Summer is barreling our way like a runaway train (we should know about trains…maybe not the barreling part, though) and it can be tough to come up with ways to fill the endless hours of “Mooooom, I’m BORED!” That being said, we bring you a wonderful list of cheap or free family fun in Green Country, compiled by Anna America. Settle in, kids, the list is LONG!
Anna says, “I have gotten info online in most cases and have tried to include links/phone numbers for more information – I encourage you to ALWAYS check in advance before making a trek someplace, as details may change (or I may have gotten it wrong!).”
Here’s hoping everyone has a fun, safe and CHEAP summer!
PARKSEnjoy the splash pad and the brand-new playground at the Will Rogers Park, located between the Will Rogers Memorial and the Claremore Expo. Claremore Lake Park also has a terrific playground. Enjoy a picnic lunch at either park!
READING PROGRAMS
Will Rogers Library Summer Reading Program
Pick up your summer reading packet starting June 2nd. Visit the library, read books, get stamps, earn prizes!
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
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
RSU Education Conservation Reserve
Nestled in the RSU Claremore campus, the RSU Education Conservation Reserve is a quiet, sacred area filled with protected wildlife and wonderful trails. Take a picnic lunch along and take a hike. Don’t forget to take a camera! For details, visit the website.
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 to http://www.oxleynaturecenter.org/.
Redbud Valley Nature Preserve
More wild than 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
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.
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
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?
FARMER’S MARKETS
A variety of local Farmers Markets offer fresh local produce, crafts, plants, herbs and more. Most Markets run May through October. Great place to wander around with the kids, and one of the few where you can actually buy them a healthy snack!
Claremore Expo Farmer’s Market
On Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 7-11 in the growing season you can shop a local farmer’s market right here in Claremore. As you come off main street and enter Hwy 20, it is just off to your left. Local growers and artisans gather to sell their goods to the community.
Cherry Street Farmer’s Market
15th Street between Quaker & Rockford, Saturdays, 7 am-11 am.
Brookside Farmer’s Market
41st & Peoria, Wednesdays, 8 am-noon.
Pearl District Farmer’s Market
6th Street and Peoria Avenue, Thursdays, 4-7 pm
Guthrie Green Farmer’s Market
111 E. Brady Street, Sundays, 10 am-4 pm
Downtown Tulsa Farmer’s Market
3rd & Boston, Williams Green, Tuesdays, 10 am -2 pm
North Tulsa Farmer’s Market
TCC Northeast Campus 3727 East Apache, Tuesdays, 9 am- 1 pm.
Owasso Farmer’s Market
Owasso YMCA, 8300 Owasso Expressway, in Owasso just off U.S. 169, Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8 am-noon.
Broken Arrow Farmer’s Market
418 South Main St., Saturdays, 8 am-noon.
Jenks Farmer’s Market
Green Acres Market, 117 S. 7th St., Saturdays, 9 am-1 pm.
FESTIVALS AND OTHER FUN
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 75 http://www.glenpoolchamber.org/pages/BlackGoldDays/
Election Day, June 24
OK, it’s not a festival, but it’s an important day! Lots on the ballot! Since kids will be out of school, this is a good election to take them with you and let them see democracy in action.
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/
Claremore FREE Kids Fishing Derby, July 4
Rise and shine! Kick off the holiday with a kids’ fishing tournament. Registration is at 7a at Claremore Lake. First 50o kids receive a free rod/reel and tackle pack. Age groups are 4-6y, 7-9y, and 10-12y. Prizes will be awarded for smallest and largest fish in each age group. There will also be a drawing for two bicycles in each group.
Claremore Lake Park Fireworks, July 4
Celebrate America’s birthday with a free fireworks display at Claremore Lake Park! National anthem at 6:30p. Live music at 6:45p. Fireworks show starts at 9;45p. Free parking at the Will Rogers Round-up Club.
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 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.
Tulsa Drillers
The national pastime 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.
Bartlesville Kiddie Park
A fun and cheap park for younger kids (probably best up to age 7 or 8). Some of the rides were so mild that even very young toddlers can ride them safely. No admission charge and ride tickets are 50 cents — all rides are just one ticket, so you can have a lot of fun for only a few bucks. At least last time we went, concessions were good “fair fare” and cheap — $1 cotton candy, 75 cents snowcones, etc. A few things adults could ride, plenty of benches to sit on and watch the kids. There also were wandering clowns, face painting, etc. Good old-fashioned summer fun!
It’s open through the summer, only in the evening: Fridays and Saturday evenings through May, then open Tues-Thurs 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm; Fri-Sat 7:00 pm -10:00 pm. Closed Sundays, Mondays & the 4th of July. If you want to make it the quintessential summer date, go early enough to stop at the Bartlesville Sonic on the way — you pass it on your way to the Park, and it’s the only Sonic I’ve seen with a big outdoor playground. Kiddie Park is located at 215 N. Cherokee Ave. in Johnstone Park. For info or directions, go to http://kiddiepark.net/rides.aspx
Free Bowling
Kids can bowl free all summer long at The Lanes at Coffee Creek, located at Highway 169 and 106th St. N. in Owasso. Just go to this website 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
Will Rogers Memorial Museum
Open 365 days a year, kids enter free. Adult admission is just $5. Learn about Oklahoma’s favorite son, wander the beautiful grounds and check out the children’s museum! And you might just run into Will Rogers while you’re there.
J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum
Come visit the world’s largest private collection of firearms in Historic Downtown Claremore, Oklahoma on Route 66 only 30 minutes from Tulsa. Admission is free (donations accepted).
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
CRAFTS/ETC.
Aaaaand, if that isn’t enough, here is a list of some of our favorite fun summertime crafts you can do at home:
Kool-Aid Play Dough
2- 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup salt
2 pkg. unsweetened Kool-Aid
2 cups boiling water
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Mix all dry ingredients together. Add water and oil and stir. Knead with hands when mixture is cool. Store in air-tight container. This recipe lasts for several months.
Sidewalk paint
1 part corn starch 1 part water , few drops of food coloring (more if you want brighter colors)… I use the platic cups we get at resturaunts to mix it in. the paint brushes you get to paint on walls work better (get 1” and 1/2″ ones) When the paint dries it looks really cool… but when you are tired of it just sweep it away. If it leaves a slight stain don’t worry the sun will fade it away in a day. It also comes off clothes easy. My kids can paint for hrs… let them paint rocks, flower pots, even the house. You can put the paint in shallow pans to let them dip their feet in and make foot prints… really cute
Salt Dough
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon cooking oil (optional)
This is the most basic and time tested dough mixture. First mix all the ingredients together. Next knead the dough for at least 10 minutes. The kneading will make the dough smooth and shinny. Floor your hand to prevent the dough from sticking. This dough can be baked in a low (250 degree) oven and then painted. Spray with a varnish for added shine.
Bubble recipe
11 cups of water
4 cups Ajax Anti-Bacterial dish soap
1 cup corn syrup
Will fill a gallon milk jug and will store indefinitely if kept cool.
And a few good sites for summer activities, games, crafts, etc.:
http://spoonful.com/summer
http://www.parents.com/familyfun-magazine/
http://www.creativekidsathome.com/summerkidsactivities.html