Different kinds of special events take place at the Leach Amphitheater (leachamphitheater.com), located at the Fox River in downtown Oshkosh, throughout the year. At the time of publication, this outdoor venue hosts "Waterfest," a series of summer concerts where admission is free for teachers with ID and for guests who wear Packers apparel or colors. Additionally, the school group comprised of singers, dancers and band members, "Kids from Wisconsin," also performs in the amphitheater for free in August. Leach Amphitheater, which can accommodate up to 7,500 visitors, has concession stands, restrooms and parking spaces.
Oshkosh's Parks and Recreation Department offers different kinds of activities throughout the year for residents and visitors of all ages. Many of the classes charge a fee, however, you can attend some classes for free. At the time of publication, the Recreation Department offers a free pass for one adult exercise class. First-time participants can attend the class for free by presenting the pass found in the Activity Guide, available for download under the Recreation page of the Oshkosh Area School District's website. Some classes, such as Yoga, offer a free pass when you attend a certain number of classes.
Spend the day in Oshkosh enjoying different kinds of outdoor activities in dozens of parks. Archery, soccer, baseball, rugby, disc golf, fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are all available in 270-acre Winnebago County Community Park (no website; 625 E. County Road Y; Suite 500; Oshkosh; 920-232-1960). The park also has a nine-acre fenced-in dog park where you can take your dog to exercise. Challenge friends to a game of tennis in Stevens Park (no website; Bay Shore Drive and Frankfort Street; Oshkosh) or Menominee Park (no website; Hazel Street and Merritt Avenue; Oshkosh) or go sledding on the hills in Red Arrow Park (no website; Taft Avenue and N. Eagle Street; Oshkosh) and Westhaven Circle Park (no website; Newport Avenue and Westhaven Circle; Oshkosh).
Adults and children can participate in special programs offered by the Oshkosh Public Library (oshkoshpubliclibrary.org). At the time of publication, adults can attend a class in the library's Technology Lab, where you learn how to download e-books or audio books. The library also has an adult summer reading program which starts in June and schedules free movies in the meeting room. The library's teen book club meets in the conference room every first Friday of the month and offers free pizza. Kids in preschool up to 12 years old can join the summer reading program which starts in June. Aside from reading, kids participate in group activities and weekly family programs. Two different story times for two and three year olds with parents as well as for four to seven year olds are also offered twice a week during the summer.
