Summer to Bring Fun Activities to Tulsa

By KATHY TAYLOR
Tulsa Mayor

Summer is here!
That may be music to your kid’s ears, but finding activities that are fun and affordable can sometimes be a challenge for parents. The good news is that there are many great things to do with your kids right here in Tulsa this summer that are educational, fun and affordable.

Try starting at the library! The Tulsa Library summer reading program offers prizes, coupons and activities for kids and youth up to 18 years old. Everyone likes music and Starlight concerts are held Tuesday nights outside at the River Parks Festival Amphitheater, 2100 S. Jackson. All concerts begin at 8 pm.

Our great Tulsa Parks have activities from swimming, to tennis and golf instruction. A Kids Triathlon will be held on July 25 at McClure Park and summer day camps for kids ages 6-11 are being held at many community centers throughout the city. Other Tulsa Parks events include classes in visual arts, theatre, martial arts, soccer, T-ball, gymnastics, volleyball, aerobics, yoga, pilates and dance.

Tulsa’s fascinating Oxley Nature Center in Mohawk Park has more than 9 miles of trails covering 804 acres. The Mary K. Oxley Nature Center is truly one of Tulsa’s treasures. Visitors can pick up maps and trail information at the Oxley-Yetter Interpretive Building. The Interpretive Building houses inter-active, hands-on exhibits explaining the local natural history. The grand opening for the newly remodeled Interpretive Center is June 27, 9-5 p.m. I hope you join us for all kinds of fun activities!

Tulsa’s own Gilcrease Museum has some terrific and free events this summer as well. On most Fridays in July, you can listen to stories about summertime on the Western plains. Children explore their natural surroundings and create a work of art based on their adventures. Also at the Gilcrease is the Creative Learning Center. This is a free art center with lots of projects for kids using painting, clay, weaving and much more. Gilcrease also offers free admission to all visitors on the first Tuesday of each month.

For Independence Day, our annual “FreedomFest” Fourth of July celebrations feature fireworks, entertainment and activities held at the River West Festival Park and Veteran’s Park. Fireworks are shot from the 21st Street Bridge at about 9:30 pm.

July 24-25 is time for DFest! Taking place in Downtown’s Blue Dome District, this exciting music conference and festival showcases over 130 of the best emerging independent artists in the country including Oklahoma, regional and national performers. Tickets are required for entry into stages, but you can see exhibits and hear some music for free. For families, plan on visiting in the afternoon and early evening.

And last, but not least, don’t forget our national pastime: baseball! Tulsa Drillers tickets are always affordable and there are many specials and giveaways from free tickets to 50-cent hotdogs. The Drillers Web site lists various promotions such as free clinics and “Kids Eat Free” nights.

These are just a few of the fun things you can do with your family this summer in Tulsa. Spending quality time with our kids create memories that last a lifetime. Have fun!

Helpful Web Sites for Tulsa Events:
Tulsa Library Reading Program – www.tulsalibrary.org
Starlight Concerts – www.starlightbands.net
Tulsa Parks – www.tulsaparks.org
Oxley Nature Center – www.oxleynaturecenter.org
Gilcrease Museum of Art – www.gilcrease.org
DFest Music Conference and Festival – www.dfest.net
Tulsa Drillers – www.tulsa.drillers.milb.com