weaving, beading, silversmithing techniques and leatherwork.

Tuesday, March 17: Perked-Up Playdate on the Friess Family Playground – Plan on meeting up with friends to play at the all-new Friess Family playground in Liichokoshkomo’ for the first time. Complementary EÔTÉ Coffee for parents and hot cocoa for children will be provided.

Wednesday, March 18: Rhythm and Rhyme Day – Children can touch and try musical instruments, listen to music, watch folkloric and native dance demonstrations. The Blackbird Dance Troupe, Cowboy Jim Garling, Eterna Primavera Guatemalan dance group and Estrella Chapina marimba band will all be performing live.

Thursday, March 19: Picnic and Planting Day – Pack a picnic and experience the first official day of spring in Liichokoshkomo,’ with seasonally-themed activities that celebrate the outdoor space’s natural elements and intentional greenspace. Plant wildflowers seeds along Liichokoshkomo’s tree line with provided seed packets. Check out how they’re growing at a future visit!

Friday, March 20: World Storytelling Day – Families can explore the various types of storytelling and the passing of oral traditions from one generation to the next. Listen to cowboy poetry, learn from a Kiowa storyteller, tell your story at the open mic session and create your own travel journal and six-word story.

Find more information about Liichokoshkomo’ at nationalcowboymuseum.org/Liichokoshkomo.