Winter Wonderland: A Family Adventure Awaits at the Gathering Place

 If you’re trying to get the children out of the house this week for some winter-themed enjoyment while staying comfortable, Gathering Place has a few suggestions.

Pupils throughout Tulsa have been crafting ornaments to showcase here at Gathering Place, and guests can use them as ideas to create their own until the end of the month. The trees in the community forest at Redbud Cafe may be adorned, but it’s not too late to design your own ornament to bring home.

Gathering Place will supply the pipe cleaners, beads, and other materials for crafting ornaments, and there are numerous additional activities to enjoy throughout the park during the festive season.

“They can either play on the playground or get cozy indoors, seated by a fireplace,” said Kara Hader, Director of Education at Gathering Place.

Within the Williams Lodge, visitors will encounter a collection of winter-themed literature suitable for all ages.

“We have our books next to the fire. It’s just a means to be snug in the lodge and read to your kids,” Hader stated. “On Thursdays, we host the Grow Community Library, allowing you to actually utilize your Tulsa library card to borrow books.”

To promote reading, Hader mentioned a surprise hidden within some pages.

“Occasionally while reading a book, you might stumble upon a bookmark,” she explained. “The bookmark will present you with a complimentary book, courtesy of Early Learning Works, a local organization in Tulsa.”

Here’s what’s on offer:

1. Crafts: Kids can create festive ornaments like pipe cleaner wreaths adorned with vibrant beads to take home or to hang on a tree.
2. Community Forest: The Gathering Grove Community Forest features handmade decorations produced by local elementary schools and community partners, such as Global Gardens, Campfire Youth at Heart, Common Good, and the Bob Dylan Center.
3. Winter Books: Guests can choose from a range of winter-themed literature by the fireplaces at Williams Lodge. Books cater to all age groups, and some include bookmarks that can be exchanged for a free book at guest services.
4. Santa: Guests can visit at 1 p.m. for photo opportunities with Santa on Christmas Eve at Williams Lodge.

Gathering Place operates daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., including Christmas Day. On Dec. 28, the park will present a special New Year’s Eve-themed Global Gatherings event.

With Gathering Place accessible every day, there is no lack of winter activities to partake in, rain or shine.

“Even on Christmas Day,” she mentioned. “It’s entirely free. So come out and enjoy our park.”

The next significant event is Global Gatherings on the 28th, featuring New Year’s traditions from seven different countries, including dancing, crafts, and cuisine.

For further information, visit GatheringPlace.org.