Free or cheap family events this summer

[RecycleMichael]

Anna's 2014 List of Cheap or Free Family Fun in Tulsa

READING PROGRAMS

Tulsa Library summer reading program, "FIZZ. BOOM. READ."

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 started doing it at about age 2, and they have programs up through teens. There are also TONS of other library activities going on this summer – too many to list, but you can find more info about the summer reading program at this link including a schedule of hundreds of fun and educational events and activities: http://kids.tulsalibrary.org/whatshappening/events/10_summer-reading.php

Imagination's Destination -- 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 the store — track them in the downloadable journal, and bring it in to a Barnes & Noble bookstore to get a free book. For more information and to download a journal or an Activity Kit,http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/

SUMMER MOVIE PROGRAMS

Cinemark Theater Summer Movie Club

Thursdays at 10 am at Cinemark, 6808 S. Memorial.

*All 10 movies can be purchased in advance for $5, or can be purchased separately at the box office for $1 per show. For more info: http://www.cinemark.com/images/smc2014/SMC-BW%20Flyer%2029.pdf

2014 Schedule

June 5                               Night at the Museum

June 12                             Ice Age-The Meltdown

June 19                             Epic

June 26                             The Croods

July 3                                Turbo

July 10                              Smurfs 2

July 17                              Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2

July 24                              Walking with Dinosaurs

July 31                              The Lego Movie

Aug. 7                               Rio 2

Regal Summer Movie Express

Regal Promenade Palace Stadium 12, 41st & Yale

$1 movies at 10 am Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Will Rogers Institute. http://www.regmovies.com/Movies/Summer-Movie-Express

Week                                 Title                
1                                        Hotel Transylvania                                          

1                                        The Smurfs 2  

2                                        Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2            

2                                        The Pirates: Band of Misfits                          

3                                        Arthur Christmas                                            

3                                        Despicable Me 2                                            

4                                        Lego                                                                

4                                        Free Birds      

5                                        Adventures of TinTin                                    

5                                        Rise of the Guardians                                    

6                                        Kung Fu Panda 2                                            

6                                        Madagascar 3

7                                        The Croods    

7                                        Epic                

8                                        Turbo              

8                                        Walking with Dinosaurs                                

9                                        Mr. Peabody & Sherman                                

9                                        Rio 2              

Broken Arrow Thursday Night Theater

Free outdoor movie series, each Thursday night in June, at Central Park, 1500 S. Main St. Movies begin around 9 pm or when it is dark enough. Bring blankets or chairs, food may be brought or purchased.

June 5                               The Wizard of Oz

June 12                             All Dogs Go to Heaven

June 19                             Finding Nemo

June 26                             Spiderman


FREE SUMMER MUSIC

Starlight Concert Series

Longstanding Tulsa free concert series, now held at held at Guthrie Green (111 E. Brady). All concerts begin at 8 pm. For more information go to http://www.starlightbands.net/

Tuesday, June 24                Concert Band     Theme: Americana Night

Tuesday, July 1                   Concert Band     Theme: Let's Dance!

Tuesday, July 8                   Jazz Orchestra    Theme: Jazz under the Stars

Friday, July 11                    Concert Band      Theme: That's Entertainment

Tuesday, July 15                 Concert Band     Theme:  Night at the Movies

Tuesday, July 22                 Concert Band     Theme: At Your Request

Friday Aug. 1                     Jazz Orchestra    Theme: Jazz under the Stars

Thursday Night Live concerts in Broken Arrow
Thursday nights at the Farmers Market Plaza (418 S. Main). Bring your own lawn chair and refreshments. 7:00 pm till 8:30 pm free and open to the public.

May 15                               Tulsa Metro Sound (Women's Acapella)

May 22                               Tim and Gary Show

May 29                               Jim Ragsdale and David Thayer

June 5                                 Dan Martin  

June 12                               Acoustic Mojo

June 19                               Gumbo Poets

June 26                               Smith Brothers

July 10                                Delaney Zumwalt

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. Pack a picnic or dine at one of the center's restaurants as you unwind to your favorite local bands. This one is popular with pre-driving teens because there is always a horde of them hanging around! Bring your own lawn chair and refreshments. http://www.uticasquare.com/events/summers-fifth-night

May 29       Mid-Life Crisis, Classic Rock
June 5        Zodiac, Pop/Rock
June 12      Light Opera Oklahoma, Musical Theater
June 19      Bop Cats, Rock & Roll
June 26      Admiral Twin, Pop/Rock
July 3         Mary Cogan, Country Rock
July 10       Starr Fisher Ensemble, R&B
July 17       Luxtones, Classic Rock
July 24      Usual Suspects, Rock & Roll
July 31       Red Dirt Rangers, Red Dirt Country
Aug. 7    Traveler, Rock

KingsPointe Village Summer Concert Series
At 61st & Yale, next to the Yale entrance, third Friday of every month, 7:30-9:30 p.m.http://www.kpvtulsa.com/events/events.htm

May 16                               Mary Cogan & Grady Nichols
June 20                               Alaska & Madi from The Voice's Team Blake
July 18                                The Fabulous Mid Life Crisis Band

First Friday Concerts at LaFortune Park.
Concerts run 7-9 pm at LaFortune Garden Park (5202 S. Hudson). This is a free concert, open to the public. Dogs on leash are always welcome. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of music in an outdoor setting.

June 6                          Three Hour Tour

July 11                         Hot Rod and the Cruisers

Aug. 1                         Travis Kidd Country Rock

Sept. 5                         The Dirtbox Wailers

Free concerts at the Riverwalk (96th street and west bank of Arkansas River in Jenks). Concerts run 7-10 pm at the amphitheater. Free and open to the public. http://riverwalktulsa.com/

Saturday, May 24               Mid-Life Crisis Band

Saturday, May 31               Red Dirt Rangers

Juneteenth Gospel Festival, June 21

Guthrie Green. Free.  This Juneteenth Festival celebrates the sounds of African American Gospel Music by featuring; soloist, choirs and quartet groups, performing Negro spirituals, ole time gospel and contemporary gospel music.

June 21, 6:30-11:30 pm

Aaaaand, if you can't get enough Mid-Life Crisis at the other venues, the popular cover band will be performing free outdoor concerts each month at the Shops at Seville at 101st and Yale  on Thursdays -- May 15, June 12 and Aug. 21.


PARKS PROGRAMS

City of Tulsa Parks. Unless otherwise noted, call 596-PARK (7275) for information.

Pools

Admission fees and hours vary. The 5 pools scheduled to open this summer are:

Lacy ($1),  2134 N. Madison Pl. Open Tues.-Sun, noon-6pm

McClure ($2), 7440 E. 7th St. Open Tues.-Sun, noon-6pm.

Reed ($1), 4233 S. Yukon  Ave. Open Tues.-Sat,  1pm-7pm.

Berry (Free), 5002 N. Wheeling. Open Mon.-Sat., noon-6 pm.

Whiteside-junior pool for age 14 and younger (Free), 4009 S. Pittsburg Ave. Open Mon.-Sat., noon-6 pm.

Beach Bash -- official pool opening. Saturday, May 31, noon-3 pm, at McClure Park Pool (7440 E. 7th St.) Kick off the Summer Pool season with music, pool games and more. Admission is free!


Team Tennis – June 2-July 19 at Hicks, Lacy, Reed and Whiteside parks.

Practice matches in June, and League play in July in four divisions for ages 6 through 18. Cost varies, includes t-shirt and awards.  For info: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/media/366186/TennisintheParksFlyer2014color.pdf

Summer Day Camps

June 2-August 8. Registration has already begun. Ages 6-11. At various Community Centers. Rates vary. Includes traditional day camps and art and other specialty camps.  For more information: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/culture--recreation/tulsa-parks/community-centers/day-camps.aspx

Other Tulsa Park events include classes in Martial Arts, Soccer, T-Ball, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Aerobics, Yoga, Pilates, Swim Lessons, and Dance. For more info:  https://www.cityoftulsa.org/culture--recreation/tulsa-parks/community-centers.aspx

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 or Oxley Nature Center 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 are open daily (except city holidays) 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and 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. daily. 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, go tohttp://www.oxleynaturecenter.org/.

Redbud Valley Nature Preserve

More wild that Oxley, but wonderful spot for a hike! 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 am-5 pm. The Barclay Visitor Center is open 11 am-3 pm. Pets are not permitted. The Preserve is closed every Monday and Tuesday, and most holidays. For more information, visit http://www.oxleynaturecenter.org/redbud.htm

Tulsa County Parks also has swimming pools, summer camps and other programming at LaFortune, 51st & Yale –  http://www.parks.tulsacounty.org/parks.aspx?page=lafortune ; O'Brien, 6149 N. Lewis Ave. –http://www.parks.tulsacounty.org/parks.aspx?page=obrien and Chandler, 6500 West 21st St. –  http://www.parks.tulsacounty.org/parks.aspx?page=chandler

Turkey Mountain Wilderness Area

Open dawn to dusk. The 300-acre Wilderness stretches from I-44 to 71st Street on the west bank of the Arkansas River.  This heavily-wooded property has miles of winding dirt trails and two large ponds. The main entrance at 67th and South Elwood offers landscaped parking – including an area for horse trailers – a restroom, climbing boulders, and flagstone walkways leading to the main trailhead.  A map of the marked trails, which are shared by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, is located near the trailhead.  The summit of Turkey Mountain rises 300 feet above the Arkansas River and offers a panoramic view of Tulsa. Crowded with roots and rocks, blessed with views of the Arkansas River, and basically untouched by humanity in general.

Guthrie Green Fitness on the Green

Free programs offered at Guthrie Green. A complete list here: https://www.guthriegreen.com/fitness-green, but note that some are more adult-oriented. Two family friendly options:

Tai Chi, Mondays 5:30-6:30 pm

Improve balance, agility, strength and coordination with this ancient form of martial arts. It is low impact, puts little stress on muscles and joints, making it fairly safe for all ages and fitness levels. Bring a towel, water, and wear free flowing clothing..

Family Fitness, Saturdays 8- 9 am

A high-energy, family friendly class focused on interval training and fluid ground work exercises designed to develop a strong core in an effort to improve posture, endurance and burn the most calories.  Using your body weight and our environment (benches, steps, hills, etc.) you will sculpt your arms, legs, backs, chest, abs, and everything in between while working on core and balance poses through the class. This class is specifically designed for all fitness levels.


The Most Amazing Race June 14

Starts at Guthrie Green at 10 am. This is a fundraiser for the Salvation Army, and the first year it has been done in Tulsa. As a diehard Amazing Race fan, I want to come watch!  Teams of two people compete for prizes by completing challenges at popular spots in Downtown Tulsa. From the starting line, teams are given a clue leading them to another checkpoint and they must successfully complete challenges—following clues—until they reach the end of the race. The race combines challenges that are physical (running, climbing, jumping), mental (puzzle solving, strategizing), and sometimes even silly (dancing, eating contests)! https://www.guthriegreen.com/event/614
 

[RecycleMichael]

ART OPPORTUNITIES

Tulsa Mayfest, May 15-18

Downtown Tulsa, (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 at the park at 6th and Main featuring hands-on activities for children of all ages as well as family-friendly entertainment. For a schedule of KidZone entertainment, go here: http://tulsamayfest.org/fun/kidzone/ . Dozens of music acts will perform on three stages—see schedule here: http://tulsamayfest.org/music/. For listing of exhibitors and performers or other information, go to http://www.tulsamayfest.org/

Blue Dome Arts Festival, May 16-18

The Blue Dome Arts Festival, held within the historic Blue Dome Entertainment District in downtown Tulsa, features over 240 vendors and artists, plus kids' activites, live music and more  during the annual three-day festival. Come and enjoy browsing through booths filled with handmade crafts, paintings, pottery, carvings, photography, jewelry, home decor and more. Visitors to the Blue Dome Arts Festival are encouraged to chat with local, Oklahoma artists while perusing or purchasing original works by these regional artisans.

http://bluedomearts.org/#

10th Annual Tulsa ArtCar Weekend, May 15-17

Sponsored by Living Arts of Tulsa, Tulsa ArtCar weekend is a 4-day event that invites local and national artists to create their own drivable artwork and share it with the Tulsa Community. You've probably seen the very cool, funky cars driving around town when this festival is in town, but head on down to Brady Arts District (May 15, 5:30-7:30 pm) or Pancho Anaya Bakery in Kendall-Whittier (May 16, 8-9 am) Cherry Street Farmers Market (May 17, 8:30 am) and Blue Done Arts Festival (May 17, 11 am-6 pm) to see them all in one place.  Check http://livingarts.org/artcar  for details.

Gilcrease Museum

Gilcrease -- http://gilcrease.utulsa.edu/ --  is one of the country's best facilities for the preservation and study of American art and history. The museum's charm, beauty and art collections draw thousands of visitors from around the world to the Osage hills for a glimpse into the past. Gilcrease houses the world's largest, most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts of the American West. The museum also offers an unparalleled collection of Native American art and artifacts, as well as historical manuscripts, documents and maps. FREE admission on "TU Tuesday," the first Tuesday of each month, and "Funday Sunday," the third Sunday of each month. Visitors will enjoy different art making stations in the museum, each offering different materials and themes as well as teaching artists to help guide and inspire. An art hunt is available to explore in the galleries, with a prize at the end. Families will also enjoy our interactive spaces, the Kids Site and the Kravis Discovery Center, as well as the different galleries and gardens, and special featured activities.

Philbrook Museum-Free 2nd Saturday

Every 2nd Saturday of the month is Free Family Day at Philbrook.  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. http://philbrook.org/

Brady Arts District First Friday Art Crawl

On the first Friday evening of each month, head on down to the Brady Arts District just north of downtown.  Starting at around 5:30, galleries open their doors for exhibits, new shows, art demonstrations, and more. The demonstrations are especially interesting to kids – what kid doesn't see glassblowers at the Tulsa Glassblowing Studio and start imagining what she could do with a blowtorch?


FESTIVALS AND OTHER FUN

Tulsa County Free Fair, July 31-Aug. 1

At the Exchange Center at the Tulsa Fairgrounds. This free event is open to the public and features 4-H and community exhibits as well as learning events and competitions. On Friday night, the Tulsa County 4-H holds the Festival of Fun with entertainment for the entire family. Admission includes ice cream, live entertainment, inflatables for children and other food vendors. There is something for everyone at the Tulsa County Free Fair.

Bartlesville's SunFest, May 30-June 1

"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 32nd 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/ 

Tulsa Tough, June 6-8

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. The highlight for many Tulsasn? The festive crowds lining the infamous "Cry Baby Hill" stretch of the race on Riverside Drive.  For more information, go to http://www.tulsatough.com/site/sections/1

Asian-American Festival, June 7

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. Numerous activities and presentations are scheduled indoors throughout the festival, as well as authentic arts and crafts booths and food concession.

Glenpool Black Gold Days, June 19-22

This annual festival celebrates the discovery of the Glenn Pool oil field in 1905. A variety of food and craft vendors, live entertainment every evening, frog and turtle races, the Lions Pancake Breakfast, the Black Gold Parade, EXCITING carnival rides, and more! The event takes place at Black Gold Park, near 141st Street along Highway 75http://www.glenpoolchamber.org/pages/BlackGoldDays/

Bixby Green Corn Festival, June 26-28

Charley Young Park in downtown Bixby (southeast of `15st and Memorial). A kick back to the good old fashioned family oriented picnics. The annual festival (held on the 4th Thursday, Friday and Saturday of June) features great music, arts and crafts, food, bingo, carnival and great games and contests for the young and young at heart. A talent show to highlight area youth is held on Friday at the Community Center and the annual Green Corn Parade entertains the masses on Saturday morning. http://bixbyoptimist.org/green-corn-festival

Woolaroc Kidsfest, June 28-29

One of my favorite kid festivals. 10 am-5 pm -- Regular Woolaroc admission (adults $10, over 65 $8 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/

FreedomFest '14, 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

Porter Peach Festival, July 17-19

Mmmmmm!  It's a bit of a drive, but c'mon, for fresh Porter peaches and ice cream, it's worth it! Downtown Porter. Rodeo, music, arts, 5k run, carnival rides, free peaches and cream!

For more information,  http://www.porterpeachfestivals.com/ .

Blue Bell Broken Arrow Ice Cream Plant- Taste of Summer, July 19

8201 E. Hwy 51, Broken Arrow, 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. $5 admission; 6 and under are free. Call 258-5100 for information. (Blue  Bell also does tours year-round, which include ice cream tasting—it's a fun way to cool off for a few hours with the kids—call for more info.)

Tulsa Drillers
The national pasttime and a good way to spend a few summer hours. We love the downtown stadium and love Tulsa baseball! Tickets are cheap and there are always specials and giveaways. For a list of various promotions, go here: http://www.milb.com/promotions/index.jsp?sid=t260

You can bring your (vaccinated!) dogs to games on Wednesday nights. There are several "Kids Eat Free" nights, where kids can go on the field for a free clinic and with a paid admission, they get a free hot dog, juice  and ice cream – May 18, June 1, June 15,  July 20 and Aug. 17.
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 – all home Friday night games plus several other dates. They put on really impressive shows (better than many 4th of July shows) and you can join the hundreds of people who congregate nearby to watch.

Free Bowling

Kids can bowl free all summer long at Andy B's, located at 8711 S Lewis Ave. Just go to this website: www.kidsbowlfree.com/andybs and register each child, and receive free bowling passes every week by email. Registered children can bowl 2 games free every day all summer long!

ONGOING

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.

Second Saturday Tour

On the second Saturday of the month starting at 10 am, join in on a free downtown walking tour, originating from Topeca Coffee in the historic Mayo Hotel.  http://tulsaarchitecture.com/2013/11/03/second-saturdays-tulsa/ /.

Downtown Tulsa Self-guided Historic Walking Tour

You can also do a self-guided tour using this map and info from the Tulsa Chamber:https://www.tulsachamber.com/downloads/art-deco-walking-tour/. It lists historic sites and highlights Tulsa's wealth of art deco buildings downtown.

Free Kids Workshops - Home Depot.
A at 9 am on the first Saturday of the month...they can build all kinds of cool projects, with all supplies provided free. I started doing this with my 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.  Go here to see upcoming class and register: http://lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/default.aspx

Tulsa Kids Summer Guide
For Tulsa Kids summer camp and activities guide, go here http://www.tulsakids.com/Tulsa-Kids/Guides-Directories/Summer-Camps-Activities/index.php

[Conan71]

Nice list RM, thank you for posting.

Does anyone else remember the Thursday 25 cent matinee movies back in the 1970's?  Seems like the Circle, Fox, Park Plaza, Will Rogers, Continental, and a few others were involved.

[RecycleMichael]

My wife makes this list...she wants everybody to also like this page on facebook...

https://www.facebook.com/notes/cheap-or-free-family-fun-in-tulsa/annas-2014-list-of-cheap-or-free-family-fun-in-tulsa/10152802365169325?fref=nf