Category Archives: Couple Activities

Family Night or a Couple’s Date Night at Admiral Twin Drive In- Tulsa’s Outdoor Movie Theater

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admiral twin drive in logoI recently had a chance to take in a movie at the Tulsa’s Admiral Twin Drive In. This is Tulsa’s old-time outdoor movie theater.  It was fun! Thought I might pass the idea on to you as a potential Couples Date Night or as Family Night Out.  As this is a seasonal activity, I decided to go ahead and write this piece while they are still open.  When asked how long they stayed open? We were told that last year they were open from March 1st until December 1st.  It sounded like they had not made a decision for this year yet.  In a recent Facebook post they noted that they would close when the weather made them close.  So . . . you may want to consider doing this here at the end of the summer or  fall if you are interested. If in doubt just check their Facebook page or call them. Starting September 6, they are only open on Friday, Saturday and Sundays.

Admiral Twin Drive In, Tulsa, OK

Phone    918-392-9959

Email      information@selectcinemas.com

Website     http://www.selectcinemas.com

A double feature is played each evening with two screens playing. Their Facebook info page indicates you cannot switch screens. We were also told this upon entering.

Sound comes through your radio speaker. You must have an FM radio to get the sound. Movie goers are allowed to sit outside of their cars with their lawn chairs or blankets if they wish. We noticed many folks opted to do this.

Animals allowed on a leash. Not allowed in restrooms or concession stands.

Admiral Twin operates a grill / concession stand. It was noted on Facebook that at times they have Food Trucks also as an option. I would check Facebook if you want to know on this.

Movie Times are listed on their website www.selectcinemas.com  or http://www.admiraltwindrive-in.com can be gotten by calling them  918-392-9959 or you can locate this information on their Facebook page.

Prices: 12 and up is $7:00 and 3 – 11 is $3:00.

They are located 7355 East Easton, Tulsa, OK.

admiral twin drive in acutal view of from distance

Special Note: As always, it is important to do  your homework if this is a family outing as to movies that are showing and determining if they are appropriate for your age of children.  Even though you can stay for both movies as it is a double feature, you do not have to. It appeared they try to do some family movies and some more adult type movies too.

If you’re in the mood to try something a bit old-fashioned and think your honey or family might like this kind of venue, it may be worth checking out.

Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa’s “Imagination Days” Third Saturdays – FREE

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imagination days arts and humanity council tulsa ok“Imaginations Days” is sponsored by The Arts & Communities Council of Tulsa at the Hardesty Arts Center every third Saturday in 2013. These events are open in conjunction with the regular AHHA gallery hours.  This FREE family activity time is inspired by the current gallery exhibit.  The theme and exhibitions are changed frequently to provide new experiences.

WHERE:

Arts & Humanities Council Hardesty Arts Center (AHHA)

101 East Archer Street

Tulsa, Oklahoma 

In the Brady Arts District, at the corner of Boston & Archer. 

WHEN:

Third Saturdays, 2013

August 17 

Note: This month’s activity revolves around the Fiberworks exhibit.

ahct hardesty arts center fiber arts exibit

September 21

October 19

November 18

Open from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm (This is during regular AHHA gallery hours.)

And it is FREE to the public!

Activities start in the American Electric Power Foundation/Williams Family Studio, which is located in AHHA’s second floor next to the Loft Gallery. For more information you can call the Arts and Community Council at 918-584-3333. You can also follow this link to find out more information about the Imagination Days.  ahct.org/programs/imagination-days/

The Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa’s HARDESTY ARTS CENTER  is not only a wonderful opportunities for families to enjoy art together but it is also would be a great outing for a couple. Go to their website www.ahct.org to find out more about the gallery and the upcoming exhibitions and also about the many programs that they offer for adults, teens and children.

arts and humanities council of tulsa hardesty arts center

Its Pow Wow Time – An OK Cultural Experience for your Family

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Powwow_DanceaPow Wow of Champions

August 9, 10 & 11, 2013

Oral Roberts University, 7777 S. Lewis

The ORU Mabee Center

– A smoke and alcohol free environment –

$7. Per Person (5 yrs & under free) – Weekend Wrist Band $15. Per Person

This weekend the Intertribal Indian Club of Tulsa hosts the 36th annual Pow Wow of Champions. This is a wonderful opportunity for your family to experience together an OK Cultural event. Many times we overlook some of our own states special cultural events.  You of course would want to consider what parts of the program would most fit for you and your child’s or children’s ages and plan accordingly. I think it always works best not to over stay an event that we are not ready to handle.

For specific information event you can call 918-378-4494 or 918-838-8276 or go to their website:  www.iicot.org/   There is a schedule of events and times on their website. You will need to click on the flyer within their website to get this information.

You and your family can experience dance, drum music and song from tribal nations across the country. Over 300 native dancers will compete. In addition, native american crafts and food will be available for purchase.

This event is billed as a family event, but could also be a fun couple’s activity.  Hope you will consider taking advantage of this educational and entertaining OK weekend event.

A time to go, a time to rest – TAKING A COUPLE’S NAP

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napping dogsSometimes what we need is not to go somewhere; but, to listen to our bodies and rest when we need to. I am not talking about disrupting sleep schedules, but at times a NAP is what we need. There is something really warm and relaxing about taking a nap together as a couple. Maybe you have had an exhausting week and it is Saturday or Sunday afternoon and you have evening plans, but you are just so tired that you are cranky and not feeling like doing anything. You just want to curl up and go to sleep.

Yes, the weekend feels like many times that we need to hurry and get things done while we are not working. Or that we must do a family activity or a couple activity. But NAPPING can be the perfect couple activity!   

So . . .  if  you both feel tired and out of sorts, why not take a little nap TOGETHER. It can be a time to cuddle up and let the world go by for a bit. A time to feel close and relaxed together. A time to take care of yourselves and be connected and close all at the same time. 

You may be thinking I have kids. How does this work.? Well, it depends. If they are little and they have their own nap time, you can do it during this time period. If they are no longer napping,  you might arrange for a play date with a neighbor child. Or maybe you take advantage while your child or teen is out doing their own thing at a birthday party or practice, etc.

Here is to taking a break and connecting all at the same time!

HAPPY NAPPING !!!   

Daily “Feeling Check In” to Stay Connected

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how-u-are-feeling

We all know ideally we should connect on a deeper level on a daily basis with our loved ones. We really want to connect, but sometimes we get busy or tired or distracted and it just does not happen. Putting a FEELING CHECK IN as part of your routine can help.

I have found it can  help with connecting if we can set up a structured time to do a FEELING CHECK IN with each other. Here is what this might look like:

  • Ideally, this would be daily. But if not daily this could be done whenever you can. You might consider a weekly check in if your family is really busy and you think this might be more likely to happen.
  • This can be done as a couple or as a family or as a parent / child activity (If you have more than one child this could be done individually with each one of them privately.)
  • If you connect your FEELING CHECK IN  to another daily activity it is more likely to happen. For example: At the dinner table every night or with your child as part of their bedtime ritual.
  • The format can be structured in a variety of ways and you can decide what works best for you and your loved ones. Some possible FEELING CHECK IN formats are listed below. You can of course come up with your own unique FEELING CHECK IN format that best fits your own unique family. You are the expert on your family!
  1. Tell me about your least favorite part of the day. What about your most favorite part of your day?
  2. What was the most exciting part of your day? What was the most boring part of your day? What about what made you feel happy today? Any sad things that happened to you? Or things that made you angry? Things you really feel proud of? (You can mix this up or do the same each day. Plus, you can decide for yourself what feelings you most want to highlight and how many you want to include). You will not want this to come off as an interrogation or as invasive. Teens may be particularly sensitive. One of the briefer formats may work best for them.
  3. On a 1 to 10, with 10 being the best how was your day today? What made it that way?
  4. What feeling did you have the most today? 
  5. Tell me your top three feelings you had today.

 If you are doing this activity as a family you will want to consider the ages of your children and what they will understand and most be able to relate to. 

If you do this activity as a whole family (or as a parent / child or even as a couple) I feel care should be taken to protect privacy and need to not share, meaning someone should always be able to pass and not be pressured to reveal something they are not ready to share. Letting your children know they can always pass is important. We want to encourage sharing,but not force sharing. 

Last of all when your loved one shares their feelings with you, be respectful with full attention and focus; acknowledging and reflecting without giving advice and questioning. They will love you for this unconditional, loving response!  ♥ ♥

Playhouse Tulsa’s “Little Women” This Weekend

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Little-Women

For those of you who are fans of the book Little Women by Louisa May Alcott you may want to check out this weekend’s performances of Little Women done by Playhouse Tulsa’s Summer Stage Festival. This is an original adaptation written by Cody Daigle and commissioned for Playhouse Tulsa. 

This play is based on the classic book which tells the story of the March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. This is set in America Civil War times. Themes of friendship, love and family. It timeless tale.

This would be a wonderful activity for a mother and daughter, family or couple. It is all about relationships. A wonderful opportunity for lots of discussion afterwards.  Hope you will consider this play as part of your weekend activities.

Little Women

SummerStage Festival

July 12-13 at 7:30 p.m.; July 13-14 at 2 p.m.

John H. Williams Theatre, Tulsa PAC, 110 E 2nd

Tickets 918-596-7111 or www.tulsapac.com

Oklahoma 4th of July Family Fun

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JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World

Photo by JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World

Are you in process of considering what might be a  fun 4th of July celebration for your family. Not sure what to do this 4th? I ran across an article in www.travelok.com that was titled “Let Freedom Ring: Top 4th of July Celebrations in Oklahoma”. Enter this title name in the SEARCH Box at the top of the home page.  Check this article out for some of the big and little city celebrations across Oklahoma. Below is an abbreviated summary of what Travel OK sees as top OK 4th of July celebrations.

4th of JULY BIG TOWN CELEBRATIONS:

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Liberty Fest -Edmond

CNN and USA Today lists this as one of the top 10 celebrations in the nation. Included in this celebration is a large 4th of July parade, free watermelon feed, live entertainment and children’s activities. Plus, Parkfest, which is their large firework display in the OK City metro area.

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Tulsa FreedomFest – Tulsa

On the banks of the Arkansas River throughout Tulsa River Parks. Live music with three entertainment locations on the river, with face painting and inflatables for the children. One of the largest free firework displays in OK.

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Art in the Park: A Celebration in the Heartland – Moore

Children’s Art Tent; Sand Pit; Car,Truck & Motorcycle Show; Carnival Rides and 4th of July Foods

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Freedom Fest – Yukon

At Yukon City Park you will find a children’s parade, crafts, free swimming and games.  During the evening hours you have free watermelon, free ice cream and live music throughout  Chisholm Trail Park. After dark there is fireworks and a performance by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra.

 

4th of JULY SMALL TOWN CELEBRATIONS:

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Blackberry Festival – McLoud

Long running event in McLoud, OK in which you will find a black berry cobbler eating contest, a blackberry baking contest and the crowning of the Blackberry Queen.  Other activities include a car show, living history demonstrations, a carnival and fireworks.

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Watermelon See Spitten World Championship – Pauls Valley

You will see a fireworks, enjoy live music and have 4th of July food as you watch this Word Championship that is featured in The Guinness Book of World Records and Ripley’s Believe it or Not. 

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July 4th Games – Pawnee

Games for children of all ages include: turtle races, horseshoe throw, bubble gum blowing contest and water balloon fights. Held in the lawn of the historic Pawnee County Courthouse. Other games include: boot-toss, tug-of-war tournament, egg toss, and tricycle races. At noon time you will find a parade that travels through downtown Pawnee. Fireworks take place at Pawnee Lake at dusk. 

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Duck Creek Fireworks – Ketchum

Enjoy a picnic and a swim along with live music at Grand Lake in northeast OK. Food and fun as you watch the annual boat parade along Duck Creek. Early evening there is a War Bird flyover and then at dusk a fireworks display over Grand Lake that is synchronized to 4th of July music. 

wakeboard

Boomer Blast  – Stillwater

Wakeboard and wakeskate tournament, including competition for the young ones. Food and activities that are topped of with a firework display over the lake. 

Go to www.travelok.com and find the article mentioned above and for more detailed information on each activity you can click on adjacent links

Special Note: You might also check out Guthrie Greens 4th of July Celebration in Tulsa.   www.guthriegreen.com 

A few things to consider when planning your family 4th of July celebration:

  1.  What kind of activities will work best for my family? What will work for their specific ages? Will my youngest be able to handle the distance of the fireworks and can they keep up with a high energy crowd?
  2.  As a couple, what are we in the mood for this year? Do we want to watch be close up and in the mix of it all or would we rather sit back and maybe watch the fireworks from the Tulsa Rose Garden or from another more distant spot that is not so frenetic.
  3.  Do we want to travel or do something close in town?
  4.  Is there some down times or quieter, less stimulating time planned for the day and evening to keep it balanced and not overwhelming or over stimulating for the family.
  5.  Has the entire family had a chance to give their opinion or thoughts on what they would like for the 4th. Of course, as with any activity planning,  most all family members will have to do some compromising.
  6.  Is there a time among all the celebrating to talk about what we are thankful for in our USA?

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY and best wishes for finding the best fit for your family and their own unique way of celebrating. 

Boomer Blast - Stillwater, OK

Boomer Blast – Stillwater, OK

“We Love and Appreciate You!” Birthday Book

“We Love and Appreciate You!” Birthday Book

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This last week was my birthday and my family presented me with a Birthday Book filled with notes of love and appreciation from my family and friends. This is something I have put together for a number of people in … Continue reading →

It’s Time for a Tulsa Driller’s Baseball Game

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721-tulsa-drillers-baseball-gameIt is baseball season and the Tulsa Drillers play at the state of the art ONEOK Field which is located in the historic Greenwood District in downtown Tulsa. The ball park is an art deco architecture style to blend with down town Tulsa’s art deco.  The season runs from April – September.

This is a perfect family activity (though I would not recommend this for preschoolers due to the length of the games). You could take the  whole family or have a special parent / child time.  You will have to decide if your child is ready for a two to three hour event. And of course if your child has an interest in baseball this will of course make this a more enjoyable activity. You could also consider just going to part of a game as an introduction to baseball to keep it a positive experience if things begin to fall apart. You want this to be fun memory.

Or this would also be a fun couple activity. This is a fun, open air activity and only available to us certain times of the year. Lots of time to chat and hold hands and just be together.

If you would like to look at the Tulsa Drillers’ schedule or find out more about them or the games you can check out their website www.tulsadrillers.com

5034233-Tulsa_Drillers_Baseball_All_American_Fun_Tulsa

“Couples Who Play Together, Stay Together” . . . Creating New Ways to Connect

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old-happy-couple-piggyback-rideAs we are in the heart of the growing season, I cannot help but think about our own growth as a couple. Sometimes I have couples in my office who feel they have no common interests or that they do not do anything together. There are lots of reasons for this of course. If a couple has children they may feel they do not  have time to do things as a couple or for that matter, as an individual. Or it may be that a couple has drifted away from doing things together as they did when they were dating or before they got married.

Regardless of the reasons, my feeling is that “Couples who Play Together, Stay Together.”  So lets look at some WAYS TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT CAN CREATE SOME NEW GROWTH & CONNECTION.

  • Really being together is more that about being in the same place. It is about REALLY BEING THERE emotionally and connecting. 
  • If you are a parent, take time as a couple to be together by your selves. It is important. You can remember you are being a good model for your children in showing them how to keep a relationship strong.
  • Put the PLAY back in your relationship. Think back to when you were dating. My guess is you were more light-hearted and playful. I do know that our adult lives can be challenging and are full of responsibilities, but taking time to play and be with the one we love will keep us strong and healthy to be the responsible adults we need to be and fulfill our life purpose.
  • Create a new hobby or interest you both can pursue. It may be dancing, biking, taking cooking classes together, etc.
  • Revive an old passion you both had in the past. It could be bowling or antiquing together. Whatever you both enjoyed in the past and has gotten buried a bit.
  • Remember too there is more than one way to play together. It may be an activity or a hobby. But it may also be relaxing and bantering back and forth. It may be sexual intimacy. Or it may be “playful” dialogue with each other.

So much of this is about making the time for each other. And then committing to having some fun together. So go play and have a good time. And remember, “Couples Who Play Together, Stay Together.” ♥♥

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