Summer To Do

With school out, are you trying to decide what to do with a full day of freedom known as summer? No need to look any further, for we have helpful hints on packing in a fun-filled day or evening for all different age groups. Whether you're five or 50 years old, there are many forms of entertainment throughout the remainder of the summer months. Why not make this the best summer of your life and enjoy all there is to offer.

Ages 5-8

Parents, keep your loose change handy. Something as simple as a good day spent running through the sprinkler and hearing the lovely melody of the ice cream truck rolling down your neighborhood street can do the trick for these youngsters. If the ice cream truck is not an everyday occurrence in your part of town, take the fun indoors and visit the Oklahoma Aquarium and enjoy one of their many kid-friendly programs, such as feeding the sharks. And what could be more appealing than an afternoon spent at the Tulsa Zoo? They have weekly activities that could make this a different experience with each visit. Take a friend or two along to make the experience twice as fun!

Ages 9-11

What a great age. You can choose to show maturity and tackle the more difficult camps, or choose to still be a kid and just have fun learning a new skill, such as break dancing. You can take gymnastics, fine-tune your swimming skills or look for an arts and crafts camp. Go to this website, http://www.cityoftulsa.org/Recreation?Parks/, and click on "Summer Fun Camps" and have a ball finding one that fits your needs. And of course, you might also want to check out the many sports camps offered at the University of Tulsa campus. From basketball, to football to soccer.... There's something to be offered by all.

Ages 12-14

Challenge yourself - take a course at Tulsa Community College - Like Teen Extreme, where you have EXTREME OPPORTUNITIES to learn about everything from Photoshop to fitness to mastering your study skills. Explore and try new things! But we don't want to forget that this is a social age and going to the neighborhood pools for an afternoon swim, or meeting up with your friends at the cinema for a late afternoon, or early evening movie, is what we classify as socializing during this era. Be sure to make time to get together with your friends and attend a Tulsa Driller's baseball game. There are so many free offers - you will want to take advantage of more than one.

Ages 15-18

Summer. No tests. The internet. Driving. Road trips. Pool parties. Oh so many choices running through the mind of a teenager. The good thing about this age group is that they can always find something to do during the summer, be it hanging out at friends' houses and catching the latest DVD releases, or stopping off at Josh's Sno-Cone Shack to hang with friends, everything is fun as long as it is shared with others. With gas prices at an all-time high, make plans to take turns having your group of friends over so that no one gets too overwhelmed with entertaining - attempt to fix dinner for your friends - make it a fun filled afternoon be it swimming, playing games, or watching movies. Take in a dinner with friends at a local restaurant and enjoy each other's company. And don't forget to plan at least two good trips to Big Splash, if you don't already have a season pass. It's a must in Tulsa. This is by far the most spontaneous age group - enjoy the new things you will experience together. Have a guys / girls night out with your friends.

Mom and Dad

For those parents who do not really have a summer to enjoy, it is that one-to-three weeks paid vacation that is extremely vital to you. Whether it is the tropical island of Tahiti or the 15-foot walk to your very own private backyard, it is a time to get a way from the built up stress and fatigue caused from working and running kids to various activities, and taking the time to lay back and relax. Some parents may have different perspectives of what they would want to do during their summer. For instance, most women would like to either take a shopping trip to Dallas, a day at the spa, or just spend time at home with the house already clean and spotless. While on the other hand, men would be satisfied attending a sporting event. There are many different plans parents have for their summer. However, they all agree that relaxing plays the key role in a summer getaway!