Things for children to do during summer months
“There’s nothing for kids to do around here,” is often said by parents when summer time comes around. In small towns it can be hard to find activities for your kids during the summer months. This could be because both the pool and skating rink are closed, but there are plenty of other activities your child could be doing that are not at home.
“There’s nothing for kids to do around here,” is often said by parents when summer time comes around. In small towns it can be hard to find activities for your kids during the summer months. This could be because both the pool and skating rink are closed, but there are plenty of other activities your child could be doing that are not at home.
Sallisaw VR Gaming Lounge
Located on Cherokee Street in Sallisaw, owner Amy Boyd says, “This isn’t just a place for kids to play games, but it is a place for them to interact, and socialize.”
It is an air conditioned area so you do not have to worry about your kids overheating, and you can play games all day for only $5.
The business does private parties as well, that way all you have to worry about is getting the cake. It is open from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, but on Friday and Saturday, it is open until 9 p.m. They have computers, virtual reality, Xbox, Wii, Atari, and more. There they also do arts and crafts like painting and bracelet making.
Joshua, 11, one of frequent guests at VR Gaming, says he used to not be very good at socializing. Now he has many friends and loves to socialize with them, even while playing his games.
Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library
If you want your kids doing something a little more educational, there is always the Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library in Sallisaw. There is StoryTime and guest speakers for the younger kids, arts and crafts, free Wifi, and you can check out books for free. There is also curbside pick and drop off if you do not want to leave your car.
The library is a great place for kids to get a book and see if they like it without having to actually pay for it, and being able to return every book keeps the space open at home.
Local museums
There are also a few museums in town as well: 14 Flags, Sequoyah’s Cabin, and the Big Toy museum. All of these are not “just sitting down and reading,” it is seeing the history or items in front of you instead of on a page that might help your child stay more engaged.
The 14 Flags museum is located along the railroad tracks on the eastern side of Sallisaw. The museum is spread into three cabins, with Lattimore Cabin being the oldest, and the train depot. There, your child can learn more about the history of Sallisaw. They are open 24 hours for visitors.
According to travelok.com, “The 14 flags flown over the museum are the royal standard of Spain circa 1541, the great union of Great Britain circa 1663, the royal standard of France brought to Oklahoma in 1719, the standard of the Spanish Empire over Oklahoma in 1763.”
Sequoyah’s Cabin is near Akins. It is a one-room log cabin that was built by Sequoyah, who made the alphabet for the Cherokee Nation and put in effort to increase literacy for them.
This cabin was built around 1829, and there, your child can learn more about Cherokee history and see artifacts that many people around this area used during that time. You can see the cabin between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
The Big Toy museum is located in the old Sallisaw Middle School. There you can see the history of cars in a sense. You’re guaranteed to see old cars, trucks, model planes, and even a horse drawn carriage. If you have a car-loving child this could be a great place to take them. The museum’s hours are Friday, from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, from 2 to 6 p.m. To schedule a tour outside those hours, call 405-820-2517.
Jay Reynolds Park
If you’d rather your kids get out even just a portion of their boundless energy, that is okay, too. There is the Jay Reynolds Park which offers swings, slides and other playground equipment. A splash pad is also connected to the park, which could replace the public pool for the time being.
There is also the disc golf course which can be enjoyed by all ages, and a very short walking trail that you can go on with your family.
Sallisaw Sports Complex
Where you can find a walking trail, baseball diamonds, and more. Your child can practice a sport or play with others and make their own rule; it’s not like there is going to be a referee.
Brushy Lake, Lake Tenkiller
There are also Brushy and Tenkiller lakes, which offer free water to use while the pool is out of order. They offer lots of activities you can do either in the water or out.
At Tenkiller, you can go either canoeing or trout fishing, depending on which side of the lake you are on. You can also set up camp and stay for multiple days.
Brushy Lake offers camping, boating and fishing. There are electric and water services available, so you do not have to worry about your phone dying on you.
People Inc.
People inc. is also very giving. They offer a free ropes course for children ages 9 to 17 years old. All you have to do is go online and fill out a form for your group. They are also given a meal at that time and snacks, with no added costs. They recommend you bring a cooling towel during the summer months.
The course starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. but they are open to staying open earlier when asked.
As their website says, “help groups and individuals develop or enhance self confidence and esteem, build trust, and learn decision-making/problem solving skills while experiencing a new and fun adventure with their peers. The course encourages participants to take risks in order to discover and face fears that may be holding them back from accomplishing goals and obtaining their own individuality. All ropes course participants are encouraged by staff to push their limits however; no one is ever made to complete any obstacles.”
Dwight Mission summer camp
If you want something a little more long-term, there is the Dwight Mission summer camp that is located between Vian and Sallisaw. There are long nature walks, fishing, or you can swim at the pool. There are rental houses or cottages you can stay in, which could provide a mini get-away for yourself, or for your kids.