Oklahoma Trips on a Tank Full

With summer fast approaching you may be wondering like me, how do I keep these kids entertained all summer?  Luckily, if you live in Oklahoma like me, there are many opportunities that this great state has to offer.  I've included a link to the Oklahoma State Department of Tourism where you can request free brochures and receive free coupons for children friendly museums and activities.  http://www.oktourism.com/literature-request/

From trips to the Oklahoma City Adventure District visiting the Oklahoma City Zoo or the Oklahoma Science Museum to trips to Frontier City Amusement Park and White Water, there is so much to do. Of course, the Oklahoma Aquarium and the Bricktown Ballpark are great destinations for summer fun but have you also visited Andy Alligator's in Norman or Leonardo's Discovery Warehouse in Enid? Looking for a cool place to eat with your kids that won't break your bank?  Check out Pop's on Route 66 in Arcadia or Meers Restaurant in Meers near Lawton and Altus. If you're near Stillwater of course you have to check out the world famous Eskimo Joe's.

My family travels frequently and we love to travel around Oklahoma.  You don't have to travel far or spend a lot of money in gas (which is going up again!!!) to find something to do.  I encourage you to look around Oklahoma before making your expensive travel plans for the summer and notice all that Oklahoma has to offer.  Is this a great state or what?

www.shellyperkins.com
Shelly Perkins Photography

God's Beauty at Oklahoma Lake

The Wichita Mountains in Southwestern Oklahoma has several lakes and many gorgeous viewing areas. This is an image I created in the spirit of Ansel Adams and his idea for black and white landscape photography. I am not, by any means, saying I can duplicate his amazing talent but I'm learning and loving what I'm doing. I'm proud to live in Oklahoma where we have a diverse landscape from flatlands and prairies to hills and mountains. I hope you enjoy this shot of God's Beauty that I found at Ketch Lake near the Wichita Mountains. Shelly Perkins Photography www.shellyperkins.com

Fun at the Nature Center at Lake Thunderbird

I wanted to share a few pics of our afternoon at the Lake Thunderbird Nature Center in Norman, Oklahoma. This is a great place to spend a little time with your kiddos. It is located off Oklahoma State Highway 9 on the south side of the lake. The center is free since Lake Thunderbird is a state park and is open everyday 9-5 except Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The center has an official park ranger on duty to talk about the wildlife found in Oklahoma and locally in Cleveland County around the lake. The park ranger can also give you maps and point you to great hiking and biking trails or places to play in the water, even if you don't own a boat or a ski-do. The Lake Thunderbird Nature Center is a fun place to spend an afternoon.

For more info check out:
http://www.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.4386


Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

The Oklahoma Aquarium Offers Family Fun

Recently two of my daughters and I were able to visit the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks, Oklahoma for the first time. What an amazing place not so far from home. I've heard great things about the aquarium but never took the time to visit. It is a public, non-profit aquarium just minutes from Tulsa devoted to their mission "Conservation Through Education."

We had a great time and I would love to share a few photos from our visit. Who would have known that such an amazing aquarium existed in land-locked Oklahoma? If you are near Jenks, Oklahoma or visiting the Tulsa area, I suggest you stop in for at least a few hours and see what you've been missing. My girls had a great time and I'm sure we'll be back.