Summer with bored kids?

[RecycleMichael]

My wife always makes a list of summer activities and sends out to all her list serves of stuff happening for kids in the Tulsa area.

I took it and posted it here...it is long...

READING PROGRAMS
Tulsa Library summer reading program, "Catch the Reading Bug."  
You go in and get form, and then get prizes and coupons for free things for reading certain number of books over the summer (younger children can be read to). We have done it since age 2, and they have programs up through teens. More info at http://kids. tulsalibrary. org/services/ srp/

Free Reading Reward Program - Barnes & Noble, grades 1-6
Participation is fun and easy way for kids to earn free books. They simply read any eight books — library books, books borrowed from friends or books bought at Barnes & Noble — write about their favorite part, and bring a completed tear page to a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Children then choose their free book from a list of paperback titles. The theme of the 2008 Summer Reading program is based on books by the popular children's author, Andrew Clements. More info at http://www.barnesan dnobleinc. com/our_company/ community/ Summer_Reading/ Summer_Reading_ Program.html
 
SUMMER MOVIE PROGRAMS
AMC Theater Summer Movie Camp (At Southroads.. .$1 movies Wednesday mornings at 10..seating first come first serve—proceeds benefit The Children's Charity and the Will Rogers Institute) http://www.amctheat res.com/smc/
June 25:
June 25 -- Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
July 2 -- The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep
July 9 -- Alvin & The Chipmunks
July 16 -- Shrek The Third
July 23 -- Bee Movie
July 30 -- Surf's Up
August 6 -- TMNT


Cinemark Theater Summer Movie Club
http://www.cinemark .com/summermovie clubhouse/ index.htm
(Broken Arrow—Thursday & Friday mornings at 10, and Tulsa-- Fridays at 10 am at Tulsa, 6808 S. Memorial.)
•10 Weeks Of Fun Films For Kids•
•A Different Movie Every Week•
$1.00 per movie for adults and kids!
*All 10 movies can be purchased in advance for $5.00, or can be purchased separately at the box office for $1.00 per show.
Here is schedule for Tulsa http://www.cinemark .com/summermovie clubhouse/ 29.htm.
Here is schedule for Broken Arrow http://www.cinemark .com/summermovie clubhouse/ 42.htm

Dickinson Theaters Summer Vacation Move Series (101st & Memorial)
http://www.dtmovies .com/SVMS/ 2007/starworld. htm
Get a $10 season ticket to Dickinson Theatres' 10-week summer vacation movie series and watch great classic G-rated and PG-rated movies! Movies play at 10 am and 12:30 pm Thursday-Saturday.


FREE SUMMER MUSIC
Starlight Concerts
Free concerts held Tuesday nights (plus July 4) outside at the River Parks Festival Amphitheater, 2100 S. Jackson . All concerts begin at 8 p.m.
June 17   Starlight Big Band offers up the first concert of the season with an evening which will take listeners back to the "Good Ol' Days" of jazz.
June 24   Saied Music Company and The Jimmie & Helen Saied Foundation present  Starlight Band's " Americana " night.
July 1     Join Starlight Band for a patriotic salute to American composers.
July 3     Special Appearance at Kiefer's Fourth of July celebration
July 4    Special appearance at "Tulsa's FreedomFest"  
July 8   Cinema & Cedar Creek Wholesale present "A Night at the Movies." Hear popular movie themes, then watch a classic silent film accompanied by theater organist Jeanette Maxfield.
July 15    Starlight Band will give a truly "star studded performance" when music under the stars features top hits from the past to th epresent which include the word "star".  
July 22    Big Band will take you "Back to the Future" with big band hits for the annual Contributors' Concert. Bring cash or a checkbook to bid on great prizes at the annual silent auction.


For schedule and more info, check www.starlightbands. net


Music on the Square
All concerts will take place at Bartlett Square, 5th & Main, in downtown Tulsa from noon to 1:00 p.m. All concerts are free to the public and are brought to you by Downtown Tulsa Unlimited.
June 5th - Cairde Na Gael - Traditional Irish
June 12th - Klondike5 String Band - Bluegrass/Old Time
June 19th - Pat Cook - Americana
June 26th - Susan Herndon - Folk
For additional information regarding the Music on the Square concert series, call Downtown Tulsa Unlimited at 918.583.2617 or visit www.tulsadowntown. org. Performances will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

June 21
JazzFest at the Jazz Depot on Saturday, June 21, 6 pm-midnight. Food, music, community spirit and the best time in town - bring your lawn chairs. Features National Recording Star Tom Braxton. Free. Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, 111 E. First Street (Upper Level) -- 1st & Cincinnati
For info www.okjazz.org

Broken Arrow Tuesdays in Central Park outdoor concerts
All concerts are held starting at 7 p.m. at Central Park, 1500 South Main, in downtown Broken Arrow . The concerts are free and open to the public.
June 3- Gospel Night featuring 4 FOR ONE
June 10- Mid-Life Crisis Band featuringRock Music of the '60s and '70s
June 17- Country Night featuring Brian Capps
June 24- Bluegrass Night featuring Rockin' Acoustic Circus and Springstreet

Summer's 5th Night at Utica Square
Every Thursday through August, 7-9 pm.
Utica Square 's summer concert series serves up everything from jazz to rock to country. There's something different every Thursday and best of all, it's free! Pack a picnic or dine at one of our great restaurants as you unwind to your favorite local bands. Put on your dancing shoes, catch up with family and friends and win great prizes like Utica Square gift certificates and merchandise from Utica Square merchants.
May 29           Mid-Life Crisis (Classic Rock)
June 5             Earl Clark (Jazz)
June 12           Random Sample (Country)
June 19           Jim Sweney and Chris Campbell (Variety Rock)
June 26           The Boogie Boys (Rock n' Roll)
July 3              Three Hour Tour (Rock and Roll)
July 10            Something Steel ( Island Music)
July 17            Jessica V. and the Rhythmatics (Rhythm & Blues)
July 24            Sean Adair & Okie Island (Country)
July 31            Travis Kidd
August 7         Mary Cogan (Rockin' Blues )
August 14       Red Dirt Rangers (Country)
August 21       Mid-Life Crisis (Classic Rock)
August 30       Grady Nichols (Smooth Sax)


RiverWalk Concert Series
Every Friday and Saturday Night at the RiverWalk in Jenks
May 30                       The Element     River
May 31                       Thanks for Nothing
June 6                         The Plumbers
June 7                         Lickety Split
June13                        David Dover
June 14                       Snap Dragon
June 20                       Imzadi
June 21                       Alex Cartwright
June 27                       Banana Seat
June 28                       Midlife Crisis
July 4                         The Element
July 5                         Alex Cartwright
July 11-12                   Green Country Eco-Expo  & One Love Music Fest
July 18                        SuperFreak
July 19                        Thanks for Nothing
July 25                        Jump Suit Love
July 26                        Something Steel
August 1                     The Stars
August 2                     SuperTurner


Tulsa Parks Activities
For information on Tulsa Parks summer camps and classes, go here:
http://www.cityoftu lsa.org/Recreati on/Parks/ documents/ 2008SummerFunGui de.pdf

Swimming Pools
Kick off the season at the 9th Annual Beach Bash
Saturday, May 31, 12-3 p.m. McClure Pool, 7th Street & Memorial Drive .
It's wet 'n' wild fun to celebrate the start of summer. McClure Pool will be the site for Beach Bash 2008. Look
for entertainment, games, food and fun, with a distinctive "beachside" flavor. The ever popular band, Steel Around, will set the mood with their own style of "surf's up" music. Take a plunge down the giant water slide, sign up for prizes or just kick back, hang ten and enjoy the afternoon. Radio Disney will
be on-site with music, games & contests.

Pool Information
All pools are free. Junior pools open Tuesday, June 2; other pools open Monday, June 2.
All other pools will open Monday, June 2
Berry...5002 North Wheeling (591-4259) Open Mon-Sat...12 to 6 p.m.
Lacy...2134 North Madison Place (596-1472) Open Tue-Sun...12 to 6 p.m.
McClure...7440 East 7 Street (669-6679) Open Tue-Sun...12 to 6 p.m.
Reed...4233 South Yukon (591-4309) Open Tue-Sat...1 to 7 p.m. & Sun...12 to 6 p.m.
Springdale...2223 East Pine 596-1476) Open Mon-Sat...12 to 6 p.m.
Zeigler...3903 West 4 Street (596-1482) Open Tue-Sun...12 to 6 p.m.

Junior Pools are for ages 14 & younger.
Turner...3503 East 5 Place (669-6664) Open Mon-Sat...12 to 6 p.m.
Whiteside...4009 South Pittsburg (746-5042) Open Mon-Sat...12 to 6 p.m.

Kids Triathlon
Saturday, July 26 8 a.m. at McClure Park
Youth ages 6-15 can take the ultimate challenge by competing in a triathlon tailored specially for them. The event includes swimming, biking and running. There is a long course and a short course. Awards are given to all who participate.
$25 entry fee includes a souvenir T-shirt. After July 20 fee goes to $30. For more information, call 596-2527; for entry form click here: http://www.cityoftu lsa.org/Recreati on/Parks/ documents/ TriathlonREGISTR ATION.pdf

Swimaroo
Monday, June 30, 6 p.m. McClure Pool. Meet is for novice
swimmers only. Entry fee $10. Entries must be postmarked no
later than June 16. No on-deck entries. Entry forms can be picked up at area city pools,
McClure Community Center - 7440 E. 7th Street , or at Tulsa Parks Customer Service
desk at 1710 Charles Page Blvd. Rain date will be, Monday, July 7.

K9 Splash
Reed Pool on Sunday, Aug. 10, 1- 2:30 p.m.
McClure Pool Sunday, Aug. 17, 1-2:30 p.m. or 3-4:30 p.m.
A special day for all dog lovers...bring your dog to the pool. You and your dog will be able to enjoy
splashing in the pool. Lifeguards will be on duty. Admission is $5 per dog...tickets must
be picked up at the community center prior to the event. (Please...no dogs in heat. All dogs must
have current shots and must be on leash when entering or leaving the pool area.)

Celebrate July 4th at FreedomFest
Veterans Park, 18th Street & Boulder Ave.
Entertainment by Cindy Cain (5:30pm) and Mid Life Crisis (7:30pm), inflatables, and the Mayor-thon - a one-mile fun run from Veterans Park to the Pedestrian Bridge and back. Come join the Mayor at 6pm and run. Admission is free.

Oxley Nature Center
In Mohawl Park – free.
With more than 9 miles of trails covering 804 acres, the Mary K.. Oxley Nature Center at Mohawk Park is one of Tulsa 's treasures. The gates open daily (except City holidays) at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. , although the trails are open as early as 7 a.m. or as late as 9 p.m. to hikers who park outside the gates.
Visitors may pick up maps and trail information at the Oxley-Yetter Interpretive Building 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 12 noon-4:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Interpretive Building houses inter-active, hands-on exhibits explaining the local natural history. Gift shop, restrooms, drinking water and a classroom are also available. For more infromation, call 669-6644.

Redbud Valley Nature Preserve
Free. Natural diversity is protected at Redbud Valley Nature Preserve. Located on North 161st East Avenue about 3.8 miles north of I-44, Redbud Valley Nature Preserve protects 220+ acres of unique plant and animal life. The rugged one-mile trail is open to hikers only when the gates are open: Wed.-Sun., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. During the period of Daylight Savings Time, April-October, Redbud Valley will be open on Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. The Barclay Visitor Center is open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Pets are not permitted. The Preserve is closed every Monday and Tuesday, and most holidays. For more information, call 669-6460.



OTHER FUN THINGS

NeighborFest
Mayor Kathy Taylor and The Tulsa City Council are hosting free community picnics in each Council District each Tuesday night starting May 27. Each event will be held in a city park, 6-8 pm. Meet the Mayor and City Councilor, entertainment, free kids activities (Jupiter Jump, crafts, etc.), fitness demonstrations, police and fire officers, prize drawings, and more. Free drinks and ice cream. This year's Neighborfests include "Tulsa Talents," a citywide talent competition to be hosted by Tulsa's own Wayman Tisdale and his wife, Regina. (Go here to download an application: http://www.cityoftu lsa.org/Communit y/Neighborhoods/ neighborfest08. asp)
Date                            Park/Location                        Council District          
May 27  Whiteside  4009 S. Pittsburg Ave.  9
June 10 Clark  11440 E. Admiral Blvd  6
June 17 Langenheim 4701 S. Harvard  7
July 1 McClure 7440 E. 7th St . 3
July 8  Hunter  5804 E. 91st  8
July 15  Reed Park 4233 S. Yukon 2
July 22  Hicks Park 3443 S. Mingo Rd. 5
July 29  Lacy 2134 N. Madison Pl.  1
Aug. 5  Veterans Park 1875 S. Boulder  


Tulsa Drillers
The national pasttime and a good way to spend a few summer hours. We love Tulsa baseball! Tickets are cheap and there are always specials and giveaways from free tickets to 50 cent hotdogs. For a list of various promotions, go here:
http://tulsa. drillers. milb.com/ promotions/ index.jsp? sid=t260
And even if you don't feel like watching the game, be sure to check the list for one of the nights that will feature fireworks after the games – they put on really impressive shows (better than many 4th of July shows) and you can join the hundreds of people who congregate in the Lowe's or Walgreen's parking lot or in nearby neighborhoods to watch.

Blue Bell Broken Arrow Plant- Taste of Summer
June 28, Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
8201 E. Hwy 51, Broken Arrow,
258-5100
The annual Community Open House hosted by one of Broken Arrow's favorite and best-known businesses. All the ice cream you can eat. Jupiter Jump for the kids, ice cream eating contest, live entertainment, plant tours and much more. Radio Disney will be at the festival. Admission $4 for adults with kids under 6 free.
.
Woolaroc Kidsfest
More info at: http://www.woolaroc .org/page. php?page= 1016
Saturday June 28 and Sunday, June 29, from 10AM to 5PM . Regular Woolaroc admission – adults $8, over 65 is $6 and children 11 and under are FREE!
Kidsfest features events, games, crafts and entertainment presented on the Woolaroc grounds where visitors can enjoy all of the activities in the rustic outdoor environment, along with the natural beauty of the Osage Hills, the historic art and artifacts in the Woolaroc Museum and the animals on the Wildlife Preserve.

Kids can participate in a variety of activities, such as pony rides, wagon rides, treasure dig, face painting, Carpenter's corner, tattoos, beaded necklaces, Indian head bands, native sand art, rock painting, bean bag games, and lots of nature crafts. Our living history booths will include horseshoer, saddle & boot makers, bridle, bit and spur makers, woodcarvers, silversmiths, flint knapping, rope making, black-smithing, old west re-enactors and lots more.

Free Family Fishing Clinics
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will be hosting free family fishing clinics at the Zebco casting pond, located adjacent to the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks.  The two-hour clinics begin at 6:30 p.m. and conclude with fishing in the small pond, which is regularly stocked with good-sized channel catfish, which the novice anglers can take home for the dinner table is they so choose.
The clinics are open to all ages, not just children, but kids 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Here's the complete schedule for this year:
May 20, 22 and 29. June 3, 5, 12, 19, 24 and 26. July 8, 15, 22, and 29. August 5 and 12.
To register for any of these clinics, call the Wildlife Department's Jenks office at (918) 299-2334.

Zebco Family Fishing Day
Saturday, June 7. The day-long celebration of the great sport of angling will be a bit different this year, as it will be held at a single site, instead of several small waters scattered throughout the metro.  
This 30th anniversary, free event will be at Lake Yahola , adjacent to Mohawk Park in north Tulsa .


Gilcrease Museum
Summer Tour 2008-- Masks! Animals! Places!
June 3rd through July 31st (Program not offered on July 1)
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10:00-11: 00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Enjoy art, touchable artifacts, gallery games, storytelling, and craft activities. A free program for children ages 4 to 12.  Contact us at 596-2767. Groups of 10 or more must schedule in advance. All others are strongly encouraged to pre-register.


Also at Gilcrease, if you haven't tried it, I highly recommend the Creative Learning Center – http://www.gilcreas e.org/CreativeLe arningCenter. aspx
It's a free art center with all kinds of activites avilable to the kids. They can make and take projects using painting, clay, weaving, etc.  

Bixby Green Corn Festival
June 26-28
Downtown Bixby
Enjoy this old fashioned family fun festival held in downtown Bixby hosted by the Bixby Optimist Club! Enjoy the Pride of Texas carnival, crafts, live music, food and fun games and events for all. Proceeds from the festival will fund youth projects and scholarships provided by the Optimist Club of Bixby. For more info, visit http://www.bixbyopt imist.org/ green_corn_ festival. php


Tulsa Freedom Fest
The state's largest free 4th of July fireworks show. At RiverWest Festival Park in Riverparks.
On Friday, July 4th, featuring FREE fireworks, two airplane parades, four entertainment locations along the Arkansas River, free kids' zones, live Music and more...
On Saturday, July 5th, featuring Ride, Rock & Roll, Bicycle Night Ride, United Freestyle BMX stunt team, BMX rides and races
Radio Disney and more...
http://www.tulsasal utesfreedom. com/

Porter Peach festival
July 18 - 19
Downtown Porter
Rodeo, music, arts, 5k run, carnival rides, free peaches and cream!
For more infromation, http://www.porterpe achfestivals. com/ or 694-9314.


Get Ready, Set, Take a Stand
Kind of neat thing, for kids 7-12, an offer from Sunkist for a free lemonade stand kids can use to raise money for their favorite charity.
http://www.sunkist. com/takeastand/


For Teens -- Youth Services of Tulsa Coffee House
Come on by this Saturday, bring your friends and relax at the YST Coffee House.
Same time, same place: Every Saturday night, 7-11 pm ,
311 S. Madison (1/2 mile West of Peoria on 3rd St ).
The YST Coffee House has Wi-Fi! So, bring your personal connection devices and etc.
with you to the Coffee House while you enjoy your free coffee and cappuccino.

 
Free Kids Workshops - Home Depot.
This is at 9 am on the first Saturday of the month...they can build all kinds of cool projects, with all supplies provided free. I have been doing with the kids from ages 3  and up.

Free Kids Workshop at Lowes
Similar deal, the second Saturday of the month at 10 am. Both of these are actually year-round.

Bartlesville Kiddie Park
A fun and cheap park for younger kids (probably best up to age 7 or . Some of the rides were so mild that even very young toddlers can ride them safely. No admission charge and ride tickets are 25 cents -- almost all rides are just one ticket, so you can have a lot of fun for only a few bucks. At least last year, concessions were good "fair fare" and cheap -- $1 cotton candy, 75 cents snowcones, etc. A few things adults could ride, plenty of benches to sit on and watch the kids. There also were wandering clowns, face painting, etc. Good old-fashioned summer fun!
It's open through the summer, only in the evening:  Tues-Thurs 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm; Fri-Sat 7:00 pm -10:00 pm. Closed Sundays, Mondays & the 4th of July. If you want to make it the quintessential summer date -- go early enough to stop at the Bartlesville Sonic on the way -- you pass it on your way to the Park, and it's the only Sonic I've seen with a big ourdoor playground.
It is located at 215 N. Cherokee Ave. in Johnstone Park. For info or directions, go to http://kiddiepark. net/ .


Tulsa Kids Summer Guide
For Tulsa Kids summer camp and activites guide, go here: http://www.tulsakid s.com/CampGuide/ index.html





CRAFTS/ETC.
Aaaaand, if that isn't enough, here is a list of fun summertime crafts you can do at home:

Kool-Aid Play Dough
2- 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup salt
2 pkg. unsweetened Kool-Aid
2 cups boiling water
3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Mix all dry ingredients together. Add water and oil and stir. Knead with hands when mixture is cool. Store in air-tight container. This recipe lasts for several months.

"I Spy" water bottles
Use rice, birdseed or sand to fill the water bottle about 3/4 of the way up and add a bunch of small trickets (buttons, doll shoe, jingle bell, coins, earring, etc.) Super glue the top on to keep it from opening up. Make a label of everything included and attach it to the bottle neck with a ribbon – kids can spend hours looking for all the items. I had little label to tie to the top with everything they neede to find.  

Dyed Pasta
(use for crafts, to make necklaces, glue on paper for designs)
1. Pour 1/8 cup of rubbing alcohol (or ¼  cup vinegar) into a plastic resealable bag
2. Add a few drops of food coloring to the plastic bag
3. Add ½ lb of dry pasta to the plastic bag
4. Seal the bag and shake, making sure that the past gets coated with coloring
5. Set out sheets of wax paper
6. Put on rubber gloves
7. Remove the past from the plastic bags and place on the wax paper to dry
8. Repeat steps 1 through 7 for each color
9. Make sure pasta is completely dry befor storing in containers/plastic bags



Sidewalk paint
1part corn starch 1 part water  , few drops of food coloring (more if you want brighter colors)... I use the platic cups we get at resturaunts to  mix it in.  the paint brushes you get to paint on walls work better (get 1'' and 1/2" ones)  When the paint dries it looks really cool... but when you are tired of it just sweep it away.  If it leaves a slight stain don't worry the sun will fade it away in a day.   It also comes off clothes easy.  My kids can paint for hrs... let them paint rocks, flower pots, even the house. You can put the paint in shallow pans to let them dip their feet in and make foot prints... really cute


Salt Dough
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon cooking oil (optional)
This is the most basic and time tested dough mixture. First mix all the ingredients together. Next knead the dough for at least 10 minutes. The kneading will make the dough smooth and shinny. Floor your hand to prevent the dough from sticking. This dough can be baked in a low (250 degree) oven and then painted. Spray with a varnish for added shine.

Bubble recipe
11 cups of water
4 cups Ajax Anti-Bacterial dish soap
1 cup corn syrup
Will fill a gallon milk jug and will store indefinitely if kept cool.


And a few good sites for summer activites, games, crafts, etc.:
http://familyfun. go.com/
http://summer. about.com/ od/craftsfunacti vities/a/ summerfun1. htm
http://members. aol.com/sail2957 /dough.html
http://www.creative kidsathome. com/summerkidsac tivities. html
http://holidays. kaboose.com/ summer/

[Miss Solemnis]

I don't have children at home, but sent this along to my sister who has 9 year old twins, a 4 year old, and a 3 1/2 year old (all adopted, in case you're wondering about that gap between the youngest two).  She home schools and they've been finished for about 10 days, so the older two are already complaining about boredom.  She just called and they're all so excited about some of these activities.  Thanks for posting!

[RecycleMichael]

I am glad she appreciates the list.

My wife works hard to try and capture fun ideas and events and shares them with hundreds of Tulsa moms through her networks.

We are just dedicated to keeping the kids busy!

[cannon_fodder]

What about Tulsa dads?

Great list, I hope I can pick at least a few of those for this summer.  I still need to find a day care that doesn't suck.  All the cool ones run from like 10Am to 2pm.  Not a real big help there...

[EricP]

Saw this while searching for something else.... I think we should update it again for this summer as it looks like a great resource!

[DolfanBob]

Saw this while searching for something else.... I think we should update it again for this summer as it looks like a great resource!

I agree. I printed it out and then noticed it was posted last year. Hope your wife will update it again.
Also, RM saw you on 2 morning new's a couple of weekends ago. Keep up the good work.

[RecycleMichael]

I am sure my wife will make a new list this year. She has many people who anticipate the list.

[guido911]

Good work Mike.

[enits]

My wife always makes a list of summer activities and sends out to all her list serves of stuff happening for kids in the Tulsa area.

Hi!  I was wondering if your wife compiled a similar list like this one for this year.  If she has, may we have a copy of it here, please?

THANKS!!! 

[RecycleMichael]

Anna's list of cheap or free family summer activitiesShare. Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 11:34pm
Hi friends!
Yes, it's a bit late, but here is the annual super-duper list of free-and-or-cheap things to do in the Tulsa area with kids over the summer! If this is the first time you have gotten the list, it's something I do every year and send out to parents/grandparents/buddies I know who might be looking for family activities—please pass along to anyone else who might be interested. (However, I'd appreciate it if you don't cut and paste big chunks of it on your website like one Realtor I saw without saying where you got it.)

I have gotten info online in most cases and have tried to include links/phone numbers for more information – I encourage you to always check in advance before making a trek someplace, as details may change (or I may have gotten it wrong!). I am hoping to figure out how to keep an updated version on my Facebook page, so let me know of any additions/changes. (I can also forward in a MS Word version if needed -- just let me know!) I apologize if you get this mroe than once -- I am trying not to duplicate and working from several lists.
Here's hoping everyone has a fun and safe summer!



READING PROGRAMS

Tulsa Library summer reading program, "Make a Splash."
Go into any library and sign up, and then get prizes and coupons for free things for reading certain number of books over the summer (younger children can be read to). We have done it since age 2, and they have programs up through teens. Kickoff is Saturday, May 22nd with a special party at the Tulsa Zoo. Children and teens that come to the Tulsa Zoo and sign-up for Summer Reading between 9 am and 12pm that day will receive free admission. They will also get to enjoy music by Buffalo Fitz, a visit from Buddy Bookworm, and other cool activities. There are TONS of library activities going on this summer – too many to list, but you can find more info about the Summer reading program at this link, and a schedule starts on Page 10 of the linked PDF) http://www.tulsalibrary.org/eventguide/events/SRP_EventGuide_10_children.pdf

Storytime in the Park
Thursday -- May 27; June 3, 10, 17, 24, at 10 a.m, at QuikTrip Plaza at River Parks, 41st and Riverside. Join the Reading Roadshow for stories, songs and activities in the park. Please bring a blanket or lawn chair. The series will kick off May 27 with a guest performance by the Sugar Free Allstars.

Free Reading Reward Program -- Barnes & Noble, Grades 1-6
Fun and easy way for kids to earn free books. They simply read any eight books — library books, books borrowed from friends or books bought at Barnes & Noble — track them in the downloadable "passport" and bring in the passport to a Barnes & Noble bookstore to get a free book. For more information and to download and print a Passport, an Activity Kit or an Educator's Kit, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/

SUMMER MOVIE PROGRAMS

AMC Theater Summer Movie Camp
This is usually at Southroads and it is $1 movies Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. seating first come first serve. However, they haven't yet posted specifics about it yet this year. Go here to see schedule if and when it posts. http://www.amcentertainment.com/smc/

Cinemark Theater Summer Movie Club
Wednesdays at 10 am at Cinemark, 6808 S. Memorial.
*All 10 movies can be purchased in advance for $5.00, or can be purchased separately at the box office for $1.00 per show. For more info:http://www.cinemark.com/summermovieclubhouse/
2010 Schedule
June 8 Veggie Tales: Pirates Who Don't Do Anything
June 15 Tales of Desperaux
June 22 Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
June 29 Planet 51
July 6 Paul Blart: Mall Cop
July 13 Monsters vs Aliens
July 20 Kung Fu Panda
July 27 Shrek the Third
Aug. 3 Over the Hedge
Aug. 10 Imagine That

RiverWalk Free Summer Kids Film Festival
At RiverWalk in Jenks. FREE. Tues., Wed., Thurs. at 11:30 & 1:45, June 8-Aug. 12. For info:http://www.selectcinemas.com/userfiles/file/KidsFlyer-2010%20BOTH%20THEATRES.pdf
June 8, 9, 10 Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
June 15, 16, 17 Planet 51
June 22, 23, 24 Surf's Up
June 29, 30, July 1 Alvin & Chipminks 2
July 6, 7, 8 Monsters vs Aliens
July 13, 14, 15 Kung Fu Panda
July 20, 21, 22 Madagascar
July 27, 28, 29 Madagascar 2
Aug. 3, 4, 5 Shrek
Aug. 10, 11, 12 Happy Feet

Admiral Twin Drive-In
7355 E. Easton St, Tulsa, OK (1 block north of 1-244 between Sheridan & Memorial.
The quintessential summer activity! Oklahoma's largest drive-in -- twin screen venue with a capacity for more than 1500 cars. Sound comes through your radio. For prices, showtimes and other info: 838.3114 or http://www.selectcinemas.com/admiral_twin_drivein.htm.


FREE SUMMER MUSIC
Starlight Concerts
Free concerts held Tuesday nights outside at the River Parks Festival Amphitheater, 2100 S. Jackson. All concerts begin at 8 p.m. For more info: http://www.starlightbands.net/
2010 Schedule
June 22 Jazz Band - Big Band Tribute Night
June 29 Concert Band - Americana Night
July 13 Concert Band - Evening of Royalty
July 20 Concert Band - Night at the Movies
July 27 Jazz Band - Swingin' Under the Stars & Annual Silent Auction

Additional concerts:
July 2 Pryor,
Whitaker Park, 7:30pm
July 3 Kiefer,
Kiefer Municipal Park, 8pm

Broken Arrow Tuesdays in Central Park outdoor concerts
All concerts are held starting at 7 p.m. at Central Park, 1500 South Main, in downtown Broken Arrow. The concerts are free and open to the public.
June 1 Gospel Night featuring The Tulsans
June 8 Admiral Twin- Rock N Roll Night
June 15 Grady Nichols- Jazz Night
June 22 Rockin' Acoustic Circus- Bluegrass Night
June 29 Brian Capps- Country Night

Summer's 5th Night at Utica Square
Every Thursday through August, 7-9 pm. Utica Square's summer concert series serves up everything from jazz to rock to country. There's something different every Thursday and best of all, it's free! Pack a picnic or dine at one of our great restaurants as you unwind to your favorite local bands. Put on your dancing shoes, catch up with family and friends and win great prizes like Utica Square gift certificates and merchandise from Utica Square merchants. (I luvs me some Mid-Life Crisis!)
May 20 Light Opera Oklahoma (Musical Theater)
May 27 Mid-Life Crisis (Classic Rock)
June 3 Earl Clark (Jazz)
June 10 Admiral Twin (Rock))
June 17 Sean Adair & Okie Island (Country)
June 24 Bradio (Beatles Night)
July 1 Pandemic (Variety Rock)
July 8 Red Dirt Rangers (Country)
July 15 Mary Cogan (Rythym & Blues)
July 22 TRE-Tulsa Rock Ensemble (Rock Music With Strings)
July 29 Something Steel (Island Music)
Aug. 5 Usual Suspects (Rock)
Aug. 12 Brandon Clark (Country Rock)
Aug. 19 Mid-Life Crisis (Classic Rock)
Aug. 26 Grady Nichols (Pop Rock/Jazz)

River Parks –Rhythm on the River
River Parks will host a free concert series at the new 41st Street Plaza located at 41st & Riverside Drive. A variety of local entertainers will perform from approximately 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. every Friday night (weather permitting) throughout the summer. Food & beverages will be available for purchase. Please bring your blankets, lawn chairs & family out to enjoy the park, the new playground and some great FREE entertainment! Concert lineup TBA. Contact River Parks at 596-2001 or http://www.riverparks.org/

First Friday Concert Series – LaFortune Park
Bring your favorite lawn chair or blanket and sit back and relax while local bands present family friendly music from all genres. At the Gardens of LaFortune Park (off 51st Street, just west of Hudson), 7-9 pm. T
Aug. 5 Usual Suspects (Rock)
Aug. 12 Brandon Clark (Country Rock)
Aug. 19 Mid-Life Crisis (Classic Rock)
June 4 Three Hour Tour (Classic Rock 60s-70s)
July 2 Steel Around (Calypso/Reggae)
Aug. 6 Wild Card Brand (Country)
Sept. 10 Wanda Watson (Bluesk)


RiverWalk Concert Series
They usually do a series of summer concerts, and it's a great location, but their webpage just says they will be "May-September 8-10 pm) so check back to see if they add any details: http://www.riverwalkcrossing.com/


And the Shops at Seville at 101st and Yale usually does a summer free concert series Thursdays, 7-9 pm, but their schedule wasn't posted yet, either.


CITY OF TULSA PARKS PROGRAMS
Unless otherwise noted, call 596-PARK (7275) for information or to register. More info also available at www.TulsaParks.org

Pools
Admission fees this year vary. The 5 pools scheduled to open this summer are below – call 596-7275 for hours.
Lacy ($1), 2134 N. Madison Pl.
McClure ($2), 7440 E. 7th St.
Reed ($2), 4233 S. Yukon Ave.
Berry (Free), 5002 N. Wheeling
Whiteside-junior pool for age 14 and younger (Free), 4009 S. Pittsburg Ave.

Beach Bash -- official pool opening. June 5, noon-3pm, at McClure Park Pool (7440 E. 7th St.) Kick off the Summer Pool season with music, pool games and more. Admission is free!

K9 Splash – Sunday, August 15th (Reed) and 22nd (McClure). Dog Pool Party! Two sessions per day: 1pm-2:30pm and 3pm-4:30pm. Cost = $5/dog. Tickets available at Reed and McClure

Sports
Tennis in the Parks – June 7-July 24 at Central, Chamberlain, Hicks, Lacy, Reed and Whiteside.
Practice matches in June, and League play in July in four divisions for ages 6 through 18. Cost varies. includes t-shirt and awards. Call 596-2527 for info.

Kids Triathlon – July 31, McClure Park, 8am. Youth ages 6 through 15 can sign up for either the short or long course. Includes swimming, biking, and running with medals of completion for all finishers. Early Bird entry fee of $25 includes a t-shirt. Call 596-2527 for info.

Other
Summer Day Camps -June 14th-August 13th. Registration has already begun. Ages 6-11. At various Community Centers. Rates vary. Includes traditional day camps and art and other specialty camps. Call 596-PARK for information.

Other Tulsa Park events include classes in Martial Arts, Soccer, T-Ball, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Aerobics, Yoga, Pilates, Swim Lessons, and Dance. Pick up a Tulsa Parks Fun Guide for more information, or visit www.TulsaParks.org

Tulsa County Parks
Tulsa County Parks also has swimming pools, day camps and other programming at parks including LaFortune, 51st & Yale; O'Brien, 6149 N. Lewis Ave.; and Chandler, 6500 West 21st St. To get pool times and details about other summer programming, check their summer activities guide here: http://www.parks.tulsacounty.org/ActivitiesGuide.aspx or call 596-5990.


MUSEUMS/ATTRACTIONS
Gilcrease Museum-KIDS DIG BOOKS: Exploration and Discovery
FREE. Fridays, noon-1 pm. June 4, 11, 18 & 25; July 2, 9, 16 & 23 & 30, For ages 3–6, accompanied by caregiver.
Summertime is a wonderful time to explore. There is so much to discover when you are exploring your backyard, your neighborhood, your country and your heritage. Through stories of adventures in exploration, get inspired to do some exploring of your own. After story time, explore your artistic side by creating artwork that reflects the adventures you have heard. For info, call 596-2774, or email sarah-wright@utulsa.edu.

Gilcrease MINI MASTERS: Art Parts - What Makes Up Art
FREE. Fridays, 10-11 am. June 4, 11, 18 & 25; July 2, 9, 16 & 23 & 30, For ages 3–6, accompanied by caregiver.
You might not have thought about it before but most things are made up of parts, like a car or a game. Art is made up of parts too! Discover the different parts of art as you learn to find them in artwork in the various galleries of the museum. Afterwards, create your own work of art using different art parts.
Space is limited. Reservations are required. For reservations and information, call 596-2774, or email sarah-wright@utulsa.edu.

Gilcrease Family Art Workshops
FREE. For families of all ages. 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
June 5 – Nu-pastel Landscapes, The West of Olaf Seltzer, Getty Galleries
June 19 – Milagros Charms, Mexico Galleries
July 3 – Log Home Sculptures, America: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of a Nation, Myers Galleries
July 17 – Heritage Quilts, America: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of a Nation, Myers Galleries
Come experience Gilcrease Museum with teaching artists as they guide participants through specific galleries of the museum, providing insight into the artists and cultures from the permanent collection and special exhibitions. Afterwards, participants will create their own collection inspired artwork relating to their gallery visit.
Advanced registration is encouraged. For reservations or more information, please call 596-2774, or email sarah-wright@utulsa.edu.

Also at Gilcrease, if you haven't tried it, I highly recommend the Creative Learning Center: http://www.gilcrease.org/CreativeLearningCenter.aspx
It's a free art center with all kinds of activities available to the kids. They can make and take projects using painting, clay, weaving, etc. And of course the grounds are gorgeous and always worth a stroll!

AND Gilcrease offers free admission to all visitors on the first Tuesday of each month ("TU TUesday"). For more information, www.gilcrease.org

Philbrook Museum-Free 2nd Saturday
Every 2nd Saturday of the month is Free Family Day. Drop in anytime from 10:30 am – 4 pm. Experiment with fun materials to make hands-on art projects, go on a scavenger hunt, take a family-friendly tour of the museum, and so much more on this day specifically for families.
Thanks to Heyman Family Adventures in Art. http://philbrook.org/

Kaleidoscope Kids Museum
Located on the corner of 62nd and Sheridan, at the back of the parking lot on the lower level. I have to admit, I've never gone – but it looks fun! They say: "Kaleidoscope Children's Museum features a pint-size Kid's City where your child can be a waitress, a barber, a doctor, a postal worker, or even a rescue hero at the fireman's pole! You won't want to miss a chance to race your children on our 2 GIANT rock walls! Be careful though...you may be thrown in our kid size jail! If you're a spectacular detective, you may be able to use our magnifying glasses to find some of the many items that are hidden all throughout the museum! Check out our many features, where kids will find unending excitement in our 13,000-square feet of fun!" Home page says admission is $6 (and includes pizza?!) although info is different on other pages—I am sure they are working out some kinks, so I'd suggest calling ahead.
For more info, call 340-5252 or go to www.kaleidoscopecm.com

Oklahoma Aquarium
Regular admission is a bit pricey, but get a free admission for a child for going to the dentist...print out the form here and get dentist to sign. http://www.okaquarium.org/userFiles/DentalCertificatePrint.pdf

Oxley Nature Center
In Mohawk Park – free. One of my favorite places in Tulsa! (Note you will have to pay a $2 parking fee for Mohawk on weekends if you aren't a Zoo Friends member.)
With more than 9 miles of trails covering 804 acres, the Mary K. Oxley Nature Center at Mohawk Park is one of Tulsa's treasures. The gates open daily (except City holidays) at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., although the trails are open as early as 7 a.m. or as late as 9 p.m. to hikers who park outside the gates. Visitors may pick up maps and trail information at the Oxley-Yetter Interpretive Building 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 12 noon-4:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Interpretive Building houses inter-active, hands-on exhibits explaining the local natural history. Gift shop, restrooms, drinking water and a classroom are also available. For more information, call 669-6644 or go to http://www.oxleynaturecenter.org/.

Redbud Valley Nature Preserve
More wild that Oxley, but wonderful! FREE. Natural diversity is protected at Redbud Valley Nature Preserve. Located on North 161st East Avenue about 3.8 miles north of I-44, Redbud Valley Nature Preserve protects 220+ acres of unique plant and animal life. The rugged one-mile trail is open to hikers only when the gates are open: Wed.-Sun., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Barclay Visitor Center is open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Pets are not permitted. The Preserve is closed every Monday and Tuesday, and most holidays. For more information, call 669-6460.

FARMERS MARKETS
(A variety of local Farmers Markets offer fresh local produce, crafts, plants, herbs and more. Most Markets run May through October. Great place to wander around with the kids, and one of the few where you can actually buy them a healthy snack! I listed some popular ones below, but the Tulsa World compiled a list of even more here: http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=39&articleid=20100407_39_D1_Pickon353144

Cherry Street Farmers Market
15th Street between Quaker & Rockford, Saturdays, 7 am-11 am.

Brookside Farmers Market
41st & Peoria, Wednesdays, 8 am-noon.

Pearl District Farmers Market
6th Street and Peoria Avenue, Thursdays, 4-7 pm

Downtown Tulsa Farmers' Market
3rd & Boston, Williams Green, Tuesdays, 10:30 am -2 pm

North Tulsa Farmers Market
2620 E. 56th St. North, Saturdays, 8:30am-12:30pm, starts first week of June.

Owasso Farmers Market
Owasso YMCA, 8300 Owasso Expressway, in Owasso just off U.S. 169, Wednesdays, 7 am-11 am & Saturdays, 8 am-noon.

Broken Arrow Farmers Market
418 South Main St., Tuesdays, 4:30-8 pm, Saturdays, 8 am-1 pm.

[RecycleMichael]

FESTIVALS AND OTHER FUN

Tulsa Mayfest
Downtown Tulsa, May 13-16 (11 am-11 pm Thursday-Saturday, and 11 am-6 pm Sunday)
FREE Family-oriented outdoor tribute to the arts, with an array of dance and music performances in addition to the many visual arts booths and four indoor galleries (including a Youth Gallery at the PAC) and a KidZone sponsored by St. Francis at the new park at 6th and Main. KidZone features hands-on activities for children of all ages as well as family-friendly entertainment. For a schedule of KidZone entertainment, go here:http://www.tulsamayfest.org/content.cfm?id=3 Always one of the major highlights of spring, Mayfest is planned to encompass some of the very best in both the exhibit and performance areas. For listing of exhibitors and performers or other information, go to http://www.tulsamayfest.org/

Blue Dome Arts Festival
May 14-16 (11 am-9 pm, Friday; 11 am-8 pm Saturday; 11 am-5 pm Sunday)
Located at 1st & 2nd Streets at Elgin, the Blue Dome Arts Festival features hundreds of local artists. It's fun to wander over here before or after Mayfest. For more information, go to http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=116971321667697&ref=mf

Brady Arts District "Art & Soul of Tulsa Arts Festival
May 14-16. We have a new arts entry this year, on the same weekend as the other two. Takes place on Brady Street between Boulder and Boston, and Main Street between Brady and Cameron. Along with visual artists, also will have a music stage, and, a performance/dance/spoken word stage. A Tulsa Art Cars parade put on by Living Arts of Tulsa will be Saturday at 2 p.m. followed at 4 p.m. by a kids box car parade. Booths have been laid out so that the cars can travel through the show, from Boston to Brady.

Backwoods Bash Music & Camping Festival
May 28-30, Old Walnut Creek State Park on Keystone Lake.
$20 for entire weekend – kids 12 & under are free. Camp out and listen to music near Keystone Lake. Proceeds for to Make a Difference Foundation. Walnut Creek State Park on Keystone Lake. Bands include Red Dirt Rangers, Eleven Fingered Charlie (Austin), Sam and the Stylees (Tulsa), The Moai Broadcast (Tulsa), the Paul Benjaman Band, The Jeremy Miller Band (Austin), Cody Clinton and the Bishops and more!http://www.musiclovr.com/backwoodsbash/2010/index.html

Tulsa Tough, June 4, 5 & 6
A three-day cycling festival designed to promote fitness and healthy lifestyles while showcasing the beautiful city of Tulsa. Tulsa Tough offers events and spectating opportunities for everyone with professional-level races, recreational and tour rides, kids and youth activities, live music and vendors in one action packed weekend. For more information, go to http://www.tulsatough.com/

Bartlesville's SunFest, June 4-6
"Oklahoma's Biggest Outdoor Picnic" returns for a long weekend with its trademark combination of: A relaxed, family picnic atmosphere, quality, cost-free entertainment, a diverse range of arts and crafts, creative, supervised activities for children, terrific food in abundant variety, and an eye-popping car show.
This free premier arts & entertainment festival – now in its 27th year – is held in Sooner Park located at Madison Boulevard and Tuxedo Avenue in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Parking is available in several lots near the park. For information: http://www.bartlesvillesunfest.org/tradition.htm

Asian-American Festival, June 5
FREE. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, at Martin Regional Library, 2601 S. Garnett Road.
Celebrate and learn about the customs and traditions of Asian-Americans . Explore the colorful cultures of China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and other countries in Asia. The festival kicks off at 10:45 a.m. with a vibrant Dragon Dance, featuring a 70-foot dragon from China, and includes martial arts demonstrations; Kyoto, Japan, art exchange exhibit; manga class; bamboo flute music; Chinese folk dance; traditional Korean dance; classical Indian dance; a Japanese tea ceremony; acupuncture demonstration; and children's activities.
Local martial arts instructors and their students will demonstrate kung fu, karate, tae kwon do and other traditional Asian disciplines throughout the day under a big tent outside in the back of the library. Students from Ten Tigers Kung Fu, Tulsa Arnis Club and Shikara Ashi Te Ryu are scheduled to perform.
Numerous activities and presentations are scheduled indoors throughout the festival, including interactive educational booths featuring crafts for kids, temporary tattoos, name translation, henna painting and origami instruction. The festival also features authentic arts and crafts booths. Food concession is provided by India Palace. More info: http://www.tulsalibrary.org/eventguide/events/AF_event-guide-poster_10_sm.pdf

River Parks -Wednesday Night Bike Rides
Each Wednesday during daylight savings time, upwards of 300 cyclists converge at 23rd and S. Jackson on the west side of the Arkansas River. This unsponsored, social ride attracts cyclists of all skill levels. Some ride a 16-mile route that includes the Sand Springs "Katy" Trail. Others ride more than 30 miles. Participants may park at the River West Festival Park (site of Oktoberfest). Public restrooms at the amphitheatre will be open from 4:30 p.m. to approx. 9:30 p.m. Groups form as early as 4:30 p.m. The largest group leaves around 5:30 p.m. See you there! Contact River Parks at 596-2001 for more details

Tulsa FreedomFest '10, July 4
Annual July 4th celebration held at the River West Festival Park, 19th & Riverside Drive, and Veterans Park featuring fireworks, entertainment, activities, food & beverages. Fireworks are shot from the 21st Street Bridge at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Contact River Parks at (918) 596-2001 for more details

Tulsa Drillers
The national pasttime and a good way to spend a few summer hours. If you haven't been to the new park, I have a direct order for you: GO! It is awesome, and SO much more fun now. There is a playground for younger kids, as well as activities like a big slide and inflatables for older kids. We love Tulsa baseball! Tickets are cheap and there are always specials and giveaways. For a list of various promotions, go here:
http://tulsa.drillers.milb.com/promotions/index.jsp?sid=t260
A couple of promotion highlights: Tuesdays are Two Dollar Tuesdays ($2 lawn tickets and various $2 concessions). On Sundays. The first 500 kids 12 & under get a free meal and can go on the field for a free clinic.
And even if you don't feel like watching the game, be sure to check the list for one of the Friday night home games that will feature fireworks after the games – they put on really impressive shows (better than many 4th of July shows) and you can join the hundreds of people who congregate in the nearby area to watch. And for the record? Fireworks are WAY cooler with the downtown skyline in the background.

Blue Bell Broken Arrow Ice Cream Plant- Taste of Summer, June 26
8201 E. Hwy 51, Broken Arrow, June 26, Saturday, 9 am–3 pm
Love ice cream? You gotta go! The annual Community Open House hosted by one of Broken Arrow's favorite and best-known businesses. ALL the ice cream you can eat. Jupiter Jump for the kids, ice cream eating contest, live entertainment, plant tours and much more. Last year admission was $4 for adults with kids under 6 free—I didn't see it listed for this year. Call 258-5100 for information. (Blue Bell also does tours, with free ice cream tasting—call for more info.)

Woolaroc Kidsfest, June 26-27
One of my favorite kid festivals. 10 am-5 pm -- Regular Woolaroc admission (adults $8, over 65 $6 and children 11 and under are FREE) at the great family museum/wildlife sanctuary/ranch southwest of Bartlesville.
Kidsfest features events, games, crafts and entertainment presented on the Woolaroc grounds where visitors can enjoy all of the activities in the rustic outdoor environment, along with the natural beauty of the Osage Hills, the historic art and artifacts in the Woolaroc Museum and the animals on the Wildlife Preserve. Kids can participate in a variety of activities, such as pony rides, wagon rides, treasure dig, face painting, Carpenter's corner, tattoos, beaded necklaces, Indian head bands, native sand art, rock painting, bean bag games, and lots of nature crafts. Our living history booths will include horseshoeing, saddle & boot makers, bridle, bit and spur makers, woodcarvers, silversmiths, flint knapping, rope making, black-smithing, old west re-enactors and lots more. More info and directions to Woolaroc at: http://www.woolaroc.org/

Bartlesville Kiddie Park
A fun and cheap park for younger kids (probably best up to age 7 or . Some of the rides were so mild that even very young toddlers can ride them safely. No admission charge and ride tickets are 25 cents -- almost all rides are just one ticket, so you can have a lot of fun for only a few bucks. Last time I went, concessions were good "fair fare" and cheap -- $1 cotton candy, 75 cents snowcones, etc. A few things adults could ride, plenty of benches to sit on and watch the kids. There also were wandering clowns, face painting, etc. Good old-fashioned summer fun!
It's open through the summer, only in the evening: Fridays and Saturday evenings through May, then open Tues-Thurs 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm; Fri-Sat 7:00 pm -10:00 pm. Closed Sundays, Mondays & the 4th of July. If you want to make it the quintessential summer date -- go early enough to stop at the Bartlesville Sonic on the way -- you pass it on your way to the Park, and it's the only Sonic I've seen with a big outdoor playground.
It is located at 215 N. Cherokee Ave. in Johnstone Park. For info or directions, go to http://kiddiepark.net/ .

Free Family Fishing Clinics
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation hosts free family fishing clinics at the Zebco casting pond, located adjacent to the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks. The two-hour clinics begin at 6:30 p.m. and conclude with fishing in the small pond, which is regularly stocked with good-sized channel catfish, which the novice anglers can take home for the dinner table is they so choose. Equipment and bait is provided. Clinics are open to all ages, not just children, but kids 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Here's the schedule for this year:
May 18, 20 & 27; June 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29; July 8, 13, 20 & 27; Aug. 3 & 10. Pre-registration is required -- to register call the Wildlife Department's Jenks office at (918) 299-2334 or go to http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/aquated2.htm .

Glenpool Black Gold Days, June 17-19
This annual festival celebrates the discovery of the Glenn Pool oil field in 1905. Food, crafts, music, games and activities and more. For more information, call 322-3505.

Bixby Green Corn Festival, June 24-26
Enjoy this old fashioned family fun festival held in downtown Bixby hosted by the Bixby Optimist Club! Enjoy the Pride of Texas carnival, crafts, live music, food and fun games and events for all. Proceeds from the festival will fund youth projects and scholarships provided by the Optimist Club of Bixby. For more info, visithttp://www.bixbyoptimist.org/green_corn_festival.php

Porter Peach Festival, July 15-17
Mmmmmm! Downtown Porter. Rodeo, music, arts, 5k run, carnival rides, free peaches and cream!
For more information, http://www.porterpeachfestivals.com/ or 694-9314.

Free Glassblowing Demonstrations
Tulsa Glassblowing Studio, 19 E. Brady Street. First Friday of the month FREE demonstrations 6-9pm. For more info:http://www.tulsaglassblowing.org/.

Free Bowling
Kids can bowl free all summer long at several Tulsa –area bowling alleys. Go to the website and register each child, and get coupons emailed for 2 free games every day all summer long!
Andy Bs, 8711 S Lewis Ave. https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/center.php?alley_id=5144
Broken Arrow Lanes, 4701 S. Elm Place: https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/center.php?alley_id=3691
AMF Sheridan Lanes, 3121 S. Sheridan: https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/center.php?alley_id=5430

For Teens - Youth Services of Tulsa Coffee House
Come on by any Saturday, bring your friends and relax at the YST Coffee House.
Same time, same place: Every Saturday night, 7-11 pm,
311 S. Madison (1/2 mile West of Peoria on 3rd St).
The YST Coffee House has Wi-Fi! So, bring your personal connection devices and etc. with you to the Coffee House while you enjoy your free coffee and cappuccino donated by Quik Trip.

Youth Services of Tulsa Art Studio
YST also is offering a variety of reasonably priced summer art classes for ages 12-18. "Our new session of arts brings 7 intensive and diverse studios that foremost encourage self-expression and creative intuition. Working with some of Tulsa 's finest artists and arts organizations, we have developed high quality arts studios at an affordable price. An exciting opportunity for budding artists at any level—you don't need any previous experience to be a part of our program; you only need desire to discover, readiness for adventure, and openness to experimentation. Offered in this session are Rock Shop, Wheel Throwing, Pottery Hand Building , Mixed Media, Drama Troupe, Creative Photography and Screen Printing. Scholarships are available. Studios begin the week of June 14th. For more information or to enroll, contact Scott Heberling at 382-4427 or sheberling@yst.org. All studios 12 weeks except where indicated, and all located at Youth Services, 311 S. Madison Ave. , except where indicated. Full studio descriptions and more information here:
http://www.yst.org/yst/ArtSoup.asp?SnID=1988774796


Get Ready, Set, Take a Stand
Kind of neat thing, for kids 5-12, a program from Sunkist to help kids set up a lemonade stand to raise money for their favorite charity. Includes printable signs, recpies, etc. Kids can enter their stand in a contest to win prizes and money for thir charity. http://www.sunkist.com/takeastand/

Free Kids Workshops - Home Depot
This is at 9 am on the first Saturday of the month...they can build all kinds of cool projects, with all supplies provided free. They also get a little apron and goggles. For ages 5-12. At all Home Depots.

Free Kids Workshop at Lowes
Just like Home Depot except at Lowes -- Saturdays at 10 am. Both stores do this year-round.


OTHER EVENTS LINKS
Great reference if you are looking for a summer camp...Tulsa Kids summer camp and activities guide, go here: http://tulsakids.com/?q=guides-and-directories%2F2010-summer-camps-activities-guide

Here is a good website with lots of events: http://tulsaevents.com/events.php

And Tasha Does Tulsa offers not only event listings, but fun commentary. friend (or fan or whatever we are calling it these days) her on facebook , or check her webpage.



CRAFTS/ETC.
Aaaaand, if that isn't enough, here is a list of fun summertime crafts you can do at home:

Kool-Aid Play Dough
2- 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup salt
2 pkg. unsweetened Kool-Aid
2 cups boiling water
3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Mix all dry ingredients together. Add water and oil and stir. Knead with hands when mixture is cool. Store in air-tight container. This recipe lasts for several months.

"I Spy" water bottles
Use rice, birdseed or sand to fill the water bottle about 3/4 of the way up and add a bunch of small trickets (buttons, doll shoe, jingle bell, coins, earring, etc.) Super glue the top on to keep it from opening up. Make a label of everything included and attach it to the bottle neck with a ribbon – kids can spend hours looking for all the items. I had little label to tie to the top with everything they neede to find.

Dyed Pasta
(use for crafts, to make necklaces, glue on paper for designs)
1. Pour 1/8 cup of rubbing alcohol (or ¼ cup vinegar) into a plastic resealable bag
2. Add a few drops of food coloring to the plastic bag
3. Add ½ lb of dry pasta to the plastic bag
4. Seal the bag and shake, making sure that the past gets coated with coloring
5. Set out sheets of wax paper
6. Put on rubber gloves
7. Remove the past from the plastic bags and place on the wax paper to dry
8. Repeat steps 1 through 7 for each color
9. Make sure pasta is completely dry befor storing in containers/plastic bags

Sidewalk paint
1part corn starch 1 part water , few drops of food coloring (more if you want brighter colors)... I use the platic cups we get at resturaunts to mix it in. the paint brushes you get to paint on walls work better (get 1'' and 1/2" ones) When the paint dries it looks really cool... but when you are tired of it just sweep it away. If it leaves a slight stain don't worry the sun will fade it away in a day. It also comes off clothes easy. My kids can paint for hrs... let them paint rocks, flower pots, even the house. You can put the paint in shallow pans to let them dip their feet in and make foot prints... really cute

Salt Dough
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon cooking oil (optional)
This is the most basic and time tested dough mixture. First mix all the ingredients together. Next knead the dough for at least 10 minutes. The kneading will make the dough smooth and shinny. Floor your hand to prevent the dough from sticking. This dough can be baked in a low (250 degree) oven and then painted. Spray with a varnish for added shine.

Bubble recipe
11 cups of water
4 cups Ajax Anti-Bacterial dish soap
1 cup corn syrup
Will fill a gallon milk jug and will store indefinitely if kept cool.

And a few good sites for summer activities, games, crafts, etc.:
http://familyfun.go.com/
http://www.creativekidsathome.com/summerkidsactivities.html
http://holidays.kaboose.com/summer/

[guido911]

Are you getting better RM?

[enits]

THank you so much!  I usually end up getting a forwarded email of this list through one of my other "mom contacts" and so far I haven't received one yet...I knew you'd be able to come through for me!! THANKS!! 

Will forward it to my playgroup and mention that it is the list compiled by your awesome wife!