FREE Bowling 

Broken Arrow Lanes
4701 S Elm Pl, Broken Arrow, OK 74011                                                                 918-455-4616
http://www.brokenarrowlanes.com or https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/center.php?alley_id=3691
Hours:  Mon-Thur 11-8:30, Fri-Sat 11-5, Sun 12-8

Andy B’s (Formerly Riverlanes)
8711 S Lewis Ave, Tulsa, OK 74137                                                                         918-299-9494
http://www.Riverlanes.com or https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/center.php?alley_id=5144
Hours: Mon10-3, Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-2, Sun noon-5

You can register at http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/state.php?state=OK.  Upon completion, you will receive two free bowling passes per day for your child from now until August 30th.  This is an excellent way to introduce your child to bowling.  It is also a good indoor activity on cloudy or really hot summer days. 

FREE Movies

Riverwalk Movie
600 RiverWalk Terrace, Jenks, OK 74037                                                                 918-392-9959

June 6, 7, 8      11:30am & 1:45pm     Despicable Me
June 13, 14, 15            11:30am & 1:45pm     Horton Hears a Who
June 20, 21, 22            11:30am & 1:45pm     Happy Feet
June 27, 28, 29            11:30am & 1:45pm     Kung Fu Panda
July 4, 5, 6                   11:30am & 1:45pm     Alvin & the Chipmunks
July 11, 12, 13             11:30am & 1:45pm     Alvin the Squeakquel
July 18, 19, 20             11:30am & 1:45pm     Madagascar
July 25, 26, 27             11:30am & 1:45pm     Madagascar Escape 2 Africa

BA Moviestar
3812 S Elm Pl, Broken Arrow, OK                                                                            918-392-9959

June 6, 7, 8                  11:30am & 1:45pm     Horton Hears a Who
June 13, 14, 15            11:30am & 1:45pm     Despicable Me
June 20, 21, 22            11:30am & 1:45pm     Kung Fu Panda
June 27, 28, 29            11:30am & 1:45pm     Happy Feet
July 4, 5, 6                   11:30am & 1:45pm     Madagascar  
July 11, 12, 13             11:30am & 1:45pm     Madagascar Escape 2 Africa
July 18, 19, 20             11:30am & 1:45pm     Alvin & the Chipmunks
July 25, 26, 27             11:30am & 1:45pm     Alvin the Squeakquel

FREE Bowling

Broken Arrow Lanes

4701 S Elm Pl, Broken Arrow, OK 74011                                                                 455-4616

www.brokenarrowlanes.com

Hours:  Mon-Thur 11-8, Fri-Sun 11-5

AMF Sheridan Lane

3121 S Sheridan Rd, Tulsa, OK 74145                                                                      627-2728

www.amf.com

Hours:  each day until 7pm.

Andy B’s (Formerly Riverlanes)

8711 S Lewis Ave, Tulsa, OK 74137                                                                         299-9494

www.Riverlanes.com

Hours: Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-2, Sun noon-5

You can register at http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/state.php?state=OK.  Upon completion, you will receive two free bowling passes per day for your child from now until August 30^th.  This is an excellent way to introduce your child to bowling.  It is also a good indoor activity on cloudy or really hot summer days. 

Kaleidoscope Children's Museum

6202 S. Sheridan, Tulsa, OK 74133                                                                           340-5252

www.kaleidoscopecm.com

Hours:  Mon-Thurs 10-3, Fri-Sat 10-7, Sun 1-6

Kaleidoscope Children's Museum features a pint-size Kid's City where your child can be a waitress, a barber, a doctor, a postal worker, or even a rescue hero at the fireman's pole!  You won't want to miss a chance to race your children on our 2 GIANT rock walls! Be careful though...you may be thrown in our kid size jail! If you're a spectacular detective, you may be able to use our magnifying glasses to find some of the many items that are hidden all throughout the museum!  Check out our many features, where kids will find unending excitement in our 13,000-square feet of fun!

Cost: Under 2:  Free, 2-8 $6,75, 8 and up $8.00 (The Giant 23 Rockwall Climb is extra)

Ollie's Restaurant

4070 Southwest Boulevard, Tulsa, OK 74107                                                           446-0524

www.olliesstation.com

Thomas the Train fans will love this restaurant! Miniature railroad tracks are all over the restaurant and some are even suspended above the tables. Several operating model trains are running most of the time. The food is good, too, and many of the patrons during the lunch rush hour are employees of the nearby railroad yards.

Admiral Twin Drive-In Theater

7355 E. Easton St, Tulsa, OK (1 block north of 1-244 btw. Sheridan & Memorial) 838-3114

Drive-in movie theaters are making a comeback around the country. Tulsa's Admiral Twin has stayed put all of these years. Grab your lawn chairs, blankets, pillows, coolers, and enjoy an evening outside watching your favorite current flicks. The audio comes through your car radio.

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse (Movies 8)

6808 S Memorial, Tulsa, OK 74133                                                                           250-4511

http://www.cinemark.com/summermovieclubhouse/29.htm

Cost: $5.00 for summer pass or $1 per movie.

Cinemark Movies 8 has a great deal for kids during the summer. For just $5.00, you can purchase a summer movie pass that is good for 10 children's movies. Selected films are rated G and PG. If you choose not to purchase the pass, you can still see the movies for an at-the-door fee of $1 per child. Movies are shown Thursday mornings at l0am.

June 10^th – Space Chimps

June 17^th – Madagascar 2

June 24^th – Horton Hears a Who

July 1^st – Arthur & the Invisibles

July 8^th – Alvin & the Chipmunks

July 15^th – Kung Fu Panda

July 22^nd – The Tale of Despereaux

July 29^th – Hotel for Dogs

Aug 5^th – Igor

Aug 12^th – Open Season

Riverwalk Movies Free Summer Kids Film Festival

Riverwalk Crossing, Jenks                                                                                          392-9964

www.selectcinemas.com

Cost:  Free

Some of your children's favorite movies such as Kung Fu Panda, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Madagascar 2 can be seen for free this summer. Beginning June I'" Riverwalk Movies will be showing a series of free movies every Monday thru Wednesday. Movie times are 11:30am and 1:45pm and seating is on a first come-first serve basis, so arrive early. Visit http://www.selectcinemas.com/userfiles/file/KidsShowFest1-2009.jpg.

            Jun 1^st, 2^nd, & 3^rd – Flushed Away

            Jun 8^th, 9^th, & 10^th – Alvin & the Chipmunks

            Jun 15^th, 16^th, & 17^th – RV

            Jun 22^nd, 23^rd, & 24^th – Shark Tale

            Jun 29^th, 30^th and July 1^st – Kung Fu Panda

            Jul 6^th, 7^th & 8^th – Zathura

            Jul 13^th, 14^th & 15^th – Monster House

            Jul 20^th, 21^st & 22^nd – Madagascar 2

            Jul 27^th, 28^th & 29^th – Hotel for Dogs

            Aug 3^rd, 4^th & 5^th – Open Season

AMC Theater Summer Movie Camp

Southroads

www.amctheatres.com/smc/

Cost:  $1 per movie

Another movie shown Wednesday at 10am.  Again, seating is on a first come-first serve basis.

            Jun 17^th – Space Chimps

            Jun 24^th – Kung Fu Panda

            Jul 2st – Madagascar 2

            Jul 8th – Tale of Despereaux

            Jul 15^th – Horton Hears a Who

            Jul 22^nd – The Spiderwick Chronicles

            Jul 29^th – Nim’s Island

            Aug 5^th – Star Wars:  The Clone Wars

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

10128 E. 71st St.                                                                                                        294-5293

www.krispykreme.com

Grab a group of kids and sign them up for a mouth-watering tour of this business. Follow the production line and watch as raw ingredients are transformed into yummy doughnuts that pass under the glaze waterfall. The kids will have an opportunity to decorate their own doughnuts.

Blue Bell Creameries

820 I E. Hwy 51, Broken Arrow                                                                                258-5100

www.bluebell.com

Ever wonder how ice cream gets from the cow to the grocery store? Blue Bell lets you in on their secret by offering tours of their facility. A brief historical video of the company is shown and then you're lead to observation areas to view the machines and processes that make it all happen. A free scoop of ice cream is your reward after the tour. This is a wonderful introduction to the world of factories. Tours are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. by appointment. Cost: Adult $2, Children 6-18 $1, 5 & under Free

Purple Glaze Pottery Studio

91st and Sheridan (Southeast corner)                                                                         491-6900

www.purpleglazestudio.com/Pottery.html

This painting place caters to the young and old, experienced and inexperienced painters alike. You can choose from many unfinished ceramic pieces, such as bowls, picture frames, plates, and statues. The cost varies with the size of the project. The studio is spacious and the staff is very helpful.

Jenks Aquarium

Get a free admission for a child for going to the dentist.  Print out the form here and get the dentist to sign. http://www.okaquarium.org/userFiles/DentalCertificatePrint.pdf

Bass Pro Shop

101 Bass Pro Dr., Broken Arrow, OK                                                                        355-7600

www.basspro.com

This is a great place for kids to explore! The Bass Pro Shop sells gear for camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, etc. The building itself is impressive inside. There is a large aquarium full of fish that are fed Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm and on Saturday at 2pm. There's a laser shooting stage for the older kids and younger kids can gaze at the many animal figures stuffed, hoisted, and hung throughout the store. (Idea: Print pictures of animals such as a bear, fox, buffalo, turkey, raccoon, etc., and have your child look for those ,animals in the store ... like an animal scavenger hunt.)

Linnaeus Teaching Garden at Woodward Park

21st and Peoria                                                                                                           746-5125

www.tulsagardencenter.com/htdocs/LGC/index.htm

Hours:  Tues-Sat 9-4, Sun 1-4

This unique teaching garden is built in Woodward Park. Stone, brick, steel/iron, wood, and the newest plant species are creatively used to demonstrate the most successful gardening techniques. Meander along paths that parallel babbling streams. Walk through the gourd tunnel where gourds are hung to dry. Visitors are encouraged to touch, taste, feel, and smell their way through the garden and learn from educational exhibits.

Oxley Nature Center

5701 E. 36th St. North, Tulsa, OK (Mohawk Park)                                                   669-6644

www.oxleynaturecenter.org

Experience the untouched land. This nature center has several paths that lead you through the woods and around ponds that have been virtually untouched by man. You might discover owl feathers, fluff from the cottonwood trees or the skin of a snake. Cost is free.

But, please note that a $2 parking fee is charged on weekends when entering Mohawk Park.

Pump It Up

13675 E. 61^st, Broken Arrow, OK 74012                                                                   250-5553

www.pumpitupparty.com/ok/broken-arrow/tulsa/home-p1q120.htm

Pop-in playtimes:  Web/Thurs 9:30-11am and Mon/Wed/Fri 2:30-4pm.

This is a ginormous indoor inflatable play zone great for deflating your kids' pent up energy! Two large rooms hold Jupiter jumps and inflatable slides and basketball courts. This is appropriate for children ages 2 and above. Cost is $7.00 per session.  Check the calendar on the website for additions or cancellations of sessions.

Bounce U

8922 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74133                                                                      249-0090

www.BounceU.com

Open Bounce Times:  Mon-Fri 3-4:15pm

Cost: $6.95/child.

More Inflatables!  Reservations are strongly recommended and openings may change due to parties and special events. Please call ahead of time. In addition, check out their website for summer camps!

Tulsa Air and Space Museum

3624 N. 74th East Ave, Tulsa, OK (near the Zoo)                                                     834-9900

www.TulsaAirandSpaceMuseum.com

Hours:  Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5

Cost:  Adult $6, Child 4-12 $4, Under 4 Free

This museum is ever changing. In addition to the many aircraft exhibits, it provides several opportunities for interactive play including a space shuttle robotic arm, a space shuttle launch, and an F-16 wind tunnel. The planetarium has a projection system that takes you on a 3-dimensional digital journey through space! And. the museum often has special events including traveling exhibits and book signings. AND, for the little kids, the museum now has an outdoor playground. Take a look at

Summer Concert Series

Introduce your child to an assortment of musical styles and instruments. Several places in Tulsa are hosting summer concerts featuring music from the 50's & 60's, country, jazz, island music, etc. Take your lawn chairs, blankets, snacks and watch your kids' artistic side grow. All concerts are free.

Riverwalk Crossing, Jenks Bridge and Arkansas River - Nights & times vary.

www.riverwalkcrossing.com

            June 5^th, 8pm               RadioRadio, Opening Act: Ziff

            June 6^th, 8pm               Hurricane Mason

            June 11^th, 7pm             John Waller

            June 13^th, 7pm             Miles Raulston

            June 18^th, 7pm             Jubiliation Choir

            June 19^th, 8pm             Juke Box Hero

            June 20^th, 8pm             Badwater

            June 26^th, 8pm             Michael Ray Little Band

            June 27^th, 8pm             Hot Shot Karate

Utica Square, 21^st and Harvard - Thursdays. 7-9pm.

www.uticasquare.com

            June 4^th            Earl Clark (Jazz)

            June 11^th          Admiral Twin (Rock)

            June 18^th          Sean Adair & Okie Island (Country)

            June 25^th          Scott Ellison (Blues/Rock)

            July 2^nd            The Red Dirt Rangers (Country)

            July 9^th             Joseph Vincelli (Jazz)

            July 16^th           Jessica V & the Rhythmatics (Rhythm & Blues)

            July 23^rd           Random Sample (Country & Rock)

            July 30^th           Usual Suspects (Rock)

            Aug 6^th            Something Steel (Island Music)

            Aug 13^th          Annie Ellicott w/ Brian Haas Trio (Jazz)

            Aug 20^th          Mid-Life Crisis (Classic Rock Encore)

            Aug 27^th          Grady Nichols (Smooth Sax)

Shops of Seville, 101^st and Yale - Thursdays, 7-9pm.

                        June 11^th          Mid Life Crisis

                        June 25^th          G-Note

                        July 16^th           Mid Life Crisis

                        July 30^th           G-Note

                        Sept 10^th          Mid Life Crisis

                        Oct 8^th                         Mid Life Crisis

Gardens of LaFortune Park. 51^st  St. west of Hudson - First Friday of the month, 7-9pm.

www.parks.tulsacounty.org/LaFortune.aspx

            June 5^th            Vance Orange Project (Rock/Blues)

            July 10^th           Three Hour Tour (Classic Rock/60’s & 70’s)

            Aug 7^th                        Radio Soul (Pop, R&B, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s rock)

            Sept 11^th          Wanda Watson (Blues)

            Starlight Concerts – River Parks Festival Amphitheater, 2100 S Jackson

                        www.starlightbands.net

                                    June 16^th          Jazz Band – Contemporary Jazz

                                    June 23^rd          Concert Band – Medley Night

                                    June 30^th          Concert Band – Americana Night

                                    July 7^th             Concert Band – A Tribute to Super Heroes

                                    July 14^th           Concert Band – Circle Cinema Movie Night

                                    July 21^st           Jazz Band – Big Band Hits

            Broken Arrow Tuesdays in Central Park – Tuesday at 7pm – 1500 S Main, Broken Arrow

                                    June 9^th            Grady Nichols (Jazz)

                                    June 16^th          Mike Bennett (Big Band)

                                    June 23^rd          Mary Cogan (Soft Rock)

                                    June 30^th          Less Gilliam (Country)

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics

www.lowesbuldandgrow.com

For those Bob the Builder fans, this is a fun idea. Go alone or get a group of your child’s friends together.  Register for the class at the website above.

Tulsa City County Library Summer Reading Program "Be Creative"

www.TulsaLibrary.org

Read a book and get stuff! This summer reading program is a great way to keep kids reading through the summer. It's for children of all ages, including those just learning to turn the pages of a book. Read 20 books and visit the library at least four times and your child can earn a certificate, a medal of achievement, an inflatable crayon, and coupons to popular kids' places like Tulsa Zoo, Krispy Kreme Doughnut, Oklahoma Aquarium, etc. In addition, all of the libraries will have a variety of featured programs like a magician, puppet theater, juggling & balloon twisting show, etc. The program kicks off May 18^th and ends Aug 2^nd.  Sign up at your local library.

Summertime in the Park

41^st and Riverside                                                                                                       596-7977

This is more of what the Tulsa City County Library has to offer this summer! Join the Reading Roadshow for stories, songs and activities in the park every Thursday, June 4^th – July 9^th, 10-11am.  Blankets or lawn chairs are recommended.

TCC College for Kids

10300 E. 81^st St, Tulsa, OK                                                                                        595-7566

www.tulsacc.edu

It's never too early for college at Tulsa Community College. The school is offering mini-courses for children ages 5 and older. Examples of classes include space adventure, magic and math, bubbles, clowning, and more. Each class lasts four days, Monday-Thursday.

Go to www.tulsacc.edu, quick link to Southeast Campus, and search for "College for Kids."

Oilers Ice Center

6413 S. Mingo, Tulsa, OK                                                                                          252-0011

www.oilersicecenter.com

Play where it's cool. Oilers Ice Center is open for public skating Monday - Friday 11:30-1:30; Friday Christian Skate Night 8-11 pm; Saturday 11:45-1:45; Sunday, 1-3pm.

Cost: 6 and up $6.50, 5 and under $3.50. Skate rental is $2.50.

Tulsa Rocketry Club

Approx. 161^st  Street & Lynn Lane, Leonard

www.tulsarocketry.org

Is your kid a space cadet?  Then he or she might enjoy watching real rocket launches. This club consists of hobby rocketry enthusiasts who gather every second Sunday of the month and launch their homemade rockets. Launches begin at 1pm on a working sod farm in Leonard, just southeast of Bixby. Please visit their website at www.tulsarocketry.org for directions and special driving and parking instructions. Take your lawn chairs. Note: The club will also post its launch cancellations on the site should there be bad weather.

A Bit of a Drive

Discoveryland

19501 W 41^st St, Sand Springs, OK                                                                           245-0KLA

www.discoverylandusa.com

You'll feel as if you’re part of the show as you watch the theater production "Oklahoma" performed on an open-air stage. Performances include live animals and all of your favorite Oklahoma songs and characters. Shows begin at 8pm with pre-show activities for kids and adults beginning at 6pm. The production runs from June 5^th – Aug 15^th.  Discoveryland is located 10 miles west of Tulsa on 41^st St.

Owasso Sports Complex Funtastic Island Playground

10320 E 116^th St North

www.cityofowasso.com

Built in a week by Owasso residents, this is an outstanding park that is located on three acres of land! This is one large unit that is ramped so children can go from one end of the structure to the other without having to touch ground. Themed sections, like the space area, include giant slides, swings, spring riders, etc. A fence with only one entrance and one exit surrounds the entire structure so children stay put.

Safari Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary

26881 E. 58th St., Broken Arrow                                                                               357-LOVE

www.safarissanctuary.com

Hours:  Sat-Sun 12-5, Weekdays by appointment

Cost:  Over 13 $6, 3-12 $5, Under 3 Free.  Food for the animals is an additional cost.

Walk and talk like the animals at this rescue wildlife park. Children will have opportunities to be up-close with tigers and bears ...literally. See the rare golden tabby tiger, feed the leopards, spray down the water-lovin' tigers during the summer months, and pet and feed barnyard animals.

The Toomey's Black-N-Blue Berry Farm

22629 E. 61^st, Broken Arrow, OK                                                                              595-5881

www.toomeyblackberryfarm.com

Hours:  Mon 5pm until dark, Thurs 7-11am, Sat 7-11am

Grab your buckets and pick your own! The Toomey's have a farm of thorn less blackberry bushes perfect for little hands to reach in and grab their own fruit. The first picking begins June 22^nd.  Call the Toomey Family ahead of time to let them know you're comin'. Directions can be found on their website.

Swan Brothers Dairy

938 E. 5th St., Claremore, OK                                                                                   341-2298

www.tiawah.com/swandairy.htm

For a lesson about where milk really comes from, visit the Swan Brothers Dairy in Claremore. This is a small family-owned operation. Windows make it possible to see the cows being milked at 3pm every day. Children can watch as the milk flows through clear pipes, into a tank, and to the bottling area. Cheese is also made there and both can be purchased.

Tulsa Pools

Admission fees this year will $2 per person.  The 7 pools scheduled to open this summer are below.  Call 596-7275 for hours.

Lacy,  2134 N. Madison Pl.
McClure, 7440 E. 7th St.
Manion , 3003 E. 56^th St.
Reed, 4233 S. Yukon  Ave.
Zeigler , 3903 W. 4^th St.
Berry, 5002 N. Wheeling
Whiteside, 7440 E. Pittsburg Ave.

Kids Triathlon – July 25^th, McClure Park, 8am
Youth ages 6-15 can sign up for either the short or long course.  Includes swimming, biking, and running with medal of completion for all finishers.  Early Bird entry fee of $25 includes t-shirt.  Call 596-2527 for info.

Gilcrease Museum – Kids Dig Books, Summer on the Plains
www.gilcrease.org
Fri 10-11am.  June 5, 12, 19 & 26; July 3, 10, 24 & 31.
Cost:  FREE
Listen to stories of summertime on the Western plains in which children explore their natural surrounding and the freedom the long warm days bring.  Then create a work of art based on these adventures. 

Also at Gilcrease, the Creative Learning Center.  It is a free art center with all kinds of activities available to the kids.  They can make and take projects using painting, clay and weaving.

AND Gilcrease offers free admission to all visitors on the first Tuesday of each Month (TU Tuesday).

Philbrook Museum – Free Family Day
Free 2^nd Saturday of the Month.  Drop in anytime from 10:30am-4pm.  Experiment with fun material 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.  Thanks to the Heyman Family Adventures in Art.

Bartlesville Sunfest June 5, 6 & 7
This free premier arts & entertainment festival – now in its 27th 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: www.bartlesvillesunfest.org/tradition.htm

Asian-American Festival, June 6
FREE. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at Martin Regional Library, 2601 S. Garnett Road.
Celebrate and learn about the customs and traditions of Asian-Americans with entertaining, educational events for the entire family as Tulsa City-County Library presents the seventh annual Asian-American Festival.

Explore the colorful cultures of China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and other countries in Asia. The festival kicks off at 10:45 a.m. with a vibrant Dragon Dance, featuring a 70-foot dragon from China, and includes martial arts demonstrations; Kyoto, Japan art exchange exhibit and workshop; manga exchange and workshop; bamboo flute music; classical Indian dance; traditional Chinese dance; a Japanese tea ceremony; and children’s dances and songs in Japanese and English.

Numerous activities and presentations are scheduled indoors throughout the festival, including interactive educational booths featuring crafts for kids, temporary tattoos, name translation, henna painting and origami instruction. The festival also features authentic arts and crafts booths. Food concession is provided by India Palace, located at 69th and Lewis.

Tulsa FreedomFest '09, July 4
Annual July 4th celebration held at the River West Festival Park 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 596-2001 for more details

DFest, July 24-25
Downtown in the Blue Dome District, music conference and festival showcasing 130+ artists of the best emerging independent artists in the country including Oklahoma, Regional and National performers. Tickets required for entry into stages, but you can wander around and see exhibits and hear some music for free – for families, probably best in afternoon and early evening.  For more information, go to www.ddfest.net

Tulsa Drillers
The national pasttime and a good way to spend a few summer hours. We love Tulsa baseball! Tickets are cheap and there are always specials and giveaways from free tickets to 50 cent hotdogs. For a list of various promotions, go here:

http://tulsa. drillers. milb.com/ promotions/ index.jsp? sid=t260

A couple of promotion highlights: Free tickets are available for the following games: May 29 (pick up tickets at all WalMart locations); June 10 (all QuikTrips) June 24 (all Arby’s), Aug. 25 & 26 (free tickets at ALL advertisers. )

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, milk and ice cream -- June 11, June 28,  July 12 and Aug. 16.

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 – they put on really impressive shows (better than many 4^th of July shows) and you can join the hundreds of people who congregate in the Lowe’s or Walgreen’s parking lot or in nearby neighborhoods to watch.

Blue Bell Broken Arrow Ice Cream Plant- Taste of Summer, June 29
8201 E. Hwy 51, Broken Arrow, June 29, Saturday, 9 am–3 pm
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. Admission $4 for adults with kids under 6 free.

Woolaroc Kidsfest, June 27 & 28
10 am-5 pm -- Regular Woolaroc admission (adults $8, over 65 $6 and children 11 and under are FREE) at the great family museum/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 at: http://www.woolaroc .org/

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 25 cents -- almost all rides are just one ticket, so you can have a lot of fun for only a few bucks. At least last year, 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.

It is located at 215 N. Cherokee Ave. in Johnstone Park. For info or directions, go to http://kiddiepark. net/ .

Free Family Fishing Clinics
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation hosts free family fishing clinics at the Zebco casting pond, located adjacent to the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks.  The two-hour clinics begin at 6:30 p.m. and conclude with fishing in the small pond, which is regularly stocked with good-sized channel catfish, which the novice anglers can take home for the dinner table is they so choose. Clinics are open to all ages, not just children, but kids 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Here’s the schedule for this year:
May 19, 21 & 28; June 2, 4, 16, 18, 23 & 25; July 7, 14, 21 & 28;  Aug. 4 & 11. Pre-registration is required -- to register call the Wildlife Department's Jenks office at (918) 299-2334.  

For a complete schedule of other locations and events, go to:

http://www.wildlife department. com./aquated2. htm.

Bixby Green Corn Festival, June 25-27
Enjoy this old fashioned family fun festival held in downtown Bixby hosted by the Bixby Optimist Club! Enjoy the Pride of Texas carnival, crafts, live music, food and fun games and events for all. Proceeds from the festival will fund youth projects and scholarships provided by the Optimist Club of Bixby. For more info, visit http://www.bixbyoptimist.org/greencorn_ festival.php

Porter Peach Festival, July 16-18
Downtown Porter. Rodeo, music, arts, 5k run, carnival rides, free peaches and cream!

For more infromation, http://www.porterpeachfestivals.com/ or 694-9314.

It was a pretty typical April weekend, teasing us with pretty weather and then turning cold again.  Hopefully we have some nice Spring weather coming soon.

The Real Estate market in the Tulsa area seems to be warming with the weather.  We are seeing more Buyer and Seller activity in most price ranges.  Our first time home buyer price ranges are getting the most activity.  With interest rates at record lows and the $8,000 Federal incentive, there has rarely been a better time to buy.  If you are thinking of buying a home or if you are a move up or move down buyer, don’t wait.  If you are going to take advantage of these interest rates or the incentive, you need to do it NOW. 

Have a Great week and a Happy Easter!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

Mortgage interest rates have contiuned to be low and we may see another reduction in the near future. 

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

A January update by the The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) reported increased market activity with an unexpected surge in existing-home sales. Existing home sales — including single-family, condos, co-ops and townhomes — were up 6.5 percent, raising sales volume to 4.74 million units, up from the 4.45 million unit projection from the previous month.

 Hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful weekend.  It felt like spring, even if only for a few days.

In an effort to jump-start the national housing market , Senator Johnny Isakson, sponsored an amendment to the economic stimulus package that is making its way through Congress.  Wednesday the U.S. Senate approved an amendment that will give a $15,000 tax credit (10% of the sales price up to $15,000) to anyone who buys a home as their primary residence and would be in effect for one year after the stimulus bill is signed into law. According to Isakson, this tax credit is patterned after a 1975 tax credit that assisted in jump-starting the depressed economy and the effects continued long after the measure expired.  To view the case study click here. Passage of this Bill by both the House and the Senate would be a good step at ending the nation’s housing market slump.

Housing has always lifted our economy out of past economic downturns.  Help get the national housing market moving now so that the economy can recover. 

While the final details of the Stimulus Package are still being debated, I strongly urge anyone who is passionate about turning our country's housing industry around to call or e-mail your Senators and Representatives and urge quick passage of this Act.

Have a Great Week!

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful weekend after the ugly ice storm last week.  It looks like more of the same in the near future.

Mortgage interest rates increased slightly last week. This is a continuation of the interest rate roller coaster ride that we have been on for months.  My opinion is that rates will decline again in the near future.  Even though mortgage interest rates remain very attractive at just over 5% for thirty year fixed financing, the slight increase makes it harder for many to purchase a home.  This is a stark reminder that a 1% raise in mortgage interest rates can drop a prospective buyer's price range 10%.  There will be a time in the not so distant future when the mortgage rates take a turn upwards and don't head back down again.  It is for this reason that I continually repeat the fact that we have the opportunity of a lifetime right now with low financing rates and low home prices.  If you are on the fence about purchasing a home, I would suggest that you think about this scenario long and hard.

Have a good week!

Sincerely,
Deborah Green

Now for your Morning Coffee!

I hope everyone is keeping warm and preparing for the possiblity of this ice storm.  Click here for the Red Cross Ice Storm Advice.

Interest rates are still staying low.  If you are interested in discussing your real estate options, please do not hesitate to contact me.  You can reach me by email or on my cell phone, 918-282-6385.

2621 S Maple Ave., Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Price: $125,000.00 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Sq Ft: 1316 Description: *** WONDERFUL UPDATED 3/2/2 WITH LARGE LOT! *** Vandever Acres 2621 S Maple Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74012   Deborah Green | RE/MAX Executives | 918-282-6385 .... View this property >>

Sincerely,
Deborah Green

Now for your Morning Coffee!

 I hope everyone enjoyed the relatively mild weekend.  Cold morning and warm afternoons are very enjoyable this time of year!

The month of December 2008 Real Estate market statistics are in for the Tulsa area.  Average time of the market for a single family home was 56 days.  Overall home sales for 2008 were down 11%,  Also, not that there were 3% less homes listed for sale in 2008 as compared to 2007.  But our average sales price increased 1%. I am including a breakdown of these numbers for the majority of the Tulsa area. 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.  For home buyers this is the perfect market with mortgage interest rates remaining under 5% for 30 year fixed conventional loans.

THIS WEEKS HOT LISTING!

If you have not owned a home in three years, you qualify as a first time home buyer.  If you buy a home after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009, you qualify for this credit.  Call your friends who just bought a home since April 9th and tell them they may take $7,500 off their tax bill if they qualify.  It has to be your principal residence, so rentals do not count.

The tax credit is 10% of the cost of the home, up to a maximum of $7,500. This is not an additional deduction that lowers the amount of income to be taxed, it is a tax credit.  In other words, you take $7,500 off your tax bill.  But there is a catch; the credit you receive now is actually an interest-free loan that must be repaid.

The loan has no interest, and will be paid back over 15 years.  You get the credit on your 2008 taxes, but you start paying it back on your 2010 taxes that are due in 2011, so you get at least two years without a payment.  You pay back 6.67% of the credit each year, so for a $7,500 credit the payment is $502.50 per year.  If you stay put for 15 years, you pay it off with no interest.

What happens if you sell the house?  You pay the balance back at the closing.  So, you get $7,500 now, and pay the rest of it back if you make money on the sale of your house.  What happens if you do not make enough money when you sell your house?  They forgive the rest of the debt. 

Other restrictions stipulate that you have to buy your first house in three years before July 1, 2009, not have super high income, not use bond financing and buy anywhere in the US.

If you’d like to learn more about this program, please call me!

Home prices are one factor in determining your cost of ownership, but so are interest rates and financing availability.  Even though interest rates have gone up in the last six months, they are still near historic lows.  Since your monthly mortgage payment is a combination of paying down your principal and paying the interest owed, if home prices come down a little further but interest rates go up, it could cost you even more to service a mortgage on an identical home!

While a home is a major investment, it is also the center of your personal life.  It’s important to live in a home that reflects your taste and values, yet is within your financial “comfort zone.”  To that end, it may be more important to lock in today’s relatively low interest rates and low home prices, rather than to hope for a further break in prices in the future.

Please give me a call if I can be of any assistance in determining how much home you can afford in today’s market.