Starting to look for summer activities for kids in Tulsa? We’ve got you covered while the kids are out of school for the next few months. Instead of letting them spend hours in front of the television or glued to a gaming screen, we have a mix of activities for indoor outdoor and family approved fun. These are some of our favorite summer activities for kids in Tulsa.
1.Have a Rain Gutter Regatta
Once a staple of the cub scout experience, the Rain Gutter Regatta is actually a simple activity to hold. Each contestant builds their own Rain Gutter Racer that is powered only by blowing on the sail through a straw. The boats are then placed in a rain gutter filled with water and race to the finish line. Rain Gutter Regatta kits are available online, but half of the fun is building vessels out of recyclables. Start with a set amount of time for building then challenge your friends to race their creation across a shallow kiddy pool.
2. Visit every public park in the Tulsa area. (Or try to!)
Public parks are magical places full of possibilities. Make it a goal to visit every one in the Tulsa area this summer and you may be surprised by what you find. Funtastic Island in Owasso is an all-abilities park has sand areas for digging, giant slides, and a series of interconnected ramps to allow children of all abilities to play together. The 41st Street Plaza is home to water fountains and splash pads so bring the swim suits and let the kids get wet. You are sure to find several new places to play just by exploring what is in your back yard.
3. Sign up for the Tulsa City-County Library Summer Reading Program
The Tulsa City-County Library offers a tremendous summer reading program for the entire family. With divisions for kids, teens, and adults, participants who meet their summer reading goals receive coupons for free entertainment and food with bonus prizes like ear buds and messenger bags available for exceeding the goal. Not only does reading during the summer prevent the dreaded “summer slide”, signing up for the summer reading program gives you an excuse to enjoy the air conditioned library regularly.
4. Free Movies at the Guthrie Green!
There is something inherently cool about watching a movie under a blanket of stars. Now through October, you can do just that for free at Movies at the Park at Guthrie Green. Admission is free, seating is first come, first served so bring your blankets, pillows, lawn chairs, and bean bags and enjoy a different movie every week. Films start at dusk, around 8:30 and vary from kid-friendly to classic grown up fare (Rocky Horror Picture Show, anyone?) so check the schedule in advance.
5. Host an Old Fashioned Block Party
Having a block party can be as simple as inviting the neighbors on either side of you over for burgers and brats, or as complicated as the thousands of block party ideas on Pinterest. Contact your local police force about blocking off the street where you live for a few hours on a Saturday, have a pot luck dinner, and play kickball in the street. Not only will you have a chance to show your kids you know a thing or two about stealing third, you will have a chance strengthen your relationships with your neighbors as well.
Whether simple or complicated, old hat or new traditions, there is plenty to do around Tulsa with your kids this summer. With an adventurous spirit and a little creativity, you may be surprised as what you find in your own backyard.
