We all know that, as parents, our biggest summertime struggle is…beating the boredom! It’s as if the minute the final school bell rings and summer break has officially begun, those infamous chills take over your body as your child pronounces they are already bored.
Come on kid, I’d give anything to be able to relax, read, and recharge my batteries and here you are itchin’ to do all the things!
Well, we’ve got you covered here with some ways to not only beat the boredom, but beat it with some Vitamin D and fun activities!
Water Fun
Rentals/Excursions
Did you know you can rent paddle boards, kayaks, and more at Lake Overholser/Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge and Lake Hefner through Riversport Adventures? There are so many great experiences like the Stinchcomb Experience where you can kayak a 3-mile long course through the wildlife refuge and back to Lake Overholser’s Boathouse!
In downtown OKC, you can enjoy river cruises on the Bricktown Water Taxi all year round. Enjoy learning about our rich history and the unknown facts about the walls that line the canal!
Water Parks & Aquatic Centers
There are many great water parks and water attractions across the city! Find one closest to you (or a new one) below!
The Station Aquatic Center-Moore
Westwood Family Aquatic Center-Norman
Nature
While Oklahoma may not be known for its beautiful scenery, there are actually many hidden treasures in and around OKC! About an hour south of the city you can find beautiful, picturesque Turner Falls, which is home to Oklahoma’s Largest Waterfall and swimming hole, streams to play in, and many other outdoor adventures to be had.
Almost straight east of Turner Falls is Sulphur, OK, home to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area which boasts shaded streams for wading and watering holes for swimming, along with multiple other outdoor activities!
Festivals & Recurring Events
Food Events
Do you ever wonder where you can find great, unique food options with a view? Food trucks are all the rage right now, and there is something sure to please everyone!
Food Truck Fridays Moore Central Park & The Station
Movies, Art, & Concerts
Summer in Oklahoma City is always filled with plenty of outdoor movies and concerts series, along with art walks. From Edmond to Norman, there is sure to be a fun recurring series near you! Check them out below!
First Fridays-Paseo Arts District
Wheeler Summer Music Series-OKC
Sunday Twilight Concert Series-OKC
SONIC Summer Movie Series-Myriad Gardens
Midwest Summer Fest- Midwest City
Summer Nights Concert Series-Moore
Summer Breeze Concert Series- Norman
Adventure
If you are a thrill-seeking family, there are some fantastic destinations in and around the city. From hiking to animal adventures, there are so many great ways to explore the outdoors!
The Greater Wynnewood Animal Park
Learning
Don’t let your kids’ brains turn to mush this summer; make sure to enrich their little minds with various activities. Gain some insight into how various fruits and vegetables grow, explore farms, and don’t forget to check out our fantastic zoo!
Pick Your Own Orchards (everything you need to know!)
Farmers Market Guide (we have them all listed for you!)
Orr Family Farm (check out all there is to offer in the fall here too)!
Harn Homestead (we have a guide for this too!)
Unique Fun
We all know and love our OKC Dodgers, but there are many more great things to enjoy outside. Check out a drive-in theater and catch a new release (don’t forget your snacks)!
Free Summer Fun
There are so many great FREE options here in the city. You don’t have to spend money to have a great and fulfilling summer with your kids! Check out our list below!
Books Outside
Take a book and read under a tree or visit a local park. Sit on your porch or backyard. Wherever you can, get out and READ!
Picnic At The Park
There are so many great parks to visit in the metro area, including some of our contributors’ top favorites, like: Martin Park Nature Center, Bluff Creek (there are even mountain bike trails), Will Rogers Park and Route 66 Park out west, Hafer Park in Edmond, Edgemere Park downtown, Joe B. Barnes Regional Park in Midwest City, Earlywine Park, Buck Thomas, Central Park, and Veteran’s Memorial Park in Moore, and Reaves Park in Norman.
Local Splash Pads
Just like parks, there are some real hidden gem splash pads! We have compiled a list for you, so you don’t spend precious time hunting for them, instead of playing at them! Also, make sure to check out our local Neighborhood Playgroups for opportunities to meet new moms this summer and let your kids splash around at a local park! Some of our favorites include:
Piedmont Community Park Splash Pad in Piedmont
Barnett Field Splash Pad in Edmond
Barrel Springs Splash Pad and Alexis Clark Water Park in Choctaw
Lions Park Splash Pad in Midwest City
Myriad Botanical Gardens and these others in downtown OKC
Parmele Park Splash Pad, Littler River Park Splash Pad, Apple Valley Park Splash Pad, Fairmoore Park Splash Pad, Westmoore Trails Park Splash Pad in Moore
Andrews Park Splash Pad and Colonial Estates Park Splash Pad in Norman
Patio Restaurants
Instead of sitting indoors for your next meal, find a patio restaurant and enjoy the beautiful weather!
Murals– Check out all the beautiful murals in our city and make a day out of it!
The Gathering Place-This may not be in OKC, but just a short drive to Tulsa will take you to Oklahoma’s best new attraction!
I hope this extensive list gives you the perfect way to spend a summer day, enjoying all that our beautiful state has to offer! Did something not make the list?! Let us know below so we can check it out!
What is your favorite way to spend the summer outdoors?!
