With summer break on the horizon, many families will be making plans for summer activities. Stillwater summers are packed with fun things to do to keep kids and their families busy.  We have compiled this list of resources to help you get started making your summer plans. We urge our readers: do not wait to look into these programs, because space is limited for many and registration closes quickly.  Most camps and programs require some type of registration and cost, so it is important to follow up with the organization for that information.

Be sure to bookmark this post and check back often for updates as new information about additional programs and activities become available.

Additionally, we always encourage our readers to consult VisitStillwater.org’s calendar of events for exhibits, live music, theatrical performances, sports, and other great events happening around the community each week because there’s always something to do in Stillwater!

Editor’s Note: While we attempted to confirm the following information with each organization to the best of our ability, our readers are advised that they should always double check dates, times, fees, and other details with each organization as information could have been changed.

Did we miss something that you think should be included in this list? Send your submission to ammie@stillwaterliving.com.

Places to go! Things to do!

Free Meals for Kids! Summer Food Service Program

June 3 through July 26. Check the Book Bus Schedule PDF below for other Pop-Up Sites. No cost or enrollment. Open to ALL children under 18 years old. For more information call 405-533-6445.

• Will Rogers Elementary School 1211 North Washington
  • Monday-Friday (Closed July 4)
  • Breakfast 7:30-8:30am
  • Lunch 11am-1pm
• Southern Woods Park at the corner of 12th and Hester Street (Splash Pad)
  • Monday-Friday (Open July 4)
  • Lunch 11am-11:30am
• Boomer Lake Park Pavilions near the Splash Pad
  • Monday-Friday (Closed July 4)
  • Lunch 1pm-1:30pm
• Whispering  Hills Apartments
  • Monday-Thursday (Closed July 4)
  • Lunch 1pm-1:30pm
• Stillwater High School
  • Monday-Friday (Closed July 4)
  • Lunch 12pm-12:30pm

Summer at your Library!

The Stillwater Public Library has programs and reading clubs for all ages. The children’s program encourages kids to read all summer long with a chance to win prizes by doing so. For kids who complete at least 10 hours of reading, there is an awards ceremony. Complete 30 or more hours to be entered into a grand prize drawing. Each week there are performances like the Children’s Operetta as well as other special programs.

Teens and adults also have their own programs geared towards their age and interests. Registration starts on Mon., May 6. Be sure to visit the library website at http://library.stillwater.org for official details.

Don’t forget to stop by the library to register. It’s free and one of our favorite things about Summer in Stillwater each year!

Splash Pads

Both Boomer Lake Park and Southern Woods splash pads are expected to open for the 2019 season on Fri., May 17, weather permitting. The splash pads are open free to the public from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, but hours may vary depending on the weather.  Visit the city’s website at Stillwater.org for more information.

Municipal Swimming Pool and Learn to Swim Program

Located in Couch Park, the Municipal Pool opens for the season in late May and closes in early August.  Beginning last year, the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City took over management and was responsible for the schedule, rates, rentals, and Learn to Swim Program. The YMCA has confirmed that they will once again manage the Municipal Pool and swim lessons. For more information call the YMCA at 405.372.5833.

OSU Department of Wellness Swim Lessons

The Department of Wellness is committed to providing Water Safety instruction for both child and adult. To register for swim lessons, please contact the Colvin Business Office at 405-744-5510.

Special Events Organized by City of Stillwater

The City of Stillwater has a great slate of special events planned for this summer. See our full post for additional details.

• May 17, 6 – 10 p.m.: Friday Food Trucks and Tunes. Bring the little ones out to “Touch a Truck” for Public Works Week. Block 34.
• June 21, 7 – 10 p.m.: Community Movie Night featuring “ET” at the Community Center.
• July 4:  Boomer Blast – Fireworks at dusk at Boomer Lake Park.
• August 16, 7 – 10 p.m.:  Community Movie Night –”Blue Hawaii” at Community Center.
• September 20, 6 – 10 p.m.: Friday Food Trucks and Tunes. First Responders Night at Block 34.

Kids Bowl Free

If you don’t know about the Kids Bowl Free program you are missing out. Every summer you can register your kids (ages 15 and under) to receive 2 free games of bowling all summer long! Frontier Lanes participates in this program. Bowling shoes are required so if you don’t have your own, you would need to rent your shoes from the Bowling Alley.  You can also sign up for the family package to add up to four adults (or older siblings) for a flat fee all summer long. If you go bowling 3 or 4 times all summer it pays for itself!

Bliss Books & Bindery

During the month of July, individuals and families can participate in a “Where’s Waldo” event. Twenty-four local merchants have joined with Bliss Books & Bindery present the event. Families interested in playing along will receive a game card to have stamped at each location where they find Waldo. Prizes and discounts will be awarded with a party at the end of July!

Visit Bliss Books & Bindery at 120 E. 9th Ave. #1 or call 405.332.5653 to learn more about this fun event!

The Botanic Garden at OSU

Not only is the Botanic Garden at OSU a beautiful place to explore with the family (or alone!) but they also offer a variety of programs and activities throughout the year that include Yoga in the Garden, Open House with Kids activities, Concerts in the Garden, Master Gardener programs, and more. Contact Laura Payne for more information. Learn more about The Botanic Garden and view the full Calendar of Events here.

Insect Adventure

Visit the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension’s live bug petting zoo–the only one of its kind in the state! Open hours are held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fee: $3 per person. Visit insectadventure.okstate.edu for more information.

Lost Creek Safari

Lost Creek Safari is a small walk through animal park that offers lots of hands-on opportunities to interact with the animals! Lost Creek Safari is open through the end of October. Weekdays are by reservation only and the Safari is open on weekends in the spring and fall from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. During the summer, the Safari opens and closes earlier. It’s best to call 405-707-0403 for current hours in July and August. Visit lostcreeksafari.com for more information.

Roller Dome

Take the kids roller skating at the Roller Dome located in the Cimarron Plaza. Hours and pricing are available on their website here.

Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar

Go inside where its cool to learn about Stillwater’s rich history! The Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar has hands on activities for kids of all ages as well as a monthly children’s series on the second Saturday of each month. Museum hours are Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Weekends 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Located at 702 S. Duncan St.

The Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar also hosts a free summer concert series called Cool Classics on Friday at 7 p.m. in July (12th, 19th, 26th).

“I Spy Main Street”

“I Spy Main Street” family friendly guides will be available at the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar for free pick-up during regular museum hours throughout the summer.

Summer at the OSU Museum of Art

The OSU Museum of Art offers engaging exhibitions and programs including artLAB, a hands-on art-making space designed to encourage exploration and play. 2nd Saturdays are all about creativity, crafting, and engaging with the exhibitions. Located at 720 S. Husband St., the Museum is open Tues. – Sat., 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is always free. Visit  Museum.okstate.edu for more information.

Final Friday Art Crawl

#StillwaterArtCrawl is a lively event on the final Friday of every month that celebrates the art culture of our community. Visitors can expect visual art, live entertainment, and interactive activities – best explored on foot! As a community event, each participating venue hosts their own activities or promotions. Throughout the summer, the OSU Museum of Art will stay open late and feature family friendly films.  Learn more at https://museum.okstate.edu/final-friday or visit the Museum.

Space Walk of Stillwater

While you may know that you can rent inflatables from Space Walk of Stillwater, some may not realize they also have a facility where kids can play. For more information about open play hours and admission visit their website here.

Summer on the Plaza

Summer on the Plaza is a family event featuring live music, dining, water activities, shopping, free movie showings, and much, much more. This event is held weekly at the OSU Student Union plaza on the last Thursday in May and every Thursday in June. All the outdoor fun, including live performing artists and water slides begin at 6 p.m. Every week there will be a free movie at 8pm with premium $1 concessions in the Student Union Theater. There’s truly some fun for everyone at Summer on the Plaza! This event is open to the community.

Ultimate Air Trampoline Park

Burn off some energy with the kids at Ultimate Air Trampoline Park. Hours and pricing available on their website here.

Rent a Kayak!

Did you know you can rent kayaks from White Rock Paddle Company at Boomer Lake? How fun! Hours of operation are Mon-Fri with an advanced group reservation and Sat. and Sun. 10am to sunset.   Call 405-762-0698 or email info.boomer@whiterockpaddle.com for details!

Lake McMurtry also offers kayaking opportunities with single and double kayaks, as well as paddle boards at both the east and west recreation areas. Call ahead to check availability at 405-747-8085 (West Side) or 405-533-1831 (East Side). More details are available at LakeMcmurtry.com.

Learn Martial Arts

Stillwater has several excellent martial arts studios. Check out one of these studios to learn the martial art of your choice:

• Oklahoma Taekwondo, call 405.377.1978 for more information.
• Stillwater Martial Arts, call 405.372.5425 for more information.
• Elite Combat Systems, call 405.614.3790 for more information.

Join the Summer Music Fun!

Piano, voice, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, marimba, and drum lessons available this summer in seven week session. Contact Rana McCoy for more information at ranakmccoy@gmail.com.

Additional Resources for Recreation

Visit the City of Stillwater’s Website HERE to view Recreational Opportunities for Stillwater Residents.

Visit the City of Stillwater’s Website HERE for a list of parks, trails, and open spaces including Disc Golf, Lakes, boating, Sports complexes, etc.

Camps for Fun and Learning!

Advanced Therapy Solutions Summer Groups

Eight sessions are offered June 10 – Aug. 9 including: Articulation Camp, Friendship Camp, Literacy Camp, and Talking Tots.  All groups are led by a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. Call 405-564-2701 for more information.

Curator Camp at the Stillwater History Museum

The Stillwater History Museum, located at 702 S. Duncan, is offering a camp for children interested in the inner workings of a museum. Campers will explore the museum, investigate history mysteries, learn what it takes to put together an exhibit, and curate a mini exhibit.  Camps will be held on July 15 – 17, morning camp is for ages 6 – 8 and afternoon camp is for ages 9 – 12. Additional details are available athttps://www.sheerarmuseum.org/education

Lake McMurtry’s Adventure Camp

Participate in an outdoor adventure this summer! Adventure camp is designed to foster environmental stewardship among our youth. With four different themed weeks, there is something for every child to enjoy!  June 3 – 28, Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Register at LakeMcmurtry.org.

Girl Scout Day Camp

Girls ages 5 to 18 will enjoy a week in the outdoors at Girl Scout Day Camp! June 10-14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Adult volunteers are also needed. For more information contact Stapleysummercamp@gmail.com.

Meridian Technology Center Day Camps

Summertime is fun time at Tech. From health care to hair care, Meridian has a summer camp for everyone!  Camps will take place June 4 – 6, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. for campers entering 7th – 9th grades. All camps run concurrently. Visit meridiantech.edu/event/summer-camp/ for more information.

Missoula Children’s Theatre

The Missoula Children’s Theatre will present the musical “Aladdin” this summer at the Community Center. Auditions will be held on Mon., Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. for children entering 1st – 12th grade this fall. There is no advance preparation for the audition just come ready to listen and follow directions. Rehearsals will begin for up to 60 cast members on Monday from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. and run Tues. – Fri. from 10 a.m – 2:30 p.m.  The exact schedule varies depending on cast role. In order to participate, children must be available for all rehearsals all week.

In addition to the musical rehearsals for the cast, there will be three workshops for the general public on Tues. – Thurs. from 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. covering topics such as improvisation and stage makeup.

Participation in Missoula Children’s Theatre rehearsals and workshops are free and open to the general public. Tickets will be available for purchase to attend the performances on Sat. Aug. 10 at 3:00 and 5:30pm.

This project was supported in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Oklahoma and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Oklahoma Arts Council is the official state agency for the support and development of the arts. The agency’s mission is to lead in the advancement of Oklahoma’s thriving arts industry. The Oklahoma Arts Council provides more than 400 grants to nearly 225 organizations in communities statewide each year, organizes professional development opportunities for the state’s arts and cultural industry and manages works of art in the Oklahoma Public Art Collection and the public spaces of the state Capitol. Additional information is available at arts.ok.gov.

Oklahoma State University Camps

From athletics, to academics, to art and music OSU offers a wide variety of camps for kids of all ages.  With so many offerings it can be difficult to know where to begin your search.

As of this writing, at least sixteen art, music, and science related camps have been announced at Oklahoma State University for a wide range of ages from elementary school to high school. Due to limited space we cannot list them all here. Instead, we encourage you to visit https://www.okstatecamps.com/ and click on “Camps” in the menu bar at the top of the page.  Also check out the CEAT Professional Development website at https://ceatpd.okstate.edu/ for additional STEM camps that may not be listed at the above link.

OSU’s Athletic Camps include football, basketball, baseball, wrestling, golf, softball, soccer, tennis, and more! A link to OSU Athletic Camp information can also be found at https://www.okstatecamps.com/. Click on “OSU Athletic Camps and Clinics Links” in the menu at the top of the page.

Prairie Arts Center Summer Art Camp

From Impressionism to Renaissance to Ancient Art, these camps offer something for everyone. Beginning the week of June 4 and ending on July 19, camps run Tues. – Fri., 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and are intended for ages 6 – 9 years and 10 – 12 years. For more details please visit https://artscenter.okstate.edu/youth-classes/art-camp.

Stillwater Children’s Theatre

With three one week sessions to choose from, your young thespian will shine in the spotlight at these camps. Broadway Bootcamp is for 2nd – 9th grade and takes place from June 3 – 7, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (grades 2-5) and 1 – 4 p.m. (grades 6-9). Session 2 will feature Seussical Kids and take place June 10 – 14, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. for ages 7 – 12.  Session 3 is a Broadway Junior adaptation of the beloved Junie B. Jones series. Session 3 takes place June 17 – 22, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. for ages 8 – 14. Visit StillwaterChildrensTheatre.com for more information.

Stilly Arts Summer Camps

Unleash your imagination, create art, learn dancing, explore drama, and get inspired!  Ten weeks of camp run from May 27 – Aug. 9, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for ages 5 – 12 years. Choose one week or multiple weeks. Each week the lessons on art techniques will vary. Students who participate in multiple the weeks will get more exposure to different art styles and techniques. Dance choreography and drama activities will vary for each week as well. Visit https://stillyarts.com/summercamp2019 for details.

Sunnybrook Christian Church’s “How Stuff Works” Camp

Camp is to teach your students how stuff works, God’s view of work and how to use your God given gifts. Camp days are July 1st-3rd (Monday-Wednesday – 12:30-3pm) and is for students who will be going into 4th-8th grade this fall. The cost for this camp is $25. Visit Sunnybrookcc.org/home/upcoming-events for more information.

WONDERtorium Camps and Activities

The WONDERtorium has fun activities planned all summer long. From Summer Storytime on Thursdays at 11 a.m. and You+Me Building Nights on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. to Wonder Workshops and Wonder Camps the WONDERtorium will keep your summer packed with playful exploration!  Learn more about all of these programs at okwondertorium.org.

Stillwater Pioneer Athletic Camps

The Stillwater Schools Athletic department offers a variety of sports camps.  Visit stillwaterschools.com/Departments/Athletics and follow the link for 2019 Summer Athletic Camps found there for more information about what is available.  

Pioneer Soccer Academy

This camp will be held July 23 – 26 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. each day. Campers from 1st grade through 8th grade (for the upcoming school year) are invited to register. Registration forms for 2019 will be available online after May 15th. Questions can also be directed to Seth Condley at ostate31@yahoo.com or 405-612-7214.

Chic Davis Pioneer Boys Basketball Camp

May 28 – 31, Tues-Thurs 9am-4pm. Ages 6-17 years old. Campers may not leave campus for lunch unless signed out by a parent so send a sack lunch. Skills and fundamentals learned include: ball handling, defensive stance and position, form shooting, offensive moves, passing fundamentals, rebounding techniques, and team concepts. Contact the basketball office at 405-707-5357 for more information. Click here for the camp flyer and application form.

Lady Pioneer All-Star Basketball Camp

June 3-6, Mon-Thur 9am-4pm for 4th-10th grade. 9am-2pm for players going into 2nd-3rd grade. This youth basketball camp is designed to introduce or reinforce the fundamental skills of basketball and develop team concepts. Click here for the camp flyer and registration form.

Lady Pioneer Softball Camp

May 28 – 30, Tues-Thur: This fundamental skills camp is for girls wanting to learn or advance their skills in fastpitch softball. The camp will emphasize throwing mechanics, fielding fundamentals, base running, hitting/bunting, and defensive situations. Camp director will be head softball coach Karie Linsenmeyer.

• Session 1: K-4th grade, 8:00 – 10:00 am.
• Session 2: 5th-8th grade, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.
• Click here for the camp flyer and registration form.

Stillwater KIDS Summer Camp

Offered by Stillwater Martial Arts, this camp takes place May 24 – Aug. 16 and is available from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The program includes a fun-filled, highly structured fitness experience that with sports activities, outdoor activities, life skills development, tumbling, and martial arts classes. More information can be found at stillwatersummercamp.com.

Stillwater’s YMCA Day Camp

At Summer Day Camp kids learn new skills, develop their character, and make new friends while having fun. This camp is offered throughout the summer. Learn more at ymcaokc.org.

Thriller Dance Studio presents Summer Dance Camp

Thriller Dance Studio is offering camps beginning May 28 – July 18.  Each week the camp will vary in length, theme, and cost.  Camps are geared for anywhere from ages 3 through 18 depending on the week. Email kirby@thrillerstudio.com for details.

Youth Fitness Zone Camps

YFZ offers seven weeks of camps with themes like Cheer, Ninja Warrior, Nerf War, and Olympics.  Camps begin the week of June 3 and are intended for ages 4+ years with the exception of the “Nerf War” camps which have slightly different age parameters.  Visit http://www.youthfitnesszone.com/wpsite/summer-camps for details.

Attend Bible School

Many VBS programs are still in the planning phase and have not released their information to the public yet. Below are the programs we have been able to confirm as of the printing of this issue. Do you know of a VBS program we should add to this list? Send information including: where, when, who to contact, etc to ammie@stillwaterliving.com.

• Bible Baptist Church, June 17 – 21, VBS for Ages 3 through 6th grade and Summer Blast for 7th – 12th. 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Contact the church for more details at 405.372.7444.
• Countryside Church, VBS theme: ROAR! June 24 – 28, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. For kids going into Pre-K – 5th grade. Registration opens May 26, Additional information available at Countryside.Church or call the church at 405.372.2023.
• First Presbyterian Church. VBS theme: “Summer GiFT: Generations in Faith Together.” An Alternative to traditional VBS this program invites people of all ages to participate as a family.  July 29 – Aug. 1, 5:30 – 8 p.m. For more information visit StillwaterFPC.org/GIFT.
• First United Methodist Church. VBS theme: ROAR– Life is Wild, but God is Good! July 21 – 25, 6  – 8:15 p.m. Ages 3 years through 6th Grade (entering 6th grade in fall). Sign up at vbspro.events/p/27a590. Call 405.372.5854 for more information.
• Grace Presbyterian Church. Splashpad VBS with bible stories, songs, T-shirt painting and snow cones! For kids entering Pre-K through 5th Grade (minimum age is 4 years.) Aug. 6 – 8, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Registration each day at 9:30 a.m. at Southern Woods Park & Splash Pad (600 W. 12th Ave.)
• Highland Park United Methodist Church. VBS theme: To Mars & Beyond. July 8 – 12, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Light dinner served at 5:30 p.m. On Friday, there will be a picnic and fun day. VBS will include music, crafts, science, snacks, recreation, and story time. Pre-K through 5th grade. Nursery is also available.
• Lost Creek United Methodist Church. VBS theme: ROAR! June 2 – 5, 5:30 – 8pm every evening. 5:30 free dinner, 6 – 8pm VBS fun! Click here for registration information.
• Mehan Church. June 23 – 27; 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. For kids who have finished Pre-K – 6th grades. Contact the church for additional information at 405.743.2097.
• St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. VBS theme: “Cathletics – Training to be Champions for Christ!” Children will learn about loving and following Christ as His disciples in this fun-filled Olympic/Sports themed week.  June 24 – 27, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. for children entering Pre-K – 5th grades. For more information visit sfxstillwater.org.
• Stillwater Bible. VBS theme: YeeHaw! Celebrating God’s Greatest Gift. June 3-6, 9am-12pm (check-in begins at 8:30am). Ages 4yrs to 5th grade. Additional information and registration can be found here.
• Stillwater Reformed Presbyterian Church. VBS theme: “The Incredible Race: One Family, One Race, One Savior.” July 8 – 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Registration will begin Mon., July 8 at 8:45 a.m. For more information call 405-385-9127 or visit StillwaterRPC.org.
• University Heights Baptist Church. VBS Theme: Paul’s Dangerous Journey. July 17-21, 9am – 12pm. For kids who have completed PreK-5th Grade. Crafts, games, snacks, and bible study!
• Zion Lutheran Church. June 24 – 27, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Ages 3 years
  – 6th grade (going into 6th in the fall).