Summer is in full swing across Tulsa — and there’s a lot going on, from summer classroom events to local pools to visit and more. We’ve compiled a list of low-cost and free things to do with the kids on the eastside.
Take a dip at a local pool or splash pad
The Columbus Neighborhood Association recently reopened the Valley Glen Pool at 2614 S. 106th E. Ave. after two years.
Check out our guide on where to find pools, splash pads and water playgrounds in east Tulsa and across town.
Attend a summer series event
Eastside Rise, an organization focused on empowering residents and business owners while preserving the community’s diverse cultures, will host a handful of events this month.
Every Thursday, Eastside Rise partners with El Centro, an organization focused on empowering migrants, to offer summer activities for children and families, including arts and crafts, games, math mentors activities and snacks. See a list of events here.
The organization will also host a Community Health and Wellness Fair from 3 to 6 p.m. July 9 at 1801 S. Garnett Road. The event includes free sports physicals and immunizations for students.
Visit the food trucks at Plaza Santa Cecilia
The grounds of Plaza Santa Cecilia at 2160 S. Garnett Road have been recently renovated. New additions include a stage for live music and benches for folks to enjoy their meals.
The area has roughly 10 different mobile vendors offering food and snacks.
Watch a movie on the lawn at Elevate East
The Tulsa Global District is hosting two free movie showings this summer, showcasing “Zootopia 2” and the live action “Lilo & Stitch.”
See “Zootopia 2” July 17 and “Lilo & Stitch” July 31 at 1801 S. Garnett Road. Movies start at 8:45 p.m.
Shop at Tulsa Super Thrift East
Find a deal at Tulsa’s Super Thrift East Monday through Saturday at 10816 E. 71st St. Proceeds from sales at the store go toward Green Country Adult & Teen Challenge, which helps women facing challenges in adulthood.
Ride the Dragon Trail
Hit the trails on your bike and see some sights with your children.
The Tulsa Global District launched The Dragon Trail last summer to bring Asian American and Pacific Island culture to mostly Latino-owned businesses.
The project combines exercise and urban art and is part of the district’s plans to revitalize the area around 21st and Garnett. The Dragon Trail features 14 dragon-shaped bike racks and 12 stops in the Global District.
Where do you take your kids out to during the summer on the eastside? Let me know at angelica@tulsaflyer.org.
This article was produced as part of a partnership between the Tulsa Flyer and La Semana, a Tulsa-based bilingual Spanish-English newspaper serving Latino communities in Oklahoma.
News decisions at the Tulsa Flyer are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
