Dining Out Deals

There's a great deal going on this week in Tulsa and it's really nice if you want an expensive meal but don't want to pay the price--since we're all on budgets, right? It's called Restaurant Week and 10% of the sales go the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.

The prices include a three course meal and are $13 per person for lunch and $30 for dinner. No, it still isn't priced like McDonald's Value Menu, but it's a great opportunity to try some of Tulsa's great restaurants and spend a special night with your student.

Bon Appetite!

Zoo Night, Anyone?

Tulsa Zoo Member's Night is September 10th! If you're a member, it's free, but if not, it's a great time to join!

Here is official info from the zoo website: 


Sep 10, 2009 05:30 PM - 08:00 PM

Tulsa Zoo invites all our rockin’ Tulsa Zoo Friends to an evening especially for you!  Member Appreciation Night will take place September 10, from 5:30 – 8 p.m.  This annual event provides a special evening for all Tulsa Zoo Friends members, with behind-the-scenes tours, zookeeper chats, live entertainment and more!  Also enjoy FREE train and carousel rides, and FREE wagon and stroller rental all night long, even a special discount at the gift shop.  This event is FREE for Zoo Friend Members, so anyone who signs up for a membership before or during the event, gains FREE admission.


If anyone plans to go, let me know and we can meet up there! I plan to go at 5:30...

We're Here... Now What?

Playing at fountain park (Riverside & 41st)

So the semester is in full swing, and you have time on your hands without your student... Maybe you're even new in Tulsa... what to do while your student is in the library all day (and all night, and all weekend?) Over the past year, Alex (now 17 months) and I explored (and fell in love with) Tulsa! Here are our recommendations:


 1) Invest in a zoo pass ($60) and an aquarium pass ($85).

 In addition to many day trips by ourselves or with friends, one of the great benefits of having a pass was being able to rescue my husband from the library after a big exam - even if only for an hour or two - and go to either the zoo or aquarium (which stays open late on Tuesdays).

  2) Library story time.

 Tulsa has an excellent library network and we often went to story time. Just pick your nearest library and search for "storytime". Our home library was Hardesty, which has an amazing children’s center.

 3) Sanity Saver?

 I found that the YMCA Childwatch program offered the most reasonable childcare (FREE with family membership) and allowed me to work out in peace! They offer assistance for families who qualify (if you’re living on med school loans, you probably do!)

 4) Cultural Excursions

 We took advantage of last-minute free tickets to the Tulsa Ballet (keep an eye on your student’s email!) The Philbrook Museum is free the 2nd Saturday of every month – the museum is wonderful, but the outdoor gardens are even more impressive. The Gilcrease Museum offers free admission on the 1st Tuesday of each month, but I haven’t been yet – want to join me?

 5) Riverside Park(s).

  I know warm weather is fading fast, but I can’t help mentioning the amazing parks on Riverside. There are playgrounds at 19th, 41st, and 96th street on the east banks and 21st street on the west bank. Our favorite by far is at Riverside and 41st. In addition to its awesome family friendly playground and unique fountain / water displays that are kid friendly even for the littlest ones, the location is not far from the medical school, which again, makes for a great place to pull off a short kidnapping of your medical student. If you have more time, check out one of the pink bicycles you can “rent for free” by swiping your credit card. We also love Hunter Park, west of Sheridan on 91st (playground, splash park, and dog park), La Fortune Park, north of 61st on Yale (playgrounds and walking trails), and Woodward Park, 21st & Peoria (picnicking and rose gardens).

 I know this only skims the surface of what there is to do in Tulsa, but these are awesome opportunities for outings with the kiddos OR just some one on one couple time (well, except for maybe story time…it’s up to you!)

What are some of your top places to go in and around Tulsa?