Saturday, Sept. 4

9:00 a.m. - Bird Walk.  Call 321-4633 or e-mail crowssecret@sbcglobal.net for details or to sign up.

11:00 a.m. -Birds of Lake Thunderbird.  Enjoy a slide presentation of birds that live around the lake.

1:00 p.m. - Animal Clay Sculpture.  Sculpt an animal out of clay.  Ages 4 and older.  $1.00 fee.  Call or e-mail for a reservation.

2:30 p.m. -Oklahoma Reptiles: Snakes and Lizards. Learn about these reptile groups and meet the nature center’s “resident representatives.”  All ages.

3:30 p.m. - Oklahoma Turtles. Meet seven kinds of turtles and watch some of them being fed.

Sunday, Sept. 5

1:00 p.m. - Aquatic Insects.  Learn all about what these insects eat, how they breathe, and other facts, at this special presentation.

2:00 p.m. - Plaster Casts.  Make plaster of Paris casts of animal footprints.  Ages 2 and older.  Fee is 50 cents.  Casts require one hour to set.  (This is my son’s personal favorite!)

3:00 p.m. - Aquatic Insects. Repeat of 1:00 p.m. program.

Monday, Sept. 6 (aka Bug Day)

10:00 a.m. - What did that? Kids can become nature detectives and look for clues that insects and small animals leave behind.  Ages 5 and older.

11:00 a.m. - Oklahoma Insects. Learn about insects and see many of the kinds found in our state.  Ages 4 and older.

1:00 p.m.  - Bug Bookmarks. Decorate a one-of-a-kind bookmark.  Fee is 50 cents.  Ages 3 and older.

2:00 p.m. - Aquatic Insects.  See above for description.

3:30 p.m. -  How many legs? Get to Know the Arthropods. Learn about other “bugs” besides insects.  Ages 4 and older.

Discovery Cove Nature Center is located off State Highway 9, almost  one mile down Clear Bay Avenue, almost to the boat ramp, across from Turkey Pass Campground  For more information, call 321-4633 or e-mail crowssecret@sbcglobal.net.

Norman Playgrounds on wimgo

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

http://blog.newsok.com/outthere/2010/06/25/oklahoma-outdoors-family-fun-on-saturdays-in-the-wichitas/

I think this might be something I’d consider taking my son to this summer. Any chance to expose kids to nature is a chance every parent should take. If you go, tell me all about it here or by e-mail.

-Erica Smith

esmith@opubco.com

To find out more, check out our outdoor blogger’s post:

http://blog.newsok.com/outthere/2010/06/16/oklahoma-outdoors-campfire-stories-featured-this-weekend-at-the-chickasaw-national-recreation-area/

Sounds like a fun time!

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

All activites are FREE unless otherwise noted.

June 12:

10 a.m. – Tree Walk. Learn what kinds of trees grow around the Nature Center.  Ages 4 and older.

11 a.m. – Trees Through the Year. Learn about seasonal changes in the lives of trees. Ages 4 and older.

1 p.m. – Paint a Rock. Kids make their very own pet rock.  This activity is 50 cents.  Ages 4 and older.

June 19:

10 a.m. – What’s a Solstice, Anyway? Learn about the solstice and how some celebrate it. Ages 5 and older.  This program is also on June 21 at 1:00 p.m.

11 a.m. – Aliens Among Us. Check out small animals and plants under a microscope. Ages 6 and older.

7:30 p.m. – Summer Solstice Celebration at the Park. Hear about solstice observances around the world, past and present. Watch the sun to set over the lake on the (almost) longest day of the year.

June 26:

2 p.m. – Oklahoma Insects. Learn about insects and see many of the kinds found in Oklahoma. Ages 4 and older.

3:30 p.m. – How Many Legs? Get to Know Arthropods. Learn about the other “bugs” besides insects.  Ages 4 and older.

Discovery Cove Nature Center is located off State Highway 9, almost a mile down Clear Bay Ave.  For more information, call 321-4633 or e-mail crowssecret@sbcglobal.net.

For more information about happenings at Lake Thunderbird, go to http://friendsoflakethunderbird.org/.

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

Keep your kids of out danger on busy streets:
http://newsok.com/little-ones-face-big-dangers-in-oklahoma-traffic/article/3458443?custom_click=headlines_widget

An outdoorsy opportunity for young people this summer:
http://blog.newsok.com/outthere/2010/04/27/cool-job-openings-for-outdoorsy-young-people-at-the-chickasaw-national-recreation-area/

An interesting column about the interaction between smokers and babies:
http://newsok.com/smoker-contact-can-be-awkward/article/3451726

A story about summer meals for children on school lunch programs:
http://newsok.com/article/3458266?custom_click=columnist

A look at the Edmond Fire Department’s Safety Village, built just for children:
http://www.newsok.com/article/3458154?searched=safety%20village&custom_click=search

A story about charter schools as a “smart alternative”:
http://www.newsok.com/article/3455196?searched=safety%20village&custom_click=search

And a review of the family movie “Furry Vengeance” :
http://newsok.com/actor-brendan-fraser-takes-a-beating-in-new-family-comedy-furry-vengeance/article/3457719?custom_click=pod_headline_movies

Happy reading!

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

http://blog.newsok.com/outthere/2009/12/29/eagle-watch-plus-outdoor-news-from-chickasaw-national-recreation-area-and-norman-nature-center/

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

FREE Kids’ Fishing Classes

For ages 5-15, these classes teach casting, knot-tying, fish identification, angler etiquette and fishing regulations.  No license or permit required and equipment is provided.  Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

Dates:
July 25 – Dolese Youth Park Pond, NW 50 and Meridian
June 20, Aug. 22 – Crystal Lake, 6625 SW 15
July 11, Aug. 8 – Metro Tech Springlake, NW 36 and Springlake Drive
July 18, Aug. 15 – Edwards Park Lake

FREE Swimming

City Pools are now open and admission is free all summer.  They include:
Northeast Pool, 1300 NE 33
Woodson Pool, 3405 S. May
Carson Pool, 8301 S. Villa
Minnis Lakeview Pool, 12518 NE 36.

Swim lessons are offered for kids and adults at all area pools for $20 per session.  For more information about lessons, or to get a free parks &  pools guide, call 297-2211.

Play in the Park

This annual program offers FREE supervised activities such as arts, crafts, games , reading and field trips for kids age 6 and older.  26 metro-wide locations have the program.  Click here for more information.

Father’s Day Downtown

On Sunday, June 21, Dad gets in free (with a paid family member) to:
Myriad Botanical Gardens & Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, 301 W. Reno
OKC Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive
Oklahoma City National Memorial, 620 N. Harvey.

So take Dad out on his special day and enjoy all downtown has to offer.

For more information about OKC Parks & Recreation’s events, go to  http://www.okc.gov/Parks/index.html.

-Erica Smith, Copy Editor
esmith@opubco.com