Category Archives: Family Activities

Tulsa Botanic Garden – Fun for Couples and Fun for Families

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tulsa botanic garden

If you like the outdoors and are interested in some new trails and outdoor space to explore you may want to consider Tulsa Botanic Garden.  This was formerly the Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden.  This 170 acres sits northwest of downtown Tulsa and is open on Saturdays from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. They are only open April – October, so this may be a good time to explore the Tulsa Botanic Garden as we are nearing the middle of October.

There is a visitor center in which you can pick up a map to help you explore the area. The site includes the 7 acre Centennial Lake with a three-quarter mile walking trail that includes plantings of 300 ornamental and shade trees. Plus, there is a 1 and 1/2 mile nature trail that goes through prairie and Cross Timbers forest. 

SPECIAL EVENTS are planned. EACH SATURDAY.  October events are listed below:

Saturday, October 12, 2013, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm                                                                                                                                                                                    

Family Day: Make a Birdfeeder                                                                                                                   

Find out how about bird calls, what plants they use for food and shelter; plus, make a bird feeder to take home

Saturday,October 19. 2013, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm      

Trees and Shrubs: A Walk and Talk                                                                                                                  

Garden CEO Todd Lasseigne will lead a walk and talk on trees and shrubs to consider to add to your home landscape.

Saturday, October 26, 2013, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm    

Family Day: Fall Leaves    

Walk the trails looking for leaves of fall color, ending with leaf printings and other crafts in the visitor center.      

Directions: 8 miles west of downtown Tulsa, OK. It is 1.5 miles west of the intersection of W. 43rd St N and N 52nd W Ave.  For more information you may call 918-289-0330. Here is a link to the Tulsa Botanic Garden’s website: www.ocbg.org   OR check their Facebook page  www.facebook.com/tulsabotanicgarden

Hope you will have a chance to explore this fairly new Botanic Garden. This would be a fun couples time to go explore the trails and also a fun family activity, especially taking advantage of the Special Events held. Being in nature with your honey or your family is an excellent environment to connect.  Check it out!

                                                              

                    

FREE Family Fitness Festival at St Francis Health Zone, Tulsa OK, Saturday, October 12 for All Ages

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Check out the FREE family fun at St. Francis’s Family Fitness Festival this coming Saturday, October 12 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm. This will be held at St Francis Health Zone, 5353 E. 68th St. There are activities planned for all ages.

Children’s Carnival (for ages 5 and under, Kids Zone Patio, games and art activities)

Youth Fit Zone – Inflatable Obstacle Course (for ages 6 – 12, Health Zone Parking Lot)

family zumbaGlow in the Dark Zumba (dance for all ages, free glow sticks for the first 50 participants, from 6:00-7:30 pm)

As parents we all want our children to be active and healthy. Participating with children and teens in these kinds of events can promote the worthy goal of caring for our bodies.  This should be a fun family event that gets everyone moving. Plus, being active together has the added benefit of building your family relationships.

Here is to having fitness as a family goal!

PS To see the official brochure on this event, click on this link.     HZ_FamFes   Contact Number: 918-494-8263

Handshakes and Hugs

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I am passing this blog piece on as it is a wonderful addition to my last post on creating greeting rituals with children. These are very fun, simple handshakes and hugs! Tanna Strom

dbsenk's avatarKindergarten Nana

Research shows that the one of the best ways to build connections between people is eye contact and touch.  I was always looking for good ways to foster relationships so I loved including special “handshakes” in our morning routines.  We sometimes called them handshakes, other times we referred to hugs.

I introduced these one at a time at the beginning of the year.  The children would be standing in a circle, I would demonstrate the handshake and do it with the child on my right, I always tried to remind the children to turn and look at their partner while they were shaking hands.  Then that child would turn and “pass the handshake” to the next child, and so on around the circle – back to me.  After the children knew a variety of hugs, the special helper would choose which handshake we would do each day.

For most of…

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A Pinky Hug, A Cool Handshake . . . Create Your Own Welcome Ritual with Your Child

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handshakes_0007Ever do a “pinky hug”? Or have your own original hand shake? Creating your own special greeting with your loved one can be fun and unique to your relationship. And why not add a bit of fun to our greeting. There are all kinds of potential greeting rituals. Maybe a high-five or a hip or knuckle bump or a series of actions that you design with your child.  One of the fun parts could be coming up with your own “signature greeting”. I found a wonderful blog piece that I will re-blog for you to look at the many different handshakes this teacher has used with her children.  So be on the lookout for this blog piece that will appear on my blog. It is titled Handshakes and Hugs by Kindergarten Nana. She has Thumb Kisses, Butterfly hugs, Fish Hug and much more to consider as a potential greeting.

thumb kiss

Another possibility could be a special phrase or term of endearment phrase you use only for your child. If you have more than one child, each having their own greeting will give them each a sense of being unique. I do think checking in with your child as to if they like what you are using is a respectful thing to do.

I have heard many terms of endearments or nicknames. Most I think are liked by children, especially if they are positive and have a nice feel to them.  Being mindful and thoughtful as to choosing something that does not have any kind of negative connotation is important I think. What we may teasingly use, can be hurtful to a sensitive child.

I also think as children get older they may or may not like the special name or ritual of greeting, so keep alert to their feelings and do a ck in with them. Creating a new greeting can make sense as they grow.

A shout out to the mom who shared her “pinky hug” ritual with me.  This is simply the pair looping their picky figures.  This might be nice if you have a child who is embarrassed by a full hug. Of course for some the traditional full hug may be just the ticket.

Good luck in coming up with your own special connecting ritual with each of your children. This ritual will live on in your child’s memory way after they are grown.

Do you know about Choregus, Tulsa’s Modern Dance Performances?

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choregus performance KoreshDo you like modern dance and music performances? You might consider checking out Choregus. They host world-class contemporary dance and music performances here in Tulsa. Their season runs from September through April and is held at Cascia Hall’s Performing Arts Center (Helmerich Theatre). Tickets are $15 – $40.  per performance. Plus discount tickets are available. I was not aware of this group until this summer and decided to do a post so that those looking for activities to do as a couple or as a family could be aware of this opportunity. I think they are worth checking out. They were the 2012 recipient of the Oklahoma Governor’s Arts in Education award.

You can call 918-688-6112 for more information. I would also suggest that you go into their website www.choregus.org to get detailed information about each of their performances.  There are links to view the dance or music company coming to perform.

The next two performances that are scheduled are:

Koresh Dance Company

Saturday, October 5 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, October 6 at 3:00 pm

Gillim Dance

Saturday, November 16 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, November 17 at 3:00 pm

I have not had the opportunity to attend any of Choregus’s performances, but I have two professional colleagues who have season tickets to Choregus and very much enjoy the performances that they bring into Tulsa.

If  you are a modern dance fan, this could be a very fun date night.   Or if you have a child who likes modern dance this could be a fun parent / child or family activity. Hope you will be able to check this out.

Plan a Day of Fun at Bricktown in OKC

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Bricktown_Oklahoma_CityI just re-discovered Bricktown in Oklahoma City a couple of weekends ago. As we were traveling back from a family event in the area, we decided to stop for a meal by the canals. We were pleasantly surprised by what we saw. It has grown and developed so much since we had been there. This would be a wonderful day trip or weekend trip for that matter.  There is plenty to do for a day just in Bricktown and then so many downtown OKC attractions surrounding Bricktown.

This is well suited to either a family trip or a couple’s trip. You will find lots of fun eating places and shops surrounding the canals.  I had always wanted to float the canals, so we did so on the Bricktown Water Taxi.  The boat driver gave a guided tour as we made our way around the canals of Bricktown and the surrounding attractions. We were delighted to encounter the lovely sculptures that have been done to honor OK history as we floated on the water ways.  The water taxis are powered by electricity. Pretty cool.  We were also told the canals are lit up at night. I might add that if you wish to spend the night, there are many close hotels in the area.

Some of the Bricktown attractions and things to do are:

Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark

America Banjo Museum

Bricktown Water Taxi

Harding Theatres

Centennial Crossing

Coca Cola Event Center

Redpin Bowling

Horsedrawn Carriage Rides

Lots of fun restaurants and shops around the canals

OK artist sculptures of depicting OK history around the canals

019 horse team and wagon statue brinktown okcOklahoma City downtown attractions and fun things to do , which surround the Bricktown area:

Myriad Botanical Gardens

Oklahoma City of Museum of Arts

Oklahoma National Memorial and Museum (honoring the OK City bombing)

Red Earth Museum

Chesapeake Energy Arena I (noticed Keith Urban is there on October 19 and John Mayer on November 30.)

Cox Center

Rock Climbing

Largest dry slide in the USA

Bike rentals in the down town area

Oklahoma City Midtown:

Oklahoma Heritage Museum

So as you can see, there are lots of things to do in Bricktown and the surrounding area.  The website to go into for more details is: www.bricktownokc.com

Have fun picking out the things that most interest you. As you can see there are several day trips that one could do. Enjoy some time exploring Bricktown with your sweetheart or your family soon!

Fill the “Buckets” of Your Loved Ones and See Happiness Grow

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good feelings bucketI ran across the children’s book Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Carol McCloud  just recently while at a local bookstore.  I have another book for children on this topic, but really liked how this one was done. For those of you who are not familiar with the “Bucket” concept, this is how it works. Please note that this is for all ages!!!

  •  Everyone has an invisible bucket (this is how this particular author explains it to children). The bucket is to hold your good thoughts and feelings about yourself.
  • You feel happy when it is full and sad when it is empty.
  • We need each other to help fill our buckets.
  • To fill a bucket you simply show love to someone (for example a hug or kiss), say or do something kind, or make someone feel special.
  • You can also be a “bucket dipper” by taking out some good feelings by saying hurtful or mean things, being critical, making fun of someone, etc.
  • You feel good when you fill someone else’s bucket

I might add I feel it is also important to let children know they can help to fill their own buckets by using “positive self talk”. What we say to ourselves is crucial in how we feel about ourselves. Our thoughts can add or take out good feelings from our buckets. 

I also think it is helpful to let children know that it is ok to tell your family that your bucket it low. And that you can help to fill it. This is ditto for couples too!

Family or Couple Bucket Activity:

One fun way to make this concept concrete is to have a bucket for each person in your family. Family members can write each other notes of love and appreciation and put them in the buckets. Everyone might even decorate their own bucket and put their name on it. This could be a fun family activity. Or even for a couple this would be a nice concrete way to show your love for each other.

Good luck in filling those buckets!

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.

A Celebration to Begin the New School Year – Setting a Positive Tone for Your Child

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back to school colored pencilsThe school year has started for most children and teens.  It is a time filled with buying new school clothes and school supplies; adjusting to new school schedules, etc. Let us not forget to CELEBRATE the beginning of school with our child or teen.  Celebrating can apply to any age, whether you have a first grader or a high school student.  You might be wondering,“Why do we want to celebrate the beginning of the new year.? Here are my thoughts:

  • Most importantly, setting the tone that this is a time to be excited about, to be happy about  having the opportunity to learn new things and meet new people. Sometimes we forget that it really is a time to embrace the joy of learning and being able to potentially make new friends. It is easy in our busy lives to forget that imparting this kind of message can affect how our children think about school. Most of us really do want our children to love learning and like school.
  • Celebrating is a one way of injecting some excitement and hopefulness into this sometimes stressful transition. It is one of the things that we can do before or after school starts. It is not too late to say “Let’s celebrate school starting school this week or last week, etc.” Celebrating implies that it is a good thing. It is one way for you to help put a positive spin on school and the year ahead.
  • It is a way for  you and your child or children to connect in regard to school. We all want to be a part of our child’s school world. This is a way to begin the year with that kind of connection.
  • Celebrating is enjoyable and helps to give the feelings of good things to come. And is this not what we want. We want our children or teenagers to feel there is good to come. As we know what we envision is many times what we get.

How might we celebrate the beginning of school with our child or teen? Each family will have their own unique way of doing this that is a good fit for them. I am listing some potential ideas for your consideration. But, again, you will have your own ideas as to what fits.

  1. Consider the age of your child or children and what will feel like a celebration to them. 
  2. Making sure we let our child or children know what we are celebrating and why. For example: “Let’s celebrate school starting. Lets …. “or “Let’s celebrate school starting. Do you have some ideas as to what we might do?” “Let’s celebrate school starting.  Let’s  . . . or maybe . . .  to celebrate.  Which do you think would be the most fun?”
  3. A special meal, possibly one of their favorites with maybe a special dessert of healthy treat to top it off is always appreciated.
  4. An appropriate gift with school starting can fit the bill.  Your child’s age will of course make a difference here. I remember when my daughter was a first grader how she loved the new globe I bought her.  You will know your child and what would be an encouraging gift that leaves the message of school is important and it can be fun too.  It could be a cool new back pack or a gift certificate for . . . “
  5. A conversation about what they are hoping to learn this year or what class they are particularly excited about or any specific goals they have for themselves can be helpful. Plus, of course your encouraging words or affirmations of good things to come make sense in this conversation. This, of course, is a good time to highlight what you consider their strengths.”
  6. Another possibility is to have a back to school party for your child’s class at your house or at a park, etc.  If your child is one that is feeling a bit of a loss as to making new friends and connecting socially this may be one way to help with that. Plus, a way for you to meet parents of your child’s classmates.

It really is a time to CELEBRATE the wonderful opportunity to learn new things and hopefully to create the stage for the love of life long learning. So best wishes in finding the best way to celebrate the beginning of school starting with your child or teen!

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